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Lebanon

7

Reasons To
Visit Lebanon

  • A cosmopolitan mix of cultures

    Lebanon is a real melting pot: you'll find Lebanese Christians and Muslims of various denominations, as well as Armenians and Palestinians in smaller numbers. What all Lebanese have in common is their friendliness and hospitality towards strangers, and this, combined with the mix of cultures and religions, is what makes Lebanon a fascinating place to visit.

    A cosmopolitan mix of cultures

  • Ancient remains

    Countless great civilisations have left their mark on Lebanon - from the Phoenicians to the Greeks, the Crusaders to the Ottomans and many, many more in between. The ruined cities left behind are amongst Lebanon's greatest attractions.

    Ancient remains

  • Beirut cafe culture

    One of the world's most vibrant cities, Beirut is a great place to enjoy a strong, thick cup of coffee, whilst watching the locals go about their business. There are a range of cafes - from cheap local student hangouts, to swish establishments that wouldn't be out of place in Paris or Milan.

    Beirut cafe culture

  • Lebanese Cuisine

    Lebanese dishes such as tabouleh, hummus, falafel and baba ganoush are commonly replicated around the world, but the authentic dishes prepared in the country really are the tastiest and cannot be beaten.

    Lebanese Cuisine

  • Tripoli Souqs

    Lebanon's second city of Tripoli is a traditional town which could not be more different to the glitzy capital Beirut. Tripoli is famous for its colourful and lively souqs, where the maze of narrow alleyways includes medieval mosques, madrassas and public baths which are well worth exploring.

    Tripoli Souqs

  • Walking & Trekking

    Recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site in 1998, the stunning landscape of the Qadisha valley is just a few hours drive from bustling Beirut and provides the perfect contrast. The exceptional backdrop is a great destination for activities ranging from gentle strolls to full day treks.

    Walking & Trekking

  • Wine

    Lebanon is one of the oldest wine producing regions in the world, and its offerings rival some of Bordeaux's finest. The southern Bekaa Valley is home to many of the regions best wineries including Ksar Massa and Château Ksara, and you will find the world famous Châteaux Musar roughly 30km to the north of Beirut.

    Wine

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Excursions in Lebanon: Full day tour to Sidon, Deir Al-Qamar & Bediteddine

Sea Castle, Sidon
Sea Castle, SidonSidon seafrontKhan al-Franj, Sidon

Full day tour to Sidon, Deir Al-Qamar & Bediteddine

Beirut, Lebanon
  • Culture & History
  • Private Tour

Travel south to visit Sidon, an important harbour nestled amidst banana and citrus groves. The city of Sidon is mentioned in documents dating from the 14th century BC, but driven by the desirable location, its development began a few centuries later on the crest of the intense trade with Egypt and the Aegean. Famous for its glassware and purple dyes, it soon became one of Phoenicia's main cities. There are many remnants of Sidon's Islamic past, including a good souq and a number of khans.

You begin your visit with a trip to see the Crusader Castle of the Sea (Qasr al Bahar), which was erected by the Franks during the 12th century on a small island connected to the shore by a mobile bridge. The castle was partly modified by the Mamlukes, and then in the 19th century the Ottomans added a small mosque.

Following your visit of Sidon and its interesting souqs and soap museum, you continue to Deir Al-Qamar and Beiteddine.

At the end of the 18th century, the Emir Bashir II Shihab decided to build a new palace for himself and his family in the isolated village of Beiteddine, which stands 1000m above sea level, and is about 50km from Beirut.

Beiteddine is a majestic building which, thanks to the combined skills of Syrian craftsmen and Italian architects, is a blend of Arab architecture with Italian Baroque influence. The Palace has terraced gardens on various levels, with beautiful orchards and lawns. There are three main courtyards; the outermost, known as Dar el-Baraniyyeh is some 60m long. According to Arab tradition it was used for offering hospitality to passing guests, as well as for feasts and meetings. The central courtyard (Dar el Wasta) has two grand staircases and a majestic, beautifully decorated portal. In its centre is a fountain and the surrounding rooms are elegantly decorated and furnished with fine marble and mosaics and intricately carved wooden ceilings.

Also worth seeing is the beautiful hammam and you could also visit the village of Deir Al-Qamar. Once home to an active church, synagogue and mosque, this is arguably one of Lebanon's prettiest villages and had a very important historical role in the middle ages. The major sights in the village include the Silk Khan, which dates back to 1595, the palace of Fakhreddine and the palace of Younes Maan.

Other countries in North Africa & the Middle East:
EgyptIranJordanLibyaMoroccoOmanSyriaTunisia

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