Palace of Dreams - Oyoun El Samak - Zahlan Grotto - Jabal El Arbaaine in Beirut, Lebanon
Beirut, Lebanon

Palace of Dreams - Oyoun El Samak - Zahlan Grotto - Jabal El Arbaaine

Outty Ranking 54 4.7 · 6 traveler reviews8 hoursFrom $109
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Outty Ranking

54/100

Worth a Look. Our proprietary evaluation. How we score

Traveler rating

4.7/5

Based on 6 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

Quick answer

Is Palace of Dreams - Oyoun El Samak - Zahlan Grotto - Jabal El Arbaaine worth booking?

Palace of Dreams - Oyoun El Samak - Zahlan Grotto - Jabal El Arbaaine is a 8-hour experience in Beirut, Lebanon, from $109 per person. It scores 54 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Worth a Look”, based on a 4.7/5 rating across 6 reviews. This booking is non-refundable, so pick your date carefully. Same-day spots are currently showing.

Outty Ranking
54 / 100
Rating
4.7/5 (6)
Duration
8 hours
From
$109 per person

We will be visiting the Norther part of Lebanon, and visit the hidden gems located in those areas. Visit a River, Castle, Grotto, and the Highest Swing in the middle east.

What you get

    About this experience

    We will be visiting the Norther part of Lebanon, and visit the hidden gems located in those areas. Visit a River, Castle, Grotto, and the Highest Swing in the middle east.

    What's included

    Included

    • Swing Ride at Jabal El Arbaaine
    • Parking Fee
    • Airconditioned Vehicle
    • Guide
    • Entrance Fee

    What you'll see and do

    1. First We Will Visit Palace of Dreams, built by Mohammad Al Hawchar's. We will get to see the house with the garden, which he developed with his own hands. If you are wondering what to expect when visiting it, other than getting amazed, here are some indications: cedars, spears, sword and thrones, rifles, Arab tents, horses, Anjar castle, Baalbeck castle, caves, pitchers, Rauche rock, and much more! One of the outstanding local stones used throughout the palace, called Al-Kak, comes with different natural colors and shines under the sun’s rays like sparkling diamonds.

      45 minutes here

    2. Located in Wadi Jhannam, just southwest of the village of Safinet el-Qaiteaa (al Qaite), the mountain area of Oyoun es-Samak is home to a beautiful lake and waterfalls. The green area is ideal for hiking or a picnic.

      45 minutes here

    3. We will then proceed to Zahlan Grotto, which is a cave set in strata of calcium and dolomites and belongs to the late Jurassic epoch. The cave was formed in two main periods. During the first stage which lasted approximately ninety to a hundred and twenty millions years, the land was under the sea.

      60 minutes here

    4. Lunch Stop at a Local Restaurant

      60 minutes here

    5. Last we will visit Jabal El Arbaaine, We will get to see a beautiful panoramic view of the mountains, and get to go on the highest swing in the middle east which was built on the top of Jabal Al Arba’in (Makmal mountain chain) measuring around 1400 meters above sea level.

      45 minutes here

    Where it starts and ends

    Meeting point

    Beirut

    Once you Get to Martyrs' Square, you will See Al Amin Mosque, Sit on the Stairs at the Mosque

    Hotel pickup

    Pickup is available for selected locations. Pickup begins about 15 minutes before departure.

    Ends at

    Once you Get to Martyrs' Square, you will See Al Amin Mosque, Sit on the Stairs at the Mosque

    Before you book

    Cancellation
    All sales are final. No refund is available for cancellations.
    Languages
    en
    Ticket
    Mobile Only
    Runs on
    Every day
    Group size
    Up to 15 travelers per booking
    Operated by
    Zingy Ride

    Know before you go

    • Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
    • Specialized infant seats are available
    • Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
    • Suitable for all physical fitness levels

