The Jewels of Lebanon 7 days - 6 nights:

Day 1: (Beirut Arrival) Arrival to Beirut Airport, meet and assist, transfer to hotel in Beirut

Day 2: (Beirut – Harissa – Byblos - Tripoli) The day will start with a visit of the Capital: Beirut. The Pigeons Rock, the Coastal Avenue, then the city center where you will find one of the largest reconstruction project in the World and visit the National Museum (closed on Monday’s). Proceed to Harissa, climbing by cable car (closed on Monday’s) to the Holy statue of Notre Dame for a breathtaking view of Jounieh and Beirut. In the afternoon, proceed to Byblos, the oldest town in the world continuously inhabited for 5,000 years. Visit the city.

Day 3: (Beiteddine – Deir el Kamar) En route for the Chouf Mountains. The visit will start by Deir El Qamar, the ancient residence of the Governors of Lebanon. Proceed to Beiteddine (closed on Monday’s), a superb example of the Lebanese architecture of the 18th & 19th century.

Day 4: (Sidon - Tyre) Via Damour, the visit of South will start with Sidon. The Sea Castle built by the crusaders, the souks proceed to Tyre which was previously an island. The main sites of interest are the Arc de Triumph, the Hippodrome and the excavation bringing back to master pieces from Crusaders, Romans, Greeks and Byzantine era. If time allows it, on the way back to Beirut, a visit to the Temple of Eschmoun will be paid.

Day 5: (Baalbeck – Ksara – Anjar) Drive across Mount Lebanon then descend towards the Beqaa Valley to reach the world’s greatest historical sites: Baalbeck. Visit the place with the Temple of Jupiter and Bacchus. Visit the Ksara winery for a taste of the Lebanese production then proceed to Anjar the only Omayyad city in Lebanon. Recognized to be one of the major market place on the Silk Road.

Day 6: (Beirut Departure) Transfer to the Airport for flight onward. top

City Break - Lebanon 3 nights 4 days:

Day 1: (Arrival Beirut) Meet & Assist and transfer to hotel. Overnight.

Day 2: (Beirut) Breakfast and half day city tour of Beirut:
Drive to the downtown district to see the huge reconstruction project-taking place to create a new commercial and residential district of the 21st century. This project has actually discovered that the capital is standing on the site of a very ancient settlement going back at least 5,000 years. Recent excavations have uncovered important archaeological sites from Canaanite, Phoenician, and Persian, Roman, Byzantine, Omayyad, Abbassid, Crusader, Mamluke and Ottoman eras. The 1.80 sq. meters reconstruction project includes new buildings but constructed in the traditional style, besides hundreds of old structures that have been restored and renovated to its original shapes, including Beirut’s souks and historical mosques and churches.
Proceed to Corniche road and stop for a short walk in the favorite promenade of many Beirutis. Further along, the road climbs steeply to a cliff edge, which is the headland of Beirut, with an array of cliff-top restaurants and cafes-, a panoramic view of the bay and famous Pigeon’s Rock. The road then leads down, stretching out a beautiful sandy beach and a prestigious residential area of Ramlet El-Baida. Tour ends with a visit to the National Museum.
Afternoon free at leisure. Overnight in Beirut
Optional: Folkloric Dinner with Belly Dancer at the “Khan El Mir” restaurant in Zouk. Please check the price list below with our Grayline regular tours “Lebanese Night”.

Day 3: (Beirut) Day free at leisure. Overnight. (optional tours to be chosen from the selection stated below)

Day 4: (Beirut departure) Breakfast and transfer to Beirut airport for departure. top

Classical Lebanon 5 Days 4 Nights:

Day 1: (Arrival Beirut) Meet and assist at arrival and transfer to the hotel.

Day 2: (Beirut – Beiteddine – Deir El Kamar) The day will start with a visit of the Capital: Beirut. The Pigeons Rock, the Coastal Avenue, then the city center where you will find one of the largest reconstruction project in the World and the National Museum. En route for the Chouf Mountains. The visit will start by Deir El Qamar, the ancient residence of the Governors of Lebanon. Proceed to Beiteddine, a superb example of the Lebanese architecture from the 18th and 19th century which includes a museum and a superb exhibition of mosaics.

