Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Mystical Lebanon...experience it now  

“Once a year, go someplace you have never been before” - Dalai Lama

The Middle East is a geopolitical region encompassing the Arabian Peninsula, the Levant, Turkey, Egypt, Iran & Iraq. A grand epic, a cradle of Civilisations & a beautiful, complicated land that is home to some of the Planet's most hospitable people. Quite simply extraordinary, one of the world's most fascinating & rewarding travel destinations - a tapestry of enchantment awaiting adventurous souls. As you step into this fascinating region of ancient Wonders & vibrant Cultures, let the words of ancient intrepid Travelers, Poets & Dreamers guide you through an inspirational journey that transcends borders & speaks to the wanderlust in the heart of modern Marco Polos or Ibn Battutas & so many others who travelled on ‘land’ (we are not referring to the Seafaring Explorers).

Little understood & seldom visited by Western tourists, Lebanon with its 7,000 years of history, can seem opaque & enigmatic. Many preconceptions are based on its confusion with the Arab world, a fact lost on many in the West. Ancient history enthusiasts will be exhausted by the end of their trip: you can barely turn around without stumbling over a world-class archaeological site. Your journey through this mind-stirring country will blaze in your memory long after you have left its shores. For all the flavors of its storied past & rugged natural beauty, Lebanon is a well-kept tourist secret that begs exploration. .Come…experience Lebanon with us…

The Middle East is quite simply extraordinary, one of the world's most fascinating & rewarding travel destinations. It was here that some of the most significant Civilisations of antiquity rose & fell and where the 3 great monotheistic religions - Judaism, Christianity & Islam - were born. Left behind is an astonishing open-air Museum of ancient cities & historic buildings, the stones of which still resonate with the sounds of the faithful.

The Mid-east is illuminated history - home to some of the world's most epic cities of history - Jerusalem, Petra, Damascus & Palmyra, Teheran & Persepolis, Baghdad & Istanbul & Ephesus, Beirut & Baalbek and the bounty of ancient Egypt that mark the passage of centuries in a region where the ancient world lives & breathes.

This is where humankind first built Cities & learned to write & it is in these cities, that you find the stirring, aspirational Architecture that so distinguishes the 3 great Faiths. Wherever you find yourself, the past is always present because here, perhaps more than anywhere else on Earth, history is the heart & soul of the land.

The landscapes of the region are equally spellbinding, from the unrivalled seas of sand dunes & palm-fringed lakes in Libya’s Sahara Desert to the stunning mountains of the north & the underwater world of the Red Sea.

Above all else, however, your most enduring memory of the Region, is likely to be its people. Their gracious welcome & boundless hospitality, speak of an altogether more “civilised” age.

At some point in the Middle East, you will be sitting in a Coffeehouse or looking lost in a labyrinth of narrow lanes alongside the more secular charms of Bazaars, when someone will strike up a conversation & within minutes, invite you home to meet their family & share a meal. Or someone will simply approach & say with unmistakable warmth, ‘Welcome’. These spontaneous, disarming & utterly genuine words of welcome can occur anywhere across the region. Their gracious Welcome & boundless Hospitality speak of an altogether more civilised age. And when they do, they can suddenly (& forever) change the way you see the Middle East portrayed in the West.

From the gravitas of the Sahara to the blue tiles of Esfahan, this is a region for discerning travellers, for those looking for the story behind the headline, and where the bridges between ancient & modern civilisations are evident everywhere. If you believe what the Media & Politicians tells you & decide not to visit, you would be missing out on the journey of a lifetime.

And now let us talk about the Lebanon & leave your preconceptions at home.

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Ancient Civilisation | Beauty of Islam | Redefining Hospitality

Little understood & seldom visited by Western tourists, Lebanon can seem opaque & enigmatic. Many preconceptions are based on its confusion with the Arab world, a fact lost on many in the West. For a country its small size, Lebanon has a staggering number of diversions to keep visitors entertained.  Ancient history enthusiasts will be exhausted by the end of their trip: you can barely turn around without stumbling over a world-class archaeological site.

This diminutive Mediterranean nation with 7,000 years of history, is a fascinating nexus point of the Mid-east & the West; of Christianity & Islam; of Tradition & Modernity. This ancient land has been at the heart of the growth of ‘both’ major Religions & for centuries, diverse religious traditions have shared this land, creating a rich mosaic of religious beliefs & a unique multi-cultural society. Many times, throughout its history, Lebanon has served as a place of refuge & spiritual retreat & the modern religious Pilgrim will discover this same sense of sanctuary in the beauty of the country’s holy places & natural terrain. Though, it is a place where culture, family & religion are all-important, but where sectarian violence can too often erupt - claiming lives & scarring both the landscape & the national psyche.

Home of one of the most ancient Civilizations in the world, Phoenicia (now called Lebanon) hides beneath its ground an ancient world that still needs to get discovered. More recently, National Geographic declared that Lebanon is one of the world's oldest countries, famous for its exquisite beauty, diversity, glamor, European flavor & hospitable people. Its rich culture & history have placed it on the “must see” list of every world traveler.

An ancient land, Lebanon features in the writings of Homer & in the Old Testament. Its cities were major outposts & Seaports in Phoenician & Roman times, just 2 of the great Civilizations that touched this important Mid-east crossroad.

