Welcome to Enchanting Journeys

Middle East is a grand epic, a cradle of civilisations and a beautiful, complicated land that's home to some of the planet's most hospitable people.

Welcome to mystical Lebanon the diminutive Mediterranean nation, a fascinating nexus point of many civilizations, whose traces may still be seen today, & the West; of Christianity & Islam; of tradition & modernity. Prepare to fall in love.

Arrive in vibrant Beirut - the capital & largest city of Lebanon was once the self-proclaimed "Paris of the Middle East", kind of where East-meets-West in the Middle East.

After you exit in the Arrival Hall at Terminal? - Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport, subsequent to Immigration & Customs, you will be welcomed by The Journeys representative who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to the hotel. He / she will provide assistance during Check-in & will discuss the program for the next couple of days & offer tips in case you want to explore independently during your leisure time.

If, for any reason you are unable to make contact with our representative within 30 minutes of waiting, please call the local Emergency telephone # listed on your Contact List. Please follow the advice given by our 24 / 7 Duty Officer.  Please do not exit the Airport & make your own way to the hotel.

Reach the hotel & Check-in.

*Check-in time is 02.00 pm. For earlier arrivals in the morning, we will request the hotel for a complimentary early Check-in but cannot be guaranteed unless reserved & paid for ‘immediate occupancy’.

Balance of the day is at leisure to relax or independent exploration or optional activities (We shall be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements). 

Beirut is the perfect destination for seasoned travellers: here, East and West intertwine in intricate ways, creating a city so magnetic that few are able to resist its powerful draw. Much has changed over the latter half of the 20^th century - Beirut rising to become glitterati central in the 60s but falling from grace during the bloody Civil War – but the city is alive and kicking, enticing travellers with superb gastronomy, the Middle East's most vibrant nightlife & a close proximity to the ancient towns of Byblos & Baalbek.

Fast-paced, fashion-conscious & overwhelmingly friendly, it is not a relaxing city to spend time in – it is too crowded, polluted & chaotic for that - but its energy, soul, diversity & intoxicating atmosphere make it a vital, addictive city.

Beirut was seen as the "European gateway to the Middle East" & vice versa & was often called the "Paris of the Middle East".

The city is on a relatively small headland jutting into the east Mediterranean. Due to Lebanon's small size, the capital has always held the status as the only true cosmopolitan city in the country & ever since Independence, has been the commercial, financial & tourist hub of the Middle East. It was a top destination among wealthy Arabs & European tourists, due to Beirut's unique geography, climate, diverse culture & freedom.

Since the end of the war in 1989, Beirut has undertaken an aggressive rebuilding policy & has been working hard to regain its status as the cultural & intellectual center in the Middle East which it has lost to Cairo as well as a center for commerce, fashion & media which is now dominated by Dubai,

Beirut has survived a rough history, falling under the occupation of one empire after another. Originally named Berut - "The Wells" by the Phoenicians, Beirut's history goes back more than 5000 - 7000 years. Excavations in the downtown area have unearthed layers of Phoenician, Hellenistic, Roman, Arab & Ottoman civilizations. Following World War II, Lebanon gained its independence from France & Beirut became its capital in 1943.

Most areas of Beirut have a friendly atmosphere & Beirutis have a reputation for being very polite, friendly, sociable & outgoing. The locals are used to the sight of foreigners & many of them are happy to get to know you & even to show you around the city. Many Beirutis (as well as other Lebanese) speak French & / or English, to varying degrees, along with Arabic.

It still has an outdoor cafe culture & the city offers some of the best night life in the whole region. Going out at night is a smart affair, so dress fashionably to fit in, although this does not mean dressing up in a suit; you will find many men in sporty t-shirts, dark jeans & smart running shoes at even the trendiest nightclubs. Many live concerts are held throughout the year with international musicians & DJ's & Beirut has hosted some of the world’s biggest names in Dance music.

European architecture can be found everywhere & each district has its own sights & places to visit. A couple of excellent museums are the key sights, but exploring the character of the different districts, strolling the waterfront & diving into the city's wonderful restaurant & nightlife scene are major attractions.

As Lebanon is so small & day trips easy, some travellers stay here for their entire visit. Visit the national heritage sites around Lebanon; every city in the country has at least some form of ancient or historic site.

Once you leave Beirut, visit any of the other cities in Lebanon. Depending on the season visiting, you can go skiing in one the six mountain resorts, or go to the beaches in Tyr or one of the beach resorts in Jounieh.

Lebanon is famous for its food & in spite of the increasing influence of Western & other cuisine, there is an appreciation of farm work & Lebanese cultural food heritage. Lebanese cuisine is a mix of Arab, Turkish & Mediterranean influences, and enjoys a worldwide reputation for its richness & variety as well as its Mediterranean health factor. Lebanon is a great country to eat vegan since many dishes, especially those part of Mezze, are traditionally made without animal ingredients. Not to speak about the delicious fresh fruit & veg. Some of the sweets are also vegan, depending on the confectioner.

Lebanon is well known for being a vacation destination for the people of the Persian Gulf, many of whom wear the traditional hijab. However, many Lebanese are rather liberal in comparison to the people of Lebanon's neighboring countries - short skirts, high heels & bikinis are a regular sight.

After an early breakfast, meet the Tour-guide & embark on a full day excursion to see the beautiful natural wonder situated in the Nahr al-Kalb valley within the locality of Jeita, - the Jeita Grottos -  a system of 2 separate, but interconnected, karstic limestone caves spanning an overall length of nearly 9 kilometres.

One of the world’s most amazing agglomerations of stalactites & stalagmites, Jeita Grotto is widely considered to be the pride of Lebanon & was featured as a finalist in the New 7 Wonders of Nature competition.

The Caves were inhabited by prehistoric man, with evidence suggesting that they were previously used to produce swords. Reverend William Thompson, an American missionary, is credited with the modern discovery of the caves in 1836.

To reach the Caverns, you will board a cable car & enjoy a scenic ride on the charming Ropeway enabling you to savor the panoramic view of the surrounding abundant nature!

There are 2 viewing galleries.  The lower ones are accessed by a boat, while the upper caverns can be reached on foot.  A short dreamy boat ride over a distance of some 400m from the cave’s will captivate the visitor carrying him to another world full of peace and haunting splendor. Then, a walk of some 700m will stun the visitor with the spectacular beauty of the extraordinary amazing limestone formations.

Placed at the entrance of the lower grotto, you will see one of the most enormous (with a height of 6.6.m & weighting 65 tons) & attractive statue found in Lebanon called “Guardian of time”. There is also a lovely comfortable toy train shuttling up & down the upper & lower grottoes.

Enjoying the refreshingly cool temperature, the sound of rushing water, columns & sculptures that have been formed by water and time, supported by an effective lighting system, allowing to glimpse the uppermost roofs.  

To complete the touristic experience of Jeita Grotto, a restaurant & a snack shop offers delicious Lebanese traditional cuisine & beverages.

After spending 2 hours at the Grottos, you will drive on to Bekaa Valley.

Rich & fascinating, the plain of the Bekaa Valley was the inevitable pathway between North Syria & Palestine frequented by both caravans & invaders.

