Lebanon Encounters

Lebanon Encounters

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8 Days From

$2050

Lebanon Encounters

8 Days Starting and ending in Beirut, Lebanon

Visiting: Beirut, Jeita Grotto, Qadisha Valley, Byblos, Baalbek, Tyre

Tour operator:

Encounters Travel

Tour code:

328

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 12

Physical rating:

All Ages / Not applicable

Age range:

8-95

Special diets catered:

Please advise requests

Tour operated in:

English
From: $2050

NB: Prices correct on 04-Nov-2024 but subject to change.

This tour is no longer available, please see similar tours below or send an enquiry

Tour Overview

Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through Lebanon with the "Lebanon Encounters" tour, designed for singles and adventure seekers in small groups. Discover the vibrant city of Beirut, explore the ancient wonders of Tyre and Sidon, and marvel at the majestic Baalbek temple complex. Experience the natural beauty of the Cedar Forest, Qadisha Valley, and the breathtaking Baatara Gorge and Waterfall. Delight in a wine tasting at the historic Ksara Caves and enjoy the scenic Harissa cable car ride. Stay in charming 3 to 4-star hotels, a guesthouse in Zahle, and a monastery in the Qadisha Valley. With guided tours, airport transfers, and select meals included, this tour offers a perfect blend of history, culture, and nature. Whether exploring the Jeita Grotto or the historic Byblos harbor, this adventure promises a rich tapestry of experiences in the heart of Lebanon.

Highlights

  • Beirut city tour, including the Corniche and Pigeon Grotto

  • Explore the ancient Phoenician city of Byblos and its harbour

  • Visit the Baalbek temple complex, a superb example of Roman architecture

  • Wine tasting at the historic Ksara Caves

  • Discover the natural wonder of Jeita Grotto

  • Cable car ride to Harissa for panoramic views of the Bay of Jounieh

  • Explore the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Qadisha Valley

  • Visit the Beiteddine Palace in the Chouf Mountains

Itinerary

Expand All

Day 1 : Arrival In Beirut, Hotel Transfer

Location: Beirut

Accommodation Name: Beirut hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

You arrive at Beirut International Airport. After being met by our representative, you are transferred to your hotel.

Day 2 : Jeita Grotto, Harissa Cable Car & Baatara Gorge

Location: Jeita Grotto

Accommodation Name: Qadisha Valley monastery or guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

After leaving Beirut and heading north towards Byblos, we'll experience a thrilling visit to the spectacular Jeita Grotto. Here a system of limestone caves spans a distance of almost 9 kilometres, and contains one of the largest collections of stalactites and stalagmites in the world. It is a symbol of the country and was a finalist in the New 7 Wonders of Nature competition. Depending on the water level you can explore both on foot and by boat. Next, we visit Harissa, famous for containing an important Christian shrine dedicated to the Virgin Mary, known as Our Lady of Lebanon. We take a cable car to the top of the Basilica, from where we can enjoy a spectacular view of the Bay of Jounieh, considered one of the most beautiful bays in the Middle East. Then, we'll head inland to visit the unique Baatara Gorge sinkhole, where during the spring and especially rainy periods a 255-metre waterfall cascades into an enormous cavern known as the Baatara Pothole. The cave is also called the Cave of the Three Bridges, for the three natural stone arches over which the waterfall drops. This is a spectacular natural phenomenon and we have time for a short hike here, and can also explore nearby Douma Village. A traditional Lebanese lunch is included today. The day finishes with a short drive to the beautiful Qadisha Valley where we spend the night in the Monastery of St. Anthony, in a separate building with simple but comfortable en-suite accommodation (a nearby guesthouse will be used if the monastery is closed to visitors or unavailable).