Day 3: (Harissa – Tripoli - Byblos) Drive to the north region. Discover first, Harissa climb by cable car up tot he statue of “Notre Dame”. Continue to reach the second town in Lebanon Tripoli. Visit of the St. Gilles castle then proceed to the Taylan Mosque. Walk through the souk. Continue to Byblos, the oldest town in the world continuously inhabited for the last 5000 years. Visit the Citadel, the St John church and the harbor.

Day 4: (Baalbeck - Anjar) Drive across Mount Lebanon then descend towards the Beqaa Valley to reach the world greatest historical sites: Baalbeck. Visit the place with the Temple of Jupiter and Bacchus. Visit the Ksara winery for a taste of the Lebanese production then proceed to Anjar the only Omayyad site in Lebanon.

Day 5: (Beirut Departure) Transfer to the airport – flight back. top

Classical Lebanon 7 Days 6 Nights:

Day 1: (Beirut Arrival) Arrival to Beirut meet and assist, transfer to the hotel.

Day 2: (Beirut – Deir el Kamar - Beiteddine) The day will start with a visit of the Capital: Beirut. The Pigeons Rock, the Coastal Avenue,
then the city center where you will find one of the largest reconstruction project in the World and the National Museum. En route for the Chouf Mountains. The visit will start by Deir El Qamar, the ancient residence of the Governors of Lebanon. Proceed to Beiteddine, a superb example of the Lebanese architecture from the 18th and 19th century which includes a museum and a superb exhibition of mosaics.

Day 3: (Dog River – Jeita – Harissa - Byblos) Via the Coastal highway, proceed to the Dog River. A visit of the Jeita grotto. The grotto is the slow work of the nature during the past thousand years. Visit of the upper cave on foot and the lower cave by small boat. Proceed to Harissa, climbing by cable car to the Holy statue of Notre Dame for a breathtaking view of Jounieh and Beirut. Continue to Byblos, the oldest twon in the world continuously inhabited for the last 5000 years. Visit the Citadel, the St John church and the harbor.

Day 4: (Tyre – Sidon - Echmoun) Drive south to reach Tyre. Visit of this magnificent sight including the sanctuary and the Hippodrome. At 20 minutes drive from Tyre, the village of Qana, known for the miracle of transforming the water into wine. Continue in the afternoon to Saida. Town on the coast. Visit of the Sea castle and the souk. On the way back to Beirut short stop at Eschmoun, the Phoenician sight in Lebanon.

Day 5: (Cedars – Bcharreh – Qadisha Valley - Tripoli) Drive north and climb to the Cedars where only some 400 trees remains but some are aging more than 2000 years. Continue to Bcharré, village over the Qadisha valley and home town of the Lebanese poet Gebran Khalil Gebran. Continue to reach the second town in Lebanon Tripoli. Visit of the St. Gilles castle then the Taylan Mosque. Walk through the souk.

Day 6: (Baalbeck - Anjar) Drive across Mount Lebanon then descend towards the Beqaa Valley to reach the world greatest historical sites: Baalbeck. Visit the place with the Temple of Jupiter and Bacchus. Visit the Ksara winery for a taste of the Lebanese production then proceed to Anjar the only Omayyad site in Lebanon. Recognized to be one of the major market place on the Silk Road.

Day 7: (Beirut Departure) Transfer to the airport for flight onward. top

Colorful Lebanon 8 Days 7 Nights:

Day 1: (Arrival Beirut) Arrival Beirut International Airport. Meet & Assist and transfer to your hotel in Beirut. Dinner overnight.

