Private Tripoli Day Trip from Beirut | Medieval City Tour
Highlights
- Explore the ancient city of Tripoli
- Visit the impressive Citadel of Tripoli
- Discover the beautiful Great Mosque
- Experience the unique Souk Al-Harajb
- Step into history at Khan Al-Khayyatin
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Duration 8 hours
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Private transportation
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Hotel pickup & drop-off
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Air-conditioned vehicle
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Expert guide in Arabic & English
Explore the ancient city of Tripoli, Lebanon's second largest city, on a full-day tour that takes care of all the details. Hop into a private car with an English-speaking driver and let the adventure begin. Marvel at the impressive Citadel of Tripoli, which has undergone multiple renovations throughout history. Step into the Great Mosque, a stunning example of Mamluke architecture that was built on the ruins of a Crusader cathedral. Discover the unique souks of Tripoli, where you can immerse yourself in centuries-old traditions and find an array of goods. Visit the Khan Al-Khayyatin, a building that houses tailors and other related trades. And don't miss the enchanting Ezzeddine Hammam, a living museum of Mamluke and Ottoman era public baths. Experience the city's rich history and vibrant culture on this unforgettable journey.
At a Glance
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Free cancellation
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8 hours
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Instant Confirmation
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Available in Arabic, English
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Mobile voucher
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Private Tour
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Guided
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Family friendly
Featured Reviews
Explore the rich culture and history of Tripoli on a personalized private tour, discovering ancient landmarks and vibrant markets in Lebanon's enchanting city.
Included
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OtherKnowledgeable local driver
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OtherHotel pickup and drop-off in Beirut
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OtherPrivate air-conditioned vehicle
Excluded
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OtherLunch & sweets at Hallab 1881 (optional — at own expense)
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OtherGratuities (optional)
Pickup
Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)
What to expect
Tripoli
Tripoli, In Arabic: Ṭarābulus, city and port, northwestern Lebanon. It lies on the Mediterranean coast at the mouth of the Abu Ali River, 50 miles (80 km) north-northeast of Beirut. Tripoli is the ancient city that dates back to the Phoenician era, and is one of Lebanon's oldest cities, alongside Byblos, Tyre and Sidon. Forty-five buildings in the city, many dating from the 14th century, have been registered as historical sites. Twelve mosques from Mamluke and Ottoman times have survived. Secular buildings include the “hammam” or the bathing-house, the souks, and the “khans”, that form an agglomeration of various trades.
Overlooking Tripoli city is the imposing Citadel of Tripoli known as Qal’at Sinjil (Saint Gilles), which has been renovated and changed many times during its history. Today the castle’s main features are an octagonal Fatimid constructions converted to a church by the Crusaders, some Crusader structures of the 12th-13th centuries, a number of 14th century Mamluke additions, as well as additions made by the Ottomans in the 16th century. The present state of this huge fortress (140 meters long and 70 meters wide) is largely the result of extensive restoration work by Mustafa Barbar Agha, governor of Tripoli at the beginning of the 19th century.
Al Mansouri Great Mosque
Begun in 1294 and completed in 1315, the Great Mosque or Al Mansouri Mosque was built on the ruined 12th century Crusader cathedral of St. Mary of the Tower. Its large courtyard is surrounded by a vaulted prayer hall. Inside, one can still see elements of Western architecture from the old church, including the northern entrance and the Lombard style bell tower, which was transformed into the minaret. The many foundation plaques and decrees inscribed in the great Mosque not only inform us about the building but also reveal details of the daily life of the Mamluke period.
Taynal Mosque is an important mosque built in 1336 by Saif Ed-Dine Taynâl on the site of a ruined Crusader church. The adjoining domed mausoleum holds the tomb of the founder. Some elements of the original structure were re-used in the mosque, for example, the two rows of granite columns with late Roman capitals, which stand in the middle of the first prayer hall. The entrance of the second prayer hall is a unique example of the architectural decoration in Tripoli during the Mamluke era.
Tripoli souks are marvelous. They allow visitors to step into a unique, busy and colorful universe and gain insight into centuries old traditions. Meandering through the souks with its lively passageways and small hidden alleys, plentiful smells and plethora of sounds and colors, is like stepping into a theatre filled with fantastic characters, props and stories. There are 9 souks in total in Tripoli: Attareen, Bazerkan, Haddadin, Haraj, Kameh, Koundarjiyeh, Nahhasin, Samak, Sayyaghin. Besides the food souk with plenty of fresh produce as well as meat, fish and much more.
