Nature and History

 

Beirut	1 night
Bcharré	2 nights
Zahlé	1 night
Chouf Mountains	1 night
Beirut	1 night

CHOICE OF ACCOMMODATION - See price grid below

7 days from £1345

excluding international flights

 

Head for the heights and discover the spectacular beauty of the Qadisha Valley and the Chouf Mountains; walk through some of the finest scenery in the Middle East and visit many of Lebanon's superb historic attractions on this unique private journey.

 

DAY 1 - Arrive Beirut.

On arrival in Beirut you will be met by a representative of WorldDiscovery outside immigration and customs. You will then be taken byprivate car direct to your hotel. Recommended flight from London: MEA (Middle East Airlines) from London Heathrow (see below). If you are travelling from a country other than the UK we would be happy to give you guidance on your flight options.

DAY 2 – Beirut, Byblos, Ehden, Bcharré.

After breakfast your World Discovery guide will collect you from your hotel and take you on a short tour of Lebanon's capital city, including a visit to the excellent National Museum of Beirut [more] .  Then drive north along the Mediterranean coast to the charming port of Byblos [more], where you will explore the ancient ruins and have lunch before continuing into the mountains to the town of Ehden on the northern rim of the stunning Qadisha Valley.  Enjoy a moderate walk in the nature reserve at an altitude of around 1850 metres (6,075ft) viewing the forests of cedar, pine and oak.  Transfer to your hotel in the town of Bcharré for 2 nights.  
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner.

DAY 3 - Qadisha Valley.

A full day in the Qadisha Valley [more].
Meals included: Full breakfast, dinner.

DAY 4 - Baalbeck.

After breakfast drive from the mountains to the Bekaa Valley to visit Lebanon's most famous attraction - the breathtaking ruins of Baalbeck [more], including lunch at the historic Palmyra Hotel beside the ruins.  Continue to Zahlé in the afternoon.
Meals included: Full breakfast, lunch, dinner.

DAY 5 - Barouk Nature Reserve, Beiteddine.

Drive into the Chouf Mountains for a gentle walk (approximately 4 hours) in Barouk Nature Reserve.  This beautiful reserve is home to 200 species of birds, 19 of which are considered endangered worldwide, and 26 species of mammals, as well as a rich flora; botanists have discovered 30 indigenous plants which are to be found only in Lebanon.  Afterwards proceed to the hill town of Deir al-Qamar and the Palace of Beiteddine [more]. Overnight in the Chouf Mountains.
Meals included: Full breakfast, dinner.

DAY 6 - Sidon.  Return to Beirut.

In the morning head south to the Phoenician port of Sidon (pictured left) [more] before returning to Beirut for an afternoon at leisure and overnight.
Meals included: Full breakfast.

DAY 7 – Homeward flight.

Private transfer to the airport for your homeward flight.
Meals included: Full breakfast.

International Flights.

We recommendthe services of MEA (Middle East Airlines) from London Heathrow.  Flights are daily throughout the year.Current timings (subject to possible change) are as follows:
Heathrow/Beirut. Depart at 12.10; arrive Beirut at 18.40
Beirut/Heathrow. Depart at 07.40; arrive Heathrow at 10.45

Nature and History (Tour Reference: WDLB004)

2010 Departures
Price per person based on a minimum of two persons travelling together:

Daily departures	Standard	Superior
1 May to 14 Jun	£1345	£1435
15 Jun to 4 Oct	£1370	£1548

Standard Hotels
Beirut - The Lancaster
Bcharré - Chbat Hotel
Zahlé - Monte Alberto
Chouf Mountains - Barouk Palace

Superior Hotels
Beirut - Le Méridien
Bcharré - Chbat Hotel
Zahlé - Hotel Grand Khadri
Chouf Mountains - Mir Amin Palace

Single Room Supplements on request.

The price includes:

• Hotel accommodation as listed above in twin-bedded rooms with private facilities
• 6 full breakfasts, 2 lunches and 4 dinners as shown in the itinerary
• Private transportation throughout
• All sightseeing as shown, including entrance fees
• The services of your own private driver throughout
• The services of a private English-speaking guide for the included walking and sightseeing

Not included in the price:

• International flights (see our recommendation above). We are happy to discuss the flights with you and give you further guidance
• Optional sightseeing
• International airport taxes
• Tipping. We will be pleased to give guidance in this often sensitive matter
• A Lebanese Visa. This can be obtained before departure from Lebanese Embassyin London, or alternatively you can purchase the visa on arrival at Beirut Airport (recommended).  The current price for obtaining your visa on arrival is US$17, to be paid in cash by the passenger (no forms or photos required).  Your passport should not contain any Israeli stamp or visa.

A deposit of £200 per person is required at the time of booking. The balance of the price for your travel arrangements must be paid at least 8 weeks before your departure date.