Highlights of Lebanon & Jordan

(10 Days - Departs Daily on a Private Basis)
Beirut & Byblos, Chouf Mountains & Beiteddine Palace, Baalbek, Amman & Jerash, King's Highway, Petra, Wadi Rum, Dead Sea

This private luxury tour features the best cultural and scenic highlights of Lebanon and Jordan, including the most important archaeological sites in both destinations.

First, experience Beirut—one of the most exciting and sophisticated cities in the Middle East—like an insider on this in-depth private tour of the cultural and scenic highlights of the Lebanese capital and the surrounding regions. During flexible private touring with your expert guide and driver, visit Beirut's most interesting neighborhoods, museums and monuments. Tour the superb National Museum of Beirut, which has an impressive collection of archaeological artifacts, and the Sursock Museum, which exhibits modern and contemporary art in a beautiful historic villa. Explore the revitalized Beirut Central District, to see local landmarks such as the clock tower, Art Deco-style buildings, the Lebanese Parliament, Maronite and Greek Orthodox cathedrals, and the Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque. Visit top boutiques in Saifi Village and other neighborhoods to browse for local handicrafts such as carpets, jewelry, kaftans, slippers and housewares. See additional city highlights such as iconic Pigeon Rocks and the leafy campus of the American University of Beirut according to your interests. Also, enjoy reservations at the top restaurants in Beirut.

One day, enjoy a private excursion into the beautiful Chouf Mountains. Pass Druze villages and terraced farms en route to iconic Beiteddine Palace, an 18th-century complex built on a hillside overlooking a rural valley. Inside the palace—the summer residence of the Lebanese president—see spectacular decor such as stained-glass windows, Byzantine mosaics, and intricately carved wooden walls and ceilings. Perhaps have lunch at another historic hillside palace nearby. Also visit Deir al-Qamar, a centuries-old traditional hill town with mosques, palaces and a historical synagogue. Then, continue higher into the mountains to see the centuries-old trees in the Barouk Cedar Forest, part of the Al-Shouf Cedar Nature Reserve and a UNESCO Biosphere Reserve.

One night, enjoy private dinner transfers to and from the fashionable and ancient port city of Byblos. Stroll the town's bougainvillea-lined streets, perhaps browse shops in the souk, and enjoy reservations at a top restaurant on the picturesque harbor.

Another day, enjoy a private excursion to the Bekaa Valley to see the impressive Roman ruins of Baalbek, the most important archaeological site in Lebanon and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Walk through the remains of the colossal Temple of Jupiter and the well-preserved Temple of Bacchus, and explore the various courtyards and other architectural elements. En route back to Beirut, stop at Chateau Ksara, Lebanon's best-known winery, to taste some of the acclaimed red and white wines they produce in the Bekaa Valley.

Next, fly to Amman, the modern capital of Jordan. During private touring, see ancient Roman ruins and the impressive 8th-century Umayyad Palace complex atop the Citadel, the Jordan Museum, lively souks and shopping streets, and other cultural and culinary highlights of the city. Also explore Amman's best shops selling high-quality Jordanian crafts. Alternatively, take a private excursion into the verdant hills of northern Jordan to tour Jerash, one of the best-preserved Roman cities in the Middle East. See highlights such as Hadrian's Arch, the Oval Plaza, the Hippodrome, the theater and the Cardo, a colonnaded stone street once lined with shops.

Next, travel along the King's Highway, a historic route that passes through many fascinating cultural and natural attractions. During private touring en route, visit Mount Nebo and the Memorial Church of Moses to see exquisite Byzantine mosaics and panoramic views stretching down to the Dead Sea. If desired, also visit local mosaic workshops. Next, stop in Madaba to see the fascinating 6th-century mosaic map of the Holy Land, as well as the mosaics in the Madaba Archaeological Park. Enjoy a lunch of traditional Jordanian cuisine at a local restaurant. Also participate in a private cultural activity such as henna painting or writing Arabic calligraphy. Continue through Wadi Mujib, a dramatic desert canyon, and stop at impressive Kerak Castle, a 12th-century Crusader fortress perched on a hill. 

Continue to Petra, one of the world's most impressive archaeological sites. The Nabataeans created this ancient city by sculpting monuments and tombs into beautiful red sandstone mountains in the desert. During private touring of this fascinating ancient wonder, see Petra's most famous ruin—the iconic Treasury—and explore the atmospheric Siq (gorge). Also see impressive Royal Tombs and Roman ruins, and learn about the history, beliefs and architecture of the Nabataeans while exploring this UNESCO World Heritage Site. If desired, venture to other parts of the site such as the Monastery or the High Place of Sacrifice for unforgettable views over Petra. Also visit Little Petra, another desert canyon with Nabataean ruins. In the evening, perhaps opt for a memorable Petra by Night experience, including the opportunity to see the Siq and Treasury illuminated by hundreds of candles.

Next, take an excursion into Jordan's southern desert to explore the spectacular natural environment of Wadi Rum. Also known as the Valley of the Moon, this UNESCO-inscribed landscape is filled with red sand dunes, dramatic stone mountains, rock bridges and petroglyphs. The otherworldly landscapes have been used as filming locations in Lawrence of Arabia, The Martian and other movies.

En route to the Dead Sea, stop to take in breathtaking views over the hills and canyons of Dana Biosphere Reserve, a diverse landscape that's home to a wide range of flora and fauna. Continue to a luxurious resort overlooking the beautiful and mysterious Dead Sea. During your stay, enjoy the resort's lavish facilities, including a private beach that provides direct access to the Dead Sea where you can float in the mineral-rich water famous for its buoyancy and therapeutic qualities. Also enjoy the resort's spa, swimming pools, restaurants and lush grounds that spread over acres.

Booking Information >

All Artisans of Leisure tours are private and depart daily.

Please Contact Us for more information regarding the above tour, or to begin customizing your own itinerary.

The Artisans of Leisure Style of Travel:

• Private touring with your own personal guides and drivers
• Preferred rooms in the very best luxury hotels
• Firsthand, sophisticated destination knowledge and recommendations from our travel specialists
• Itineraries that are customized according to your interests and schedule
• Artisans of Leisure upgrades and amenities
• A seamless travel experience, including all logistics, skipping lines during touring whenever possible, restaurant and spa reservations, performance tickets, private airport transfers, internal transportation, VIP and fast-track airport assistance in many destinations
• Around-the-clock support in each destination during your trip
• Unique, insider travel experiences and access to the Artisans of Leisure network of experts around the world