/
Lebanon
/
Beirut Governorate
/
Beirut
/
Tours & Activities
/
Private Tour: Anjar, Baalbek and Ksara Day Trip from Beirut
1 day
Private
Full Day
About this activity
Escape Beirut for a private day trip to Anjar, Baalbek and Ksara with your own private guide. Leave Beirut in the morning with your guide and head by private minivan to Baalbek, located approximately 50 miles (85 km) from Beirut.
Upon arrival, take a leisurely walking tour around this ancient town. Marvel at the Baalbek Heliopolis, a group of Roman temples and other structures that are some of the largest and best-preserved examples of Roman architecture still existing in Lebanon. Explore the Temple of Jupiter and discover its impressive podium and a vast rectangular courtyard, where sacrifices were carried out.
After enjoying lunch of traditional meze (Middle Eastern small dishes) and tapas at a local Lebanese restaurant (own expense), continue your journey to the town of Anjar. After a scenic 1-hour drive, arrive in this beautifully preserved city and stroll through the souks (markets). With your guide, visit Anjar's Umayyad Ruins, a spectacular complex of ruins dating back to 705 AD. Experience the influence of past cultures as you admire the city's Hellenistic-Roman architecture.
Next, venture to Ksara. This magnificent village was covered by sand for centuries, and the well-preserved Ksara Caves were discovered in 1898 by Jesuit priests. It is now the refuge of the well-known Chateau Ksara, one of Lebanon’s oldest wineries where thousands of old wine bottles are preserved. Take a stroll through the caves and learn about the various processes involved in wine production before savoring a tasting of exquisite local wines.
After your private day trip, sit back and relax in your minivan on the scenic drive back to Beirut. Hotel pickup and drop-off can also be arranged.
Please note: Though the US Department of State has issued a warning against travel to Lebanon due to safety and security concerns, Viator’s Lebanon tours continue to operate with no disruptions. We are in frequent contact with our local suppliers and guides in Lebanon, and they report that all tours are operating as scheduled. Should the situation change, we will update this information and customers will be notified of alterations or cancellations to tours.
Read more
Show less
Upon arrival, take a leisurely walking tour around this ancient town. Marvel at the Baalbek Heliopolis, a group of Roman temples and other structures that are some of the largest and best-preserved examples of Roman architecture still existing in Lebanon. Explore the Temple of Jupiter and discover its impressive podium and a vast rectangular courtyard, where sacrifices were carried out.
After enjoying lunch of traditional meze (Middle Eastern small dishes) and tapas at a local Lebanese restaurant (own expense), continue your journey to the town of Anjar. After a scenic 1-hour drive, arrive in this beautifully preserved city and stroll through the souks (markets). With your guide, visit Anjar's Umayyad Ruins, a spectacular complex of ruins dating back to 705 AD. Experience the influence of past cultures as you admire the city's Hellenistic-Roman architecture.
Next, venture to Ksara. This magnificent village was covered by sand for centuries, and the well-preserved Ksara Caves were discovered in 1898 by Jesuit priests. It is now the refuge of the well-known Chateau Ksara, one of Lebanon’s oldest wineries where thousands of old wine bottles are preserved. Take a stroll through the caves and learn about the various processes involved in wine production before savoring a tasting of exquisite local wines.
After your private day trip, sit back and relax in your minivan on the scenic drive back to Beirut. Hotel pickup and drop-off can also be arranged.
Please note: Though the US Department of State has issued a warning against travel to Lebanon due to safety and security concerns, Viator’s Lebanon tours continue to operate with no disruptions. We are in frequent contact with our local suppliers and guides in Lebanon, and they report that all tours are operating as scheduled. Should the situation change, we will update this information and customers will be notified of alterations or cancellations to tours.
Included
- Transport by private vehicle
- Professional guide
- Hotel pickup and drop-off (if option selected at time of booking)
Not included
- Gratuities (Tips)
- Lunch
- All Fees and Taxes
Additional
- Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking, subject to availability
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Features
Tourism
95%
Cultural
65%
Reviews
Similar activities in Beirut
Click to discover other experiences
We opted for the private tour and it exceeded our expectations. Driver George and our guide Georgette were fantastic. The drive over Mt Lebanon and into the valley was scenic and interesting. Georgette provided great information and history about this important region. There were several security stops along the road, but all went smoothly and we certainly felt safe. The drive was comfortable — we were 3 in a van that could easily accommodate 5. Our first stop at the quarry and Anjar was interesting and impressive — a nice, light appetizer for what was to come. The star of the tour is Baalbek. We had (truly) no idea how stunning the Baalbek archaeological site would be and all I can say is that it rivals anything we’ve visited in Italy, Greece or Turkey. We were surprised by how few other tourists were around and delighted to practically have the place to ourselves. Our final stop at the Ksara winery caves was interesting but we are not really wine drinkers so we just did a quick tour with a very intelligent guide who adapted to our pace. We took this tour on a Monday and all sites seemed just for us. While nice for a tourist, it is a shame that more visitors don’t seem to be flocking to this gorgeous country full of amazing history, sun stroked beaches, great food, and friendly people. I HIGHLY RECOMMEND this tour as a “must”.
Great day out sight seeing, highly recommend, comfortable, safe transport and a great tour knowledgable tour guide.
Had a private tour with Suzanne and a driver, went extremely well showed and explained many great sites around the Bekka Valley had a really excellent time
We had an excellent guide and driver. Very knowledgable .