On the old paths of Lebanon

Arrival at Beirut Airport. Visit Beirut city center, this dynamic heart of Lebanon’s capital, witness to the long history of this Phoenician city that became a Roman colony. The various squares, monuments and archaeological remains reflect the different stages of the city’s development through the ages: the Martyrs’ Square, the Mohammad el Amin mosque, Saint George’s Cathedral, the archaeological tell, the Roman baths, the Place de l ‘Etoile and many others.

Installation at the hotel and overnight in Beirut.

Drive to the Chouf Mountain. The Cedars of the Chouf biosphere reserve is the largest natural reserve in Lebanon (550 km2) and Barouk forest is part of it, covering 400 hectares and offering marvelous landscapes with its centuries-old and millennial cedars. The Barouk trail boasts a number of fascinating features such as an observation point and a hill lake.

Distance: 13 Kms / Altitude: 1340m - 1850m / Elevation: 500 m / Walking time: 3 to 4 hours.

Continue to Beiteddine and visit Bechir II Chehab palace which dates from the 19th century with its ornaments and Ottoman-style woodwork. At the end of the day, a walk in the picturesque streets of Deir el Kamar, the city of the emirs.

Overnight in a guest house in the Chouf.

Drive to the West Bekaa. The village of Ammiq offers a unique landscape dominated by fertile lands that enclose the last great swamps of Lebanon (100 hectares), which have been listed as a biosphere reserve by UNESCO for the exceptional flora and fauna they shelter. This natural site remains an important resting and wintering area for migratory water birds en route between Europe and Africa. Hike starting from the forest of oaks and pines of Ammiq, under the nature reserve of Barouk, and the fertile Bekaa valley which continues to the wetlands of Ammiq.

Distance: 10 Kms / Altitude: 1050 m - 870 m / Elevation: 150 m / Walking time: 3 to 4 hours

Wine tasting at Clos Saint Thomas in Kab Elias.

Drive towards Baalbeck, the site is a UNESCO heritage site, its majestic temples dedicated to the Heliopolitan triad are also one of the best preserved in the Roman world.

Overnight in Byblos

Drive to Jabal Moussa recognized by UNESCO as a biosphere reserve. The hike begins at Mchati, along the Hadrian’s incline passing by the Emperor Hadrian inscriptions and reaching the Byut site. The walk up to the Cross of Yahchouch offers a magnificent view of the historic valley of Adonis, then back to the Byut site on the same track. A hike that allows you to get away from civilization and gradually enter the wild forest of Jabal Moussa, and observe Roman inscriptions of Emperor Hadrian (117 AD) known to have been one of the first to engage in Forest management. The Byut site is not to be missed, where a small abandoned village stands still, relic of our forefather’s traditional lifestyle and vernacular architecture.

Distance: 4 Kms / Altitude: 1350 m - 1050 m / Elevation: 150 m / Walking time: 2h1 / 2 to 3 hours

Drive to Byblos, a UNESCO heritage site, visit of the medieval fortified castle, archaeological remains and the Church of St. John of the Crusaders. Stroll through the 18th century souks and the old port.

Overnight in Byblos

Road to the North of Lebanon. The Qadisha or the Holy Valley, classified as a UNESCO heritage site, is a small paradise for hikers, it shelters in its rock walls places of worship which bear witness to the settlement of Christian communities in this natural refuge for centuries.

The hike begins in the village of Hawqa towards the monastery of Our Lady of Hawqa, where a Colombian hermit live since 2000. Continuation to the Sainte-Marina church where 18 patriarchs of the Maronite church are buried.

Visit of the Saydet Qannoubine monastery (Our Lady of Qannoubine) which was a Maronite patriarchal seat between the 15th and 19th century, visit of the church decorated with 17th century frescoes.

Continuation of the hike towards the Saint-Elisha monastery, cradle of the Maronite religious orders.

 Distance: 9 Kms / Altitude: 1300 m - 950 m / Elevation: 300 m / Walking time: 3 to 4 hours

Overnight in Byblos

Transfer to Beirut airport for departure