Lebanon is a small hidden gem within the Center East and a fantastic vacation spot for a 10-day journey. It’s only a 3-4-hour flight from Europe and thus an ideal vacation spot for the Could (or October) faculty holidays! I visited with my household (children 13/16 years) and drove across the nation for 10 days. Having seen loads of the world, it takes actual magnificence to amaze me and that’s one thing Lebanon has loads of. It’s time to share my experiences on this Lebanon itinerary.
This Lebanon journey information covers all its magnificence in the perfect day journeys in an effort to effectively see all of the must-see locations. Though Lebanon is a small nation it has such an enormous number of highlights that every day shall be totally different. Sea, mountains, Islam, Christianity, and historical historical past but additionally fashionable life-style is what you discover in Lebanon. Let’s take a look at what I feel is probably the most full Lebanon itinerary to expertise all its magnificence.
Planning a Lebanon highway journey itinerary
Earlier than going into particulars of every day a couple of tricks to plan your Lebanon journey effectively.
- The perfect time to go to Lebanon is in spring or autumn. In summer season it’s very popular and in winter there may be loads of snow up within the mountains. In fact, if you wish to go snowboarding then winter is the time to go! I visited in late April when the climate was excellent with snow up within the mountains however heat sufficient to swim too on the seashores.
- Lebanon has only one worldwide airport in Beirut which is well reached by all kinds of airways. It’s only a 3-4-hour flight from Europe and you may join wherever on this planet from there. From Europe you have got connections all around the world. I arrived within the afternoon and I handed immigration in simply half-hour however remember the fact that at busy occasions this may take longer. Test earlier than travelling in case you require a visa.
- Getting round Lebanon is finest carried out by automotive. I like flexibility so when potential, I rent my very own automotive. I obtained a very good deal in Lebanon for a 4×4 SUV at simply 48 USD a day. Visitors is chaotic, sure; however in case you’re a assured driver you’ll handle. I drove 2 weeks in Thailand, a week in Mexico and 2 weeks in Tunisia. Lebanon was straightforward in comparison with these international locations. You may as well decide to rent a automotive with driver which ought to value about 100-130 USD a day pending the gap. Public transport just isn’t an choice for this Lebanon itinerary because it takes you off the crushed monitors. All sights talked about will be put in Google Maps, which can take you there probably the most environment friendly means. Be certain to obtain them in case you received’t have reception.
- There aren’t any main security considerations (Could 2019) in Lebanon in case you comply with this itinerary. Do at all times carry your passport as there are some army verify factors. I didn’t should cease at any and the troopers are very frienly and helpfull. The one area to keep away from is north of Baalbek across the city Hermel and the world’s north and east of Hermel.
- You are able to do all journeys from Beirut, however I counsel to remain 3 nights north of Beirut to avoid wasting time driving up and down. All day journeys will be combined in fact however I like to recommend staying 3-4 nights in Beirut, then 3 north of Beirut after which again 3-4 nights in Beirut. I like luxurious accommodations and in Beirut I stayed at Le Grey Resort (member of the Main Accommodations of the World) and Le Bristol Resort that are centrally situated. The Intercontinental Mzaar within the mountains was my house north of Beirut however a lodge in Jbeil (Byblos) could be much more environment friendly.
Now lets discover Lebanon, a real hidden gem within the Center East.
Lebanon itinerary day 1 – South Lebanon day journey: Tyre and Sidon
The primary day journey from Beirut of this Lebanon itinerary is a protracted one however beneficial to do the primary day as a result of in case you run out of time you possibly can add Sidon to day 2. Tyre and Sidon are two cities in southern Lebanon with a wealthy historical past and delightful archeological websites. Until you go wander across the fashionable elements of those cities, you possibly can go to each the identical day. Go early so you have got time to make a brief cease on the Temple of Eshmun, simply exterior of Sidon too. I left Le Grey Resort at 08:00 and arrived in Tyre at 09:15 which is VERY fast. I did pace 10-20 km/h as everybody else did.