    Photos

    Oyoun El Samak, Palace of Dreams - Oyoun El Samak - Zahlan Grotto - Jabal El Arbaaine in BeirutZahlan Grotto, Palace of Dreams - Oyoun El Samak - Zahlan Grotto - Jabal El Arbaaine in BeirutPalace of Dreams - Oyoun El Samak - Zahlan Grotto - Jabal El Arbaaine in Beirut, photo 4Palace of Dreams, Palace of Dreams - Oyoun El Samak - Zahlan Grotto - Jabal El Arbaaine in BeirutPalace of Dreams, Palace of Dreams - Oyoun El Samak - Zahlan Grotto - Jabal El Arbaaine in BeirutPalace of Dreams, Palace of Dreams - Oyoun El Samak - Zahlan Grotto - Jabal El Arbaaine in Beirut

    What travelers are saying

    Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 6 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.

    The guide

    5 mentions

    Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.

    Photo opportunities

    4 mentions

    The views and photo stops come up again and again.

    Physical effort

    2 mentions

    Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    Traveler reviews

    6 verified traveler reviews for Palace of Dreams - Oyoun El Samak - Zahlan Grotto - Jabal El Arbaaine. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.

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    S498PRginag · August 2025

    A Hidden Gem in the North – Truly Worth the Trip!

    The northern region is definitely underrated, and this experience proved just how much it has to offer. It really felt like discovering a hidden gem. Our guide was incredibly knowledgeable and made the whole trip even more enjoyable. We were also picked up from Jounieh, which made everything so convenient. Highly recommend this to anyone looking to explore something different in Lebanon. Thank you for an unforgettable day!

    via Tripadvisor

    L0neK · August 2023

    A grand day out

    A great day out. Brilliant communication, starting with driver getting in touch on Whatsapp. Mahid was friendly, serviceminded and a good driver. The trip itself is a journey of random sites, it is great fun. The Palace reminiscent of a Disney set. Top marks

    via Tripadvisor

    Justadekoning · May 2023

    Great!

    Had a private tour today with Mahdi. It was a great last day doe me at Lebanon! On almost every place we visit , there was nobody except us. Had a lot of fun with the kind guide and hè is a good driver making shure youre okay the whole day. I liked the waterfall and the swing in the mountain. Love the view of the mountains. Feeled save all the day. Thanks!!

    via Tripadvisor

    Cla2345 · May 2023

    A great day out with amazing views

    We went on the Palace of Dreams - Oyoun El Samak - Zahlan Grotto - Jabal El Arbaaine trip which covers some of the lesser visited areas east of Tripoli. We really enjoyed our day out. Mahdi our guide was a really good driver, spoke good English and was very flexible (we were the only people on the tour). Another plus is that they pick you up and drop you off from your chosen location which makes a big difference. First stop was Oyoun el Samak (eye of the fish) lake. The road is fairly high above the lake and very narrow so you can’t really stop to take photos at that point (I did take some from the car) but it was very beautiful. We stopped at the waterfall which is the source of the lake. There is a restaurant directly in front, so very easy to access. There is a rope bridge directly in front of the waterfall for close ups (a bit slippery) and it was good to be able to hear the waterfall so close up. There was only one other couple there at the same time which was good (I can imagine it gets very crowded at weekends). After that we went to another part of the lake where we could stop and take photos. Second stop was Palace of Dreams and we were the only people there. It was interesting to see the garden (the interior isn’t open) but we were done in about 15 minutes. Third stop Zahlan Grotto, which was formed over a hundred million years ago. Again we were the only people there and the guide had to unlock for us. You walk down quite a few sets of stairs to get to the grotto and there is also a rope bridge you can go on over the valley. It is not on the scale of Jeita Grotto which most people visit but we really enjoyed it as it is so calm and peaceful. The photos do not do justice how beautiful it was. To get back up you climb a couple of flights of steps then there is a small funicular which takes you the rest of the way up. Lastly Jabal El Arbaaine – a very strange experience but enjoyable. It is a purpose built recreation area built on the top of a mountain. It was very quiet when we were there but I understand that at weekends it is very popular. The views from the area are so beautiful. There is a stripped out aeroplane perched right out over the mountain which you can go inside (I only made it to the top of the steps to peer inside) and a set of giant hands which are built right out over the side of the mountain with a rope bridge between (scary rope bridges were a bit of a theme that day!). Then there is a giant swing which takes you right over the edge. I was very nervous but we asked the guy operating it to do it fairly gently which he did. I was scared for the first couple of swings but then it was an amazing experience swinging out over the view below. We didn’t stop for lunch anywhere as we had already packed a lot in and were quite tired but instead we asked if we could stop at the Hilmi lemonade van which is on the motorway after Batroun as they have the best lemonade. We really enjoyed our day out, not just for the places we visited but just to be able to drive through the villages and see the scenery in this part of the country and would book with Zingy Rides again.

