Rhapsody Shore & Land Excursions > Lebanon - Beirut > Beirut City Tour

Beirut City Tour

The city of Beirut is built on a rocky promontory, a site already occupied by prehistoric man. Extensive archaeological investigations have brought to life artifacts dating from the 3rd millennium BC.

In the first millennium BC when the city states of Sidon begun declining, Beirut’s influence and importance begun to rise becoming an important port and cultural centre as a Roman colony in 15 BC.

The Byzantine era and influence followed the Roman period when Beirut became famous for its law schools when professors helped draft the famous Justinian code.

A devastating earthquake in 551AD destroyed the city and the Muslim Arabs, the Crusaders and the Mameluks conquered a century later in succession. Beirut reached great prosperity under Ottoman rule which lasted for 400 years and with the breakup of the Empire towards the end of the 2nd World War the city became the capital of modern Lebanon.

Today, with its almost million inhabitants Beirut is considered the Paris of the Middle East. Cultural and cosmopolitan, with a great array of modern boutiques, brand names, excellent restaurants, night life, a casino, colorful souks, imposing landmarks and spacious beachfront boulevards appeals greatly to visitors.

An orientation drive through the streets of Beirut will familiarize you with the city. See the Martyr’s statue, Parliament building and other prominent structures before you stop at a Middle Eastern souk to browse for souvenirs.

 

Special Notes:
Comfortable modest attire and walking shoes required.

Toilets available in the AUB museum if required

 

Tour Timings:

Tours begin at times suitable for the ship's arrival in port. The breakdown of the excursions is as follows:

00hr00 -> Excursion departs from Beirut Port

00hr00 -> 00hr15 Drive from port to city
00hr15 -> 03hr15 Orientation drive of Beirut
03hr15 -> 04hr00 Free time at the souk
04hr00 -> 04hr30 Drive to the port

 

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