Itinerary
Day 1. Tuesday 21 May - Depart from UK
Depart London Heathrow at 13:00 on Middle Eastern Airlines.
Arrive Beirut at 19:35 and transfer to your hotel in the historic centre of the capital.
Day 3. Thursday 23 May - Beirut – Niha (Hike to Jezzine) – Beiteddine – Deir Al Qamar
This morning we drive to Niha village and enjoy a 3-hour hike from Niha to Jezzine. Jezzine has panoramic views featuring pine-forested valleys, mountain summits and waterfalls. The village is renowned for its beautiful handcrafted cutlery of inlaid mosaics and bone, which have been made here since 1770.
Return to Beiteddine, Lebanon’s best example of early 19th century architecture. It was built by Emir Bechir Chehab II, who ruled Mount-Lebanon from 1788 to 1840. The Palace has been the summer residence of all Lebanese Presidents since 1943 and is an important historical attraction. It has beautiful arcades and marbled rooms.
This afternoon you will cycle to the traditional village of Deir El Qamar. This is a short, relatively flat bike ride, through lush valleys with stunning views. Once the capital of Mount Lebanon and regional stronghold for the Ottoman Emirs, the village of Deir El Qamar is a beautiful example of Lebanon’s traditional architecture. You’ll meander down the winding narrow streets, see houses with stone walls and red-tiled roofs and the charming main square.
Overnight hotel in Deir Al Qamar
Day 4. Friday 24 May - Deir El Qama – Bakaa Valley - Baalbek – Ksara – Beirut
After breakfast you’ll depart to visit one of the most important reserves, Maasser El Shouf, and walk among the gigantic trees, some of which are over 3000 years old. You’ll journey will take you through the fertile Bakaa Valley to Baalbek.
Lebanon’s greatest Roman treasure and one of the world’s supreme historical and best-preserved Roman sites, Baalbek is among the wonders of the ancient world. Dating back more than 4000 years, the Holy Complex features Jupiter Temple, the largest roman temple in the world; Bacchus Temple, the best-preserved Roman temple in the world; and the Venus Temple, the pearl of the Roman architecture.
You’ll continue towards Chateau Ksara, which produced Lebanon’s first dry red wine. Lebanon has abundant high sugar content grapes that are perfect for wine production, thanks to the sun and the soil of the Bekaa Valley. The stability in temperature and humidity in its caves made the perfect cellar for wine storage - a process which dates back
to Roman times. The visit includes wine tasting and a walk in the caves.
Tonight calls for a proper goodbye! After dinner we will go out with a specialist who is always up-to-date on the latest bars and clubs in town. Beirut is well known for its exciting nightlife and we invite you to experience the latest hot spots in four different neighborhoods accompanied by our specialists! There is no faster and more fun way to bar hop than with a local who knows someone at each door.
Overnight Hotel in Beirut
Day 5. Saturday 25 May - Visit Sidon and depart Beirut
Our trip ends in Sidon, a port city on the coast at 48 km from Beirut. It was one of the most remarkable Phoenician cities around the 12th century B.C. and reached its peak during the Persian Empire (550-330 BC) known for the production of Phoenician glass and purple dye.
Enjoy the visit of the Sea Castle, Khan el Franj then walk in the old souks. It is a very lively place, bringing together traders of all kinds, with authentic artisans, restaurants and cafes.
Transfer back to Beirut for your Middle Eastern Airways flight at 17:35.
Arrive London Heathrow at 20:35.
Day 2. Wednesday 22 May - Byblos & Beirut Full Day Visit
After breakfast drive along the coastal road to discover a town that goes back 7,000 years; Byblos is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
According to Phoenician tradition, Byblos was founded by the god El and this archeological site is one of the richest in the country. The excavations, started in the beginning of the 19th century, revealed more than 12 civilizations. Byblos is now a mix of sophistication and tradition. Our visit incorporates a walking tour of the old town, including the fishermen’s harbour, the Church of St. John the Baptist and the bustling souks.
Back to Beirut. This exciting and much misunderstood city is a perfect mix of East meets West. Friendly and exciting, with fabulous food and buzzing nightlife, it has an extraordinary history. 5000 years ago, Beirut was a prosperous town on the Phoenician/Canaanite coast. Named Beroth, it eventually acquired the rights of a Roman City-State famous for its influential Law School. Destroyed and rebuilt seven times, it owned the title of ‘the city that refuses to vanish’.This vibrant capital has many attractions, archaeological and religious sites, such as the National Museum, Moawad Museum, Pigeon’s Rock and the Sursock Museum.
You will discover Beirut via TLB’s concept of ‘Cities & People’. This enables you to live, breathe and taste the destination through the eyes of a local. In addition to their Tour Leaders, TLB utilise professionals from artistic, social and cultural backgrounds who want to share their perspective of the city with visitors. Each experience is designed to offer a unique immersion into city life and promote mutual understanding and respect.
