Lebanon is a small hidden gem within the Center East and a ravishing 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 Might (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 most effective day journeys to be able 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 will probably be completely different. Sea, mountains, Islam, Christianity, and historic historical past but additionally trendy way of life is what you discover in Lebanon. Let’s take a look at what I feel is essentially the most full Lebanon itinerary to expertise all its magnificence.
Planning a Lebanon highway journey itinerary
Earlier than going into particulars of every day just a few tricks to plan your Lebanon journey effectively.
- The very best time to go to Lebanon is in spring or autumn. In summer season it’s very popular and in winter there’s loads of snow up within the mountains. After all, if you wish to go snowboarding then winter is the time to go! I visited in late April when the climate was good 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 the earth from there. From Europe you’ve got connections everywhere in the world. I arrived within the afternoon and I handed immigration in simply half-hour however understand that at busy occasions this may take longer. Test earlier than travelling for those who require a visa.
- Getting round Lebanon is greatest completed by automotive. I really 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. Site visitors is chaotic, sure; however for those who’re a assured driver you’ll handle. I drove 2 weeks in Thailand, a week in Mexico and 2 weeks in Tunisia. Lebanon was simple in comparison with these international locations. You may also decide to rent a automotive with driver which ought to value about 100-130 USD a day pending the gap. Public transport shouldn’t be an choice for this Lebanon itinerary because it takes you off the overwhelmed monitors. All sights talked about will be put in Google Maps, which can take you there essentially the most environment friendly approach. Make sure that to obtain them in case you received’t have reception.
- There aren’t any main security considerations (Might 2019) in Lebanon for those who observe this itinerary. Do all the time carry your passport as there are some army examine factors. I didn’t need to 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 realm’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 save lots of time driving up and down. All day journeys will be blended 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 really like luxurious resorts and in Beirut I stayed at Le Grey Lodge (member of the Main Inns of the World) and Le Bristol Lodge that are centrally situated. The Intercontinental Mzaar within the mountains was my dwelling north of Beirut however a lodge in Jbeil (Byblos) can 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 an extended one however beneficial to do the primary day as a result of for those who run out of time you may add Sidon to day 2. Tyre and Sidon are two cities in southern Lebanon with a wealthy historical past and exquisite archeological websites. Except you go wander across the trendy elements of those cities, you may go to each the identical day. Go early so you’ve got time to make a brief cease on the Temple of Eshmun, simply exterior of Sidon too. I left Le Grey Lodge 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 Web site, 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 if you’re fortunate it’s best to have this website for your self. There are stunning Roman ruins, a cathedral, and elements of a Crusader citadel. A go to takes simply over an hour.
Now go to Al-Bass which is only a 5-minute drive. You could possibly stroll but it surely’s not a pleasant stroll and you’ll free to a lot time. Al-Bass consists of a Necropolis, triumph arch and a hippodrome from the Roman interval. Right here you’ll in all probability spend 90 minutes. Make sure that to proceed to Sidon for lunch at about 12:30.
Sidon tour
Sidon, a tentative UNESCO website, is a ravishing coastal city with a crusader citadel within the sea. You’ll be able to park your automotive on the car parking zone of the citadel 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 may discover the Sidon Sea Citadel and stroll by the previous souks. Make sure that to not miss the Dabane Palace, Nicholas Church, Khan al-Franj and, if you’re , the Cleaning soap Museum. The great thing about Sidon is the very fact the souks are nonetheless in use as they have been in historic occasions. It’s nice to simply get misplaced however be sure to’re in your automotive at 16:30.
Earlier than heading again to Beirut make a cease on the Temple of Eshmun. This website is free to go to and it’s very small and never a lot is left of it. The explanation of the go to is that within the Nationwide Museum of Beirut they’ve stunning finds from this website. In Phoenician time it was an necessary 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 an extended half day journey to not make this Lebanon itinerary pressured. I drove first to Moukhtara Palace which is a spot few excursions go. This Italian type palace remains 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 came about.
MAKE IT A FULL DAY TRIP: If you wish to do a full Shouf valley day tour it’s best to now drive to the Shouf Barouk Cedar Forest. The explanation 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 possibly can 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’s the most effective 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 along with your lodge prematurely 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 ravishing small previous city. It’s additionally potential to additionally make a cease at Moussa Citadel 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 Lodge the place I stayed. Extra on central Beirut on day 9 although, when there’s 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 in the present day. As talked about, you are able to do every journey from Beirut however for those who observe this Lebanon itinerary, I extremely advocate altering resorts. 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 e-book a room there (examine my Bleisure journeys to find out how accumulate these). Visiting two UNESCO World Heritage Websites meant an extended day. I left Le Grey Lodge 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 retailers 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 website 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 need to 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 once I made a two-week Tunisia highway journey. Baalbek is a totally completely 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 blended and worshipped. The temple and metropolis advanced was prolonged for over 300 years earlier than it obtained deserted. Most spectacular is the Temple of Bacchus which is large and embellished with wonderful carvings. To completely see the advanced, you want 2 hours or extra.