The Bekaa Valley, known in ancient times as “the breadbasket” or “granary” of the Roman Empire, is still the country's main agricultural region. Located on a high plateau between the country's two mountain ranges, the river-fed Bekaa supports the production of tomatoes, potatoes, wheat, olives & grapes, even despite summers that are hot & dry.

Today, the plains of Bekaa are considered as the widest agricultural area in Lebanon, scattered with farms, villages, fields & vines which form a multicolored carpet. The roads are often cut by tractors and grazing sheep & goats on the roadside. Always keep a camera handy because amazing sights await you all the way round.

The Bekaa is renowned for its numerous archaeological sites including the great temples of Baalbek. Perhaps, because of the region's agricultural importance in feeding the inhabitants of the Roman Empire, some of the largest Roman temples ever constructed were erected at this site. The construction lasted over 200 years. Bekaa's major attractions are the ruins at Baalbek & Byblos with their well-preserved temples honoring Jupiter & Venus, among many.

But people also visit the area for its famous delicious restaurants. In fact, if you appreciate the Lebanese cuisine, you will quickly realize that the dishes of the Bekaa differ from those of Beirut, notably the frog’s paws & grilled birds which are very popular in the area.

Though less agriculturally productive than in centuries past because of a combination of deforestation & poor crop planning, Bekaa's plentiful Vineyards have gained an international reputation for their wines.

Bekaa Valley has evolved into a major wine-making region, with many wineries scattered along its wide, fertile expanses. It has been famous, over the centuries, for being the agricultural heart of the Middle East.

A ‘biblical land’ because Jesus performed his first miracle in the village of Cana near the southern port of Tyre, turning water into wine, Lebanon was also where the mighty Roman Empire chose the Bekaa Valley to build the Temple of Bacchus (God of wine) in Baalbeck, The region’s wines are mentioned many times in the Bible (as in Hosea 14:7),

Vineyards were commercially exploited here by the sea-faring ancestors of the modern Lebanese, who introduced viticulture to Greece, Egypt & Italy.

The Greeks named them ‘Phoenicians’ after the purple dye (‘phoinikeia’) they made from seashells. Famed for being able to revive their cities rapidly after destruction, the Phoenicians inspired the legend of the Phoenix.

Several Wineries welcome visitors. Though you will see Hezbollah’s yellow flag fluttering around Baalbek, you will find the locals (a mixture of Christians & Shiites) are a very welcoming lot.

First stop in Bekaa will be the Chateau Musar Winery in the small town of Ghazir.

Located at the end of Jounieh Bay, Ghazir is an ancient town with a seemingly slender silhouette, its feet dipping in the waters of the Mediterranean Sea.

At the lower edge of the town, the Waterfront is one of the few locations in the area that is still wild, given the bushes & vegetation that line the stone beaches on the seashore. For centuries, this part of the coastline has been guarded by a Bridge - one of the last remnants of the maritime road built by the Romans to link Egypt to this region.

Next to the Municipality building you will find the Maronite seminary, a grouping of old buildings which were once a Convent, a Jesuit seminary & an Orphanage. They were originally a part of the Castle constructed by the Chehab emirs, who lived there for generations. In the Seminary’s courtyard, 2 very tall Cypress trees - the symbol of the Chehabs - can be found. It was during the Chehabi era that the old part of the village was developed, including the peaceful, traditional Souk, with its myriad shops.

Driving through the town, reach Chateau Musar known for its award-winning wines, available in the Middle-east, Europe & almost all parts of Asia.

The French owners - the Hochar family arrived in Lebanon in the 12^th century & have been living here since then. When Gaston Hochar began making wine in 1930, the boundaries of Lebanon had not been set & he wanted to ensure that his premises would be inside the newly demarcated country.

The Wines of Chateau Musar are unique expressions from a country with an ancient wine making culture.  The Hochar family’s philosophy of respect for the environment means that the 180 hectares of Musar vineyards are managed with minimal human interference & all the wines are made naturally. Chateau Musar was the first producer in Lebanon to achieve organic certification for its Vineyards in 2006.

Remote & unspoilt, the Musar Vineyards were ‘organic’ by default before the term was coined. All the grapes are hand-harvested by local Bedouins between August & October. In the Winery, ambient yeasts do the work of fermentation. The bare minimum of sulphur is used & the Chateau Musar Red wines are neither fined nor filtered. Chateau Musar also produces L’Arack de Musar, Lebanon’s purest aniseed flavoured spirit.

Enjoy an afternoon of wine tasting at Chateau Musar. Explore the magnificent cellars of this celebrated winery with friendly staff who will explain about Harvesting & the production process with great enthusiasm.

Then, drive on to Byblos dubbed one of the world’s oldest, continuously inhabited cities dating as far back as 8000 - 7000 BC,

Check-in at the hotel by arrival.

Immediately after, enjoy a sumptuous Sea-food lunch & proceed for a sightseeing tour.

A visit to Byblos is a chance to walk through the annals of Lebanese history & experience first-hand the diverse cultures that have made this area a mosaic of civilizations. Byblos is not simply a picturesque seaside town, but has a history that has been closely tied to the Mediterranean for millennia.

“Byblos” is Greek for papyrus. The Bible was named for Byblos as it was known as “the papyrus book.”

Possibly one of the most iconic cities in Lebanon, UNESCO World Heritage listed Byblos is a favourite among locals & tourists alike. Located on a sandstone cliff on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea, it was the first city built by the Phoenicians & a true microcosm of the civilizations that have populated Lebanon over the millennia.

A wealthy colony, the pretty fishing port with an ancient harbour, Byblos plied its trade from the sea through fishing, shipping & trade. Many Egyptian artifacts have been found around Byblos, so historians believe Byblos maintained a healthy trade relationship with Egypt.

Because Byblos was the chief harbour for the export of cedar & other valuable wood to Egypt, it soon became a great trading centre. Egyptian monuments & inscriptions found on the site attest to close relations with the Nile River valley throughout the second half of the 2^nd millennium. During Egypt’s 12^th dynasty (1938 - 1756 BC), Byblos again became an Egyptian dependency & the chief goddess of the city, Baalat (“The Mistress”), with her well-known temple at Byblos, was worshiped in Egypt. After the collapse of the Egyptian New Kingdom in the 11^th century BC, Byblos became the foremost city of Phoenicia.

Byblos is also directly associated with the history & diffusion of the Phoenician alphabet. The origin of our contemporary alphabet was discovered in Byblos with the most ancient Phoenician inscription carved on the sarcophagus of Ahiram. Archaeologists have also found artifacts dating to 1200 BC, which show the existence of earliest known inscriptions using the 22 character alphabet used by the Phoenicians at the time.

Experts have discovered evidence of the first currency in Byblos around 332 BC, assumed to have been brought over with the arrival of Alexander the Great. Between the 4^th & 13^th centuries, Byblos bounced between Christianity & Muslim rule during the various crusades. From early 1500’s until 1918, Byblos was part of the Ottoman Empire. From 1920 until 1943 Byblos was under French Mandate & finally in 1943, Lebanon - & Byblos - achieved independence.

