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Lebanon Encounters
8 Days Starting and ending in Beirut, Lebanon
Visiting: Beirut, Jeita Grotto, Byblos, Baalbek, Tyre
Tour operator:
Tour code:
328
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Age range:
8-95
Special diets catered:
Please advise requests
Tour operated in:
EnglishInterests:
Cultural, Gardens & Nature Tours, History, Ruins-Archaeology
Activities:
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Lebanon with the "Lebanon Encounters" tour, a cultural exploration of this captivating country. Discover the vibrant city of Beirut, with its rich history and stunning Corniche. Marvel at the ancient Phoenician city of Byblos and the majestic Roman architecture of the Baalbek temple complex. Experience the natural wonders of Jeita Grotto and the breathtaking views from Harissa's cable car. Delight in a wine tasting at the historic Ksara Caves and explore the serene Qadisha Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the opulent Beiteddine Palace nestled in the Chouf Mountains. This tour offers a perfect blend of history, nature, and culture, with comfortable accommodations and seamless transport throughout. Enjoy guided tours, delicious meals, and the opportunity to immerse yourself in the unique charm of Lebanon.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1 : Arrival in Beirut, hotel transfer
Location: Beirut
Accommodation Name: Beirut hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
You arrive at Beirut International Airport. After being met by our representative, you are transferred to your hotel.
Day 2 : Jeita Grotto, Harissa cable car & Baatara Gorge
Location: Jeita Grotto
Accommodation Name: Qadisha Valley monastery or guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
After leaving Beirut and heading north towards Byblos, we'll experience a thrilling visit to the spectacular Jeita Grotto. Here a system of limestone caves spans a distance of almost 9 kilometres, and contains one of the largest collections of stalactites and stalagmites in the world. It is a symbol of the country and was a finalist in the New 7 Wonders of Nature competition. Depending on the water level you can explore both on foot and by boat. Next, we visit Harissa, famous for containing an important Christian shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary, known as Our Lady of Lebanon. We take a cable car to the top of the Basilica, from where we can enjoy a spectacular view of the Bay of Jounieh, considered one of the most beautiful bays in the Middle East. Then, we'll head inland to visit the unique Baatara Gorge sinkhole, where during the spring and especially rainy periods a 255-metre waterfall cascades into an enormous cavern known as the Baatara Pothole. The cave is also called the Cave of the Three Bridges, for the three natural stone arches over which the waterfall drops. This is a spectacular natural phenomenon and we have time for a short hike here, and can also explore nearby Douma Village. A traditional Lebanese lunch is included today. The day finishes with a short drive to the beautiful Qadisha Valley where we spend the night in the Monastery of St. Anthony, in a separate building with simple but comfortable en-suite accommodation (a nearby guesthouse will be used if the monastery is closed to visitors or unavailable).
Day 3 : Qadisha Valley, Cedars Ski Resort & Becharre
Location: Byblos
Accommodation Name: Byblos hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Those interested may rise early this morning to join morning prayers with the monks of the monastery. After breakfast, we have time to explore the Qadisha Valley, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known as the Holy Valley, and the Holy River, Nahr Qadisha, flows through it. Many caves are found along its steep cliffs, used as shelters and burial sites in ancient times, and it's a great place for a short morning hike. Our first stop after leaving the valley is the nearby village of Becharre, the birthplace of the iconic novelist and poet of Lebanon, Kahlil Gibran. The village contains a museum dedicated to him, featuring his paintings and manuscripts. Next, we stop at the Cedars Ski Resort, famous for skiing and snowboarding. The area known as the Cedars of God is found nearby, and contains the last remaining groves of the cedar forests that once thrived in the region. The famous cedar trees of Lebanon - Cedrus Libani- are mentioned in the Old Testament and are the national symbol of the country. Later today we arrive in Byblos, an ancient Phoenician city that is thought to have been inhabited for up to 7000 years. Locally, the city is known as Jbeil and is another UNESCO World Heritage site. Byblos is filled with significant historical and archaeological sites, and also features a lovely Phoenician harbour.
Day 4 : Morning in Byblos, Ksara Winery
Location: Byblos
Accommodation Name: Zahle guesthouse
Meals Included: Breakfast
We spend this morning exploring the harbour area and highlights of Byblos. Our destination today will be the village of Zahle, however we'll be making a stop along the way at the Ksara Winery which is possibly the oldest winery in Lebanon. The caves and tunnels have a total length of approximately 2 miles and have been used for generations as wine cellars. You'll have a guided tour of the caves and winery before sampling (and buying if you wish) some of the produce in a wine tasting session.
Day 5 : Baalbeck & Anjar
Location: Baalbek
Accommodation Name: Beirut hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today we head to Baalbek, a definite highlight of any visit to Lebanon. Called "Heliopolis" or "City of the Sun" by the Romans and Greeks, it is home to a famous temple complex that is superbly well-preserved. This complex, which is one of the finest examples of Roman architecture at its peak, was built as a sanctuary dedicated to worshipping the Heliopolitan triad of god- Jupiter, Venus, and Mercury. Pilgrims would flock to the temple in their thousands in order to venerate the triad. Still largely intact, the temple has outstanding artistic and historical value. We then visit the Umayyad city of Anjar, located in the Bekaa Valley. Founded in the 8th century by Caliph Walid, it provides evidence of excellent town-planning and features mosques, palaces, and baths. It also features 600 shops, indicating that it was an important commercial centre. In the afternoon we'll return to Beirut.
