As seen on
Evocative Lebanon: People, History & Landscapes
Lebanon
This trip supports
- Overview
- Itinerary
- Essential info
- Reviews
- Packing list
Grade:
Entry Level
Type:
Cultural
Transfers
Duration:
9 Nights
4 - 12
Group size
Leaders
Tour Highlights
- Wine tasting in Beqaa Valley
- Explore Roman temples in Baalbek
- Discover Beirut, Byblos & Jeita Grotto
- Walk in the Cedar Forests & Qaadisha Valley
Explore the landscape of Lebanon on this small group tour
Tour the cities of Beirut and Byblos, take a boat along the subterranean caves of the Jeita Grotto, drink wine in the delightful Beqaa Valley and explore ancient Roman temples; This is an experience you will never forget.
This adventure captures all the must-see destinations that Lebanon has to offer, whilst incorporating some short walks along the Lebanon Mountain Trail (LMT) through cedar forests, the Chouf Mountains and the Qadisha Valley to also experience the sights, sounds and smells of this beautiful country on foot. From the Mediterranean to snowy mountains to the vineyards of the Beqaa, join us as we stay in traditional Lebanese homes, enjoy the world-famous cuisine and bustling nightlife of Beirut.
In a country where French, Arabic and English can be heard in a single sentence and a multitude of faiths reside, history emanates from every stone: The costal village of Byblos (جبيل ‘Jbeil’ in Arabic) is the oldest continuously-inhabited town in the world; the Roman temples at Baalbek are some of the grandest ever built; Lebanon is mentioned 71 times in the Bible; with rule having passed through the hands of Arab Caliphates, Crusaders, Mamluks, Ottomans and more.
Lebanon really does have it all – but perhaps nothing surpasses the openness, charm, glamour and friendliness of its people. Experience this enchanting destination with like-minded fellow travellers, with the assurance that you will find a unique and varied culture quite unlike any you have seen before.
(Available as a private adventure)
The British Government FCDO is currently advising against all but essential travel to Baalbek in Lebanon: https://www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice/lebanon
Having liaised with our partners on the ground we feel it is a still safe to travel here to see the beautiful Roman ruins, so will be keeping it in the itinerary for now. Regardless of FCDO status, valid travel insurance can still be purchased, including from our partners at battleface insurance: https://app.battleface.com?partner=405
battleface insurance is provided in the UK by battleface Insurance Services Limited, a UK insurance intermediary authorised and regulated by the Financial Conduct Authority. Details provided on this webpage are for information only. Terms, conditions, exclusions, and limitations apply. Always read the description of cover contained within your policy to ensure it is suitable for your needs.
Day 1: Arrival into Beirut
Transfer
3 star hotel
With group members arriving during the afternoon and evening, today is a 'free' day for you to arrive, be transferred to the start hotel, and to shake off any travel fatigue and get your bearings, before the start of your adventure in earnest, tomorrow.
At an appropriate point in your itinerary, in line with our approach of making travel worthwhile, we will be invited to learn about a local charity called FoodBlessed, based in Beirut and tackling hunger among Lebanon's poorest. Any visit or opportunity to get involved will be optional.
Overnight: Gems Hotel or similar
Day 2: Beirut City Tour
Transfer
Breakfast
3 star hotel
After breakfast and a welcome briefing, your adventure begins with a tour of this vibrant city, located on a peninsula at the midpoint of Lebanon’s Mediterranean coast. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, having been inhabited for more than 5000 years, and our tour will include the most famous sites: the Green Line (line of demarcation during the Lebanese Civil War from 1975 - 1990), the National Museum displaying the famous Phoenician gilded bronze figurines buried near Byblos, Mohammad Al Amin Mosque (also known as the Blue Mosque), ancient churches and Roman Baths.
Enjoy delicious Lebanese cuisine for dinner before your first taster of the nightlife of Beirut!
Overnight: Gems Hotel or similar
Day 3: Explore Sidon & Tyre
Transfer
Breakfast
3 star hotel
This morning we drive out from the city, to the ancient coastal city of Sidon (also known as Saida) (45 minute drive), an ancient coastal city, set amongst citrus and banana groves. It is well known for its fresh fruit and sweets, including a speciality cookie called sanioura.
We walk through the old souks, picking up some fresh falafels for lunch, before continuing along the coast to Tyre (45 minute drive) for its archaeological sites and old Fisherman’s port.