Modern archaeological excavations have revealed that Byblos was occupied at least by the Neolithic Period & that during the 4^th millennium BC an extensive settlement developed there. The ruins today consist of the Crusader fortifications & gates; a Roman colonnade & small theatre; Phoenician ramparts, three major temples, a necropolis & remains of Neolithic dwellings. The modern port city is built upon multiple layers of ruins, dating back to as early as the Stone Age & extending to the more recent Ottoman days.

The rise & fall of nearly 2 dozen successive levels of human culture on this site makes it one of the richest archeological areas in the country. The ruins of many successive civilizations are found at Byblos, one of the oldest Phoenician cities. Inhabited since Neolithic times, it has been closely linked to the legends & history of the Mediterranean region for thousands of years. The evolution of the town is evident in the structures that are scattered around the site, dating from the different periods, including the medieval town intra-muros & antique dwellings.

Byblos is a testimony to a history of uninterrupted construction from the first settlement by a community of fishermen dating back 8000 years, through the first town buildings, the monumental temples of the Bronze Age, to the Persian fortifications, the Roman road, Byzantine churches, the Crusader citadel & the Medieval & Ottoman town with Souqs, Khans, Mosque & houses. According to Phoenician tradition it was founded by the God El & even the Phoenicians considered it a city of great antiquity.

Known locally as Jbeil, is a progressive city that embraces its cultural history. Tourism is now one of the major industries for this ancient port & Byblos is re-emerging as a premiere Mediterranean destination.

Easily accessible on an enjoyable day trip from Beirut, with good accommodation & eating options & a lively party scene in an atmospheric archaeological site, Byblos makes a likeably hedonistic & very popular place that packs out in summer. Although Byblos is beautiful all year round but the best time to visit is during Byblos International Festival which takes place on a beautiful stage rebuilt every year above the water especially for this occasion with spectacular scenery overlooking the castle and the old town

Walk to the 12^th century Castle built by the Crusaders, a monument that is part of the city’s rich history. A palimpsest of cultures, the Castle was built using remnants of Roman structures & was previously surrounded by a moat. The Castle is flanked by numerous Roman, Egyptian & Phoenician structures, as well as the city’s port.

The visit to the site begins by turning toward the left, to the east of the Crusades Castle. From the Roman pathway, columns appear. The main gate that dates to the 3^rd millennium B.C. brings into view a large skylight between two ancient stone walls.

Explore this archaeological site & take in panoramic views over the ruins & surrounding coastline from the top of the Castle's keep. The visit to the site begins by turning toward the left, to the east of the Crusader Castle. From the Roman pathway, columns appear. The main gate that dates to the 3^rd millennium B.C. brings into view a large skylight between two ancient stone walls.

The Castle is the main attraction here but there are ruins in various stages of decay dating as far back as the Bronze Age & the site is an excellent example of the many reigns of power that have ruled this area over the millennium.

Move to Saint John-Marc Cathedral, originally built as a Baptist church in 1115 AD by the Crusaders, the Cathedral is dedicated to the patron Saint of Byblos, Saint John-Mark, who is believed to be the first to support Christianity in the city. The church’s Roman-style arches, authenticity & towering structures make it a perfect spiritual experience among onlookers.

The ‘guided’ tour ends & you can continue exploring on your own or return to the hotel.

Another place worth visiting, if time permits, is the unique Byblos Wax Museum. The scenes depicted in the Museum take you from the Phoenician times, up until modern times. From Adonis to Gebran Kahlil Gebran, the Museum tries to encompass the city’s history in a very small place. Most locals have probably walked through its narrow halls on a school trip to the Phoenician city & many have been in awe of how well-maintained it is.

Walking through the old souks is an essential part of the Byblos experience. The cobblestone streets & old structures are reminiscent of the city’s past inhabitants, from the Egyptians to the Phoenicians.  Stroll through time surrounded by nature & well-maintained arches, full of picturesque cafes, small local shops & an amazing atmosphere with a lively party scene.

You may also walk by 19^th century house of El-Houssami, named after the family who owned it, one of Lebanon’s most photographed homes. The family’s roots runs deep, staying in Canaan (as Lebanon was known in Biblical times) here since 1305. 

With traditional Lebanese architecture, a solitary presence by the sea & mystical location, it occupies a curious location among ancient ruins right by the water. It was built over a Gold mine.

Later taken over by the French mandate, the historical underground gold mine was continuously excavated throughout the 20^th century. Today, the house still stands tall & represents a small portion of Lebanese heritage.

An inescapable activity, walking by the Byblos Harbour is a serene experience. What was once a hub for Phoenician trade & cultural exchange is now a quiet centre for local fishermen & tourists looking for a taste of Lebanon’s side of the Mediterranean. Be sure to stroll along the water to walk the same steps that many people have walked before you.

If you have seen all of Byblos by day, it doesn’t mean you’ll be greeted by the same city by night! All of the streets transform come evening & take on a different vibe & meaning.

The lunch place at noon becomes a lively pub at night, music sounds through the old cobblestone streets & people come from all over to take in the atmosphere. The same historical monuments become all the more towering & awe-inspiring, churches feel that much more intense & the ruins look much larger.

It is not enough to simply walk by the sea - experiencing the local cuisine while admiring the water is an essential part of the Byblos experience. Toast the Phoenician’s ingenuity with a glass of rose from the deck at Chez Pepe, where Marlon Brando & Brigitte Bardot used to hang out in the 1960s.

Balance of the day is at leisure or for optional activities (we will be happy to offer suggestions & make arrangements).

Morning, Check-out & depart for Batroun, also one of the oldest cities in the world.

A major tourist destination in North Lebanon, Batroun was a busy port in ancient times, founded by the Phoenician king Ithobaal I. Batroun was levelled by an earthquake & mudslides in AD 551 & many historians believe that the town's large natural harbour was formed at this time. Historians believe that the Greek name of the town originates from the Phoenician word, bater, which means to cut & it refers to the maritime wall that the Phoenicians built in the sea to protect them from tidal waves.

It may lack sprawling medieval souqs & handsome ancient ruins, but this small town has a semi-somnolent & highly atmospheric old neighbourhood near the water that rewards leisurely exploration.

One of Batroun's medieval archaeological sites is the Crusader citadel of Mousaylaha which is constructed on an isolated massive rock with steep sides protruding in the middle of a plain surrounded by mountains.

Under Ottoman rule, Batroun was the centre of a caza in the Mutessariflik of Lebanon & the seat of a Maronite diocese - Suffragan to the Maronite Patriarchate. Since 1999 it has been the seat of the Maronite eparchy.  The majority of the town's residents are Christian. There are many historic Roman Catholic & Greek Orthodox churches in the old town's narrow cobbled streets.

The town is also a major beach resort with a vibrant nightlife that includes pubs & nightclubs. Citrus groves surround Batroun & the town has been famous (from the early 20^th century) for its fresh lemonade sold at the cafes & restaurants on its main street.

Biking along the Batroun coastline is also a major activity namely in late summer days. In 2009, the Batroun International Festival was born, held in July or August in the old harbor area & hosts leading local & international artists.

There is a notable Down Under connection; lots of Batroun emigrants settled there & there are plenty of Aussie accents to be heard on the streets here as the next generation visits their roots.