Day 6 : Deir al Qamar, Beiteddine & Beirut City Tour
Location: Beirut
Accommodation Name: Beirut hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
We leave Beirut after breakfast and we drive to the Chouf Mountains to visit the village of Deir al Qamar, its name meaning "Monastery of the Moon". The village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was the capital of Lebanon during the 17th century. It is quaint and charming, with stone houses and winding roads. We then continue onto the beautiful Beiteddine Palace. The palace, constructed in the 19th century by Emir Bashir, is exceptionally well-preserved and is a testament to the opulence of the time. Finally, we return to Beirut in the afternoon where we'll have time for a city tour. Lebanon's capital and largest city. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, and has had a turbulent history, both ancient and modern. This is evident in the contrast of modern buildings seen alongside small old houses and historical architecture, some still displaying bullet holes and damage from the civil war in the 1970s. Highlights visited include the Beirut Souks, the Corniche, and the downtown region. We will also see the Pigeon Grotto, or the Rock of Raouché, a famous natural formation rising out of the sea.
Day 7 : Tyre, Sidon
Location: Tyre
Accommodation Name: Beirut hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
Today’s itinerary consists of a full-day tour of South Lebanon. We start in the city of Tyre, a Word Heritage Site located 85km from Beirut. Tyre is an ancient Phoenician city and is home to a number of important historical sites. Its golden age was during the reign of King Hiram, the most legendary Tyrian king. He fostered close ties with the Hebrew kings David and Solomon, and contributed to the construction of the Temple of Solomon by sending skilled workers and cedar wood. We then drive to Sidon, also known as Saida, another important ancient Phoenician city. The city grew wealthy due to the trade of murex, a type of shellfish from which an expensive purple dye used to be produced, as well as glass. Today, Saida is an important administrative and commercial centre of South Lebanon. You will visit the Great Mosque, the Crusader Sea Castle, Khan el Franj, and other interesting sites. You can also enjoy browsing through the old souks.
Day 8 : Airport transfer
Location: Beirut
Accommodation Name: <STRONG>Day 8: Airport transfer </STRONG>Your transfer will take you to the airport for your return flight home.<STRONG> OVERNIGHT: </STRONG> <STRONG> MEALS: </STRONG> Breakfast
Meals Included: Breakfast
Your transfer will take you to the airport for your return flight home.
What's Included
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Transfers
The tour includes a 24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer service.
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Transport
All transport and transfers are provided in air-conditioned vehicles.
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Sightseeing Tours
All sightseeing tours as detailed in the itinerary are included.
What's Not Included
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International Flights
International flights are not included but are available on request.
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Single Room Supplements
Single room supplements are compulsory for solo travellers if same-sex room shares are not available.
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Visa Fees
Visa fees are not included, though they are free on arrival for most nationalities.
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Travel Insurance
Travel insurance is compulsory and available from Encounters Travel.
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Meals Not Indicated
Meals not indicated in the itinerary are not included.
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Hotel Gala Dinner Supplements
Hotel gala dinner supplements if applied on Christmas & New Year's Eve are not included.
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Personal Expenses
Drinks, snacks, and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry) are not included.
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Tips
Tips are not included.
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Other Items
Any other items not mentioned above are not included.
More Info
Mode of Transport
The tour includes all transport and transfers in air-conditioned vehicles, ensuring a comfortable journey throughout Lebanon. A 24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer service is also provided for your convenience.Accommodation
Enjoy 5 nights in 3 to 4-star hotels in Beirut and Byblos, 1 night in a guesthouse or hotel in Zahle, and 1 night in monastery accommodation in the Qadisha Valley, offering a unique blend of comfort and cultural immersion.Check out our Q&As
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What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?
The tour includes 5 nights in 3 to 4-star hotels in Beirut and Byblos, 1 night in a guesthouse or hotel in Zahle, and 1 night in monastery accommodation in the Qadisha Valley.
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Is there a guide provided for the tours?
Yes, an English-speaking guide is provided for all tours during the trip.
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Are airport transfers included in the tour package?
Yes, a 24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer service is included in the tour package.
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What meals are included in the tour?
The tour includes 7 breakfasts and 1 lunch as indicated in the itinerary.
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What kind of transport is used during the tour?
All transport and transfers are conducted in air-conditioned vehicles to ensure a comfortable journey throughout Lebanon.
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Is wine tasting included in the tour activities?
Yes, wine tasting is included at the historic Ksara Caves.
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What is the highlight of the visit to Baalbek?
The highlight of the visit to Baalbek is the superbly well-preserved temple complex, which is one of the finest examples of Roman architecture.
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Can you participate in any unique activities at the Qadisha Valley monastery?
Yes, those interested can rise early to join morning prayers with the monks of the monastery.
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Is travel insurance compulsory?
Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.
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When is my balance payment due?
60 days prior to departure
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s
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Can I transfer my booking to someone else?
Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.
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Book with Confidence
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Transfer as credit for future tours
Encounters Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform encounters travel, 60 days before departure.
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Low Deposit
Encounters Travel requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.
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Cancellation Policy
We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of encounters travel charges.
Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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