Lebanon & Egypt Encounters Tour

The day includes Jeita Grotto, the cable-car journey to Harissa, the shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon and Baatara Gorge before travelling to Qadisha Valley for the overnight stay. Waterfall flow at Baatara is seasonal and should not be guaranteed year-round. The source specifies a monastery setting for the night but does not identify the individual monastery, so no name should be added.

Activities

• Jeita Grotto Explore the impressive Jeita Grotto, a vast network of limestone caves featuring striking stalactites and stalagmites. Depending on water levels, you may visit both the upper galleries on foot and the lower caves by boat.
• Our Lady of Lebanon, Harissa Visit the important Christian shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa and ascend by cable car to the hilltop basilica. From here, enjoy sweeping views across the Bay of Jounieh, one of the Middle East’s most beautiful coastlines.
• Baatara Gorge Discover the Baatara Gorge sinkhole, a dramatic cavern with three natural stone bridges and a seasonal 255-metre waterfall. The site offers spectacular views, short walking trails, and a chance to explore the surrounding mountain village of Douma.
• Jeita → Qadisha Valley Travel from Jeita into the mountains of northern Lebanon, passing rural villages and dramatic scenery. This drive ends in the historic Qadisha Valley, where you will spend the night in a local monastery or guesthouse.

Those interested may rise early this morning to join morning prayers with the monks of the monastery. After breakfast, there is time to explore the Qadisha Valley, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known as the Holy Valley, and the Holy River, Nahr Qadisha, flows through it. Many caves are found along its steep cliffs, used as shelters and burial sites in ancient times, and it's a great place for a short morning hike. The first stop after leaving the valley is the nearby village of Becharre, the birthplace of the iconic novelist and poet of Lebanon, Kahlil Gibran. The village contains a museum dedicated to him, featuring his paintings and manuscripts. Next comes the Cedars Ski Resort, famous for skiing and snowboarding. The area known as the Cedars of God is found nearby, and contains the last remaining groves of the cedar forests that once thrived in the region. The famous cedar trees of Lebanon - Cedrus Libani- are mentioned in the Old Testament and are the national symbol of the country. Later today you arrive in Byblos, an ancient Phoenician city that is thought to have been inhabited for up to 7000 years. Locally, the city is known as Jbeil and is another UNESCO World Heritage site. Byblos is filled with significant historical and archaeological sites, and also features a lovely Phoenician harbour.

Activities

• Qadisha Valley Enjoy a short morning hike through the Qadisha Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known for its dramatic cliffs and hidden monastic caves. The valley offers peaceful scenery, historic hermit sites, and beautiful natural landscapes.
• Gibran Museum Visit the Gibran Museum in Becharre, dedicated to the life and works of Lebanese poet and artist Kahlil Gibran. Explore his manuscripts, paintings, and personal belongings in the village where he was born.
• Cedars of God Forest Explore the Cedars of God, one of Lebanon’s last surviving ancient cedar groves mentioned in the Old Testament. This protected forest offers beautiful mountain scenery and a glimpse of the country’s national tree.
• Becharre → Byblos Drive from Becharre to the coastal city of Byblos, travelling through scenic mountain and valley roads. The route offers views of rural villages before descending to one of Lebanon’s oldest and most historic cities.

Begin in Byblos with visits to the historic harbour, old town and archaeological area before travelling inland to the Bekaa Valley. The afternoon is focused on Ksara Winery, including its underground cellar caves and a guided tasting. The day therefore combines coastal archaeology with a wine-related visit in the countryside, moving from ancient urban history to a long-established agricultural and production tradition.

Activities

• Byblos Ruins Explore the ancient ruins of Byblos, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Wander through its Phoenician, Roman, and Crusader remains while enjoying views of the harbour and medieval fortifications.
• Byblos → Ksara Travel from Byblos to the Ksara region, passing coastal landscapes and rolling inland hills. This scenic route leads you toward Lebanon’s historic wine-producing heartland.
• Ksara Winery Visit Chateau Ksara, Lebanon’s oldest winery, known for its vast cave tunnels used as natural cellars. Enjoy a guided tour of the historic site followed by a wine tasting session featuring the estate’s renowned varieties.
• Ksara → Zahlé Continue from Ksara to nearby Zahlé, a charming town in the Beqaa Valley. The short journey offers views of vineyards, fertile plains, and the surrounding mountains.

