Cycle Lebanon
Cycle Lebanon
Cycle Lebanon
8 Days Starting and ending in Beirut
Visiting: Tours to Lebanon, Lebanon
Tour operator:
Tour code:
CLL
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Physical rating:
None
Age range:
14-99
Trip Styles:
Activities:
Tour Overview
Discover Lebanon's beautiful rural heartland, dramatic mountain scenery and warm hospitality on this cycle adventure. With a cuisine as rich and varied as its history, Lebanon is a small country where east meets west, with surprises at every corner.
Beautiful cycling - In the Chouf Mountains, Mount Lebanon range and Qadisha Valley
Ancient cultures - Remarkable Phoenician, Roman, Ottoman and Crusader sites
Lebanese food - Feast on Levantine cuisine and try fine wine in the Bekaa Valley
Highlights
- Beautiful cycling - In the Chouf Mountains, Mount Lebanon range and Qadisha Valley
- Ancient cultures - Remarkable Phoenician, Roman, Ottoman and Crusader sites
- Lebanese food - Feast on Levantine cuisine and try fine wine in the Bekaa Valley
Itinerary
Day 1: Join Trip In Beirut
Accommodation: Le Commodore Hotel
Beirut, the country's cosmopolitan capital known for its art, culture and fashion, has been inhabited for over 5000 years through Phoenician, Roman, Crusader and Ottoman times. The city was largely rebuilt after the heavy damage sustained in the Lebanese Civil War between 1975 and 1990 and hotel is located in the Hamra neighbourhood and was used as a base for international journalists in this turbulent period.
If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY), which is around 20 minutes from the centre. The Leader plans to meet you in the hotel reception at 7pm for the welcome meeting and for those that wish, there is the chance to go out for dinner. There are no included excursions planned today, so you are free to arrive in Beirut at any time. Should you miss the meeting, your Leader will inform you of any essential information as soon as you catch up. If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose to have a stroll on the coastal footpath.
Today is your first opportunity to delve into the delicious local food and drink. The Lebanese, quite rightly, take great pride in their varied and healthy cuisine and many of the ingredients are grown locally and eaten in season. Tables are generously covered with small mezze sharing dishes such as fresh tabbouleh salad, hummus, grilled meats, fish, seafood and baba ganoush.
Day 2: Cycle In The Chouf Mountains. Explore Sidon’S Crusader Castle. Overnight In Deir Al-Qamar
Accommodation: La Bastide
Meals Included: Breakfast
We start our first ride from Barouk after a 1.5 hour drive from Beirut. After some time to get comfortable with our bikes, making any required adjustments, we start cycling. The Chouf Mountains form the southern section of Lebanon's mountainous spine and the Mediterranean landscapes provide a beautiful backdrop for today's ride to Jezzine. The Chouf is the heartland of the Maronite Christians and Druze minority, and we will cycle through villages of these breakaway religious groups that have long made the area their home, fleeing persecution and sectarian rivalry. There are some steep sections to cycle up today, though nothing more than a few kilometres maximum each time, more often less distance, as is the case with every ride on this holiday. After lunch we drive to Sidon (1hr) to explore this historic port town. Once a rich and flourishing Phoenician city with trade links to ancient Egypt and beyond, the crusaders built a sea castle here in the 12th century. We plan to visit the castle, renovated khans and the old souk. Finally we drive (1hr) back up into the Chouf Mountains to Deir Al-Qamar and our hotel for the night.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 40 kilometres (820 metres total accumulated ascent and 960 m descent).
Day 3: Cycle Descent Into The Fertile Bekaa Valley For Wine-Tasting. Visit Remarkable Roman Temples Of Baalbek
Accommodation: Palmyra Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast we drive a short distance to visit the restored 19th century Beiteddine Palace complex. Built in the period of Ottoman rule on the remains of a former Druze hermitage, this beautiful palace is an intricate mix of Italian Baroque and Arabian styles. Following this visit we drive for 45 minutes higher into the Chouf Mountains and are soon rewarded with views over the Bekaa Valley and beyond as we cross the range. Today's ride is relatively short as, after a short ascent, we descend rapidly to the valley floor and continue in the valley, riding on backroads past many vineyards to the town of Ghazee. After lunch we drive through the Bekaa Valley, making a stop at a winery along the way to learn about the ancient heritage of wine-making in the Lebanon and of course to sample the wine. Upon arrival to Baalbek we plan to visit the vast Roman ruins. The jewel in Lebanon's crown, Baalbek is one of the best preserved and most important Roman sites. The almost intact Temple of Bacchus is a highlight with its ornately decorated stonework and giant columns. Not far from the site, a Roman quarry reveals some of the giant stones that were being prepared for construction.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 31 kilometres (120 metres total accumulated ascent and 995 m descent).
