Discover the Land of the Phoenicians as you explore ancient Roman ruins, majestic cedar forests that lend their image to the national flag and a seaport town that once boasted the greatest naval fleet of its time.
This journey will take you through to Tripoli to explore the mysterious Crusader Castle of St. Gilles before travelling by car to discover the Jeita Grotto, Lebanon’s natural miracle made up of two separate caves. Learn about the fascinating ancient history of Lebanon and witness the raw beauty of the countryside as you travel along the Mediterranean coast.
Archaeological sites are abundant in Lebanon; explore Crusader Castles, Phoenician temples, Roman theatres and the royal necropolis. Visit the home of Lebanon’s most famous poet & novelist, Khalil Gibran, who’s romantic writing style was at the heart of a renaissance in modern Arabic literature. Tempt those taste buds as you devour traditional local cuisine including the popular ‘Knefe’,’ Mankoushe’, ‘Baklava’ and range of traditional white & red wines.
Please note: Due to the evolving nature of local conditions, this itinerary may be subject to change. Crooked Compass and our local partners will continue to monitor the situation and may adjust the routing or included experiences where necessary to ensure the safe and appropriate operation of the tour. Any changes will aim to maintain the overall quality, character and inclusions of the journey, with suitable alternatives arranged wherever possible.
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start your planning offline!
Signature Tour 
Welcome to Lebanon! Upon arrival at Beirut International Airport, you will be met and transferred to your hotel. The remainder of the day is yours at leisure to explore the city or relax in your hotel as you prepare for the adventure ahead.
The welcoming town of Beirut is the capital city of Lebanon and is sometimes referred to as the ‘Paris of the Middle East’ due to its French influences and vibrant cultural and intellectual life following a period of growth at the end of World War II. Tomorrow, you begin to discover the impressive architecture and long history of the city that has earned this reputation.
Please note: Due to the evolving nature of local conditions, this itinerary may be subject to change. Crooked Compass and our local partners will continue to monitor the situation and may adjust the routing or included experiences where necessary to ensure the safe and appropriate operation of the tour. Any changes will aim to maintain the overall quality, character and inclusions of the journey, with suitable alternatives arranged wherever possible.
Overnight – Gems Hotel or similar
Begin your day travelling north towards the Mediterranean Sea, arriving in Byblos (37km, 45min), one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities and the birthplace of the alphabet. This enchanting coastal city seamlessly blends modern life with ancient traditions. Explore the historic Byblos Citadel, the Roman site, the Church of St. John, and wander through the charming streets and old souk, soaking in the rich history and vibrant culture.
Continue your coastal adventure as you head further north to Batroun (27km, 35min), a delightful coastal town brimming with character. Here you will go for a walk (approx. 45min) through the narrow cobblestone streets lined with traditional Ottoman houses, perfect for immersing yourself in the town’s warm and inviting atmosphere. Let the scent of fresh fruits and vegetables guide you as you stroll through Batroun’s old souks, uncover the magical ruins of the Phoenician port in the fisherman harbour, and embrace the rhythm of this coastal gem.
After your exploration, you’ll head back to Byblos (27km, 35min) for the night, where you can unwind and reflect on the day’s discoveries. (B)
Overnight – Ahiram Hotel or similar
Breakfast will be served at your hotel, and you’ll drive in the direction of Tripoli (90km, 1.5hrs) this morning, known as the capital of the North. It is a city where modern and medieval blend easily into a lively and hospitable metropolis. Visit some of the historical monuments such as the Crusader Fortress the Great Mosque, and the Souqs.
Continue through some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes in Lebanon in the Bcharreh region (55km, 1.5hrs). You’ll gain altitude and enjoy spectacular views of peaks and gorges, before reaching the legendary Cedars of Lebanon. Here, you’ll enjoy a peaceful and easy 45 minute walk through the ancient forest, home to majestic cedar trees that are over a thousand years old.
You will then head back down to Qadisha Valley (30km, 1hr), one of the deepest and most beautiful valleys in Lebanon. Filled with caves and rock shelters inhabited from the third millennium B.C., the valley is scattered with cave chapels, hermitages and monasteries cut from rock – a real feast for the eyes. If time allows, you will visit Bcharre, an idyllic mountain village and UNESCO World Heritage site. With its traditional, red-roofed houses, Bcharre is the main town of the Qadisha Valley and houses the Gibran Khalil Museum – home to the internationally famous writer, poet and painter. Your accommodation this evening is in an active monastery. Located in the middle of the valley – the view is magnificent; it is quiet and a great location to explore on foot. (B,D)
Overnight – Qadisha in a Monastery or similar
We depart from this stunning part of Lebanon to explore the Jeita Grottos, located 18 km northeast of Beirut. This remarkable cave system is one of the greatest natural wonders of the Middle East, stretching 9km into the Lebanese mountains. The Grottos are beautifully illuminated, showcasing impressive stalactites and stalagmites reflected in the clear waters. The cave system is divided into two sections: the upper part, which you can explore on foot, and the lower part, which is accessed by a serene rowing boat ride.
