Classic Lebanon
Suggested Itinerary
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Overview
The small country of Lebanon has had a long and turbulent past. Gaining their independence for the first time less than a century ago, the Lebanese have faced a difficult time as the many cultures learn to live harmoniously. With some of the world’s oldest cities and the Middle East’s most religiously diverse nation with 18 official religions, the country is rich in historic sites and has a varied culture. Owing to its small size it is possible to gain an comprehensive introduction ...
The small country of Lebanon has had a long and turbulent past. Gaining their independence for the first time less than a century ago, the Lebanese have faced a difficult time as the many cultures learn to live harmoniously. With some of the world’s oldest cities and the Middle East’s most religiously diverse nation with 18 official religions, the country is rich in historic sites and has a varied culture. Owing to its small size it is possible to gain an comprehensive introduction of Lebanon in just a week on this highlights itinerary.
All trips to Lebanon begin in the nation’s capital, the lively and bustling Beirut with its Mediterranean shoreline and diverse restaurant scene. From here you will travel south to Sidon, home to a sea castle and a busy shopping souk, and Tyre, with two Roman sites and a tiny old city. Heading inland brings you to the forests and villages of the Shouf Biosphere Reserve where you can experience the cool, scented air of the cedar forests and rural hospitality. Next, take in an undoubted highlight of Lebanon, the Greco-Roman site of Baalbek with its immense columns on the Jupiter Temple and beautifully preserved Bacchus Temple. Finally cross the Mount Lebanon Range back to the coast and the seaside town of Byblos with its delightful harbour, large archaeological site and a charming flower filled old town.
TRIP HIGHLIGHTS
Suggested Itinerary
This is a suggested itinerary. Our experts have all travelled widely in the region and will be happy to tailor any of our itineraries to suit your tastes, or build a trip from scratch.
Day 1 ARRIVE IN BEIRUT
Day 1 ARRIVE IN BEIRUT
Arrive in Beirut and transfer to your hotel. The evening is free for you to relax and try out one of Beirut’s excellent restaurants.
Day 2 BEIRUT CITY TOUR
Day 2 BEIRUT CITY TOUR
Today head out and explore Beirut with your local guide, visit the National Museum for an introduction to Lebanon’s history before moving on to Downtown Beirut to see the remains of the Roman Baths. Much of Beirut’s charm lies in its characterful neighbourhoods and after lunch in a local restaurant, stroll through areas such as Gemmayze and Mar Mikhael with their cafes, bars and shops before a walk along the Corniche.
Day 3 HISTORIC COASTAL SIGHTS
Day 3 HISTORIC COASTAL SIGHTS
A drive down the coast to southern Lebanon brings you to Tyre, the birthplace of the legendary Queen Dido, and allegedly, purple dye. There are two Roman sites to visit, one boasting the largest hippodrome after Rome and a large necropolis and the other has rows of columns set by the sea. Take a stroll through the old city to the harbour where fishing boats bob up and down and traditional boat builders can be seen, before driving on to the city of Sidon. Here, you will find a Crusader Sea Castle as well as a traditional souk complete with khan and labyrinthine streets. Head inland to the mountainous region of the Shouf and your village guesthouse.
Day 4 MOUNTAIN VILLAGES & PALACES
Day 4 MOUNTAIN VILLAGES & PALACES
This morning take a hike in the peaceful cedar reserve of the Shouf, where there are a variety of trails of differing lengths and difficulty. Enjoy a lunch at the Abu Saab Sustainable Agricultural Hub, run by two brothers to help increase sustainable farming practices in the area, offering delicious traditional dishes. After, head to Deir Al Qamar, once home to Phoenicians and now home to many beautiful Ottoman buildings and winding pedestrian streets. Head around the valley and visit Beiteddine, a 19th-century palace and the summer residence of the President.
Day 5 ANCIENT RUINS & WINERIES
Day 5 ANCIENT RUINS & WINERIES
Leave the mountains for the wide Bekaa Valley and stop off at Aanjar, the only Umayyad site in Lebanon and a UNESCO World Heritage site. From here make a stop at one of the many wineries that can be found in the Bekaa before continuing to Baalbek where you will find some of the most impressive Roman ruins in the Middle East with the three temples dedicated to Venus, Bacchus and Jupiter. Finally head through the mountains to the coast and the city of Byblos.
