2 weeks Syria and Lebanon | Lebanon - Lonely Planet Forum

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Wed, 08 Dec 2010 02:30:20 +0000

I'm looking at a trip to the Levant in September 2011, and need to decide soon which city to fly in and out of. Right now Beirut has the cheapest flights. How does this look for a 14 day trip? I'm trying to balance keeping an easy pace with seeing the main sights.

T W Th F - Beirut (and day trips)
Sat Sun - Qadisha Valley. Bcharre or Hasroun?
M T - Hama, Syria
W - Palmyra
Th F Sat Sun - Damascus (and day trips)
M T - Bekaa. Baalbek and wineries. Day hikes?

I can't find much info online about Qadisha Valley, beyond that it looks fantastically beautiful. I love to hike, so this area really appeals to me. It's Qadisha or Aleppo - which would you all choose? (and we have plenty of time to decide!)

And, the flights out of Beirut are at 2 or 3 am. Awful. Is there an affordable way to get to the airport from Bekaa, or do we need to be in the City the last day.

It's a couple hundred more for us to fly out of Damascus or Amman, but will consider it if this itinerary looks too rushed.

(and I'll cross post in Syria)

ONLINE

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 05:38:41 +0000

Sounds fine.

Qadisha/Qannoubine vs. Aleppo is apples and oranges--do you want more city or more country? It's up to you, but a shame to miss either. I think two days for Qadisha area is pushing it, as would two days in Aleppo. Maybe consider cutting a day from Beirut. (Some here may suggest skipping Lebanon entirely for a trip this length, or just going to Baalbek.)

It's easy to organize hikes around Bcharre/Hasroun etc. once you arrive. The Lebanon Mountain Trail site has lots of information.

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ONLINE

Wed, 08 Dec 2010 06:51:30 +0000

I like cities and the countryside - hopefully I can mix in some of both!

Beirut itself doesn't excite me, except that I have friends' families there, and that makes all the difference! (that, and a much more affordable flight). But I do get the impression that most travelers prefer Syria.

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