Circuits
Day 1:
Arrival to Beirut, Hotel transfer
Day 2:
Cooking lesson at “Tawlet” with the cooks &
chefs and a taste of your own prepared lunch.
After lunch, stroll around Beirut and visit the
National Museum. It is impressive and magnificently displays collections of
archaeological artifacts offering a great overview of Lebanon’s history
and the civilizations that impacted its cultural crossroads.
Walk back to down town Beirut (2 to 3 hours
tour)
Day 3:
Early morning depart towards the picturesque
Bekaa valley, the epicenter of the Lebanese wine industry.
Visit 3 awards winning wine makers, vineyards
and wineries (Château Bellevue in Bhamdoun, Cave Kouroum in Anaa &
Clos Saint Thomas in Qab Elias)
Visit the cellars and sample 12 different wines
for an exclusive Lebanese wine tasting experience.
Cave Kouroum will host a typical farmers’lunch
in its restaurant serving mouthwatering grills and « as much as you can
drink » wine. After the copious lunch, you will return to hotel Massabki
for dinner at 9 pm followed by a cognac tasting evening.
Day 4:
Visit 3 of the best wine makers in Lebanon
(Domaine des Tourelles in Chtaura, the oldest winery in Lebanon Chateau Ksara
& Massaya). Enjoy the exclusive tasting of 9 new wines, followed by a
plentiful lunch in Relais du Château in Massaya where the traditional local
lunch will be served, with Massaya wine.
Day 5:
Visit of Baalbeck, Lebanon’s greatest Roman
treasure. Resume with the visit of Beiteddine Palace and Mir Amin Palace hotel.
Lunch in Deir El Qamar.
Day 6:
Visit Jeitta Grotto, the extraordinary cave
with staggering shaped stones.
Continue to Byblos port and Batroun where you
will have lunch in a family owned seafront restaurant serving fresh fish &
seafood.
Day 7:
If you are lucky enough and it is a Saturday,
Souk el tayeb visit is a must. The weekly open air farmers’ market held on
Saturdays in down town Beirut, is a real attraction where you must taste the
famous ‘Mankouché’, typical Lebanese breakfast, a flatbread topped with thyme
and olive oil.
Transfer to airport.
Budget:
1065 USD per person (groupe de 6 personnes)
The price includes :
6 nights in 4 stars hotels, Bed & Breakfast, private transfers,
private cars, guided site visits and entrance tickets.
Despite its relatively tiny size, Lebanon remains grand in its natural marvels. It is embarked in a mission to spread the culture of ecotourism and to raise awareness of nature & environment preservation.
Nature reserves cover a vast array of rich exploration, from land to one-hour-away seafront.
Its mild environment allows all year round outdoor sports, benefiting from the therapeutic lapped coast, the peaked mountains hiking trails and the resilient Lebanese Cedar’s forest.
Sources & resources of natural good health: Reserves of fresh air, a balanced climate, the feel of serenity, preventive & curing medicinal herbs and endemic plants, fertile forests and equestrian tourism.
All senses are engaged for the ultimate experience: Sight, touch, sound, smell and taste…
Ecotourism is enabling people to explore and enjoy true nature while minimizing their impact on the environment. The ecotourism experience has more of a social scope. It creates a link with the local communities. It promotes the preservation of the traditions and culture heritage of the rural areas and villages.It is quite appealing to the young generation keen on sports while safeguarding the natural resources such as rafting, kayaking, canoeing, biking, sailing, mountain hiking, horse & donkey back-riding and other outdoor sports.Ecotourism is prevailing quite popular in Lebanon. It focuses on socially responsible travel and environmental sustainability. It directly benefits the socio-economic development of local communities and fosters respect & appreciation towards nature. The cultural heritage is the primary attraction. It offers tourists an insight on how to foster a greater appreciation of the natural habitat.
For the more adventurous travelers, there are more than many nature lover clubs, organizing exciting activities…
You can mountain climb, take hiking and trekking trips, walks and do diving expeditions…
For those in need of adrenaline rush, paragliding on top of the Cedars ‘forest or Qadisha valley is a thrill… The buzzing descent of the Awali River in Kayak or Canoe, skiing down the snow capped peaks of Sannine Mountains and exploring the hidden mountain caves are unforgettable memories to live and make…
Lebanon is famous for its exquisite beauty, diversity and cultural heritage.
