Walk into the mountain and the world changes completely. Jeita Grotto is a UNESCO tentative World Heritage Site and top-five finalist in the New 7 Wonders of Nature — two interconnected limestone caves stretching 9 kilometres beneath the Lebanese mountains. The upper cave is explored on foot through an elevated walkway where stalactites and stalagmites up to 8 metres tall create formations that look like they were designed by someone showing off. The lower cave is navigated by silent electric boat along an underground river through chambers of extraordinary natural beauty — the kind of place that makes you genuinely quiet for a moment. One hour and 30 minutes underground. Entirely worth it.

Harissa cable car — straight up to 650 metres From underground to above the clouds — board the Harissa Téléférique at Jounieh and ride 650 metres above sea level as the entire Lebanese coastline spreads out beneath you. The views over Jounieh Bay on the ascent are genuinely spectacular and the 20-minute ride ends at the iconic bronze statue of Our Lady of Lebanon — 8.5 metres tall, arms outstretched toward the Mediterranean, one of the most recognised religious monuments in the Middle East. Great views whether you come for the faith or just the scenery. Both are excellent reasons.

Arrive in one of the oldest cities ever built and walk straight into 7,000 years of history. The 12th-century Crusader castle was built from recycled Phoenician and Roman stones — civilisations literally stacked on top of each other in the walls. Inside: Neolithic foundations from 5000 BC, Bronze Age temples, Phoenician royal tombs, Roman streets. Byblos gave the world its alphabet. Its name gave us the word Bible. Your driver shares the stories as you explore — turning a genuinely impressive pile of ancient stones into something that actually makes sense and sticks with you.

Byblos Old Souk & fishing port Step out of the castle and into the old souk — stone lanes, jewellery workshops, antique dealers, café doors that have been open for generations. Follow it down to the ancient fishing harbour where wooden boats, medieval walls, and the Mediterranean light combine into one of the most photogenic spots in Lebanon. A great place to decide whether you want lunch here or just to stand and enjoy the view for a while.

Lunch in Byblos — optional Waterfront table, fresh mezze, grilled fish, ancient harbour in front of you. After a day of caves, cable cars, and Crusader castles — this is the lunch you deserve.