Recently Viewed
Small Group Tour: Discover Ancient Roman Wonders, Baalbek, Anjar and Ksara
5.0
1 Rating
Baalbek
Embark on a small group tour to discover the ancient wonders of Baalbek, Anjar, and Ksara. Explore Roman temples, a Umayyad site, and indulge in Lebanese wine and cuisine.
Duration:
8 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
learn more
Highlights
- Baalbek - Baalbek is home to the Baalbek temple complex, which includes two of the largest and most magnificent Roman temple ruins: the Temple of Bacchus and the Temple of Jupiter. It was designated a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1984. This Phoenician city, known as Heliopolis during the Hellenistic period, was a place where a triad of deities was worshipped. It maintained its religious significance during Roman times, attracting thousands of pilgrims to the sanctuary of the Heliopolitan Jupiter. Baalbek, with its massive structures, stands as one of the finest examples of Imperial Roman architecture at its peak.
- Temples of Baalbek - The temple complex at Baalbek is situated at the base of the southwestern slope of Anti-Lebanon, adjacent to the fertile Bekaa plain at an altitude of 1150 meters. The city of Baalbek reached its zenith during Roman times. Its monumental constructions, built over more than two centuries, make it one of the most renowned sanctuaries of the Roman world and a model of Imperial Roman architecture. Pilgrims flocked to the sanctuary to honor the three deities, known as the Romanized Triad of Heliopolis, a primarily Phoenician cult (Jupiter, Venus, and Bacchus).
- Sayyida Khawla Shrine - The Mosque of Sayyida Khawla in Baalbek, Lebanon, is built on the site where Sayyida Khawla, the daughter of Imam al-Hussein and the granddaughter of the Prophet Muhammad, is believed to be buried. Locals believe that when the caravan of Karbala captives passed through Baalbek, Khawla, the daughter of Imam al-Hussein, died and was buried there.
- Stone of the Pregnant Woman - The Stone of the Pregnant Woman is a carved Roman monolith in Baalbek, Lebanon. Along with another ancient stone block nearby, it is among the largest monoliths ever quarried. These two building blocks were likely intended for the nearby Roman temple complex and are characterized by a monolithic gigantism that was unmatched in antiquity.
- Anjar - The city of Anjar was established by Caliph Walid I at the start of the 8th century. The ruins display a very regular layout, reminiscent of ancient palace-cities, and provide a unique insight into city planning under the Umayyads.
- Umayyad Ruins of Aanjar - The Umayyad Ruins of Aanjar offer an exceptional example of the Umayyad civilization and serve as a good representation of an inland commercial center at the crossroads of two significant routes: one from Beirut to Damascus and the other crossing the Bekaa from Homs to Tiberias. This ancient city’s site was only discovered by archaeologists in the late 1940s. The ruins of Anjar include the walls of the Umayyad palace, harems, a mosque, the great palace of the Caliph, thermal baths, and numerous pillars that incorporate elements of Roman architectural style.
- Chateau Ksara - Château Ksara is a winery in the Beqaa Valley, Lebanon, founded in 1857 by Jesuit priests. Château Ksara developed Lebanon’s first dry wine and produces approximately 3 million bottles annually. Its wines are exported to over 40 countries.
What's Included
- Lunch
- Hotel Pick up & Drop off
- In-vehicle air conditioning
- Professional Guide
What's Not Included
- Gratuities
Additional Information
Discover the enduring charm of the ancient world with the Roman Empire of Baalbek, through this exclusive small group tour. A local guide will familiarize you with the grand temples dedicated to Jupiter, Bacchus, and Venus. Along the expedition, explore the singular Umayyad site established by Caliph Walid I in the early 8th century. Subsequently, indulge in the taste of authentic Lebanese wine at one of the country’s oldest and renowned wineries. Immortalize your journey through pictures and savor a native Lebanese lunch. The comfort of a small group and doorstep pickup and drop-off service ensures a personal and relaxed trip.
Location
Baalbek
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
5.0
(1 Rating)
5 stars
4 stars
3 stars
2 stars
1 star
909kayat
Apr 8, 2024
Perfect daily tour in Bekaa Valley - Our guide Mike was very polite. He answered all the questions we asked in detail. The local guides in the historical places were very helpful. The lunch in Zahle which is included in the tour was extraordinary. If you arrive Beirut, this tour is one of the best in the region.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
More activities from this operator
