The many faces of Lebanon

Arriving to Beirut, transfer to your hotel.

Departure from the hotel at 9:00 a.m. Visit the National Museum of Beirut then head to Beirut’s city center which was reconstructed after the Civil War. It will take you two to three hours to stroll around the city center and discover historic monuments dating back to the Ottoman Empire and the French Mandate. Also, visit the archeological excavations that unveil treasures dating back to various eras, the renovated souks and the pedestrian zones. Lunchtime and afternoon at leisure, you can shop around or maybe go on foot to Mar Mikhail neighborhood and Saifi Village (home of designers, trendy boutiques and art galleries). The visit will be made by an artist (jewelry designer). Or you can go discover Hamra and Verdun districts, the Corniche, the Pigeon Grotto and the American University of Beirut campus.

Departure from Beirut and visit to Jeita Grotto, true masterpiece of Mother Nature, considered as one of the wonders of the world.Continue to Batroun, stroll around the narrow alleys of the village that lead to small squares surrounded by houses dating back to the Ottoman Empire. In this maze, you will find the MaroniteChurch of Saint Stephen and the Greek-Orthodox Church of Saint George with its venerable collection of icons. Another must-see is the Church of Saint Mary of the Sea with its magnificent view of the town’s ancient Phoenician wall. The stronghold of the Crusaders. Lunch at Magui’s, a renowned family restaurant by the sea. Continue to Byblos, and visit the site and souks. Return to Beirut at sunset.

Head to Anjar which houses the remains of an Ommayad city and wander through its ruins which stand witness to the glorious past of this Islamic dynasty. Continue to Baalbek, a superb archaeological site. Situated on a hill, the acropolis of Baalbek is one of the most complete examples of the finest Roman architecture. The temple's grandiose proportions pay homage to Jupiter and will leave you speechless. This is truly a huge ancient site of incomparable beauty. Stop for lunch in Zahle and visit a wine estate in the fertile Bekaa Valley, sampling wines from the wine cellar which have been exported abroad with much success.

Head to Sidon from Beirut on the coastal road. Visit the sea castle built by the crusaders as well as Khan el Franj, considered once upon a time the inn of the French. Stroll through the enchanting souks of Sidon then have lunch at the Rest House. Visit one of the oldest Phoenician archaeological sites, complete with roman baths, a necropolis and a hippodrome. End the day with a visit to Eshmoun, where you can find the most authentic Phoenician ruins in all of Lebanon. Head back to Beirut.

Start your tour with Deir el Qamar, former capital of Mount Lebanon, which still retains many palaces in the charming town square. Visit the Baz Museum, the 17th and 18th century Fakhreddine Mosque and the Notre-Dame Church then continue to Beiteddine. Visit of Emir Bechir Palace, elegant example of 19th century Lebanese architecture Back to Beirut