Lebanon Off the Beaten Track

Today’s full privately guided tour of the Lebanese capital Beirut will enable you to discover the ‘Paris of the East’ with its many beautiful Ottoman and French Mandate period buildings and stunning National Museum. Along the way, you’ll also stop to sample some of Beirut’s mouth-watering culinary secrets.

Drive north to the ancient town of Byblos and explore its Crusader castle, important archaeological site, churches, and pretty fishing harbour. Then, continue into the hills and wander through the lanes of the picturesque rural mountain village of Douma before checking into your guesthouse – a rustic 19th-century Ottoman-style home noted for its fine mountain views and delicious home-cooked food.

A scenic drive will take you north above the Holy Qadisha Valley to see Lebanon’s famed national emblem, the cedar tree. Head to Bcharre and visit the museum dedicated to locally-born poet Khalil Gibran before setting off on the beautiful and easy-going Qadisha Valley Floor Hike (2 hours) to the ancient Maronite monastery of Deir Qannoubine. On re-joining your vehicle, return to Douma.

Journey through the stunning craggy mountains into the Bekaa Valley, stopping en route to see the Baatra Gorge and the beautifully sited village of Aqoura which is surrounded by fruit trees and vineyards. On arrival in the Bekaa, visit the small classical site of Niha, then continue to Baalbek, one of the world’s most impressive Roman ruins. The sheer scale and proportions of this UNESCO World Heritage Site never cease to impress. Amongst the site’s highlights are the Temple of Jupiter (one of the largest temples ever built) and the well-preserved and beautifully decorated Temple of Bacchus.

Today, there will be an opportunity for a second visit to Baalbek, then drive out of the Bekaa Valley into the Chouf mountains to see the beautiful late 18th-century Beiteddine Palace. The final leg of the day’s journey will bring you to the historic port of Tyre, where you will check in a charming boutique guesthouse that overlooks a Crusader tower and has its own small private beach.

Discover ancient Tyre (Sour) this morning, the birthplace of the legendary Queen Dido. In antiquity, Tyre was one of the most important emporiums in the Levant and was famed for its Tyrian purple dye. The city is set on a pretty fishing harbour with extensive Romano-Byzantine ruins that have been recognised by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. After exploring the archaeological sites, board a fishing boat for a short cruise off the coast. The afternoon will be at leisure

Drive to Beaufort Castle this morning – one of the grandest and most wonderful sites of the Crusader Castles in Lebanon. Then, continue to the maritime city of Sidon – once one of the great trading entrepots of early antiquity. On arrival, visit the attractive Sea Castle built by the Crusaders in the 13th century on a small island connected to the city by a narrow causeway and delve into the wonderful maze-like medieval-covered souqs. Arrive in Beirut late this afternoon.

A private transfer will take you from your hotel to Beirut International Airport. On arrival, check in for your onward flight.