Day 01 : Arrive Beirut
Merhaba! Welcome to Lebanon. The local hospitality is immediately evident on our arrival, as we are welcomed, transferred to Beirut and checked into our hotel, our home for the next week. Overnight: Lancaster Hotel, Beirut (7 nights)

Day 02 Baalbek / Anjar
We traverse the Mount Lebanon range on a relaxing and scenic drive through the Beqaa plain. A short drive of 85 km / 53 miles from Beirut brings us face to face with Lebanon\\\'s greatest treasure of the ancient world, Baalbek. This Phoenician city was the seat of worship to a triad of deities, it was known as Heliopolis during the Greek period and retained its religious function even in Roman times when the sanctuary of Heliopolitan Jupiter drew thousands of pilgrims. Baalbek, with its colossal structures, is one of the most impressive examples of Roman architecture at its apogee. The site includes the temples of Jupiter, Bacchus and Venus, with the remarkable Great Court and the Hexagonal Forecourt. We enjoy an in-depth study of this heritage site, before we drive to a local winery to sample their delicious products. The ruins of Aanjar, a city founded by Caliph Walid I at the beginning of the 8th century, has a very methodical layout, reminiscent of the palace-cities of ancient times and is a unique testimony to Omayyad city-planning. (B, D)

Day 03 Bcharreh / Qozhaya / Cedars
Drive along the coastal highway towards Chekka, then ascend east through some of the most beautiful mountain landscapes in Lebanon, continually gaining altitude and offering spectacular views of peaks and gorges, where the Holy Valley (Qadisha) is, and the red-roofed Bcharri, the main town of the valley. But before visiting the town, drive another 4km to visit the Cedars of Lebanon, where some trees are over 1000 years old. Back to Bcharri to visit the museum of Gobran Khalil Gobran, the internationally famous writer and poet. (B, D)

Day 04 Deir El Kamar / Beiteddine
Drive to Damour, a small town, 17km south of Beirut, and climb another 26km east, passing through the charming town of Deir el-Qamar (the residence of Lebanese governors during 16th century), till you reach the imposing palace of Beiteddine. The palace is the best example of early 19th century Lebanese architecture, built over a 30-year period by Emir Bashir. Visit the palace complex and its museums (costume & weapons of that era) as well as a fine collection of well-preserved Byzantine mosaics. (B, D)

Day 05 Tyre, Sidon & Eshmoun
Our journey through Lebanon begins with a visit to Tyre, named after the founder of Carthage, and formerly the greatest of the Phoenician city-states. Located 83km / 52 miles south of Beirut, Tyre is a designated World Heritage Site. Our tour starts with a visit to the excavated ruins that consist of three parts: the south side of the old Phoenician island-city that includes a large site of colonnades, public baths, mosaic streets and a rectangular arena, the northern site ruins observed from the road, and the third area on the landward side east that consists of the most impressive archaeological remains, such as the Roman necropolis and hippodrome. Next we enjoy a scenic drive back along the coastal road to visit another important Phoenician town, Sidon, with its Sea Castle and old covered souqs. Prior to our return journey we visit the incredible Phoenician Temple complex of Eshmoun on the city\\\'s northern gate. (B, D)

Day 06 Beirut & Byblos
Our tour of Beirut also takes us on the Corniche, where we have an impressive aerial view of the bay and the famous Pigeon\\\'s Rock. The road then continues along a beautiful sandy beach and the prestigious residential area of Ramlet El-Baida. Our morning tour ends with a visit to the National Museum. Later we travel to a town that goes back 7,000 years, claiming to be one of the oldest continuously inhabited settlements in the world. Located 37 km / 23 miles north of Beirut, Byblos is a small charming town with an impressive history. Visiting its ancient sites, we explore the old part of the town on foot, starting from fishermen\\\'s harbour, leading uphill towards the Church of St. John the Baptist and the souqs. (B, D)

Day 07 Jeita / Harrisa
Drive 20km along the highway north of Beirut to visit the Dog River, for its commemorative inscriptions that have been left behind by conquering armies between 2nd millennium BC. and 1949 AD. Proceed to the nearby principal source of the River, Jeita, a beautiful natural wonder, and best caverns in the Middle East. Transfer by cable car to the caverns, which consist of two parts, lower & upper galleries. The lower ones are visited by boat ride, while the upper caverns on foot. Enjoying the refreshingly cool temperature, the sound of rushing water, columns and sculptures that have been formed by water and time, supported by an effective lighting system, allowing glimpsing the uppermost roofs. Proceed along the coastal road to Jounieh; take the Telepherique up to the outstretched arms of the Virgin of Lebanon in Harissa- a breathtaking view of the bay. (B, D)

Day 08 Depart Beirut
After an interesting insight into the country that rightfully claims to be the cradle of civilization, we bid farewell with our transfer to Beirut airport for our departure flight. (B)