Private Jeita Grotto, Harissa Cable Car, Byblos & Dog River Tour
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
Lebanon's most iconic stretch of coastline north of Beirut packs more history, natural wonder, and spiritual significance into a single day than almost anywhere else on earth. This private tour connects four of its greatest stops — beginning at the Dog River canyon where ancient conquerors carved their victories into limestone cliffs, descending into the spectacular underground world of Jeita Grotto, rising by cable car to the mountaintop shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon at Harissa, and ending in Byblos — one of the oldest cities ever to exist.
With a knowledgeable English-speaking driver exclusively for your group, no fixed pace, and the flexibility to linger where you choose, this is the finest way to experience Lebanon's most celebrated northern landmarks in a single private day.
Additional Info
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Beirut
9:00 AM — Departure from Beirut Your knowledgeable English-speaking driver collects you from your Beirut hotel and heads north along the Mediterranean coastal highway — the first stop is just 20 minutes away at the Dog River canyon.
Where the coastal road narrows between the cliffs and the sea at the Dog River canyon, the limestone walls have served as the world's oldest continuously updated archive of military history for over three thousand years. Egyptian Pharaoh Ramesses II carved his victory inscription here in 1274 BC after the Battle of Kadesh — the earliest entry in what became a remarkable 3,000-year tradition. Assyrian King Esarhaddon followed in 671 BC. Roman Emperor Marcus Aurelius added his own record. French General Gouraud marked the creation of Greater Lebanon in 1920. And the Lebanese Republic itself continued the tradition — recording independence, the withdrawal of Israeli forces, and the departure of Syrian troops in inscriptions that bring the archive right up to the 21st century. No single stretch of rock in the world records the passage of so many civilisations across so many centuries. Your driver brings each inscription and its story to life.
Options
PRIVATE TOUR
Lunch & Tickets not included: Please note this option does not include the Lunch and tickets. This cost goes on your own. Pickup included
What‘s Included
Knowledgeable English-speaking driver
Nahr el Kalb — ancient victory inscriptions from 1274 BC
Brief Explanation about each Site
Hotel pickup and drop-off in Beirut
Private air-conditioned vehicle
Lunch in Byblos (optional — at own expense)
Gratuities (optional)
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
21 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
5 🌟 experience
263hennyk,Nov 4, 2025
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had a great day with Albert . Albert is a good and sensible driver . Traffic is a challenge believe me. Albert has a lot of knowledge about his country and the history . In general it's a nice guy to spend your day with . The tour company is reliable, prices are good and professional . Contact is fast and complete . For me and my friend a 5 🌟 experience.
Great day out
741bellas,Sep 14, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Our driver Mounaf was amazing, he made sure we felt safe and saw all the important sights. Mounaf spoke very good English and had a lot of knowledge on the area. He spent the whole day with us and we appreciated his safe driving and the amount of care he took with us all day. He's really well informed on the history of places, he joined in the fun with us and also helped us get good prices on things. He recommended a good restaurant for a sea front dinner at the end of the day too. Thankyou Mounaf!
Your near Beirut
jorge m,Aug 10, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Mike (the driver) was so nice . He give us so much information along the trip .he took us to sightseeing different places on the way biblos. I highly recommend to do a tour with him .
Jeita Grotto is a MUST see
Tony B,Jun 21, 2023
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00A great day in a country where the UK foreign Office advise against travel . Likely to be because of the high inflation situation. It is safe, the people friendly, like anywhere it needs tourists to progress. I have been in many grotto's. In Slovenia, UK, my youngest daughter swam in the one in Bermuda, Croatia, Italy, but this one at Jeita is the first time I have boated on a lake in one. It blew me away because I didn't expect to do that. The lake is in the lower chamber. There is an upper chamber to explore. Travel between the two is on a toy train. Harissa for the Our Lady of Lebanon area is a dominating place as it overlooks the Lebanese coastline. It can be reached by cable car. I was driven up and descended by cable car. The real beauty aside from the spectacular architecture and well kept trees and gardens is the tranquility because it is a holy place. Byblos has Greek, Roman ruins to see dominated by a well preserved, solid Arabic fort. It has a new town adjoining it beautifully constructed, geared to tourism. My thanks go to a beautiful lady named Georgina for hosting me. She is well organised, calm, speaks perfect English, and tour guide Leila. Speaks English well and is very knowledgeable. Give Lebanon a look over a long weekend, it is inexpensive and you won't be disappointed.
Great experience
AhmedPatt,Aug 7, 2022
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00The guide Hassan was amazing. He had a wicked sense of humour and very good knowledge of both ancient and modern history. Highly recommend this tour.
Perfect tour out of Beirut
adelac502,Dec 4, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Pierre was an amazing tour guide. He was very knowledgeable with the history of Lebanon and surrounding location. Thank you so much for the best tour ever.
Great introduction to Lebanon
Roberta S,Nov 20, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We had great time in Lebanon with Georgette our guide. What a wonderful day to spent and Jeita Grotto and Byblos were amazing.
A Lovely day tour to Jeita Grotto, Harissa & Byblos
Patricia H,Nov 18, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Excellent day trip with Beirut Transfer to Jeita Grotto, Harissa & Byblos. Our guide was very knowledgeable and gave a lot of information. I recommend this tour to everyone visiting Lebanon. Beautiful and memorable day.
Great fun and very good experience
sarabV5676IT,Jan 25, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Highly recommended this tour. Well worth the money, and Hassan was a fantastic tour guide. Sites were almost empty because of the current situation. Pickup from hotel was on time and we had so much fun.
Great experience
Linda S,Mar 7, 2020
- Review from Viator
5.00We had a fab day with our guide. He is very helpful, giving stuggestions and telling us all about his beautiful country. The tour was great. Stunning views, and the itinerary and times were perfect for us. Definitely recommend this!
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