TOUR HIGHLIGHTS
- The Citadel of Tripoli
- The Souks
- Al Mansouri Mosque
- Hammam Ezzedine
- Khan El Khayatine – El Saboune
- Batroun
WHAT’S INCLUDED
- Hotel pick up & drop off
- Private air-conditioned vehicle
- Professional English speaking tour guide
- Entrance fees to attractions
- Lunch
WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
- Souvenirs
- Snacks and other personal items
LANGUAGE
- This experience can be hosted in Arabic, English, French
TOUR DETAILS
We start our day tour heading to Tripoli the second largest city in Lebanon. We will explore the citadel of Raymond de Saint Gilles known as the citadel of Tripoli built in 1103.
Then we will head to the Souks of Tripoli. Contrary to what many people say, Tripoli and its souks are marvelous. They allow visitors to step into a unique, busy and colorful universe and gain insight into centuries old traditions.
After The souks we will visit Hammam Ezzedine, Khan El Khayatine, Khan El Saboune and the Great Mosque.
Before going back to Beirut, we will stop in Batroun for a city sightseeing and Lebanese food for lunch with a fantastic sea view.
TOUR AVAILIBITY
- Operating all year round.
TIMING
From 8:30am to 4:30pm
STARTING PRICE
- 160 USD – 1 person
- 250 USD – 2 people
- 315 USD – 3 people
THE CITADEL
The Citadel of Raymond de Saint-Gilles, also known as Qala’at Sanjil and Qala’at Tarablus in Arabic, is a citadel and fort on a hilltop in Tripoli, Lebanon. It takes its name from Raymond de Saint-Gilles, the Count of Toulouse and Crusader commander who was a key player in its enlargement. It is a common misconception that he was responsible for its construction when in 1103 he laid siege to the city.
THE SOUKS OF TRIPOLI
There are 9 souks in total in Tripoli: Attareen, Bazerkan, Haddadin, Haraj, Kameh, Koundarjiyeh, Nahhasin, Samak, Sayyaghin. Besides the food souk with plenty of fresh produce as well as meat, fish and bread, there are the Tailors (Sayyaghin), Tanners, Soap (Saboun), Coppersmiths and Goldsmiths, Carpenter, Mattress makers and many more.
AL MANSOURI MOSQUE
The Mansouri Great Mosque is a mosque known simply as The Great Mosque of Tripoli. It was built in the Mamluk period, from 1294 to 1314, around the remains of a Crusader Church of St. Mary.In any case, the two Christian elements in no way detract from the traditional Muslim nature of this great royal mosque, the first building erected in Mamluk Tripoli.
HAMMAM EZZEDINE (BATH HOUSE)
The largest hammam in Tripoli was built between 1295 and 1299. Latin lettering on the inner and outer portals indicate their Crusader origins. It has recently been restored and gives visitors an idea of how beautiful these spaces once were and how they were operated. On the roof of each hammam are colourful glass formations, in white or blue, made out of hand blown glass
KHAN EL SABOUNE
Tripoli is known for its centuries old soap making industry, using extra virgin cold pressed olive oil from the groves of Koura and Akkar. Until today, there are a few soap shops in the Khan al Saboun, where visitors can buy olive oil-based natural soap.
BATROUN
Batroun is a major tourist destination in North Lebanon. The town boasts historic Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox churches. The town is also a major beach resort with a vibrant nightlife that includes pubs and nightclubs. Citrus groves surround Batroun, and the town has been famous (from the early twentieth century) for its fresh lemonade sold at the cafés and restaurants on its main street. Biking along the Batroun coastline is also a major activity namely in late summer days.