Lebanon Explorer

Day 1                (D)

Provisional Flights:
British Airways                       BA149
Departs London Heathrow    15:15
Arrives Beirut                         22:05

On arrival in Beirut, transfer to the five-star Gefinor Rotana Hotel. A light dinner will be provided at the hotel due to the late arrival.

Overnight: Gefinor Rotana Hotel, Beirut (or similar)

Day 2             (B, L)

This morning, start your tour of Lebanon with a visit to the astonishing Jeita Grotto, a system of caves spanning nearly 9km, considered one of the ‘New Seven Wonders of Nature’.

Continue to Harissa, home to an important pilgrimage site: Our Lady of Lebanon.

This afternoon, transfer to Byblos, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Visit its Crusader castle and old souk.

Overnight: Gefinor Rotana Hotel, Beirut (or similar)

Day 3         (B, L)

This morning, tour the highlights of Beirut, Lebanon’s capital. Start with the National Museum, followed by the city centre.

This afternoon, visit the 19^th century Beiteddine palace complex, considered a model of eastern architecture and housing a museum of weapons as well as archaeology. Continue to Deir El Kamar, once the capital of Mt Lebanon but now a typical Lebanese village with its historical centre, souk, and more.

Overnight: Gefinor Rotana Hotel, Beirut (or similar)

Day 4             (B, L)

Venture a little further into Lebanon, this morning departing to see the UNESCO World Heritage Site, ‘The Cedars of God’, one of the last surviving forests of ancient Lebanon cedar. Becharreh is the picturesque gateway to the Cedar and the birthplace of famous Lebanese poet Gibran Khalil Gibran, and we visit his museum as well as some of the town’s monasteries and churches. Finish the day at the Monastery of St Antoine of Kozhaya, built partly inside the mountain.

Overnight: Gefinor Rotana Hotel, Beirut (or similar)

Day 5                   (B, L)

Balamand Monastery was build in the mid-12^th century over Byzantine remains and boasts a collection of 170 manuscripts, some dating back to the 13^th century, as well as some stunning icons.

Batroun is one of the oldest cities in the world with an incredible heritage. It possesses historic Roman Catholic and Greek Orthodox churches, imposing Phoenician walls and a Crusader fort.

Overnight: Gefinor Rotana Hotel, Beirut (or similar)

Day 6              (B, L)

Back in the south, today explore Sidon, Tyre and Maghdouche.

Sidon’s origins are unknown, but it experienced its golden age during the Persian era. You can still see the remains of a Crusader castle and evidence of its long history of occupation.

Tyre, a UNESCO site, boasts impressive Roman remains, including streets, arcades, public buildings and one of the largest hippodromes in the region.

Finish in Maghdouche to see its most famous landmark, where Mary is believed to have waited for Jesus in a cave as he preached in Sidon.

Overnight: Gefinor Rotana Hotel, Beirut (or similar)

Day 7                   (B, D)

Spend the day at leisure, exploring Beirut or more of Lebanon’s stunning cultural legacy. Your Tour Manager will be on-hand to offer suggestions.

This evening will be a rather special farewell meal.

Overnight: Gefinor Rotana Hotel, Beirut (or similar)

Day 8                  (B, L)

Spend the final day of touring visiting some incredible highlights. These sites have only recently returned to the tourist trail after FCO advice was lifted.

Baalbek (once Heliopolis) has some of the most impressive and well preserved Roman temples in Lebanon, including the ‘Jupiter Temple’, whose 54 columns have survived into the modern day. The site itself has remains from centuries of occupation and construction.

8^th century Anjar has strong fortifications enclosing three palaces, two hammams and a mosque.

Finally, visit Ksara Winery, located in Roman-constructed caves, for a tasting.

Overnight: Gefinor Rotana Hotel, Beirut (or similar)

Day 9             (B)

Transfer to the airport for departure.

Provisional Flights:
British Airways                       BA148
Departs Beirut                        08:10
Arrives Beirut                         11:40