After diving deep into the layered history, stunning landscapes, and incredible cuisine of this nation, I am convinced this 10 days in Lebanon road trip is one of the most rewarding adventures you can take in the Middle East. Lebanon packs more diversity per square mile than countries ten times its size, meaning you will find ancient Roman temples, cedar forests that have stood for millennia, vibrant coastal cities, and a food scene that will ruin you for Mediterranean cuisine anywhere else. Yes, you have probably heard about the challenges the country faces, but the reality on the ground for travelers is far more nuanced than headlines suggest, and this guide will give you the practical knowledge to navigate your Lebanon road trip confidently.
Before you go: Essential logistics for your Lebanon road trip
The financial landscape here is unique and requires specific preparation to ensure your 10 days in Lebanon road trip runs smoothly without monetary hiccups. Lebanon’s banking crisis has created a financial situation you absolutely need to grasp before arrival, as the country operates on a cash-based “Fresh Dollar” economy where your physical USD bills are worth significantly more than the Lebanese Pound or old bank dollars.
Understanding the Fresh Dollar economy
Bring crisp, new design USD bills to fund your Lebanon road trip expenses. Vendors regularly reject older or torn currency, so ensure your bills are pristine. You should pack a mix of $100 bills for exchange and smaller denominations like $1, $5, $10, and $20 for direct payments.
Many places lack USD change, and receiving change in Lebanese Pounds can work against you if the exchange rate shifts during your 10 days in Lebanon road trip. Credit cards generally only work at luxury establishments in Beirut, so cash is truly king throughout your journey.
Getting connected on your road trip
The moment you clear customs at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, head straight to the Touch or Alfa kiosks in arrivals. These are the two primary telecom providers you will rely on during your 10 days in Lebanon road trip.
They offer specific visitor bundles ranging from $13 to $19 USD for approximately 10GB of data and local minutes. You will need your passport for SIM registration, as they will do a facial scan and activate it immediately. While eSIMs are available, local SIMs provide better connectivity for the navigation apps essential for a successful Lebanon road trip.
To drive or not to drive
The keyword here is “road trip,” but let me be straight with you about the driving situation you will face on a 10 days in Lebanon road trip. The aggressive driving culture, unpredictable roadblocks, lack of street lighting due to power cuts, and challenging mountain navigation make self-driving a real consideration.
Self-driving costs between $30 and $60 per day and gives you autonomy. However, hiring a private driver for your Lebanon road trip often proves superior for safety and cultural depth. Your driver becomes your fixer, navigating military checkpoints and providing context no GPS can offer.
Day 1: Beirut – Where resilience meets incredible food
Start your 10 days in Lebanon road trip in the country’s beating heart. Beirut is layered, complex, and utterly captivating—a city where bullet-scarred buildings stand beside reconstructed Ottoman mosques and trendy cafes.
Morning: Downtown’s historical contradictions
Begin at Martyrs’ Square, the epicenter of political life where the statue still bears Civil War bullet holes. Walk to the Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque, whose Ottoman-inspired architecture touches the Saint George Maronite Cathedral.
This proximity is a powerful visual representation of the sectarian coexistence you will witness throughout your Lebanon road trip. Beneath the cathedral, a crypt museum reveals Roman and Byzantine Beirut layers that are essential viewing.
Lunch: Le Chef in Gemmayze
For authentic home cooking on your 10 days in Lebanon road trip, lunch at Le Chef is non-negotiable. This legendary Gemmayze spot gained global fame after Anthony Bourdain’s visit.
Travelers consistently rave about the “Hummus with Meat” and daily home-style dishes. What makes Le Chef special for your Lebanon road trip itinerary is its survival story; the restaurant renovated and reopened after the port explosion, embodying the city’s resilience.
Afternoon: Civil War memory and coastal beauty
Beit Beirut sits on the former “Green Line” dividing East and West Beirut. This building preserves sniper holes and sandbags as a museum and is a crucial stop on your 10 days in Lebanon road trip to understand the city’s psyche.
End your day at Raouché to watch the sunset over the Pigeon Rocks. Walk the lower Corniche promenade for free, unobstructed views of limestone arches glowing golden, a highlight of any Lebanon road trip.
Day 2: The south – Sidon and Tyre’s Phoenician heritage
Drive south along the coastal highway to continue your 10 days in Lebanon road trip. Stay on the coastal route and avoid inland detours near Palestinian camps or border regions for safety.