Day 3 : Qadisha Valley, Cedars Ski Resort & Becharre

Location: Qadisha Valley

Accommodation Name: Byblos hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Those interested may rise early this morning to join morning prayers with the monks of the monastery. After breakfast, we have time to explore the Qadisha Valley, another UNESCO World Heritage Site. It is known as the Holy Valley, and the Holy River, Nahr Qadisha, flows through it. Many caves are found along its steep cliffs, used as shelters and burial sites in ancient times, and it's a great place for a short morning hike. Our first stop after leaving the valley is the nearby village of Becharre, the birthplace of the iconic novelist and poet of Lebanon, Kahlil Gibran. The village contains a museum dedicated to him, featuring his paintings and manuscripts. Next, we stop at the Cedars Ski Resort, famous for skiing and snowboarding. The area known as the Cedars of God is found nearby, and contains the last remaining groves of the cedar forests that once thrived in the region. The famous cedar trees of Lebanon - Cedrus Libani- are mentioned in the Old Testament and are the national symbol of the country. Later today we arrive in Byblos, an ancient Phoenician city that is thought to have been inhabited for up to 7000 years. Locally, the city is known as Jbeil and is another UNESCO World Heritage site. Byblos is filled with significant historical and archaeological sites, and also features a lovely Phoenician harbour.

Day 4 : Morning In Byblos, Ksara Winery

Location: Byblos

Accommodation Name: Zahle guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast

We spend this morning exploring the harbour area and highlights of Byblos. Our destination today will be the village of Zahle, however we'll be making a stop along the way at the Ksara Winery which is possibly the oldest winery in Lebanon. The caves and tunnels have a total length of approximately 2 miles and have been used for generations as wine cellars. You'll have a guided tour of the caves and winery before sampling (and buying if you wish) some of the produce in a wine tasting session.

Day 5 : Baalbeck & Anjar

Location: Baalbek

Accommodation Name: Beirut hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we head to Baalbek, a definite highlight of any visit to Lebanon. Called "Heliopolis" or "City of the Sun" by the Romans and Greeks, it is home to a famous temple complex that is superbly well-preserved. This complex, which is one of the finest examples of Roman architecture at its peak, was built as a sanctuary dedicated to worshipping the Heliopolitan triad of god- Jupiter, Venus, and Mercury. Pilgrims would flock to the temple in their thousands in order to venerate the triad. Still largely intact, the temple has outstanding artistic and historical value. We then visit the Umayyad city of Anjar, located in the Bekaa Valley. Founded in the 8th century by Caliph Walid, it provides evidence of excellent town-planning and features mosques, palaces, and baths. It also features 600 shops, indicating that it was an important commercial centre. In the afternoon we'll return to Beirut.

Day 5 : Baalbeck & Anjar

Location: Baalbek

Accommodation Name: Beirut hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we head to Baalbek, a definite highlight of any visit to Lebanon. Called "Heliopolis" or "City of the Sun" by the Romans and Greeks, it is home to a famous temple complex that is superbly well-preserved. This complex, which is one of the finest examples of Roman architecture at its peak, was built as a sanctuary dedicated to worshipping the Heliopolitan triad of god- Jupiter, Venus, and Mercury. Pilgrims would flock to the temple in their thousands in order to venerate the triad. Still largely intact, the temple has outstanding artistic and historical value. We then visit the Umayyad city of Anjar, located in the Bekaa Valley. Founded in the 8th century by Caliph Walid, it provides evidence of excellent town-planning and features mosques, palaces, and baths. It also features 600 shops, indicating that it was an important commercial centre. In the afternoon we'll return to Beirut.

Day 6 : Deir Al Qamar, Beiteddine & Beirut City Tour

Location: Beirut

Accommodation Name: Beirut hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

We leave Beirut after breakfast and we drive to the Chouf Mountains to visit the village of Deir al Qamar, its name meaning "Monastery of the Moon". The village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was the capital of Lebanon during the 17th century. It is quaint and charming, with stone houses and winding roads. We then continue onto the beautiful Beiteddine Palace. The palace, constructed in the 19th century by Emir Bashir, is exceptionally well-preserved and is a testament to the opulence of the time. Finally, we return to Beirut in the afternoon where we'll have time for a city tour. Lebanon's capital and largest city. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, and has had a turbulent history, both ancient and modern. This is evident in the contrast of modern buildings seen alongside small old houses and historical architecture, some still displaying bullet holes and damage from the civil war in the 1970s. Highlights visited include the Beirut Souks, the Corniche, and the downtown region. We will also see the Pigeon Grotto, or the Rock of Raouché, a famous natural formation rising out of the sea.

