Beirut , Lebanon

Sidon, Magdouche and Tyre

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(1 reviews)

1h - 10h

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.

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Mobile or paper ticket accepted

About this experience

Discover the hidden gems in Lebanon with fascinating ancient cities and tourist places guided by local tour guides & fully equipped cars.

Available options

Sidon, Magdouche and Tyre

Pickup included

What's included

Private transportation

WiFi on board

Air-conditioned vehicle

Detailed itinerary

The city of Sidon is located on the Mediterenean coast of Lebanon. This ancient Phoenicians city has been of great religious, political and commercial value; it is said to be inhabited since 4000 B.C. During the 13th century, the Crusaders built Sidon’s Sea Castle as a fortress on a small island connected to the mainland by a narrow 80m long roadway. The island was formerly the site of a temple to Melqart, the Phoenician version of . The beauty of the Castle can be seen in old illustrations of it; however, after bearing several wars, it has been damaged and renovated several times. It was partially destroyed by the Mamluks when they took over the city from the Crusaders, but they subsequently rebuilt it and added the long causeway. The castle later fell into disuse, but was again restored in the 17th century by Emir Fakhredine II, only to suffer great damage. There is a possibility that the island on which the castle is built was, in fact, the location of the Phoenician King’s palace and several other Phoenician monuments which were destroyed by Esarhaddon and then by natural earthquakes. This island has also served as a shelter from inside attacks on the city. Great Sidon, Little Sidon, powerful fortresses, pastures, cisterns and fortifications are all mentioned in the Assyrian king Sennacherib’s recordings of his attacks on Sidon and nearby cities.

Maghdouché is a town in the South Governorate of Lebanon. It is located 50 km south of Beirut and 8 km southeast of Sidon. The village lies 3 km inland from the Mediterranean, occupying a hill with elevation ranging between 200 and 229 meters above sea level. The village is known to have a major pilgrimage and touristic site, the Lady of Maghdouché, where it is believed that Virgin Mary used to wait for Jesus while preaching in Sidon.

The Al-bass site is home to a Byzantine road, a second-century triumphal arch, a Roman road with an aqueduct and the remains of a second-century enormous (480 meters) Roman Hippodrome, once seating 20,000 spectators watching the spectacular chariot races. According to legend, purple dye was invented in Tyre. This great Phoenician city ruled the seas and founded prosperous colonies such as Cadiz and Carthage, but its historical role declined at the end of the Crusades. There are important archaeological remains, mainly from Roman times

What's not included

All Fees and Taxes

Available languages

Guide guide

DE EN FR

Reviews breakdown

Viator 5.0

1 reviews

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Important information

Wheelchair accessible

Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller

Public transportation options are available nearby

Specialized infant seats are available

Transportation options are wheelchair accessible

All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible

Suitable for all physical fitness levels

About Beirut

Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon, renowned for its rich history, vibrant culture, and stunning Mediterranean coastline. Known as the 'Paris of the Middle East,' it offers a unique blend of ancient ruins, modern luxury, and bustling street life.

Top Attractions

Beirut Central District

The heart of Beirut, this district is a blend of modern skyscrapers and ancient ruins, offering a glimpse into the city's rich history and vibrant present.

Historical/Architecture Half day to full day Free to moderate

National Museum of Beirut

One of the most important archaeological museums in the Middle East, showcasing artifacts from various periods of Lebanese history.

Museum 2-3 hours Moderate (around $5-$10)

Raouche Rock

A stunning natural limestone rock formation rising from the Mediterranean Sea, offering breathtaking views and a popular spot for photos.

Nature/Scenic 1-2 hours Free (unless dining at the restaurant)

Byblos

One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Byblos offers ancient ruins, a charming old souk, and a picturesque harbor.

Historical/Cultural Half day to full day Moderate (entry fees for some sites)

Must-Try Local Dishes

Hummus

A creamy dip made from chickpeas, tahini, lemon juice, and garlic, often served with pita bread.

Appetizer Vegetarian, Vegan

Tabbouleh

A refreshing salad made from parsley, bulgur wheat, tomatoes, and lemon juice.

Appetizer Vegetarian, Vegan

Kibbeh

A dish made from ground meat (usually lamb or beef) mixed with bulgur and spices, often fried or baked.

Appetizer Contains meat

Kafta

Ground meat (usually lamb or beef) mixed with spices and herbs, often grilled or fried.

Main Course Contains meat

Popular Activities

Hiking in the nearby mountains Scuba diving and snorkeling in the Mediterranean Beach lounging at Raouche or Dbayeh Spa and wellness treatments Visiting museums and historical sites Attending local festivals and events Swimming and water sports Boat tours along the coast

Best Time to Visit

March to May, September to November

Spring and autumn offer the best weather for sightseeing and outdoor activities. The temperatures are comfortable, and the city is in full bloom during these seasons.

15°C to 28°C 59°F to 82°F

Practical Information

Language

Official: Arabic
Widely spoken: French, English
English: Moderately spoken

Currency

Lebanese Pound (LBP)

Time Zone

GMT+2 (EET)

Electricity

220VV, 50HzHz

Safety Information

Overall Safety Rating: Exercise caution

Beirut is generally safe for tourists, but it's important to be aware of your surroundings and take precautions to ensure a safe and enjoyable trip. Petty crime and scams can occur, especially in tourist areas.

Important Precautions:

• Be aware of your surroundings and keep valuables secure
• Use reputable taxi services or ride-hailing apps
• Avoid walking alone at night in isolated areas

Getting there

By air

Rafic Hariri International Airport • 9 km (5.6 miles) from city center

By bus

Charles Helou Bus Station, Dawra Bus Station

Getting around

Public transport

Buses are the most common form of public transport, but they can be crowded and may not have fixed schedules.

Taxis

Available • Apps: Bolt

Rentals

Car, Bike, Scooter

Neighborhoods

Gemmayzeh Hamra Achrafieh

Day trips

Byblos

40 km (25 miles) • Half day to full day

One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, Byblos offers ancient ruins, a charming old souk, and a picturesque harbor.

Jeita Grotto

20 km (12 miles) • Half day

A stunning natural limestone cave system with a breathtaking underground river and waterfalls, offering a unique and unforgettable experience.

Harissa

20 km (12 miles) • Half day

A picturesque hilltop town offering panoramic views of the Mediterranean Sea and the famous Our Lady of Lebanon shrine, a popular pilgrimage site.

Festivals

Beirut International Film Festival • October to November Beirut Jazz Festival • July Eid al-Fitr • Varies by lunar calendar (usually April to June)

Pro tips

Learn a few basic phrases in Arabic to enhance your experience and interact with locals
Visit the Beirut Central District early in the morning or late in the afternoon to avoid crowds and the heat
Try local street food like falafel, shawarma, and manakish for an authentic and affordable dining experience
Use ride-hailing apps like Bolt for a more convenient and reliable taxi experience
Explore the city's vibrant nightlife in neighborhoods like Gemmayzeh and Hamra, where you'll find a mix of bars, clubs, and live music venues