Taste of Lebanon

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~~$2480~~

$2368

Taste of Lebanon

8 Days Starting and ending in Beirut, Lebanon

Visiting: Beirut, Byblos, Chtoura, Baalbek

Tour operator:

Encounters Travel

Tour code:

397

Specialist Group:

18-30 Somethings

Guide Type:

Fully Guided

Group size:

1 - 30

Physical rating:

All Ages / Not applicable

Age range:

6-95

Special diets catered:

Request dietary needs

Tour operated in:

English

From:

$2480

$2368 Exclusive Tourhub Members Discount: -$112

NB: Prices correct on 20-May-2024 but subject to change.

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Tour Overview

For those who not only like to explore the country in which they are travelling, but also 'taste it', look no further than our Taste of Lebanon tour! This 8 day tour will not only allow you to experience some of the best of what Lebanon has to offer in terms of tourism, but satisfy your appetite for Middle Eastern cuisine too. Whilst exploring the country with your private tour guide, we'll make stops along the way to try different local dishes. These experiences will include, but are not limited to: Goat Cheese tasting, Wine tasting, Kaaket Knefe, Kebbeh Zghertwiye, Arak Alochol and Local Beer, Lebanese Ice Cream, Lahem Baajin, Lemonade tasting, Foul & Balila, Fatteh & Bayd Bil Kawarma, Sfiha Baalbakiye and of course Falafel.

Highlights

Goat Cheese tasting
Wine tasting
Kaaket Knefe Breakfast
Kebbeh Zghertwiye Lunch
Arak
Lebanese Ice Cream
Lahem Baajin Breakfast
Lemonade tasting
Foul & Balila Breakfast in Jounieh
Fatteh & Bayd Bil Kawarma
Sfiha Baalbakiye
Falafel

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Itinerary

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Day 1 : Beirut

Location: Beirut

Accommodation: Hotel, Byblos Hotel

Meals Included: No Meals

On arrival at Beirut International Airport you’ll be greeted by one of our representatives and then transferred to your hotel in Byblos. The drive will pass through central Beirut and north up the coast, taking around 1 hour subject to traffic. Depending on your arrival time we may arrange some short stops along the way. On arrival in Byblos you check in and have the rest of the day free to relax and explore your new surroundings at your leisure.

Day 2 : Gout Blanc Factory - Byblos City

Location: Byblos

Accommodation: Hotel, Byblos Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

We start early today as we make our way to Annaya to try the best SAJ breakfast, which is a type of Middle Eastern flatbread baked on a dome or convex metal griddle. This domed-shape allows the bread to maintain its flat shape. The dough is rolled out very thin prior to baking and is topped with thyme, cheese, minced lamb and more.

Later, we make our way to Gout Blanc, the goat cheese factory. We'll explore its goat farm, where you'll get insight into how this delicacy is made. You'll also enjoy a goat's cheese tasting on the farm.

Next, we stop at a local shop where you can buy some Lebanese culinary products before we make our way to Chateau Musar, which was the first vineyard in Lebanon to receive organic certification. Its vines have been cultivated for over 6000 years, with the Phoenicians being credited in bringing vines and wines from Byblos to all areas of the Mediterranean.

We'l have lunch at the Fenikia Restaurant, where you can enjoy many Lebanese dishes before we reach Byblos - the world's oldest continually inhabited city. It's charming Phoencian Harbour and rich historical and archaeological heritage makes it one of the most famous places to visit in Lebanon.

Day 3 : Museum Gebran In Becharre, Bnachii Lake. Overnight In Byblos

Location: Byblos

Accommodation: Hotel, Byblos Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

We travel north today, stopping to taste delicious Kaaket Knefe (a Lebanese street bread) followed by an after-breakfast drive to visit Becharre, famously known as being the birthplace of Khalil Gibran - Lebanon’s most celebrated literary figure - author of “The Prophet”.

This picturesque museum of Khalil Gibran offers excellent views over the Qadisha valley and contains hundreds of his paintings and manuscripts.

Later, we proceed to Qadisha Valley, also known as the Holy Valley, where the early Maronite community established itself. The valley has also been dubbed as a world heritage site by UNESCO is steep sided with springs, waterfalls and dotted with ancient monasteries, and churches.

We’ll now take a much deserving lunch break in the Rachiine – Zgharta area (Lebanese Mezza with Grilled Chicken, Kebbe Zghertewiye and fruits with Arak, beer and soft drinks.

After lunch, we visit Bnachii Lake, located not far from Zgharta north Lebanon. This beautiful lake is revered for its beautiful surroundings and clear water.

