Lebanon: Jewel Of The Levant
Group Tour
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Overview
Emerging from the ashes of its war-torn past, Lebanon is a country of captivating contrasts, having lain at the crossroads of religious, historical and social change for over 7,000 years. Blessed with gorgeous coastlines, delicious cuisine and a collection of ancient sites that are the envy of many, today it is emerging once more as one of the most engaging and dynamic countries in the Middle East.
This short, but ultimately engrossing, journey takes us from the vibrant streets of ...
Emerging from the ashes of its war-torn past, Lebanon is a country of captivating contrasts, having lain at the crossroads of religious, historical and social change for over 7,000 years. Blessed with gorgeous coastlines, delicious cuisine and a collection of ancient sites that are the envy of many, today it is emerging once more as one of the most engaging and dynamic countries in the Middle East.
This short, but ultimately engrossing, journey takes us from the vibrant streets of its historic capital and deep into landscapes that have been forged over the centuries by Phoenician traders, Roman legions and fierce crusades. Beginning in Beirut we have a chance to enjoy its rich cultural heritage before moving on to the ancient UNESCO ruins at Byblos, travelling via the fabulous caves at Jeita and the shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon at Harissa.
The dramatic Qadisha Valley and the famous Lebanese cedars of Al Shouf are next, before we continue through the fertile Bekka Valley to the stunning Roman remains of Baalbek. Along with the exquisite Palace of Beiteddine, the ancient Phoenician cities of Tyre and Sidon then provide the backdrop to our return to Beirut.
HIGHLIGHTS
At a glance
MEALS
TRANSPORT
On this tour we will use minibuses.
GROUP SIZE
EXPERT TEAM
ACCOMMODATION
2 nights x Superior
ENTRANCE FEES
FITNESS RATING
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
As an overall ethos, wherever possible we aim to use characterful accommodation that enhances the overall travel experience, not just offers a bed for the night. This can obviously vary dramatically from country to country and from trip to trip. On this particular trip we will be in mid-range hotels. Please note that the accommodation mentioned in the itinerary is intended as a guide only and is always subject to availability.
FITNESS RATING
LOW: You should be comfortable walking around towns and cultural sites. May include some optional walks (typically 1-2hrs).LOW/MODERATE: May be of a long duration and/or involve numerous border-crossings. May include easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-3hrs/day). You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle.
MODERATE: May include several easy/moderate day walks (up to 2-5hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You should be relatively fit and lead a generally active lifestyle. Previous experience of similar trips helpful.
MODERATE/HIGH: May involve several days of moderate hiking (up to 3-6 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
HIGH: May involve several days of moderate/strenuous trekking (up to 4-7 hrs/day) possibly at altitude. You must be a very fit and active traveller with appropriate trekking experience.
Wild Miles Club
When you book a trip with Wild Frontiers you are awarded points, which are based on the return distance from London to the arrival city of your trip. Points are awarded for all our holidays, including both our escorted group tours and tailor-made trips. When you accrue points, you will qualify for the following discounts on all future bookings:
| Blue | More than 10,000 points | 2.5% discount |
| Bronze | More than 30,000 points | 5% discount |
| Silver | More than 45,000 points | 7.5% discount |
| Gold | More than 60,000 points | 10% discount |
Map & Itinerary
Individual departures may vary so please refer to the information in the tour specific links in the Dates and Prices section below
Day 1 Tour starts in Beirut
Day 1 Tour starts in Beirut
Our journey begins in the Lebanese capital, where on arrival* we will be met at the airport and transferred on to our centrally located hotel. Ideally situated within easy walking distance of the bustling markets of the Rue Hamra and the famed Pigeon Rocks, the hotel provides an ideal base close to the glittering waters of Zaitunay Bay.
*Please note arrival transfers will only be provided for those arriving on the suggested Group Flights. Please refer to the GETTING THERE section for details of these.