Responsible ecotourism programs placed Lebanon on the “must see” list of every world traveler keen on minimizing the negative aspects of conventional tourism on the environment.
Day 1
Visit Downtown Beirut, carefully reconstructed after the country's conflicts. Continue to Bsous to see the magnificent silk museum. Stroll in the old city of Saida to discover its magical alleyways and souks, as well as the Khan and the Soap Museum. Enjoy a lunch break with sandwiches and local sweets before continuing in the afternoon to the Monastery of the Holy Savior in Joun and experiencing the region's local products.
Continue towards Jezzine, impressive village with pine forests, waterfalls and palace-like villas. Dinner at a local restaurant and overnight stay at the charming Auberge Wehbeh.
Day 2
Discover Jezzine's rich local artisan work and visit the charming village of Niha in the Chouf deep in the mountains with a Druze sanctuary and the caves of Qalaat Niha. Continue towards Maasser el Chouf and walk through the superb cedar reserve there. Stop at Ammiq Bekaa to admire the marshlands and migrating birds. Break for a light meal at Chtaura, known for its delicious sandwiches made with local cheeses and ingredients. Continue to Terbol in the afternoon to visit the ethnographic museum, then to the Ksara Winery and its cellars to sample local wines. Stop at the fascinating site of Baalbek then dine on the local meat pies or Sfiha, with an overnight stay at the quaint Palmyra Hotel.
Day 3
Spend some time in Baalbek to discover this unique site, its archaeological treasures and Roman remains. Continue towards Hermel with its well-preserved natural surroundings and the Orontes, the rebellious river popular with rafters and kayakers. Stand in awe before the pyramid tomb of Hermel in the middle of nowhere, then cross the Orontes bridge to reach Akkar and its fir forests. Picnic on the way before arriving at Qoybeyat, its rich landscape, church and natural museum which documents birdlife, butterflies and animals. Enjoy a dinner and overnight stay in Beino, at the As-Sayad hotel which overlooks the valleys of Akkar.
Day 4
Head to Qalamoun, a town well known for its brassware and salt mills. After a visit to the Monastery and University of Balamand, continue towards Koura with its olive groves and presses. Visit the Monastery of Qozhaya and the Caves of Madmen. The monastery, which is dedicated to Saint Anthony the Great, is considered one of the oldest in the venerable Qadisha valley. Next stop is Ehden, a historic village known for its heritage and cuisine. Head to Becharreh in the afternoon to visit the must-see Gibran Museum with works by this world-famous writer and painter, as well as the caves of Qadisha. Marvel at the magnificent landscape and unique views before moving higher to the Cedars, a grove of millennia representing an almost mythical symbol of Lebanon. Savor dinner at the cozy Saint Bernard hotel.
Day 6
Arrive at Bqaakafra for a pilgrimage to the birthplace of Saint Charbel, in the highest village in Lebanon. Go on to the holy Qadisha valley characterized as a world heritage side and a sanctuary for hermits since antiquity, to enjoy walks, lunch and local sights. Visit Hasroun to admire its red-roofed mansions and apple orchards (apple picking available in September/October). Approach Hardini to discover its temple at the summit and spend a night at the Hardini Inn.
Day 7
Discover Douma, an adorable mountain village that's famous for its frescoes at the Convent of Saint John, as well as for its souks and traditional houses. The next step is a visit to Bshealeh, known for its sculptures, and on to Assia for its potters. After this head to Kfarhay with its SOS children's village and the Maronite convent of Saint John which houses the remains of Lebanon's patron saint, Saint Maron. There is also a crusader church.
The charming town of Batroun is next on the itinerary, with its ancient sites and Phoenician fishing port. After a seafood lunch go on to Byblos for 6,000 years of history, including an antique Phoenician port, cobblestone streets, traditional markets and famous citadel. Make your way to the Jeita Grotto to admire the Stalactites and Stalagmites, selected as a finalist in nature's 7th new wonder of the world, before heading back to Beirut.
