Day 1: Arrive Beirut
Land at Beirut International Airport under your own arrangements (We recommend the flights offered by bmi from London Heathrow). Once you have passed the immigration and customs formalities you will be met by a Corinthian Travel representative and will be transferred to Byblos.
Accommodation: Stay for 4 nights at the Byblos Sur Mer (Executive Room) / Byblos Sur Mer (Junior Suite).
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Day 2: Jeita Grotto, Dog River, Byblos
After breakfast drive to Jeita and explore the magnificent complex of underground caves – a UNESCO World Heritage Site, then continue to the Dog River (Nahr el-Kalb). Return to Byblos for lunch beside the picturesque fishing harbour, then explore Byblos’ attractive medieval town with its Crusader castle, important archaeological site, churches, and beautifully restored cobbled lanes.
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Day 3: Cedars of Lebanon, Qadisha Valley, Kozhaya Monastery
This morning drive up into the dramatic Qadisha Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and place of great natural beauty, to see the ancient Cedar trees – the emblem of Lebanon - and visit the museum dedicated to the Lebanese born poet and artist Khalil Gibran. Following lunch enjoy a scenic drive to the 12th century Monastery of St Anthony the Great at Kozhaya and visit the Cave of St Anthony which has a reputation for miracles.
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Day 4: Mseilha, Deir Balamand, Tripoli, Batroun
Today drive to Tripoli stopping en route at the small castle of Mseilha perched on its rocky pinnacle, and the Crusader built Greek Orthodox Monastery of Deir Balamand which was founded in 1157. On arrival in Lebanon’s second city explore the mighty Citadel of Raymond de St Gilles, then enjoy a walking tour through the city’s extensive and lively medieval souqs. This afternoon return to Byblos via Batroun where you will see the town’s Phoenician sea-wall and walk through the picturesque cobbled streets.
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Day 5: Rachana, Smar Jbeil, Chateau Musar, Harissa, Deir Al Qalaa
This morning there will be an excursion into the attractive hills to the north of Byblos, first visiting the village of Rachana with its open air sculpture park of modern art, then continuing to Smar Jbeil to see the small 12th century castle. Next, drive to Chateau Musar for wine tasting and a tour of the cellars, then have lunch overlooking Jounieh Bay. This afternoon take the cable-car up to Harissa to admire the views then continue to Deir al Qalaa to see the Monastery of St John and the Roman ruins dedicated to the divinity Baal Markadi.
Accommodation: Stay for 5 nights at the Albergo Hotel (Standard Suite) / Le Gray Hotel (Deluxe Room).
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Day 6: Beirut
A full day to explore the cosmopolitan Lebanese capital – the one-time ‘Paris of the east’. Drive along the sea-front Corniche to the local beauty spot of Raouche Rocks, then visit the National Museum with its well displayed and important collection of artefacts dating back to the Phoenician period. Next, visit the Robert Mouawad Private Museum with its exquisite oriental interiors then have lunch at a restaurant offering regional Lebanese cuisine. This afternoon walk through the old residential neighbourhood of Gemmayaze and explore the downtown ‘Solidere’ area with its attractive Ottoman and French Mandate period buildings, churches, mosques, and archaeological sites.
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Day 7: Deir Al Qamar, Beiteddine, Chouf Cedars, Kefraya
This morning drive up into the wooded slopes of the Chouf Mountains to see the pretty stone and red roofed village of Deir al-Qamar, and the nearby beautiful late 18th century Beiteddine Palace of Emir Bashir Shihab II. Next, continue to the Chouf Cedar Reserve, site of the most numerous Cedar trees in Lebanon, where there will be an opportunity for a short forest walk before descending into the southern Bekka Valley for a late lunch and wine tasting at Chateau Kefraya.
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Day 8: Echmoun, Sidon
After breakfast drive south to the port city of Sidon, stopping enroute to see the Phoenician site of Echmoun. On arrival in Sidon, visit the attractive Crusader sea-castle, then explore the city’s wonderful maze-like medieval covered souqs. Following lunch in Sidon return to Beirut where the remainder of the day will be at leisure.
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Day 9: Anjar, Baalbek, Niha
Today, drive through the mountains to the Bekaa Valley and visit the 8th century Umayyad City of Anjar, then continue to the Roman ruins at Baalbek. The sheer scale and proportions of this UNESCO World Heritage Site never ceases to impress; the Temple of Jupiter here was one of the largest religious structures ever built, while the well preserved and beautifully decorated Temple of Bacchus is larger than the Parthenon in Athens. After lunch return to Beirut via the small Roman temple at Niha dedicated to the god of Oranges!
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Day 10: Farewell to Lebanon
Transfer to Beirut International Airport and check-in for your onward flight.
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