Day 2 Beirut
Day 2 Beirut
Reputed to be one of the oldest cities in the world, with an unquenchable thirst for life and an ancestry that encompasses Phoenician, Crusader and Ottoman influences, Beirut has risen from the ashes of its recent troubles to become once more one of the most dynamic cities in the Levant. Discover its remodelled centre, visit its mosques and historic churches and stop along the way to sample some of the city's culinary delights, before exploring its Corniche and its famous Pigeon Rocks. This evening we will then venture out to explore some of Beirut's famous nightlife.
Day 3 Beirut - Jeita Grotto - Harissa - Byblos
Day 3 Beirut - Jeita Grotto - Harissa - Byblos
A morning visit to Beirut’s National Museum presents a fascinating insight into the cultures, conflicts and traditions that have shaped this remarkable city. Departing Beirut, we then head for the vast limestone cave complex at Jeita, one of Lebanon’s most extraordinary natural wonders. Continuing on to the pilgrimage site of Our Lady of Lebanon at Harissa, we then explore the renowned church and take a cable car up to enjoy the views across the Bay of Jounieh before completing our journey on to Byblos.
Day 4 Byblos - Qadisha Valley
Day 4 Byblos - Qadisha Valley
The spectacular UNESCO ruins of Byblos can boast a lineage that dates back some 7,000 years. Mentioned in biblical text and appearing in both Egyptian hieroglyphic and Punic inscriptions, the city provides us with an ancient souq, Phoenician ruins and easy access to the dramatic and revered landscapes of the Qadisha Valley. Here we can enjoy an afternoon walk and soak up the beautiful scenery with a simple picnic lunch along the way, before continuing on to our hotel for the evening.
Day 5 Cedars of God - Bekaa Valley - Baalbek
Day 5 Cedars of God - Bekaa Valley - Baalbek
This morning we will take some time to explore the ancient forests of the Cedars of God, home to some of the oldest and finest examples of Lebanon’s national symbol, some of which reputedly date back over 2,000 years. From here, we will continue on to the fertile lands of the Bekaa Valley which form the north-easternmost extension of the Great Rift Valley and can lay claim to one of Lebanon’s greatest archaeological treasures. Here lie the spectacular Roman remains of Baalbek, site of the magnificent Temple of Bacchus and the Temple of Jupiter, whose remaining Corinthian columns are amongst the largest of their kind left from ancient antiquity. After our visit we can relax for the evening and enjoy the views of the ruins from our hotel.
Day 6 Baalbek - Beiteddine - Tyre
Day 6 Baalbek - Beiteddine - Tyre
We begin today visiting the charming Chateau Marsyas winery where we can learn more about this celebrated industry and enjoy a wine tasting. Following this we will enjoy a delicious lunch at the very special Tawlet Ammiq, the restaurant belonging to Souk el Tayeb, an organisation which helps to support small-scale farmers and producers and encourage sustainable agriculture through respecting culinary traditions and the natural environment of this region. Continuing on we then head to the 19th century Beiteddine Palace, set against the stirring backdrop of the Chouf Mountains and a sumptuous gem of Italianate and Arab design. Built by Emir Bashir II and badly damaged during the civil war, today it is considered one of the country’s greatest cultural treasures. From here we continue on to the city of Tyre, whose ancient Phoenician ruins include the UNESCO site of its magnificent Roman hippodrome. This evening we can enjoy the Mediterranean setting of this historic city with our final dinner together.
Day 7 Tyre - Saida – Tour ends in Beirut
Day 7 Tyre - Saida – Tour ends in Beirut
Also known as Sidon, the port town of Saida provides us with our final stop as we head back towards Beirut this morning. A once flourishing Phoenician city, today its winding backstreets, colourful markets and prominent Crusader sea castle provide an ideal spot to break our journey for a delicious lunch. in the late afternoon, we will then transfer back to the airport for the flight home (arriving into Beirut at around 16:00).