Budget:
830 USD for 10 persons
Our price includes:
Transport, guide, entry to sites, accommodation, full-board.
6 nights/7 says
A treasures of cultures,
religions and civilizations, Lebanon has been shaped by numerous
legends and many centuries of history. it is a land caressed
by the Mediterranean, with beaches and valleys washed by
sunshine.
Tour plan
Day 1
Arriving to Beirut, transfer to your hotel.
Day 2 (National
Museum –City Center)
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.
Day 3 (Beirut/Jeita-Batroun-Byblos)
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.
Day 4 (Beirut/Baalback/ Ksara)
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.
Day 5 (Beirut/Tyr-Sidon-Echmoun)
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.
Day 6 (Beirut/Quadisha /Cedres/Gebran museum)
Day 7 (Beirut /Deir El Qamar Beiteddine)
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
Budget:
840 USD per person (groupe de 6 personnes)
The price includes:
6 nights in 3 * hotel includes breakfast, private car, private
transfers, private guides, entrance fees to sites
3 days/2 nights
Being a mosaic of 17 different sects and religions, Lebanon
is replete with corners that are sacred to many religions, particularly for
Christians and Muslims. Western researchers have been fascinated with the mix
of sacred monasteries, mausoleums, mosques, ancient churches and much more.
Even a mountain or a valley can be considered a spiritual place, keeping in
mind that the Cedars of Lebanon were mentioned often in the Holy Bible. They
are even referred to as the Cedars of the Lord in the country itself.
Itinerary:
Day 1:
Start off from Beirut at 8.30 AM and head to Southern Lebanon’s
village of Cana where Christ’s first miracle took place. Stop by Magdousheh to
visit the Greek Catholic church dedicated to the Virgin of Montara. See the
cave where – according to the Holy Bible – the Virgin Mary waited for Christ
while he was visiting Sidon. Take in the spiritual vibe of Cana’s different
sites before heading for lunch at the seaside city of Tyre. In the afternoon
head to an ancient Greek Catholic convent known as Deir el Mokhalles (Monastery
of the Savior) in the village of Joun, tucked away in Lebanon’s verdant Chouf
mountains. You’ll see the convent’s spellbinding iconostasis and meet with the
resident priest.
Day 2:
Begin the second day’s tour at 8.30 AM
with a trip to the town of Byblos whose name relates to the word Bible in
Greek. Head to the convent of Mar Abda (Saint Abda) in Maad and then marvel at
a historic church from the 13th century, built over the ruins of an
ancient Roman temple. You’re going to be amazed at the newly restored frescoes.
In the afternoon, make your way to one of the country’s most sacred sites, the
convent of Mar Maroun, set in Annaya in the heart of the Lebanese mountains.
This is where you’ll come across the miraculously preserved body of Saint
Charbel, Lebanon’s patron saint belonging to the Christian Maronite faith and
canonized by the Catholic Church. Later on, enjoy dinner at one of the area’s
most distinguished mountain guesthouses, the Oasis of Saint-Charbel.
Day 3:
Seize the day and head to Annaya at 8.30 AM, making your way
to village of Kaftoun in the Koura region, North Lebanon. Visit the Convent of
Our Lady of Kaftoun and meet up close with the resident Greek Orthodox nuns.
There’s a historic church from the 13th century with many frescoes
that shouldn’t be missed. A traditional Lebanese restaurant awaits you for
lunch before moving on to the Balamand Convent, a revered bastion of Greek
Orthodoxy in Lebanon. This enchantingly beautiful convent from the 12th
century – originally Cistercian, a Catholic order that branched off from the
Benedictines – boasts stunning icon-filled churches. The convent was taken over
by the Orthodox Church after the Crusaders abandoned the region. Relax with an
overnight stay in nearby Garzouz at the Convent of the Community of Beatitudes,
dedicated to Saint Thérèse of the Child Jesus. This is also a hotel where we
get to enjoy a local Lebanese dinner.
Budget:
600 USD per person (group de 6 persons)
The price includes:
3 nights in a 3-star hotel with breakfast, private car and transfer, private
guide, entry fees to all sites.