Serene Lebanon: from Beirut to the Caves and Vineyards of the Bekaa
Six days of relaxed pleasure in Lebanon: the Pigeon Rocks and the yachts of Zaitunay Bay in Beirut, the ancient port of Byblos with its seafood, the Harissa cable car over Jounieh Bay, the Jeita cave and wine tastings in the Bekaa Valley.
Description
In its tiny territory, Lebanon compresses sea, mountain, history and a refined culture of pleasure. This 6-day itinerary is made for travelers who want to enjoy without rushing: long seafood lunches facing the Mediterranean, tastings at century-old wineries, panoramas from cable cars suspended over the bay and walks through Phoenician ports with 7,000 years of history. It starts in Beirut, where the Pigeon Rocks are contemplated at sunset from shisha cafés, and the yachts rock gently in Zaitunay Bay. The excursion to Byblos uncovers the world's oldest continuously inhabited port, with seafood restaurants out over the sea. Harissa, the Virgin of Lebanon, is reached by cable car with views over Jounieh Bay. The karst caves of Jeita are the finest in the Middle East. The trip culminates in the Bekaa Valley, among vineyards producing the region's best wines, with tastings at Chateau Ksara. Unhurried rhythm, boutique hotels and high-end Lebanese cuisine.
Health & safety
- Tap water is not drinkable in rural areas
- The Jeita caves can be very humid: wear breathable clothing
- Mountain roads to Harissa have bends — drive cautiously
Day-by-day itinerary
Arrival in Beirut and the Pigeon Rocks
Beirut
Arrival in Beirut and the Pigeon Rocks
Flight to Beirut. Afternoon watching the Pigeon Rocks at sunset from the Corniche and dinner at Zaitunay Bay.
Sunset at the Pigeon Rocks
Nature2hStroll through Zaitunay Bay
Rest2hByblos: the world's oldest port
Byblos
Byblos: the world's oldest port
Excursion to Byblos, the Phoenician city inhabited for 7,000 years. Seafood lunch by the port.
Walk through Byblos' ancient harbour
Culture3hSeafood lunch at the port
gastronomy2hHarissa: cable car and the Virgin of Lebanon
Harissa
Harissa: cable car and the Virgin of Lebanon
Cable-car excursion to Harissa. Panoramic views over Jounieh Bay and Our Lady of Lebanon.
Cable car from Jounieh to Harissa
Nature1hVisit to the Shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon
Culture2hCoffee with a bay view
Rest1hJeita caves
Jeita Grotto
Jeita caves
Visit to the Jeita caves — the most spectacular karst grottoes in the Middle East, and finalists for the New Natural Wonders.
Tour of the Jeita grottoes
Nature3hLunch at a Nahr al-Kalb valley restaurant
gastronomy1hBekaa Valley: vineyards and wineries
Bekaa Valley
Bekaa Valley: vineyards and wineries
Wine-tourism day in the Bekaa Valley. Visit to Chateau Ksara — Lebanon's oldest winery.
Wine tasting at Chateau Ksara
gastronomy3hVisit to the Roman temples of Baalbek
Culture2hReturn from the Bekaa
Bekaa Valley
Return from the Bekaa
Morning shopping for Bekaa wine and honey. A last Lebanese mezze facing snowy mountains. Flight from Beirut.
Bekaa produce shopping
gastronomy2hNew destinations and itineraries, by email
Subscribe to receive newly published destinations and itineraries, plus seasonal travel ideas. One email, only when there is news.