Day 2: [Domestic Architecture] (Beirut & Beiteddine) Greeks, Romans, Byzantines, Arabs, Ottoman & French all have left a unique mixture of cultures, which have influenced the Lebanese architecture. Few houses exist that were built before the 18th century, due to many destructive earthquakes, and the most charming are those who have been built during the 18th, 19th and early 20th centuries, incorporate traditional Arab, Lebanese, Ottoman and Western architecture. The best examples of typical simple Lebanese architecture are the red-roofed simple houses spread-over the coastal and inland villages, while the Palace of Beiteddine is a great example of early 19th century’s luxurious architecture. However, the most impressive are those that have been built during the transitional phase between tradition and modernity, from late nineteenth century to the end of World War II, and Beirut’s central district is a best example that witnessed said period, where hundreds of structures have been restored, including mosques, churches, commercial and residential buildings as well as street markets. This tour will let you visit the city center of Beirut, the coastal strip south of the capital, the inland villages en route to Beiteddine. Dinner overnight in Beirut.

Day 3: [Archaeology] (Byblos, Batroun & Tripoli) Drive to the Dog River for its commemorative ancient and modern inscriptions (from 2nd millennium BC till 1949 AD) then along the coastal highway to Byblos to visit the oldest continuously inhabited town in the world. Proceed to visit the northern part of Lebanon, starting with Batroun and its Roman amphitheater and the Phoenician ramparts then proceed to the castle of Mseilha, the legacy of Lebanon’s Ayyubid princes of the 16th century, and the nearby ancient stone bridge. Turn right from Chekka and ascend east towards Amioun to visit ancient churches en-route. Proceed to Bziza and its Roman temple. Back to the coast via Kosba towards Tripoli, the second largest city in Lebanon. The city has been founded by Phoenicians, and then settled by Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Arabs. Visit its main ancient sites, including the Crusader fortress of St. Gilles, ancient mosques, madrasas (schools), hammas (baths) and covered souks. Dinner overnight in nearby village of Ehden.

Day 4: [Eco-tourism/bird watching, trekking] (Akkar region) Early morning breakfast, after which we head to Qbayat via Halba, which was a silk-rich community some 90 years ago, now a bustling town around abandoned reeling factories, beautiful Mamluke stylized monuments, and churches built from Roman some temple elements. At Qatlabeh, we stretch our legs to prepare for a moderate hike to Aakkar el Atiqa heights, between pine trees and typical Mediterranean environment. The assistance vehicle is near enough to watch over anyone in trouble, yet far enough to ignore its presence. Picnic lunch near the 10th century built castle of Aakkar. A pleasant afternoon drive to Tachea village, gives us the chance to encounter the locals and their ways of living in this remote area of the country, with stops to prepare the evening meal, before we continue our trek to the heights of Fneideq, and its unique European oak tree forest, next to nesting area of migrating birds. Camp and dinner. Total walking distance: 13km approx. between 700 & 1000m above sea level / moderate / 3km muddy in winter.

Day 5: [Adventure/4WD] (Hermel region) Breakfast and camp lifting, before off-roading to Qamouaa, a small paradise of streams, rugged mountains, sturdy pines with breathtaking scenery. Off-roading in 4x4 vehicles can be a very environmentally friendly activity, if one follows the tracks marked ahead, (without destroying living plants by side of the road). On our way to the Bekaa Valley, the tour leaders have the pleasure to share their techniques and knowledge in 4 wheeling, while the participants get the chance to be the drivers, developing an unforgettable experience. Arrival to Hermel region, we refresh in the Orontes source, next to the astonishing rock carved Mar Maroun grotto. More to the South, Baalbeck await certainly. Total distance in 4x4: 25km approx. Dinner overnight in Baalbeck.

