Sidon, Tyre & Maghdouche Small-Group Tour | Lunch Included
Traveler rating
5.0/5
Based on 44 traveler reviews. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
Quick answer
Is Sidon, Tyre & Maghdouche Small-Group Tour | Lunch Included worth booking?
Sidon, Tyre & Maghdouche Small-Group Tour | Lunch Included is a 9-hour experience in Beirut, Lebanon, from $45 per person. It scores 85 out of 100 on the Outty Ranking, which we label “Exceptional”, based on a 5/5 rating across 44 reviews. Cancellation is free up to 24 hours before the start time. Same-day spots are currently showing.
- Outty Ranking
- 85 / 100
- Rating
- 5/5 (44)
- Duration
- 9 hours
- From
- $45 per person
South Lebanon holds some of the most extraordinary historical and spiritual landscapes in the entire Middle East — and this small-group tour brings the best of them together in a single day from Beirut, with lunch included and nothing extra to organise. Begin in Sidon — one of the oldest cities in the world — at a 13th-century Crusader sea castle, the world's only soap museum, a living medieval souk, and a grand Silk Road caravanserai. Continue south to Tyre — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — where the Al-Bass Archaeological Complex reveals one of the most complete Roman urban landscapes anywhere in the Mediterranean: hippodrome, colonnaded street, triumphal arch, and ancient necropolis all within a single extraordinary site. End the day at Maghdouché — a hilltop sanctuary where the Virgin Mary is believed to have waited while Jesus preached in Sidon, revered by Christians and Muslims alike. Three destinations. Three thousand years of history. Lunch included.
What you get
About this experience
South Lebanon holds some of the most extraordinary historical and spiritual landscapes in the entire Middle East — and this small-group tour brings the best of them together in a single day from Beirut, with lunch included and nothing extra to organise. Begin in Sidon — one of the oldest cities in the world — at a 13th-century Crusader sea castle, the world's only soap museum, a living medieval souk, and a grand Silk Road caravanserai. Continue south to Tyre — a UNESCO World Heritage Site — where the Al-Bass Archaeological Complex reveals one of the most complete Roman urban landscapes anywhere in the Mediterranean: hippodrome, colonnaded street, triumphal arch, and ancient necropolis all within a single extraordinary site. End the day at Maghdouché — a hilltop sanctuary where the Virgin Mary is believed to have waited while Jesus preached in Sidon, revered by Christians and Muslims alike. Three destinations. Three thousand years of history. Lunch included.
What's included
Included
- Comfortable transportation
- Hotel pickup and drop-off
- Lunch
- Small group sizes
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Professional, knowledgeable guides
Not included
- Entrance fees
- Entrance fees
- Entrance fees
What you'll see and do
Beirut
8:30 AM — Departure from Beirut Your professional guide meets you at your Beirut hotel and heads south along the Mediterranean coastal highway toward Sidon — the ancient Phoenician road that once connected the greatest trading cities of the ancient world.
Pass by without stopping
Crusaders Sea Castle
Begin at Sidon's most iconic landmark — a 13th-century Crusader fortress built on a small island just off the coast, connected to the shore by a narrow stone causeway, its towers rising directly from the Mediterranean. Walking through its vaulted halls, your guide recounts the dramatic story of Crusader occupation, Mamluk sieges, and the Phoenician harbour that once made Sidon one of the most powerful trading cities of the ancient world. The sea views from the ramparts are among the finest on the Lebanese coast.
30 minutes here · Admission not included
Sidon Souks
Step into one of Lebanon's most authentically preserved traditional markets — narrow stone-vaulted alleyways where spice merchants, goldsmiths, fabric traders, and artisan workshops have occupied the same spaces for centuries. Unlike the restored souks of Beirut, Sidon's old market is entirely real — alive, trading, and unchanged in its essential character from the Ottoman era. A sensory experience that most visitors remember as one of the highlights of their Lebanon trip.
30 minutes here
Visit the world's only museum dedicated to the ancient art of olive oil soap-making — a Sidonian craft practiced continuously for over a thousand years. Housed in a beautifully restored khan within the old city, the museum traces the full journey from olive grove to finished soap cake, with exhibits showing the traditional methods that made Sidon's soap famous across the Mediterranean world and as far as Europe.
30 minutes here · Admission not included
Khan al-Franj
End your time in Sidon at the grand 17th-century caravanserai commissioned by Emir Fakhreddine II to accommodate European merchants along the Silk Road — wide arcaded courtyards, vaulted galleries, and carved stone facades that make Khan el Franj one of the finest pieces of Ottoman-era architecture in Lebanon.