Visit Baalbek first and focus on its major Roman religious complex before travelling onwards to Anjar. The second site preserves an unusually clear example of Umayyad town planning, with public buildings, baths and commercial areas still visible. These two archaeological locations form the entire supported sightseeing programme, and the afternoon concludes with the drive back to Beirut without adding wineries or other Bekaa Valley stops.

Activities

• Zahlé → Baalbek Travel from Zahlé deeper into the Bekaa Valley to reach Baalbek. See fertile fields framed by surrounding mountain ranges.
• Visit Baalbek Temple Complex Explore the vast Baalbek temple complex, one of the greatest surviving examples of Roman architecture. Wander through monumental temples dedicated to Jupiter, Venus, and Mercury, each showcasing intricate stonework and extraordinary preservation.
• Baalbek → Anjar Drive from Baalbek to the nearby Umayyad site of Anjar. Cross the Bekaa Valley past orchards and villages.
• Anjar Ruins Visit the Umayyad ruins of Anjar, a planned 8th-century city built by Caliph Walid. Discover its mosques, palaces, baths, and over 600 ancient shops that once formed an important commercial hub in the Bekaa Valley.
• Anjar → Beirut Travel from Anjar back to Beirut through the scenic Bekaa Valley and surrounding mountains. This afternoon drive brings you to the city for your overnight stay.
• Beirut Enjoy free time after your arrival to settle into your hotel or explore the surrounding streets at your own pace. Beirut’s lively atmosphere offers plenty of cafés and shops within easy reach.

Begin in the Chouf Mountains with time in Deir al Qamar, a historic stone village that once served as Lebanon’s capital. Continue to Beiteddine Palace and explore its courtyards, mosaics and refined nineteenth-century architecture. Return to Beirut in the afternoon for a city tour including the Souks, Corniche, Downtown and Pigeon Grotto, combining mountain heritage with a broad introduction to the capital’s urban and coastal character.

Activities

• Beirut → Deir al Qamar Travel from Beirut into the Chouf Mountains toward the historic village of Deir al Qamar. The scenic drive passes traditional stone houses and terraced hillsides, offering a glimpse of rural Lebanese landscapes.
• Deir al Qamar Explore the charming UNESCO-listed village of Deir al Qamar, once the capital of Lebanon in the 17th century. Its narrow lanes, stone houses, and historic squares showcase the character and heritage of the Chouf region.
• Deir al Qamar → Beiteddine Palace Continue from Deir al Qamar to the nearby Beiteddine Palace through winding mountain roads. The short drive offers views of forested hills and traditional villages along the route.
• Beiteddine Palace Visit the 19th-century Beiteddine Palace, an architectural masterpiece built by Emir Bashir. Its ornate courtyards, arched halls, and preserved interiors reflect the luxury and craftsmanship of the Ottoman era.
• Beiteddine → Beirut Travel from Beiteddine back to Beirut, descending from the Chouf Mountains toward the Mediterranean coast. The drive offers changing scenery as rural landscapes give way to the vibrant capital.
• Beirut City Walk Take a city walk through Beirut, exploring its blend of modern architecture, historic quarters, and coastal scenery. Highlights include the Beirut Souks, the Corniche, downtown landmarks, and the famous Raouché Pigeon Rocks.

Travel through southern Lebanon with visits first in Tyre and then Sidon. Tyre provides the principal archaeological focus, while Sidon adds the Sea Castle, Great Mosque, Khan el Franj and old souks. After completing the scheduled sightseeing, continue north to Beirut. The day remains centred on the named Phoenician, Crusader and urban heritage sites without introducing additional stops beyond those provided.

Activities

• Beirut → Tyre Drive south from Beirut along the coast towards Tyre. The journey follows the Mediterranean shoreline past several coastal towns.
• Tyre Archaeological Site Explore the ancient city of Tyre, a UNESCO World Heritage Site rich in Phoenician and Roman history. The archaeological area showcases extensive ruins, coastal views, and centuries of cultural significance.
• Tyre → Sidon Leave Tyre and drive north to Sidon. The short coastal drive links two of Lebanon’s most historic ports.
• Sidon Sea Castle Visit Sidon, one of the oldest Phoenician cities, known for its Crusader Sea Castle and historic old town. Explore its mosques, old markets, and traditional caravanserai, reflecting centuries of coastal Lebanese culture.
• Sidon Great Mosque Visit the historic Sidon Great Mosque, a significant medieval Islamic landmark built over a former Crusader structure. Its courtyard, arches, and restored prayer hall reflect centuries of Lebanese coastal heritage.
• Khan el Franj Explore Khan el Franj, a 17th-century caravanserai built for merchants and travelers. Its stone courtyard and arcaded rooms offer insight into Sidon’s former role as a major Levantine trading hub.
• Sidon Old Souks Walk through Sidon’s atmospheric old souks, filled with traditional workshops, spice stalls, and local crafts. These narrow market streets reflect the city’s vibrant everyday culture and historic trading traditions.
• Sidon → Beirut Travel north from Sidon along the Mediterranean coast to reach Beirut. This scenic transfer links two of Lebanon’s most historic and vibrant cities.
• Beirut Enjoy free time after your arrival to settle into your hotel or explore the surrounding streets at your own pace. Beirut’s lively atmosphere offers plenty of cafés and shops within easy reach.

