Highlights of Lebanon

Arrive in Beirut, Lebanon's historic capital city. Broken down into many different districts on the edge of the Mediterranean Sea, Beirut is a city of contrasts and home to a diversity of ethnicities, languages, religions and cultures.

For those arriving on time our Leader plans to welcome you in the hotel reception at 7pm and offer information on where to go out for dinner. There are no other activities planned today, so you are free to arrive in Beirut at any time. If you would like an airport transfer today, you'll need to arrive into Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY), which is around 30 minutes from the hotel depending on traffic. Due to flights arriving throughout the evening on day one, the official welcome meeting will take place after breakfast on day two.

If your flight arrives earlier in the day, perhaps you might choose to take a walk along the sea front or go in search of freshly-cooked falafel to get a taste for the Middle East. Stay: Le Commodore Hotel (Comfortable)

After breakfast we'll make our way to the National Museum. Starting here we can begin to understand the civilisations that have shaped Lebanon. The museum is located at the end of the Green Line; this line divided the city during the 15 year civil war, during which time the museum was closed and its facade suffered serious damage. Artefacts on display range from sarcophagi from the Phoenician period to ornate mosaics from the Roman city of Baalbek.

Much of the city has been rebuilt since the civil war ended in 1990, but there are plenty of reminders and we'll pass the bullet-ridden Holiday Inn before moving further down the Green Line to visit Martyrs Square and the Mohammad Al Amin Mosque. The mosque resembles the Blue Mosque in Istanbul and its minarets stand at 65 metres tall making it a very useful navigation tool!

Walking along the Corniche is a must when in Beirut and we'll join locals strolling along the promenade to Pigeon Rocks. With the sea to one side you can take stop, take in the city landscape and start to understand how the city was divided during the war and how the regeneration projects have created modern-day Beirut.

Our hotel, located in the Hamra neighbourhood, has a fascinating history as it was used as a base for journalists covering the war. Before dinner tonight we'll take a drink in the bar and understand a little more about what life was like in Beirut between 1975 and 1990. Stay: Le Commodore Hotel (Comfortable) (B)

This morning we'll leave the city and drive south to Tyre. Once dubbed the 'Queen of the Seas' for its flourishing seafaring activities, Tyre is now well known for its UNESCO-listed Roman archaeological legacy. We'll visit two well preserved sites which give an insight into the Roman and Byzantine period of Tyre's history before travelling to Sidon. Previously an important trade port on the Phoenician sea route, Sidon is now a busy seaside city, where remnants of its ancient past can be found at every turn. We'll start at Qalaa al-Bahr, a defence sea castle built in 1228 by the crusaders. The castle is a great display of how each civilisation built on the previous one, with Roman ruins used by the Crusaders to add support to the walls, then the Ottomans arriving and building a mosque on the west wall of the castle. We'll explore the narrow souks and pass by Khan al-Franj, a caravanserai which dates back to the 17th century, offering lodgings for merchants and traders who travelled through on their way to the Mediterranean.

There are many good spots to eat in Sidon and we'll have lunch here before moving inland to the Chouf area of Lebanon. Our base for tonight is the sleepy town of Deir Al-Qamar, set on a hilltop looking down towards the coast it is a great place to relax. Stay: L'auberge des Emirs (Comfortable) (B)

We'll take a short drive to the 19th century Beiteddine Palace complex. Beiteddine translates to 'House of Faith' and the palace is built on the remains of a Druze hermitage. The design is an intricate mix of Italian Baroque architecture and Arabian styles which perfectly symbolised the power and wealth of its creators.