15 minutes here
Al-Bass Archaeological Site
Arrive in Tyre and enter one of the most complete and most atmospheric Roman archaeological sites in the entire Mediterranean world. The Al-Bass complex reveals ancient Tyre in extraordinary detail — a monumental triumphal arch marking the entrance to a colonnaded street that once lined the main road into the city, flanked by sarcophagi and tomb monuments from the ancient necropolis. Beyond it, the Tyre Hippodrome — one of the largest ever built in the Roman world, seating up to 20,000 spectators for chariot races on its 480-metre track. Walking the full length of the hippodrome today, past the original starting gates and turning posts, is one of the most immersive Roman experiences in the Middle East. Your guide brings the full story of Phoenician and Roman Tyre to life within this extraordinary landscape of ancient stone.
60 minutes here · Admission not included
Tyre
Lunch in Tyre — included A well-earned lunch at a local Tyre restaurant — fresh Lebanese mezze and seafood served steps from the Mediterranean, with the ancient city as your backdrop. Fully included in your tour price.
60 minutes here
The day's final and most spiritually resonant stop — the hilltop village of Maghdouché, where Christian tradition holds that the Virgin Mary waited in a cave while Jesus preached in nearby Sidon. The name Mantara means "the one who waits" in Arabic — and the cave sanctuary here has been a place of pilgrimage for centuries, revered equally by Christians and Muslims across Lebanon and the wider region. The Basilica of Our Lady of Mantara stands above the ancient cave, and the panoramic views from the hilltop over the southern Lebanese coast and the mountains of the interior offer a fittingly serene and beautiful end to a day that began at the edge of the Mediterranean in Sidon.
30 minutes here
Beirut
Return to Beirut — approx. 5:30–6:00 PM North along the coastal highway back to Beirut with drop-off at your hotel — completing a full day through the Phoenician, Crusader, Roman, and sacred landscapes of South Lebanon, with every meal already taken care of.
Pass by without stopping
Where it starts and ends
Hotel pickup
Pickup is included for all travelers. Pickup begins about 30 minutes before departure.
Options you can book
GUIDED TOUR WITHOUT LUNCH
Lunch & Tickets not included: Please note this option does not include the Lunch and tickets. This cost goes on your own. Duration: 8 hours Pickup included
GUIDED TOUR WITH LUNCH
Tickets are not included: Please note this option does not include tickets. This cost goes on your own. Duration: 8 hours Lunch included: The lunch is included in the price of the tour Pickup included
Before you book
- Cancellation
- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Languages
- ar, en
- Ticket
- Mobile Only
- Runs on
- Mon, Thu, Sat
- Group size
- Up to 15 travelers per booking
- Operated by
- Lebanon Tours & travels
Know before you go
- Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
Photos
What travelers are saying
Outty’s summary of the themes that recur across 44 traveler reviews. Written by us, not quoted from reviewers.
The guide
9 mentionsTravelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
Knowledge and storytelling
5 mentionsReviewers describe the commentary as informative rather than scripted.
Organization
2 mentionsPickup, timing, and logistics are described as running smoothly.
Food and drink
2 mentionsThe tastings and food stops are a highlight for most reviewers.
Traveler reviews
44 verified traveler reviews for Sidon, Tyre & Maghdouche Small-Group Tour | Lunch Included. Ratings and reviews provided by Viator and Tripadvisor.
It was a lovely day out...
It was a lovely day out to see the southern part of Lebanon. Paula, our guide, is knowledgeable and friendly. I learnt so much about the history and recent development of Lebanon during our journey. By the way, lunch was wonderful with good companies.
via Viator
Past and present history with Mike - perfect day
Very interesting day with mike, who was well-known not only with roman and islamic history, but also with Lebanon aa a whole in the recent past years. Thank you very much!
via Tripadvisor
Sidon's sea castle, the soap factory museum, the Souks. Tyre Necropolis and Hippodrome. Our Lady of Awaiting church in Maghdouc
I got to see all these places of the South thanks to my driver Albert who also helped me get to the Saint Nicholas church in Sidon. I liked a lot our conversations in the car and he was very helpful to answer my questions about my trip to Lebanon in general. The people from the company know the historical and cultural landmarks and get you to see them in just a day. By evening you are back in Beirut, something very convenient for me. I recommend it 100%.
via Tripadvisor
Second Time, Another Beautiful Experience
This was my second tour with Lebanese Travel Agency and, once again, it was an amazing experience. Albert guided us through Sidon and Tyre, including the old market, and shared priceless insights throughout the day. His presence, knowledge, and kindness made the tour truly special. Mateo also gave clear and detailed explanations at each site, showing great preparation and passion. As always, lunch was included — we ate at a local restaurant where the food was both abundant and delicious. You can really feel how much they care about their work. Thanks to them, Lebanon became an unforgettable memory for me.
