Explore Lebanon

All content by Intrepid

8 days (ex Beirut)

Destinations visited: Lebanon, Beirut, World

Physical rating:
Culture shock rating:

Physical Ratings

The physical rating gives you an idea of how much huffing and puffing you can expect on the trip. While generalisations are always tricky, a summary of our ratings follows:

Rating 1

These trips are a relaxing break. You don't have to worry about doing anything physically demanding unless you want to.

Rating 2

Some easy physical activities included in your trip. No physical preparation is required to make the most of the journey.

Rating 3

This trip will raise your heartbeat. Moderate physical activities are included and a good level of fitness is required.

Rating 4

Be prepared for some serious physical activity. The majority of activities included on this trip will be challenging. The fitter you are, the more you will enjoy your holiday.

Rating 5

Intrepid’s highest physical rating. Get ready for a heart-pumping adventure with plenty of challenges and some extreme conditions. You will be required to be seriously fit for this trip as difficult activities are included.

Culture Shock Ratings

The culture shock rating considers the level of development in the location, the area's infrastructure and how easy it is to access services. It also takes into consideration how different the food and customs are and whether English is widely spoken. While generalisations are always tricky, here’s a summary of the ratings:

Rating 1

This is the least confronting of Intrepid's product range. English is the native language and the food, customs and access to services will be familiar to you.

Rating 2

You will probably have experienced food like this in restaurants back home and English is commonly spoken. Services are available most of the time but there may be some cultural differences.

Rating 3

Expect some culture shock. You will be exposed to signs of poverty and access to services may be sporadic. The food will be quite different to home and English speakers harder to find. Respecting the local culture will make it easier to fit in and really experience the location.

Rating 4

The comforts of home are more of a rarity. English is not common and the food will be quite different to what you are used to. It is important to observe some of the local customs to not cause offence. Many of the locals' standard of living may be confronting.

Rating 5

You're really out there! You'll need to pay specific attention to health and hygiene. A large proportion of locals' living conditions are a world away from standards you are used to. You may have difficulty finding an English speaker and there is little or no access to services. Paying heed to local customs is essential.

LAST MINUTE OFFER

Leave Jun 30, 2012 and save 25% $986

from USD$1,315

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Description

Surrender to the allure of Lebanon and travel on a journey beginning in Beirut's sophisticated cafes, lively bars and up-and-coming arts scene. Wonder at the crumbling Roman temples of Baalbek and the peaceful aura of ancient cedar forests. Experience sheer bliss indulging in delicious Middle Eastern fare and visit Lebanon's picturesque seaside towns, admiring exotic architecture and finding bargains in atmospheric souqs. Lebanon contains many surprises and will reward intrepid travellers with a Middle Eastern tour like no other.

Highlights

See the stunning ancient temples of Baalbek.
Walk through the cedar forests close to Bcharre.
Admire the beautiful harbour of Byblos.
Indulge in Beirut's modern charms.
Catch fresh sea breezes in the port of Sidon.
Relax in the laidback vibe of Zahle.

Itinerary

Days 1 Beirut

Tour Beirut and be impressed by the wealth of stylish art galleries, bars, cafes, restaurants and museums. Spend time enjoying this cosmopolitan city of the Middle East and be sure to stop and feast on some of the finest delicacies in Lebanon. Beirut is a city full of traditional epicurean delights with mezze and sweet pastries being the standouts to savour.

Day 2 Zahle

Breathe in the fresh Mediterranean air and soak up the sunshine at the port of Sidon before stopping at Beiteddine, home to an impressive Ottoman Palace. Spend the night relaxing in the town of Zahle and choose to dine in one of the many atmospheric open-air restaurants dotted along the river.

Day 3 Baalbek

Explore the stunning ruined temples of Baalbek, a captivating mix of ancient buildings with a beautiful mountain backdrop. Fallen marble columns and temples dedicated to Bacchus, Venus and Jupiter make this a significant archaeological site and a fascinating place to visit.

Days 4-5 Bcharre

Travel to Lebanon's pristine nature reserve - a forest of cedar trees which have stood for more than a thousand years. Then, for a dose of history, explore the churches and monasteries of the beautiful Qadisha Valley.

Day 6 Byblos

Visit ancient ruins, shop in the souqs or watch fishing boats bob in the harbour of Byblos. Explore Lebanon's best beaches, outdoor cafes and open-air bars in this ancient port. Byblos is a city rich in history and its temperate climate makes it a top spot to relax in.

Days 7-8 Beirut

Return to the lively streets of Beirut where this memorable tour of Lebanon ends.

Group Size

Maximum of 12 travellers per group

Departure Guarantee

Departure is guaranteed

Accommodation

Hotel (4 nts), Pension (3 nts)

Transport

Van, Bus, Minibus, Taxi

Budget

Allow USD $300 for meals not included.

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Book this trip with Intrepid Travel on their site

from USD$1,315

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