Adventurous Week in Lebanon

Saturday, October 14: Beirut

Start your adventure in the vibrant city of Beirut. In the morning, explore the historic neighborhood of Gemmayze with its narrow streets lined with trendy cafes and boutiques. Head to the National Museum of Beirut in the afternoon to learn about Lebanon's rich history. As the evening sets in, visit the bustling Mar Mikhael district known for its lively nightlife and street art.

• Gemmayze: Free, 3-4 hours
• National Museum of Beirut: $10, 2-3 hours
• Mar Mikhael: Free, evening

Sunday, October 15: Jeita Grotto and Byblos

Embark on a day trip to the Jeita Grotto, a stunning natural wonder. Spend the morning exploring the cave complex by boat and on foot, marveling at the impressive stalactites and stalagmites. In the afternoon, visit the ancient city of Byblos, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Explore its archaeological sites and wander through the charming old souks.

• Jeita Grotto: $18, 3-4 hours
• Byblos: Free, 2-3 hours

Monday, October 16: Cedars of God and Qadisha Valley

Head to the breathtaking Kadisha Valley in the morning, known for its stunning landscapes, monasteries, and hiking trails. Visit the Monastery of Qozhaya, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and take a hike through the picturesque valley. In the afternoon, explore the majestic Cedar forest in the Cedars of God reserve, home to some of the oldest trees in the world.

• Qadisha Valley: Free, 4-5 hours
• Monastery of Qozhaya: Free, 1-2 hours
• Cedars of God: $5, 2-3 hours

Tuesday, October 17: Baalbek

Visit the ancient city of Baalbek, known for its impressive Roman ruins. Spend the morning exploring the monumental temples of Jupiter, Bacchus, and Venus, marveling at their grandeur and historical significance. In the afternoon, take a hike to the nearby Baalbek quarry, where you can see the famous unfinished stone, known as the Stone of the Pregnant Woman.

• Baalbek: $10, 4-5 hours
• Baalbek quarry: Free, 1-2 hours

Wednesday, October 18: Tyre

Travel to the coastal city of Tyre, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Start your day by exploring the ancient ruins, including the Roman Hippodrome and the Al-Bass archaeological site. In the afternoon, visit the vibrant Souk al-Madina, where you can shop for local crafts and taste delicious Lebanese street food.

• Tyre: Free, 4-5 hours
• Souk al-Madina: Cost varies, 2-3 hours

Restaurants

• Start your day with a hearty Lebanese breakfast at Cafe Younes. Enjoy their delicious flatbread topped with za'atar and olive oil, paired with a cup of strong Lebanese coffee. Average cost for a meal is about $10 per person.
• For lunch, head to Al-Sultan Ibrahim, a seafood restaurant known for its fresh catches from the Mediterranean Sea. Try their grilled fish or seafood platter, served with a side of tabbouleh. Average cost for a meal is about $25 per person.
• End your adventurous day with a dinner at Byblos Sur Mer. This restaurant offers a stunning panoramic view of the Mediterranean Sea and serves a variety of Lebanese and international dishes. Don't miss their signature dish, the grilled lamb chops. Average cost for a meal is about $35 per person.

Thursday, October 19: Chouf Mountains and Beiteddine Palace

Discover the natural beauty of the Chouf Mountains in the morning, home to the stunning Shouf Biosphere Reserve. Take a hike through the reserve, immersing yourself in the lush greenery and enjoying panoramic views. In the afternoon, visit the magnificent Beiteddine Palace, an architectural gem showcasing Ottoman and Lebanese craftsmanship.

• Chouf Mountains: Free, 4-5 hours
• Beiteddine Palace: $10, 2-3 hours

Friday, October 20: Batroun and Cedars Nature Reserve

Visit the charming coastal town of Batroun in the morning. Explore its historic old town, relax on the beautiful beaches, and visit the Phoenician Wall. In the afternoon, head to the Cedars Nature Reserve, where you can hike through the picturesque forest and enjoy the tranquility of nature.

• Batroun: Free, 3-4 hours
• Cedars Nature Reserve: $5, 2-3 hours

Restaurants

• A charming breakfast spot in Batroun is Cafe Paradiso, which offers a delightful menu of fresh pastries and delicious Lebanese breakfast dishes. The average cost for a meal here is about $10 per person.
• For lunch, head to Colonel Beer, a trendy brewery and restaurant located in Batroun. Enjoy their amazing selection of craft beers and delicious pub-style food. The average cost for a meal here is about $15 per person.
• For dinner, try Douma Restaurant in Cedars. This cozy restaurant offers authentic Lebanese cuisine with a beautiful mountain view. The average cost for a meal here is about $25 per person.

Hidden Gems and Local Favorites

For adventure enthusiasts, a hidden gem in Lebanon is the Tannourine Cedars Forest Nature Reserve. Located in the Tannourine village, this reserve offers hiking trails, camping opportunities, and stunning views of the cedar trees. Another local favorite is the Baatara Gorge Waterfall, a unique natural wonder that cascades through a sinkhole, creating a mesmerizing sight for visitors.

Check out hotel and flight prices for your adventurous trip to Lebanon!