Spend an hour walking around the quaint town. Choose a quiet spot for a strong coffee in the old Ottoman souks before proceeding to another Winery.

The name IXSIR Winery derives from ‘Iksir’, the original Arabic word for ‘Elixir’, a word common to many languages that defines the purest form of all substances - a secret potion that grants eternal youth and love.

The vision behind IXSIR is to reveal the best terroirs of Lebanon, some long since forgotten. Cultivated with respect to sustainable agriculture, IXSIR’s Vineyards are spread across the mountains of Lebanon on clay-calcareous & limestone soil, from Batroun to Jezzine, benefiting from microclimates that are unique to Lebanon. Some Vineyards reach an altitude of 1,800 metres, making them the highest in the Northern Hemisphere.

Carefully handcrafted by IXSIR’s Winemaker, their Wines reflect the purity & freshness of the Lebanese mountains through richness, elegance & complexity.The production facilities housed in a 17^th century traditional Lebanese house within the Vineyard located on the hills of Batroun.

Recognized several times for its green credentials, the IXSIR Winery was named by CNN as one of the greenest building in the world. It has also won the international Architizer A+ Award, the Good Green Design award & the Green Mind MENA Award.

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During the guided tour, visitors will discover IXSIR’s distinctive & sustainable Winemaking process starting with a walk in the Vineyards all the way to the Winery & Cellars & ending with a full range of Tasting 8 Wines.

Drive nearby to see a ‘modern’ Lebanese internationally acclaimed landmark – the Museum village of Rachana.

Bordered by the sea to the West, the famous castle of Smar Jbeil to the East & Madfoun River to the South, the village dominates all the other hills, like a lighthouse. Overlooking the city of Batroun, modest-sized Rachana stands out for its tranquility & its sculpture park on the hillside.

Made famous by the Basbous brothers & their children, Rachana is in a way the rural capital of Lebanese contemporary art.

A towering sculpture greets visitors at the entrance & as you move inside, you will find tens of stone sculptures of different sizes as well as other art forms, everywhere on the road, in front of the small stone houses, on squares, church yard,  lining the walkways & decorating gardens.

Located at the end of the village, facing the sea, the Art Park has been enriched through time with stone & metal works. Its wilderness, a rather rare sight so close to the coast, draws all year round hikers & nature lovers

The Basbous brothers - Michel, Alfred & Youssef - the pioneers of Lebanese modern sculpture, turned their native village into a cultural hub through artworks robust enough to be displayed outdoors year-round. The idea of transforming Rachana into an open-air museum came after Michel had returned from Paris where he studied fine arts in 1954.

The works of Michel & Alfred Basbous are also displayed in indoor museums, properties of the Michel Basbous (1921-81) & Alfred Basbous (1924-2006) Foundations, which are run today by their sons, Anachar & Fadi, respectively.

Michel Basbous placed Rachana in the heart of the Lebanese cultural renaissance in the 1960s cultural movement. A unanimous press has reserved a critical acclaim that so far no other artist in the Arab world has had the right.

Students & art lovers come to see the Brothers’ sculptures in the place they created 60 years ago. The 3 brothers introduced a modern & abstract vision of sculpture at a time when Middle Eastern sculptures were mainly classical portraits.

More than 40 monumental marble & granite sculptures are exhibited in the garden of Michel Basbous’s home alongside his free-form house-atelier. The inner museum gathers smaller sculptures in granite, bronze & wood, along with a few charcoal drawings.

Michel Basbous is credited for initiating his 2 younger brothers to the art of carving the stone, metal & wood, making the trio a reference in the sculptural world.

Michel’s artworks are displayed in many Museums around the world, including the Musee d’Art Moderne de Paris, Hakone Open- Air Museum in Japan, where he has 2 sculptures sitting next to works by artists such as Henry Moore & Pablo Picasso. The British Museum lately acquired 4 Michel Basbous drawings in black & white and the Guggenheim Museum in New York is interested in acquiring some of his pieces.

The monumental works of Alfred are in public areas in Beirut & many other Lebanese cities. When Michel died in 1981, Alfred collaborated with brother Youssef to promote Rachana & cultivate the family heritage. From 1994-2005, they organised the International Symposium of Sculpture during which famous sculptors from around the world were invited to create, sculpt & exhibit their works with those of the Basbous brothers.

More than 70 well-known Arab & foreign sculptors have participated in the Rachana symposium over the years & their works are displayed permanently in the village’s International Park of Sculpture, which earned Rachana the UNESCO title of “Global Village of Outdoor Sculpture” in 1997.

Both the sons Anachar & Fadi are continuing the family legacy & are setting up a delineated outdoor space to exhibit the art works of their fathers & international artists. They also organise an annual academic ‘Land Art Festival’ welcoming Sculptors from all over the world for 15 days.

Spending an hour here, you can briefly visit the different Museums displaying the art work.

And now, drive on to another ‘ancient’ gem – Tripoli in the north of Lebanon.

When people think of visiting Lebanon, the first place that comes to mind is Beirut. But while it is undoubtedly a beautiful city with fascinating people and amazing parties, some tend to forget Lebanon’s other major city, Tripoli. Here is what you should keep in mind before crossing this coastal enclave with its own distinct atmosphere off your travel list. It is bursting with fantastic historic & cultural sites and Tripolitans may be the most welcoming in all of Lebanon.

Just as Beirut epitomizes some of the most westernized aspects of the modern Levant, the old downtown of Tripoli showcases the other end of the spectrum - the region’s decidedly un-western splendor. What Tripoli lacks in Malls & Museums, it more than makes up for in ambience.

Being on the coast of the Mediterranean, Tripoli was a cornerstone for civilizations. Phoenicians, Romans and Byzantines are only the beginning of the city’s rich cultural history.

No other city in Lebanon has an identity so strongly tied to the history of Islam as Tripoli. The city is no stranger to conflict but has come out of it as strong & hopeful as ever. Despite the Islamic influence, there are still people of all religions in the city who co-exist in a diverse & amazing community.

Although its exact origins millennia ago remain murky, the city became one of the jewels of expanding Islamic empires along the Eastern Mediterranean, rivaled in importance only by Alexandria.

For centuries it outshone Beirut, served as the primary port for Damascus & bore the marks of every successive power that occupied it, from the Umayyad Caliphate to the Ottoman Empire.

Tripoli has the most visible collection of architecture from the Mamluk Sultanate outside of Cairo. Littered around Tripoli are several old world Mosques, Hammams & markets dating back to the Ottoman Empire. It is also famous for an impressive Crusader fortress -  the Citadel of Raymond de Saint-Gilles

But over the last 2 centuries, Tripoli’s glory has become faded. After Beirut replaced it as the center of local politics & Lebanese independence spelled the end of its economic kinship with Syria, Tripoli fell on hard times & today it remains Lebanon’s poorest major city. It doesn’t help that westerners & Lebanese people alike associate the city with conflict, making it difficult to encourage tourism here.

As the city is not touched by constant development & renewal, it makes for a curious change in architecture from north to south of the town. At the northern part of the city, visitors can walk through ancient markets surrounded by residential buildings which date back to the 1900s.