Tyre tour
In Tyre, which is a UNESCO World Heritage Website, I like to recommend going to Al-Mina on the peninsula first as most vacationers cease first on the Al-Bass Hippodrome. It’s potential to park close to the doorway and in case you are fortunate you must have this web site for your self. There are stunning Roman ruins, a cathedral, and elements of a Crusader fort. A go to takes simply over an hour.
Now go to Al-Bass which is only a 5-minute drive. You would stroll but it surely’s not a pleasant stroll and you’ll unfastened to a lot time. Al-Bass consists of a Necropolis, triumph arch and a hippodrome from the Roman interval. Right here you’ll most likely spend 90 minutes. Be certain to proceed to Sidon for lunch at about 12:30.
Sidon tour
Sidon, a tentative UNESCO web site, is a fantastic coastal city with a crusader fort within the sea. You’ll be able to park your automotive on the parking zone of the fort as they don’t thoughts you’ll discover the town after. Throughout the road there are numerous eating places however Zawat for certain is nice. After lunch you possibly can discover the Sidon Sea Fortress and stroll by means of the outdated souks. Be certain to not miss the Dabane Palace, Nicholas Church, Khan al-Franj and, in case you are , the Cleaning soap Museum. The great thing about Sidon is the very fact the souks are nonetheless in use as they had been in historical occasions. It’s nice to simply get misplaced however ensure you’re in your automotive at 16:30.
Earlier than heading again to Beirut make a cease on the Temple of Eshmun. This web site is free to go to and it’s very small and never a lot is left of it. The rationale of the go to is that within the Nationwide Museum of Beirut they’ve stunning finds from this web site. In Phoenician time it was an essential temple therefore a go to needs to be in your Lebanon itinerary. From the temple it’s about an hour drive again to Beirut.
EXTEND YOUR TRIP: Cut up Sidon and Tyre into two day journeys. You’ll have extra time to loosen up or go swimming. Tyre has stunning seashores to fill the 2nd half of the day there earlier than heading again to Beirut. You’ll be able to go to Sidon & the Temple of Eshmun on the second day.
Lebanon itinerary day 2 – Shouf valley day journey
The Shouf Mountains (and valley, additionally referred to as Chouf valley) are situated simply 40 kilometers from Beirut and are a must-see vacation spot. You’ll be able to both go for a half day journey or a full day journey. I made a decision to make it a protracted half day journey to not make this Lebanon itinerary careworn. I drove first to Moukhtara Palace which is a spot few excursions go. This Italian fashion palace continues to be in use by the political Jumblatt household. You’ll be able to’t freely stroll round the home however a small tour of about 20 minutes is a must-do to study this household and assassination that passed off.
MAKE IT A FULL DAY TRIP: If you wish to do a full Shouf valley day tour you must now drive to the Shouf Barouk Cedar Forest. The rationale I made a decision to not do that is that I’d see cedar timber on the Cedars of God. Should you like wine, you would additionally go to Château Florentine within the village of Majdel Maouche to make it a full day journey.
Beiteddine Palace tour
I continued to Beiteddine (Beit’eddine) which was as soon as the middle of energy in Lebanon. The Beiteddine Palace (Home of Religion) situated there may be the perfect instance of Lebanese 19th century Italian impressed structure. A go to will take you 2 hours in spring and autumn as in some elements of the yr the palace is in use because the president’s summer season residence. Test together with your lodge upfront if it’s open.
Deir el-Qamar tour
The final cease of the Shouf valley day journey is in Deir el-Qamar which is a fantastic small outdated city. It’s additionally potential to additionally make a cease at Moussa Fortress museum first which has wax statues and a weapon assortment. The city is small however very cozy. I wandered the small streets, visited the mosque and museum for about half-hour. After a scrumptious Lebanese lunch, I drove again to Beirut the place I explored downtown Beirut by strolling the Heritage Path which began in entrance of Le Grey Resort the place I stayed. Extra on central Beirut on day 9 although, when there may be time to stroll this path too.
