HIDDEN

Lebanon

HIDDEN
LEBANON

Lebanon
 -1- Hidden Lebanon
-1- Hidden Lebanon

B eirut’s oft-invoked “Paris of the East” designation is

certainly well deserved, with plenty of sightseeing, shop-
ping, cuisine, and nightlife to keep any fast-moving bon
viveur within the city limits. However, also consider the fab-
ulous countryside beyond Beirut if you’re looking for a true
taste of Lebanon, an experience best found through a more
lengthy exploration of the country’s mountain villages,
quaint seaside towns, and vibrant agricultural hamlets.

L ebanon beyond Beirut offers leisurely hikes in beau-

tiful mountain gorges, through red-roofed villages and
past cedars that are many hundreds of years old. Tour the
country’s many archaeological and religious sites, and
spend the next day learning about organic farming with
lunch at the farm. Pick cherries and apricots in the Bekaa
Valley, and round it off with a glass of wine fashioned from
grapes grown in the Bekaa’s vineyards. Snowmelt-fed
rivers come to life in spring with challenging runnable
rapids, while the Mediterranean coast offers diving, snor-
keling, or windsurfing.

C learly, whatever off-the-beaten-path activity you

seek, one thing’s for sure: your Lebanon itinerary can be
as action-packed, culturally decadent, or whimsical as you
choose!
General Information about Lebanon Climate: Sub-tropical by the sea;
Mediterranean in low altitudes;
Capital: Beirut Alpine climate in the mountains;
Population: approximately 3,5 million Semi-arid in the Bekaa Valley
Area: 10,452 sq. km.
Principal languages: Arabic, French, English
Elevation Principal religions: Islam, Christianity
Highest point: 3,090 meters (Qornet es-sawda)
Lowest point: sea level Currency: Lebanese Pound
B lue sky and warm Mediterranean waters, fresh air and rugged
mountain peaks, and the pleasant chill of snowmelt-fed rivers make
Lebanon a perfect destination for nature and outdoor enthusiasts. Spend
a leisurely afternoon snorkeling. Dive off the coast. Take a multiple-day
trek through ancient cedar forests and mountains. Lebanon’s compact
size will allow you to explore much of its natural beauty and cultural
diversity in a single trip.

I n this country of rich biodiversity, nature-lovers will enjoy watching

endangered sea turtles come to shore for breeding, or taking guided
nature walks in the north in search of rare orchids, medicinal plants, and
wildflowers. The varied terrain enables adventure-lovers to try virtually
any outdoor sport under the sun, including climbing, hiking, rafting,
cycling, and skiing. There’s something for everyone!
-2- Natural Lebanon
-2- natural Lebanon
2A Outdoor Adventure

O utdoor adventure in Lebanon is being promoted by an

increasing number of small, enthusiastic outfitters, who arrange
a wide array of outdoor excursions (hikes, mountain biking,
caving, rock climbing, rafting, etc.) throughout the year. In the
summer, try diving off the coast of Byblos or Sidon to explore
the submerged Roman and Phoenician ruins. In the winter, add
skiing, snowboarding, snow shoeing, and cross-country skiing
throughout Lebanon’s alpine areas to the list of outdoor activi-
ties. Hiking, cycling and caving can be done in any season.

F or those seeking serious adventure and adrenaline, why

not explore the country from the vantage point of a paraglider?
Alternatively, harness up and rock climb and rappel your way to
the more inaccessible rock-cut sanctuaries and hermitages
hanging precipitously from steep mountain cliffs.
 2B Winter Sports

W ith six ski resorts catering to skiers and

snowboarders of all skill levels, and with miles of
backcountry for cross country skiing and snowshoe-
ing, Lebanon is a little-known winter paradise.
Each of the ski resorts boasts its own local flavor.
The Cedars Ski Resort (2,000-3,086m), near Mount
Makmel (2,800m), is located on the highest range
and offers the most scenic landscapes. Faraya-
Mzaar (1,830-2,465m), on Mount Sannine
(Ouyoune el Simane), is the best resort in terms of
world-class infrastructure and facilities. Other
resorts, such as Laqlouq (1,650-1,920m) and
Qanat Bakish (1,910-2,050m), are known for their
family-oriented, friendly atmosphere. Faqra (1,735-
1,980m) and Zaarour (1,700-2,000m) are private
ski resorts, with special “peak” times reserved for
members.
 2C Nature & Environment