Overnight: Hotel Al Fanar
Day 4: Jezzine & walk in the barouk reserve
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
Guest house
Jezzine, one hour drive away from Tyre, is a summer resort for Beirut dwellers, surrounded by mountain peaks and pine forests. We visit the impressive Niha Castle, carved into the rock face of a cliff, and before continuing on to your next destination (45-minute drive). There we enjoy a walk (1-2hrs) in the Masser el Chouf (barouk) reserve, admiring the beautiful cedar trees.
Tonight we sleep in a guest house owned by the Achkar family in the village of Kheribe. They will share their beautiful old traditional Lebanese house with us. We will eat dinner and breakfast with them there. Please note that the house contains only a small number of rooms, and single beds (and bunk beds) only. Double beds and single-occupancy rooms are not on offer for this night.
Overnight:Salim Achkar Guesthouse
Day 5: Wine tasting in the Beqaa valley
Transfer
Breakfast
5 star hotel
We visit the elegant 19th-century Beit el Din Palace which showcases Arab design before driving to the stunning Chateau Kefraya in the Beqaa Valley to visit its vineyard and partake of a little wine tasting of the red, rose and white blended wines.
We spend tonight in the beautiful nearby mountain town of Zahle, also known as the ‘City of Wine & Poetry’ and famous for the Battle of Zahle during the Lebanese Civil War, admiring its architecture and sophisticated nightspots.
Overnight: Hotel Grand Kadri
Day 6: Visit the ruins of Baalbek
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
3 star hotel
We spend the morning in Anjar - a 30 minute drive away - a UNESCO World Heritage site, before visiting the incredible Roman ruins at Baalbek (45 minutes). The ancient city ruins at Anjar were only revealed in the 1940s and date back to 705 - 715, during the Umayyad period, under Caliph Walid Ibn And Al-Malak. They help demonstrate how construction, architecture and Islamic art were all developing during this time.
From one UNESCO site to another: the Roman Ruins at Baalbek, previously known as Heliopolis during the Hellenistic period. Here we enjoy one of the finest examples of Imperial Roman architecture, built over more than two centuries. The complex includes two huge, and very grand Roman ruins: the Temple of Bacchus and the Temple of Jupiter, the most significant outside of Italy.
Overnight: Palmyra Hotel
Day 7: Discover the Qadisha Valley
Transfer
Breakfast
Dinner
Monastery
We drive 2 hours to the town of Bcharre. It is a small but welcoming mountain town with links to Kahil Gibran (1883-1931), author of 'The Prophet', who was buried in the 19th-century monastery built into the rocky slopes overlooking the town. We are in the Qadisha Valley (another UNESCO site), also known as the ‘Holy Valley’. Its rocky cliffs have served for centuries as a place of meditation and refuge and it comprises the largest number of monasteries and hermitages dating back to the very first spread of Christianity.
We visit Our Lady Cannobine Monastery, partially cut into the rock and with some lovely 17th-century frescoes in the interior. And we have the opportunity to visit another monastery – the Monastery of Mar Lishaa - built into caves nestled deeper in the valley. This can be reached on foot, by following a section of the Lebanon Mountain Trail, which extends for 470km through over 75 towns and villages, attracting trekkers and day walkers alike – for 90min (expect rough terrain and some steep sections). It can also be reached by 4x4 for a small fee.
Tonight we sleep in Qozhaya (St Antonio’s) Monastery if it is possible as often it is booked out for services, part of the UNESCO Word Cultural Heritage site, which is very much a “Living Treasure” hosting travellers, scholars and students alike. The rooms are a little spartan with single beds only, as you might expect from a monastery, but the beauty and history of the place make it well worth the visit. Tonight we enjoy a meal at the monastery’s cafeteria. If it's not possible to stay we will transfer to the delightful Palace Hotel near to the cathedral in Bcharre.
Overnight: Monastery Saint Antoine or Palace Hotel
Day 8: Enjoy Byblos
Transfer
Breakfast
4 star hotel
With far too much beauty to absorb in the Qadisha valley in one day, we treat ourselves to another, to explore it further, at our leisure. We visit Our Lady Cannobine Monastery, partially cut into the rock and with some lovely 17th century frescoes in the interior.
Then we transfer to the town of Byblos, previously the ancient Phoenician port of Jebeil, is steeped in history. In fact, it is the oldest continuously inhabited town in the world. It was first occupied between 8800 and 7000 BC and is, unsurprisingly, another World Heritage Site. We visit the Old Souk and Citadel and spend the night in Byblos.