Lebanon itinerary day 3 – Anjar, Ksara Winery and Baalbek within the Beqaa valley
It’s time to checkout of your lodge in Beirut as we speak. As talked about, you are able to do every journey from Beirut however in case you comply with this Lebanon itinerary, I extremely suggest altering accommodations. You’ll be able to keep in Faraya within the Mzaar mountain vary as I did or in Jbeil (Byblos). I select the Mzaar Intercontinental as I had loads of loyalty factors to guide a room there (examine my Bleisure journeys to find out how accumulate these). Visiting two UNESCO World Heritage Websites meant a protracted day. I left Le Grey Resort at 08:00 and I arrived in Anjar round 10:00.
Anjar Umayyad ruins tour
Anjar is a ruined Umayyad buying and selling metropolis which was construct within the 8th century between Baalbek and Damascus (Syria). It’s situated simply 3 kilometers from the Syrian border. You’ll see stays of roads, a mosque, a hammam, a palace and housing of outlets all surrounded by a thick wall. The town was in use simply 30 years earlier than it obtained destroyed, which makes it much more spectacular. It’s not an enormous web site but additionally not small so plan 1-2 hours to see Anjar.
Subsequent up is the one winery I added to this Lebanon itinerary: Ksara winery. You’ll cross it when driving from Anjar to Baalbek however if you wish to make a tour, you’ll should depart Beirut at 07:00. I solely picked up some wine (a very good tasting requires a full bottle) and had a fast lunch earlier than heading to Baalbek.
Baalbek Roman ruins tour
I’ve seen many Roman ruins and the final one which amazed me was the Dougga Roman metropolis after I made a two-week Tunisia highway journey. Baalbek is a totally totally different ball recreation. These ruins are the best-preserved Roman ruins I’ve seen and that claims rather a lot. When the Romans arrived in Phoenicia half a century earlier than Christ the town Baalbek was referred to as Heliopolis. Varied beliefs the place combined and worshipped. The temple and metropolis complicated was prolonged for over 300 years earlier than it obtained deserted. Most spectacular is the Temple of Bacchus which is large and adorned with superb carvings. To completely see the complicated, you want 2 hours or extra.
I used to be again on the parking zone round 17:00 and anticipated to drive to Faraya in about an hour over the mountain highway (by way of Beirut could be 2-3 hours). That didn’t go as deliberate as simply earlier than the T-junction to Faraya (left) and Afqa (proper in the direction of the Ibrahim Valley) there was a army checkpoint and the guard didn’t need to let me undergo. Once I needed to steer left, he put spikes up that will flatten my tires. I requested why I couldn’t go, and he stated it wasn’t a safety challenge however the highway to Faraya was lined in 8 meters of snow. Even a 4×4 wouldn’t get by means of so in case you comply with this Lebanon itinerary ensure that to verify for highway closures! I had no different choice as to drive the highway to Afqa OR turning again and drive the freeway to Beirut after which as much as Faraya. The highway to Afqa was a good selection. It was an incredible drive over the snowy mountains (see photographs above with the snow wall). I arrived round 20:00 on the Mzaar Intercontinental as I made many stops within the snow to take photographs.
EXTEND YOUR TRIP: From December to April the ski resorts are open so in case you like snowboarding you possibly can add a further day to do some train. The perfect place to do that is Mzaar ski space at Faraya. An alternative choice to increase this Lebanon itinerary by a day is to remain across the Ksara winery. You’ll be able to go to different vineyards within the vicinety and fill a day with wine tasting. Greatest to rent a taxi for that day although!