F rom majestic mountains and beautiful, shaded forests to

dramatic, gushing rivers and avian-rich coastal marshes,
Lebanon has a rich ecosystem waiting to be explored. To pro-
tect and conserve the country’s rich biodiversity, the government
has created a number of nature reserves. For example, the Al-
Shouf Cedar Reserve covers 5% of Lebanon’s land area and is
home to 25% of Lebanon’s remaining Cedar trees. The Horsh
Ehden Reserve contains ancient indigenous forests, 40% of
Lebanon’s plant varieties, as well as endangered animal
species. The Palm Islands Reserve, off the coast of Tripoli, is a
nesting place for over 300 species of migratory birds and an
egg-laying spot for endangered Mediterranean sea turtles.
Plant enthusiasts will also enjoy photographing Lebanon’s wild
species of orchids, irises, lilies, and cyclamen, which bloom all
over the country from spring to fall.
Other nature reserves that are worth visiting: Bentael Reserve,
Tannourine Cedars Reserve, Tyre Beach Reserve and the
Yammouneh Reserve.
2D Agriculture &
Rural Heritage

A n agricultural tour of Lebanon begins

on the subtropical coast, ripe with citrus fruits
and banana trees. Proceed up the terraced
slopes of the Mount Lebanon range where
Mediterranean fig and olive trees have grown
since Biblical times. The snowy peaks above
are interspersed with cedar and juniper trees.
Passing over the mountains, you will descend
into the Bekaa valley where the dry air and
bright sun nurture the famous vineyards, pro-
ducing highly praised grapes and wine since
ancient times. In the North you can visit
orchards to pick your own apples and pears.
Search for the perfect souvenirs amongst the
superbly crafted pottery, blown glass, cutlery,
inlaid and carved wood, and olive oil soap in
the rural villages. Stay at a small inn or bed &
breakfast in a traditional, red-roofed mountain
town, and delight in your discovery of
Lebanese culture and hospitality.
 -3- Cultural Lebanon
-3- cultural lebanon

M odern-day Lebanon is like a mosaic, characterized by

a diversity of cultures, traditions, and religions. Because of its
location at the crossroads of Asia, Europe, and Africa,
Lebanon has been shaped by many civilizations throughout its
long history. These diverse influences are evident in the
extraordinary richness of the country’s archaeological sites.
From Stone Age settlements to Phoenician city-states, from
Roman temples to rock-cut Christian hermitages, from
Crusader Castles to Mamluk mosques and Ottoman ham-
mams, the country’s historical sites are a true encyclopedia of
ancient and modern world history.

M odern Lebanese society is characterized by this same

cultural and architectural diversity. As you walk the streets of
downtown Beirut, you will pass domed mosques and steepled
churches, French cafes and Arab souqs. Cultural diversity is
reflected in language, cuisine, the arts, and the country’s reli-
gious heritages – Sunni, Shiia, and Druze Muslims; Maronite,
Eastern Orthodox and other Christians; and many others.

A visit to any of Lebanon’s ancient archeological ruins,

traditional villages, or religious sites will truly give you a taste
of the cultural mosaic of this captivating country.
3A History &
Ancient Civilizations

A trip through Lebanon is a journey through the

annals of some of the world’s greatest civilizations. In
the city of Byblos, archaeologists have discovered the
earliest known settlements in Lebanon, dating back to
5,000-3,000 BC. The Phoenicians (1,200-334 BC),
great seafarers and the originators of the first phonetic
alphabet, left their imprint in the ruins of the city of
Byblos, the Tomb of King Hiram near Tyre, and the
Temple of Echmoun in Sidon. The Romans construct-
ed some of their largest temples and hippodromes in
the world in Lebanon, most notably in Baalbeck and
Tyre (see World Heritage Sites). The impressive
Umayyad city of Aanjar, dating from the early 8th cen-
tury, contains the remains of over 600 small shops,
colonnaded boulevards, baths, and palace grounds.
Relics and ruins, citadels and castles, churches, monas-
teries and mosques mark the Byzantine era, the Arab
Conquests, the Crusader invasions, and the reign of
the Mamluks and Ottomans, presenting a fascinating
journey through Lebanon’s history.
3B Religious &
Spiritual Heritage

L ebanon is an ancient land that

has embraced two of the world’s major
religions, Christianity and Islam.