Response from the operator: Thank you! We’re so happy you had another amazing experience with us. Albert and Mateo will be overjoyed to hear your kind words. We’re thrilled Lebanon has become such a special memory for you!
via Tripadvisor
Great experience to have the tour in Lebanon
It was a great trip, the guide is very professional and the offer was good. I think it is a good time to visit Lebanon. I would recommend this tour firm and go with them again.
Response from the operator: Thank you, Jason! We're so glad you had a great time and appreciated the tour. It was a pleasure having you with us, and we’d love to see you again on your next visit to Lebanon! 🌟
via Tripadvisor
Good to know
- Duration
- 9 hours
- Free cancellation
- Up to 24h before
- Minimum age to book
- All ages
- Availability
- Bookable today
- Runs on
- Mon, Thu, Sat
- Price range
- $45 to $119
- Hotel pickup
- Included for all travelers
- Booked in 30 days
- 15
- Verdict
- Exceptional
Who runs this experience
Operated by Lebanon Tours & travels, who run 28 experiences we rank across 1 city, with an average Outty Ranking of 62.9 and 2 in the 90+ Club.
See everything Lebanon Tours & travels runsWhy this scores 85
The Outty Ranking is a weighted composite. Here is how this experience performed on each component.
Sidon, Tyre & Maghdouche Small-Group Tour | Lunch Included: questions travelers ask
Practical detail on this experience, plus the wider planning questions for Beirut.
How much does Sidon, Tyre & Maghdouche Small-Group Tour | Lunch Included cost?
+
Prices start at $45 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 Sidon, Tyre & Maghdouche Small-Group Tour | Lunch Included take?
+
Plan for about 9 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 Sidon, Tyre & Maghdouche Small-Group Tour | Lunch Included worth it?
+
It holds an Outty Ranking of 85 out of 100, which we label "Exceptional". That score blends traveler sentiment (5/5 across 44 reviews), the depth of that review evidence, recent booking momentum, value for money against comparable last minute in Beirut, and how flexible the cancellation terms are.
Can I cancel or reschedule Sidon, Tyre & Maghdouche Small-Group Tour | Lunch Included?
+
Yes. Cancel free up to 24 hours before the start time for a full refund. Inside that window the booking is non-refundable, and no-shows are not refunded.
Is Sidon, Tyre & Maghdouche Small-Group Tour | Lunch Included suitable for kids and families?
+
Yes, all ages are welcome. Families should still weigh the 9-hour running time, and strollers are easier on the earlier, quieter departures.
How far in advance should I book Sidon, Tyre & Maghdouche Small-Group Tour | Lunch Included?
+
Around 15 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?
+
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 9-hour experience runs outdoors or after sunset.
Where does Sidon, Tyre & Maghdouche Small-Group Tour | Lunch Included start and how do I get there?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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?
+
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 Sidon, Tyre & Maghdouche Small-Group Tour | Lunch Included?
+
Included: Comfortable transportation; Hotel pickup and drop-off; Lunch; Small group sizes; and In-vehicle air conditioning. Not included: Entrance fees; Entrance fees; and Entrance fees. Always check the voucher for the final list before you travel.
Does Sidon, Tyre & Maghdouche Small-Group Tour | Lunch Included include hotel pickup?
+
Yes, pickup is offered for every traveler from 176 listed pickup locations in and around Beirut. Be ready about 30 minutes before the start time. You can also enter a custom pickup address when booking.
What languages is Sidon, Tyre & Maghdouche Small-Group Tour | Lunch Included offered in?
+
It is offered in Arabic and 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 Sidon, Tyre & Maghdouche Small-Group Tour | Lunch Included?
+
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 Sidon, Tyre & Maghdouche Small-Group Tour | Lunch Included wheelchair or stroller accessible?
+
The operator notes: Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap. If accessibility is critical, contact the operator after booking to confirm arrangements for your date.
What happens to Sidon, Tyre & Maghdouche Small-Group Tour | Lunch Included if the weather is bad?
+
It generally runs rain or shine, so dress for the forecast in Beirut. Standard cancellation terms apply: free cancellation up to 24 hours before the start.
What do travelers say about Sidon, Tyre & Maghdouche Small-Group Tour | Lunch Included?
+
Across 44 reviews averaging 5.0 out of 5, recurring themes include the guide, knowledge and storytelling, organization. Travelers single out the guide as the reason the experience works.
What booking options are available for Sidon, Tyre & Maghdouche Small-Group Tour | Lunch Included?
+
There are 2 options to choose from, including GUIDED TOUR WITHOUT LUNCH, GUIDED TOUR WITH LUNCH. Prices and start times differ by option, so compare them on the booking screen.
Ready to lock in your spot?
Pick a date, choose your group, and see the exact price for Sidon, Tyre & Maghdouche Small-Group Tour | Lunch Included.
Pick your date
