Travel Itinerary Comparison: Lebanon (July 19-26) vs Italy (Aug 30-Sep 6)

Lebanon Trip: July 19 - 26, 2025

Day 1: July 19 - Departure & Arrival in Beirut

Morning: Depart from Manila Ninoy Aquino International Airport to Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport.

Afternoon: Arrive in Beirut, check-in at hotel, rest or light exploration of Beirut Central District.

Evening: Dinner at a local Lebanese restaurant near Hamra Street.

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Day 2: July 20 - Beirut City Exploration

Morning: Visit the National Museum of Beirut to explore rich Lebanese history.

Afternoon: Walk around Beirut Waterfront and the Raouché (Pigeon Rocks).

Evening: Enjoy nightlife and dinner in the Zaitunay Bay area.

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Day 3: July 21 - Day Trip to Jeita Grotto & Harissa

Morning: Visit the Jeita Grotto, a famous limestone cave system.

Afternoon: Take the cable car to the Our Lady of Lebanon Shrine in Harissa.

Evening: Return to Beirut; casual dining and rest.

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Day 4: July 22 - Byblos and Coastal Exploration

Morning: Travel to Byblos, one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world.

Afternoon: Explore the ancient souks and the Byblos Castle.

Evening: Dinner at a seaside restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean.

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Day 5: July 23 - Chouf Mountains & Cedars

Morning: Visit the Chouf Cedar Reserve and enjoy light hiking.

Afternoon: Explore traditional villages like Bsharri or Beiteddine.

Evening: Return to Beirut; relax at hotel or local café.

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Day 6: July 24 - Leisure Day in Beirut

Morning: Leisurely breakfast and shopping in Avenue de l'Église or local markets.

Afternoon: Visit Beirut Souks and enjoy modern Lebanese cuisine.

Evening: Early night or visit a rooftop lounge with city views.

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Day 7: July 25 - Wedding in Batroun

Morning: Travel to Batroun, famous for its seaside charm.

Afternoon: Attend the wedding ceremony and festivities.

Evening: Continue celebrations and return to Beirut late evening.

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Day 8: July 26 - Return to Manila

Morning: Pack and depart from hotel.

Afternoon: Travel to Beirut International Airport for flight back to Manila.

Evening: In-flight.

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Time and Cost Estimates (Lebanon)

• Flight Manila-Beirut roundtrip (2 pax): ~24 hours total, ~$1,200 per person, $2,400 total
• Accommodation (7 nights, mid-range hotel): ~7 days, $100 per night, $700 total
• Local transport (taxis, car hire): Daily usage, ~$50 per day, $350 total
• Food & Dining: ~$40 per person per day, $560 total
• Excursions & Tickets (Jeita Grotto, Byblos, cable car): Varied activities, $100 total
• Wedding attire/gift & incidental costs: ~$150
• Total Estimated Cost: $4,260

Tips

To reduce trip duration, consider shortening day trips to Byblos and Chouf, allowing more time to relax in Beirut. To extend, add visits to southern Lebanon regions like Tyre or Sidon, or explore more of the mountainous areas for nature hikes and cultural tours.

Italy Trip: August 30 - September 6, 2025

Day 1: August 30 - Departure from Dubai to Barcelona

Morning: Depart from Dubai International Airport to Barcelona-El Prat Airport.

Afternoon: Arrive in Barcelona, transfer to hotel, brief city stroll near La Rambla.

Evening: Dinner at a tapas bar in the Gothic Quarter.

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Day 2: August 31 - Barcelona to Verona

Morning: Morning sightseeing in Barcelona visiting Sagrada Família.

Afternoon: Flight or train to Verona, check-in at hotel.

Evening: Dinner near Piazza delle Erbe.

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Day 3: September 1 - Verona Exploration

Morning: Visit Arena di Verona and Juliet's House.

Afternoon: Explore Ponte Pietra and enjoy local cafes.

Evening: Stroll and dine at Piazza Bra.

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Day 4: September 2 - Day trip to Lake Garda or Extend in Verona

Morning: Optional trip to Lake Garda or extra sightseeing in Verona museums.

Afternoon: Continue exploring Lake Garda or Verona’s historic alleys.

Evening: Return to Verona for dinner.

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Day 5: September 3 - Verona to Rome

Morning: Travel by train from Verona to Rome.

Afternoon: Check-in at hotel and visit Spanish Steps and Piazza Navona.

Evening: Dinner in the Trastevere neighborhood.

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Day 6: September 4 - Rome Ancient Landmarks

Morning: Tour Colosseum and Roman Forum.

Afternoon: Visit the Vatican Museums and St. Peter’s Basilica.

Evening: Relax at Piazza del Popolo and dinner nearby.

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Day 7: September 5 - Rome Leisure and Departure Prep

Morning: Free time shopping or visiting Trevi Fountain and Pantheon.

Afternoon: Pack and rest.

Evening: Final dinner in Rome, possibly a rooftop restaurant.

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Day 8: September 6 - Fly Back to Dubai

Morning: Transfer to Rome Fiumicino Airport for return flight to Dubai.

Afternoon & Evening: In-flight and arrival.

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Time and Cost Estimates (Italy)

• Flight Dubai - Barcelona roundtrip (2 pax): ~14 hours total, ~$500 per person, $1,000 total
• Flight/Train Barcelona-Verona and Verona-Rome: ~6 hours train/flights combined, $150 total
• Accommodation (7 nights, mid-range hotels): ~7 nights, $150 per night, $1,050 total
• Local transport (metro, taxis, trains): $30 per day average, $210 total
• Food & Dining: $60 per person per day, $840 total
• Entry fees (museums, Colosseum, Vatican): $150 total
• Total Estimated Cost: $3,400

Tips

For a shorter trip, focus on just Verona and Rome, skipping Barcelona. To extend, include more northern Italy gems like Venice or Milan after Verona or add a day for a Tuscany day trip from Rome.