L ebanon’s Christian heritage can

be traced back to the Old Testament.
The Bible mentions the land of
Lebanon on 70 occasions, and the
famed Cedars of Lebanon are fre-
quently cited as a symbol of beauty
and strength. In addition to the many
Biblical sites located in southern
Lebanon, the Qadisha Valley, also
known as the “Holy Valley,” reveals a
wealth of hidden, rock-cut monaster-
ies, grottoes, and sacred sites from the
earliest days of Christianity.

L ebanon’s Muslim heritage can be

traced to the 7th century AD, when Islam
was introduced by the Umayyad
caliphate from the Arabian Peninsula.
The Umayyad dynasty was the first of two
major Muslim dynasties following the
prophet Muhammed. The Umayyads
and their successors, the Abbasids, ush-
ered in a rich period of Islamic art, archi-
tecture, learning, and culture, and this
tradition continues to flourish today.
There are numerous mosques and spiri-
tual places from the Sunni, Shiite, and
Druze Muslim traditions throughout the
country.
 3C Lebanese Cuisine

W ith an outstanding reputation for its food and

wine, a traditional dining experience in Lebanon often
turns newcomers into lifelong devotees. Lebanese hors
d’œuvres, or mezzes, are the savory beginning to any
traditional meal. Hot pita bread, small bowls of olive
oil, and fresh thyme accompany these dips and salads.
Entrées typically include stuffed grape leaves, triangu-
lar pastries stuffed with meat or spinach, kibbeh
(minced lamb), and grilled meats served with a choice
of tahini or garlic sauce. Desserts, such as baklava, are
traditionally sweetened with honey, jam, dried fruits, or
molasses.

C omplement your meal with Arak, the national

drink, an anise-flavored liquor similar to the French
Pastis or Greek Ouzo, or choose from a fine selection
of Lebanese wine. The well-regarded wineries such as
Châteaux Ksara, Kefraya, and Musar all produce wines
that have won international acclaim in the wine press
and in various competitions. The grapes come prima-
rily from the Bekaa Valley, where many of the wineries
are also located.
3D Lebanese Crafts

O ver the ages, skilled Lebanese artisans have per-

fected the art of creating beautiful blown glass, jewelry,
inlaid and engraved wooden boxes and furniture, tex-
tiles, and linens. The colorful, blown-glass decanters,
water carafes, and glasses particular to Lebanon date
back to Phoenician times. Wood workers carve intri-
cately designed boxes and furniture and inlay them with
mother-of-pearl or small pieces of wood. The ebony-
and bone-handled cutlery, which originated in the city
of Jezzine, is so well regarded that it has been present-
ed to dignitaries all over the world. Traditional olive oil
soap, increasingly popular in foreign countries, is
entirely natural, pure, and moisturizing.

I n Beirut, you can find traditional products from all

over Lebanon at private artisanat shops and at Ministry
of Tourism hosted shops in Achrafieh and along the
Corniche. Definitely explore the souqs in Tyre, Sidon
and Tripoli, and inquire about specialty shops wherever
you go on your journey through Lebanon.
F ashionable and trendy, Beirut is the cultural epi-
center of Lebanon. The city is bustling with life and oozing
with charisma. Beirutis live life to the full, taking in all the
city’s gastronomic delights, ambience, and leisure activi-
ties until the wee hours of the morning.

R enovation and reconstruction has been ongoing

for over a decade. Beirut’s new architecture – which
includes contemporary high-rises, as well as Parisian-
style buildings constructed in the old tradition with
beautiful wrought iron work – blends well with the old.
And the old can be very old. Visit the ruins of the
Roman Baths near the Grand Serail, the Parliament
building, the Al-Omari Mosque, and St. George’s
Cathedral. The National Museum and the American
University of Beirut Archaeology Museum showcase
antiquities from Lebanon’s past.
 -4- Chic Lebanon
-4- CHic Lebanon

S hopping is a quintessential leisure activity in

downtown Beirut. Lebanese track the European fashion
trends closely in both interior design and clothing, and
the country supports its own echelon of fashion and fur-
niture designers, artists, and photographers. Their work
can be seen in galleries, shops, and boutiques
throughout the city. The traditional crafts are also a big
pull: hand-made olive oil soaps, Jezzine cutlery made
from animal horns, boldly designed silver and gold
jewelry, and hammered copper trays with arabesque
designs are not to be missed.

