Private Full-Day Tour to Beiteddine, Deir El Qamar and Moussa Castle from Beirut
Beit ed-Dine, LB
Highlights
- Explore the historical Beiteddine Palace
- Discover the unique Moussa Castle
- Walk through the picturesque streets of Deir el Qamar
- Visit the oldest mosque in Mount Lebanon, Fakhreddine's Mosque
- Experience the historical and religious site of Saydet El Talle Church
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Private transportation included
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Hotel pick-up & drop-off
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Duration 8 hours
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English & Arabic guide
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Cultural immersion experience
Embark on a magical journey through Lebanon's historical wonders with a Private Full-Day Tour to Beiteddine, Deir El Qamar, and Moussa Castle from Beirut. Delve into the captivating charm of the Chouf region as you explore the narrow alleys and streets of Deir el Qamar village. Discover the impressive blend of Italian architecture at Beiteddine Palace and immerse yourself in the rich history of the 19th-century palace. Marvel at the remarkable story behind Moussa Castle, built out of love and ambition, and bask in the beauty of its surroundings. Visit the picturesque village of Deir al-Qamar, known as the "Monastery of the Moon," and admire its stone houses and enchanting atmosphere. Uncover the religious heritage of the region with visits to Fakhreddine's Mosque and Saydet El Talle Church. This unforgettable tour promises an immersive experience into Lebanon's cultural treasures.
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
Discover the cultural gems of Lebanon on a private full-day tour exploring Beiteddine, Deir El Qamar, and Moussa Castle from Beirut.
Included
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In-vehicle air conditioning -
Hotel Pick up & Drop off
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Private transportation
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Tour Leader
Excluded
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Lunch -
Gratuities
Pickup
Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)
What to expect
Beiteddine Palace
Beiteddine Palace or ‘House of Faith’ is a 19th-century palace in Beiteddine, Lebanon. It hosts the annual Beiteddine Festival and the Beiteddine Palace Museum. Emir Bashir Chehab II, who later became the ruler of the Mount Lebanon Emirate, built the palace between 1788 and 1818. After 1840, the palace was used by the Ottomans as a government building. During the French Mandate it served as a local administrative office. In 1943, the palace was declared the president's official summer residence. During the Lebanese Civil War it was heavily damaged. Parts of the palace are today open to the public while the rest is still the president's summer residence.
90 minutes
Admission Not Included
The site of Qasr Moussa or Moussa Castle tells the story of a man who pursued the dream of building his own castle. The castle was built on a hill between Deir El Kamar and Beiteddine - Lebanon, with the beliefs and ideas of its builder engraved on its stones. The castle was built by Moussa Al Maamari who was born on July 27, 1931. His idea of building a castle began when he was only 14 years old to impress a local girl he loved.
60 minutes
Admission Not Included
Deir al-Qamar, meaning "Monastery of the Moon" is a village located south-east of Beirut and five kilometres outside of Beiteddine palace in the Chouf District of the Mount Lebanon. Deir El Qamar was the first village in Lebanon to have a municipality in 1864, and it is the birthplace of many well known personalities, such as artists, writers, and politicians. People from all religious backgrounds lived there and the town had a mosque, synagogue and Christian churches. In the year 1860, Deir al-Qamar was destroyed during the civil war between Druze and Christians during which the town was set ablaze. Napoleon III sent a French contingent to rebuild it, recalling France ancient role as protector of the Christians in the Ottoman Empire as established by a treaty in 1523. In 1864, Deir el-Qamar elected the first municipality in the Arab provinces of the Ottoman Empire. The village retains a remarkable picturesque appearance with typical stone houses with red tile roofs.
30 minutes
Fakhreddine Mosque with its octagonal minaret is a mosque in Deir el Qamar, Lebanon. Built in 1493 and restored in the sixteenth century by Fakhreddine 1st, it is the oldest mosque in Mount Lebanon.
15 minutes
Saydet El Talle Church
The Church of Saidet et Tallé and translated as Our Lady of the Hill is one of the most important historical and religious sites in Deir el Qamar and dates to the 15th century. Monk Nicolas Smisaati built a church on the site over the ruins of an old Phoenician temple dedicated to the goddess Astarte that was later destroyed by an earthquake in 859. According to the Maronite Heritage web site, "the legend says that there was a Druze Emir in Baakline looking at the hill of Dar El Kamar. He saw a light coming out of the hill so he gathered his soldiers and ordered them to go in the morning and dig in the land. He said to them: 'If you find an Islamic symbol, build a mosque. If you find a Christian symbol, build a church." In the morning, the soldiers went and found a rock with a cross on it and under the cross there was the moon and venus. That was the sign that in the distant past there was a temple dedicated to the moon and venus and later it became a church.
15 minutes
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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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What our experts say
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Try local sweets at Deir El Qamar. -
Bring a camera for stunning views.
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Wear comfortable shoes for walking.
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Consider visiting nearby Baakline village.
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Lunch options available in Deir El Qamar.
More About this Experience
Introduction
Imagine stepping back in time and wandering through the charming streets of the historic Deir el Qamar village, nestled in the picturesque Chouf region of Lebanon. This full-day private tour will take you on a journey through the rich history and mesmerizing beauty of Beiteddine, Deir El Qamar, and Moussa Castle. Get ready to be captivated by the fusion of Italian architecture, the breathtaking views of Lebanon's mountains, and the intriguing stories behind each site.What to expect?
During this unforgettable experience, you can expect to be immersed in the captivating stories and architectural wonders of the region. Explore the magnificent Beiteddine Palace, a true gem of Lebanese history, and discover the secrets hidden within its walls. Journey to Moussa Castle, where you will be enchanted by the tale of a man's passion and determination to build his own dream castle. Finally, wander through the narrow alleys of Deir el Qamar, filled with stunning stone houses and historic landmarks, such as Fakhreddine's Mosque and Saydet El Talle Church.Who is this for?
This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, architecture lovers, and those who want to dive deeper into the cultural heritage of Lebanon. Whether you're a seasoned traveler or someone seeking unique experiences, this tour offers something for everyone. Join us on this adventure and gain a newfound appreciation for the historical and architectural wonders of the Chouf region.Why book this?
Embark on this extraordinary journey to discover the hidden treasures of Beiteddine, Deir El Qamar, and Moussa Castle. Unlike other tours, this private experience allows you to explore at your own pace, without rushing through the sites. Delve into the stories woven into the very fabric of these places and let the beauty of the architecture take your breath away. With a knowledgeable guide by your side, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the region's history and its significance. This tour promises to be a soul-stirring experience, leaving you with lasting memories and a newfound appreciation for Lebanon's cultural heritage.Good to know
As you embark on this full-day adventure, make sure to wear comfortable shoes as there will be some walking involved. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture the picturesque landscapes and incredible architecture. Be prepared to be amazed by the beauty of the Chouf region and the rich history it holds.Reviews
Travelers who have embarked on this private tour have been enchanted by the beauty of Beiteddine Palace, mesmerized by the story behind Moussa Castle, and transported back in time while exploring Deir El Qamar. They have praised the knowledgeable guides who brought history to life through their captivating storytelling. Overall, reviewers have expressed immense satisfaction with this tour, describing it as a perfect blend of history, culture, and architecture. Don't miss out on the opportunity to immerse yourself in the wonders of Beiteddine, Deir El Qamar, and Moussa Castle.
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