Jeita is one of those places that everybody says is incredible and turns out to actually be incredible — which is rarer than you think. A UNESCO tentative World Heritage Site and top-five finalist in the New 7 Wonders of Nature, the upper cave is explored on foot through a world of stalactites and stalagmites up to 8 metres tall that took millions of years to build. The lower cave is navigated by silent electric boat along an underground river through chambers of extraordinary natural beauty. You come out the other end having seen one of the most remarkable natural spaces on the planet — 30 minutes from where you had breakfast.

Harissa cable car — from the caves to the clouds From underground to 650 metres above the Mediterranean in under an hour — board the Harissa Téléférique at Jounieh and ride up as the entire Lebanese coastline unfolds beneath you. The aerial views over Jounieh Bay are genuinely spectacular and the 20-minute ride goes faster than you want it to. At the top, the iconic bronze statue of Our Lady of Lebanon stands with arms outstretched toward the sea — one of the most recognised religious monuments in the Middle East, and one of the best views in Lebanon whether you come for the faith or just the scenery.

Perched high on a hill in Harissa, Lebanon, the Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon is a revered religious landmark and a symbol of peace and hope. This majestic statue of the Virgin Mary stands tall, gazing over the Mediterranean Sea and the surrounding landscapes. Pilgrims and tourists alike flock to this sacred site to seek solace and spiritual connection. With its stunning architecture and panoramic views, the shrine offers a serene atmosphere for reflection and prayer. A beacon of faith and a testament to Lebanon's rich cultural heritage, the Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon remains an iconic and cherished destination.

Baatara Gorge — three bridges, one waterfall, nowhere else on earth Save the best for last. The Baatara Gorge Waterfall near Tannourine is a geological phenomenon that genuinely exists nowhere else on earth — a 255-metre waterfall that drops sequentially through three natural limestone bridges carved over millions of years by the Balaa river into the Jurassic limestone of the Lebanese mountains. Standing at the viewpoint above the gorge and watching the water disappear through bridge after bridge into the darkness below is one of those travel moments that no photograph fully prepares you for. Walk down to the viewpoint, feel the spray, listen to the roar, and accept the fact that your phone camera is not going to do this justice. It never does. That is fine — you will remember it anyway.

Lunch in Byblos — optional stop on the way back On the drive back toward Beirut, an optional stop in Byblos — one of the oldest cities on earth — for a waterfront lunch with the ancient fishing port and medieval city walls as your backdrop. Fresh mezze, cold drinks, Mediterranean view. After a day of caves, cable cars, and waterfalls — sitting by the sea in a 7,000-year-old city is a pretty good way to finish.