Private Guided Tour to Sidon, Tyre and Maghdouche from Beirut
Sidon, LB
91% of travellers recommend this
Highlights
- Explore the ancient cities of Tyre and Sidon
- Visit the impressive Crusader Sea Castle in Sidon
- Discover the historical Khan al-Franj in Sidon
- Learn about the fascinating history of soap making at the Soap Museum
- Experience the unique Debbane Palace in Sidon
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Duration 8 hours
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Private Tour
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Hotel pickup and drop-off
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Professional guide included
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Air-conditioned vehicle
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Wheelchair accessible
Embark on a journey through ancient Phoenicia and discover the fascinating cities of Tyre and Sidon on this Private Guided Tour. Experience the grandeur of Tyre, an ancient city that once reigned over the seas and founded prosperous colonies. Explore its remarkable sites, including the Tyre Hippodrome, and learn about its vibrant history. Continue your adventure in Sidon, one of the oldest Phoenician cities and a center of trade and culture. Walk in the footsteps of Jesus as you visit the Crusaders Sea Castle and the Soap Museum, tracing the history of soap-making in the region. Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Sidon Souks and marvel at the centuries-old Debbane Palace. Finally, journey to Maghdouche and visit the shrine of Our Lady of Awaiting, believed to be the resting place of the Virgin Mary. This tour offers a captivating blend of history, culture, and spirituality, leaving you with everlasting memories.
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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Wheelchair accessible
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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 ancient cities of Tyre and Sidon on a private guided tour from Beirut, uncovering rich Phoenician history and stunning landmarks.
Included
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Hotel pickup and drop-off -
Guided Tour of Tyre
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Comfortable Private Transportation
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Tour Leader
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In-vehicle air conditioning
Excluded
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Gratuities -
Lunch
Pickup
Check if pick-up is available from your location, you will select during checkout (providers may allow other pickup locations)
What to expect
Sidon, one of the oldest Phoenician cities, was founded in the 3rd millennium BC and became prosperous in the 2nd. Sidon was famous for its purple dyes and glassware and Jesus visited it. During the Crusades, Sidon changed hands several times and was destroyed and rebuilt.
120 minutes
The Sidon Sea Castle was built by the crusaders in the thirteenth century on a small island, connected to the mainland by a causeway, as a fortress of the holy land. It is one of the most prominent historical sites in the port city of Sidon, Lebanon. The castle was largely destroyed by the Mamluks in 1291 and was later restored by Fakhr el-Dine Maan II in the early 17th century. Old prints of the fortress show it to be one of great beauty, but little remains of the embellishments that once decorated its ramparts.
30 minutes
Admission Not Included
Khan al-Franj is one of Sidon’s main attractions. It was built in the beginning of the 17th century by Emir Fakhreddine II to be a hotel for ambassadors and a center for commercial exchange between Lebanon and France. The hotel soon became a center for literature, religion, history, industry and diplomacy. It became a home for culture and civilization. This is a typical khan with a large rectangular courtyard and a central fountain surrounded by covered galleries.
15 minutes
The souk of Sidon is the center of all the commercial activities of retail, as well as craft industry. The souk is a maze of narrow alleyways with small kiosks, shops and cafes, street merchant, butchers, grocers, shoe-makers, tailors and jewelers.
15 minutes
Basilica of Our Lady of Mantara - بازيليك سيدة المنطرة
Our Lady of Awaiting, also known as Our Lady of Mantara, is a Melkite Greek Catholic shrine in Maghdouché, Lebanon, discovered on 8 September 1721 by a young shepherd. The shrine consists of a tower crowned with the statue of the Virgin and Child, a cathedral, a cemetery and a sacred cave believed to be the one where the Virgin Mary rested while she waited for Jesus.
20 minutes
Tyre is an ancient Phoenician port city and It is the home of Elissar, the Phoenician princess who founded Carthage. It was once famous across the world for its purple dye made from murex sea snails. Two main archaeological sites – “Al-Bass” and “Al-Mina” – are testimony to its historical significance. It has a wonderful seaside location and It's a popular holiday destination with excellent and cleanest beaches The town's foundations date back to approximately 2750 BC, after which it was ruled by the Egyptians and then the famous King Hiram, under whom it prospered. Later colonized variously by the Assyrians, Neo-Babylonians, Greeks, Seleucids, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Crusaders, Mamluks and Ottomans.
120 minutes
Al Bass Archaeological Site is the largest and the best-preserved example of a Roman Hippodrome. The sector of Tyre El Bass, constituting the principal entrance of the town in antique times, comprises the remains of the necropolis, on either side of a wide monumental causeway dominated by a Roman triumphal arch dating from the 2nd century AD. Among the other vestiges are an aqueduct and the hippodrome of the 2nd century, one of the largest of the Roman world. site contain a Necropolis with several hundred well-preserved sarcophagi, an intact Roman road, an aqueduct and a monumental arch.
60 minutes
Admission Not Included
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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Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller -
Specialized infant seats are available
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Suitable for all physical fitness levels
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Wheelchair accessible
What our experts say
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Visit the Sidon Souks for local crafts -
Try traditional Lebanese dishes in Tyre
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Check out the view from Our Lady of Mantara
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Explore the Crusaders Sea Castle early
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Bring water; it can get hot outside
More About this Experience
Introduction
Explore the rich historical treasures of Lebanon on a private guided tour to Sidon, Tyre, and Maghdouche from Beirut. Immerse yourself in the captivating history of two of the most important cities of Phoenicia, Tyre and Sidon. Tyre, one of the oldest continually inhabited cities in the world, was a great Phoenician city that reigned over the seas and founded prosperous colonies. Sidon, considered to be one of the oldest Phoenician cities, was renowned for its purple dyes and glassware and possibly visited by Jesus himself.What to expect?
Embark on a fascinating journey through time as you visit a series of ancient sites. Explore the fascinating ruins of Sidon, including the Crusaders Sea Castle, Khan al-Franj, the Soap Museum, the Debbane Palace, and the vibrant Sidon Souks. Discover the historical significance of Tyre as you explore the Al-Bass Archaeological Site, the Tyre Hippodrome, and the mesmerizing necropolis with its well-preserved stone and marble sarcophagi.Who is this for?
This tour is perfect for history enthusiasts, culture lovers, and those seeking to delve deep into the intriguing past of Phoenicia. It is suitable for individuals, couples, families, or small groups who want to explore lesser-known historical sites and experience the vibrant culture of Lebanon.Why book this?
By booking this private guided tour, you can enjoy a seamless and enriching experience. With a knowledgeable guide by your side, you'll gain unique insights into the ancient Phoenician civilization and its fascinating legacy. Forget about the hassle of planning an itinerary or navigating unfamiliar roads. Instead, sit back and relax as you are driven to each destination, with expert commentary that brings the historical sites to life.Good to know
This tour includes a visit to the iconic Our Lady of Mantara tower in Maghdouche, a Marian shrine believed to have been the resting place of the Virgin Mary. You'll also have the chance to soak up the sun and unwind on Tyre's pristine, award-winning beaches. Don't forget to bring your camera to capture stunning panoramic views and picturesque landscapes along the way.Reviews
Travelers who have embarked on this tour rave about the wealth of historical knowledge their guides provided. They were amazed by the well-preserved ancient sites and appreciated the convenience of having a private vehicle and driver. Visitors were deeply moved by the spiritual experience at the Our Lady of Mantara shrine and enjoyed exploring the bustling souks of Sidon. Overall, participants were highly satisfied with their experience, describing it as an immersive journey into Lebanon's rich cultural heritage.
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