Day 4: A Beautiful Ride Around Mount Sannine Past Ski Resorts And Mountain Towns
Accommodation: Saydet El Nour
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
After breakfast we drive (2 hours) out of the Bekaa Valley and into the Mount Lebanon range to Zaarour. We start cycling in cool mountain air at around 2000 metres above sea level with views of Mount Sannine and our route immediately descends on good roads to Baskinta. The town is known as an outdoor hub with ski, hiking and biking routes nearby. It was also the native village of Mikhail Naimy, one of Lebanon's greatest thinkers and men of letters famous for his spiritual writings. We continue cycling on quiet backroads in a poor state of repair, with some steep short ascents along the way, taking in superb mountain scenery. The ride ends after a long descent to Faraiya village and we drive from here to our accommodation near Mayrouba. Tonight we stay in modest comfort, with en suite rooms, in the Saydet Al Nour Convent for the Sisters of Nazareth.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 46 kilometres (970 metres total accumulated ascent and 1150 m descent).
Day 5: Scenic Cycle To Tannourine. Discover The Qadisha Valley And Walk In Cedar Forest
Accommodation: St Antoine Monastery
Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner
We start the day with a short drive to help avoid a very steep section. Our cycle route today is a beautiful ride through the mountains, on a road in a poor state of repair that few tourists travel on, with some steep ascents, past terraced farmland and villages. We plan to have lunch at the end of the ride in Tannourine and from here we drive (1hr) to the stunningly beautiful and verdant Qadisha Valley - translated as the Holy Valley on account of the large number of Christian monasteries founded here and hidden away by the towering walls of the gorge. The cedar tree is a national symbol that features on the flag of Lebanon but rapid deforestation means that only a few small areas of protected ancient cedar forest remain and we plan a short walk in the Cedars of God reserve on arrival to admire these mighty trees. Finally we continue by vehicle to our accommodation at St Anthony's Monastery located deep in the valley.
Dating back to the 12th century, the monastery is still in operation today under the control of the Lebanese Maronite Order, home to resident hermits and the centre of many pilgrimages. We'll be spending the night in the simply-furnished guesthouse that has been built within the monastery grounds. The rooms are either twin or triple share and all have en-suite bathrooms.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 37 kilometres (820 metres total accumulated ascent and 980 m descent).
Day 6: Final Ride Down To The Mediterranean Sea. Discover 9,000 Year Old Seaside Town Of Byblos
Accommodation: Ahiram Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
After breakfast we bid farewell to the Qadisha Valley as we start our ride to the coast. The start of the route involves a few hundred metres of very steep ascent and some may prefer to travel in the support vehicle to avoid this section. The route then follows slightly busier roads in good condition as we descend and rapidly leave the mountains behind us, entering a drier landscape of bush and scrub and a hotter, drier climate. The small back roads become slightly quieter and with more broken surfaces as we approach the coast. We end our final ride in the seaside town of Batroun where we plan to have lunch, visit the souk and see the Phoenician sea wall. You may like to try a glass of the refreshing local iced-lemonade.
Later this afternoon we drive the short distance to Byblos and we plan to visit the citadel 12th century Crusader castle on arrival, to explore this archaeological site and take in panoramic views over the ruins and surrounding coastline from the top of the castle's keep. The castle is the main attraction here but there is evidence of continual occupation of this site as far back as the Bronze Age. We spend the night here in Byblos, thought to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. You may be tempted to have a dip in the Med from Byblos\ inviting beaches.
Our total cycling distance today is approximately 47 kilometres (670 metres total accumulated ascent and 1580 m descent).
Day 7: Visit Dramatic Limestone Formations At Jeitta Caves. Return To Beirut For City Tour
Accommodation: Le Commodore Hotel
Meals Included: Breakfast
We start our drive back to Beirut this morning after breakfast. Our first stop is in the hills of Harissa where we have the chance to climb the statue of Our Lady of Lebanon for fine coastal views. We make our next stop shortly afterwards at the impressive Jeitta Caves, where we plan to visit the upper cave on foot and lower cave by boat. Afterwards we drive for about 45 minutes to downtown Beirut where we start a city tour in the afternoon. Travelling by bus and on foot we plan to take in the major sites, starting in the National Museum where we can see well-preserved treasures from Lebanon's different periods of history. Following the Green Line, the dividing line of Beirut during the civil war, we will visit Martyrs Square and Mohammad Al Amin Mosque. Much of the city has been rebuilt since the war ended but there are plenty of reminders, including the bullet-ridden Holiday Inn that have been left as a reminder of these dark days. Finally we plan to walk part of the Corniche, taking in the cityscape, and start to understand how the city was divided and how the regeneration projects have created modern-day Beirut.