Day 6 : Deir Al Qamar, Beiteddine & Beirut City Tour

Location: Beirut

Accommodation Name: Beirut hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

We leave Beirut after breakfast and we drive to the Chouf Mountains to visit the village of Deir al Qamar, its name meaning "Monastery of the Moon". The village is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and was the capital of Lebanon during the 17th century. It is quaint and charming, with stone houses and winding roads. We then continue onto the beautiful Beiteddine Palace. The palace, constructed in the 19th century by Emir Bashir, is exceptionally well-preserved and is a testament to the opulence of the time. Finally, we return to Beirut in the afternoon where we'll have time for a city tour. Lebanon's capital and largest city. It is one of the oldest cities in the world, and has had a turbulent history, both ancient and modern. This is evident in the contrast of modern buildings seen alongside small old houses and historical architecture, some still displaying bullet holes and damage from the civil war in the 1970s. Highlights visited include the Beirut Souks, the Corniche, and the downtown region. We will also see the Pigeon Grotto, or the Rock of Raouché, a famous natural formation rising out of the sea.

Day 7 : Tyre, Sidon

Location: Tyre

Accommodation Name: Beirut hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today’s itinerary consists of a full-day tour of South Lebanon. We start in the city of Tyre, a Word Heritage Site located 85km from Beirut. Tyre is an ancient Phoenician city and is home to a number of important historical sites. Its golden age was during the reign of King Hiram, the most legendary Tyrian king. He fostered close ties with the Hebrew kings David and Solomon, and contributed to the construction of the Temple of Solomon by sending skilled workers and cedar wood. We then drive to Sidon, also known as Saida, another important ancient Phoenician city. The city grew wealthy due to the trade of murex, a type of shellfish from which an expensive purple dye used to be produced, as well as glass. Today, Saida is an important administrative and commercial centre of South Lebanon. You will visit the Great Mosque, the Crusader Sea Castle, Khan el Franj, and other interesting sites. You can also enjoy browsing through the old souks.

Day 7 : Tyre, Sidon

Location: Tyre

Accommodation Name: Beirut hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today’s itinerary consists of a full-day tour of South Lebanon. We start in the city of Tyre, a Word Heritage Site located 85km from Beirut. Tyre is an ancient Phoenician city and is home to a number of important historical sites. Its golden age was during the reign of King Hiram, the most legendary Tyrian king. He fostered close ties with the Hebrew kings David and Solomon, and contributed to the construction of the Temple of Solomon by sending skilled workers and cedar wood. We then drive to Sidon, also known as Saida, another important ancient Phoenician city. The city grew wealthy due to the trade of murex, a type of shellfish from which an expensive purple dye used to be produced, as well as glass. Today, Saida is an important administrative and commercial centre of South Lebanon. You will visit the Great Mosque, the Crusader Sea Castle, Khan el Franj, and other interesting sites. You can also enjoy browsing through the old souks.

Day 8 : Airport Transfer

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your transfer will take you to the airport for your return flight home.

Day 8 : Airport Transfer

Meals Included: Breakfast

Your transfer will take you to the airport for your return flight home.

What's Included

  • Accommodation

    5 nights in 3 to 4-star hotels in Beirut & Byblos, 1 night in guesthouse/hotel in Zahle, and 1 night in monastery accommodation in Qadisha Valley.

  • Transfers

    24-hour airport arrival & departure transfer service.

  • Transport

    All transport and transfers in air-conditioned vehicles.