Arrive in Cairo and meet the local team at the airport, where assistance is provided with visas and luggage before the transfer to your city hotel. Once settled, the rest of the day is free to rest after travelling or explore nearby streets and cafés independently. The relaxed arrival gives you time to adjust to the capital before the organised sightseeing begins, while keeping the schedule free of fixed visits.

Activities

• Cairo International Airport Arrival at Cairo International Airport with meet & assist for visa and luggage handling.
• Cairo Airport to City Hotel Enjoy a comfortable transfer from Cairo International Airport to your city hotel. Sit back and take in your first glimpses of Egypt’s bustling capital as you travel through its lively streets.
• Cairo Enjoy some leisure time in Cairo to relax, explore local cafés, or take in the city’s vibrant streets before continuing your journey.

Departing Beirut: Airport Transfer & Flight to Cairo

Transfer from the Beirut hotel to Beirut International Airport and board the scheduled flight to Cairo. The source confirms the hotel transfer and international flight but does not specify sightseeing, meals, a Cairo airport transfer or activities after landing, so none should be added. The collection is focused on departure from Beirut and the air journey to Egypt’s capital.

Activities

• Beirut → Airport Transfer from your Beirut hotel to Beirut International Airport for your onward flight. This short drive marks the start of your travel day as you depart Lebanon and head to Egypt.
• Beirut → Cairo Fly from Beirut to Cairo to begin the Egypt section of your tour. This cross-country flight brings you from Lebanon’s coastline to the heart of Egypt, where your local team will be waiting on arrival.

Spend time at Giza among the pyramids and Sphinx before visiting the Grand Egyptian Museum with an Egyptologist. The museum contains an enormous collection, so the scheduled visit focuses on selected highlights, with an optional re-visit package available for those wishing to explore further during later free time. In the evening, transfer to the station for the approximately 12-hour sleeper train to Aswan, including dinner and a private twin-berth compartment.

Activities

• Great Pyramids of Giza Stand in awe before the Great Pyramids of Giza, the last remaining Wonder of the Ancient World. Learn about its construction and the pharaohs who built these monumental tombs that have stood for over 4,000 years.
• Great Sphinx of Giza Marvel at the enigmatic Great Sphinx, guarding the plateau with its lion’s body and human face. This ancient monument is one of Egypt’s most enduring symbols, shrouded in mystery and legend.
• Grand Egyptian Museum Explore the world-renowned Grand Egyptian Museum (GEM), home to one of the greatest collections of ancient artefacts including the treasures of Tutankhamun. Your visit offers a fascinating glimpse into Egypt’s royal past.
• Cairo → Aswan Board the overnight sleeper train from Cairo’s historic Ramses Station for a relaxing journey south to Aswan. Enjoy a private berth, dinner service, and the rhythmic motion of the rails as you travel through Egypt’s timeless desert landscapes.

Reach Aswan and visit Philae Temple before continuing to the Nubian village experience. The temple introduces the ancient religious heritage of the region, while the village visit shifts the focus to living Nubian culture along the Nile. Together, the two visits provide contrasting perspectives on southern Egypt without adding activities beyond the temple and community experience.

Activities

• Aswan Arrive in the serene riverside city of Aswan, where the Nile flows wide and calm. This laid-back southern gateway to ancient Nubia welcomes you with warm sunshine, friendly locals, and stunning river views.
• Philae Temple Sail across the Nile to the magnificent Philae Temple, dedicated to the goddess Isis. This beautiful island sanctuary is one of Egypt’s most atmospheric sites, with intricate carvings and tranquil surroundings that tell stories of ancient devotion.
• Nubian Village Experience Sail along the Nile on a relaxing trip to a traditional Nubian village where you’ll spend the night at a Nubian style guesthouse. Discover vibrant mud-brick homes painted in bold colours, meet friendly locals, and experience authentic Nubian hospitality that reflects centuries of culture along the river.