I used to be again on the car parking zone round 17:00 and anticipated to drive to Faraya in about an hour over the mountain highway (by way of Beirut can 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 wish to let me undergo. After I wished 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 difficulty however the highway to Faraya was coated in 8 meters of snow. Even a 4×4 wouldn’t get by so for those who observe this Lebanon itinerary be sure to examine 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 sensible choice. It was an incredible drive over the snowy mountains (see images above with the snow wall). I arrived round 20:00 on the Mzaar Intercontinental as I made many stops within the snow to take images.
EXTEND YOUR TRIP: From December to April the ski resorts are open so for those who like snowboarding you may add an extra day to do some train. The very best place to do that is Mzaar ski space at Faraya. Another 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 overwhelmed monitor Lebanon: Ibrahim Valley
The Ibrahim Valley is a tentative UNESCO website however actually, I don’t suppose it should ever make it on the record. It’s nevertheless a ravishing off the overwhelmed monitor vacation spot in Lebanon. I solely noticed a handful of native vacationers in Afqa and for the remainder no one! There are a number of locations of curiosity within the Nahr Ibrahim Valley price testing. Plan about 5 or 6 hours except you’re coming from Beirut. Not each Lebanon day journey must 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 record the must-see locations of the Ibrahim Valley so as from Faraya. Should you’re coming from Jbeil (Byblos), Batroun or perhaps Beirut then observe it in the other way. The enjoyable of this present day can be to admire the gorgeous nature and cross by 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 superb. The valley has its title from the river that flows by 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 may stroll additionally into the cave. A good looking website.
Nahr Ibrahim valley Roman ruins
Now put your GPS to Yanouh the place on the appropriate aspect of the highway you may go to the Mar Girgis al Azraq temple. There are Roman ruins and a more recent Saint George church which is of particular curiosity because it’s made from blue/gray stones. Now proceed to Qartaba by pointing your GPS to Saint Sarkis Monastery situated just a few hundred meters downhill. It dates to the 16th century. After I visited, I couldn’t discover any choice to go to the within however the exterior was price a glance too. Qartaba can be the place to get lunch appropriately 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 superb! Now it’s time to cross the Nahr Ibrahim River (put 34.077561, 35.724308 in Google Maps) and drive alongside the opposite aspect 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 price a cease for those who’re passing anyway and the views are nonetheless superb 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 greatest mixed with Batroun which is simply 20 minutes north. Byblos is an UNESCO World Heritage Web site and Batroun a tentative one. Make sure that to go to Byblos first particularly for those who 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 website. 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 maintain 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 shouldn’t be a lot left. The Phoenicians remodeled Byblos to a walled metropolis in round 2800 BC. It was their capital. The Phoenician alphabet used later by Romans and in the present day by western civilizations was invented there.
The Byblos archeological website isn’t large however for the lengthy route by it you could rely for about 2 hours. There factors of curiosity embrace 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 regarded like centuries in the past. It helps to know the ruins. Within the Crusader fort is a small exhibition however essentially the most stunning finds are within the Nationwide Museum in Beirut.
After exploring the archeological website go for a small stroll by the souks and perhaps take a look on the harbor. For lunch I can advocate Fenicia simply in entrance of the doorway of the positioning. After lunch head north to Batroun.
Batroun day tour
First set your GPS to Mseilha Fort which is a Crusader type fort on high of a rock (see picture 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 previous Batroun. I parked my automotive close to the Batroun souks from the place I wandered by the previous city which has additionally Phoenician origins. Strolling the slender streets exploring the church buildings and different previous 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 type.
None of my journeys isn’t full with out craft beer and I discovered some in Lebanon. After all, 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 previous central half and a minute stroll from a pleasant seashore. You’ll be able to go swimming within the afternoon, get pleasure from 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 a must to shorten your journey by a day you possibly can go to Byblos & Tripoli (solely the previous city) on someday. Will probably be an extended day but it surely’s potential. You may also 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 following 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 the Nahr el Kelb valley which is a tentative UNESCO World Heritage Web site. The Lebanon highlights of this present day 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 ravishing 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 images 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 positioning; it’s not large.