In the center of the town Square stands a white sculpture of the Arabic word for God, Allah & beneath it a triumphant inscription that reads: “Tripoli, the stronghold of Muslims, welcomes you.”

You will find a tangle of streets & alleyways, flanked by a fascinating mix of high-rises from the 70s & beautiful 19^th century buildings on whose balconies women hang clothes to dry.

In the bustling heart of Tripoli - al-Tal, you will see numerous French & Ottoman facades, beautifully baked by the sun & at times pockmarked by bullet holes from the Lebanese Civil War, playing host to cramped shops of all kinds. There is a magnificent stone Clock Tower that had been donated to the city in 1902 by Ottoman Sultan Abdul Hamid II. 

Walking further, you will encounter Tripoli’s primary claim to fame - its dizzying maze of Souks & Khans which have grown organically since their foundation in 7^th century, hiding innumerable treasures from the Umayyad & Mamluk periods among the thousands of shops & stands here. 

The Ottoman influence, again, helped make the food in the North distinct from other places in Lebanon.

Being a residential town, Tripoli is still full of small places for local food. So do not pass up the chance of eating a cheese filled Ka’akeh (bagel) from a food cart in Tripoli as the pastry started as a variation of Turkey’s Simit in this city.

Tripoli is a city teeming with a strong Lebanese heritage & traditional Middle Eastern culture. After the end of the conflict in Tripoli, it has been experiencing a rapid boom in cultural development in Mina. Places like the cafe & artistic hub, Warche 13, are opening their doors to previously silent artists & poets. More cafes are inhabited by intellectuals looking for a deep conversation & a great cup of coffee.

Depending on the available time, you enjoy a well-deserved libation the Christian port quarter of Al Mina full of fragrant frangipani trees. While technically its own district, this small treasure is one of Tripoli’s  most prized enclave. Inner Mina is still untouched & begging the tourist to take a walk through its winding streets & bustling alleyways.

The laid-back vibe, modern paintings & artsy decor in Warche 13 immediately sets it apart from a typical Tripoli cafe. There is a constantly rotating art gallery on display, cushions strewn about & often a guitarist strumming away in a corner. Its menu features items ranging from organic yogurt to bagels to pesto paninis & freshly brewed coffee is served all day long.

A unique Tripoli street feature is the famous beachside coffee carts carrying large copper kettles with their peddlers clinking porcelain cups together to advertise their product.

Start your tour at the unfinished Oscar Niemeyer International Fairground, a deserted mid-20^th century monument to Brutalist architecture.

Continue on to the medieval Souqs, still bustling vibrantly centuries later. See the Hammams, the Tailors’ Khan & an amazing soap workshop that has been continuously functioning for longer than Lebanon has been independent. 

Check out Madrasa Al Nouriyat, one of the best examples of black & white marble-striped Mamluk architecture outside of Cairo.

Move to the impressive Crusader Citadel of Raymond de Saint-Gilles (the Count of Toulouse & Crusader commander) standing watch over the old city. Built in 1103 by Frankish Crusaders when they laid siege to the city, this imposing structure on a hilltop, was occupied in 1289 by the Mamluks, who made their own additions to the fortress.

Because of its strategically important position in the city, the Lebanese army continues to use its vicinity as a military base & it is hard to miss the columns of armored military vehicles lined up along the castle walls.

Check out the coup de grace of Tripoli’s Mamluk heritage - the Al Mansouri Mosque (also known simply as The Great Mosque), one of several Mamluk mosques in Tripoli. It was built in the Mamluk period, from 1294 - 1314, around the remains of a Crusader Church of St. Mary. In any case, the Christian elements in no way detract from the traditional Muslim nature of this great royal mosque, the first building erected in Mamluk Tripoli. Although its interior might just be outdone by the fabulous Taynal Mosque south of the old city, its grandiose design is still unbeatable.

Tripoli is famed throughout the region for its production of sweet delicacies, so much so that one of its homegrown shops, the Hallab Brothers, has grown into an internationally recognized brand.

You will also have the opportunity to eat Baklava & Halawet el Jibn at one of the Sweet shops. One of the most classic Levantine desserts is a Knefeh with pistachios.

And now, you are ready to leave for Beirut.

Arrive at the hotel by late evening.

Check-in & relax or explore the nightlife on your own.

Morning, meet the Tour-guide at 08.00 am & embark on 4 hour ‘walking’ sightseeing of the city.

Beirut is a hub of culture & history. The city has survived the ravages of time & war, but there is still much See ‘some’ of the city’s top attractions while discovering how Beirut was built on a rocky headland and its rise & fall over the centuries.

Start at the Corniche, the wide seaside promenade in Avenue des Français which was built during the period of the French Mandate of Syria & Lebanon. Lined with palm trees whose trunks are pockmarked with bullet holes from the Lebanese Civil War, the Waterfront has views of the Mediterranean & the summits of Mount Lebanon to the east. The Corniche is a popular destination for walkers, joggers & bikers. Push cart vendors offer various local snacks & drinks.

South of the Corniche is the historical Raouche, a residential & commercial neighborhood known for its upscale apartment buildings, numerous restaurants & cliff-side cafes that line Avenue de Paris.

Off the coast of Raouche, there are 2 huge 60 meter high natural rock formations called the Pigeons' Rock which stand like gigantic sentinels. These impressive limestone outcrops were formed after a very big earthquake that hit the area in the 13^th century. Raouche also is claimed to be the remains of a sea monster the Greek hero Perseus killed to save Andromeda. Perseus used Medusa’s head on the monster to turn it into stone.

A prime selfie territory & a Beirut landmark, it is considered a Lebanese natural treasure. This is a very romantic spot, especially during sunset. A couple of cliff-top restaurants & cafes here where you can sit with a shisha or beer & enjoy panoramic views of the Bay & famous Pigeon’s Rock.

Next stop on your ‘walking’ tour will be the National Museum of Beirut, the principal museum of archaeology in Lebanon where you can begin to understand the civilisations that have shaped Lebanon (from outside only. Entry not included). 

The Museum is located at the end of the Green Line that demarcated the city during the civil war (& for those 15 years the museum was closed & its facade suffering serious damage throughout the conflict). 

The collection begun after World War I & the Museum was officially opened in 1942. The collections total about 100,000 objects, most of which are antiquities & medieval finds from excavations undertaken by the Directorate General of Antiquities. About 1300 artifacts are exhibited, ranging in date from prehistoric times to the medieval Mamluk period. During the 1975 Lebanese Civil War, the Museum stood on the front line that separated the warring factions.

The Museum's Egyptian Revival building & its collection suffered extensive damage in the war, but most of the artifacts were saved by last-minute pre-emptive measures. Today, after a major renovation, the National Museum has regained its former position, especially as a leading collector for ancient Phoenician objects.

The displays include sarcophagi from the Phoenician period to ornate mosaics from the Roman city of Baalbek.  A short video is played every hour exactly, illustrating the history of the Museum, especially the damage during the civil war, measures undertaken to protect the antiquities & the later restoration procedure with original video footage from that era.

Moving further down the Green Line, walk through the city center Nejmeh Square where you will see one of the largest reconstruction projects in the world, to  an important landmark in Lebanese history, the Martyrs’ Square - a popular spot for protest & civil gathering in Downtown, dedicated to those who were executed during Ottoman rule.

