17-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes Route in Lebanon
Lebanon is a land where ancient history meets modern sophistication. This 17-day itinerary is designed for the discerning traveler who seeks to uncover the 'Paris of the Middle East' through a lens of absolute luxury. You will traverse the country in private chauffeured vehicles, dine at award-winning restaurants, and stay in some of the region's most iconic boutique hotels.
From the vibrant nightlife of Beirut to the serene, snow-capped peaks of the Chouf and the Roman majesty of Baalbek, this journey offers an unparalleled blend of cultural immersion and high-end relaxation. Prepare for an epic journey that balances the pulse of the city with the timeless beauty of the Mediterranean coast.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Beirut, Lebanon - Arrival & Coastal Sophistication
VIP Arrival at Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport
Skip the queues with a private meet-and-greet service that whisks you through customs. A chauffeured Mercedes-Benz S-Class will be waiting to transport you to your luxury hotel in the heart of the city.
Check-in at Hotel Albergo
Settle into Lebanon's most prestigious Relais & Châteaux property. This Ottoman-style mansion in the Achrafieh district offers unmatched vintage charm and personalized service.
Dinner at Zaitunay Bay
Enjoy a sophisticated dinner overlooking the marina at one of the city's premier seafood restaurants, like Babel Bay, where traditional Lebanese flavors meet modern culinary art.
Nightcap at the Albergo Rooftop
Take in the panoramic views of the Beirut skyline while enjoying a signature cocktail at the hotel's exclusive terrace bar.
Day 2: Beirut, Lebanon - Cultural Deep Dive
National Museum of Beirut Private Tour
Explore the archaeological treasures of Lebanon with a private historian. The museum’s collection of Phoenician anthropoid sarcophagi is a world-class highlight.
Lunch at Liza Beirut
Dine in what is often cited as one of the most beautiful restaurants in the world. Located in a stunning 19th-century palace, Liza serves elevated Lebanese cuisine.
Sursock Museum Visit
Visit this contemporary art museum housed in a spectacular Italianate villa, showcasing the modern soul of Lebanese creative arts.
Sunset Walk at Raouche Rocks
Witness the iconic Pigeons' Rock as the sun sets over the Mediterranean. Your driver will then take you through the vibrant Hamra district.
Day 3: Beirut, Lebanon - The Pulse of the City
Beirut Souks & Downtown Exploration
Discover the high-end boutiques and restored architecture of the Beirut Central District, including the Al-Omari Grand Mosque and St. George Cathedral.
Gourmet Lunch at Em Sherif
Experience a legendary multi-course Lebanese feast that redefines hospitality. This is widely considered the ultimate destination for authentic fine dining in Beirut.
Private Yacht Charter from La Marina
Board a private yacht for a 3-hour cruise along the Beirut coastline, enjoying local wines and appetizers as the city lights up.
Dinner at MusicHall
End the night at the Starco building's MusicHall, a premier theater-venue offering a unique 'cultural cabaret' with diverse live musical acts.
Day 4: Byblos (Jbeil), Lebanon - Ancient Maritime History
Transfer to Byblos
A short 45-minute drive north brings you to Byblos, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Check into the Byblos Sur Mer hotel.
Byblos Citadel & Old Souk
Explore the Crusader Castle and the winding cobblestone streets of the old souk with a local expert who specializes in Phoenician history.
Lunch at Pepe Abad’s Fishing Club
Dine at this legendary restaurant where celebrities like Brigitte Bardot and Frank Sinatra once gathered. It’s a piece of living history by the harbor.
Sunset at Edde Sands
Relax at this luxury beach resort’s private cabanas, enjoying a massage or a swim in the Mediterranean.
Day 5: Batroun, Lebanon - Coastal Chic & Local Flavors
Morning in Batroun
Drive further north to Batroun. Visit the Phoenician Wall and the historic St. Stephan’s Cathedral. Don't forget to try the famous Batroun lemonade.
Fresh Seafood at Pierre & Friends
Enjoy a laid-back but upscale lunch at this beachfront institution, famous for its fresh catch and vibrant atmosphere.
Ixsir Winery Tour
Visit the contemporary Ixsir winery located in a 17th-century bastion. Enjoy a private tasting of their award-winning Altitudes and Grande Réserve wines.
Evening Leisure in Batroun Souks
Explore the boutique shops and bars in the old town before returning to your hotel in Byblos.
