Traveling to Lebanon is definitely not all about the capital; there’s this one day trip from Beirut, in particular, that’s a must. I mean, how could you go to the Levantine heaven without paying a visit to the Lady of Lebanon, Jeita, and Jbeil? Luckily, you could do them all in one day if you wake up and get moving as early as 8 am.

So, buckle up because our first stop is… Harissa!

The Lady of Lebanon is a Marian shrine, considered an iconic pilgrimage site that you must visit when in Lebanon.

How to go? Take a mini-bus from Beirut and it’ll drop you off on the Autostrad highway next to Burger King. From there, either get a cab to take you up there or walk to the nearby téléfrique station. I highly recommend the latter option as it gives you an astonishing aerial view of the Lebanese mountains.

When you reach the top, light a candle, then climb the stairs and try to take a selfie with the landmark. For more information about opening hours and ticketing, click here.

Pro tip: Try not to go on official holidays as the queue tends to get crazy.

Next stop: Jeita Grotto

Jeita Grotto is by far one of mother nature’s mind-blowing gifts. Visiting the cave is a must when in Lebanon and an essential part of your day trip from Beirut. The underground two-level cave will surely make you stand in awe against the stunning stalagmites and stalactites.

Unfortunately, mobile phones and cameras are not allowed inside, so I could document the moment. However, it’ll surely be forever engraved in my head.

How to go? Jeita Grotto is only accessible by car. So, either rent a car or bring on your haggling skills to land a good deal with a cab driver to take you there and wait for you.

Pro tip: Skip the téléfrique this time and walk to the caves instead to save the time you’d lose standing in line.

Final stop: Jbeil… or is it Byblos?

The ancient Phoenician port city is one of the oldest cities in the world, and one of the most beautiful too. The vibes there are magnificent and you really shouldn’t miss it.

FUN FACT: The city actually has two names; Jbeil and Byblos. It was formerly known as Byblos for the Greeks and Byblus for the Romans, and currently, it goes by its Arabic name, Jbeil.

How to go? By car or Uber!

What to do there?

• Walk around the old souk: There, you can buy some local souvenirs and sit a bar or restaurant for a quick break.
• Visit the Byblos Castle: The Crusader castle with a mesmerizing sea view is a must-visit.
• Take a stroll by the port: Head to the port at sunset for a breather. Enjoy the view and maybe sit at one of the cafés there.

Pro tip: Try to attend the Byblos International Festival, a music festival that normally takes place from mid-July to mid-August every year.

You might also like:

• Transportation in Lebanon 101
• Is This Hostel in Beirut for Solo Travelers?
• Street Art of Beirut: Where It All Came From?

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