What You Will Do
Embark on an unforgettable journey through the vibrant history and picturesque landscapes of Lebanon with our Full-Day Private Tour to Tripoli and Batroun. Immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of cultural heritage as you explore the ancient streets of Tripoli, known for its captivating souks, imposing Crusader fortresses, and intricately adorned mosques. Then, venture to the coastal gem of Batroun, where azure waters meet rugged cliffs, and centuries-old Phoenician ruins whisper tales of maritime prowess. Led by expert guides, this exclusive excursion promises a blend of historical insights, scenic beauty, and authentic local experiences, tailored to create cherished memories that last a lifetime.
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Itinerary
1
Tripoli
3 hours
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.
2
Citadel Saint Gilles (Qal'at Sinjil)
30 minutes
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.
3
Al Mansouri Mosque
20 minutes
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.
4
Taynal Mosque
20 minutes
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.
5
Souk Al-Harajb
1 hour
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.
6
Khan Al-Khayyatin
5 minutes
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.
7
Tripoli Soap Factory Khan el masriyen
5 minutes
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.
8
Hammam al-Jadid
5 minutes
Hammam Al-Jadid was built around 1740, and called the “New Bath”, it is the largest “hammam” in Tripoli, although it has not been in operation since the 1970’s, its faded grandeur still stirs the imagination.
9
Ezzeddine Hammam
5 minutes
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.
10
Hallab 1881
15 minutes
Since 1881, and originating from Tripoli, Abdul Rahman Hallab has been a pioneer in the world of Lebanese sweets. Today, “Kasr El Helou” is considered one of Tripoli’s most renowned landmarks, visited by thousands of people from all parts of the globe.
11
Mina
15 minutes
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.
12
Batroun
30 minutes
Batroun is one of the world's oldest cities. Located along the Mediterranean coast in northern Lebanon, this city is known for its ancient castles and churches, quality citrus fruits, and beaches and modern nightlife. Batroun was a Phoenician metropolis that was established more than three millennia ago
13
Phoenician Wall
20 minutes
The ancient Phoenician sea wall was originally a natural structure composed of petrified sand dunes. The Phoenicians reinforced it gradually with rocks, and the wall as it stands today took its present shape in the first century BC. The Phoenicians used this wall as protection against sea storms and invaders, while during Roman times it was again functioned as a quarry.
The wall is 225 meters long and 1 to 1.5 meters thick. Parts of it have crumbled, but what remain still stand as a bulwark against the sea for the residents of the ancient city.
14
Hilmi's House of Lemonade
5 minutes
Hilmi’s lemonade is the perfect blend of sweetness and zest with the freshness of the ingredients. Hilmi's has been making lemonade since 1888.
It also offers delicious smoothies and ice cream, all of which are made in-house using fresh produce and locally sourced goods.
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