16-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes Route in Lebanon
Welcome to Lebanon, a land where thousands of years of history intersect with modern Mediterranean glamour. On this 16-day luxury escape, you will traverse the country from the vibrant, cosmopolitan pulse of Beirut to the ancient Roman temples of Baalbek, all while enjoying the finest hospitality the Middle East has to offer.
This itinerary is designed for the discerning traveler who seeks more than just sightseeing. Expect private guided tours of UNESCO World Heritage sites, exclusive wine tastings in the Bekaa Valley, and serene stays in boutique mountain retreats. Forget the crowds; you will experience the soul of Lebanon through a lens of comfort and exclusivity.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Beirut, Lebanon - Arrival & Coastal Glamour
Arrival at Rafic Hariri International Airport
Touch down in the Paris of the Middle East. Your private chauffeur will meet you at the gate for a seamless transfer to your hotel.
Check-in at Phoenicia Hotel
Settle into a harbor-view suite at Lebanon’s most iconic luxury hotel, a landmark of Lebanese hospitality overlooking the Mediterranean.
Sunset Walk at Raouche Rocks
Marvel at the Pigeons' Rock, a natural offshore rock formation, as the sun dips below the horizon from a private balcony lounge.
Dinner at Em Sherif
Indulge in a world-renowned multi-course fine-dining Lebanese feast that redefines traditional Levantine cuisine.
Day 2: Beirut, Lebanon - History & Heritage
National Museum of Beirut
A private curator-led tour of Lebanon's most significant archaeological collection, showcasing Phoenician and Roman treasures.
Lunch in Gemmayze
Enjoy a sophisticated lunch at a boutique bistro in the trendy, historic district of Gemmayze, known for its Ottoman-era architecture.
Sursock Museum
Visit this stunning villa-turned-museum, a masterpiece of Lebanese architecture housing modern and contemporary art.
Evening in Downtown Beirut
Explore the impeccably restored Nejmeh Square and the Blue Mosque before an upscale dinner at the Zaitunay Bay marina.
Day 3: Beirut, Lebanon - The Art of Lebanese Living
Private Shopping at ABC Verdun
Experience a personalized shopping session at Lebanon's premier luxury mall, featuring international designers and local boutiques.
Mezze by the Sea
Dine at a high-end seafood restaurant on the Corniche, savoring the freshest catch while watching the Mediterranean waves.
Beirut Art Center
Explore contemporary exhibitions that showcase the cutting edge of the Middle Eastern art scene.
Mixology Experience in Mar Mikhael
Visit an exclusive speakeasy for bespoke cocktails crafted with local botanical ingredients.
Day 4: Byblos, Lebanon - The World's Oldest Port
Private Transfer to Byblos (Jbeil)
A comfortable 45-minute drive north in a luxury sedan brings you to one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
Byblos Citadel & Archaeological Site
Explore the Crusader Castle and Phoenician ruins with a private historian who brings the layers of time to life.
Lunch at Pepe Abed
Dine at the legendary Fishing Club in the old harbor, a favorite of celebrities like Brigitte Bardot and Frank Sinatra.
Old Souks of Byblos
Wander the cobblestone alleys of the medieval souks, browsing high-end jewelry and locally made artisanal crafts.
Day 5: Batroun, Lebanon - Coastal Chic & Lemonade
The Phoenician Wall
Visit the impressive 225-meter long sea wall built by the Phoenicians to protect the city from tidal waves.
Batroun Lemonade Tasting
Sample the famous Batroun lemonade from a family-owned stand that has been serving the refreshing drink for decades.
Beach Club Relaxation
Spend the afternoon at an exclusive private beach club, enjoying premium amenities and direct access to the crystal-clear waters.
Gourmet Seafood Dinner
Enjoy a candlelit dinner at a waterfront restaurant specializing in refined Mediterranean fusion.
Day 6: Tripoli, Lebanon - Mamluk Grandeur
The Citadel of Raymond de Saint-Gilles
Travel further north to Tripoli to explore this massive Crusader fortress offering panoramic views of the city.
Tripoli’s Mamluk Souks
A guided walk through the most authentic souks in Lebanon, visiting the Khan el-Saboun (Soap Khan) and the Al-Mansouri Great Mosque.
Tripoli Sweets Tasting
Visit Hallab 1881, the most famous pastry shop in the Middle East, for an exclusive tasting of fine Arabic sweets.
Return to Batroun
Head back to your coastal retreat for a quiet evening by the sea.
Day 7: Qadisha Valley, Lebanon - The Holy Valley
Drive to the Qadisha Valley
Head into the mountains toward the UNESCO-listed Holy Valley, famous for its dramatic cliffs and ancient monasteries.
Monastery of Qozhaya
Visit the Monastery of St. Anthony, home to the first printing press in the Middle East, tucked deep within the mountainside.
Mountain Terrace Lunch
Enjoy a traditional mountain lunch featuring local honey, goat cheese, and freshly baked bread with a view of the gorge.
Check-in at a Boutique Eco-Lodge
Experience high-end rustic luxury in the village of Bkerzay, nestled in the heart of nature.
Day 8: Bcharre, Lebanon - The Cedars of God
Cedars of God Reserve
Walk through the majestic ancient cedar forest, some trees of which are over 2,000 years old and mentioned in the Epic of Gilgamesh.
Gibran Museum
Visit the museum dedicated to Khalil Gibran, the world-famous author of 'The Prophet,' located in his home village of Bcharre.
Cedars Scenic Drive
Take a private drive along the highest mountain pass in Lebanon, offering breathtaking vistas of the peaks and valleys below.
Stargazing & Dinner
Enjoy an outdoor dinner under the clear mountain sky, away from the light pollution of the cities.
