Sidon, Tyre, and Maghdouche Tour

Tour overview

Sidon, also known as Saida, is a historic coastal city located in southern Lebanon. It is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, with a history dating back over 6,000 years. Sidon has a rich cultural heritage and is known for its ancient ruins, historic sites, and bustling souks (markets).

1- Sidon Sea Castle: The Sidon Sea Castle is a fortress located on the coast of the city. The castle was built by the Crusaders in the 13th century and has been used as a prison and military base throughout its history. Today, visitors can explore the castle’s walls, towers, and tunnels, and enjoy the beautiful views of the sea and city.

2- Khan al-Franj: Khan al-Franj is a 17th-century caravanserai (inn) located in the heart of Sidon’s old city. The building was originally used as a trading post for European merchants and features beautiful Ottoman-style architecture, with several courtyards, arches, and columns.

3- Sidon Souks: The Sidon Souks are a network of traditional markets located in the old city. The souks are famous for their colorful stalls, exotic smells, and wide variety of goods, including spices, textiles, and handicrafts.

4- Eshmoun Temple: The Eshmoun Temple is an ancient temple located just outside the city of Sidon. The temple dates back to the 7th century BC and was dedicated to the Phoenician god of healing, Eshmun. Visitors can explore the temple’s ruins, which include several columns, walls, and a sacred pool.

Tyre, also known as Sour, is a coastal city in southern Lebanon with a history dating back over 5,000 years. It was once a major center of the Phoenician civilization and was later ruled by the Persians, Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines. Today, Tyre is known for its historic ruins, beautiful beaches, and lively markets.

1- Tyre Hippodrome: The Tyre Hippodrome is a large arena that was used for chariot races during the Roman period. Built in the 2nd century AD, it was one of the largest hippodromes in the Roman Empire and could seat up to 20,000 spectators. It’s believed to have been a center for entertainment and spectacle during the Roman era, and visitors can explore the arena’s arches, tunnels, and seating areas, as well as enjoy the beautiful views of the Mediterranean Sea.

2- Al-Bass Archaeological Site: The Al-Bass Archaeological Site is an ancient Phoenician city that was once the center of the Tyrian civilization. It’s believed to have been founded around 2750 BC, and over the centuries it was ruled by the Persians, Greeks, Romans, and Byzantines. Today, visitors can see several ruins at the site, including a Roman triumphal arch, a necropolis, and several temples dedicated to the Phoenician gods.

3- Tyre Island: Tyre Island is a small island located just off the coast of Tyre. It was once a major center of the Phoenician civilization and has a history dating back over 5,000 years. In ancient times, the island was used as a quarry for the famous Tyrian purple dye, which was made from the murex snail. During the siege of Tyre in 332 BC, Alexander the Great used the rubble from the destroyed mainland city to build a causeway to the island, where he famously took the city after a seven-month siege. Today, visitors can explore the island’s historic ruins, including a Roman aqueduct and a Byzantine church, as well as enjoy its beautiful beaches and crystal-clear waters.

Maghdouche is a historic town located in southern Lebanon, about 50 kilometers south of Beirut. It is known for its rich cultural and religious heritage, including several important sites that attract visitors from around the world.

Our Lady of Mantara: Our Lady of Mantara is a Marian shrine located on a hill overlooking Maghdouche. According to local legend, the Virgin Mary appeared on this spot to Saint Charbel, a famous Lebanese saint, and gave him a message of hope and healing. The shrine is a popular pilgrimage site, and visitors come from far and wide to pray and seek blessings.