Lebanon: Jewel Of The Levant
7 Days
Visiting: Beirut, Byblos, Harissa, Jeita Grotto, Shouf Cedars, Kadisha Valley, Baalbek, Bekaa Valley, Beit ed-Dine, Tyre, Sidon
Tour operator:
Tour code:
LEBA
Guide Type:
Fully Guided
Group size:
4 - 12
Age range:
1-99
Special diets catered:
Vegetarians, Please contact Wild Frontiers with any specific dietary requirements
Tour operated in:
EnglishTrip Styles:
Interests:
Private Available:
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Tour Overview
We are not currently operating any trips to Lebanon although we hope to be able to return there soon. If you would like to be alerted if and when this happens, please send an email to info@wildfrontiers.co.uk with the subject line Lebanon.
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Emerging from the ashes of its war-torn past, Lebanon is a country of captivating contrasts, having lain at the crossroads of religious, historical and social change for over 7,000 years. Blessed with gorgeous coastlines, delicious cuisine and a collection of ancient sites that are the envy of many, today it is emerging once more as one of the most engaging and dynamic countries in the Middle East.
This short, but ultimately engrossing, journey takes us from the vibrant streets of its historic capital and deep into landscapes that have been forged over the centuries by Phoenician traders, Roman legions and fierce crusades. Beginning in Beirut we have a chance to enjoy its rich cultural heritage before moving on to the ancient UNESCO ruins at Byblos, travelling via the fabulous caves at Jeita and the shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon at Harissa.
The dramatic Qadisha Valley and the famous Lebanese cedars of Al Shouf are next, before we continue through the fertile Bekka Valley to the stunning Roman remains of Baalbek. Along with the exquisite Palace of Beiteddine, the ancient Phoenician cities of Tyre and Sidon then provide the backdrop to our return to Beirut.
Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1: Tour Starts In Beirut
Location: Beirut
Accommodation Name: Raouche Arjaan or similar
Our journey begins in the Lebanese capital, where on arrival* we will be met at the airport and transferred on to our centrally located hotel. Ideally situated within easy walking distance of the bustling markets of the Rue Hamra and the famed Pigeon Rocks, the hotel provides an ideal base close to the glittering waters of Zaitunay Bay.
*Please note arrival transfers will only be provided for those arriving on the suggested Group Flights. Please refer to the GETTING THERE section for details of these.
Day 2: Beirut
Location: Beirut
Accommodation Name: Raouche Arjaan or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
Reputed to be one of the oldest cities in the world, with an unquenchable thirst for life and an ancestry that encompasses Phoenician, Crusader and Ottoman influences, Beirut has risen from the ashes of its recent troubles to become once more one of the most dynamic cities in the Levant. Discover its remodelled centre, visit its mosques and historic churches and stop along the way to sample some of the city's culinary delights, before exploring its Corniche and its famous Pigeon Rocks. This evening we will then venture out to explore some of Beirut's famous nightlife.
Day 3: Beirut - Jeita Grotto - Harissa - Byblos
Location: Byblos, Beirut, Harissa, Jeita Grotto
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Byblos Sur Mer or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
A morning visit to Beirut’s National Museum presents a fascinating insight into the cultures, conflicts and traditions that have shaped this remarkable city. Departing Beirut, we then head for the vast limestone cave complex at Jeita, one of Lebanon’s most extraordinary natural wonders. Continuing on to the pilgrimage site of Our Lady of Lebanon at Harissa, we then explore the renowned church and take a cable car up to enjoy the views across the Bay of Jounieh before completing our journey on to Byblos.
Day 4: Byblos - Qadisha Valley
Location: Shouf Cedars, Byblos, Kadisha Valley
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Le Cedrus or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
The spectacular UNESCO ruins of Byblos can boast a lineage that dates back some 7,000 years. Mentioned in biblical text and appearing in both Egyptian hieroglyphic and Punic inscriptions, the city provides us with an ancient souq, Phoenician ruins and easy access to the dramatic and revered landscapes of the Qadisha Valley. Here we can enjoy an afternoon walk and soak up the beautiful scenery with a simple picnic lunch along the way, before continuing on to our hotel for the evening.
