While often just a pit-stop for our pioneers traveling to Syria, Lebanon has a unique history that not only stretches back thousands of years but also remains hugely relevant in the contemporary world.
Lebanon has not been without its troubles in recent decades, suffering from a 15-year-long civil war, occupation by Israel and the controversy surrounding the prominent role Hezbollah still plays in the society.
More recently it has suffered from the destructive explosion at the port in August 2020, as well as hyperinflation and constant power cuts. Do not though let this deter you from visiting Lebanon. With our tour, we show you all the most important must-see historical sites, but also include the YPT dark tourism flair.
On our opening day you’ll do a full city tour of Beirut, the capital of Lebanon. It will cover history, the civil war, as well as the (many) present issues. We’ll also have a look at the explosion site and its stigmatas, as well as paying a poignant visit to the Shatila Palestinian refugee camp. Later that evening we’ll have dinner and drinks in a traditional local restaurant – you’ll understand why Lebanese food is considered one of the best in the world!
You’ll then spend the following day visiting the Jeita grotto, Harissa, and Byblos, one of the oldest cities in the world. Next you’ll partake in the trip highlight exploring around Baalbek, Chateau Rayak, and Anjar. Baalbek is notoriously one of the hardest locations to visit in Lebanon, but you will see how worthy it is by the Temple of Venus (goddess of love, beauty and fertility), the Temple of Bacchus (God of wine and party), and the Temple of Jupiter (the God of Gods; and the largest Roman temple ever built). In tribute to Bacchus, you’ll also sample local wine and the famous local meat pies known as Sfiha Baalbakiyeh.
The highlight of the trip is visiting Mleeta – The Hezbollah Disneyland. Regardless of your thoughts about the organisation this will be your chance to hear and experience the other side first hand. Depending on the geopolitical situation during the tour, that visit may be replaced by a trip to the northern city of Tripoli with still retains its Mameluk charm. There, you will explore Oscar Niemeyer’s unfinished masterpiece, the Tripoli Fairground. Work started on it in 1962, but it was never finished due to corruption and the civil war.
Your tour then finishes in true YPT fashion with a huge feast in Beirut and a visit to the best bar in town famous for it’s hangouts for communists, Soviet kitsch, AK47s and pictures of martyrs.
You can join us on our 4 night, 5 day Lebanon Spring tour before you head to Syria on our Syria Spring tour. It also ties in nicely with our Saudi Spring tour taking place just before.
Sunday 16th February – Beirut
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Monday 17th February – Jeita – Harissa – Byblos
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Tuesday 18th February – Baalbek – Anjar – Chateau Rayak
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Wednesday 19th February – Tyre – Mleeta – Sidon – Beirut
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Thursday 20th February
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