*Please note, for anyone that is booking flights outside the suggested Group Flights (see GETTING THERE section) or those wanting to depart on earlier flights, you will need to arrange a private transfer from Tyre.
ACCOMMODATION USED ON THIS TOUR
Raouché Arjaan By Rotana, Beirut
Be welcomed by Mediterranean views and four star service at Raouché Arjaan by Rotana. Standing tall within the city of Beirut, the hotel is located close to the Pigeon Rocks and Corniche as well as giving easy access to Hamra. The stylish accommodations offer sea or city views paired with classic interiors and modern amenities. Head up to the rooftop for a drink by the pool as the sun sets. On other floors you will find the fitness room, wellness club and multiple dining options.
Byblos Sur Mer, Byblos
This coastal boutique hotel, although offering all the charm and comforts of a modern hotel, is steeped in history. Originally built in 1967 and given a new lease of life in 2010, it still manages to embrace the past with clever preservation of historical details. The hotel offers an array of dining choices, in addition to an elegant hotel bar offering the experience of cocktails at sunset. Not to be forgotten is the sundeck, with its beach access and terrace stretching out into the Mediterranean Sea. Byblos is known for its fantastic eateries and there are many other delicous options nearby along the harbour or in the old town.
Le Cedrus, Qadisha Valley
Le Cedrus is a chalet style property within the mountains of the Qadisha Valley, only a two-hour drive from Beirut. The charming, three-star property welcomes you into its cosy cigar lounge and restaurant, complete with an open fireplace. The warm and friendly atmosphere is a welcome retreat after a long day of sightseeing, with 40 elegant rooms and suites, all individually decorated in a simple, homely style.
Palmyra Hotel, Baalbek
Palmyra Hotel is sure to be a highlight during your stay in Baalbek. Having been open for over 140 years, the hotel has hosted many famous guests such as Ella Fitzgerald, Picasso, Einstein and Charles de Gaulle, to name a few. The characteristic hotel oozes old-style charm, with fraying rugs, period furnishings and images of some of the famous guests who have stayed there over the years adorning the walls, more than making up for the lack of luxuries, such as air-conditioning. The 22 rooms are simply decorated in a 50’s interior design, adding to the living museum experience, yet are comfortable. Enjoy a wonderful meal in the restaurant or on the balcony overlooking the ruins of Baalbek.
The Rest House Tyr, Tyre
Experience a slower pace at Rest House in Tyre. The four-star beachfront resort is ideally located in the centre of Tyre. The hotel's private beach provides some exclusivity whilst relaxing and sampling a cocktail from the beach bar. The interiors of the 63 guest rooms incorporate neutral colour tones to match the calming influence of the ocean, which many rooms overlook. The Hiram Restaurant serves a menu of oriental and continental dishes, which can be sampled on the outdoor terrace. For leisure activities, there is a gym and massage treatments available.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation displayed here should be taken as a guide only. *Please refer to the Detailed Itinerary of your individual departure for more information.
PRIVATE HOLIDAYS: DATES DON’T FIT?
All group tours can be taken on a private basis.
Additional Details
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Supporting smale-scale farmers
On Day 6 we will enjoy a delicious lunch at the very special Tawlet Ammiq, born from Souk El Tayeb, an organisation which helps to support small-scale farmers and producers and encourage sustainable agriculture through respecting culinary traditions and the natural environment of this region. Tawlet Ammiq is situated within the village of Ammiq, where most residents work in agriculture, and is nearby the Ammiq Wetland, one of the most significant in Lebanon as it is frequented by migratory birds. It is therefore very important to support the local food industry and educate producers on environmentally friendly practices. The restaurant allows for locals to showcase their wine or crops, which are then reimagined into delicious dishes by the cooks. Furthermore, the building itself is environmentally friendly, using 80% less energy than a standard construction, and features interiors designed by local artisans and craftsmen.