Day 5: Cedars Of God - Bekaa Valley - Baalbek
Location: Baalbek, Bekaa Valley
Accommodation: Hotel
Accommodation Name: Palmyra Hotel or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
This morning we will take some time to explore the ancient forests of the Cedars of God, home to some of the oldest and finest examples of Lebanon’s national symbol, some of which reputedly date back over 2,000 years. From here, we will continue on to the fertile lands of the Bekaa Valley which form the north-easternmost extension of the Great Rift Valley and can lay claim to one of Lebanon’s greatest archaeological treasures. Here lie the spectacular Roman remains of Baalbek, site of the magnificent Temple of Bacchus and the Temple of Jupiter, whose remaining Corinthian columns are amongst the largest of their kind left from ancient antiquity. After our visit we can relax for the evening and enjoy the views of the ruins from our hotel.
Day 6: Baalbek - Beiteddine - Tyre
Location: Beit ed-Dine, Tyre, Baalbek
Accommodation: Homestay
Accommodation Name: Tyre Rest House or similar
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
We begin today visiting the charming Chateau Marsyas winery where we can learn more about this celebrated industry and enjoy a wine tasting. Following this we will enjoy a delicious lunch at the very special Tawlet Ammiq, the restaurant belonging to Souk el Tayeb, an organisation which helps to support small-scale farmers and producers and encourage sustainable agriculture through respecting culinary traditions and the natural environment of this region. Continuing on we then head to the 19th century Beiteddine Palace, set against the stirring backdrop of the Chouf Mountains and a sumptuous gem of Italianate and Arab design. Built by Emir Bashir II and badly damaged during the civil war, today it is considered one of the country’s greatest cultural treasures. From here we continue on to the city of Tyre, whose ancient Phoenician ruins include the UNESCO site of its magnificent Roman hippodrome. This evening we can enjoy the Mediterranean setting of this historic city with our final dinner together.
Day 7: Tyre - Saida – Tour Ends In Beirut
Location: Beirut, Tyre, Sidon
Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch
Also known as Sidon, the port town of Saida provides us with our final stop as we head back towards Beirut this morning. A once flourishing Phoenician city, today its winding backstreets, colourful markets and prominent Crusader sea castle provide an ideal spot to break our journey for a delicious lunch. in the late afternoon, we will then transfer back to the airport for the flight home (arriving into Beirut at around 16:00).
*Please note, for anyone that is booking flights outside the suggested Group Flights (see GETTING THERE section) or those wanting to depart on earlier flights, you will need to arrange a private transfer from Tyre.
What's Included
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MEALS
6 x Breakfasts6 x Lunches5 x Dinners
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TRANSPORT
On this tour we will use minibuses.
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GROUP SIZE
Maximum: 12
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CARBON CONTRIBUTIONS
Contributions to climate and community projects for all bookings
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EXPERT TEAM
The full services of a Wild Frontiers Tour Leader with local guides where appropriate
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ACCOMMODATION
4 nights x Premium
2 nights x Superior -
ENTRANCE FEES
All entrance fees for sights mentioned in the itinerary
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FITNESS RATING
Low / Moderate
What's Not Included
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We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras. As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tourationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatoryTips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documentsInternational .Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UKAirport .Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights.Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
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ExcludedItem
We believe in a completely transparent approach to pricing with no hidden extras.
As such, please note that the following are not included in the cost of the tour.
Visas & Travel Insurance: Visas will always be tour
ationality dependent but travel insurance is mandatory
Tips: Always optional but some guidance will be given in the pre-departure information documents
International Flights: Please ask us for an obligation-free quote for flights which originate in the UK
Airport Transfers: We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
Beverages & any costs of a personal nature: This will include items such as laundry and souvenirs
Visas
Visas are necessary for many of the destinations we travel to and while we aim to provide you with the most up-to-date information, requirements frequently change and as such for the latest advice we advise that you check with the relevant embassies or contact our recommended visa agency, Travcour www.travcour.com
For this tour UK passport holders currently require a visa for Lebanon, which can be obtained upon arrival into the country.
