Lebanon Summer Holiday

Today’s full privately guided tour of the Lebanese capital Beirut will enable you to discover the former ‘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.

A scenic journey east across Mt. Lebanon will bring you to Baalbek in the Bekaa Valley. Baalbek’s ruins are considered among 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.

Drive to Jounieh and take the cable car up to the heights of Harissa where the Statue of Our Lady of Lebanon commands stunning views over the Mediterranean Sea. Continue to Jeita to explore the magnificent complex of underground caves, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. You’ll arrive by the pretty fishing harbour in Byblos in time for lunch (payable locally). This afternoon, discover the attractive medieval lanes of old Byblos, Crusader castle, and UNESCO World Heritage archaeological site on foot.

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 Byblos.

Travel south to Sidon, one of the great trading entrepots of early antiquity. On arrival, visit the 13th-century Crusader Sea Castle, wander through the bustling medieval maze-like lanes of the covered souq, and visit the Debbane Palace. Continue to Tyre and explore the UNESCO World Heritage Roman ruins, including an enormous Hippodrome. Then, following a relaxing 30-minute boat trip around Tyre’s ancient harbour, check in at your delightful boutique hotel with its own tiny private beach.

A lazy day in Tyre (no guiding or transportation included). Enjoy a leisurely breakfast on the outside terrace, bask in the sunshine, swim from the hotel’s beach, listen to the soporific sound of the crashing waves, and discover the rustic small fishing port and lanes of the old town on foot. The Tyre Coast Nature Reserve lies immediately to the south of the city and has Lebanon’s largest and best beaches.

At leisure in Tyre (no guiding or transportation included).

A private transfer to Beirut International Airport, where you will check in for your onward flight.