About this experience
Get ready for a rich first encounter with the 'Arab Paris': you will see how the East coexists with the West here, and glass and concrete houses blend with traditional ones. At the beginning of the tour, we will walk through Downtown on the coast, where you will dive into the history of Beirut, see the main mosques, and squares. In the second part, you will visit two museums to explore ancient Lebanese art and admire beautiful minerals. And in the end, you will have a complete picture of Beirut's past and present.
What to Expect
Walk through the heart of Beirut into its past
Get to know the capital of Lebanon starting in the Downtown area on the northern coast - the bustling financial and trade center of the country. I will tell you about the historical path of one of the oldest cities in the world: development during the time of Ancient Rome, Turkish and French Beirut, the destructions of the Civil War, and the modern life of the capital. The route includes all the main attractions: the Al-Amin Mosque built in the 21st century, the oldest Al-Omari Mosque, the Orthodox Church of St. George housing traces of a Byzantine church, and the ruins of Roman baths; Star and Martyrs Squares - you will learn about the construction and significance of each place.
Beirut's Contrasts and Museum Treasures
The tour continues by car: we will drive through the residential neighborhoods of the city, where you will see how modern skyscrapers in Beirut coexist with traditional stone houses. And then you will visit two main Beirut museums.
- The National Museum will introduce you to a collection of artifacts from prehistoric times to the 14th century AD. You will admire glass, copper, and gold items; statues, coins, vases, mosaics, and exhibits from the 'world of the dead'. We will discuss the discovery of key items, Phoenician legends, the significance of sarcophagi, and the museum's history during the Civil War period.
- At the Mineral Museum, you will marvel at the most beautiful fossils in the world, see how they grow and move with special effects. You will learn how minerals are formed and why scientists studying them are so eager to explore them in Lebanon.
Organizational Details
- Part of the tour will be conducted in my car. Transportation expenses are included in the price.
- Museum tickets are not included in the price: National Museum - $4; Mineral Museum - $4.
- I will pick you up at your hotel.
