8:30 AM — Hotel pickup, Beirut Meet your guide at your Beirut hotel and head north along the Mediterranean coastal highway toward Tripoli.

Begin at Tripoli's commanding Crusader citadel, originally built by the Count of Toulouse in the 12th century and later expanded by the Mamluks. From its ramparts, you get sweeping views over the old city, the port of El Mina, and the Lebanese mountains — one of the most dramatic viewpoints in northern Lebanon. Your guide traces the story of Crusaders, Mamluks, and Ottomans who all left their mark on these walls.

Visit one of the most important Mamluk mosques in Lebanon, built in the 14th century on the site of a former Crusader church — the original Gothic portal is still visible. The mosque's soaring minaret and intricately carved stonework are among the finest surviving examples of Mamluk architecture in the Levant.

Step into one of Tripoli's best-preserved medieval khans, built to house merchants and their goods along the old trade routes. Khan Al-Khayyatin — named after the tailors who once worked here — is a beautifully vaulted caravanserai that gives a vivid sense of the city's commercial past.

Pass through Khan el Masriyin, the Egyptian merchants' khan, home to one of Tripoli's traditional olive oil soap factories. Like Sidon, Tripoli has a centuries-old soap-making tradition — a craft that once made these cities famous across the Mediterranean world.

A quick stop at one of Tripoli's historic Ottoman hammams, dating back several centuries. Even from the outside, the domed roof and carved stone entrance hint at the elaborate bathing rituals that once took place inside — a fascinating window into daily life in the medieval city.

Head to the port district of El Mina for a relaxed stroll along Tripoli's historic waterfront. The colourful fishing boats, Ottoman-era mansions, and palm-lined corniche offer a completely different atmosphere from the old city — and a perfect spot for lunch before heading to Batroun.

Batroun — old town & Phoenician sea wall End the day in Batroun, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, founded by the Phoenicians over 3,000 years ago. Wander the charming old town with its stone churches, Ottoman houses, and seafront cafés. Don't miss the ancient Phoenician sea wall — a remarkable 3,000-year-old barrier carved from natural rock, still standing on the beach. Batroun is also famous as the home of Lebanon's craft beer scene, so there's time to enjoy a local brew before heading back south.

Return to Beirut — approx. 5:00 PM Drop-off at your Beirut hotel after a full day exploring the best of Lebanon's north — medieval Tripoli and Phoenician Batroun.