Crossing over the Chouf Mountains we'll visit the Chouf Biosphere Reserve before descending into the fertile Bekaa Valley and drive to the village of Ammiq, set on the slopes of Mount Lebanon. Here the villagers mostly work in agriculture and are using less intensive, more environmentally friendly methods of farming. We'll have lunch in Tawlet Ammiq, a community restaurant which celebrates and showcases traditional recipes using the freshest ingredients. We'll have time here to relax and enjoy the sweeping mountain views before continuing our journey through the Bekaa Valley and on to Byblos, stopping enroute at a small family run small Arak factory, where it's possible to try some of this grape based spirit. Stay: Ahiram Hotel (Comfortable) (B/L)

This morning we wake up by the sea in Byblos, an ancient port city rich in history and home to some of the earliest known inscriptions using the Phoenician alphabet. After breakfast, we'll walk to the 12th century Crusader Castle to take a guided tour of this fascinating archaeological site, taking in panoramic views of the surrounding coastline from. There are ruins in various stages of decay dating as far back as the Bronze Age and the site is an excellent reminder of the numerous civilisations that have ruled this area.

The afternoon will be free to shop in the old Ottoman souks, choose a quiet spot for a strong coffee or head down to the fisherman's' harbour to watch the sunset over the Mediterranean. Alternatively, enjoy an optional wine tasting at an award-winning winery.

There are many choices for an evening meal but the seaside location means a great selection of fresh fish options. Stay: Ahiram Hotel (Comfortable) (B)

We have a relaxed start to the morning with free time In Byblos harbour. Later in the morning we'll drive into the mountains and the fertile terraces of the Qadisha Valley. We'll stop to see the Cedars of Lebanon Forest and, weather permitting, we'll take a short walk amongst cedars that are over 100 years old.

We'll then make our way to St Anthony's Monastery where we spend the night. Dating back to the 12th century, the monastery is still in operation today under the control of the Lebanese Maronite Order, home to resident hermits and the centre of many pilgrimages. We'll be spending the night in the simply-furnished guesthouse that has been built within the monastery grounds, from where we can enjoy the tranquil valley views and, on a clear night, some star gazing. Stay: St Anthony's Monastery (Simple) (B/D)

We'll wake early this morning to the sound of the monastery bells ringing and there will be an opportunity to attend the monks' morning prayers inside the church. The Catholic service is conducted in Arabic and Aramaic, and everyone is welcome to attend. After the service there will time for breakfast before a short walk in the valley down to the small settlement of Al Fraidis. The gentle walk follows dirt paths, surrounded by fruit trees and the route offers spectacular views through the valley and is a great chance to look back at the monastery which is built into the cliff face.

Leaving the Qadisha Valley behind, we'll travel back towards the Mediterranean coast to Batroun. One of the world's oldest settlements dating back over 5,000 years, Batroun has played an important role in different phases of ancient civilisations, but is now a relaxed coastal city. We'll walk around the ancient sea wall, the fort and the old souks before lunch. For a refreshing break, be sure to try a glass of the Batrounian lemonade - it is said that people come from near and far to try it and the locals fiercely debate who makes the best!

We'll then start our journey back to Beirut, stopping on the way at the breath-taking Jeitta Caves. The caves were discovered by chance by an American missionary out on a hunting expedition; he fired his gun towards the sound of running water and investigated more on hearing the echoes. The upper section of the cave has a 750 metre pathway allowing you to walk beneath giant stalactites and look down on the river water and stalagmites below. The entrance to the caves is a little touristy with a toy train, but once in the caves, photography is banned and noise is kept to a minimum to give you the chance to fully appreciate this impressive feat of nature where it takes at least 100 years for 1cm of new rock to form.

Returning to Beirut we'll celebrate the last night of the trip with a traditional mezze dinner. In Lebanon food is such a key part of family life and is an experience to be enjoyed; tables are covered generously with small mezze dishes that are shared and accompanied with home-grown wine. There is something for everyone and particular favourites include fresh tabbouleh salad, grilled meats and smoky baba ghanoush. Stay: Le Commodore Hotel (Comfortable) (B/L/D)

The trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Beirut.

There are no activities planned today, so you are free to depart from Beirut at any time.

If your flight is departing later in the day luggage storage facilities are available at our hotel. If you would like an airport transfer today, you need to depart from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY), which is around 30 minutes from the hotel depending on traffic. (B)