Morning: Sidon’s layered history
The 13th-century Sea Castle offers compact medieval fortification exploration. Then visit the Soap Museum, a unique stop on your Lebanon road trip housed in restored 17th-century stone vaults.
The scent of laurel oil and olive oil hits you immediately. Sidon’s vaulted souks contrast sharply with Beirut’s sanitized versions, offering a glimpse into the authentic daily life you are seeking on this 10 days in Lebanon road trip.
Afternoon: Tyre’s Roman grandeur
Continue your Lebanon road trip to Tyre, a UNESCO World Heritage site featuring one of the world’s largest Roman Hippodromes. Walking the necropolis road lined with sarcophagi creates a hauntingly beautiful experience.
The colorful harbor and Christian Quarter are perfect for seaside strolls. Lunch at Le Phenicien or casual harbor seafood spots before heading back toward Beirut to conclude this leg of your 10 days in Lebanon road trip.
Day 3: Northern wonders – Jeita, Harissa, and Byblos
Your 10 days in Lebanon road trip moves north today to explore some of the country’s most iconic natural and historical sites.
Morning: Jeita Grotto’s subterranean beauty
The Jeita Grotto is a must-visit on any Lebanon road trip. The Lower Grotto involves a boat ride on a subterranean river that is consistently cited by travelers as their trip highlight. The Upper Grotto features walkways among colossal stalactites, adding geological wonder to your 10 days in Lebanon road trip.
Midday: Harissa’s panoramic views
Take the téléphérique cable car from Jounieh up to Harissa for stunning bay panoramas. The massive bronze statue of Our Lady of Lebanon serves as a pilgrimage site and a symbol of coexistence that defines the cultural aspect of your Lebanon road trip.
Afternoon and evening: Byblos
Byblos’ citadel is a layer cake of civilization, featuring Neolithic, Phoenician, Roman, and Crusader ruins. It is a historical centerpiece of your 10 days in Lebanon road trip.
Dinner at Feniqia showcases traditional flavors with modern presentation. Stay overnight in Byblos to experience the famous nightlife, a vibrant part of any Lebanon road trip itinerary.
Day 4: Batroun – Lebanon’s laid-back beach capital
Batroun currently dominates domestic tourism, and you will understand why within minutes of arriving on day four of your 10 days in Lebanon road trip.
Morning: Phoenician walls and citrus slushies
The natural sea wall reinforced by Phoenicians still protects the town. Batroun’s famous lemonade tradition centers on Hilmi’s, serving a slushy with strong citrus zest that is a refreshing treat on your Lebanon road trip.
Lunch: Dining in the Mediterranean
Jammal offers a unique experience with tables placed in shallow cove water. Pierre & Friends is legendary among locals and tourists, making it a culinary landmark for your 10 days in Lebanon road trip due to its authentic cuisine and sea views.
Afternoon: Colonel Beer
Colonel sparked the craft beer trend in the country. Located near the beach, this eco-friendly venue is a relaxing stop on your Lebanon road trip where you can try flights of Lager and Red Irish varieties.
Day 5: The holy valley – Qadisha and the Cedars
Drive from Batroun up into the mountains to reach the spiritual heartland of your 10 days in Lebanon road trip.
Morning: Hiking Qadisha’s sacred gorge
The UNESCO-listed Qadisha Valley offers breathtaking gorge views and visits to rock-hewn hermitages. Hiking here adds an element of adventure and spirituality to your Lebanon road trip that is hard to match.
Afternoon: Ancient cedars and Gibran’s legacy
The Cedars of God forest contains majestic trees over 2,000 years old. Visiting these giants is a symbolic moment in your 10 days in Lebanon road trip. In Bsharri, the Gibran Museum contains the tomb and paintings of Kahlil Gibran, offering a cultural interlude.
Day 6: The crossing – Baalbek and Bekaa Valley
Drive from The Cedars over the Ainata-Arz pass to the Bekaa Valley, a visually stunning drive for your Lebanon road trip. Note that winter travelers must route via Beirut due to snow.
Morning: Baalbek’s imperial Roman ruins
The Temple of Bacchus and Temple of Jupiter at Baalbek rank among the world’s most impressive Roman ruins and are the archaeological highlight of your 10 days in Lebanon road trip.