First constructed in 1931, the monument has remained relevant due to the repeated political assassinations during Lebanon’s recent rocky political history. Originally, it was an open space beyond the Ottoman city’s walls & was named ‘Sahat Al Burj’ - or ‘Tower Square’ - because it was marked by ‘Burj Al Kashef’. Under the French mandate however, it became a modernized meeting place with kiosks, a tramway & souks

From colonialism to Civil War & occupation, the Square was used as a point that divided the city into East & West Beirut to indicate opposing sects. Subsequently, the spot was completely destroyed as buildings & statues fell to ruin under the rain of bullets & bombings. Beirut has experienced a lot of strife for its size & Martyrs’ Square is one of the most iconic illustrations.

In 1930, a sculpture of a Muslim & Christian woman holding hands over a coffin adorned the Square. It was designed by local artist Youssef Hoyek as a testament to the locals coming together at a time of strife. The initial statue was changed in 1956 & the current stone’s monument designed by Italian artist, Marino Mazzacurati was inaugurated in 1960.

See the Mohammad Al Amin Mosque, which resembles the Blue Mosque in Istanbul & with its 65 metres tall minarets, it is a very useful navigation tool!

Walking in the Downtown district, see the huge reconstruction project-taking place to create a new commercial & residential district of the 21^st century.  Much of the city has been rebuilt since the war ended but there are plenty of reminders of the 15 year civil war that Lebanon lived through. Pass the bullet-ridden Holiday Inn which still stands, with talks of demolishing the building or preserving it still taking place.

This Project has actually discovered that the capital is standing on the site of a very ancient settlement going back at least 5,000 years. Recent excavations have uncovered important archaeological sites from Canaanite, Phoenician & Persian, Roman, Byzantine, Omayyad, Abbassid, Crusader, Mamluke & Ottoman eras.

The ‘walking’ tour concludes & you return to the hotel or continue exploring on your own.

Afternoon is at leisure.

Early evening around 05.00 pm, get ready for an exciting 4 hour ‘culinary’ experience with a Lebanese family home.

Delve into the world-famous Lebanese cuisine & eat more than your fair share of tabbouleh, hummus, falafel & Mujaddara. Lebanese food is appreciated all over the world, but nowhere is it better than in Lebanon itself.

Head to Aramoun, a suburb outside Beirut where Amal’s traditionally classic home, surrounded by gardens & other lovely residential homes, is located,

Amal is a civil engineer, wife & mother of 2 daughters, currently attending university. Amal learned most of her cooking skills when she started helping her talented mother in the kitchen at an early age. Amal says she was fortunate to learn the secrets of traditional Lebanese cooking from her mother who had family recipes passed down from her mother, Amal’s grandmother. Amal loves to cook & share traditional Lebanese dishes with friends & family. And she loves introducing Lebanon & the indomitable Lebanese cuisine to foreigners. Guests may get to meet Amal’s cosmopolitan family & have a truly multi-generational Lebanese experience discussing diverse subjects from food & history to politics. Everyone speaks English & French.

Your cooking lesson takes place in Amal’s traditional home with stone walls, fireplace, arcades, large windows overlooking orange groves & a lovely terrace with views of the capital.

 (If you are interested in learning to make a ‘specific’ dish, she will be happy to oblige although it will extend the cooking time).

After Amal greets you with a warm smile & a refreshing drink, she will introduce you to the history of Lebanese cuisine. She is a skillful cook who has a flair for teaching as she puts together a dish.

Proceed to the kitchen where you will help Amal & her mother in preparing 3 - 4 dishes. In keeping with Mediterranean food culture, Amal loves incorporating generous amounts of olive oil & lemon juice in her dishes.

If the weather permits (not during the rainy season), Amal will take you to the extensive garden in the back to pick vegetables & fruits before your cooking class begins. Her parents grow all the fruits & vegetables they serve to family & guests. They also make their own vinegar from the grapes

During the hour long interactive class in the kitchen, you will also learn to cook an authentic Lebanese appetizer, salad & dessert created from family recipes using traditional Lebanese cooking techniques & fresh ingredients. Condiments like garlic, tahini, lemon juice & labna, along with salt & pepper are liberally used.

You can help Amal put the meat & vegetables through the grinder or keep busy making the stuffing for the kibbee.

Your menu might include dishes such as chickpeas in a lemon, olive oil & garlic sauce, tabouli (bulghur wheat, vegetable & parsley salad), kibbi (minced meat with herbs & nuts) and mtabal (grilled eggplant mashed with tahini). There will be freshly picked & squeezed pomegranate juice & plates of pickled vegetables.

And finally, it is time to ‘reap what you sow’ (eating what you just cooked). Get to know each other a bit as you sit down to savour the sumptuous & authentically Lebanese meal, that you just helped prepare, washed down with a couple of glasses of arak The dining table is usually covered with appetizers, salads, main dishes, fresh & pickled vegetables, olives & bread.

After the main meal, you will move to the family room to have coffee, tea, fresh fruits & the iconic Maakaroun cookies (a dessert of deep fried semolina fingers soaked in rose water & sugar syrup).

Time to say good-bye to your new friends.

Reach the hotel by 10.00 pm.

Early morning Check-out, meet the Tour-guide at 07.00 am & embark on another discovery of Canaan.

Driving into Bekaa Valley, first stop will be the village of Beit ed-Dine (Beit El Dine). Beit ed-Dine translates to 'House of Faith'.

Beit ed-Dine, once the center of power of Lebanon & home to one of the best & most spectacular example of early 19^th century Lebanese architecture - the incredible Beit ed-Dine Palace. The village itself, situated on a 900-meter hilltop overlooking the palace, is almost negligible & has little to offer but once a year, it becomes ‘the’ place to visit for Lebanese people during the hosting of the summer Beit ed-Dine Festival. Beit ed-Dine is home to the Lebanese Red Cross First Aid Center.

Reach the Palace built on the remains of a Druze hermitage & spend an hour exploring.

The construction of the Beit ed-Dine Palace started in 1806, when Emir Bashir Shehab II, the governor appointed by the Ottomans, decided to leave Deir el-Qamar & move to a safer haven in Beit ed-Dine. He hired Italian architects & artisans from all over Syria & after 30 years of construction, the Palace was finished in 1818 & it was supplied with water by building a lengthy canal connecting the it to the Safa River. Emir Bashir Shehab II kept residence there until 1840, when he was forced into exile to Turkey after turning against the Ottomans.

The design is an intricate mix of Italian Baroque architecture & Eastern Arabian styles which perfectly symbolised the power & wealth of its creators. The Palace features galleries & staterooms with carved cedar wood ceilings, antique furniture, inlaid marble & fine mosaics & is decorated with art from across Europe, by artists from Lebanon, Damascus & Italy. Courtyards feature beautiful arcades, fountains, facades. There is also a well-preserved Hammam complex. Situated behind this Hammam is the Tomb of Emir Bashir Shehab II & his wife.

From 1842, the Palace was used as a governmental building, first by the Ottomans & later by the French. After Lebanon gained its independence in 1943, the Palace was restored & became the President’s summer residence, which it remains to the present day.