Day 6: Jeita & Harissa, Lebanon - Underground Wonders
Jeita Grotto VIP Tour
Witness the stunning limestone stalactites and stalagmites of this finalist for the New 7 Wonders of Nature. Use a private guide to bypass the crowds.
Harissa Cable Car Ride
Take the Téléphérique from Jounieh to the shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon for a breathtaking view of the bay.
Lunch with a View at Harissa
Dine at a terrace restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean before descending back to the coast.
Luxury Shopping in Jounieh
Explore the high-end boutiques along the Jounieh coastline before heading back to Beirut for the evening.
Day 7: Bcharre, Lebanon - The Cedars of God
Drive to the Qadisha Valley
Ascend into the mountains towards the UNESCO World Heritage site of the Qadisha Valley. Check into Le Grand Chalet Zaarour or a boutique lodge in Bcharre.
The Cedars of God Forest
Walk among the ancient trees, some of which are over 2,000 years old. This forest is a national symbol and a place of profound tranquility.
Gibran Museum
Visit the museum dedicated to Khalil Gibran, Lebanon's most famous philosopher and poet, located in a former monastery carved into the rock.
Mountain-Style Dinner
Enjoy a hearty mountain meal featuring Kibbeh and local cheeses at a fireside restaurant in Bcharre.
Day 8: Qadisha Valley, Lebanon - Sacred Serenity
Private Monastery Hike
Embark on a guided hike to the Monastery of St. Anthony Qozhaya. The trail offers stunning views of the deep gorge and ancient hermitages.
Picnic Lunch by the River
Enjoy a luxury picnic catered by your hotel, featuring local organic produce, in the shade of the valley trees.
Afternoon of Reflection
Spend time at leisure in the peaceful village of Ehden, known for its beautiful public square (Al Midan) and friendly locals.
Fine Dining in Ehden
Experience the culinary delights of Nabeh el Jouit, known for its exceptional traditional dishes and riverside setting.
Day 9: Baalbek, Lebanon - Roman Grandeur
Transfer to the Bekaa Valley
A scenic drive across the mountain range takes you into the fertile Bekaa Valley, arriving at the colossal ruins of Baalbek.
Temple of Bacchus & Jupiter
Marvel at the largest and best-preserved Roman temple complex in the world. A private archeologist will explain the engineering marvels of the site.
Lunch at Palmyra Hotel
Visit the historic Palmyra Hotel for lunch—a place that hasn't changed since Jean Cocteau and Ella Fitzgerald stayed there.
Chateau Ksara Wine Tasting
Visit Lebanon's oldest winery. Explore the natural caves used as wine cellars since the mid-19th century and enjoy a premium tasting session.
Day 10: Anjar & Zahle, Lebanon - Umayyad History
Anjar Archaeological Site
Explore the 8th-century Umayyad ruins, a unique example of an inland commercial center from the Islamic period.
Riverside Lunch in Zahle
Known as the 'City of Wine and Poetry,' Zahle offers beautiful riverside dining. Enjoy a mezza feast at Casino Arabi.
Chateau Kefraya Visit
Head to the southern Bekaa for a visit to Chateau Kefraya. Tour the 'Vineyard of the Sun' by private carriage and taste their flagship blends.
Check-in at a Luxury Bekaa Estate
Stay at a boutique vineyard estate or return to a high-end hotel in the Chouf region for a change of scenery.
Day 11: Chouf Mountains, Lebanon - Palaces & Pines
Beiteddine Palace
Visit this 19th-century masterpiece of Lebanese architecture. Explore the ornate courtyards, hammams, and the world-class mosaic collection.
Lunch at Mir Amin Palace
Dine on the terrace of this former emir's residence, offering majestic views over the Chouf mountains and the palace below.
Deir el Qamar Exploration
Walk through this beautifully preserved stone village, which served as the capital of Mount Lebanon for centuries.
Moussa Castle
Visit the quirky and fascinating Moussa Castle, a life's work of one man who built a fortress by hand to prove his worth.
Day 12: Barouk Cedar Reserve, Lebanon - Nature's Majesty
Barouk Cedar Forest Hike
Enjoy a guided walk through the largest cedar reserve in Lebanon. This ecosystem is a haven for biodiversity and offers crisp mountain air.
Eco-Luxury Lunch
Dine at a sustainable, farm-to-table restaurant in the Barouk area, focusing on seasonal mountain ingredients.
Afternoon Tea in the Mountains
Relax with a traditional Lebanese tea service featuring wild mountain herbs and local honey at your resort.