While Baalbek is in a sensitive region, recent reports indicate tourists feel safe visiting the ruins. Stick to the archaeological site and main roads to ensure this leg of your Lebanon road trip remains safe and enjoyable.
Afternoon: Anjar’s Umayyad architecture
Visit Anjar’s 8th-century Umayyad ruins. Built with brick and slender columns, they reflect a distinct character that adds diversity to the historical narrative of your 10 days in Lebanon road trip.
Day 7: Wine and wetlands – Bekaa’s agricultural heart
Your Lebanon road trip continues through the fertile Bekaa Valley, famous for its viticulture and natural beauty.
Morning: Lebanon’s ancient wine tradition
Winemaking here dates to Phoenician times. Visit Chateau Ksara or Chateau Kefraya during your 10 days in Lebanon road trip for vineyard tours and tastings that showcase the region’s oenological prowess.
Afternoon: Tawlet Ammiq
Located in the Ammiq Wetlands, this eco-restaurant features local dishes. It is a sustainable dining stop on your Lebanon road trip. While the views are stunning, service can be slow, so manage your expectations to enjoy the experience fully.
Day 8: Chouf Mountains – palaces and cedar forests
The Chouf region offers architectural and natural splendor for the eighth day of your 10 days in Lebanon road trip.
Morning: Beiteddine Palace
Built by Emir Bashir II, this 19th-century palace showcases intricate mosaics and is arguably the most beautiful building you will see on your Lebanon road trip.
Midday: Deir el Qamar’s historic charm
The former capital of Mount Lebanon centers on the Midan square. It is a charming stop on your 10 days in Lebanon road trip to admire traditional architecture and enjoy local mezze.
Afternoon: Barouk Cedar Reserve
This quieter cedar forest provides ideal spaces for peaceful contemplation, offering a serene counterpoint to the bustling cities on your Lebanon road trip.
Day 9: Choose your adventure – Tripoli or Beirut
Nearing the end of your 10 days in Lebanon road trip, choose between northern authenticity or capital culture.
Option A: Tripoli’s authentic chaos
Culturally adventurous travelers should visit Tripoli. This historically rich city features the Citadel of Raymond de Saint-Gilles and is a vibrant addition to any Lebanon road trip.
Option B: Beirut’s cultural institutions
Alternatively, visit the National Museum or Sursock Museum to deepen your cultural understanding before your 10 days in Lebanon road trip concludes.
Day 10: Departure day essentials
Spend the morning gathering souvenirs like roasted nuts or sweets. Arrive at the airport early, as security checks are thorough, marking the end of your incredible 10 days in Lebanon road trip.
What your 10 days in Lebanon road trip will cost
Budgeting correctly is vital for a stress-free Lebanon road trip. Here is a realistic breakdown of costs you can expect.
Transportation and Accommodation
Car rentals run $30-$60 daily, while private drivers range from $100-$150. Accommodation varies from $80 for boutique hotels to over $200 for luxury, significantly impacting the total cost of your 10 days in Lebanon road trip.
Dining and Daily Expenses
Street food is cheap, but casual sit-down mezze runs $20-$35 per person. A comfortable 10 days in Lebanon road trip for a couple generally totals approximately $3,000-$4,500 USD, excluding airfare.
Safety realities: What US travelers need to know
Safety is a primary concern for anyone planning a 10 days in Lebanon road trip. The reality on the ground is nuanced.
Restricted Zones
Strict no-go zones include border regions and specific refugee camps. Avoiding these areas is essential for a safe Lebanon road trip. Stick to tourist sites and main roads.
Road Safety
Traffic laws are loose. When driving during your 10 days in Lebanon road trip, be defensive. At night checkpoints, turn on your light and be polite; soldiers are generally routine with tourists.
Wrapping up your Lebanon adventure
This 10 days in Lebanon road trip delivers an intensity of experience that is hard to match anywhere else. You will ski, swim, hike, and explore Roman ruins all within a compact area, creating memories that will stick with you for life.
Yes, the country faces challenges, but by following the logistics and safety zones outlined above, you will transform this Lebanon road trip from a daunting prospect into an adventure that reminds you why travel matters. Book the flight, hire the driver, and embark on your 10 days in Lebanon road trip to discover the hidden gem of the Middle East.
