Lebanon In Style

Itinerary

• Lebanon

  The Republic of Lebanon is a small country (10,452 sq km or 4076 sq mi in area with 3.7 million inhabitants) in the Middle East region. Its capital is Beirut. It has a long coastline on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean Sea and shares a long land border with its much larger neighbour Syria to the north and the east, a much shorter (and currently "hot") border with Israel to the south.

• Beirut

  Beirut is the capital and largest city of Lebanon with a population of over 2.1 million. It is located on a peninsula at the midpoint of Lebanon's coastline with the Mediterranean sea. The first mention of this metropolis dates to the 15th century BC, and the city has been continuously inhabited since. Beirut holds Lebanon's seat of government and plays a central role in the Lebanese economy with its Downtown, Hamra, Verdun, and Ashrafieh based corporate firms and banks. The city is the focal point of the region's cultural life, renowned for its press, theaters, cultural activities, and nightlife. After the destructive Lebanese civil war, Beirut underwent major reconstruction, and the redesigned historic city center, marina, pubs and nightlife districts have once again rendered it a tourist attraction. Beirut was named the number one Place to Visit in 2009 by The New York Times. It was also listed as one of the top ten liveliest cities in the world by the Lonely Planet list of the top ten cities for 2009.

• • Evening in Beirut
  • Hotel Albergo Relais et Chateaux

  Day 1: Beirut

  Private airport transfer with an English speaking driver.

  A representative will greet you when you land in Beirut and assist with the visa/baggage process. Note: Visas are obtained on arrival for all US, Canadian and European passport holders. Clients are required to pay $20 upon entry. Travellers from other countries should contact their local embassy for further information.

  Accommodation: Hotel Albergo Relais et Chateaux

  The ochre facade of this residence filled with character reflects the liveliness and warmth of the Lebanese capital itself and stands proudly in the traditional district of Achrafieh. In the cozy bar on the ground floor, sample delicious cocktails while browsing through a collection of rare books and studying the old photos of the city that line the walls. The bedrooms offer a bold blend of East and West and feature a range of treasures discover all over the world. On the rooftop, you will find the jewel of the hotel: a swimming pool, bordered by a hanging garden, with the scent of fig and orange trees. This is a magnificent base from which to discover a city brimming over with life.

• • Triumphal Arch

  Day 2: Beirut

  Departure to the South. Phoenician Tyre was queen of the seas, an island city of unprecedented splendor. She grew wealthy from her far-reaching colonies and her industries of purple-dyed textiles. Visit of the triumphal arch, the public baths and the hippodrom. Continue to Visit Sidon, the largest city in south-Lebanon. Visit of the caravanserai, the old souks and the Sea castle, a fortress built by the Crusaders in the early 13th century on a small island connected to the mainland by a causeway. Lunch. On the way back, visit of Maghdouche church

  Accommodation: Hotel Albergo Relais et Chateaux
• • Palace of Beiteddine

  Day 3: Beirut

  Visit Beirut and discover the lively Cornish, the Pigeon’s Grotto and the renovated downtown. Continue to the National Museum. Built in 1930, the Museum houses a collection of ancient antiquities covering about 60 Centuries of history. Departure to the Chouf mountains, Located south-east of Beirut, the region comprises a narrow coastal strip notable for the Christian town of Damour, and the valleys and mountains of the western slopes of Jabal Barouk, the name of the local Mount Lebanon massif. Chouf is the heartland of the Lebanese Druze community. The Emirs of Lebanon used to have their residence in Chouf, most notably Bachir Chehab II, who built the magnificent palace of Beiteddine during the first half of the 19th century. Another historical town, located just below Beiteddine, is Deir al Qamar (the monastery of the Moon).visit of Deir el Qamar. Then we will continue to the Beiteddine Palace, the eighteen-century Arabian night’s-type retreat. We will admire graceful arcades, ornate ceilings; rich marble mosaics, tinkling fountains and beautifully paneled rooms.

  Accommodation: Hotel Albergo Relais et Chateaux
• • Photo alt Text

  Day 4: Beirut

  Depart by private vehicle to the North. Visit to Becharreh, the birthplace of Gibran Khalil Gibran, the Lebanese famous world known poet, artist and novelist. Proceed to Qadicha, "Holy Valley" of History. A number of monasteries were built in this area, the most important are Deir Qannoubin, an ancient seat of the Maronite Patriarchal and Deir Qouzhayya. We will continue to the Cedars. At more then 1,800 meters, the Cedars fascinate with their majesty and great age.

  Accommodation: Hotel Albergo Relais et Chateaux
• • Balamand Monastery

  Day 5: Beirut

  Visit Tripoli and explore the Crusader Castle of St. Gilles, the old city with its narrow alleys, souks and mosques dating back to the ameluk and Ottoman times. Continue to Balamand monastery which has been under the authority of the Orthodox Church since the early 17th century. Have your lunch in local restaurant. Proceed to Rachana, south of Tripoli, which its name means the “Museum Village” as it was known for its sculptures made of wood, stone, granite, or metal.

  Accommodation: Hotel Albergo Relais et Chateaux
• • Baalbek

  Day 6: Beirut

  Departure to Chtaura , the agriculture center city of the Bekaa valley in Lebanon. We will continue our route to Baalbeck, the famous site for its exquisitely detailed yet monumentally scaled temple ruins of the Roman period, when Baalbek, then known as Heliopolis, was one of the largest sanctuaries in the Empire. It is Lebanon's greatest Roman treasure, and it can be counted among the wonders of the ancient world, containing some of the largest and best preserved Roman ruins. We will visit the temple complex made up of Jupiter’s Temple, Bacchus Temple adjacent to it and a short distance away the Temple of Venus. Afterwards we will drive to Ksara, one of the most famous wineries in the region. We will taste a selection of the best white, rose and red wines ever produced in the Middle East. lunch in a local restaurant. Continue to Anjar. Visit of this Umayyad-period town that was excavated only 40 years ago.

  Accommodation: Hotel Albergo Relais et Chateaux
• • Lady of Lebanon

  Day 7: Beirut

  Departure to Jeita. Visit of the grottoes, Lebanon’s natural miracle, a striking nine kilometers labyrinth of galleries on two levels. The lower, river level offers a unique tour by flat-bottom boat past “weeping willows” and gigantic stone flowers. Equally striking is the upper grotto where monstrous mineral animals crouch in shady corners. Continue to visit Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa where you will enjoy the beautiful view of Jounieh. We will then proceed to Byblos, the oldest harbor in the world. Visit of the archeological site where around the acropolis you will admire traces of all periods since the Neolithic times. It is a city full of history where the Christian religion is dominating by the crusaders passage and their building of a cathedral in the 12th century.

  Accommodation: Hotel Albergo Relais et Chateaux

• Day 8: Beirut

  Private airport transfer with an English speaking driver.

  Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)

Accommodation

• Hotel Albergo Relais et Chateaux

  The ochre facade of this residence filled with character reflects the liveliness and warmth of the Lebanese capital itself and stands proudly in the traditional district of Achrafieh. In the cozy bar on the ground floor, sample delicious cocktails while browsing through a collection of rare books and studying the old photos of the city that line the walls. The bedrooms offer a bold blend of East and West and feature a range of treasures discover all over the world. On the rooftop, you will find the jewel of the hotel: a swimming pool, bordered by a hanging garden, with the scent of fig and orange trees. This is a magnificent base from which to discover a city brimming over with life.

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The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Tours, Transfers, Flights, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
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