Lebanon itinerary day 4 – Off the crushed monitor Lebanon: Ibrahim Valley
The Ibrahim Valley is a tentative UNESCO web site however actually, I don’t suppose it should ever make it on the listing. It’s nevertheless a fantastic off the crushed monitor vacation spot in Lebanon. I solely noticed a handful of native vacationers in Afqa and for the remainder no person! There are a number of locations of curiosity within the Nahr Ibrahim Valley value trying out. Plan about 5 or 6 hours except you’re coming from Beirut. Not each Lebanon day journey needs to be a brilliant spotlight and that’s why this Lebanon itinerary is 10 days with the choice to increase it to 14 days. I’ll listing the must-see locations of the Ibrahim Valley so as from Faraya. Should you’re coming from Jbeil (Byblos), Batroun or perhaps Beirut then comply with it in the wrong way. The enjoyable of at the present time can be to admire the gorgeous nature and cross by means of native villages to see how rural Lebanon is.
Adonis Temple Afqa spotlight
Set your GPS or Google Maps to the Adonis Temple in Afqa and drive there. Cease alongside the best way the place you need as a result of the views are wonderful. The valley has its title from the river that flows by means of it: The Adonis River, additionally referred to as Abraham River or Nahr Ibrahim in Arabic. Adonis is the god of affection, rebirth and wonder because the Phoenicians believed and was worshipped on the supply of the river in Afqa and in Byblos the place the river meets the Mediterranean Sea. Water flows from a cave which you’ll climb into. When snow melts in spring the stream is large and has loads of energy however in dry occasions you possibly can stroll additionally into the cave. An exquisite web site.
Nahr Ibrahim valley Roman ruins
Now put your GPS to Yanouh the place on the suitable facet of the highway you possibly can go to the Mar Girgis al Azraq temple. There are Roman ruins and a more moderen Saint George church which is of particular curiosity because it’s fabricated from blue/gray stones. Now proceed to Qartaba by pointing your GPS to Saint Sarkis Monastery situated a couple of hundred meters downhill. It dates to the 16th century. Once I visited, I couldn’t discover any choice to go to the within however the exterior was value a glance too. Qartaba can be the place to get lunch correctly midway the day.
Subsequent is the Mashnaka Roman temple which is spelled in a dozen or so varieties. Mashnaka (Souaneh, Lebanon) works is Google Maps although. The valley views listed here are wonderful! Now it’s time to cross the Nahr Ibrahim River (put 34.077561, 35.724308 in Google Maps) and drive alongside the opposite facet to the Roman aqueduct. This aqueduct is simply small and isn’t even on Google Maps so put (34.063076, 35.653333) as coordinates. It’s value a cease in case you’re passing anyway and the views are nonetheless wonderful there. After this I drove again as much as Faraya and made a rapid cease on the ruins in Faqra so I’d save time one other day.
Lebanon itinerary day 5: Byblos (Jbeil) and Batroun day journey
Byblos (now referred to as Jbeil) is a coastal metropolis in Lebanon north of Beirut. Based over 7 centuries in the past and thus one of many longest frequently inhabited cities of the world. A go to of the heritage park takes half a day and finest mixed with Batroun which is simply 20 minutes north. Byblos is an UNESCO World Heritage Website and Batroun a tentative one. Be certain to go to Byblos first particularly in case you like craft beer!
Byblos day tour
It was approximate an hour drive from Intercontinental Mzaar to Byblos the place I parked close to the doorway of the archeological web site. You’ll be able to put the doorway in your GPS and when shut park within the first out there spot as you’ll in any other case preserve circling. Attempt to arrive round 10:00 which supplies you time to do a Byblos tour to all of the highlights, have lunch and proceed to Batroun.
Byblos (Jbeil) was already inhabited in 5000 BC however from the Neolithic and chalcolithic time just isn’t a lot left. The Phoenicians reworked Byblos to a walled metropolis in round 2800 BC. It was their capital. The Phoenician alphabet used later by Romans and as we speak by western civilizations was invented there.
The Byblos archeological web site isn’t big however for the lengthy route by means of it you could depend for about 2 hours. There factors of curiosity embody three main Phoenician temples, a Crusader fort, and a Roman theater (smallest I ever noticed) with columns. Do learn the reasons indicators as many have drawings of how a sure place appeared like centuries in the past. It helps to know the ruins. Within the Crusader fort is a small exhibition however probably the most stunning finds are within the Nationwide Museum in Beirut.