N ightlife in Beirut merits a special note. Get

warmed up for your evening at one of Beirut’s state-of-
the-art health clubs. Then watch the sun set over cock-
tails and mezzes at a seaside restaurant or rooftop bar.
Check out performance schedules (theatre, all kinds of
music, and dance), and head downtown. For late night
activities, try your luck at the Casino du Liban or “see
and be seen” at one of Beirut’s many trendy nightclubs.
-5- World Heritage Sites
-5- WorlD Heritage sites

A n ancient land, Lebanon features prominently in writings

from the Old Testament to the History of Herodotus (440 BC). Its
cities were major Mediterranean outposts and seaports in
Phoenician, Greek, Roman, and Umayyad times. Consequently,
the Lebanese countryside is awash with majestic and historically fas-
cinating ruins. Five of the most outstanding sites - Aanjar, Baalbeck,
Byblos, Tyre, and the Qadisha Valley/Cedars Forest - are listed as
UNESCO World Cultural and Natural Heritage sites. To explore
Lebanon is to discover archaeological wonders that are windows
into the cradle of civilization.
 5A AANJAR 600-700 AD

A t only 1,300 years old, Aanjar is one

of Lebanon's newer archaeological sites and
the country's only known ruins from the 7th-
8th century Umayyad dynasty. Most notable
for its graceful stone arches and wide
arcades, Aanjar offers the unique experience
of visiting an ancient Arab Islamic trading hub
that connected Damascus to the
Mediterranean. Situated at the southern end
of the Bekaa Valley, the city of Aanjar is a
model of early urban planning. The city's
wide avenues are dotted with mosques,
baths, storehouses, residences, and the
caliph's palace. Visitors can also see the
remains of over 600 small shops, running
along the colonnaded boulevards - the
ancient equivalent of a modern-day shopping
arcade.
5B BAALBECK 60 BC - 235 AD

B aalbeck's awe-inspiring temples and city ruins are

among the largest and finest examples of Roman architec-
ture in the world. Over a span of 300 years (60 BC - 235
AD), a succession of Roman emperors oversaw the con-
struction of the magnificent temples to honor the divine
Roman trinity: Jupiter, Mars and Venus. Six enormous
columns, of the original 54, remain standing from the
Temple of Jupiter, the largest Roman temple ever construct-
ed. The Temple of Bacchus is the best-preserved Roman
temple in the Middle East. Thanks to the efforts of
German, French, and Lebanese archaeologists, visitors can
now have a glimpse of what the site looked like in its orig-
inal grandeur. Baalbeck is truly a wonder of the ancient
world and should not be missed by any visitor to Lebanon.
 5C BYBLOS 5,000 BC - 1,100 AD

B elieved to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities

in the world, the picturesque seaside city of Byblos is built upon mul-
tiple layers of ruins, dating back to as early as the Stone Age (5,000
BC). The kings of Byblos from the Phoenician period are buried in
nine underground tombs in the royal necropolis. Columns lining the
main thoroughfare, a theater, and a public fountain are among the
architectural contributions left by the Romans. The Crusaders built
their castle and a moat upon large Roman stones. Later, the castle
was renovated and reused by the Mamluks and then the Ottomans.
5D QADISHA VALLEY &
CEDARS FOREST

A lso known as the "Holy Valley," Qadisha houses some of the

most important early Christian monastic settlements in the world and
has been a place of refuge for those fleeing religious persecution since
the 5th century. Rock-cut chapels, grottoes and hermitages are tucked
into the steep walls along the valley. Among the important monaster-
ies located in the valley is Deir Qannoubine, the seat of the Maronite
patriarchs from the 15th to the 19th century.

H igh above the Qadisha Valley and the red-roofed village of

Bcharré are the ancient Cedars of Lebanon. This small grove of
Cedars contains about 300 trees - all are at least 200 years old, and
some are over 1,000 years old. These majestic trees stand as tall as
35 meters high, and their branches form a green canopy that is espe-
cially striking against a backdrop of winter snow. Lebanon's cedars
were highly prized in ancient times for their use in the construction of
great palaces and religious buildings, such as Solomon's Temple in
Jerusalem and the temple of Seti I in Thebes (Luxor, Egypt).

