Wandio

Start the morning at the National Museum of Beirut, walking through its rooms like a pair decoding Lebanon's long story from Phoenician statuary and Roman mosaics to Ottoman-era finds; the museum's compact exhibits are ideal for March because the galleries are heated and dry, giving you a comfortable, contemplative start to the trip. Allow the descriptive labels and the curator's chronology to orient you to Lebanon's place in Mediterranean history, and pause at the glassed Roman sarcophagi for a quiet shared moment where the antiquity of the artifacts turns into conversation about how these islands of permanence survived centuries of change. Practical tip: arrive when the museum opens to avoid school groups and use the audio guide if you want historical depth without slogging through every plaque; tickets are modestly priced and support local conservation efforts, a meaningful way for a couple to invest in Lebanese cultural memory.

From the museum wander through central Downtown Beirut to the Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque and the nearby Saint George Orthodox Cathedral, letting the contrast of Ottoman-inspired domes and modern facades punctuate your stroll; the short walk between these sites is an urban immersion through Martyrs' Square and the restored Roman Baths, where you can feel the layers of the city beneath your feet. Pause on the plaza outside the mosque for a moment of shared quiet as the scale of the architecture invites conversation about faith, resilience and Beirut's cosmopolitan identity — March's cool air makes these outdoor transitions brisk but refreshing, and an umbrella in your bag will keep you comfortable in the event of a light shower. Practical tip: modest dress is appreciated at religious sites; speak softly and remove hats inside the mosque to respect local custom, and take a short detour into the pedestrianized Beirut Souks for window-shopping among local designers.

End the day with a late-afternoon stroll along the Corniche toward Pigeon Rocks at Raouché and then a slow walk through Zaitunay Bay, where modern yachts and seaside cafés frame an elegant, relaxed evening; for a couple, watching the golden light hit the sea stacks is an intimate moment that feels private even within the city's pulse. If you prefer a cozier option because March evenings can be brisk, choose a waterside café with heaters or a nearby wine bar in Gemmayzeh to linger over Lebanese mezze and aromatic coffee while planning the next days; local residents favor long dinners here, so let your pace slow. Practical tip: hail a service taxi or use a trusted ride service after sunset for a short ride back to your hotel — Beirut traffic in March is manageable outside rush hours, and drivers know the best scenic viewpoints.

Begin at the Sursock Museum in the chic Achrafieh quarter, letting its elegant 20th-century mansion host a dialogue between contemporary Lebanese art and the building's own storied past; as a couple you can linger in the museum's courtyard, sip a coffee at the museum café and discuss a favorite piece while the city hums beyond the trees. March is a great month for museum exhibitions because galleries schedule major shows before the tourist season, so ask at the desk for current temporary exhibits and look for artist talks or guided tours — these often give intimate access to curators and are an ideal way to deepen your shared appreciation of Lebanon's creative scene. Practical tip: combine the Sursock visit with a slow walk on Rue Monnot or the nearby Gemmayzeh lanes for boutique galleries and artisanal shops.

After lunch, explore Gemmayzeh and Mar Mikhael's narrow streets and galleries, stopping into small artist-run spaces and handicraft stores that showcase ceramics, contemporary prints and traditional embroideries reinterpreted by young Lebanese designers; this neighborhood stroll is the kind of unstructured cultural activity that yields personal discoveries — a tucked-away atelier, a vinyl shop, or a gallery opening. Allow time for mezzes at a local meyhanna or a quiet café where you can sample Lebanese sweets while sheltering from a possible March drizzle, and ask gallery owners for recommendations for off-the-beaten-path studios in the area. Practical tip: mid-afternoon is a good time to visit galleries as many open later in the day for evening vernissages; check local listings and consider coordinating with a gallery owner for a short, private viewing.

Conclude with an evening in Hamra: browse the secondhand bookstores, stop at a poetry-reading space if one is scheduled, and spend the evening in a restored courtyard or old souk-style lane that has been repurposed into a cozy lounge; share a late-night coffee and let Hamra's intellectual energy feel like a private conversation that the city has been waiting to overhear. March nights are cool but not freezing along the coast, so outdoor terraces with heaters work well for a relaxed, romantic night; if you crave a quieter experience, ask your hotel to arrange a private guided walk through Hamra that ends with a rooftop view over the city lights. Practical tip: public service taxis and short ride apps operate across these neighborhoods, but for comfort and timing it can be worthwhile to use a driver for the evening.