No cycling today.
Day 8: Trip Ends In Beirut
Meals Included: Breakfast
The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Beirut.
There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart at any time. If your flight is departing later in the day, luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like to receive a complimentary airport transfer today, you'll need to depart from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY), which is around 20 minutes from the centre.
What's Included
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Meals
Breakfasts:7 Dinners:2
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Accommodation
Comfortable
Check out our Q&As
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
Transfers are included on the first and the last day of the trip
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I'm going on a walking/cycling trip-do I need to train?
It will depend on the grade and how fit you already are. Check the trip page for details of the walking or cycling grade and how far you’ll be walking/cycling each day. For moderate or challenging trips in particular we’d recommend doing some walks or cycles before you leave to build up your fitness and prepare you for the distances being covered.
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Who will be my travelling companions on the tour?
We have a wide range of ages nationalities on our small group trips and they come from all walks of life.
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Should I get travel insurance?
Yes–it is a condition of booking that you are fully insured when travelling with us
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How long has the tour company been trading?
At Explore, we're the experts in adventure travel. Our small group adventure holidays have been running since 1981. Today, Explore is one of the most trusted travel companies in the UK with over 500 trips to more than 120 countries.
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Can I join the tour once it has departed?
Yes, but there are no concessions for doing so, and we must have a record in your booking advising as such before the trip departs.
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Am I contributing to any charity by booking the tour?
Being a responsible company is a large statement, something that has to be entwined within the very fibre of a company. Discover the charities and partnerships we support as part of this at https://www.explore.co.uk/about/sustainability/charities-and-partners
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What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?
We want to be as clear as and as honest as possible about what happens if you decide to that you no longer wish to travel on your trip. Our booking conditions have details of the costs you’ll incur when you cancel-these charges depend on how long it is before your planned departure.
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What is the accommodation like?
We choose comfortable accommodation in the best locations possible. We opt for small, local and family-run accommodation where we can, as opposed to large chain hotels. We typically use hotels that are the equivalent of European 3-star, and you’ll usually have an en suite room. Occasionally, where we want to get off the beaten trail we may stay in more basic accommodation.
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What Ethical Travel credentials does the tour company have?
Sustainability is embedded within the fibre of Explore, it emanates from the inside out. But as we enter a new decade it is clearer than ever that our world needs help, and Explore has created a sustainability strategy based on the 2015 UN’s Sustainable Development Goals.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
Our flexible booking and safety policies mean you're protected before and during your travels with us. Receive a full refund if your trip is cancelled, transfer your trip free of charge up to 10 days before departure minus any irrocoverable costs.
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Do I need to be very fit to book with you?
All our trips require some level of active participation. This could be on a cultural trip, trek, safari, expedition or voyage. It is in the interests of all members of the group that everyone should be capable of fully participating in the activities of their chosen trip.
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What documents will I receive before I travel?
Final documents will include a comprehensive trip itinerary, climate and country information, budgeting and packing advice visa and passport information and details on optional activities available.
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Yes on most of our trips. Most trips are based on customers sharing twin-bedded rooms. If you book a group trip as an individual, you will share a room with someone of the same sex. However, on many trips we offer the opportunity to pay a supplement to pre-book a single room, known as our single room option. On some trips a single room will be provided every night, on others it will be provided o
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Do we have to be vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel
It’s now a condition of booking a trip with us that customers should have one of the following before they travel - — Be vaccinated against COVID, having received the full recommended course, and allowing enough time for immunity to take effect. Full vaccination includes any booster required to keep the vaccine valid. — Have taken a negative test (rapid antigen or PCR) within 72hrs of departure.
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Explore will only offer hotels that have specific COVID-19 protocols in place and comply with local government guidelines. We will ensure these measures include; enhanced room cleaning, ventilation, social distancing, regular cleaning and disinfection of high frequency touch points in public areas, food safety, staff re-training and minimising contact within the properties.
Reviews of this Operator
Book with Confidence
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Free Date Changes
Explore! allows you to make 1 free date changes, as long as the change is made at least 60 days before the start of the tour.
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Low Deposit
Explore! requires a minimum deposit of 10% 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 explore! charges.
Up to 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.
At 59 days before tour starts: Forfeit 30% of booking price.
At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 60% of booking price.
At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.
At 13 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.
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