Overnight:Ahiram Hotel, breakfast included
Day 9: Jeita Grotto
Transfer
Breakfast
3 star hotel
Heading back down the coast, we stop off at the Jeita Grotto and the Nahr al-Khalb valley on the way. One of the world’s great natural wonders, it is a system of interconnected karstic limestone caves spanning nearly 9 km, with the upper galleries housing the world’s largest known stalactite. Open to visitors on foot and by boat, it is a Lebanese national symbol and well worth the visit. The extent of our visit will depend on the weather! There may too much water to see both galleries, but we will enjoy the first gallery.
Afterwards you will all be transferred back to Beirut (3-3.5 hours) for your final evening together in the bright lights of the city!
Overnight: Lancaster Hotel
Day 10: Fly out from Beirut
Transfer
Breakfast
We transfer you to the airport for flights out of Beirut. Time to plan your next adventure but it will be tough to find somewhere that has as much to offer as Lebanon!
Adventure Optional Extras
Single Room Supplement
Single rooms are available on a first come, first served basis, however, due to the nature of the accommodation we are using on this adventure, there are nights where single rooms are not possible, so the supplement price reflects this. We will charge on a pro-rata basis if a single room is not available to book for part of the trip where it would have been possible.
Plant an additional 15 trees for your adventure
Carbon Compensation is not the perfect solution, and it is important to first reduce our carbon emissions as much as we can, yet trees remain an excellent natural technology to sequester carbon dioxide from the atmosphere to slow global warming.
For every client and guide who attends a YellowWood Adventure, we donate £30 to our partner charity WeForest to plant 15 trees to (over) compensate for the carbon footprint of the tour.
We also invite our clients to match this with an optional additional £30 for another 15 trees to be planted to help compensate for the carbon footprint of their international flights.
WeForest run many tree planting and tree maintenance projects such as this seedling nursery in the Amhara region of Ethiopia, the Amazon Rainforest in Brazil and many other projects in other countries including Zambia, Malawi, Tanzania & India.
Click Here to find out more about their amazing projects around the world.
Not Included
- International flights & Airport
- Visas (free visa available for many countries)
- Insurance
- Lunches & 6 Dinners
- Tips
- Drinks, incl alcohol
Contents
Accommodation
We fully believe in, and practice Responsible Tourism, using hotels run by locals. We put time and effort into building our relationship with them to ensure you have a a great trip.
We choose hotels based on cleanliness, comfort, safety, proximity to our route (to avoid unnecessary extra travel), and a warm client welcome, as well as reliability in their service to us. Some hotels will be basic, and in modern buildings and or in towns. Wherever we can, we will choose smaller more characterful, individual hotels, but in areas where tourism is still developing, this may not be available.
An aspect of our adventures is to escape the ‘trappings’ of modern Western lifestyles and to experience new things which are exciting and memorable, and reflects the countries we are visiting.
This is adventure travel and on occasion the advertised services at a hotel (eg wifi, or hot showers!) may not be functional on our arrival. This tends to occur in the smaller, more remote hotels. Very rarely a hotel lets us down and we are required to find alternative suitable accommodation that might not be our first choice.
This trip uses hotel accommodation, but at different levels of luxury, with some nights being more of a simple style than others. The list below gives information on our first choice of accommodation for the summer itinerary. Accomodation for the winter itinerary is the same, but we visit the sites in a different order.
Where hotels and refuges are fully booked or unavailable, we will use an alternative of a similar standard, and equally well situated. We will provide you with an accurate list of accommodation, with contact information to leave with relatives, prior to departure on your adventure.
Facilities
You will find that the hotels we use in Lebanon are of an international standard and have the facilities you would expect from a developed country.
Unless you have booked a single room (where they are available) and paid the single room supplement for those nights, you will be sharing a twin room with another client (of the same gender).
Guiding & Your Group
Supporting you on your holiday will be an experienced, approachable and knowledgeable English speaking guide from our local partner agency, with whom we have worked with since we started running tours in Lebanon. On some days, you may be joined by additional local experts for further information and guidance. This ensures you have information and support on your trip, with your Lebanese guide offering insight into local life, history and customs, as well as routes during walks. Should you have any concerns during your adventure, you will be able to contact our local partner agency direct, or come through to the UK YellowWood office.
Your Group
Your group will be any number from our minimum group size of 4, up to a maximum of 12 clients. This number works really well with the ratio of guides, and ensures the optimum level of service to you during your adventure.