Sail from Aswan on a traditional felucca and spend the night aboard as the journey continues along the Nile. Palm-lined banks, desert landscapes and riverside settlements provide the scenery during the day, while the slower pace offers a different perspective on Upper Egypt. The overnight stay keeps the experience centred on the river itself before travelling onwards the following day.

Activities

• Aswan to Downstream Board a traditional felucca and drift downstream along the Nile, taking in serene views of palm-lined banks and timeless Nubian landscapes. This slow, graceful sail captures the essence of the Egyptian River experience.
• Aswan Spend a peaceful night aboard a traditional felucca, drifting down the Nile beneath a canopy of stars. This authentic sailing experience offers a rare glimpse of Egypt’s timeless river life.

Begin with a morning sail on the Nile aboard a traditional felucca and enjoy the quiet river scenery before stepping ashore to visit Edfu Temple. Explore the well-preserved sanctuary dedicated to Horus, then continue north towards Luxor as the journey moves from river travel into one of Egypt’s richest archaeological regions. The day combines relaxed sailing with one major temple visit and onward travel to the next destination.

Activities

• Aswan Disembark your traditional felucca in Aswan after a scenic journey along the Nile. Meet your road transport and prepare to continue north toward Edfu.
• Aswan → Edfu Travel by road from Aswan to Edfu, passing rural villages and Nile-side farmland. This northbound drive leads to one of Egypt’s most impressive and best-preserved temples.
• Temple of Edfu Explore the magnificent Temple of Horus in Edfu, one of Egypt’s best-preserved ancient temples. Dedicated to the falcon god Horus, its towering columns and hieroglyphs offer a vivid glimpse into Ptolemaic-era craftsmanship.
• Edfu → Luxor Travel along the scenic Nile Valley as you journey from Edfu to Luxor. Enjoy views of fertile farmlands, small riverside villages, and glimpses of ancient temples that line this historic route.
• Luxor Temple at Night Explore the magnificent Luxor Temple under the night sky, when its ancient columns and hieroglyphs are bathed in golden light. The illuminated complex creates a magical atmosphere that brings Egypt’s history vividly to life.

Cross the Nile to the West Bank of Luxor this morning, a realm steeped in ancient history and shrouded in the mystique of pharaohs and their eternal resting places. Exploration begins at the Valley of the Kings, a vast necropolis where generations of pharaohs were laid to rest in elaborately decorated tombs; venture into several of these tombs and marvel at the vibrant hieroglyphs and intricate paintings that adorn their walls, chambers that continue to reveal their secrets to archaeologists and make this one of the most significant archaeological sites in the world. The West Bank adventure continues at Deir el-Medina, a fascinating village that was once home to the skilled artisans who constructed and decorated the royal tombs, where you explore the remains of this ancient community and gain insights into the lives of the workers and their families. Next, be captivated by the Temple of Queen Hatshepsut, a unique mortuary temple built into the cliffs whose elegant colonnades and terraces offer stunning views of the surrounding landscape, and no visit to the West Bank would be complete without encountering the Colossi of Memnon, two colossal statues that have stood guard over the Theban necropolis for millennia. In the afternoon, cross back to the East Bank to explore the sprawling complex of Karnak Temple, dedicated to the Theban Triad of Amun, Mut and Khonsu and a masterpiece of ancient Egyptian architecture, where you wander through vast courtyards, admire towering columns and decipher the intricate carvings that adorn the walls while your guide unravels the temple’s complex history, revealing its secrets and explaining its significance as a religious and cultural centre for over 2,000 years. For those seeking an unforgettable experience, an optional hot air balloon flight over the West Bank is available this morning, soaring above the Valley of the Kings, the temples and the Nile as the sun rises and paints the landscape in golden hues; expect an early start to catch the sunrise. This holdings gathers the royal tombs, artisans’ homes, temples and colossi that shaped the glory of Thebes.

