Embark on a captivating journey from Beirut on a small-group tour that unveils the treasures of the Bekaa Valley region. Marvel at the magnificent Baalbek temple complex, boasting the awe-inspiring structures of Bacchus and Jupiter, among the grandest Roman temples ever erected. Delve into the historic allure of the old city of Anjar, a remarkable testament to Umayyad urban design. Indulge your senses with tastings of red, white, and rosé wines at Château Ksara. This full-day Lebanese excursion covers all entrance fees and treats you to a delectable Lebanese lunch.
Inclusions & Exclusions
✔ Tour Leader
✔ Local guide
✔ Hotel Pick up & Drop off
✔ In-vehicle air conditioning
✔ Lunch at a local Lebanese restaurant
✖ Gratuities
Pickup Locations
1. Honey House Hotel
2. Universal Residence
3. Universal Residence
4. Shade Suites
5. Astra Hotel
6. Assaha Ghobeiry Hotel
7. Divan Hotel Apartments
8. Palm Ville Suites
9. Taj Suites Modern
10. Savoy Comfort Hotel
11. Q Studios Hotel
12. Marble Tower Hotel
13. Green Furnished Apartments
14. Ramada Plaza by Wyndham Beirut Raouche
15. Raouche Arjaan by Rotana
16. Radisson Blu Hotel, Beirut Verdun
17. Palm Ville Suites
18. Crowne Plaza Beirut, an IHG Hotel
19. 41 Twelve
20. Bayview Hotel
Additional Info: Pick up guests from hotels and any places of residences located in Beirut. Guests should be ready in the lobby of their hotel at 8:00 am for the pickup. People who wish to join the tour and are located outside Beirut should meet us at our office in Beirut before 8.00 am.
Itinerary
1
Temples of Baalbek
The complex of temples at Baalbek is located at the foot of the south-west slope of Anti-Lebanon, bordering the fertile plain of the Bekaa at an altitude of 1150 m. The city of Baalbek reached its apogee during Roman times. Its colossal constructions built over a period of more than two centuries, make it one of the most famous sanctuaries of the Roman world and a model of Imperial Roman architecture. Pilgrims thronged to the sanctuary to venerate the three deities, known under the name of the Romanized Triad of Heliopolis, an essentially Phoenician cult (Jupiter, Venus and Bacchus).
Duration: 1.5 hours
2
Sayyida Khawla Shrine
The Mosque of sayeda Khawla in Baalbek, Lebanon is erected on the site where Sayyida Khawla, the daughter of Imam al-Hussein, the grandson of the Prophet Muhammad, is believed to have been buried. People of Baalbek believe that when the caravan of captives of Karbala passed Baalbek, The daughter of Imam al-Hussein, called Khawla passed away and was buried there.
3
The Stone of the Pregnant Woman is a worked Roman monolith in Baalbek, Lebanon. Together with another ancient stone block nearby, it is among the largest monoliths ever quarried. The two building blocks were presumably intended for the nearby Roman temple complex, and are characterized by a monolithic gigantism that was unparalleled in antiquity.
Duration: 15 minutes
4
Umayyad Ruins of Aanjar
The Umayyad Ruins of Aanjar bears outstanding witness to the Umayyad civilization and a good example of an inland commercial centre, at the crossroads of two important routes: one leading from Beirut to Damascus and the other crossing the Bekaa and leading from Homs to Tiberiade. The site of this ancient city was only discovered by archaeologists at the end of the 1940s.
The ruins of Anjar include the walls of the Umayyad palace, harems, a mosque, the great palace of the Caliph, thermal baths, and many pillars which include some elements of the Roman architectural style.
Duration: 45 minutes
5
Chateau Ksara
Located in the Bekaa Valley and founded in 1857 by Jesuit Priests, Château Ksara developed the first dry wine in Lebanon. The winery produces approximately 3 million bottles annually, that can be found and purchased in many different countries.
Duration: 60 minutes
Additional info
• Infants are required to sit on an adult’s lap
• Suitable for all physical fitness levels