Day 4 : Tripoli - Batroun Overnight In Byblos

Location: Byblos

Accommodation: Hotel, Byblos hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we head to Tripoli City where we’ll also have breakfast at Al Hallab; Kaser El Helo, which has been considered one of Tripoli’s most renowned landmarks, visited by thousands of people from all parts of the globe.

After breakfast, we start our tour in the city of Tripoli, it has two main parts: the port area of Al Mina and the old city on the landside dates from the Mameluk epochs - a maze of narrow, alleyways, colorful souks, hammams, khans, mosques and madrasa’s all dominated by the crusader castle.

The afternoon, we’ll proceed to Batroun, but before we start touring, we’ll stop for lunch at ‘Merchak Al Baher’, where you’ll be served the most delicious seafood with a stunning view on one of the best beaches in Lebanon.

Batroun is a small coastal town mentioned in the tablets of Tell al-Amarna as a dependency of the king of Byblos. Today the remains of a Phoenician harbour are visible at the small fishing port and its two churches of St Stefano and St Georges. Batroun is known for its fresh lemonade - be sure to give it a try.

Day 5 : Jeita Grotto, Beirut Tour, Overnight In Chtaura

Location: Chtoura

Accommodation: Hotel, Chtaura Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we head to the Jounieh area to taste the amazing Foul and Balila - a Middle Eastern vegan breakfast dishes consisting of cooked beans - Hummus flavoured with lemon jus, and garlic served with olive oil, chopped parsley, and tomatoes.

After breakfast, we visit Jeita Grotto; its upper and lower galleries contain one of the world’s largest and beautiful collections of stalactites and stalagmites.

We’ll also discover Harissa by cable car and admire from the top of the Basilica - one of the most beautiful bays in the Middle East.

Later, we head back to Beirut and visit the capital of Lebanon - a city of contrasts. Here you’ll find beautiful architecture, small houses nestled in the shadow of tall modern buildings.

Day 6 : Baalbek, Taanayel Farm, Kefraya Winery

Location: Baalbek

Accommodation: Hotel, Chtaura Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

After breakfast, we drive to Baalbek through the fertile Bekaa valley - called Heliopolis or “the City of the Sun” by the Greeks and Romans, who dedicate the main temple to Jupiter the god of the sun and two other temples to Venus and Mercury, Jupiter’s partners in the triad of God.

Just a few kilometers from Zahle you’ll find the pretty Village of Taanayel – rich with bountiful farms, breathtaking scenery, and vineyards.

Taanayel is a true haven that can be visited all year long – its alleys made of a multitude of trees, ducks roam the small lake’s calm water, vineyards that bring Italy’s Tuscany to one’s mind and white vacant benches. Here, you will visit the little monastery chapel – Lady of Consolation, the farm, and Taanayel Lake.

Day 7 : Deir El Qamar, Sidon Overnight In Beirut

Location: Beirut

Accommodation: Hotel, Beirut Hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

Today we’ll take a drive to visit Deir El Qamar which translates to “monastery of the moon” – this charming village was chosen by Fakherddine as the capital of Lebanon in the 17th century.

We continue to the Beiteddine Palace, which was built in the 19th century over a period of 30 years by Emir Bechir II Chehabi around a former Druze hermitage. Today the palace is considered as the great surviving achievement of the Lebanese architecture.

After lunch, the tour will continue to Sidon - one of the most important Phoenician city-states. Sidon is a rapidly growing town, the administrative and commercial capital of the south, where you can have a stroll in the old souks and visit the Crusader Sea castle, Khan El Franj, the Great mosque, and many other interesting places.

Day 8 : Departure

Location: Beirut

Accommodation Name: N/A

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today is your last day in Lebanon. You will transfer from your hotel to the airport for your flight back home.

What's Included

7 nights in 4-star hotels in Beirut, Byblos & Chtaura
24-hour airport arrival & departure transfer service
Entrance fees to sites visited
All sightseeing tours as detailed in the itinerary
All transport and transfers in AC vehicles
English speaking guide for all tours
Meals as indicated in the itinerary (7 breakfasts plus MANY foodie experiences)

What's Not Included

International flights (available on request)
Visa fees (free on arrival for most nationalities)
Travel insurance (compulsory, available from Encounters Travel)
Meals not indicated in the itinerary
Hotel gala dinner supplements if applied on Christmas & New Year's Eve
Drinks, snacks and other personal expenses (e.g. laundry)
Tips
Any other items not mentioned above

Mode of Transport

A/C car/minivan

Accommodation

Boutique / 4-star hotels

Check out our Q&As

Are vaccinations required for this tour?