Next, we head to Mtein (40km, 1hr), one of Lebanon’s oldest villages and steeped in history. Here, you’ll discover the historical 500 m² town square, Le Midane, where Emir palaces once stood. Mtein offers a rich tapestry of historical, cultural, and architectural heritage. As you wander through this picturesque village (30min), guided by the scent of pine trees, you may be invited by friendly locals to share a drink of rose or mulberry water, a testament to Lebanese hospitality. (B)
Overnight – Bois de Boulogne Hotel or similar
After a refreshing night’s sleep and a hearty breakfast, set off for a scenic drive to the Bekaa Valley (50km, 1hr15min). Your destination is Baalbek, renowned for its stunning Roman ruins. The temples of Baalbek are considered some of the most magnificent archaeological sites in Lebanon, dominating the Bekaa plain with their sheer size and grandeur. The Acropolis of Baalbek is one of the largest in the ancient world, a testament to its historical significance.
Following your exploration of Baalbek, continue to Chateau Ksara (20km, 30min), one of Lebanon’s oldest and most prestigious wineries. Here, you’ll tour the historic Roman cellars, which stretch over 2km, and explore the vineyard. The visit concludes with a wine tasting session, where you can sample some of the finest wines produced on the estate.
Enjoy a night at a local guesthouse, where dinner is included, allowing you to experience the hospitality and charm of the region. (B,D)
Overnight – Selim Achkar Guesthouse or similar
Begin the day with a visit to Beiteddine Palace, a masterpiece of 19th-century Lebanese architecture. Built by Emir Bashir Shihab II starting in 1788, the palace features ornately decorated courtyards, intricately carved ceilings, and beautifully preserved royal quarters. Its hilltop location and extensive gardens make it one of the most important historic landmarks in the region.
After exploring the palace, return to the nearby village of Deir el Qamar. Once the political capital of Mount Lebanon, this town retains its traditional character with cobbled streets, red-roofed houses and a central square surrounded by historic buildings. Take a relaxed walk through the village and enjoy the chance to meet locals, who may offer rose water or mulberry juice as a gesture of welcome.
This evening, return to your guesthouse where another home-cooked Lebanese dinner awaits. (B,D)
Overnight – Selim Achkar Guesthouse or similar
After a short transfer (30km, 45min), you’ll arrive in Niha, where your walk to Jezzine begins. This easy walk will lead you to Niha Fort, a historic site with panoramic views, and the stunning Jezzine Waterfall, a natural marvel.
Continuing your journey south by vehicle, you’ll reach Sidon (40km, 1hr), a picturesque coastal city just 45 km from Beirut. Sidon is renowned for its charming winding alleyways, vibrant old souks, and Ottoman-era mosaics. As you explore, you’ll experience the rich history of this once-prosperous Phoenician city. Key highlights include the Crusader Sea Castle, the bustling Khan el Franj, and the ancient Eschmoun Temples. Following your visit to Sidon, you’ll enjoy a short transfer to Tyr (55km, 1hr15m), where you’ll stay overnight. (B)
Overnight – B&B Al Fanar or similar
This morning, return to Sidon to explore its historical highlights. Visit the Crusader Sea Castle, set on a small island connected to the mainland by a narrow causeway. Continue through the old souks and stop at Khan el Franj, once a bustling caravanserai, and the nearby Eschmoun Temples, an important Phoenician religious site.
Later in the day, head south to Tyr to visit its major archaeological sites. Explore the Roman Hippodrome, one of the largest of its kind, along with the Necropolis and Roman colonnades. These remnants of antiquity offer insight into the city’s prominence during the Roman period.
After your visit, transfer back to Beirut where you will spend the night. (B)
Overnight – Gems Hotel or similar
This morning, embark on a unique journey through Beirut with a local who will introduce you to the city in an unconventional and engaging manner. Whether you’re interested in food, lifestyle, art, or political dynamics, this passionate guide will tailor the experience to your interests, offering an in-depth look at the capital’s vibrant culture.