Day 9: Baalbek, Lebanon - The Heliopolis of the Sun
Drive to the Bekaa Valley
Cross the Lebanon Mountains into the fertile Bekaa Valley, heading toward the crown jewel of Roman archaeology.
The Temples of Jupiter & Bacchus
A private expert-led tour of the world's largest and best-preserved Roman temples, featuring the colossal Temple of Bacchus.
Baalbek Sfeeha Lunch
Taste the local specialty, Sfeeha (meat-filled pastry), in a garden setting near the ruins.
The Great Stone
Visit the Stone of the South, one of the largest monoliths ever quarried in human history.
Day 10: Bekaa Valley, Lebanon - Wine & Ruins
Anjar Archaeological Site
Visit the unique 8th-century Umayyad city ruins, a rare example of an inland commercial hub from the early Islamic period.
Wine Tasting at Chateau Ksara
Explore the natural Roman caves used as wine cellars at Lebanon’s oldest winery, followed by a private reserve tasting.
Chateau Kefraya
Visit another premier estate for a different perspective on Bekaa’s terroir and luxury winemaking.
Gourmet Dinner in Zahle
Enjoy a sophisticated meal in the mountain city of Zahle, known as the 'City of Wine and Poetry.'
Day 11: Chouf Mountains, Lebanon - Palace & Tradition
Beiteddine Palace
Explore this 19th-century masterpiece of Lebanese architecture, featuring intricate mosaics and stunning courtyards.
Lunch in Deir el Qamar
Dine in the historic 'Monastery of the Moon' village, the former capital of Mount Lebanon.
Moussa Castle
A quick visit to the quirky life-work of a single man, showcasing traditional Lebanese life through wax figures.
Overnight at Mir Amin Palace
Check in to this former grand residence turned luxury hotel, offering imperial charm and sweeping valley views.
Day 12: Tyre, Lebanon - Phoenician Grandeur
Drive to Tyre (Sour)
Head south to the coastal city of Tyre, an ancient Phoenician island city now famous for its sandy beaches and history.
Tyre Beach Club Lunch
Relax at a high-end beach club on one of Lebanon's cleanest and most beautiful sandy coastlines.
Tyre Coast Nature Reserve
A private guided walk through the reserve to see the diverse flora and perhaps some sea turtles.
Fine Dining in the Christian Quarter
Enjoy an intimate seafood dinner in the colorful, narrow streets of the old Christian quarter of Tyre.
Day 13: Tyre, Lebanon - The Hippodrome & Necropolis
Al-Bass Archaeological Site
Visit the UNESCO-listed Roman Hippodrome and the vast Necropolis, guided by an expert in classical history.
Traditional Southern Mezze
Experience the unique flavors of Southern Lebanese cuisine at an upscale garden restaurant.
Al Mina Excavations
Explore the seaside ruins, including the Roman baths and the unusual square 'arena'.
Leisure Time by the Harbor
Enjoy a quiet evening at the port, watching the traditional fishing boats return with their catch.
Day 14: Sidon, Lebanon - The Sea Castle
Sidon Sea Castle
Travel north to Sidon (Saida) to explore this 13th-century Crusader fortress built on a small island connected by a bridge.
Khan al-Franj
Visit the impeccably restored 17th-century Khan, which once served as a center for French merchants.
Soap Museum (Musée du Savon)
Discover the history of olive oil soap making in the region with a private demonstration and shop for luxury bath products.
Farewell Dinner in Beirut
Return to Beirut for a celebratory dinner at one of the city's premier international fusion restaurants.
Day 15: Jounieh, Lebanon - Grottos & Sky Views
Jeita Grotto
Visit this spectacular cave system, featuring a boat ride through the lower cavern’s underground river.
Our Lady of Lebanon, Harissa
Take the 'Teleferique' (cable car) from Jounieh to the mountaintop shrine of Harissa for panoramic bay views.
Lunch in Harissa
Dine at a restaurant overlooking the Jounieh Bay, enjoying the fresh sea breeze and elevated views.
Nightlife at Casino du Liban
Spend your final evening at the prestigious casino, enjoying a show or trying your luck at the tables.
Day 16: Beirut, Lebanon - Final Farewells
Breakfast at Souk el Tayeb
Visit Beirut's premier farmers market to taste organic local produce and artisanal breakfast items.
Last Minute Souvenir Shopping
Visit high-end galleries in Saifi Village for unique Lebanese art and design objects.
Private Transfer to Airport
Enjoy a final comfortable ride to the airport in a luxury vehicle.
Departure
Board your flight, carrying the memories of an epic Lebanese journey.
Best Time to Visit Lebanon
The best time to visit Lebanon for a luxury escape is during the spring (April to June) or autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm, ideal for exploring Roman ruins and enjoying coastal dining without the intense heat of summer. Winter is also popular for luxury travelers wishing to combine Mediterranean vibes with skiing in the Mzaar Kfardebian resorts.
Currency & Money
The official currency is the Lebanese Pound (LBP), but the US Dollar is widely accepted and often preferred in luxury establishments. Due to recent economic fluctuations, it is highly recommended to carry fresh USD cash. While major hotels and high-end restaurants in Beirut accept international credit cards, always have cash on hand for smaller boutiques and tips. Tipping is customary and expected, usually around 10-15% in restaurants.
Getting Around Lebanon
For a luxury itinerary, private transport is the only recommended option. Lebanon does not have a functional rail system or domestic flights. Hiring a private chauffeur or using high-end limousine services ensures safety, comfort, and flexibility. For those who prefer to drive, luxury car rentals are available at the airport, but be prepared for adventurous driving conditions. Within Beirut, premium ride-hailing services like Uber Black are readily available.