You should ensure you are fully insured for medical emergencies including emergency evacuation and repatriation. Recommended vaccinations and other health protection measures vary according to the country you are visiting and where you are travelling from. We recommend you contact your GP/medical practitioner or a travel clinic for current information on vaccinations needed for your destination. You should ensure that you are up to date with vaccines and boosters recommended for your normal life at home, including for example, vaccines required for occupational risk of exposure, lifestyle risks and underlying medical conditions. In addition, additional courses or boosters normally recommended for the countries in this region are: Egypt: Tetanus, Typhoid, Hepatitis A Jordan: Tetanus, Hepatitis A Israel: Hepatitis A, Poliomyelitis Lebanon: Dipheria, Hepatitis A Malaria is not generally present unless it has been contracted abroad; you do not need to take malaria prophylactics. More information is available here: Egypt, Jordan, Israel, Lebanon Note: We are aware of some places in Egypt using 'black henna' instead of pure brown henna. Black henna contains a chemical dye PPD (paraphenylenediamine) which can result in severe allergic reactions and resultant scarring. To be safe we recommend avoiding any henna tattoos while in Egypt unless you are certain they are using pure brown henna.
Do you require a visa for this holiday?

Visa arrangements are the responsibility of the traveller, and requirements are subject to change by the local authorities. For many nationalities visiting Lebanon a visa on arrival is possible at Beirut International Airport. This applies to most countries of the Commonwealth, European Union, Russia, Japan and the US continent. Even if you are eligible for a visa on arrival, it is prudent to check up to date requirements with your nearest Lebanese consulate. Other nationalities may require a visa prior to arrival and to obtain this in advance, please contact your local Lebanese embassy or consulate or a visa agency for details. IMPORTANT: The Government of Lebanon denies entry to Israeli passport holders, Israeli visa holders (valid or expired) and those with any evidence of travel to Israel within their passport.
What currencies are required for this tour?

The local currency in Lebanon is the Lebanese Pound (called Lira). You do not need to arrange to bring any Lebanese currency with you as exchange facilities are available in the international airports and in most hotels, banks and bureau de changes in major towns. You should try to obtain and keep hold of small denomination notes or coins on you during the tour as these are useful for toilets, tips and small purchases. ATMs are readily available in major towns and many local shops will accept VISA/Mastercard or Amex, but may charge additional fees - check before you pay. Travellers cheques are not recommended as they can not be changed in many places now, and can incur high fees. Due to the huge recent devaluation of the Lebanese currency, if you withdraw money from an ATM or pay for things with your credit card you will be charged the official bank exchange rate which is very different to the actual operating rate used locally. We therefore recommend that you bring enough US Dollars or Euros in cash with you to cover your required spending money during the tour and do not plan to use your credit card while in Lebanon. You can change this hard currency to Lebanese pounds at the current rates while you are there - please ask your guide for assistance on appropriate places to change your money. While in Lebanon you will need sufficient funds to cover meals not included in the itinerary, drinks, snacks, souvenirs and personal expenses such as laundry. These should generally all be paid for in local currency, though tips for guides and drivers may be paid in hard currency (GBP, USD, EUR). It is difficult to recommend a level of personal spending money which will suit everyone as this can differ greatly, but as a guideline, we would suggest allowing USD 25-35 per person per day as a minimum. Allow more if you plan on doing lots of shopping, or buying many alcoholic drinks.
Are the local guides on the tour English speaking?

In Lebanon we provide fully trained, local English-speaking guides for all of the sightseeing tours. At Encounters Travel we aim to only use local guides and reps. We feel this gives you the best experience of the country and the sites you are seeing.
Is there a limit to luggage that can be brought on the tour?

There is no luggage limit for this tour. However, most airlines restrict you to between 20kg and 25kg for your hold luggage and between 5kg and 10kg for hand luggage. Please check with your airline before travelling to the airport.

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 from travellers on this tour

Trico Plumb

Google Review

January 2021

Awesome trip. Our guide was amazing and the trip exceeded our expectations.

Lia Aiello

Local Guide

January 2021

Very professional and customer service oriented company. All of the staff I encountered were thoughtful, and accommodating. When there was a bit of a concern I had, I was not brushed off and treated rudely as I've experienced with other companies; my concern was addressed immediately in a fair manner. I highly recommend this tour company; they treat people with respect and honestly seem to want your trip to be the best it can be

Claire Carter

Google Review

December 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.

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1 Dates & Availability

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May
2024 Jun
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2024

Friday - Friday

May 24, 2024 - May 31, 2024

~~$2480~~ $2368