After exploring the archeological web site go for a small stroll by means of the souks and perhaps take a look on the harbor. For lunch I can suggest Fenicia simply in entrance of the doorway of the location. After lunch head north to Batroun.
Batroun day tour
First set your GPS to Mseilha Fort which is a Crusader fashion fort on prime of a rock (see photograph beneath). Entrance is free and a go to doesn’t take lengthy. I hadn’t seen a fort like this ever earlier than, so it was a pleasant detour earlier than heading to outdated Batroun. I parked my automotive close to the Batroun souks from the place I wandered by means of the outdated city which has additionally Phoenician origins. Strolling the slim streets exploring the church buildings and different outdated constructing takes about 2 hours. The spotlight is within the sea: a Phoenician wall. It was constructed to maintain the tidal waves out and distinctive in its variety.
None of my journeys isn’t full with out craft beer and I discovered some in Lebanon. In fact, I added Batroun to my Lebanon itinerary for its historic websites however the Colonel Craft Brewery was another excuse. It’s situated 5 minutes by automotive from the outdated central half and a minute stroll from a pleasant seashore. You’ll be able to go swimming within the afternoon, take pleasure in craft beer and nice Lebanese meals earlier than heading additional. Or, drink extra and keep in a single day in Batroun.
SHORTEN OR EXTEND YOUR TRIP: If it’s important to shorten your journey by a day you would go to Byblos & Tripoli (solely the outdated city) on sooner or later. Will probably be a protracted day but it surely’s potential. You may as well prolong your journey by a day if you wish to loosen up on the seashore for a day. Go to Byblos one morning and loosen up on the seashore, and Batroun the subsequent day within the morning and loosen up on the seashore.
Lebanon itinerary day 6: Nahr el Kelb (Jeita Grotto) day journey
On the 6th day of my Lebanon itinerary I deliberate once more a lodge change. I moved from Intercontinental Mzaar to Le Bristol Beirut in downtown Beirut. To not waste time, I drove by means of the Nahr el Kelb valley which is a tentative UNESCO World Heritage Website. The Lebanon highlights of at the present time don’t take to a lot time to go to except the Jeita Grotto may be very busy. Begin on the Jeita Grotte in case you’re coming from Beirut or every other metropolis on the Mediterranean coast.
Faqra ruins tour
Close to Faqra is a fantastic pure bridge which was the primary cease of the day. You can also make a brief hike there too however because it was early morning, snowy and chilly I solely had a fast look from the highest. The second cease ought to have been the Roman and Byzantine ruins at Faqra. As talked about, I already made a rapid cease there after visiting the Ibrahim Valley. I did cease once more although to make photographs from a distance because the solar is shining in the direction of the temple within the morning. Throughout the road I visited some minor ruins too. Plan an hour to discover the location; it’s not big.
Now it’s time to drive to the perfect and most stunning cave system of Lebanon: Jeita Grottos. Positioned within the Nahr el Kelb valley. It’s Lebanon’s nationwide pure satisfaction and probably the most stunning cave I’ve ever seen after the Furong Cave on the Wulong Karst in China. Remember that it’s additionally visited A LOT by locals so it’s one of many sights in Lebanon that does have ready strains (except you stroll up however the cable automotive is simpler). There may be an higher cave which is accessible by tunnel from the place you stroll over boardwalks. The decrease cave is simply accessible by a 400-meter underground river cruise. There shall be a ready line of 1h+ in busy occasions on the decrease cave. I skipped it as on Easter Sunday the road was 2h+. Pictures inside just isn’t allowed, the beneath two footage had been shows on the entrance. I spend 2 hours on the Jeita Grotto in whole after which I continued.
Subsequent up are 3 monasteries that are a part of the tentative Nahr el Kelb UNESCO web site. I first drove to the Our Woman of Louaize Monastery which is situated behind the Notre Dame faculty. It’s an outdated monastery however I couldn’t discover any open door to see the within. Properly value a take a look at although. Subsequent up was the Mar Abda de Mouchamar which Google Maps doesn’t know so put (33.944141, 35.628315) as coordinates. The final monastery is Our woman of Tamiche Monastery which has a fantastic patio and church. Visits take 15-20 minutes solely in every place.