Day 6: [Cultural/Archaeology, Gastronomical delights & Horseback riding] (Beqaa Valley) Visit of Baalbeck then drive through Beqaa Plane towards Ksara Winery that represents the history of wine in Lebanon, which is nearly as old as the history of the land itself. The Canaanites worshipped Baal, the god “who gives rain”, who was venerated with wine- the primary symbol of potency. The Phoenicians later transported their wine in earthenware amphorae across the Mediterranean. After the Roman conquest, the greatest temple to Bacchus, the Roman god of wine, was built at Baalbeck and the Romans hailed Levantine wine as the finest in the world.
The modern-day Lebanese continue their ancestral traditions. In the western Bekaa Valley, there are hundreds hectare vineyards planted with noble varieties, such as Carignan, Grenache, Cinsaut, Cabernet-Sauvignon, Bourboulenc, Semilon, Chardonnay, Clairette, Syrah, Merlot and Mourvedre, from which, world-class wineries produce award-winning wines. Wine tasting, followed by a tasteful Lebanese lunch that includes the famous “mezze” representing the high point of the country’s hospitality, besides being very delicious and healthy. It encompasses a wide array of dishes and cooking styles, using refined spicing, herbs, grain, vegetables and flavorsome ingredients. Main courses are lamb, fish or chicken, grilled with rice and salad, served with traditional thin-flat bread. Proceed to nearby village of Kerak famous for its Arabian horses, a chance for a horseback riding. Then cross Mt. Lebanon range and head to Zouk district to discover the treasures of Lebanese handicrafts. Back to your hotel in Beirut. Dinner overnight.

Day 7: [Handicrafts & Leisure] (Jounieh) Drive to “Zouk”, at the outskirts of the capital, to discover the treasures of Lebanese handicrafts. Balance day free at leisure. Evening: During sixties and early seventies, Lebanon was famous for its nightlife, and today the after-ten crowd is bigger than ever. Lebanon’s nightlife offers an entirely different outlook on excellent food, but combined with entertainment. This tour will give you the opportunity to visit one of our favorite and selected restaurant/night club to enjoy your meal while watching the belly dancer performing her sensual hip movements and graceful arm movements, in harmony with the traditional Lebanese music.

Day 8: [Departure] Transfer departure Beirut International Airport. top

Lebanon A Holy Land with a message 8 days 7 nights:

Day 1: (Arrival Beirut Airport) Meet & assist, transfer to hotel. Mass. Dinner overnight.

Day 2: (Beirut) Visit of Beirut: The Greek-Orthodox Cathedral of Saint George (1767). The old downtown under construction. Pigeon’s Rock.
Meeting with the Monseigneur of Orthodox Church of Beirut. Mass.
Visit Orthodox School of Saint Antonios. Dinner overnight.

Day 3: (The Holy South) Drive to Qana and discover the stone jars described in the Gospel, namely the ones that contained water and Christ turned into wine. Their volume corresponds to the one described in the New Testament: 80 to 120 liters. Near the village of Cana, on a big isolated rock, there is a sculpture representing twelve persons and, in the middle of them, a thirteenth person of bigger height stands up, this probably symbolizes the twelve disciples and Christ. Proceed to Tyre, the first city that had its own church; on his way to Jerusalem in 57AD, St. Paul stopped by, discovered some disciples, and stayed seven days (Acts, XXI, 4). Visit the vestiges of Tyre Cathedral (4th century) which was the most beautiful and the biggest church of Phoenicia.
Drive back to Sarafand, the biblical Zarephath (later known as Sarepta) which is famous for the miracle of Elijah who raised the widow’s son from the dead and multiplied her olive oil and grain supplies (1 Kings 17). Visit Maghdoucheh, where the sanctuary of Saydet el-Mantara, or Our Lady of Care, dug in the rock. It is a chapel where the Virgin Mary waited for her Son while He was preaching on the Lebanese coastline. On September 8, (feast of Virgin Nativity), people go on pilgrimage to the cave. Drive to Sidon, visit its Sea Castle then proceed to Joun, a village in the midst of olive plantations to visit the nearby monastery of St. Saviour, the home in which Lady Hester Stanhope (18th century’s woman traveler) once lived. Back to hotel. Mass. Dinner overnight.

