Welcome to a country that can offer you everything! Enjoy trekking its landscapes, admire its domestic architecture, and discover its historical sites; taste the Lebanese cuisine and chat with villagers. Spend a nice evening at a local nightclub and enjoy every minute of it. And why not going next day for an adventure! So let’s start!
Your Itinerary
Day 1: Arrival Beirut
Arrival Beirut International Airport. Meet & Assist and transfer to your hotel in Beirut. Dinner overnight.
(D)
Day 2: Domestic Architecture (Beirut & Beiteddine)
Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Ottoman & French all have left a unique mixture of cultures, which have influenced the Lebanese architecture. Few houses exist that were built before the 18th century, due to many destructive earthquakes, and the most charming are those who have been built during the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries, incorporate traditional Arab, Lebanese, Ottoman and Western architecture. The best examples of typical simple Lebanese architecture are the red-roofed simple houses spread-over the coastal and inland villages, while the Palace of Beiteddine is a great example of early 19th century’s luxurious architecture. However, the most impressive are those that have been built during the transitional phase between tradition and modernity, from late nineteenth century to the end of World War II, and Beirut’s central district is a best example that witnessed said period, where hundreds of structures have been restored, including mosques, churches, commercial and residential buildings as well as street markets. This tour will let you visit the city center of Beirut, the coastal strip south of the capital, the inland villages en route to Beiteddine. Dinner overnight in Beirut.
(B) (D)
Day 3: Archaeology (Byblos, Batroun & Tripoli)
Drive to the Dog River for its commemorative ancient and modern inscriptions (from 2nd millennium BC till 1949 AD) then along the coastal highway to Byblos to visit the oldest continuously inhabited town in the world. Proceed to visit the northern part of Lebanon, starting with Batroun and its Roman amphitheater and the Phoenician ramparts then proceed to the castle of Mseilha, the legacy of Lebanon’s Ayyubid princes of the 16th century, and the nearby ancient stone bridge. Turn right from Chekka and ascend east towards Amioun to visit ancient churches en-route. Proceed to Bziza and its Roman temple. Back to the coast via Kosba towards Tripoli, the second largest city in Lebanon. The city has been founded by Phoenicians, and then settled by Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Arabs. Visit its main ancient sites, including the Crusader fortress of St. Gilles, ancient mosques, madrasas (schools), hammas (baths) and covered souks. Dinner overnight in nearby village of Ehden.
(B) (D)
Day 4: Eco-tourism/bird watching, trekking (Akkar region)
Early morning breakfast, after which we head to Qbayat via Halba, which was a silk-rich community some 90 years ago, now a bustling town around abandoned reeling factories, beautiful Mamluke stylized monuments, and churches built from Roman some temple elements. At Qatlabeh, we stretch our legs to prepare for a moderate hike to Aakkar el Atiqa heights, between pine trees and typical Mediterranean environment. The assistance vehicle is near enough to watch over anyone in trouble, yet far enough to ignore its presence. Picnic lunch near the 10th century built castle of Aakkar. A pleasant afternoon drive to Tachea village, gives us the chance to encounter the locals and their ways of living in this remote area of the country, with stops to prepare the evening meal, before we continue our trek to the heights of Fneideq, and its unique European oak tree forest, next to nesting area of migrating birds. Camp and dinner. Total walking distance: 13km approx. between 700 & 1000m above sea level / moderate / 3km muddy in winter.
(B) (D)
Day 5: Adventure/4WD (Hermel region)
Breakfast and camp lifting, before off-roading to Qamouaa, a small paradise of streams, rugged mountains, sturdy pines with breathtaking scenery. Off-roading in 4x4 vehicles can be a very environmentally friendly activity, if one follows the tracks marked ahead, (without destroying living plants by side of the road). On our way to the Bekaa Valley, the tour leaders have the pleasure to share their techniques and knowledge in 4 wheeling, while the participants get the chance to be the drivers, developing an unforgettable experience. Arrival to Hermel region, we refresh in the Orontes source, next to the astonishing rock carved Mar Maroun grotto. More to the South, Baalbeck await certainly. Total distance in 4x4: 25km approx. Dinner overnight in Baalbeck.
(B) (D)
Day 6: Cultural/Archaeology, Gastronomical delights & Horseback riding (Beqaa Valley)
Visit of Baalbeck then drive through Beqaa Plane towards Ksara Winery that represents the history of wine in Lebanon, which is nearly as old as the history of the land itself. The Canaanites worshipped Baal, the god “who gives rain”, who was venerated with wine- the primary symbol of potency. The Phoenicians later transported their wine in earthenware amphorae across the Mediterranean. After the Roman conquest, the greatest temple to Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, was built at Baalbeck and the Romans hailed Levantine wine as the finest in the world.
The modern-day Lebanese continue their ancestral traditions. In the western Bekaa Valley, there are hundreds hectare vineyards planted with noble varieties, such as Carignan, Grenache, Cinsaut, Cabernet-Sauvignon, Bourboulenc, Semilon, Chardonnay, Clairette, Syrah, Merlot and Mourvedre, from which, world-class wineries produce award-winning wines. Wine tasting, followed by a tasteful Lebanese lunch that includes the famous “mezze” representing the high point of the country’s hospitality, besides being very delicious and healthy. It encompasses a wide array of dishes and cooking styles, using refined spicing, herbs, grain, vegetables and flavorsome ingredients. Main courses are lamb, fish or chicken, grilled with rice and salad, served with traditional thin-flat bread. Proceed to nearby village of Kerak famous for its Arabian horses, a chance for a horseback riding. Then cross Mt. Lebanon range and head to Zouk district to discover the treasures of Lebanese handicrafts. Back to your hotel in Beirut. Dinner overnight.
(B) (D)
Day 7: Handicrafts & Leisure (Jounieh)
Drive to “Zouk”, at the outskirts of the capital, to discover the treasures of Lebanese handicrafts. Balance day free at leisure. Evening: During sixties and early seventies, Lebanon was famous for its nightlife, and today the after-ten crowd is bigger than ever. Lebanon’s nightlife offers an entirely different outlook on excellent food, but combined with entertainment. This tour will give you the opportunity to visit one of our favorite and selected restaurant/night club to enjoy your meal while watching the belly dancer performing her sensual hip movements and graceful arm movements, in harmony with the traditional Lebanese music.
(B) (D)
Day 8: Departure
Transfer departure Beirut International Airport.
(B)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Rates include:
- Accommodation with breakfast daily, at 3* hotels;
- 5 set menu dinners at hotel, 1 in the camp and 1 at local restaurant/nightclub;
- 1 lunch box during trekking & 1 in Zahleh at a local restaurant;
- Local escort during trekking;
- English or French or German speaking guide during excursions;
- Private air-conditioned transportation throughout (except 4WD, which is not air-conditioned);
- Meet & assist upon arrival & departure;
- All the entrance fees as per sites mentioned in the program;
- VAT 10% on all Lebanon Services effective 1st February 2002.
Rates do not include:
- Meals other than stated and indicated in above;
- Tips;
- Entry visa;
- Drinks;
- Any service of personal nature.
Also see tour packages in:
Middle East
Lebanon
Hiking & Trekking
Cultural Journey
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