We get clients booking alone, as couples and in small groups of friends. If you have a group of friends or family who are interested in having their own customised trip, then please let us know and we can cost it for you.
Am I fit enough?
This adventure is a fabulous mix of sightseeing, and exploring the stunning landscapes on foot.
To get the most of out of this adventure, you need to be in good physical health, and enjoy walking as a way of exploring an area. You do not need to be an experienced hiker as the walks on the itinerary are on well trodden paths, for short periods of time (2-3hrs) and at the natural pace of the group, with regular stops. You will be carrying just a day pack and bottle of water (bottled water) when walking or sightseeing.
NB: If you have bought new walking boots for this adventure, please wear them in BEFORE the holiday, not on the trip itself.
Please note that you need to have an open mind to adventure travel, and experiencing different cultures to your own, first hand.
Travel & Arrival
Your YellowWood adventure starts at the airport in Beirut. We understand that arriving into an unfamiliar airport can be very daunting, so we aim to give you as much information here as possible to help you prepare.
Finding flights
Flights are not included in the cost of your holiday, and whilst we are happy to help advise you, responsibility for booking the correct flights rests with you. We recommend that you use a comparison tool such as www.momondo.co.uk or www.skyscanner.net when searching for flights.
We will send you a Flight Information Sheet with further pointers on which flights to book for your adventure.
Foreign Travel Advice
For the latest travel advice from the Foreign Commonwealth & Development Office (FCDO) including security and local laws, plus passport and visa information, check www.gov.uk/foreign-travel-advice. We also receive notifications direct from the FCDO so we are always aware of the ‘status’ in our destination countries.
Insurance
Holiday insurance is essential for all YellowWood Adventures. Unfortunately anyone without insurance is not able to take part in the holiday, so please make sure you arrange cover. We recommend sorting your insurance when you book so that if you have problems during the run up to your holiday, and need to cancel, you are covered, particularly in the light of effects that the pandemic has had on travel.
Prior to the holiday, we will ask you to send us details of your insurer, policy number, 24 hr emergency assistance contact details and the name, address, and telephone numbers of your NOK or persons to be notified in the event of an emergency.
Your insurance needs to cover you for moderate walking with the following fairly standard inclusions:
- Medical Expenses
- Coronavirus linked expenses (these may be country specific, so please ensure you know what the requirements are relating to the country you are visiting)
- Repatriation
- Helicopter rescue & Air ambulance
We would also recommend that you have cover for the following optional items:
- Cancellation
- Loss or damage to property
Reviews
Kate Kalil
My 8-day adventure in Lebanon was the most fun and unique experience that I have had to date. If you are looking for a well-planned itinerary to take you off the beaten path and immerse into Lebanese culture, then this tour is certainly for you.
People & Landscapes of Lebanon (previously known as Lebanon Cultural Adventure), 2019
Chris & Gaynor Verity
The itinerary & the pace was perfect and we got a lot out of the trip and felt we experienced the many different aspects of Lebanese culture & religion.
People & Landscapes of Lebanon (previously known as Lebanon Cultural Adventure), 2019
Julia Street
I liked most the wonderful limestone landscape, the caring attitude of the guide and leader, amazing places like Baalbeck, and staying in the country, outside of Beirut
People & Landscapes of Lebanon (previously known as Lebanon Cultural Adventure), 2019
Receive a 15% discount off Water-to-Go filtration water-bottles to help reduce plastic waste.
Compulsory
- US$ or £B to exchange for local currency (USD will be easier)
- Credit / debit card for use in ATMs, where available (cash preferable however)
- Prescription medication & antibiotics such as Azithromycin to stop serious traveller's diarrhoea
- First aid kit: paracetamol, anti-diarrhoea tables, rehydration sachets, antihistamine cream, ibuprofen cream, thermometer, blister kit (eg plasters & zinc oxide tape).
- Insect repellent
- Hand sanitiser (70% alcohol) & covid face coverings just in case it feels appropriate to wear them
- Washbag & usual contents
- 'On the go' Toilet kit aka toilet roll
- Sunglasses, sun hat & suncream
Items for Walking / Sightseeing
- Small (20L) day sack for hiking / sightseeing, ideally with waist strap.
- Waterproof jacket - ideally GoreTex or similar quality
- Walking boots or shoes - already broken in...