T he small, picturesque villages surrounding the upper rim of the

Qadisha Valley offer a glimpse of traditional Lebanese village life, cui-
sine, and cultural and religious traditions. The Qadisha is also the home
of the famed Lebanese painter and philosopher, Gibran Khalil Gibran,
whose museum and tomb can be visited in the town of Bcharré.
 5E TYRE 3,000 BC - 500 AD

W ith over 5,000 years of history, Tyre is a

historian and archaeologist's delight. Although
remnants from Egyptian, Assyrian, Phoenician,
Greek, Byzantine, Arab, and Ottoman civilizations
remain, it is the Roman and Byzantine ruins that are
most prominent in Tyre today. Highlights include
the largest Roman hippodrome in the world, an
enormous triumphal arch, and an extensive Roman
necropolis. Be sure to visit the three main archeo-
logical sites: Al-Mina, the Crusader Cathedral, and
Al-Bass. In addition, water-lovers can snorkel or
dive in search of underwater Phoenician and
Roman ruins that lie off the coast. Culture-lovers
will enjoy exploring the bustling Ottoman-era
souqs in the old city and visiting the waterside fish
restaurants that overlook the colorful harbor.
 6A
Day1:
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Lebanon 10 days Discovery
Meet & greet at Beirut International Airport.
Transport to a hotel in Beirut.
Day2: Travel to the Tyre region in South Lebanon.
Visit + hiking in the villages of Debel – Beit lif – Qaouzah.
Dinner & overnight stay in a local guesthouse in Aalma ech-Chaab.
Day3: Visit Qana.
(where Jesus performed the miracle of turning water into wine)
Visit the city of Tyre (Roman ruins)
Dinner & overnight stay in Auberge Salha in Old Tyre.
Day4: Travel to the Shouf Region & visit village of Deir el-Qamar
& Beiteddine Palace.
Dinner & overnight stay in a local guesthouse
in the village of Khraibé.
Day5: Travel to & exploration of the Roman ruins at Baalbeck.
Dinner & overnight stay in the Palmyra Hotel in Baalbeck.
Day6: Travel to & visit Lebanon’s famous cedars.
The museum of Khalil Gibran.
Dinner & overnight stay in Hotel Chbat in Bcharré.
Day7: Hiking in the Qadisha Valley.
Dinner & overnight stay in a local guesthouse in the valley.
Day8: Travel to & hiking in the Tannourine Nature Reserve.
Dinner & overnight stay in the Hardini Inn in Hardine.
Day9: Travel to & visit the seaside city of Byblos &
archaeological site.
Free afternoon in Beirut + tour of the city center.
Dinner at a restaurant in Beirut.
Overnight stay in a hotel in Beirut.
Day10: Transfer to the airport.

6B
Day1:
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Lebanon 11 days Trek

Meet & greet at Beirut International Airport.

Transport to a hotel in Beirut.
Day2: Hiking in Aadloun.
Visit the city of Tyre (Roman ruins) – Salha.
Day3: Trekking in the Barouk Nature Reserve.
Overnight stay at a local guesthouse in Khraibé.
Day4: Visit the Roman ruins in Baalbeck.
Overnight stay at the Palmyra Hotel in Baalbeck.
Day5: Trekking in Aakkar / Hermel – Al Jord.
Day6: Trekking in the Al Jord region.
Travel to the Cedars.
Overnight stay at a hotel or auberge in the Cedars.
Day7: Visit Lebanon’s famous Cedars + village of Bcharré.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Bcharré.
Day8: Trekking in the Qadisha Valley.
Overnight stay in a local guesthouse.
Day9: Trekking in the Tannourine Nature Reserve.
Overnight stay at the Hardini Inn or local guesthouse.
in Tannourine village.
Day10: Visit the seaside city of Byblos & archaeological site.
Free afternoon in Beirut.
Overnight stay at a hotel in Beirut.
Day11: Transfer to the airport.