Some parts of the Palace are open to the public while the rest is still the president's summer residence. Today, it houses a Museum of feudal weapons, costumes & jewelry, as well as an Archeological Museum in the stables beneath the Palace holding an impressive selection of 5^th & 6^th century Byzantine mosaics discovered in Jiyyeh, north of Saida,

During the Lebanese Civil War & during Israeli invasions (1975 -1990), it was heavily damaged. After the fighting stopped, Walid Jumblatt initiated the process to restore & subsequently renamed it the Palace of the People.

Leave & driving down the road, you will soon arrive in Kefraya village in Western Beqaa, home to a mixed population of Sunnis & Greek Catholics. It is known for its vineyards & Chateau Kefraya Winery.

Kefraya was also once home to the Qaraoun culture. A very large Neolithic archaeological site was discovered in the area, running along both sides of the road. Large numbers of flint tools were excavated including a variety of scrapers on flakes, knives, axes, adzes & a segmented sickle blade. The type of flint found in the area was termed Kefraya flint.

Stop at Chateau Kefraya, the 2^nd biggest Winery in the Beqaa Valley with land that extends up to 3,000 acres amongst the foothills of Mount Barouk.

Established in 1951 by Michel de Bustros, it exports Wines to a number of countries in Americas, Europe, Middle East, Asia & Africa. Prominent politician, Walid Jumblatt is also a major shareholder.

The large estate encompasses a Castle is built in 1946 on an artificial hill used by the Romans centuries ago to observe their troop movements. Chateau Kefraya’s vineyards were implanted on those magnificent hillsides.

The first vines are planted in 1951 and in 1979 - despite the Lebanese civil war (1975-1990) - Chateau Kefraya started producing its own wine with its own grapes grown in its own vineyard & vinified in its own cellar. In the early 80’s, “Les Coteaux de Kefraya” won the Winery’s first international medals & commenced exporting its wines to France. Today, Chateau Kefraya is present in more than 40 countries on the 5 continents.

In addition to the diversity of soil, Chateau Kefraya uses a wide & exciting range of grape varieties in its blends, including Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Chardonnay & Viognier as well as more unusual varieties such as Carmenere, Marselan & Muscat a Petits Grains.

The journey from vine to bottle is carried out with the most meticulous attention to detail & the oenologist ensures a perfect balance between tradition & modernity in a cellar endowed with state-of-the-art equipment. Wine is aged in French oak in a 1000-barrel capacity cellar.

Chateau Kefraya offers a guided tour of the estate. The “train” leaves l’Allée du Château & takes you to a tour of the vineyards, until the “observation point” & its panoramic view over the vines.

Explore the exceptional site of Dahr-el-Moghr (an underground tomb, a reminiscence of the Roman presence in the 3rd century A.D).

In the Museum, discover Chateau Kefraya’s history, then take a tour of the Cellar where you will learn about the different steps of winemaking before reaching the Treasure Room where Chateau Kefraya’s most valuable vintages rest, some of them available for sale at the boutique.  Arak lovers will enjoy the Alembic Room where Arak is distilled exclusively from grapes.

Take a stroll in the Winery’s parks, all named after famous opera composers; the perfect venue for weddings & banquets.

After the tour & Tasting, get ready to leave for the next point of your experience.

Proceed to the nearby pretty village of Taanayel with its bountiful farms, breathtaking scenery & vineyards.

This gorgeous village is a piece of heaven; alleys made of a multitude of trees are all over the place, a vineyards that bring Italy’s Tuscany to one’s mind & white vacant benches where you can enjoy the sight of the swarm of ducks in the small lake’s calm water. It will definitely remind you of some of the scenes from the movie ‘Letters to Juliet’.

Taanayel Les Fermes, the leading dairy company in Lebanon with a wide-ranging product line of natural, authentic & traditional products is also located here.

With hectares of trees shedding their leaves in fall, a visit to this pretty area is the perfect way to embrace the season. Stroll through the woods and admire the indigenous flora & fauna. Indulge in some much-needed quiet time by the stunning Taanayel Lake, where you are guaranteed a beautiful view.

For a unique experience, you can take a trip in a horse-drawn carriage or even ride a horse or rent a bike (not included - extra payment).

The objective of the local Administration in collaboration with a Non-Profit Organisation is to make the Domaine an agricultural center & a main Eco-tourism attraction with a wide range of sustainable innovative activities to fund their Social community schemes in Agriculture & Environment, Mobility & Health, Social Support, Youth Empowerment & Responsible Tourism.

Taanayel is home to a variety of animals. You will see cows, goats, chickens, rare birds, peacocks, horses, pigs etc. You will find shops selling the farm products like labne, yoghurt, gouda cheese, halloum, jam, milk, wine etc.

You will stop & enjoy lunch at one of the Farms before moving on to Zahle where you will spend the night.

Reach Zahle, 20 minutes away & Check-in at the hotel.

Balance of the day free for independent exploration.

Zahle surrounded by snow-capped mountains & much appreciated for its healthy climate, is known as the "Bride of the Beqaa" & "the Neighbor of the Gorge" for its geographical location & attractiveness, but also as "the City of Wine & Poetry". A walk in the hills overlooking Zahle, leads you to Iron & Bronze Age towns. In Wadi El Arayesh you can see Byzantine & Roman sarcophagi.

The main attraction, however, is the Bardaouni River, which flows out of Mount Sannine through a wooded gorge shut in between tall perpendicular rocks, down to Zahle.

Zahle is considered as the capital of the Beqaa & is the seat of government for the Beqaa Valley. Zahle's many beautiful old red-roofed houses can be appreciated on a leisurely walk around the town.

Along this branch of the Litani River on the eastern side of town are restaurants with beautiful terraces protected from the sun by awnings & leafy trees & cooled by streams, fountains and pools, where you can enjoy a delicious meal on the water’s edge. The Bardaouni is just as popular in the evenings when dinners can become quite festive.

Thanks to its crisp, cool air & mountainous slopes, Zahle located at the heart of an area that has been making wine since early antiquity, is home to over 10 Wineries that vary in size from large estates to several small family-run enterprises. It is also the home of the local wines - Mezza & Arak.

Watching over Zahle on a 54 meter high tower is Our Lady of Zahle, a bronze statue of the Virgin Mary made by an Italian sculptor in 1958 in a 18^th century Monastery in Zahle’s old town. There are Ottoman era buildings & the Monastery itself is a great example of this old architecture, complete with flower gardens & the largest bell in Lebanon.

Even if you aren’t religious, a visit to the statue is well worth the panoramic views of the city & mountains from the top. Take a few minutes to stroll around & appreciate this old structure and the area surrounding it.

After breakfast, Check-out & depart to visit the site of Lebanon’s most impressive ancient Roman ruins counted among the wonders of the ancient world & arguably the best preserved in the Middle East.

Step back to the time of 15 BC, when Beirut was a significant port & cultural center.

Known as the Heliopolis or ‘Sun City’ during the ancient Greek & Roman times, Baalbek’s incredible ruins comprise the most impressive ancient site on a hill in the Bekaa valley in modern day Lebanon & are arguably the best preserved in the Middle East. The Temples here, built on an extravagant scale, have enjoyed a stellar reputation throughout the centuries yet still manage to maintain the appealing air of an undiscovered wonder because of their semi-rural setting.

