Beiteddine Palace

PRIVATE GUIDED TOUR

This magnificent palace, nowadays in part the official summer residence of the Lebanese President, was built by the Emir Bechir, the Ottoman-appointed Governor of the region in the early 19th century. It is one of the best examples of Lebanese architecture from this period.  The palace consists of three main courtyards.  The Dar al-Wousta courtyard (pictured) is at the centre of the palace and is the most attractive, with its marble fountain and a number of exquisite rooms to be visited around its perimeter.  The highlight of the visit is the extensive collection of Byzantine mosaics, the finest in the eastern Mediterranean, housed in the lower part of the palace. There are graceful depictions of animals and a wealth of geometric and stylised designs.

DEIR AL-QAMAR

Across the valley from Beiteddine Palace, and also visited on this excursion, is the attractive town of Deir al-Qamar (pictured below).  There is an air of Tuscany about the place, largely due to the influence of Italian architects imported by the Lebanese ruler Fakhreddine in the 17th century.

Includes private transportation, guide and entrance fees.