  • Sightseeing Tours

    All sightseeing tours as detailed in the itinerary.

  • Wine Tasting

    Wine tasting in Ksara Caves.

  • Guided Tours

    English speaking guide for all tours.

  • Meals

    Meals as indicated in the itinerary (7 breakfasts, 1 lunch).

What's Not Included

  • International Flights

    International flights are not included but are available on request.

  • Single Room Supplements

    Single room supplements are compulsory for solo travellers if same-sex room shares are not available.

  • Visa Fees

    Visa fees are not included, though they are free on arrival for most nationalities.

  • Travel Insurance

    Travel insurance is compulsory and available from Encounters Travel.

  • Meals Not Indicated

    Meals not indicated in the itinerary are not included.

  • Hotel Gala Dinner Supplements

    Hotel gala dinner supplements if applied on Christmas & New Year's Eve are not included.

  • Personal Expenses

    Drinks, snacks, and other personal expenses (e.

    g.

    laundry) are not included.

  • Tips

    Tips are not included.

  • Other Items

    Any other items not mentioned above are not included.

More Info

This 8-day tour is the perfect way to experience the unique and fascinating destination that is Lebanon. Found on the eastern shore of the Mediterranean, Lebanon is filled with historical and cultural sites and landmarks. You will visit Tyre and Sidon, great ancient Phoenician cities; Byblos, the world’s oldest continually-inhabited city; and Heliopolis, the Middle East’s best-preserved temple. Lebanon also abounds with natural phenomena and landscapes, and you will visit many fascinating natural sites. These include the Baatara Gorge Waterfall, the Jeita Grotto, the Ksara Caves, and the Barouk Cedar Nature Reserve. With sites such as the birthplace of Khalil Gibran, and the Lebanon cedar mentioned in the Old Testament, Lebanon provides the ideal combination nature, culture and history. Accommodation is in 3-4 star boutique style hotels, a deluxe guesthouse in Zahle and one night a monastery in the Qadisha Valley where you may join the monks for morning prayer if you wish.. The itinerary will be adjusted slightly during the winter months to avoid some of the high mountain roads which will be blocked due to snow.

Mode of Transport

The tour includes all transport and transfers in air-conditioned vehicles, ensuring a comfortable journey throughout Lebanon. A 24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer service is also provided for your convenience.

Accommodation

Enjoy 5 nights in 3 to 4-star hotels in Beirut and Byblos, 1 night in a guesthouse or hotel in Zahle, and 1 night in monastery accommodation in the Qadisha Valley, offering a unique blend of comfort and cultural immersion.

Check out our Q&As

  • What type of accommodation is provided during the tour?

    The tour includes 5 nights in 3 to 4-star hotels in Beirut and Byblos, 1 night in a guesthouse or hotel in Zahle, and 1 night in monastery accommodation in the Qadisha Valley.

  • Is there a wine tasting experience included in the tour?

    Yes, the tour includes a wine tasting session at the Ksara Winery, which is possibly the oldest winery in Lebanon.

  • Are airport transfers included in the tour package?

    Yes, the tour includes a 24-hour airport arrival and departure transfer service.

  • What meals are included in the tour?

    The tour includes 7 breakfasts and 1 lunch as indicated in the itinerary.

  • Is there an opportunity to join the monks for morning prayers during the tour?

    Yes, there is an opportunity to join the monks for morning prayers at the monastery in the Qadisha Valley.

  • What happens if the monastery accommodation in Qadisha Valley is unavailable?

    If the monastery is closed to visitors or unavailable, a nearby guesthouse will be used for accommodation.

  • How is the itinerary adjusted during the winter months?

    During the winter months, the itinerary is adjusted to avoid the drive from Becharre to Zahle across the Col des Cedres due to snow. All the same places will be visited, but the order of visits will change.

  • Is travel insurance compulsory?