Baalbek temple is known to the world as a monumental 2 thousand-year old temple to Jupiter that sits atop 3 thousand ton stone blocks. But is there more to this ancient shrine that meets the eye? What if it has a completely unexpected origin?

The construction of the expansive temples was begun by the Phoenicians between 3 & 4 thousand years ago. The Greeks then added to it, followed by the Romans & much later the Arabs. Local legend has it that the temple was originally built by people “from the East”.

As early as 9000 BC, Temple in Baalbek was a place for worship & became a cornerstone of ancient civilizations. As significant holy grounds, Baalbek was a center for Mesopotamian, Roman, Christian & Islamic worship as each group introduced their own heritage to this sacred monument.

Up until 150 BC, the site was a temple dedicated to the Phoenician Astarte & Baal. It is not hard to imagine that the wreaths & sacrifices carried out for Astarte the goddess of fertility & war were then shifted to Venus during the Roman colonization.

Subsequently, the Temples were brought into the Christian era with Constantine the Great’s influence on the Roman Empire. That is up until 637 AD when Islamic rule led to the use of the site as a reinforced fortress & a Mosque was added.

The Temple ruins stand tall as an archaeological wonder with towering monuments & impressive columns. Up until 150 BC, the Temple was dedicated to the Phoenician Astarte & Baal. It is not hard to imagine that the wreaths & sacrifices carried out for Astarte the goddess of fertility & war were then shifted to Venus during the Roman colonization. Subsequently, the Temple was brought into the Christian era with Constantine the Great’s influence on the Roman Empire. That is up until 637 AD when Islamic rule led to the use of the site as a reinforced fortress & a Mosque was added.

The decline of these ruins began when the Temple passed to the Ottoman Empire, it was abandoned & left in ruins. In addition, earthquakes, storms & natural forces continued to tear the site apart until 1898. That year marked a visit from the German Emperor Wilhelm II, who pioneered the attempt of restoring Baalbek & preserving it.

In terms of architecture, the greatest temples at the UNESCO World Heritage listed site are the Temples of Jupiter, Bacchus & Venus. The sheer magnitude of these have created something of a puzzle for archaeologists as they continuously theorize as to how rocks of this grandeur could have been carved & assembled. For example, the Temple of Jupiter is surrounded by 54 columns which stand at nearly 23 meters high & are considered some of the largest in the world. The Temple of Bacchus stands out from the rest as it is so well preserved & is adorned with beautiful carvings that date back to the Roman Empire.

Today, the ruins of Baalbek still stand as one of Lebanon’s most prized historical treasures. The place is always alive with music festivals & folklore-related activities. Tourists & locals alike flock for the chance of seeing the picturesque sunset behind those ancient columns. Walking through this sacred site, one can’t help but picture all the different peoples who have worshiped here at the alters of their Gods.

Spend a couple of hours exploring this ancient wonder.

Walk through the town to one of the world's finest remaining examples of Roman architecture. Entering through the forecourt into the remains of the Hexagonal court you can begin to imagine the city at its peak. The Temple of Bacchus is without doubt the highlight of the site with its ornately decorated stonework, niches & columns surrounding an ancient theatre.

Enjoy lunch at a restaurant in the vicinity before leaving for Lebanon’s oldest Winery - Chateau Ksara.

In 1857, Jesuit monks inherited & began farming a 25 hectare plot of land. Resident priest Father Kirn recognized the potential of Ksara’s terroir & convinced the other priests that it should be used to grow grapes for viticulture.  It was Kirn & his fellow Monks who applied their agricultural knowledge & set out to produce Lebanon’s “first dry wine,” & with that, lay the foundation of Lebanon’s modern wine industry.

A grotto dating back to the Roman era was unearthed. Until then, good cellars had been hard to come by. When it became apparent that the caves were ideal for keeping wine at the correct temperature, the priests celebrated their good fortune. Chateau Ksara’s 2 kilometers of caves have played a central role in the success of the Winery as they maintain a constant temperature & hygrometry throughout the year, providing the ideal conditions for the ageing of wines.

In 1973, the Vatican encouraged its Monasteries & missions around the world to sell off any commercial assets. By then, Chateau Ksara was producing 1.5 million bottles annually. But the Monks’ success was now deemed to be at odds with their religious merit & subsequently, Chateau Ksara was sold to a consortium of local businessmen.

In 1991, Chateau Ksara planted noble grapes, namely Cabernet Sauvignon, Syrah, Sauvignon Blanc, Semillon, Chardonnay & Merlot. No one – at least the local farmers - believed these grapes would survive in Bekaa’s relatively untested terroir, unaware that they would in fact grow & thrive to their fullest potential.

The Winery celebrated its 150^th anniversary in 2007 just as it begun a significant expansion program. To mark the occasion, the Estate created & released its most refined bottle of wine to date: Le Souverain.

From its founding in 1857, Chateau Ksara Estate lives & grows through the core values of Tradition, Nobility & Modernity, as the country’s oldest winery & continues their unique, centuries-old practice of winemaking. They also implement the modern innovative processes & continue leading the winemaking in Lebanon for generations to come.

The Middle East’s first Observatory was established at Ksara so that the monks could record rainfall & seismic activity. The building, which was to become a strategic Bekaa landmark in times of both peace & war & to have a wine named in its honour - the Blanc de L’Observatoire.

Chateau Ksara brands are the most popular in Lebanon & also a favourite among the large Lebanese diaspora all over the world. Producing approximately 3 million bottles annually, it exports to more than 42 countries, including North America.

You will be welcomed by the staff & accorded a tour in a toy train of the Vineyards before walking inside the historic 2 km long Roman caves, where their rare & finest vintages are stored. You can partake in a wine tasting session, an experience full of history, tradition & passion.

Visit the Winery shop & discover their acclaimed & highly rated current releases & exclusive offerings, from rare collectibles to extensive collection of wines & spirits.

Spend an hour at Chateau Ksara & move on to the nearby Chateau Kefraya, the 2^nd biggest Winery in the Beqaa Valley with land that extends up to 3,000 acres. Established in 1951, Chateau Kefraya exports wines to a number of countries in Americas, Europe, Middle East, Asia, Oceania & Africa.

Explore the Vineyards in a toy train & see some Roman remains.

The visit concludes & you drive to Beirut.

Arrive by evening & Check-in at the hotel.

Balance of the day at leisure for independent explorations or optional activities (we would be happy to offer suggestion and make arrangements). 

Alas, like all good things, the wonderful experience comes to an end. Time to say good-bye to enchanting Canaan & go home. But, we sure hope that you may want to discover a bit more of this mystical country which boasts a recorded 7,000 years of ‘Biblical’ history, on your next visit.

Check-out of the hotel by 12:00 noon (if the departure time is later in the evening, we will request the hotel to allow the usage of the hotel facilities & to leave the luggage at the Bell Desk). 

In time, you will be met by a Journeys Rep, who will ensure your comfort & transfer you to Terminal? - Terminal? - Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport for your onward journey.  B

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