The Best Two-Week Itinerary in Lebanon: History, Wine & Hidden Gems
Lebanon is small in size but absolutely massive in experiences: history that spans civilizations, vibrant cities, mountain escapes, coastal villages, and a food-and-wine culture that rivals anywhere in the Mediterranean. When I moved there in 2017, I was hooked.
After crafting an itinerary for my own group, I can confidently say that two weeks in Lebanon gives you the perfect mix of city energy, historic marvels, coastal charm, and rural guesthouse hospitality.
Here’s the ultimate two-week itinerary for Lebanon (and ask me to arrange it):
Days 1–4: Beirut – Culture, Food & Design Hotels
Start your trip in Beirut, the beating heart of Lebanon. Spend your first days adjusting, wandering the neighborhoods, and diving into the city’s food scene.
Stay at: Lost Hotel (artsy and cool), Arthaus Beirut (boutique with heritage charm & former home with rotating art exhibition), or the iconic Hotel Albergo with an incredible rooftop pool & view. Stay at a non profit with each room designed by an artist and partner called Beit Tamanna. Stay at Kintsugi, designed with it’s namesake, which is perfectly tucked away in the neighborhood and comes with a built-in vibe.
Don’t Miss:
The Saturday farmers’ market with Souk El Tayeb—sample local produce and artisan goods.
Dinner in Mar Mikhael, Gemmayze Monot & Badaro, where creative chefs blend traditional flavors with modern flair in the coolest neighborhoods. You can just walk along the main drag in Mar Mikhael where there’s lot of energy and action.
A visit to the National Museum of Beirut to frame your journey with Lebanon’s incredible history and worth doing a walking tour with a local expert.
Days 5–6: Baalbek & Wine Country
Next, head east into the Bekaa Valley, where history and wine go hand in hand.
Explore: The monumental Roman ruins of Baalbek, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Sip: Bekaa wineries such as Chateau Kefraya and Domaine des Tourelles, for bold reds and sunny terraces. Chateau Musar is one winery that really put Lebanese wine on the map, so that’s another must.
Stay Nearby: Al Haush, a charming guesthouse with two pools, farm animals and farm-to-table experience that’s like a hidden garden when you walk through the leavy doorway by the ruins and vineyards.
Days 7–8: The Cedars & Mountain Villages
From the valley, head north into the mountains. The Cedars of God in Bsharri are a must—ancient trees that have stood for millennia.
Experience:
A hike or drive through the mountains.
Visit monasteries and the Khalil Gibran Museum in Bsharri.
Stay: Beit Douma, a local guesthouses by Souk El Tayeb with women serving traditional dishes and running the property, perched above the quaint mountain town.
Days 9–10: Batroun & Anfeh – Coastal Wine & Charm
Drive down the coast to Batroun, a laid-back seaside town with history, nightlife, and wine.
Wineries: up in the hills above the seaside, visit…
Ixsir – one of Lebanon’s most beautiful estates with sweeping views.
Sept Winery – organic wines with character.
Explore:
Batroun’s Phoenician sea wall.
The Greek vibes of nearby Anfeh, with its whitewashed houses and turquoise sea.
Spend time at the infamous beach clubs.
Stay: A seaside guesthouse to soak in the slow rhythm. My two favorites would be Blue Marlin with various options, and Villa Paradiso with a courtyard restaurant.
Days 11–12: Sour (Tyre) – Ancient Port by the Sea
Continue south for a change of pace in Sour (Tyre), one of Lebanon’s most important ancient ports.
Stay at: Dar Alma, a chic guesthouse right on the water, tucked away in the winding small streets.
Do:
Wander the UNESCO-listed ruins.
Relax on Tyre’s sandy beaches.
Stroll through its colorful old town and fishing harbor.
Days 13–14: Beiteddine & Chouf Guesthouses
On your way back inland, spend your final days in the Chouf mountains.
Stay at:
Bayouti in Beiteddine – a beautiful guesthouse near the palace.
Mir Amin Palace or Bkerzy in the Chouf area.
Explore:
The stunning Beiteddine Palace.
Village life, mountain drives, and hearty Lebanese meals in traditional homes.
Why Stay in Guesthouses?
While Beirut offers design-forward hotels, the real magic of Lebanon lies in its guesthouses and staying outside the main city - even as much as I love Beirut. They’re personal, rooted in tradition, and let you connect directly with Lebanese culture whether through cooking, architecture, or simply sharing coffee with your hosts.
Final Tips
Getting Around: Lebanon is small, but traffic can be intense. Plan extra travel time between regions. Don’t try to head to the mountains or up to the beach on a Friday afternoon. You’ll spend the whole day in traffic. Hot tip, get up early Saturday and go. Most like to sleep in so early bird will catch the open road.
Wine & Food: Wine tasting is a highlight, and Lebanese cuisine is a reason alone to visit. Make food a central theme.
Balance: This itinerary mixes city energy, countryside calm, and seaside charm so you’ll experience all the dimensions of Lebanon.
More on being a first timer visiting Lebanon.
Two weeks in Lebanon is just right—enough time to dive deep, taste fully, and connect authentically with this incredible country.