*D = Day
 6C
Day1:
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Lebanon 13 days Archeological Tour
Meet & greet at Beirut International Airport.
Transport to a hotel in Beirut.
Day2: Visit Phoenician settlements, Roman ruins, mosques & churches in
downtown Beirut. Overnight in Beirut.
Day3: Travel to Byblos to visit the ancient walled city of Jbeil, & old souqs
& mosques in Tripoli. Overnight in Tripoli.
Day4: Visit ancient Tell (underground structures) of Arqa, Roman &
Byzantine ruins, & rock-cut necropolis in Qubiyat. Overnight in Qubiyat.
Day5: Visit Menjez Roman Temple. Continue to Sfireh to visit Roman temples.
Proceed to Zgharta for overnight stay.
Day6: Visit Roman Temple of Ain Aakrine. Continue to Hardine to visit
rock-cut monasteries & chapels, old traditional houses,
& Roman temples. Overnight in Hardine.
Day7: Explore the Qadisha Valley.
(monasteries, cave dwellings, murals, etc.).
Overnight in the Cedars.
Day8: Take a short walk to view the Biblical cedars.
Continue to Baalbeck to visit the ruins of Heliopolis
“City of the Sun.” Overnight in Baalbeck.
Day9: Visit Fourzol (rock-cut sanctuary). Stop at the historical winery
of Ksara. Proceed to Aanjar to visit the walled Umayyad city.
Overnight in Chtaura.
Day10: Visit Maaser El Shouf, passing through the protected reserve.
Continue to Beiteddine Palace & Deir El Kamar.
Continue to Sidon to visit the old city & souqs.
Proceed to Tyre for overnight stay.
Day11: Explore the World Heritage Site of Tyre. Proceed to Ras El Ain
to visit the aqueduct & pools. Continue to Qana.
Back to Tyre for overnight stay.
Day12: Visit Qalaat Tebnine. Proceed to Doubeyh (Crusader Castle),
then to Jisr El Khardaleh to visit Esh-Shqif Castle.
Return to Beirut via Sidon. Overnight in Beirut.
Day13: Visit the painted medieval churches of Bahdidat & Maad.
Visit the National Museum. Overnight in Beirut.

6D
Day1:
SAMPLE ITINERARY
Lebanon 7 days Eco Route

Meet & greet at Beirut International Airport.

Transport to a hotel in Beirut.
Day2: Transport to the Palm Islands Nature Reserve.
(Mediterranean marine ecosystem serving as a sanctuary for
300 species of birds, 2,500 palm trees, sea turtles,
& other flora & fauna)
Day3: Visit & hike through Horsh Ehden Nature Reserve.
(Mountainous ecosystem containing 40%
of Lebanon’s plant species.)
Day4: Transport & 3 hour hike to summit of Qornet es-Sawda (3,090m),
Lebanon’s highest peak; great view of Anti-Lebanon range
& Bekaa Valley. Possible snowshoeing or hikes in surrounding areas.
Day5: Transport back to Beirut. Free time & overnight stay.
Day6: Transport to Tyre Coastal Nature Reserve.
(Marine ecosystem providing important nesting site for
endangered sea turtles.) Possible snorkeling elsewhere along
the coast & overnight stay at guesthouse.
Day7: Return to Beirut.
 7A Traveling to Lebanon

Visas
All foreigners must have a valid passport (for at least six months)
and visa to enter Lebanon. Business or tourist visas can be obtained
upon arrival at the Beirut Airport and at other ports of entry on the
Lebanese border. A 15-day visa costs US$17 (LL25,000), and a sin-
gle entry, 3-month visa costs US$35 (LL52,000). Nationals of many
countries can purchase multiple-entry, 3-month visas. GCC country
nationals can obtain free 3-month tourist visas.
Contact the Lebanese embassy or consulate in your country or visit
[http://www.surete-generale.gov.lb] for updates on visa information.

Important Note:Travelers holding passports that contain visas or

entry/exit stamps for Israel are likely to be refused
entry into Lebanon.

Currency
The Lebanese currency is the Lebanese pound or lira (LL).
Over the past five years, the US$/LL exchange rate has been fixed
at around US$1=LL1,500. The exchange rate with the Euro fluctu-
ates with the Euro-US Dollar exchange rate.
Money or travelers checks can be exchanged at banks, private
money exchange shops and major hotels. U.S. dollars are widely
accepted by hotels, restaurants, taxis, etc. in Beirut. Major credit
cards are accepted at most large establishments throughout the
country. ATMs are also widely available in Beirut and larger cities.

