Lebanon in 7 Days: The Ultimate Road Trip Itinerary from Beirut to Baalbek
Discover Lebanon's rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and welcoming culture on a thrilling 7-day road trip. With a rental car, explore the Middle East's most stunning scenery and hidden gems along the Mediterranean coast and beyond.
Start: Beirut
Arrive in Beirut and rent a reliable car. Lebanon's roads demand confident driving amid unpredictable traffic. Stay calm, maintain your lane, and assertively navigate merges. Beyond the wheel, expect warm hospitality throughout the country.
Day 1: Saida and Tyre
Avoid Beirut's central chaos by heading south along the coast to Saida (Sidon), a historic Phoenician port. Visit the 13th-century Crusader sea castle, the grand Great Omari Mosque, and its atmospheric souq. Explore narrow lanes and the Musée du Savon to learn traditional soap-making. Continue to Tyre, famed for ancient ruins, pristine beaches, and excellent hotels. Key sites include Byzantine streets, a vast funerary complex, and a remarkably preserved Roman hippodrome. Dine on Rue Abou Deeb or enjoy seafood by the harbor. Overnight at upscale Dar Alma or Asamina Boutique Hotel.
Day 2: Chouf Mountains
Return to Saida and head inland to the Chouf Mountains. Enter the biosphere reserve, home to Lebanon's iconic cedars. In Maasser Al Chouf, hike short trails amid these ancient trees in refreshing mountain air. Descend to opulent 19th-century Beiteddine Palace and charming Deir Al Qamar village. Stay at the serene rural Beit Al Qamar.
Day 3: Baalbek
Drive over a dramatic mountain pass into the fertile Bekaa Valley. Continue north to Baalbek, boasting the impeccably preserved Temple of Bacchus and colossal Temple of Jupiter—rivaling the Mediterranean's finest Roman ruins. Note its political significance, but focus on history. Stay at the historic Palmyra Hotel, once hosted by figures like Jean Cocteau and General de Gaulle.
Day 4: Bcharré and the Qadisha Valley
Ascend winding roads (often closed in winter) to The Cedars ski resort, then descend to Bcharré, birthplace of poet Khalil Gibran—ideal for lunch. Explore the UNESCO-listed Qadisha Valley's ancient monasteries. Visit nearby Deir Mar Elisha; extend hikes if time allows.
Day 5: Tripoli
Descend steeply to coastal Tripoli, Lebanon's northern hub. Wander the vibrant Sunni old town souq in 14th-15th century khans, madrassas, hammams, and mosques. Stay at Beit El Nessim or Via Mina in Al Mina; savor fresh fish at Silver Shore.
Day 6: Byblos
Drive south along the coast to Byblos, one of the world's oldest cities. Tour its seaside archaeological site spanning Neolithic era to Crusader castle. Lunch at Feniqia near the site and visit Mémoire du Temps for extraordinary fossils. Overnight here if possible.
Day 7: Beirut
Navigate traffic back to Beirut, now seasoned in local driving. Park and immerse in the capital: stroll rebuilt Downtown post-civil war, relax with shisha or craft beer in student-filled Hamra, sunset along the Corniche. End in Mar Mikhaël's trendy eateries, bars, and clubs—rooftop at Junkyard, dancing at B 018—celebrating an unforgettable journey.
Last updated June 2018
