Classic Lebanon

Drive from Beirut 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 spending the afternoon explore Byblos’ medieval town with its Crusader castle important archaeological site churches and beautifully restored cobbled lanes. Overnight in Byblos.

This morning travel from the coast to the mountain. Visit the small castle of Mseilha perched on its rocky pinnacle then continue up to the dramatic Qadisha Valley a UNESCO World Heritage Site 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 take a scenic drive to the 12th century Monastery of St Anthony the Great at Kozhaya and visit the Cave of St Anthony reputed for its miracles. overnight.

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. Continue to Beiteddine and visit the beautiful 18th century palace of Emir Bashir II 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 – the one-time ‘Paris of the east’. Drive along the sea-front Corniche visit the National Museum with its well displayed and important collection of artefacts dating back to the Phoenician period Robert Mouawad Private Museum with its exquisite oriental interiors then have lunch at a restaurant offering regional Lebanese cuisine. 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 along the coast to the south of Beirut past groves of lemon and orange trees to the once mighty Phoenician city of Sidon. Explore 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 has extensive Romano-Byzantine ruins that have been recognised by UNESCO as World Heritage Sites 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 to be some of the most important Roman sites in the world. The sheer scale and proportions of this UNESCO World Heritage Site never ceases 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.

Farwell Lebanon with a transfer to the airport.

· Airport Greeting on Arrival
· Private Airport Transfers
· Accommodation in chosen class with private facilities
· Daily Breakfast Other Meals as Specified in Itinerary (L = Lunch D = Dinner)
· Activities and Entrance Fees as per Itinerary
· Private English speaking driver/ guide in A/C Vehicle throughout
· Daily drinking water
· Travel Notes – issued by Innovative Travel