Reducing Single Use Plastic
We recognise the environmental issues and challenges around single-use plastic in many countries we visit and are actively working with our partners on the ground to reduce plastic waste on our tours and within the hotels and restaurants we visit. You can help to reduce your personal plastic waste by taking a refillable, filtered water bottle with you on your trip. Filtered water bottles can be refilled from water sources including your hotel room and restaurant taps, drinking fountains and refill stations. Every time you refill your bottle without the use of single-use plastic, you will be helping to reduce waste and protect the environment. Filtered Water Bottles | Wild Frontiers (wildfrontierstravel.com)
Getting There
If you would like us to send you a quote for the suggested tour flights or on any alternative flight that may suit you better, please let us know, noting that for our US clients, we will most likely refer you to one of our preferred partners. For this trip our suggested flights from the UK (subject to change) are shown below.
If you wish to arrange your own flights you are completely free to do so and in this case we can arrange any transfers or supplementary accommodation that you may require. However please note that if you are planning on making your own flight arrangements, we recommend that you first check with us to see if the trip is guaranteed. We then suggest that you purchase flights that are flexible and ideally refundable as due to the nature of adventure travel, itineraries and destination accessibility can change at any time. For more information, please refer to our booking conditions.
If you plan to spend time in Beirut once the tour has finished, we can arrange for you to be complimentary transferred to our designated post-tour accommodation, once the group tour has finished at Beirut Airport.
| Flight Code | Departing | Arriving |
|---|---|---|
| ME 202 | London Heathrow (LHR) 13:00 | Beirut Airport (BEY) 19:35 |
| ME 203 | Beirut Airport (BEY) 17:25 | London Heathrow (LHR) 20:35 |
Visas & Vaccinations
VISAS
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact a reputable visa agency. More details can be found here - https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/visa
For this tour UK passport holders currently require a visa for Lebanon, which can be obtained upon arrival into the country. A single entry tourist visa is valid for one month from the date of entry.
Please note that anyone holding a passport showing evidence of having visited Israel (including having entered or left Jordan/Egypt from posts which are known to border Israel) are likely to be denied a visa for Lebanon.
Passports should ideally be valid for a minimum period of 6 months from the end of your tour.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
VACCINATIONS & ADDITIONAL TRAVEL REQUIREMENTS
There are no mandatory vaccination requirements for travellers to Lebanon.
For all destinations, please make sure you are up-to-date with any standard vaccinations (e.g. MMR, Hepatitis A, Tetanus) as recommended by your local health care provider.
For the most up-to-date information on all vaccination requirements and the most suitable anti-malarial tablets, we strongly suggest that you seek advice from your local travel centre or consult an official travel health website such as www.fitfortravel.nhs.uk or www.travelhealthpro.org.uk
Covid Testing: No mandatory testing is currently required for vaccinated or unvaccinated travellers.
If necessary further details will be sent out to you upon booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas & vaccinations are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Extensions
If you have more time available, why not arrive early to adjust to a new time zone or just to get a feel for the country before your tour starts? Alternatively, you might choose to allow a few extra days after the tour to relax or to undertake some further exploration.
The choice is completely yours and we can usually arrange anything from simply additional accommodation and transfers to full tailor-made itineraries*. Please contact the office for more details and to discuss your requirements.
*Please note bespoke, tailor-made itineraries need to be a minimum of 7 days and we can only offer them in countries where we have a tailor-made expert
Governmental Travel Advice
Many governments issue advice which highlights potential hazards their citizens might experience when travelling abroad. We strongly suggest you refer to your country’s particular advisory site before booking and contact us if you have any queries or concerns. Click to follow links to the advice of the British Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) or the US State Department.
Non-UK citizens should consult the travel advice of their respective governments.
Please note, the UK FCDO has recently updated their travel advise for the majority of Lebanon. For this tour, the only region that is advising against all but essential travel is Baalbek, you will need to mention this when speaking to your insurers, to make sure adequate cover is provided.
