Jewels of Lebanon

Highlights

• Ancient Byblos, over 7000 years old
• The Holy Statue of Lebanon, with its breathtaking views
• Imposing palace of Beiteddine with its collection of Byzantine mosaics
• Tripoli, Lebanon's second largest city
• Cedars of Bcharre, the last remaining biblical cedars in Lebanon
• Phoenician city of Tyre and its UNESCO World Heritage Al-Bass site
• Baalbek, one of the most impressive ancient Roman sites in the Middle East
  

Day 1 - Arrive Beirut
On arrival you will be met by an A&K representative and transferred to your hotel.
Four Seasons Beirut (Deluxe Sea View)

Day 2 - Beirut
Following breakfast depart on a morning tour of Lebanon's capital Beirut. See the natural landmark called Pigeons Rock (also known as the Rock of Raouche). Located at Beirut's western-most tip, the two huge rock formations stand like gigantic sentinels. Drive along Coastal Avenue to the city centre where you will find one of the largest reconstruction projects in the world. Visit the National Museum, the principal museum of archaeology in Lebanon. Drive to Harissa, climbing by cable car to the statue of the Virgin Mary otherwise known as the Holy statue of Lebanon, here you will see a breathtaking view over Jounieh and Beirut. Continue north of Beirut to Byblos, one of the "oldest continuously inhabited cities" in the world. According to Phoenician tradition, Byblos was founded by the god El. Although its beginnings are lost in time, modern scholars say the site of Byblos goes back at least 7000 years. It was the Greeks, sometime after 1200 BC, who gave the name "Phoenicia", to what is now modern day Lebanon, Syria and Palestine. And they called the city "Byblos" (Papyrus in Greek), because of the importance of this commercial centre in the papyrus trade. Visit the ancient sites and explore the old part of town including the fisherman's harbour, Church of St. John and the souks (B).
Four Seasons Beirut (Deluxe Sea View)

Day 3 - Dier el Kamar - Beiteddine
Drive to Damour, a small town 17km south of Beirut, and climb the Chouf Mountains, passing through the charming town of Deir el-Kamar (the residence of Lebanese governors during 16th century), till you reach the imposing palace of Beiteddine. The palace is the best example of early 19th century Lebanese architecture, built over a 30-year period by Emir Bashir. Visit the palace complex and its museums and see the fine collection of well-preserved Byzantine mosaics. Return to Beirut for overnight (B).
Four Seasons Beirut (Deluxe Sea View)

Day 4 - Tripoli - Cedars
Today travel to the north of Lebanon. Leaving Beirut via the coastal highway travel to Lebanon's second largest city, Tripoli. Visit the Crusader fortress of St. Gilles, which towers above the city, the hammam, the old souks and the fishing port. Travelling via Mount Lebanon continue to the Cedars of Bcharre, the last remaining biblical cedars in Lebanon. This small forest known locally as Arz ar-Rab is found on the slopes of Jebel Makmel at an altitude of more than 2000m. Visit the Gibran Museum, housed in a monastery overlooking Bcharre. Return to Beirut for overnight (B).
Four Seasons Beirut (Deluxe Sea View)

Day 5 - Sidon - Tyre
Explore Lebanon's south today with a visit to Sidon to see the 13th Century Sea Castle. Built by the crusaders the castle sits on a small island connected to the mainland by a stone bridge. Continue to the Phoenician city of Tyre. Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Al-Bass site with its hippodrome built during the 2nd century AD for chariot racing. Visit the Al-Mina excavations and see the Arch of Triumph and colonnades (B).
Four Seasons Beirut (Deluxe Sea View)

Day 6 - Baalbek - Ksara - Anjar
Following breakfast drive across Mount Lebanon towards Beqaa Valley where you discover one of the most impressive ancient Roman sites in the Middle East, Baalbek. Your morning is spent exploring the temples including the Temple of Jupiter and Bacchus. En route to Anjar visit the Ksara winery and taste the local drop. Anjar is the only Umayyad city in Lebanon and is recognised as one of the major market places on the Silk Road (B).
Four Seasons Beirut (Deluxe Sea View)

Day 7 - Depart Beirut
This morning transfer to the airport for your departure from Lebanon (B).

Note: A number of sites in Lebanon are closed on Mondays.

A&K Special Inclusions
A&K airport welcome and assistance with luggage - Transportation by private air-conditioned chauffeured vehicle - Services of an English-speaking guide throughout - Breakfasts are included- Entry fees - porterage - accommodation and sightseeing as listed.

Pricing
As a guide, this 7 day suggested journey in Lebanon will cost from $3,535 per person based on two adults sharing and is subject to availability.