Day 6 OLD CITY SOUKS
Day 6 OLD CITY SOUKS
The Phoenician port city of Byblos is filled with history as well as charm. The old souks are made up of a delightful network of alleyways, and the archaeological site on the edge of town is home to a Crusader Castle as well as a Roman Theatre and Phoenician sarcophagi, amongst others. Explore the site before enjoying an afternoon at leisure, perhaps have a swim in the warm Mediterranean. This evening, you may like to take a cookery class at your guesthouse.
Day 7 DEPART BEIRUT
Day 7 DEPART BEIRUT
Transfer back to the airport in Beirut, depending on the time of your flight you may like to stop at the Jeitta Grotto, where two huge caverns have been naturally sculpted over time to produce a beautiful display of stalactites and stalagmites.
SUGGESTED ACCOMMODATION
Zanzoun, Beirut
A gorgeous bed and breakfast, Zanzoun is set within a traditional Lebanese home, tucked away in Mar Mikhael. The exclusive heritage property has only three queen-size rooms, all boasting antiques and artwork from the host Zeina’s travels in the Levant. The private courtyard provides a quiet escape from the city and is the perfect spot for a home-made breakfast. Bathe in the warm colours of the interiors as you relax in the library and living area following a day of activities, such as cooking classes, calligraphy or cycling. Close by to the hotel are a selection of restaurants, bars and art galleries.
Beit Faris wa Lucia, Byblos
Hidden within the old souks of Byblos, Beit Faris wa Lucia has all the old-world charm of the city it resides in. Built on the foundations of a Crusader tower, the beautiful stone building was the home of host Daad for over 40 years. Now it has been converted into a delightful guesthouse, featuring a leafy terrace with fantastic views of the Mediterranean and cityscape, and five individually designed rooms. Enjoy breakfast from the family kitchen in the garden terrace, surrounded by trees and flowers, which is also used for yoga and other activities.
La Maison des Sources, Shouf Biosphere Reserve
Set on the edge of the village of Ain Zhalta, La Maison des Sources is a recently opened project of artists who set out to renovate a beautiful house in a traditional and welcoming manner. The decor is delightful with warm, earthy tones and the house is filled with original artworks. There are eleven rooms, four downstairs opening on to the courtyard and the rest upstairs giving views out over the village and the mountains. Each is individually decorated and are full of personal touches. Upstairs there is a large salon where guests can relax as well as a roof terrace with a small bar. In the main part of the house is the kitchen where meals using produce from the garden are prepared in the dining room and also a cosy bar and lounge filled with board games, books and musical instruments for guests to while away the evenings. Care has been taken to create a sustainable guesthouse from the natural and traditional building methods to the solar power and the local produce.
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Hotel Rating
Accommodation listed here is intended as a guide only, to give you a taste of what we can do. Our experts can tailor any aspect of this itinerary and accommodation to suit your budget and tastes.
GUIDELINE PRICE & WHAT’S INCLUDED
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ACCOMMODATION
WILD MILES
ACCOMMODATION
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 |
This itinerary is aimed to give you an idea of what we can offer. The price shown above is per person, based on two people travelling outside of peak periods. As this itinerary is only a suggestion and can be tailor-made to suit your interests and budget, your final price may differ.
Positive Impact of this Trip
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EXPERIENCED LOCAL GUIDES
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HAND-PICKED ACCOMMODATION
Whether you are looking for a boutique hotel, homestay, local guesthouse, luxury spa, tented camp or heritage hotel, our experts can select the perfect property for you.
24-HOUR SUPPORT
Our local agents are there to help you on the ground should you need any assistance, and in addition you will be given a 24-hour UK emergency phone number.Meet the expert, Dan
Dan is our Middle East expert, who has travelled extensively in the region.
Speak to Daniel by calling
+44 (0)20 3944 6258