    Yes! Travel insurance is compulsory on all of our tours and needs to cover personal accident & liability, medical expenses and repatriation, travel delay & abandonment. We also strongly recommend that you take out cover against cancellation and lost/stolen baggage. Personal medical insurance does not normally provide sufficient cover and is generally not suitable for travel on our tours. You will not be able to join your tour if you have not provided us with details of your insurance or if you arrive without cover in place (no refunds will be due in this event).

  • What happens if I need to change my holiday date once I’ve booked?

    You are always able to change your travel date. However, some charges may apply depending on how long before your departure you make the change. Our flexible booking conditions and reduced charges will apply if you are changing date because of a Covid-19 reason or because your government is advising against travel to your destination. Please check our detailed booking conditions for full details.

  • When is my balance payment due?

    60 days prior to departure

  • Do you operate a “single share” option and how does it work?

    On most of our group tours, solo travellers may choose to form a temporary 'tour bubble' and share a room with another traveller of the same sex in the group. If a room share is not available then a single room supplement may be payable, with the costs for these kept as low as possible. We have also removed compulsory single supplements from many of our tours, and are reducing the cost by 50% on s

  • Can I transfer my booking to someone else?

    Customers may transfer their booking or any Credit on File to another person who satisfies all the relevant conditions to the tour, provided that we are notified not less than 7 days before departure, and the transferee agrees to these booking conditions and all other terms of the contract between us. The Client and new booker are jointly and severally responsible for any outstanding payments and a transfer administration fee of GBP50 / USD75 / CAD100 / AUD100 / NZD100 / EUR75 / ZAR1000 / INR5000 or GBP100 / USD150 / CAD200 / AUD200 / NZD200 / EUR150 / ZAR2000 / INR10,000 if the transfer is made less than 60 days before departure. Important Note: Certain arrangements may not be amended or transferred after they have been confirmed (for example flight tickets, Gorilla Permits) and any alteration could incur a cancellation and rebooking charge of up to 100% of that part of the arrangements.

Reviews of this operator

Jasmine Montaque (Google Reviewer)  

We had a Great 9...

30-Aug-2023

We had a Great 9 day trip to Egypt ! Everyone we “encountered” were excellent! We absolutely loved our guide. We are Looking 👀 to book another trip with Encounters Travel!

sandra mooney (Google Reviewer)  

From the time we landed...

24-Aug-2024

From the time we landed in Cairo we were treated as VIP’s. Nadine our Tour leader kept on checking on us throughout the journey. We were fortunate to have Fayed and Hossam as the tour guides, they took their time to explain the sites throughout each excursion. Everyone made us feel safe and well looked after.

Miriam Huguet (Google Reviewer)  

I did the Discover Egypt...

06-Jan-2022

I did the Discover Egypt and I definetely recommend it. They take care of every detail (they manage to do our PCR with the stamp that we needed). They book quite comfortable hotels and the guide and the local guides are extremely good and passionate about their work. I would repeat it!! :)

Aries FFPro (Google Reviewer)  

Wish I could rate Encounters...

04-Dec-2021

Wish I could rate Encounters higher! From the onset, Anthony (Ant) was professional and extremely knowledgeable, and far more helpful than I had hoped. He always had time to respond to my inquiries and never showed any sign of frustration...no matter how many times I asked the same question. Meeting Saul at the Cairo airport shows just how valuable the RIGHT travel rep is: he had us go from the gate to getting our visas to picking up our luggage and out to the waiting van in 15 minutes! UNBELIEVABLE! Saul also checked in with us almost daily to make sure everything was to our satisfaction. Our guides Big Mu and Mahmoud were fantastic in their knowledge of the sites, the history of the area and where to get the best bargains. Encounters Travel made this trip of a lifetime 100x better than anything I had hoped for. I cannot recommend Encounters strongly enough...if you have Egypt on your bucket list, like we did, book safely and securely with Encounters!

Renee Hage (Google Reviewer)  

I so appreciated the care...

18-May-2024

I so appreciated the care taken by all the staff ensuring that we were well taken care of and had no problems. They were very responsive to all of our questions. The tour itself was incredible!