Warning
The FCDO sometimes advises against certain parts of this itinerary.
Wild Frontiers has many years’ experience of running trips which contravene FCDO advice but these decisions that are never taken lightly and are always taken in conjunction with our local partners after extensive consultation. As part of the booking process, you will need to sign a disclaimer to confirm you have read the advice, that you are still happy to travel and that you will obtain travel insurance which is not invalidated by the FCDO advice.
On this tour the Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) advises against all but essential travel to Baalbek. This will be relevant for Days 5 and 6 of the itinerary as we will overnight in Baalbek. Please note that this information is subject to change.
For more information, please see the Insurance section or contact us. Non-UK clients should be sure to check the travel advice of their own governments as well as the small print of their insurance policies. Should you have any questions or concerns, please don’t hesitate to get in touch.
Key Information
CLIMATE
Despite its Middle Eastern location, Lebanon has a mild climate with four seasons. Spring (March - May) and autumn (October - November) are considered the best times to visit due to milder temperatures and less rain. Generally, temperatures on the coast are higher, with spring temperatures between 13-25C in Beirut and 5-20C in the Beeka Valley. Autumn temperatures range between 16-28C in Beirut and 4-22C in the Beeka Valley. However, weather can be unpredictable at any time of year, especially if going to the more mountainous regions, so please allow for both hot and cold weather during your visit.
IS THIS TRIP FOR ME?
It may sound obvious but Wild Frontiers tours are not always for everyone and it is important to us that the tour you choose is the most suitable. All our tours have a fitness rating as a guideline but you should check the day-by-day itinerary carefully. In certain instances we may ask you to complete a travel questionnaire before confirming your booking in order to ensure your suitability. Should you have any concerns about your ability to partake in any aspect of the tour then please contact the office.
KEY ASPECTS TO CONSIDER
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour.
Please note most of Lebanon is no longer on the UK FCDO advise against all travel, however Baalbek, which this tour visits, is still on the list, but we are aware and monitoring this situation. You may need to mention this to your insurance company prior to travelling.
This tour has a couple of medium driving days, these will be no longer than approx. 4.5 hours driving time (around 200km), regular breaks will be provided.
THE NATURE OF ADVENTURE TRAVEL
We feel that it’s worth pointing out that while we will always strive to stick as close to the stated itinerary as possible, it may be necessary from time to time to make changes to our itineraries or services (due to weather, political and religious influences etc.) and this can happen with little or no notice. This unpredictability can be one of the most exciting aspects of adventure travel and for many of our clients often leads to unexpected highlights as the tour-leader necessarily adapts the tour to the changing conditions. However we are aware that this lack of assuredness may not suit everyone. As such, with the greatest respect, if you are someone who needs to know that everything will happen exactly as planned, we would kindly suggest that perhaps our tours are not for you. Adventure travel can be infectious and once you’ve caught the bug, it is likely to never leave you, but especially if this is your first such tour we would strongly urge you to give us a call if you have any concerns whatsoever about your suitability for this trip.
TRAVELLING SOLO AND SINGLE SUPPLEMENTS
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip.
On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
INSURANCE
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
General Information
TOUR PRICE
All our tours are priced on a land-only basis, giving you maximum flexibility when deciding how to get to and from your tour.
DEPOSIT
A 10% deposit is required to confirm your booking.
PROTECTION FOR YOUR MONEY
For further details please see our travelling with peace of mind page
WILD MILES
This tour will earn you 4304 Wild Miles
WHAT'S NOT INCLUDED
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour/nationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
WILD FRONTIERS COMMUNITY
If you’re still not sure if this trip is right or just want to see get some different perspectives, then why not have a look at the wide variety of resources we have on our website? Browse our community section to read our blogs, watch videos and find out about our events.
WHY WILD FRONTIERS?
We are frequently asked what makes Wild Frontiers different from other tour operators. Visit our Why Wild Frontiers page to find out.