Drive north from Beirut to Jeita Grotto and enter one of Lebanon's most astonishing natural spectacles, where a short, guided circuit leads you through karst galleries and across a subterranean river by boat; the cool, damp cave temperature is a crisp contrast to the spring light outside and makes March a wonderful time to visit because the grotto is less crowded than in summer. Move deliberately through the upper galleries to admire stalactite curtains, then take the electric boat on the lower cave where the reflected rock formations create an almost otherworldly hush — this shared silence is a private, almost reverent experience for couples, and staff often provide insights into the cave's discovery and conservation. Practical tip: book tickets in advance for the timed entry and bring a light jacket; parking is available and local guides often combine Jeita with a visit to Harissa and Byblos in the same day.

From Jeita, take the scenic drive to Harissa and ride the Téléphérique (Jounieh cable car) up to Our Lady of Lebanon, where the bronze Madonna statue overlooks the bay and offers one of the most cinematic coastal panoramas in the country; the aerial ascent in March is typically crisp and clear, with snow-capped mountain glimpses on a good day and the Mediterranean spread beneath. Spend time in the shrine's terraces, sharing the panoramic view and the gentle, reflective atmosphere — many couples find this an ideal spot for a quiet photo or simply to pause and take in the view together. Practical tip: the cable car operates weather-permitting and is busiest midday; consider visiting late morning or mid-afternoon to avoid crowds and to combine the trip with a seaside lunch in Jounieh.

End the afternoon in Byblos (Jbeil), wandering the Old Souk's stone alleys and the Crusader-era Byblos Castle, then stroll the ancient harbour where fishing boats and seaside cafés create a timeless scene; Byblos is both archaeological treasure and living town, so let the rhythm slow as you pass antiquities, hand-loomed shops and a throwback makam bakery. For couples, the harbor at dusk is particularly romantic: walk the seawall, sample street-side sweets, and watch the light fade behind the medieval walls while planning a quiet dinner in one of the harbour-front restaurants. Practical tip: Byblos' archaeological site closes earlier than the souk, so visit the castle and ruins in late afternoon and save the harbour for sunset; comfortable walking shoes are recommended for the cobbled streets.

Morning in Tripoli begins at the Citadel of Raymond de Saint-Gilles (Tripoli Citadel), where crenellated walls and sweeping views introduce you to the city's layered past; walk the ramparts hand-in-hand and imagine the medieval bustle below, then descend into the Old Souk to explore covered lanes, traditional hammams and centuries-old trade quarters where local artisans still make olive-wood crafts. Don’t miss Khan al-Saboun, the restored Soap Khan, where you can learn about traditional olive-oil soap production and buy fragrant bars as keepsakes — the tactile experience of scent and texture makes for a memorable shared souvenir. Practical tip: Tripoli's souks are best explored on foot in March before the afternoon winds pick up; carry small-change for purchases and consider a local guide for insider history and to access hidden courtyards.

After a culture-rich morning, take the short coastal drive to Batroun and savor the town's smaller-scale charm: stroll the Phoenician sea wall, explore Batroun's Old Souk lanes and step into a centuries-old church or two before grabbing a seaside seat to watch the afternoon light. Batroun's harbour and stone-paved streets are wonderfully intimate in March when the cooler air keeps crowds away, creating a private atmosphere ideal for couples who want to linger over a shared plate and conversation. Practical tip: try a locally produced lemonade or a boutique craft beer from a Batroun microbrewery — these local flavours are perfect afternoon refreshers and provide a sensory way to recall the day later.

Conclude with a sunset walk along Batroun's coastline, where the simple pleasure of watching fishing boats and the coastline dissolves the week's bustle into calm; if you are energetic, a short walk to the nearby old lighthouse provides an elevated viewpoint for photos and quiet reflection. March evenings can be brisk near the water, so bring a warm layer or choose a sheltered terrace to watch dusk; the slow pace and local rhythm make Batroun an ideal nightcap before you head inland the next day. Practical tip: taxis between Tripoli and Batroun are frequent and inexpensive, but if you prefer absolute ease, hire a private driver for the day to keep your schedule relaxed and flexible.

Set out early to the Qadisha Valley, a deep, tree-lined gorge that has sheltered monastic communities for centuries; take a guided short hike together to the Monastery of St. Anthony of Qozhaya or Mar Elisha, following terraced paths that reveal hermitages and cliffside caves where monks once lived in solitude. The valley's hush and the trickle of winter-fed streams create an intimate soundscape that makes conversation feel more precious; in March you may encounter muddy sections or lingering snow at higher spots, so wear sturdy shoes and layers, and ask a local guide for the safest, scenic route that matches your energy. Practical tip: hiring a local guide from Bsharri supports community livelihoods and enriches the visit with oral histories and access to lesser-known viewpoints.