Now it’s time to drive to the most effective and most stunning cave system of Lebanon: Jeita Grottos. Situated within the Nahr el Kelb valley. It’s Lebanon’s nationwide pure pleasure and essentially 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’s an higher cave which is accessible by tunnel from the place you stroll over boardwalks. The decrease cave is just accessible by a 400-meter underground river cruise. There will probably 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 shouldn’t be allowed, the beneath two photos have been shows on the entrance. I spend 2 hours on the Jeita Grotto in complete after which I continued.
Subsequent up are 3 monasteries that are a part of the tentative Nahr el Kelb UNESCO website. I first drove to the Our Girl of Louaize Monastery which is situated behind the Notre Dame school. It’s an previous monastery however I couldn’t discover any open door to see the within. Properly price 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 girl of Tamiche Monastery which has a ravishing patio and church. Visits take 15-20 minutes solely in every place.
When driving again to Beirut be sure to cease on the highway round (33.953877, 35.603424) the place you may see a Roman aqueduct and a medieval bridge. Simply additional down the highway (however park on the coordinates) are the Independence Stone Carvings which varied armies that marched by left behind. One is from Napoleon. These locations are additionally a part of the tentative UNESCO website. 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 Lodge.
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 completely different world in comparison with Beirut. I left Le Bristol Lodge round 08:30 and was in Tripoli at 10:00. If there’s a lot visitors it may very well be a bit longer. I made nevertheless one mistake by visiting first the previous city after which the Worldwide Truthful and El Mina. I missed lunch so first go to the Rachid Karami Worldwide Truthful, then the Outdated City and when you have time left El Mina.
Oscar Niemeyer designed the Rachid Karami Worldwide Truthful within the late sixties for the World Truthful in 1976. He additionally designed Brasilia and Pumpulha which I noticed once I travelled 5 days in Belo Horizonte (Brazil). The honest floor was by no means completed because the civil conflict broke out in 1975. At this time all of the concrete buildings are nonetheless there and never broken by the conflict. The positioning is a tentative UNESCO World Heritage Web site and price a 45-minute stroll. Should you don’t like this type of structure, you may go direct to downtown Tripoli. Park on the Citadel (fort) of Tripoli.
After I arrived on the Citadel of Tripoli, I believed I used to be on the flawed place because it regarded like a army base. That’s partly true as they use a part of the constructing too. After exploring the fort, you may stroll in a couple of minutes to the Izzeddeen Hammam situated on the entrance of the souks. After that stroll by the souks and when you get hungry have lunch. Should you observe the next order of sights (simply put them in Google Maps) it is going to be most effectively: AlKhayyateen Caravanserai, AlBourtasi Mosque, Khan El Askar (could 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 previous Tripoli.
Now you may 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 previous 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 following 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 try this as solely my daughter would be part of to Tripoli and to the Qadisha Valley my full household.
Lebanon itinerary day 8: Qadisha Valley tour (and Cedars of God)
Simply once I although Lebanon couldn’t get higher it did! The Qadisha Valley is so completely different as all the opposite locations and has distinctive historical past which made it an UNESCO World Heritage Web site. 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 in the present day hermits nonetheless use some. The principle monasteries are: Qannubin Monastery, Monastery of St Anthony of Quzhayya, Monastery of Our Girl 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 for those who 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’s sufficient particularly if there’s 2 meters of snow. These timber, some stated to be 3000 years previous, 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 personal wheels as busses can’t go to there. You need to observe the unpaved highway alongside the river for five kilometers. A sedan will get you there and don’t fear for those who 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 wish to lose time ready on 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 Girl 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 website. Every of the monasteries is completely different and all are beneficial. I drove again to Beirut in 2 hours for dinner at Brew Inc. which is the most effective craft beer bar in Beirut.
Lebanon itinerary day 9: Beirut metropolis tour
I like to recommend beginning in Beirut’s previous 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 may simply observe it. The path official begins on the Beirut souks, however you can begin at anyplace in fact. You may wish to park your automotive across the Al-Omari Grand Mosque the place there’s house alongside the streets. The Beirut Heritage Path takes you to all of the necessary locations in previous 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 most effective 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 must spend hours and hours taking a look at pottery. The gadgets are all very good and numerous. Two hours will do. Within the afternoon you may go to the corniche to see the Raouche Rocks and watch sundown. I walked again to Le Bristol Lodge from there.
Within the night you may go to Hamra district or to Badaro road. Badaro road is for the younger era with loads of cafes, bars, and eating places.
EXTEND YOUR TRIP: There are numerous 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 cause I by no means visited. It’s only a 3-4-hour flight from the Netherlands so flight time isn’t a difficulty. I’m glad I lastly visited as Lebanon was full of fantastic surprises. Roman, Phoenician, and Byzantine ruins blended with previous monasteries and exquisite nature are amongst the highlights. It’s a small nation however every place of curiosity is completely different in Lebanon.
Should you’re seeking 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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