NB. It should also be noted that anyone with a passport showing evidence of having visited Israel (including having entered or left Jordan/Egypt from posts which are known to border Israel) are likely to be denied a visa for Lebanon.
Non-UK passport holders or non-UK residents should contact the relevant embassies for individual requirements.
Further details will be sent out to you on booking, however ensuring that correct and valid visas are obtained remains the sole responsibility of the client.
Key Aspects to Consider
Anyone in a reasonable state of health, with an open mind and a sense of adventure should be perfectly able to cope with this tour.
Please note most of Lebanon is no longer on the UK FCDO advise against all travel, however Baalbek, which this tour visits, is still on the list, but we are aware and monitoring this situation. You may need to mention this to your insurance company prior to travelling.
This tour has a couple of medium driving days, these will be no longer than approx. 4.5 hours driving time (around 200km), regular breaks will be provided.
Responsible Travel
With local people, culture and eco-systems in mind, responsible travel and sustainable tourism are at the core of Wild Frontiers. We believe that a successful trip not only delivers a unique and unsurpassable journey for our travellers but also benefits the people and places we visit.
When designing our tours, we actively seek out experiences that have a positive impact on the communities and precious environments we visit - from supporting social enterprises; resting our heads in rural homestays; and eating at locally owned restaurants; to helping fund conservation projects that protect wildlife and their habitats.
Visit the Responsible Travel area of our website to read more, including the work of the Wild Frontiers Foundation through which we fundraise to aid community empowerment and education projects.
Travelling Solo
As a company approximately 70% of our clients are solo travellers, so it’s very unlikely you’ll be alone!
Our prices are typically based on twin-share accommodation but single supplements are not compulsory for any Wild Frontiers tour. If you prefer not to pay a single supplement we’ll pair you with someone else of the same sex for you to share with throughout the trip.
On this trip, if you do opt to pay for a single supplement then please note that it will cover you for all nights of the tour.
Please note that paying a single supplement entitles you to lone occupancy of a single room. In many cases these rooms will be of the same size as a double/twin room, but in some cases they may be smaller.
Insurance
Insurance that provides cover for emergency repatriation in case of a medical emergency is compulsory for all tours. You should be aware that due to some of the geographical areas visited and some of the activities included on certain of our trips some standard insurance policies may not always provide adequate cover. As such we strongly recommend that you purchase a policy that adequately covers your trip. Please see the Insurance section for more details.
Check out our Q&As
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What is the maximum group size?
12
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Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?
Yes
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Are airport transfers included in this tour?
We include complimentary transfers if arriving/departing on the suggested group flights
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Do you require a visa for this holiday?
For this tour UK passport holders currently require a visa for Lebanon, which can be obtained upon arrival into the country.
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What policies are in place for Covid-19?
We have a complete Covid-19 hub here: https://www.wildfrontierstravel.com/en_GB/covid-hub
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Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?
Over 70% of passengers on our group tours are solo adventurers. Unlike many tour operators, we don’t believe in charging solo travellers a premium, so if you are happy to share a room with a fellow traveller of the same sex, you will pay exactly the same as a couple..Occasionally you may even end up with your own room. You can travel as a single traveller on any of our holidays, from our escorte
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Will the accommodation included meet local health and safety regulations?
Yes
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How long has the tour company been trading?
Since 2002
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Do I need to be double-vaccinated against Covid-19 to travel with you?
In most cases, yes. Not only are many destinations making double-vaccination a requirement of entry to the country and/or access to restaurants, museums etc., but additionally on all our group tours for the foreseeable future, for everyone’s peace of mind, we are asking that all clients be double vaccinated.
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