We highly recommend a visit to the Beirut National Museum, a treasure trove of ancient artefacts. The museum’s exquisite collection spans from prehistoric times to the Mameluke period, providing a fascinating voyage through Lebanon’s rich historical tapestry.
Spend the evening at leisure in Beirut, reflecting on the day’s discoveries and soaking in the city’s dynamic atmosphere. (B,L)
Overnight – Gems Hotel or similar
Today is yours at leisure until it is time to transfer to the airport for your onward flight. (B)
Download this tour’s PDF brochure and start your planning offline!
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Enquire About a Private Option**Please note that this tour can be organised on request for private departures.
* Pricing is subject to change at anytime until full payment has been received.
* A minimum of 2 adults is required to guarantee this departure.
A non-refundable deposit of $1000 AUD per person is required to secure your place. Final payment is due no later than 60 days prior to departure. Travel insurance is mandatory for travelling with Crooked Compass. For full terms and conditions, please click here.
Small group tours providing intimate connections to gain a deeper understanding and emotional connection to the community, tribes, cultures and lands explored.
Exploring the world’s most remote reaches and challenging destinations requires a high level of expertise which can only be learned from first-hand experience. We know because we go.
In an ever-changing global landscape of rules, regulations and restrictions, rest-assured you are being looked after by those in the know. Given the remote regions that we explore, our passengers safety is our top priority.
Stay up to date with the latest travel trends and new destinations opening up. To be the first to go, you need to be the first to know.
Travel professionals are welcome. For partnerships or agent enquiries, we recommend contacting us directly.
This category of tours involves light trekking, walking, cycling, rafting or kayaking for a few hours each day with a small amount of inclines and declines. You will require a reasonable level of fitness and good health to participate. It is important to note that due to the nature of some of our trips, they may take place in remote areas (with basic facilities) and can involve long travelling days on various modes of transport.
Suggested preparation : At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake aerobic exercise (this may include jogging, cycling or fast walking) for 30 minutes, three times a week. It is also advised to walk on variable terrain and in variable weather conditions. For a cycling adventure, road cycling twice a week is recommended and for adventures which involve paddling and kayaking, it is important to gain confidence and rhythm rather than speed prior to departure.
This category of tours involve trekking, kayaking and cycling for period of 6 to 8 hours a day at a fairly consistent pace. Ideal for people looking to slightly increase the heart rate. For our moderately rated tours, you must have a good level of fitness and also be in good health. It is also important to be prepared for variable weather conditions. Altitude may also come into play. This category of tours may involve visiting remote areas where facilities can be quite basic. Accommodation may also involve camping, homestays or basic accommodation where facilities may not be considered of western standards. To enjoy this style of travel, it is suggested for travellers to have a reasonable level of fitness and health, a positive attitude, as well as a fairly active lifestyle. An open mind is also required.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 months prior to departure, it is recommended that you undertake 45mins – 1 hour of aerobic exercise, three to four times a week. Some potential exercises that could be beneficial include hill walking with a backpack on over variable terrain and weather conditions, as well as running and cycling dependent on the activity you plan on undertaking.
This category of tours involves trekking, kayaking, cycling or other adventure activities in remote areas for up to 8 to 10 hours a day. It is important to note that with the remoteness of some regions comes a variety of other challenges such as variable weather conditions, accommodation as well as facilities. You must have an excellent level of fitness and good health to be able to partake in this category of tour. You must have confidence in your own ability and be in good physical condition. Includes extended periods of endurance.
Suggested preparation: At least 3 to 4 months of strenuous exercise, four times a week. When preparing for treks it would be beneficial to participate in hill walks with a weighted day pack (approximately 5-8 kg) once a week for aerobic fitness and strengthening of leg muscles. It is also important to do this on variable terrain to prepare for challenging adventures. When preparing for cycling adventures, regular bike riding (at least 4 to 5 times a week for 1-4 hours is essential). It is also important to cycle on uneven surfaces or even participate in other aerobic exercises such as running or swimming to build up strength and stamina. Altitude may also be a factor in these tours.
This category of tour often involves extreme trekking, cycling or other extreme adventure activities. It is important to expect remote and poorly defined tracks and to be prepared for variable weather conditions for 10 to 12 hours per day (may sometimes be more depending on weather and altitude). These adventures are suitable for travellers who have prior experience in strenuous travel and activities, are extremely fit and have excellent health. It is also important to note that some of the terrain on these adventures will involve trekking in snow, at high attitude levels and may require technical equipment.
