Superb Lionhead sculpture, Jupiter Temple, Baalbek
A short highlights tour of Lebanon, once known as the ‘Switzerland of the Middle East’. Scenically stunning with high mountains, deep fertile valleys and a stunning coastal stretch, along with a wealth of well-preserved archaeological sites with very few visitors and mixed with the region’s best cuisine and world rated wineries, the country has much to offer! The tour covers this small but alluring country allowing time to discover both its rich antiquities, in particular the great temples of Baalbek, but also appreciate its modernity in busy Beirut and the relaxed ancient harbour city of Byblos
20 – 26 March 2020
COST £1395.00
Single Supplement £99.00
ITINERARY Day 1 Fly to Beirut Afternoon departure from London Heathrow with MEA Middle East Airlines direct to Beirut, arriving in the evening. Transfer to the Plaza hotel in Hamra or similar for three nights. Welcome Dinner in a smart local restaurant (B,D) Day 2 In Beirut We have a morning city tour including the excellent National Museum with its unrivalled collection of the region’s artefacts. After a break for lunch we drive into the Chouf Mountains to visit the beautiful 19th century palace at Beit Eddine. We return to Beirut in the evening. Day 3 Visit Tyre and Sidon Today we venture south to the old Phoenician ports of Sidon and Tyre. At Sidon we visit the Crusader castle of the sea and wander through the towns’ labyrinthine souq . After a break for lunch we continue to Tyre with its extensive Roman ruins including the largest hippodrome in the Middle East. We return to Beirut in the late afternoon. Day 4 Drive to Bekaa Valley. Visit Aanjar and Baalbek We depart Beirut this morning heading into the Bekaa Valley stopping at the Ksara winery to sample some of Lebanon’s finest wines. We continue to the tranquil Ummayyad remains at Aanjar before arriving at Baalbek to visit the most famous of Lebanon’s ancient sites with its glorious temples of Jupiter and Bacchus. We spend the afternoon exploring this amazing complex with an overnight stay at the Palmyra hotel, close to the site. Dinner in the hotel. (B,D) Day 5 Drive via the ‘Cedars of Lebanon’ to Byblos Reluctantly leaving Baalbek behind we drive across the Lebanese Mountains and drive via Bcharre to view the remaining Cedars of Lebanon. Some are reputed to be 3000 years old. Bcharre, the centre of the Maronite church, is dramatically located and offers a tranquil break for lunch and we visit the serene and beautifully located Monastery of St Anthony in the Qozhaya Valley before we descend once again to the coast and drive to the ancient city of Byblos. Two nights at the Ahiram hotel. Day 6 In Byblos We spend the day in the delightful harbour town of Byblos. This morning we explore its ancient ruins said to be the oldest continuously inhabited town in the world. The afternoon is free to explore its gentle paced souk and relax with a stroll around its pleasant harbour. This evening we dine at a traditional restaurant overlooking the harbour to enjoy a farewell dinner. (B,D) Day 7 Visit Jeita Caves. Drive to Beirut. Fly UK This morning we visit the famous underground caves at Jeita to wonder at the amazing limestone formations. We transfer to Beirut International airport in the afternoon for our MEA flight direct to London Heathrow (B)