    via Tripadvisor

    kennethp690 · May 2023

    A mini adventure in Lebanon

    Robyn is an excellent guide! He has put together a gem of a tour. It is off the beaten path, and unlike other tours I done in Lebanon. I was shown amazing mountain views, an artist home that would rival anything from Gaudi you would see in Spain, a waterfall that is straight from an Indiana Jones movie (without a hike!), an unusual grotto (a picture with the bear sculpture is a must!), and a very playful area in the mountains with the swing that touches the clouds and views that make you feel you are in an airplane. I really appreciated the thought and effort that Robyn has put into this tour - in short - I highly recommend it!

    via Tripadvisor

    Good to know

    Duration
    8 hours
    Free cancellation
    Non-refundable
    Minimum age to book
    All ages
    Availability
    Bookable today
    Runs on
    Every day
    Price range
    $109 to $168
    Hotel pickup
    Available for selected locations
    Booked in 30 days
    2
    Verdict
    Worth a Look

    Who runs this experience

    Operated by Zingy Ride, who run 30 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 54.2.

    See everything Zingy Ride runs

    Why this scores 54

    The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.

    Traveler sentiment (30% weight)88
    Review evidence (18% weight)37
    Booking momentum (14% weight)26
    Value for money (12% weight)63
    Listing quality (10% weight)59
    Local standing (8% weight)45
    Booking flexibility (8% weight)0

    Palace of Dreams - Oyoun El Samak - Zahlan Grotto - Jabal El Arbaaine: questions travelers ask

    Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Beirut.

    How much does Palace of Dreams - Oyoun El Samak - Zahlan Grotto - Jabal El Arbaaine cost?

    +

    Prices start at $109 per person. The final price depends on the date, the time slot and the number of travelers, and peak weekends in Beirut usually price higher than midweek mornings. Live pricing and remaining availability are confirmed on the booking screen before you pay.

    How long does Palace of Dreams - Oyoun El Samak - Zahlan Grotto - Jabal El Arbaaine take?

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    Plan for about 8 hours from start to finish, not counting travel to the meeting point. Most travelers leave another 30 minutes on either side so the rest of the day in Beirut is not rushed.

    Is Palace of Dreams - Oyoun El Samak - Zahlan Grotto - Jabal El Arbaaine worth it?

    +

    It holds an Outty Ranking of 54 out of 100, which we label "Worth a Look". That score blends traveler sentiment (4.7/5 across 6 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable culture & history in Beirut, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.

    Can I cancel or reschedule Palace of Dreams - Oyoun El Samak - Zahlan Grotto - Jabal El Arbaaine?

    +

    No. This experience is sold on a non-refundable basis, so only book a date you are confident about. Similar experiences in the city do offer free cancellation if flexibility matters more than price.

    Is Palace of Dreams - Oyoun El Samak - Zahlan Grotto - Jabal El Arbaaine suitable for kids and families?

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    Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 8-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.

    How far in advance should I book Palace of Dreams - Oyoun El Samak - Zahlan Grotto - Jabal El Arbaaine?