Language
While Arabic is Lebanon’s official language, English and French are
widely spoken.
Most Lebanese speak at least two or three languages, and visitors
will find no problems communicating. Many establishments provide
signs, menus, and information in both Arabic and English.
 7B Tour Operators
Lodges & Campsites
Tour Operators Specializing in Nature, Adventure & Cultural Tourism |||||||||||||||
1• Cyclamen Tel.: 961-(0)4-414 697 – (0)3-218 048 Fax: 961-(0)4-402 634
Destination E-mail: cyclamen@tlb.com.lb WEB: www.tlb.com.lb
Nature

2• Ibex Ecotourism Tel.: 961-(0)1-216 299 – (0)3-731 629 Fax: 961-(0)1-339 629
E-mail: ibex_sarl@hotmail.com
WEB: 1stlebanon.net/Lebanon/ibex.html

3• Lebanese Tel.: 961-(0)1-398 996 – (0)3-360 027 Fax: 961-(0)1-398 996

Adventure E-mail: infos@lebanese-adventure.com
WEB: www.lebanese-adventure.com

4• Liban Trek Tel.: 961-(0)1-329 975 – (0)3-291 616 Fax: 961-(0)1-329 956
E-mail: info@libantrek.com WEB: www.libantrek.com

5• Sport Evasion Tel.: 961-(0)1-879 224 – (0)3-451 560 Fax: 961-(0)1-879 225
E-mail: info@sport-evasion.com WEB: www.sport-evasion.com

6• Thermique Tel.: 961-(0)3-288 193 Fax: 961-(0)9-952 706

School E-mail: info@clubthermique.com.lb
of Paragliding WEB: www.clubthermique.com.lb

7• TLB Destination Tel.: 961-(0)3-595 283 – (0)4-419 848 Fax: 961-(0)4-402 634
Adventure E-mail: contact@tlb.com.lb WEB: www.tlb.com.lb

8• Wild ExpeditionsTel.: 961-(0)3-293 210 – (0)1-685 010 Fax: 961-(0)1-615 381

E-mail: wildex@cyberia.net.lb
WEB: www.wild-expeditions.com

Lodges & Campsites ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||

1• AFDC Tel.: 961-(0)3-493 281 – 848 412 Fax: 961-(0)5-280 430 / 431
E.mail: afdc@afdc.org.lb WEB: www.afdc.org.lb

2• La Réserve Tel.: 961-(0)3-633 644 – (0)1-498 775/776 Fax: 961-(0)1-492 660

Afqa E.mail: polaris@inco.com.lb WEB: www.lareserve.com.lb

3• Al Jord Tel.: 961-(0)3- 235 303 – 648 963 Fax: 961-(0)9-944 529
E.mail: info@aljord.com WEB: www.aljord.com

4• Auberge Tel.: 961-(0)7- 741 111 – 665 016 Fax: 961-(0)7-740 111
Salha E.mail: salwalid@inco.com.lb

5• Bzebdine Tel.: 961-(0)3-466 662 - 339 370 Fax: 961-(0)4-542 878

Hidden Valley E.mail: hidvaley@cyberia.net.lb WEB: www.jump.to/ahorse

6• Ecoclub Tel.: 961-(0)3-832 060 Fax: 961-(0)6-678 488

E-mail: info@ecoclub-becharre.org WEB: www.ecoclub-becharre.org

7• Libana Tel.: 961-(0)3-747 282 Fax: 961-(0)1-242 601

Eco-Fun Camp E-mail: libanaecofuncamp@hotmail.com WEB: www.libana.org

8• Sharewood Tel.: 961-(0)3-294 298

camp E-mail: info@sharewoodcamp.com WEB: www.sharewoodcamp.com

9• Sport Nature Tel.: 961-(0)3-678 398 – (0)1-382 141 Fax: 961-(0)1-382 141
E-mail: flck@terranet.net.lb WEB: www.flck.org

10• Tanail Property Tel.: 961-(0)8-510 135 – (0)3 744 047 Fax: 961-(0)8-510 137
E-mail: massaya@massaya.com WEB: www.massaya.com
 BEIRUT
Tel.: 961-(0)1- 985 377 – 983 008
Fax: 961-(0)1- 980 630
P.O. Box: 11-4353 Beirut, Lebanon
Website: www.DestinationLebanon.com

Photo Credit: Ministry of Tourism Library

Caroll Feghali
Pierre Abi Aoun
Pascal Abdallah

Hidden
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