Day 4: (The Holy North) Drive to Byblos: The oldest continuously inhabited town in the world. Visit the Crusaders’ castle (12th century) and the ancient Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist; the baptistery which stands against the cathedral; and the Orthodox chapel to the west dating back to the Byzantine period. Proceed to the tunnel of Chekka, and ascend the mountain to the monastery of Deir Nourieh, where the Virgin appeared to the shipwrecked sailors who were saved during the storm in the 4th century. The beautiful view over the bay is enchanting. Then, descend and continue on the way to another monastery along the seacoast, which is called Deir El Natour, with a very old altar and ancient painted icons by Russian Monks. There is also a bell, which was given as a present from Russia. After leaving this place, visit Anfeh, Bulgarian Monks painted a very fine Cathedral during a three-year period. One can admire the life of Jesus Christ in the paintings all over the walls. Proceed to visit the rock-cut Hamatoura monastery (reached on foot). During the Ottoman period, the Turks ascended the mountain and killed all the monks with the exception of one who fled and told the story later. The monastery and the church were white washed and only recently, parts of the icons on the walls were restored.
Proceed to Amioun to visit the nearby Greek Orthodox Church of St. George, the biggest church in the Middle East. Visit the village of Kousba to visit the medieval church of the Virgin and the 12-14th century monastery of Mar Demetrios with its beautiful wall painting showing the representation of Christ between the Virgin Mary and John the Baptist.
Further up, visit the Syriac Maronite Monastery in Kaftoun, dating 1141, and where the same liturgical language, Syriac was still used. In the chapel, there are beautiful icons with very old paintings from 12th century. Back to hotel. Mass. Dinner overnight.

Day 5: (More of Holy North) 85km from Beirut lies Deir El Balamand, which was called the abbey of Belmont, a Cistercian abbey founded in 1157. It is the property of the Greek Orthodox, and it took the place of an ancient Byzantine monastery. The walls are decorated with an outstanding set of icon paintings of the 17th century and small Byzantine panels with gold background. The church of the 12th century shelters an iconostase with sculpted wood and the processional silver cross, of Gothic style, is a Cypriot work, dating from the 15th century. 1km away takes us to the cave of Marina. One has to walk 15 minutes to reach the cave that relates on its walls the life of St. Marina hidden in a dress of a monk in the Qannoubine’s Convent, reserved for men. History tells us that the Saint, who asked God to help her feed the child through her breast, has saved a starving child. Mothers come on a pilgrimage to this cave, asking the grace to become good wet nurses.
Proceed back along the coastal road to the village of Anfeh. Along the strand lined with dilapidated cottages and the tanks with soils, one can find the remains of two churches, a jewel of Roman art, with the style of Burgundian churches of the 12th century. The Church of Saint Catherine belonged to knights of Malta, who were in dispute with the bishop of Tripoli. At present, it is covered with an orthodox steeple. A little bit lower, the ground and the refuge engulf half of a Byzantine church. Back to hotel. Mass. Dinner overnight.

Day 6: (A Touch of Faith & Culture) Drive east towards Metn to visit the Residence of the Emirs Abillamaa, a palace which became since 1885 a school for the sisters of Charity. Proceed to visit Mar Elias Chouaia church and the iconostasis offered by the prince of Valachie in the beginning of the 18th century. Drive to the village of Khounchara to visit the Greek-Catholic convent of Saint Jean of Choueir which includes the 1st printer of the Arab world that printed the book “the Balance of Time” in 1734. The convent has three churches among them is the Church of Saint Jean-Baptist where you will see beautiful icons, one of them is the icon of Saint Nicolas (18th century).
Proceed to Ksara Wineryfor wine tasting followed by a visit to famous Baalbeck temples. When Christianity was declared an official religion of the Roman Empire in 313 AD., Byzantine Emperor Constantine officially closed the Baalbeck temples. At the end of the 4th century, the Emperor Theodosius tore down the altars of Jupiter’s Great Court and built a basilica using the temple’s stones and architecture elements. Return back to Beirut. Mass. Dinner overnight.

Day 7: (Beirut – Beiteddine – Deir El Kamar) Breakfast and visit of the National Museum of Beirut, then drive to the Chouf Mountains. Visit the Village of Deir el Kamar and the Church of The Virgin Mary , then continue to Beiteddine and visit the Palace of the Emir Bechir. Return back to Beirut. Mass. Dinner and overnight.

Day 8: (Beirut departure) Breakfast and transfer to airport for departure. top