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    Around 2 people booked this in the last 30 days, so popular slots go early. Two to three weeks ahead is comfortable in shoulder season, while summer weekends and holidays in Beirut can sell out a month out. Same-day spots do open up when other travelers cancel, so it is worth checking if you are already in town.

    What should I bring or wear?

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    Bring photo ID, your booking confirmation on your phone, a refillable water bottle and comfortable shoes. Dress for the weather in Beirut and add a light layer if any part of the 8-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.

    Where does Palace of Dreams - Oyoun El Samak - Zahlan Grotto - Jabal El Arbaaine start and how do I get there?

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    The exact meeting point and directions are on your voucher once you book, and they sit in central Beirut within reach of public transport. Arrive 15 minutes early: late arrivals are treated as no-shows by most operators.

    What are the best things to do in Beirut?

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    On Outty we rank every Beirut experience on the same 0 to 100 scale, and alongside this one the highest scorers right now include Guided Small-Group Tour to Baalbek, Anjar and Ksara with Lunch, Guided Small-Group Tour to Jeita, Harissa, Byblos with Lunch, Jeita Grotto, Harisa & Byblos: Small Group Tour with Hotel pickup. The city page groups everything into most popular, highest reviewed, last minute and family-friendly so you can build a day around what actually delivers.

    When is the best time to visit Beirut?

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    Booking patterns follow the same curve: prices and queues climb in peak weeks, while shoulder season gives you better availability on the top-ranked experiences and more room to change plans.

    How many days do you need in Beirut?

    +

    Three full days covers the headline sights without sprinting. A workable rhythm is one anchor experience each morning, such as this one, an unhurried afternoon in a single neighborhood, then a food or nightlife booking in the evening. Five days lets you add a day trip outside the city.

    Do I book through Outty or through the operator?

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    Outty ranks and explains the experiences, then hands you to Viator to complete the booking with the operator directly. The price is the same as booking on Viator yourself, and Outty earns an affiliate commission on the referral, which is how the rankings stay free to read.

    What is included in Palace of Dreams - Oyoun El Samak - Zahlan Grotto - Jabal El Arbaaine?

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    Included: Swing Ride at Jabal El Arbaaine; Parking Fee; Airconditioned Vehicle; Guide; and Entrance Fee. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.

    Does Palace of Dreams - Oyoun El Samak - Zahlan Grotto - Jabal El Arbaaine include hotel pickup?

    +

    Yes, pickup is offered, or you can meet at the start point instead from 253 listed pickup locations in and around Beirut. Be ready about 15 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.

    What languages is Palace of Dreams - Oyoun El Samak - Zahlan Grotto - Jabal El Arbaaine offered in?

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    It runs in English. Pick your language when choosing a date and time, as not every departure runs in every language.

    Will I get instant confirmation and a mobile ticket for Palace of Dreams - Oyoun El Samak - Zahlan Grotto - Jabal El Arbaaine?

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    Confirmation is sent by the operator after booking, usually within 48 hours; if it is not confirmed you are not charged. Mobile tickets are accepted, so you can show the voucher on your phone.

    Is Palace of Dreams - Oyoun El Samak - Zahlan Grotto - Jabal El Arbaaine wheelchair or stroller accessible?

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    The operator notes: Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller; and Specialized infant seats are available. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.

    What happens to Palace of Dreams - Oyoun El Samak - Zahlan Grotto - Jabal El Arbaaine if the weather is bad?

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    It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Beirut. Standard cancellation terms apply.

    What do travelers say about Palace of Dreams - Oyoun El Samak - Zahlan Grotto - Jabal El Arbaaine?

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    Across 6 reviews averaging 4.7 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, photo opportunities. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works. One thing to know: Expect real walking or climbing: reviewers mention the effort involved.

    Ready to lock in your spot?

    Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Palace of Dreams - Oyoun El Samak - Zahlan Grotto - Jabal El Arbaaine.

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