After the valley, visit the Gibran Khalil Gibran Museum in Bsharri, dedicated to the author of The Prophet whose life and work are woven into modern Lebanese cultural identity; the museum's collection of manuscripts, personal effects and paintings is intimate and moving, and the adjacent gardens offer a quiet terrace for reflection and shared reading. As a couple, bring a passage from Gibran to read aloud to each other in the museum garden — the act feels cinematic and rooted in place given Gibran's enduring presence in Lebanon's cultural imagination. Practical tip: museum hours can be limited in March—confirm opening times in advance and consider combining this stop with a local artisan visit to buy handmade ceramics.

Late afternoon, ascend to the Cedars of God, one of the last vestiges of Lebanon's legendary cedar forests; stroll gently among ancient, wind-sculpted trees and feel the special hush that the cedars inspire, where the landscape's age seems to invite slow conversation and quiet photography. In March, cedar groves may still show snow patches and the air will be distinctly alpine, so pack warm clothes; the cedars' scent and the open highland views are an evocative way to close the day, and many couples choose this moment for a brief, reflective walk before dinner in Bsharri. Practical tip: access to some cedar groves is via short, unpaved roads—use a driver who knows the local mountain routes and check road conditions in advance.

Arrive at the Temples of Baalbek and allow the scale of the Roman ruins to command your attention: towering columns, ornate stonework and the enormous Trilithon blocks demand slow exploration and shared astonishment. Walk through the Temple of Bacchus and the Temple of Jupiter, pausing to imagine processions that once filled the marble courtyards; for couples, the sheer monumentality encourages quiet awe and long pauses to photograph details and to read inscriptions together. Practical tip: mornings are best for cooler temperatures and clearer light; bring a hat and comfortable shoes, and hire a licensed local guide to hear the site's layered Roman, Phoenician and Ottoman histories vividly told.

After Baalbek, drive toward Zahle and visit Château Ksara for a cellar tour and tasting in a winery that dates back to the 19th century; descend into the underground cellars founded by Jesuit priests and taste indigenous varietals alongside classical blends, guided by knowledgeable staff who relate winemaking to Beqaa's terroir and seasons. For a couple, the cellar's dimly lit arches and paired tasting plates make for an intimate, sensory-rich experience that connects grape to glass and field to history — March is off-peak so tours are personable and often include winemaker anecdotes. Practical tip: book the tour and tasting in advance; many wineries offer private tastings or small-group experiences that feel decidedly romantic.

If time allows, stop at the Umayyad ruins of Anjar en route or return for a late afternoon walk in Zahle's picturesque corniche, where riverfront cafés and vine-covered terraces frame a leisurely end to the day. The valley's spring light and aromatic breeze create perfect conditions for an evening stroll and a shared dinner of regional specialties, celebrating the day's cultural and sensory discoveries. Practical tip: driving between Baalbek, Zahle and Anjar is straightforward but rural; a private driver ensures relaxed timing and local recommendations for the best cellar experiences.

Begin in Sidon (Saida) at the Sea Castle, strolling the fortress causeway and imagining medieval commerce and coastal defenses while the wind shapes the Mediterranean light; explore the nearby Old Souk's covered alleys where soap-makers, tailors and copper workers continue traditions that have shaped local life for centuries. Share a slow lunch in a courtyard eatery (many offer sheltered terraces for March days) and make time to visit the Debbane Palace or the Sea Castle's small museum to deepen your understanding of Sidon's mercantile history — this slow cultural absorption feels intimate and grounding for a couple. Practical tip: Sidon's souk is best explored on foot; keep valuables secure and accept offers to sample local specialties like makdous or knafeh as part of the social experience.

Drive south to Tyre and visit the Al-Bass archaeological site and the Roman Hippodrome to witness the vast scale of Roman urban planning on the Levantine coast; the archaeological park's open-air mosaics and the long ruins of colonnaded streets are best taken at an unhurried pace, allowing time to sit together on a sun-warmed stone and imagine ancient processions. Tyre's old town and seaside corniche provide quiet places to watch fishermen and families in March's mild temperatures — perfect for a final shared sunset if your schedule allows. Practical tip: combine the archaeological visit with a quiet seaside café for an afternoon tea, and ask local guides about the Phoenician heritage that ties Tyre to the region's ancient maritime networks.

If time allows before returning to Beirut, pause at a small south-coast beach or a sheltered coastal viewpoint to close the journey with a private moment: reflect on the trip's highlights, sip a last cup of Lebanese coffee and collect a final souvenir from a southern artisan. The drive back to Beirut from Tyre typically takes under two hours depending on traffic, so plan to return in the early evening to settle and prepare for departure; March's coastal temperatures make the drive comfortable and scenic. Practical tip: if you prefer not to drive, organize a private transfer in advance — it offers door-to-door comfort and a final route that can include hidden viewpoints your driver knows well.