When driving again to Beirut ensure that to cease on the highway round (33.953877, 35.603424) the place you possibly can see a Roman aqueduct and a medieval bridge. Simply additional down the highway (however park on the coordinates) are the Independence Stone Carvings which numerous armies that marched by means of left behind. One is from Napoleon. These locations are additionally a part of the tentative UNESCO web site. You’re principally again in Beirut now so it needs to be 15-20 minutes to the lodge. I like to recommend staying at Le Bristol Resort.
Lebanon itinerary day 7: Tripoli day journey
Tripoli is Lebanon’s second largest metropolis and a Tripoli day journey should be added to any Lebanon itinerary. It’s a totally totally different world in comparison with Beirut. I left Le Bristol Resort round 08:30 and was in Tripoli at 10:00. If there may be a lot visitors it could possibly be a bit longer. I made nevertheless one mistake by visiting first the outdated city after which the Worldwide Honest and El Mina. I missed lunch so first go to the Rachid Karami Worldwide Honest, then the Outdated City and in case you have time left El Mina.
Oscar Niemeyer designed the Rachid Karami Worldwide Honest within the late sixties for the World Honest in 1976. He additionally designed Brasilia and Pumpulha which I noticed after I travelled 5 days in Belo Horizonte (Brazil). The truthful floor was by no means completed because the civil conflict broke out in 1975. At the moment all of the concrete buildings are nonetheless there and never broken by the conflict. The location is a tentative UNESCO World Heritage Website and value a 45-minute stroll. Should you don’t like this sort of structure, you possibly can go direct to downtown Tripoli. Park on the Citadel (fort) of Tripoli.
Once I arrived on the Citadel of Tripoli, I believed I used to be on the flawed place because it appeared like a army base. That’s partly true as they use a part of the constructing too. After exploring the fort, you possibly can stroll in a couple of minutes to the Izzeddeen Hammam situated on the entrance of the souks. After that stroll by means of the souks and when you get hungry have lunch. Should you comply with the next order of sights (simply put them in Google Maps) will probably be most effectively: AlKhayyateen Caravanserai, AlBourtasi Mosque, Khan El Askar (is likely to be closed) and the St. George Church subsequent door, Saray AlAteeqah, Outdated Ministry Constructing, Clocktower, Al Mansouri Mosque, Hammam Alnouri and Khan Al Saboun. There are extra locations to cease alongside the best way simply search for the plaques on the monuments. With lunch you simply spend 3-4 hours in outdated Tripoli.
Now you possibly can select to both drive again to Beirut or make a brief go to to El Mina peninsula. You’ll be able to stroll the corniche, go to the outdated railway station, and watch sundown. There are additionally loads eating places for dinner. I drove again to Le Bristol Beirut at 17:00 as I skipped lunch.
OPTIMIZE YOUR LEBANON ITINERARY: I select to drive up and all the way down to Beirut from Tripoli and the subsequent day to the Qadisha Valley. This isn’t environment friendly as you’ll protected 2-3 hours of driving by staying in a single day in Tripoli. I didn’t do this as solely my daughter would be a part of to Tripoli and to the Qadisha Valley my full household.
Lebanon itinerary day 8: Qadisha Valley tour (and Cedars of God)
Simply after I although Lebanon couldn’t get higher it did! The Qadisha Valley is so totally different as all the opposite locations and has distinctive historical past which made it an UNESCO World Heritage Website. It consists of two elements: The Forest of the Cedars (Cedars of God) and the valley with all it’s monasteries. These monasteries all originate from caves the place hermits lived centuries in the past. Even as we speak hermits nonetheless use some. The principle monasteries are: Qannubin Monastery, Monastery of St Anthony of Quzhayya, Monastery of Our Woman of Hauqqa, Monastery of Mar Licha. I didn’t have time left to go to Hauqqa however all different 3 are “simply” reached by automotive in a day in case you spend as much as 45 minutes in every most.