- Torch with spare batteries / charger
- Sun hat / baseball cap
- Waterproof stuff sacks / plastic bags to keep daypack contents dry
- Water-to-Go filtration water-bottle & additional storage water-bottle - ideally 2 litres per person
Clothing
- General socks / underwear for sightseeing & hiking sections
- Suitable clothes/ pjs for sleeping in at night.
- Light clothes for day time - long & short sleeved tops.
- Trousers / shorts / skirts - NB Modest dress for churches
- Sandals / trainers
- Warm jacket / fleece - may be cool at altitude & in the evenings
- Warm hat & gloves
Optional
- Buff or neck gaiter for cold weather / sun protection. Light scarf useful for church visits
- Camera & charging cables / plug
- Phone & charging cables / plug
- Money belt
- 2 prong adaptor
- Walking poles
This trip supports
Need a little help?
All adventures can be tailored as private bespoke trips.
Please contact us for more information:
+44 207 846 0197
Related Adventures
Booking Process
Select dates & add any extras or 'Add on' adventures. Complete our Booking Form
Check out our Covid-19 friendly booking conditions & check the box to agree to our Terms & Conditions.
'Make Booking': You will be redirected to secure WorldPay to make your deposit (£300/$400/person) payment (receipted), if booking >56 days before your adventure or full payment if 56 or <56 days before your adventure. Your monies are held securely by the Travel Trust Association.
Your booking will show as 'pending' in your YellowWood online account.
Enter booking information for all guests in your party.
We will be in touch as soon as we are able, to confirm your booking or discuss any availability limitations. Do not book transport/flights until we have emailed you to confirm your booking (receipt of your booking form is not confirmation). We will change the status of your final invoice from 'Pending Approval' to 'Outstanding', when it becomes payable online.
This payment is due 56 days before departure date (we send reminders).
Contact us with any questions about your adventure or booking.
Grading
To help you choose the right adventure for you, we have given each itinerary a grading that relates to the level of Walking / Trekking you will experience during the trip. This grading can be found on the Yellow map on the adventure page of the website.
All of our trips involve a level of general activity so are designed for people who are in good health, enjoy the outdoors, and have a taste for adventure and some level of fitness. As will be clear from our destinations, the climate (and altitude) may be different to that which you are used to, so please take this into consideration when choosing the most suitable holiday.
Please read our Adventure Itinerary & Essential Information for more information and don't hesitate to contact us if you would like to chat through whether you have found a suitable adventure for you.
Grade 1-3: Entry Level
You need to be in good physical health to enjoy your active holiday, but you don’t need to be an experienced hiker. These itineraries offer a mix of sightseeing and easier walking for around 2-4hrs a day, with the emphasis on sights and cultural experiences.
Walks will be well marked or on defined pathways, and often around sites of interest. The expected amount of descent/ascent will depend on the landscapes of the destination, but will not exceed 400m/day, and will often be much less. Walks are at low altitude (below 3000m).
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack with water and essentials. Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have a pair of comfortable and worn in walking shoes/boots.
Grades 4-6: Intermediate
You need to have a good level of fitness and be a regular walker for these adventures, with ideally some trekking experience. You can expect to be walking for 3-6 hours per day, not including rest stops, normally on good trail paths but with some uneven surfaces at times.
You will not be required to carry more than a day sack. You may be walking in more challenging temperatures. You will generally be walking at low altitude (below 3000m) but may walk at altitudes up to 4000m. The amount of ascent could be up to 800m in a day but will frequently be less. You may walk on consecutive days.
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable clothing for this adventure.
Grades 7-9: Challenging
You need to have a good level of fitness with previous experience of trekking. Extra training before your trip will ensure that you get the most out of your adventure. Areas will be remote and terrain uneven.
Expect to walk for 5 – 8 hours a day, not including breaks, with some very steep ascents and descents. You will be walking at altitude (over 3000m but not higher than 5000m).
Ensure you are aware of the weather conditions likely in the destination you are visiting and have suitable equipment/clothing for this adventure (see the packing list for your adventure).
Please check individual itineraries for details of what you will need to be carrying with you.
Enquiry Process
Get in touch via our Enquiry form to check our availability, discuss the adventure and check we can meet your needs.
Complete our Enquiry Form; contact details, additional requirements (eg diet or health requirements) & questions you may have. Include as much information as you are able to, so we can help you with the detail you are looking for
Click on 'Send Enquiry' (receipted).
We will be in touch as soon as we are able, to answer your questions and help you plan your adventure.