Khan Al-Khayyatin
The Khayyatin Khan is a part of Tripoli Souks, it is a long rectangular building of about 40 by 80 meters with a covered central courtyard and shops on either side. As the name Khan al Khayyatin implies, the khan housed and still houses tailors and other related trades as needles, thread, sewing machines etc.
Tripoli Soap Factory Khan el masriyen
The Khan As Sabon (Soap Khan) was built at the beginning of the seventeenth century. Originally it was intended to serve as a military barracks to garrison Ottoman troops and it was purposely built in the center of the city to enable the pasha to control any uprising. It is a large rectangular structure with two story arcaded corridors running around a fountain courtyard.
Hammam Al Jadid
Hammam El-Abed is the only functioning hammam in Tripoli, probably built at the end of the 17th century. It has the typical pierced domes of Mamluke and Ottoman era public baths. The interior, with its cushions, central fountain and traditional fittings, is a living museum.
Hammam Izzed-dine is a public bathing-house was given to Tripoli city by its Mamluke governor 'Izz ed-Dîne Aybak. The governor, who died in 1298, is buried in a mausoleum beside the hammam. The Hammam 'Izz ed-Dîne was in continual use until recently and it is now under restoration.
El Mina Port
Al-Mina is a coastal town in Tripoli. It occupies the location of the old Phoenician city of Tripoli and acts as the harbor city for modern neighboring Tripoli. It has nine islands, four of them have been declared as natural reservations, to help breed fish, and preserve their natural habitat.
The experience can be subject to change due to bad weather or unforseen circumstances. We always endeavour to give you the best possible experience.
Additional Information
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Specialized infant seats are available
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What our experts say
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Try local sweets at Al-Hakawati.
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Visit the Great Mosque early for fewer crowds.
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Don't miss the views from Citadel Saint Gilles.
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Explore hidden alleys in the souks.
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Consider bringing cash for local vendors.
More About this Experience
Introduction
Discover the hidden gems of Tripoli, Lebanon's second largest city, on a captivating full-day tour that takes you through its rich history and vibrant culture. With round-trip transport provided by an air-conditioned vehicle and an English-speaking driver to guide you, this private car tour ensures a hassle-free experience.What to expect?
During this full-day tour, you can expect to immerse yourself in the fascinating sights and sounds of Tripoli. From exploring the ancient Citadel of Tripoli, with its mix of Fatimid, Crusader, and Ottoman architecture, to visiting the iconic Great Mosque and Taynal Mosque, you will witness the city's rich religious and cultural heritage. Take a stroll through the bustling Tripoli Souks, where you can haggle for traditional handicrafts and soak up the vibrant atmosphere. Don't miss the opportunity to visit the impressive Rachid Karami International Fair, its unfinished structures designed by legendary architect Oscar Niemeyer will leave you in awe.Who is this for?
This tour is a perfect fit for history enthusiasts, culture lovers, and anyone looking to explore beyond the typical tourist attractions. Whether you're a solo traveler, a couple, or a small group of friends or family, this experience can be tailored to suit your interests and preferences. With its diverse range of attractions, Tripoli has something for everyone.Why book this?
Embark on this private car tour and get ready to be enchanted by the allure of Tripoli. With our knowledgeable English-speaking driver, you'll gain valuable insights into the city's history, architecture, and local culture. The convenience of round-trip transport in a comfortable, air-conditioned vehicle means you can relax and focus on immersing yourself in the experience. From the historic Citadel to the bustling souks, each stop on this tour will leave you with lasting memories of Tripoli's unique charm.Good to know
It's important to note that this tour lasts approximately 480 minutes, allowing you ample time to explore the main attractions of Tripoli. You may want to wear comfortable shoes as there will be some walking involved. Remember to bring your camera to capture the beauty and essence of Tripoli's picturesque landmarks. Our English-speaking driver will ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience, providing you with interesting facts and insights along the way.Reviews
Previous travelers have praised this tour for its immersive nature and knowledgeable guide. Many have mentioned how the tour allowed them to discover hidden gems and experience a side of Tripoli that they wouldn't have otherwise known about. Visitors were particularly impressed by the beauty of the Citadel, the vibrant atmosphere of the souks, and the rich history showcased throughout the city. Overall, feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with travelers expressing their gratitude for the opportunity to explore Tripoli in such a convenient and informative way.
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