7-Day Nature Itinerary in Lebanon - October 2023

1. Day 1: Beirut
   20 minutes (7 miles) from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport

   Visit the Jeita Grotto, a limestone cave system with underground lakes and stunning rock formations.

2. Day 2: Bcharre
   2 hours (62 miles) from Beirut

   Explore the Cedar Forest Reserve and admire the majestic ancient trees. Visit the Gibran Khalil Gibran Museum, dedicated to the famous Lebanese writer and artist.

3. Day 3: Tripoli
   1 hour 30 minutes (46 miles) from Bcharre

   Visit the San Stephano Cathedral and the Mamluk-era Citadel of Tripoli for history and stunning architecture. Take a walk through the Rachid Karameh Fair, a bustling marketplace.

4. Day 4: Batroun
   1 hour (30 miles) from Tripoli

   Enjoy a day at the Palm Islands Nature Reserve, an archipelago of three islands with diverse flora and fauna. Relax in the charming coastal town of Batroun and visit the St. George Church.

5. Day 5: Zahle
   1 hour 30 minutes (42 miles) from Batroun

   Take a scenic drive through the Bekaa Valley and admire the vineyards and mountains. Visit the Berdiel Park and the Zahle Souks for shopping and local food.

6. Day 6: Baatara Gorge
   1 hour (28 miles) from Zahle

   Hike to the Baatara Gorge Waterfall, a natural wonder with a unique cave-like formation. Visit the nearby Monastery of St. Anthony of Qozhaya, a historic religious site.

7. Day 7: Sidon
   1 hour 30 minutes (33 miles) from Baatara Gorge

   Explore the Sea Castle of Sidon and the Khan al-Franj, a restored 17th-century caravanserai. Visit the Soap Museum to learn about traditional soap-making methods.

Time and Costs Estimates

• Jeita Grotto (2 hours, $20)
• Cedar Forest Reserve & Gibran Khalil Gibran Museum (3 hours, $15)
• San Stephano Cathedral & Citadel of Tripoli (2 hours, $10)
• Palm Islands Nature Reserve & St. George Church (4 hours, $25)
• Bekaa Valley Scenic Drive, Berdiel Park & Zahle Souks (5 hours, $30)
• Baatara Gorge Waterfall & Monastery of St. Anthony of Qozhaya (3 hours, $10)
• Sea Castle of Sidon, Khan al-Franj & Soap Museum (4 hours, $15)
Total Estimated Costs: $125