Stargazing in the Chouf
The clear mountain skies are perfect for stargazing. Many luxury lodges provide telescopes for guests to use.
Day 13: Sidon (Saida), Lebanon - Coastal Heritage
Transfer to Sidon
Drive down to the southern coast. Visit the Sidon Sea Castle, a picturesque fortress built by the Crusaders on a small island.
Soap Museum (Musée du Savon)
Discover the ancient art of olive oil soap making in this beautifully restored 17th-century building.
Traditional Lunch at Saida Souks
Sample the city's famous 'Sanioura' sweets and enjoy a traditional meal at a local institution inside the historic Khan el Franj.
Khan el Franj Visit
Explore the 'Inn of the Foreigners,' a stunning example of Ottoman architecture used by French merchants in the 17th century.
Day 14: Tyre (Sour), Lebanon - Roman Hippodromes & Beaches
Tyre UNESCO World Heritage Sites
Visit the Al-Bass archaeological site, featuring the best-preserved Roman hippodrome in the world and a massive triumphal arch.
Beachside Lunch
Tyre is home to Lebanon's most beautiful public beaches. Dine at a high-end beach club like Rest House Tyre, known for its fresh seafood.
Sour Old City Walk
Wander through the narrow, brightly painted alleys of the old Christian quarter and the bustling fishing harbor.
Sunset Dinner by the Sea
Enjoy the sound of the waves with a Mediterranean fusion dinner at a waterfront restaurant.
Day 15: Tyre, Lebanon - Mediterranean Relaxation
Private Boat Excursion
Rent a private boat to explore the offshore islands and enjoy some snorkeling in the crystal-clear waters surrounding Tyre.
Leisurely Seafood Feast
Enjoy a long, boozy lunch featuring local arak and the catch of the day at Le Phénicien.
Afternoon at the Tyre Nature Reserve
Walk along the sandy dunes of the reserve, which is a nesting ground for sea turtles.
Farewell Southern Dinner
Enjoy a final dinner in the South before preparing for your return to the capital tomorrow.
Day 16: Beirut, Lebanon - The Final Flourish
Return to Beirut
A smooth drive back to the capital. Check back into your favorite Beirut hotel for one last night of luxury.
Lunch at Indigo on the Roof
Enjoy a modern international lunch at the Le Gray hotel’s rooftop restaurant, offering stunning views of the Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque.
Last Minute Luxury Shopping
Visit the flagship stores in Downtown Beirut or the designer boutiques of Aishti by the sea.
Grand Farewell Dinner at Baron
Experience the innovative, ingredient-led cuisine of Baron in Mar Mikhael, consistently ranked as one of the best restaurants in the region.
Day 17: Beirut, Lebanon - Departure
Leisurely Breakfast at the Hotel
Savor your last Lebanese breakfast—manouche, labneh, and fresh olives—before your departure.
Private Transfer to the Airport
Your chauffeured vehicle will take you back to Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport.
Final Duty-Free Shopping
Pick up high-end Lebanese wines, sweets, and handicrafts as souvenirs at the extensive duty-free section.
Departure
Take off for your journey home, carrying the memories of an epic Lebanese escape.
Best Time to Visit Lebanon
The ideal time for a luxury journey to Lebanon is during the spring (April to June) or autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm, perfect for exploring both the coastal cities and the mountain reserves. Spring brings lush greenery and blooming wildflowers, while autumn offers the grape harvest in the Bekaa Valley. If you enjoy skiing, the winter months (January to March) offer a unique 'ski and sea' experience where you can be on the slopes in the morning and by the Mediterranean in the afternoon.
Currency & Money
The official currency is the Lebanese Pound (LBP), but the US Dollar is widely accepted and often preferred in luxury hotels, high-end restaurants, and boutiques. Due to the ongoing economic situation, a dual-currency system is in place. It is highly recommended to carry cash in US Dollars (new, crisp bills) as international credit cards may only be accepted in major establishments and may use a different exchange rate. Tipping is customary in Lebanon; 10-15% is standard in restaurants, and small tips are appreciated for valet and concierge services.
Getting Around Lebanon
For a luxury itinerary, the best way to get around Lebanon is via a private chauffeured car. There are no domestic flights or functional passenger trains in the country. Private transfers offer the highest level of comfort, safety, and flexibility. Luxury car rental services are available for those who prefer to drive themselves, but navigating Lebanese traffic can be challenging. Taxis and ride-sharing apps like Bolt and Uber are available within Beirut, but for intercity travel, a dedicated private driver is the gold standard for premium travel.