Coolly combining the ancient with the ultra-modern, Lebanon is one of the most captivating countries. Home to a glorious national Cuisine, a string of sexy Beach Resorts & once, Mid-east’s most glamorous, hedonistic city (Beirut), Lebanon rewards the traveller with food for thought & a feast for the senses & the stomach.

This is also a country where the fiery Orators & fierce foot soldiers of Hezbollah are based & where huge populations of Palestinian & Syrian refugees currently shelter. Damaged by decades of ‘engineered’ Civil War & the interventions of neighbouring nations, Lebanon is nonetheless blessed with magnificent mountain vistas, majestic ancient ruins & an indomitable, hospitable people.

With all of the Mid-east’s best bits - warm & welcoming people, mind-blowing history & considerable culture, Lebanon is also the antithesis of many people's imaginings of the Mid-east: mostly mountainous with skiing to boot, it is also laid-back, liberal & fun.

Lebanon is famous for its exquisite beauty, diversity, glamor, European flavor & of course, hospitable people. Its rich culture & history have placed it on the “must see” list of every world traveler. Lebanese cities are among the most famous names in ancient history & the majestic ruins still stand today as a testimony to the greatness of people who lived in this land.

Because of its financial power & diversity in its heyday, Lebanon was referred to as the "Switzerland of the East" during the 1960s, & its Capital, Beirut, attracted so many tourists that it was known as "the Paris of the Middle East", thanks to its French influences & vibrant cultural & intellectual life.

Lebanon's diverse patchwork of Mediterranean-lapped coast, rugged alpine Peaks & green, fertile Valleys, is packed into a very small parcel of land some 225 km long & 46 km wide.

The nature of Lebanon makes it the only country in the Arab world that embraces 4 Seasons yearly. No matter what the season, there is always something special to enjoy. In Winter, Ski Resorts offer Tourists slopes that are comparable to even the best Resorts in Europe. In Summer, international Festivals all over the country - in Baalbek, Byblos, Beiteddine, Batroun & Jounieh - bring together Lebanese & foreign Artists to perform in stunning archaeological & historical sites. These Events have given Lebanon an enviable place on the cultural map of the Mid-east.

The cosmopolitan modern-day Beirut commands a magnificent position, thrust into the Mediterranean. Behind the city are towering Mountains, visible when the traffic haze settles down. The Corniche seafront boasts Beaches, Restaurants, Theatres & a dazzling variety of Shops. Lovers of nightlife will find a gregarious Capital with bacchanalian Parties going on at all hours. Those seeking serene nature can wander through ancient cedar forests & dramatic mountain-scapes. An educated & outward-looking population complement a country that is both traditional & progressive in outlook & so, it is fast becoming the entire Mid-east region's Party place, competing with UAE. 

Outside Beirut, several UNESCO World Heritage Sites await, many of which reflect the country's various ancient civilizations. Phoenician Tombs, Roman Temples, Crusader Castles & Mamlouk Mosques can be found in the cities & ruins of Baalbeck, Byblos & Tyre. The town of Aanjar in the Bekaa Valley contains an Umayyad site from the 8^th century - a unique historical example of a Commercial Center that was inland. Within the mountainous interior of the Kadisha Valley, ancient Monasteries & Churches can be seen, including a Chapel built into the rock face.

Tripoli is considered to have the best Souk in the country & is famous for its Mamluk architecture. It is well equipped with a taste of modernity as well; Jounieh, formerly a sleepy Fishing village, is a town alive with Nightclubs & glitz on summer weekends.

As Lebanon is a relatively new country, there aren’t many traditions that the Lebanese can truly call their own. However, the locals have taken all the influences of other countries & developed a set of mannerisms only they will understand. Nothing beats trying to navigate the strange social customs that the Lebanese have.

Lebanon is a small country that has successfully preserved its ties & roots. It is one of the only countries whose traditional Crafts goes back for centuries. In fact, Lebanon has witnessed 10,000 years of uninterrupted efforts in assuring the continuity of its Crafts, while guarding against the trap of Modernity & Industrialization.

Numerous & varied Crafts & popular Arts, can mostly be attributed to the patient work of Craftsmen of the Lebanese mountains. Namely, blown glass, Phoenician Tyrian Purple Fabrics, fine Ceramics & the Arab’s magnificent Jewelry, delicately embroidered Textiles & garments woven with gold & silver threads. One can also mention the manufacture of the Crusader’s bronze Bells, 19^th century Cutlery & 20^th century leather crafts.

Finally, Lebanon as everyone on the Western world already knows, it is the Gourmet’s paradise, with Lebanese cuisine though often compared to that of other neighboring countries, is considered the richest of the region, with its own particular taste. From hummus to hommard (lobster), you will dine like a King. Thanks to its marvelous Mediterranean climate, fresh Fruits & Vegetables abound here all year long. With varied & exotic food, the Lebanese cuisine,

History, great food & idyllic scenery are just the beginning……. Take the plunge now & yep….the Phoenicians are waiting. With legendary sights, hospitality, food & nightlife, what more could a traveller want? A warm welcome, historical secrets & an artistic paradise awaits you & The Journeys is ready to take you on well, a journey (or journeys) of discover.

 Come…be inspired & discover the World…

We are in the process of updating our Offerings of experiential journeys to Lebanon. Please contact us in the interim if you want to explore options & we will be happy to offer suggestions based on your personal preferences…