Classic Lebanon

Drive to Jeita to explore the magnificent complex of underground caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Then sample some of Lebanon’s famous wines at Chateau Musar before returning to Byblos for lunch (payable locally) overlooking the pretty fishing harbour. This afternoon explore Byblos’ attractive medieval town with its Crusader castle, important archaeological site, churches, and beautifully restored cobbled lanes.

Visit the small castle of Mseilha perched on its rocky pinnacle, then continue up to 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. Next, 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.

Start today’s sightseeing in Jounieh where you will take the cable car up to Harissa to admire the spectacular views. Then drive through the wooded slopes of the Chouf Mountains to the pretty stone and red-roofed village of Deir Al Qamar, Next, visit the beautiful 18th-century palace of Emir Bashir II at Beiteddine with its wide courtyards, exquisite marquetry, and playing fountains. The day’s sightseeing will conclude on your arrival in Beirut.

A full day to explore the cosmopolitan Lebanese capital, once known as the ‘Paris of the East’. Drive along the seafront 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 and have lunch at a restaurant offering regional Lebanese cuisine (meals payable locally). 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.

A morning’s drive to the south past groves of lemon and orange trees will bring you to the once mighty Phoenician city of Sidon with its pretty Crusader sea castle and atmospheric medieval souqs. Next, continue to Tyre (Sour), 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, and UNESCO has recognised its extensive Romano-Byzantine ruins as a World Heritage Site, Return to Beirut in the late afternoon.

A scenic journey east across Mt. Lebanon will bring you to Baalbek in the Bekaa Valley. Baalbek’s ruins are considered some of the world’s most important Roman sites. 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. Break your return to Beirut at Ksara where you will sample some of Lebanon’s famous wines.

Private transfer to Beirut International Airport and check-in for your onward flight.