Erin Scott (Google Reviewer)  

Just finished a dreamy 9...

05-Dec-2019

Just finished a dreamy 9 day Discover Egypt Tour with our guide, Mohamed El-Maghrabi. I can’t say enough about this tour and Mohamed. Everything exceeded my expectations. Somehow each new day was better than the last. The tour was perfectly laid out and organized, and everything went super smoothly. Mohamed was attentive and thoughtful to each of our individual needs. From early check-ins, delicious pre-arranged restaurant excursions, and assisting with trip add-ons, Mohamed was a superstar. Not to mention his knowledge and passion for egyptology. The additional encounters support staff at each location was an added bonus that enhanced an already smooth operation. The trip went way too fast! I didn’t want it to end. I recommend this trip to anyone who wants to see as much of egypt as possible in a short amount of time! I’ll never forget this whirlwind adventure!

Claire Carter (Google Reviewer)  

I was unsure what to...

25-Oct-2023

I was unsure what to expect but it was far better than I thought. Collected from the airport and thoroughly looked after until I was returned to the airport 10 days later. The times, travelling and food was as advertised. The guide and sights were beyond my expectations. Fantastic tour.

Mary Radoccia (Google Reviewer)  

Northern India solo trip. ...

09-May-2024

Northern India solo trip. Some of the hotels were past their prime as 4 star establishments. Paid a substantial amount for side trip to varanasi which was supposed to be 3 days, 2 nights. It turned out to be really 1 day, 2 nights. Plane left after 8pm and we didn't arrive at hotel until after 11pm. Had to leave at 5.30am the following day and we didn't get back to hotel until after 10pm. The following day we had to leave hotel at 8am for flight back to dehli. We could have left for varanasi in the afternoon as originally implied and left on a later flight back to dehli. Everyone not staying extra days then had to spend 6 to 10 hours waiting for their flight home.The one day in varanasi was great but I wouldn't have gone if I knew the time frame. Not worth money either. Also bus used on trip was old, bad suspension and rattled Window style was old so not very good for taking photos. My view was shared by most of the other travellers. I think the standard of travel via Encounter has dropped over the past years based on comments from some of the others.

Melissa Goodwin (Google Reviewer)  

BUYER BEWARE Before you book anything...

17-Jun-2024

BUYER BEWARE Before you book anything with Encounters Travel, be SURE to read all of the fine print. This is especially important regarding their cancellation policy and the deposit you will forfeit. I didn't find that we'd completely lost our deposit until I contact the company to process a cancellation. I thought I could cancel for a full refund up until a certain point, but apparently I was mistaken. I booked a 3-night late-September boat trip at the end of May, and mid-June we realized we couldn't take it. It's been less than 3 weeks since I booked the trip and it's over 3 MONTHS until the trip will take place, so you know they will have no issue filling our two spots. Even so, we are out $250 each for our trip. They are within their rights to not refund the deposit - I should have waded through the fine print to find this buried detail. But they also have the choice to refund the deposit given the circumstances. Don't make the same mistake I did. READ EVERYTHING BEFORE YOU BOOK. Better yet, consider not booking with Encounters Travel.

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Book with Confidence

  • Transfer as credit to Future Tours

    Encounters Travel allows you to transfer existing payments to a future tour to avoid cancellation fees if you can't travel and inform encounters travel, 60 days before departure.

  • Low Deposit

    Encounters Travel requires a minimum deposit of 150 GBP per person or the full booking value, whichever is less, with the final balance not due until 60 days before departure.

  • Cancellation Policy

    We don't charge a cancellation fee, here is a summary of encounters travel charges.

    Up to 61 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of deposit.

    At 60 days before tour starts: Forfeit 35% of booking price.

    At 41 days before tour starts: Forfeit 70% of booking price.

    At 27 days before tour starts: Forfeit 90% of booking price.

    At 14 days before tour starts: Forfeit 100% of booking price.

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