I like to recommend beginning your Qadisha Valley day journey at 07:00 from Beirut. I drove in 2 hours to the Forest of the Cedars which is a holy place. It’s not an enormous forest and half-hour there may be sufficient particularly if there may be 2 meters of snow. These timber, some stated to be 3000 years outdated, are a reasonably sight excessive within the mountains so don’t miss them. Now put in your GPS: Outdated Mar Licha Monastery which will be reached over a small highway that goes down into the Qadisha Valley. It’s one of many higher monasteries to go to.
Subsequent up is the Qannoubine Monastery and also you received’t remorse having your individual wheels as busses can’t go to there. You need to comply with the unpaved highway alongside the river for five kilometers. A sedan will get you there and don’t fear in case you solely cross hikers and don’t see different vehicles. On the finish of the highway is Abou Joseph Bsharri restaurant serving scrumptious Lebanese meals. Take an early lunch as on crowded days it fills up and also you don’t need to lose time ready to your meals.
The Qannoubine Monastery is 500 meters down the highway and 100 meters uphill. Don’t neglect to have a peak on the St. Marina the Monk Chapel 200 meters additional. The Monastery of Our Woman of Hauqqa is one other 2 kilometer hike additional down the trail however that doesn’t work if you wish to go to the Monastery of St Anthony of Quzhayya too. I like to recommend visiting Monastery of St Anthony of Quzhayya earlier than heading again to Beirut. It has additionally a small museum on web site. Every of the monasteries is totally different and all are beneficial. I drove again to Beirut in 2 hours for dinner at Brew Inc. which is the perfect craft beer bar in Beirut.
Lebanon itinerary day 9: Beirut metropolis tour
I like to recommend beginning in Beirut’s outdated district which has a 2.5-kilometer path referred to as the Beirut Heritage Path. It’s marked with bronze medallions within the pavement so you possibly can simply comply with it. The path official begins on the Beirut souks, however you can begin at anywhere in fact. You may need to park your automotive across the Al-Omari Grand Mosque the place there may be house alongside the streets. The Beirut Heritage Path takes you to all of the essential locations in outdated Beirut together with mosques, church buildings, Roman, Byzantine and Phoenician stays. It’s a pleasing stroll and you may have lunch at one of many eating places across the clock tower or go to Badaro road earlier than visiting the Nationwide Museum.
Now drive, or higher use Uber in Beirut, to the Nationwide Museum. It has the perfect finds of all of the archeological websites on show. Do notice it’s closed Mondays. The museum is medium sized which is nice as you don’t have to spend hours and hours pottery. The objects are all very good and various. Two hours will do. Within the afternoon you possibly can go to the corniche to see the Raouche Rocks and watch sundown. I walked again to Le Bristol Resort from there.
Within the night you possibly can go to Hamra district or to Badaro road. Badaro road is for the younger technology with loads of cafes, bars, and eating places.
EXTEND YOUR TRIP: There are lots of extra museums in Beirut which will be of curiosity to you pending your curiosity. You’ll be able to simply spend one other day in Beirut. Wandering the streets, visiting extra museums or simply loosen up.
I feel you agree after studying this Lebanon itinerary that it’s a real gem within the Center East. Go to now! Lebanon was on my radar for a very long time however for some purpose I by no means visited. It’s only a 3-4-hour flight from the Netherlands so flight time isn’t a problem. I’m glad I lastly visited as Lebanon was full of wonderful surprises. Roman, Phoenician, and Byzantine ruins combined with outdated monasteries and delightful nature are amongst the highlights. It’s a small nation however every place of curiosity is totally different in Lebanon.
Should you’re trying to prolong your journey, I like to recommend studying my 7 days in Cairo (Egypt) itinerary, 2 weeks Jordan itinerary, or 2 weeks Oman itinerary. Even a Tunisia itinerary can simply be added. I’m certain you’ll have enjoyable within the Arabic world!
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