Sat upon the eastern shores of the Mediterranean Sea within the Middle East, Lebanon was destined to be eclectic based on location alone. There are few countries in the world that are Lebanon’s equal as far as diversity is concerned, as the country is home to rich culture and history, warm hospitality, fine cuisine, ancient traditions and folklore, varied geography and much more. With all of these factors in mind, it’s no surprise that Lebanon is a must-visit destination for any adventurous traveller, and any true seeker of off-the-beaten-track experiences. Though it is growing in popularity by the year, Lebanon is still criminally overlooked as a travel destination, and in order to experience its countless wonders before the world catches on, there’s no better time to visit than now!
Highlights of Lebanon
Lebanon is one of the world’s oldest countries, and its history – both ancient and modern – has been undoubtedly turbulent. The country has changed ruling hands many times over since as far back as 2500 B.C., and its capital, Beirut, has been ruined and rebuilt seven times over. All this history, though, has made for a fascinating present, and there is much to be discovered today, from Roman ruins such as the impressive Baccus Temple, to museums, and even the past’s impact on every-day culture. ÂÂ
As mentioned, there is far more to a Lebanon holiday than just history. Explore incredible natural landscapes from coastline to forest, visiting natural reserves and incredible natural features along the way – the incredible Jeita Grotto, formed over many thousands of years, is a highlight of ours. With perfect weather in the spring and summer months, Lebanon’s Mediterranean beaches would surprise most visitors, and are also a must-visit for anyone wishing for some downtime on their travels.
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Cuisine is also a huge part of Lebanese culture, and Lebanese food has only begun to get the recognition it deserves worldwide as of late. A highlight of any trip, cuisine-based or otherwise, will be getting to sample local specialities – from well-known dishes such as hummus and baba ganoush to local staples such as tabbouleh and fatouche, the Lebanese mezze is as diverse as it is delicious.
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The details of Lebanon’s wonders go on, and with so much to enjoy, there’s no reason not to travel to this welcoming and diverse destination. We offer a range of small group tours showcasing different highlights and aspects of the country and its culture, and guided tours of Lebanon lead by an expert are the best way to make the most of your time. For travellers with specifics in mind, please enquire about our tailormade travel options.
Meet Our Guide: Pauline
As ever, a good guide can make the difference between a 'great trip' and 'the trip of a lifetime'. Pauline is one of our knowledgeable local guides in Lebanon. Sten, our marketing manager, was lucky to be in her capable hands on a recent trip and had an opportunity to ask her a few questions about Lebanon and guiding. This is what she had to say:Â
How long have you been a guide in Lebanon for? "Since 2010"
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What did you Study? "Archaeology, History of Art and then I studied tourism"
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What do you enjoy most about guiding? "Meeting people from different countries, different backgrounds, different interests. Although I am seeing the same sights but every time with different people, which makes it more interesting and not at all boring."
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What are your favourite sights in Lebanon? "Baalbek, because of Bacchus temple, it's impressively well preserved and personally I love the Roman era, and the temple is really a treasure. The second place is Byblos because it's close to my home town, and Beirut, because of the museums."
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What do you do in your spare time? "Family is important for us. We are very serious that it goes [first] family, food, then vacation, and when you are around family it is all about the food... and so is the vacation!"
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What's your favourite dish? "All the Lebanese mezze! The appetisers that we have been having, you have the tabbouleh, the fatouche, the hummus, the baba ganoush. Even though eating with customers it's always the same food, I still love it."
The Tours
Essential Lebanon
Take in Lebanon’s essential sites and experiences as you travel across this incredible country. Uncover ancient history in Baalbek’s incredible Roman complex, trace the origins of the alphabet in age-old Byblos, witness the majesty of nature as you take a boat ride through the incredible Jeita caves, and dine on local cuisine and fine, locally-made wines in Ksara.Â
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Hidden Lebanon
With so many sights to see, it’s no wonder that Lebanon is home to countless hidden gems. In addition to popular and iconic sites such as Baalbek’s ancient Roman ruins, the historical remains of Byblos, Sidon and Tyre, the incredible natural Jeita Grotto and the cultural capital of Beirut, explore lesser visited but equally impressive locations. Climb high into the mountains to explore the ruins of Faqra’s Roman temple, wander through hidden souqs and visit 14th-century mosques in Tripoli, and take in the phenomenal natural beauty of the Baatara Sinkhole.Â
Gourmet Lebanon
Discover the flavours of the Levant and take in Lebanon’s iconic sites on this cuisine-focused tour. The Lebanese mezze is a taste of heaven for and food lover, with classics like hummus, falafel and shawarma, and countless local favourites to be discovered. Take a cooking class in the famous Le Bristol Hotel, learn to make traditional sweet treats in a local pastry shop, and visit the Bekaa Valley to sample the fine wines of the renowned Ksara winery. Take in history, rich culture and warm hospitality, and visit ancient sites as you work up an appetite. Â
Archaeology of Lebanon
Lebanon is home to some incredible archaeological sites, even by the high standards of the ancient Middle East. On this tour, get to grips with the country’s history as you visit and learn about the many ancient archaeological sites found here. Visit Byblos, the birthplace of the alphabet, Baalbek’s incredible Roman complex, the majestic Sea-Castle of Sidon, Tyre’s age-old ruins and the Temple of Eshmoun. Â
Hiking the Holy ValleysÂ
For lovers of the outdoors or those seeking an intimate way to explore Lebanon, travelling on foot is the perfect option. Trek through the Qadisha Valley, as rich in history as it is in nature, and take in the marvellous spectacles and fascinating offerings of this little visited region. Live the authentic Lebanese lifestyle as you stay with a local family, take a step back in time with an overnight in an 18th-centure Maronite monastery, hike through towering cedar forests, and marvel at incredible natural sights such as the Baatara sinkhole and the Jeita Grotto.