Activities

• Valley of the Kings Explore the legendary Valley of the Kings, burial site of Egypt’s greatest pharaohs, including Tutankhamun. Step inside beautifully painted tombs that reveal stories of the afterlife and royal power.
• Deir el-Medina Discover Deir el-Medina, the ancient village of artisans who built and decorated the royal tombs. Its beautifully preserved wall paintings and workers’ homes reveal the daily life of Egypt’s master craftsmen.
• Temple of Hatshepsut Admire the stunning mortuary temple of Queen Hatshepsut, one of ancient Egypt’s most remarkable female rulers. Set beneath dramatic cliffs, its elegant terraces celebrate her reign and divine legacy.
• Colossi of Memnon Marvel at the towering Colossi of Memnon, twin statues of Pharaoh Amenhotep III that have watched over the Theban Necropolis for more than 3,000 years. A breathtaking photo stop amid Luxor’s open-air history.
• Karnak Temple Wander through the awe-inspiring Karnak Temple complex, an enormous sanctuary dedicated to Amun-Ra. Its forest of columns, sacred lake, and intricate reliefs capture the grandeur of Egypt’s New Kingdom.

Travel overland from Luxor to Hurghada and experience the change from the Nile Valley to the Red Sea coast. The road journey occupies the main part of the day, followed by free time at the resort after arrival. Use the remaining hours to rest and enjoy the coastal surroundings, while any locally arranged marine activities remain personal choices rather than scheduled experiences.

Activities

• Luxor → Hurghada Travel across the Eastern Desert from Luxor to Hurghada, watching the golden landscape unfold as you approach the Red Sea coast, a scenic drive linking ancient wonders with seaside relaxation.
• Hurghada Relax and unwind along the Red Sea in Hurghada. Enjoy resort facilities, stroll the palm-lined promenade, or take an optional walk through the city’s Old Town to experience local life.

Enjoy a blissful free day in Hurghada, where turquoise waters and golden beaches invite you to unwind. Spend the day soaking up the sun, swimming, or exploring the vibrant marine life beneath the waves. Whether you choose to relax at your resort or join optional excursions for snorkelling, diving, or desert adventures, Hurghada offers the perfect balance of leisure and discovery on Egypt’s Red Sea coast.

Activities

• Free Day – Hurghada Spend a leisurely day at your resort or by the Red Sea. Swim, snorkel, or simply lounge in the sunshine, the perfect pause to recharge before continuing your Egyptian adventure.

Leave Hurghada and travel from the Red Sea back to Cairo, where you check into a centrally located hotel before heading out for an afternoon walking tour. Explore traditional market streets associated with metalwork, spices, pottery and textiles, pass through Bab al-Futuh and continue towards Khan el-Khalili. Time for mint tea, shisha and independent souvenir browsing brings the evening to a relaxed close within Cairo’s historic commercial quarter.

Activities

• Hurghada → Cairo Enjoy a scenic overland drive from the Red Sea resort town of Hurghada to Egypt’s bustling capital, Cairo. Pass through vast desert landscapes and glimpse local villages along the way, a journey that beautifully contrasts the calm coast with the energy of the city.
• Old Cairo Bazaars Take a guided walk through Old Cairo’s atmospheric back streets, passing traditional workshops and specialty market lanes. This route offers an authentic glimpse into the city’s historic trading culture.
• Bab al-Futuh Gate Explore Bab al-Futuh, one of the monumental medieval gateways to Old Cairo. The gate’s towers and thick stone walls mark the historic northern entrance to the city’s ancient market district.
• Khan El Khalili Bazaar Wander through the lively Khan El Khalili Bazaar, Cairo’s most famous marketplace. Explore its maze of alleys filled with crafts, spices, jewellery, textiles, and traditional cafés offering a glimpse into Egypt’s vibrant heritage.

Your time is free today for some last minute sightseeing or shopping until your transfer to the airport for your departure flight. If you have an afternoon or evening flight departure, then a half-day tour of Coptic Cairo and the Citadel is available today, or you could take another half-day tour to learn more about the evolution of pyramid building at Saqqara, Dashour & Memphis. tours are also available today. Alternatively you can add extra nights to your time in Cairo which would allow you to take a day trip to the colonial city of Alexandria on the Mediterranean coast, or a trip into the desert outside Cairo to see the World Heritage Site of the Valley of the Whales at Wadi Rayan.

Activities

• Cairo Enjoy some leisure time in Cairo to relax, explore local cafés, or take in the city’s vibrant streets before continuing your journey.
• Cairo Hotel to Airport Transfer from your Cairo hotel to the airport for your departing flight. Reflect on your unforgettable journey through Egypt as you bid farewell to this historic land.