10 Day Lebanon Expedition

Upon arrival, you will be warmly welcomed with pick-up and assistance at Rafic Hariri Airport. Guests are transferred to the guesthouse for a quick luggage drop-off and some time to rest and settle in.

In the afternoon, explore Beirut on a leisurely 2-3 hour bike tour, starting in the charming Achrafieh neighborhood. Pedal through Beirut's labyrinth streets with stops at iconic monuments, enjoying a taste of the city’s renowned street food. The ride concludes at the Corniche, where you'll catch a stunning sunset over the iconic Pigeon Rocks at Raouche.

We will end the day with dinner and a show at Metro Al Madina. 

Accommodation: Guesthouse

After a light breakfast, set off early for the historic city of Sidon. Explore the lively souks on a guided walk, stopping to visit Hammam Al Jadid, the Khan, and the iconic Sea Castle. Indulge in a Lebanese brunch at a street food spot tucked within the Sidon Souk. 

Continue your journey to Tyre, arriving early in the afternoon to explore the impressive Al Bass ruins and the seaside archaeological sites, both rich in history. Enjoy a relaxing break around Tyre's fishing port, soaking in the coastal vibes. 

In the late afternoon, take a scenic drive through nearby villages, reflecting on the enduring impact of the war on South Lebanon. We will finish the day at the welcoming Deir Mimas Guesthouse, where dinner and a cozy overnight stay await. 

Accommodation: Guesthouse

In the morning, visit the Beaufort Crusader Castle in Arnoun, a site steeped in history and offering stunning views. 

Afterward, visit a welcoming family in Yohmor, where you’ll share coffee, stories, and engaging conversations, gaining a glimpse into local life and traditions. 

In the afternoon, head to Zawtar in the Nabatieh area to meet a za'atar farmer at his home. Learn about the cultivation of this delicious staple herb in Lebanese cuisine and the story behind his small family business. 

Later, we will drive to Jezzine to visit its plummeting waterfall before embarking on a moderate sunset hike from Jezzine to the historic Niha Fortress, where sweeping views await. 

After our sunset hike, we will have dinner at Baadaran Guesthouse.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

After breakfast, opt to attend a Sunday mass at a local church, celebrated in Arabic and Syriac, offering a unique spiritual and cultural experience in the village. 

Visit the historic Al Moukhtara Palace, the private residence of Walid Joumblat, a prominent Lebanese Druze leader and a key figure in the country’s political landscape. 

In the afternoon, meet Lamia in Brih for an authentic culinary experience. Start with foraging seasonal herbs, then learn and assist in preparing traditional Lebanese dishes. End the session by savoring the delicious meal you helped create for lunch.

Take a peaceful 45-minute walk through the cedar forest of Maasser El Chouf, enjoying breathtaking views of the forest, mountains, and surrounding villages. 

Following our walk, we will road trip through the stunning Chouf region to reach your guesthouse in Ain Zebde, where a delightful dinner and cozy overnight stay await. 

Accommodation: Guesthouse

Start your day with an agritourism experience in Qsarnaba, where you’ll pick fragrant Damask roses, watch a rose water distillation demonstration, and create seasonal creations using these delicate blooms. Following, explore the Roman ruins of Qsarnaba before enjoying a delicious lunch at a local guesthouse, offering a taste of authentic Lebanese hospitality.

In the afternoon, visit the ancient Roman ruins of Niha, before continuing to Rayak to tour a family-owned winery. Indulge in arak and wine tastings and explore an abandoned train station nearby. In the early evening, continue to Baalbek to see the world’s largest carved stone in an ancient Roman quarry. Check in to the historic Palmyra Hotel, before hiking up Mercury Temple Hill for a stunning sunset view over the city of Baalbek and its expansive plains.

After sunset, we will end the day with a hearty meal of sfiha at a beloved local street food spot. 

Accommodation: Hotel

Spend the full morning on a guided tour of the grand Baalbek Heliopolis site.

Baalbek, renowned for its ancient structures, stands as one of the finest examples of Imperial Roman architecture at its peak. Known as Heliopolis during the Hellenistic period ("The City of the Sun") this ancient site is celebrated for its grand temples and intricate structures dedicated to a triad of deities. After exploring the ruins, we will head out into the bustling souk of Baalbek to try streetfoods for lunch.

Following lunch, visit Al Sayida Khawla Mosque and Shrine before we enjoy a relaxing coffee break paired with a lively dabkeh session, where you'll learn the steps of this traditional Lebanese dance.

Head to the Barqa family winery for a delightful wine-tasting experience, savoring the flavors of the region’s finest blends.

Conclude your day with a warm dinner and overnight stay at Mamlaket El Lezzeb guesthouse.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

The Qadisha Valley, a UNESCO World Heritage site, is one of the world's most significant early Christian monastic settlements, with origins dating back to the 5th century AD. This beautifully dramatic valley is defined by its steep rocky cliffs and ancient caves carved into the hillsides.

After breakfast, depart on a scenic drive to the Qadisha Valley. On arrival, take a short walk through the serene cedar forest, followed by a breathtaking panoramic view overlooking the majestic Qadisha Valley. Next, we will visit a local named Johnny who is well known around the valley for a coffee before grabbing snacks and hitting the trail.

Starting from Hadshit, descend to the historic Monastery of Qannoubine. Along the way, visit the serene Hadchit Waterfall and the revered site of Saint Marina.  

When we reach the monastery, we'll have time to relax and explore the surrounding area. In the evening we will prepare dinner before we sleep at the monastery for the night.

Accommodation: Monastery

Start your day with breakfast at the Monastery, followed by an adventurous off-road ride from Qannoubine Monastery to Bcharreh. The journey is bumpy but incredibly scenic, with a stop at the Monastery of Saint Licha to soak in its peaceful ambiance and history before we depart for Tripoli. 

Tripoli is a vibrant city celebrated for its rich history and mouthwatering street food. Explore the Crusader Castle, admire the intricate design of the Great Mosque, and immerse yourself in the atmosphere of the bustling souks and khans. 

To finish up our time in Tripoli, experience a traditional hammam at Lebanon's last only functioning public bathhouse at Hammam el Abed.

After a relaxing hammam, we will depart for Batroun and spend the remainder of the evening exploring the seaside city.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

We begin today with a visit to Byblos, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities. The ancient ruins of Byblos offer an extraordinary look into the Phoenician civilization and their influence which is evident even in present day, including the spread of their alphabet that gave way to writing systems for the Greek, Latin, Aramaic, Hebrew, Arabic, and others.

After our morning exploring the ancient wonders of Byblos, we will depart inland to visit some of Lebanon's most beautiful villages including Assia, Douma, and Laklouk.

Finally, we will reach the famous 3 Waterfall of Three Bridges- the Baatara Sinkhole.

In the later afternoon, return to Batroun for the night where we will have our final dinner together over fresh seafood.

Accommodation: Guesthouse

After breakfast, depart back toward Beirut, making a stop to visit the impressive Jeita Grotto.

Featuring a network of limestone caves adorned with stunning stalactites and stalagmites, Jeita Grotto is undeniably impressive. The grotto even features an underground river. 

After exploring the grotto, we will visit the nearby town of Jounieh for a street food lunch before departing to the airport to say farewell.

Those with later flights can opt to explore the district of Kesserwan or have a relaxing day on the beach before your transfer.