Suggested preparation: It is important to note that physical fitness should be an ongoing activity, commencing around 5-6 months prior to departure, or even before if you have no prior fitness. Exercise should focus on building maximum endurance and stamina. Four to five hard sessions of 40-60 mins per week should be completed and can include exercises such as going to the gym, running, swimming or cycling to focus on building aerobic stamina. It could also be beneficial to prepare by hiking on rough terrain, in extreme weather conditions or partake in altitude training.
Our Signature Tours are the cornerstone of the Crooked Compass journey: meticulously designed small-group itineraries that balance authenticity, comfort, and ease. These are destinations where travel can be complex—from navigating evolving logistics to reaching places far from the usual tourist path—yet our expertise ensures your experience feels smooth, effortless, and deeply rewarding.
From the moment you arrive, every detail is handled with care. You’re welcomed personally on arrival and met for a private transfer to your accommodation, where you’ll join the rest of your group. Your guide will walk you through an orientation, helping you understand the rhythm of the journey ahead and settling you in with clear, practical insights from the very start.
Accommodation is selected for both comfort and character, reflecting the richness of its locality through thoughtful design, creative ingenuity, and a genuine sense of place. Whether it’s a boutique property, a sustainable lodge or a homestay, each choice is made to connect you meaningfully with the destination.
Cultural integration sits at the heart of our approach. Every itinerary is crafted with respect for local communities, aligning sensitively with their values and protecting the authenticity of their culture. Through this, travellers experience a deeper connection —stories shared firsthand, traditions encountered in their true context, and moments that shift perspectives long after returning home.
With a maximum of 12 travellers and our most trusted local partners, you explore with confidence, guided by teams who combine deep regional knowledge with an intuitive understanding of Western traveller expectations. Through the powerful medium of storytelling, our journeys inspire personal reflection and spark genuine emotion, turning travel into something transformative.
For travellers seeking even more flexibility or personalisation, our Tours By Design journeys are crafted with the same care — mindfully designed around your interests for a more tailored experience.
Why travellers love our Signature Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Founders Tours are rare, one-of-a-kind journeys personally hosted by Crooked Compass founder, Lisa Pagotto. Designed for the traveller who seeks more than just adventure, these exclusive small-group expeditions uncover places few have ever seen – experiences not featured in our regular collection, chosen for their depth, beauty, and story.
Each itinerary is hand-crafted by Lisa to offer meaningful connection and unique access built through years of trust and collaboration with local communities. Travelling alongside her gives you an unparalleled perspective into the world of ethical exploration – from the behind-the-scenes partnerships that shape our journeys, to the human stories that inspire them.
With an intimate group size and seamless support from our expert team, a Founders Tour is less a trip, and more a masterclass in discovery.
Why travellers love Founders Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
Set sail on a rare journey across remote islands, wild coastlines, and untouched ecosystems aboard a small, luxury expedition vessel. Travelling by sea unlocks access to places few travellers ever reach – from isolated villages and pristine reefs to dramatic landscapes that can’t be accessed by land – while each evening, you return to the comfort of your beautifully appointed cabin.
These voyages blend adventure with refinement. Expert-led excursions bring you face-to-face with raw nature and vibrant cultures, while exceptional onboard dining, service, and comfort allow time to unwind and reflect.
To complete your experience, Crooked Compass can seamlessly craft pre- or post-cruise land extensions, ensuring your journey flows effortlessly from sea to shore.
Why travellers love our Expedition Cruises:
More about out Tour Styles.
Our Tours by Design experiences are private journeys curated exclusively for you by the Crooked Compass team. Whether you’re drawn to one of our existing itineraries, wish to adapt a small-group tour for private travel, or want to design something entirely new, we’ll craft a journey that reflects your pace, passions, and sense of discovery.
Why pay for inclusions that don’t fit? With Tours by Design, every detail is intentional – from the destinations and experiences to your style of travel and choice of accommodation. Each itinerary is hand-built through our deep local partnerships and expertise, ensuring authenticity, comfort, and connection in every moment.
Why travellers love Tours by Design:
More about our Tour Styles.
Our Partner Tours are carefully chosen group journeys operated by our long-standing, in-country partners — experts who share our values of authenticity, cultural respect, and meaningful connection. These departures, averaging between 17 and 22 travellers, are designed and delivered by our partners, while Crooked Compass manages your booking and provides full support from start to finish.
Enjoy the reassurance of booking through an Australian-based company, delivering our same personalised service and attention to detail you expect from Crooked Compass. We take care of the logistics, so you can focus on what matters most – the journey itself.
Why travellers love our Partner Tours:
More about our Tour Styles.
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