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DAY 1: ARRIVE BEIRUT Upon arrival today in Beirut, you will be met and transferred to your hotel for a three-night stay. Beirut was once known as the “ Paris of the Middle East” because of its cosmopolitan atmosphere and many boutiques, shops, and galleries. Today it is a city of contrasts: beautiful architecture exists alongside ruined buildings; traditional houses in jasmine-scented gardens are dwarfed by modern buildings; winding old alleys turn off from wide avenues; and deluxe new cars vie with vendor carts. If time permits, enjoy a brief introductory city tour. DAY 2: DAY TRIP TO SIDON & TYRE After breakfast, drive south toward Sidon to visit the Sea Castle, colorful souks (markets), and the Great Mosque. Continue south to Tyre to visit the Necropolis and some of the other great monuments from the Roman era. The oldest part of Tyre is located on a peninsula while the modern town is slightly inland. Further south, you will come to Echmoun, where a well-preserved Roman road passes through a monumental archway. Along one side runs an aqueduct; on both sides, there are hundreds of ornate, intricately-carved stone and marble sarcophagi. The ruins' hippodrome, built in the 2nd century AD, was one of the largest of the Roman period, able to accommodate 20,000 people. After your tour, return to Beirut for the night. (B,L) DAY 3: DAY TRIP TO ANJAR & BAALBECK Depart this morning by road to the town of Anjar, the only site in Lebanon dating exclusively from the Umayyad Period. Tour the ruins before proceeding to Lebanon’s greatest Greco-Roman treasure, Baalbeck. During the Roman era, Baalbeck was the premier city in Roman Syria. This great acropolis, one of the largest in the world, includes the temples of Bacchus, Venus, and Jupiter. The perfect harmony of the site’s proportions and its massive scale impresses even the most jaded world traveler. After your visit, return to Beirut for a night. (B,L) DAY 4: BEIRUT - BYBLOS - TRIPOLI Depart this morning along the Mediterranean coast to the ancient town of Byblos to tour the old harbor and the excavated ruins from the Phoenician, Greek, Roman and Crusader periods. Byblos dates to the 5th millennium BC. Today, you can explore the 12 th Century crusader castle and the many archaeological ruins in the area. Continue north along the Mediterranean Sea to the city of Tripoli, where you will spend two nights. Tripoli is Lebanon’s second largest city, with a long and colorful history dating to Phonenican times. Its medieval fortresses and covered souks -- along with the hospitable locals -- make it a lovely destination. (B,L) DAY 5: DAY TRIP TO CEDARS & KADISHA After breakfast, head out to see Lebanon’s cedar trees. These ancient trees, more than 1,000 years old, are the last remnants of cedar groves that once covered the Mt. Lebanon range. Explore the picturesque area before continuing to Kadisha Grotto in the beautiful Kadisha Valley, home to Lebanon’s early Maronite community. This area is one of the most charming in Lebanon. Spend some time walking or hiking in the area before returning to Tripoli for overnight. (B,L) DAY 6: TRIPOLI - AFKA - FAQRA - BEIRUT Depart south to the Afka Grotto, the site where, according to Greek legend, Adonis was killed by a wild boar. In Paradise Lost, Milton wrote of this site and its famed river, which runs red every spring. Though locals believe this annual occurrence symbolizes the blood of the slain Adonis, scientists have discovered that the water is actually stained by the iron-rich soil. Visit the Roman shrine, dedicated to the Goddess Venus, and the other numerous shrines. Next visit the mountain area of Faqra, highly regarded for the scenic Greek ruins that overlook the valley. Conclude the day in Beirut where you will spend two nights. (B,L) DAY 7: EXCURSION TO JEITTA GROTTO & HARISSA Depart this morning to another of Lebanon’s natural wonders: Jeitta Grotto. Tour the spacious caverns of stalactites and stalagmites and enjoy a River Styx-like boat trip. From Jeitta, travel to Harissa for an unforgettable cable car ride up the mountain to see the view of Jounieh Bay. At the top, you can tour the Orthodox church and marvel at the massive statue of the Virgin Mary. Return to Beirut for your final night and last opportunity to enjoy one of Beirut’s many excellent restaurants and clubs. (B,L) DAY 8: DEPART BEIRUT Transfer today for your international departure. (B) |