Spending 26 Days In Lebanon

Hi,

I am interested in knowing if people had any recommendations for spending time in Lebanon. I am interested in knowing places to go and also places to eat (Traditional Lebanese Cusine). I have family to stay with in Beirut and in Aitanit, but I will also being staying in hotels or hostels in other places I want to trave.

I am also highly interested in hiking, rock climbing and the outdoors.

Let me know ideas. I am trying to figure out a schedule for my travels. I am leaving for the trip in early November.

Take Care,

Cat

Welcome to TT, Cat.

Your question is extremely general. "Tell me what to see and eat in Lebanon" is a question best answered by doing some research on this branch and elsewhere, and above all getting a decent guidebook. Then you can ask more specific questions.

Having said that, I'll note that (unlike too many first-time posters) you at least give us some idea of your interests. I am not a great hiker, but the area of Wadi Qadisha, especially Wadi Qannoubine, is good for hiking and also has cultural sights along the way. But this is just one part of the Lebanon Mountain Trail, which you may want to look into. I don't know whether November is too late for parts of the trail.

The good news is that with 26 days you will have a lot of time to see a good deal of the country, or even to head to neighboring Syria for awhile. Both are very beautiful.

Hi,

I appreciate your reply. My travels plans have changed. I will be spending time in Lebanon, Jordan, and Egypt. I felt like it was important to see as much as possible and see as much as possible. I will be flying from Lebanon to Jordan to Egypt and back to Lebanon.

1. Lebanon- I will be spending 10ish days in Lebanon. I know I will go to Beirut, Byblos, Baalbeck, and Aidtaneed (sp?). I would also love to go to the mountains and see the Cedars and spend time in nature. Not sure about the weather in Nov. Anywhere else anyone things I should go? I have thought about Trippoli, but I have heard that it is unsafe. Is that true?

2. Jordan- Is it safe for a single female to travel? I am interested in visiting Amman, Petra, Jerash, and Wadi-Rum. I have looked into tours, but they are more expensive than Egypt tours. I have seen tours for 5 days for $1000. Any ideas on budget tours or is it safe enough for me to travel in that country.

3. Egypt- I am tempted to do a tour by Memphis tours. They offer an 8 day tour visiting Cairo, Pyramids, Luxor, and a Nile cruse for $1300. Does anyone have any feedback on this? I am a single, female traveler and I thought doing a tour would help make things easier. Is the Nile Cruise worth it? Is Mount Sinai a must see place?

For 2 and 3 you may be better posting on those forums.

For 1:
You may wish to look at libantrek.com for short (or long) trips to nice walking areas. This would be cheaper than tours and more flexible, while taking care of the transport for some places more awkward to reach. Or your friends locally may take you. Qadishe Valley (where Bcharré and some cedar sites are situated) is beautiful.
Tripoli is great to visit. Look at the recently posted thread on it, and a trip report with regard to safety and interest. The last link provides info on just how cheap it is to use the buses all around the country, which may help you decide if a tour is worth it in your situation.
Jeita caves may be good for a really rainy half-day, as it can pour in November. But there is usually a mix of warm and wet.

ginger beirut

Do you believe Tripolo is safe?