Excursions
Between the Lebanon Mountains and the Anti-Lebanon Mountains lies the Bekaa plain, offering a multitude of colors and perspectives. Once the breadbasket of the Romans, the Bekaa remains a rich area of agriculture, farming and vineyards. The ancient Baal Bek (today Baalbek) in the north of the valley may seem to some like ‘the edge of the world’, contrasting beautifully with the site of Anjar in the south and the Qaraoun Lake.
Tour plan:
-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.
Budget:
50 USD base 10 people
The price includes:
Rental a standard car with driver
A private guide
All entrance fees to sites
- Start your visit by Deir el Qamar, the ancient capital of Mount Lebanon, which still retains many charming palaces on the city square. Baz visit the museum, the mosque Fakhreddine the 17th and 18th century church of Notre-Dame, then proceed to Beiteddine.
- Visit the palace of Emir Bechir, elegant example of the architecture of the nineteenth century Lebanese
- Back to Beirut
Budget
45 USD base 10 people
The price includes:
Rental for the day of a standard car with driver
A private guide
All entrance fees to sites
Lying 85 kilometers north of Beirut, Tripoli is the country’s second largest city and the capital of the North. The name Tripoli is derived from the confederation of three Phoenician cities of Tyr, Sidon and Arwad. The city fell under Greek, Crusader and Arab domination, followed by the Mameluks and the Ottomans. Tripoli boasts numerous sites and about 40 monuments or structures dating from the 14th century, document as important historical places of the city.
Budget:
64 USD based on 10 persons
Prices include:
Car rental for the day in a standard car with a driver
A private tour guide
Entry fees to all sites
Tyr and Sidon are jewels of antiquity and of the Middle Ages. Their archaeological remains stand witness to the rich, glorious past of this part of the Mediterranean.Lying between the mountains and the Mediterranean with beautiful private beaches, the area is full of citrus groves that emphasize the fertility of this blessed land.
Tour Plan:
- 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.
Budget:
75 USD based on 10 persons
Prices include:
Car rental for the day in a standard car with a driver
A private tour guide
Entry fees to all sites
Departure from Beirut, through the Cedars road, towards the reserve of Tannourine, a magnificent forest enclosed on 3 sides by deep gorges Arrival at 10 am
The itinerary begins at the entrance, at an altitude of 1700m, by a tour among the gigantic cedars before meandering through the valley of Faouar bordering the forest, 200m below, where runs a small stream under large willows. Stone hovels are used as summer houses for some farmers planting their orchards, all surrounded by breathtaking cliffs and forests. The path that runs across this bucolic place is soon joined by another ravine and a small pathway heading up, crushed by the dominating impressive mountain, the peak of the rhubarb. A break at the source of walnut to finally emerge at the hamlet of Ras Bniya, last stop of this 3 hour hike.
It's lunchtime. Enjoying a picnic on-site or sharing lunch with a local family or with the monks at the monastery in Tannourine (30 minutes by car) are all tempting alternatives
The duration of tour: 9 hours
Budget:
60 USD based on 10 persons
Price Includes:
Rental Cars
A private tour guide
The road to Byblos which hugs the coastline offers many inland excursions into the mountainside, revealing the region’s natural beauty. This is the perfect example of the dialog that takes place between seaside and mountainside.
Tour Plan:
- Make your way from Beirut to the Jeita Grotto, a real masterpiece of nature and nominated as one of the seven modern wonders of the world. Return to the coast and head to the Jounieh, city of commerce and leisure to enjoy the views over its famous bay that appears on many postcards. Continue towards Harissa, a holy place of pilgrimage for Christians, then head to Byblos, one of the oldest cities of the world, to stroll through the ancient site, souks and old port.
- In the afternoon head to Batroun, another charming town known for its fresh lemonade, stone houses and ancient walls. Return to Beirut in the evening.
Budget
75 USD based on 10 persons
Prices include:
Car rental for the day in a standard car with a driver
A private tour guide
Entry fees to all sites