Escorted Group
or Private Journey • Phoenician Byblos • Crusader Castles
• Great Roman Temples at Baalbeck
Lebanon is a jewel of the Levant; a captivating mix of coastal and mountain scenery, dotted with important and impressive historic remains. This journey takes in the highlights, visiting the Phoenician ports of Byblos and Sidon, the bustling cosmopolitan capital of Beirut and the spectacular Roman remains of Baalbek.
Day 1 Fly from London to Beirut with Middle East Airlines. Transfer to the Commodore Hotel, Beirut for 4 nights
Day 2 – Cedars of Lebanon & Tripoli: Drive north to the famous Cedars of Lebanon then on to Tripoli to visit the Citadel of Raymond de Saint-Gilles. Then proceed to visit Msaylha castle. (Breakfast included)
Day 3 – Beirut & Sidon: Morning tour of Beirut including the National Museum and the heart of the city, beautifully restored by Solideré. This afternoon, drive south to Sidon to visit the castle built in the harbour by the crusaders. (Breakfast included)
Day 4 – Jeita grotto, Harissa & Byblos: Morning visit to the spectacular Jeita grotto. Continue to Harissa to see the fine views over Beirut and Jounieh before driving to Byblos. Spend the afternoon exploring the town with its crusader castle and pretty fishing harbour.
Day 5 – To Anjar, Baalbek & Zahlé: This morning, drive into the Bekaa valley to the fortified city of Anjar, once a popular hunting resort for the Umayyads. Continue to the Ksara winery. Afternoon tour of Baalbek, whose Roman temples are among the most impressive in the world. Stay overnight and eat dinner in Chtaura Park, Zahlé. (Breakfast and dinner included)
Day 6 – To Beirut: Morning drive to the Palace of Beiteddine with its richly decorated rooms and mosaic collection. Continue to the pretty village of Deir al-Qamar before driving to Beirut. Stay overnight at the Mövenpick Hotel & Resort, Beirut (Courtyard View room). (Breakfast included)
Day 7 – To London: Morning transfer to the airport. Fly from Beirut to London with Middle East Airlines. (Breakfast included)
