Lebanon - Beirut, the Bekaa Valley and Beyond
Despite its tiny size, Lebanon has a history dating back to the dawn of human civilization, and a wealth of natural attractions to explore. This trip will show you the very best that the country has to offer the visitor, including a few hidden gems that most overlook. Starting in Lebanon’s capital and most cosmopolitan city, Beirut, we uncover what remains of its Ottoman legacy and explore its vibrant souks. Moving away from Beirut we head to Tyre, a UNESCO World Heritage site containing the world’s largest Roman hippodrome, and on to the old Phoenician port city of Sidon, with its more relaxed and traditional way of life.
Leaving the cities behind, we venture into the Bekaa Valley’s largest wetland, a delicate ecosystem which houses an astonishing number of bird and animal species, and of course visit Baalbek, a lasting testament to the glory of the Roman empire. We continue on to Jeita with its magnificent limestone grottoes, before stopping at the charming town of Byblos and heading into the Batroun Mountains to spend the night.
From here we continue to the rugged and wild Qadisha Valley. Exploring here offers a fantastic opportunity to discover Lebanon’s natural beauty, with some of the most spectacular scenery in the country, as well as impressive monasteries that date back almost a thousand years. On our way back to Beirut, we stop at Lebanon’s second city Tripoli with its evocative historic quarter, Mamluk-period architecture, and bustling markets.
Moving on from a troubled past, Lebanon is one of the Middle East’s best kept secrets, with few visitors compared to some of its neighbours. Charming, understated and with an atmosphere all of its own, we think it’s one of the most exciting countries in the region.