North Lebanon’s main feature lies in its notable number of medieval castles, churches and
monasteries scattered all across its landscape. Many of these crusader structures have
remained to this day and are in use by the local communities. There is also an equal number of
Roman remains some significantly prominent and others not quite unearthed. The discovery of
North Lebanon’s national heritage sites may prove an adventure to tourists and visitors. One
can also gain a greater appreciation of the region by exploring its eco-touristic locations.
what to see and do in “Al-Shamal”
See Lebanon’s second largest city, Tripoli, and search for unique traditional crafts
in the “souk” (traditional marketplace).
Visit the birthplace and tomb of Lebanon’s poet and artist, the world renouned
author of “The Prophet”, Gibran Khalil Gibran, in the town of Bcharré, which
overlooks the Qadisha Valley.
Hike along a rippling river through the cool Qadisha Valley to visit the ancient rock-
cut monasteries.
Marvel at the size and majesty of Lebanon’s 1,000-year-old Cedar trees at Arz El-
Rab (near Bcharré) or the Tannourine Cedars Forest Nature Reserve.
Climb Lebanon’s tallest mountain, Qornet El-Saouda (3,090 m), and take to the
slopes at the country’s highest ski resort – The Cedars.
Grab a boat to Palm Islands Nature Reserve, and watch some 300 bird species
during migratory seasons, endangered sea turtles, and other wildlife.
Go caving or rappel deep into a rocky sinkhole in the mountains near Tannourine.
Explore the dense forests and spectacular scenery and wildlife in the
remote Akkar region on a multi-day hike.
6
Daily Tour
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10 people
Byblos, or Jbeil is considered as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Within its old town
you can still see medieval Arab and Crusader remains, while its archaeological excavations, going back at least
7,000 years, make it one of the most important sites in the country.
In jebil we will be visiting:
• Rock, Stock and two smoking Buds
• Wax Museum
• Saint Charbel Tomb
• Byblous Segway Tour
• Jbeil old souk and shops
Batroun, on the coast south of Tripoli, was known as "Batruna" in the famous Tell al Amarna letters of the
14th century B.C., although its history goes back even further. The town was called "Botrys" in Greco-Roman
times and during the Crusader era it was a seigniory dependent on the County of Tripoli.
In Batroun we will be visiting:
• Mussaylha Fort
• Plams island
From the earliest times Tripoli in North Lebanon was an unusual city due to its configuration for it was not one
city but " three cities in one", hence its name Tripoli or the "Tri-city". Palm Island 30 min from Tripoli Mina,
now a nature reserve for green turtles and rare birds. Declared a protected area by UNESCO in 1992,
camping, fire building or other depredation is forbidden.
• Boat cruise with fishing
• Swimming
• A walk in the island
• Guide
Bsharreh, 1400 meters high, commands a prime position at the head of the Qadisha valley just below the
famous Cedars of Lebanon. In Crusader times it was known as one of the fiefs of the country of Tripoli.
Bsharreh can be reached from Tripoli or through Ehden or through the Koura district starting at Chekka on
the coast. This is the hometown of Gibran Khalil Gibran (1883-1931) the Lebanese poet and painter. A
museum near his place of burial in the rock-cut monastery of Mar Sarkis should not be missed. In this day we
will be visiting:
• Gibran Khalil Gibran museum
• Deir Qozhaya
Qadisha, one of the deepest and most beautiful valleys in Lebanon, is indeed a world a part. At the
bottom of this wild steep-sided gorge runs the Qadisha River whose source is in the Qadisha Grotto at
the foot of the Cedars. And above the famous Cedar grove stands Qornet el Sawda, Lebanon's highest
peak.
• Abu Ali River
• Qadicha cave
• Deir Qannoubin
Simply known as "The Cedars", this resort settlement in Lebanon's highest range is one of the most
dramatically beautiful spots in the country.
Its centerpiece is an ancient grove of cedars, a tree synonymous for millennia with Lebanon itself
Oyoun Orghosh and Nabha: water feud in the making
In the shadow of the great wall of Dahr el Qadeeb, on the eastern side of Lebanon's highest range, sit the
ponds of Oyoun Orghosh. They accumulate the water of the springs (oyoun) emerging from the foot of the
steep hill, at 2000m altitude. They are located north of the Yammouneh region, very close to Aynata, along the
Yammouneh fault.
Ehden is a famous summer resort for locals, and with good reason. Set up in the North, just 30km south east
of Tripoli, you’ll find yourself on the edge of the Qadisha Valley, granting you not only cooler breezes and a
drier climate, but beautiful views. There’s also a lot to keep you busy.
• St Georges Church, Ehden
• Mar Mema, Ehden
• Ehden Churches
• Ehden Nature Reserve
Horsh Ehden is a Nature Reserve located in North Lebanon, it contains a particularly diverse and beautiful
remnant forest of the Cedar of Lebanon, making the reserve a very important part of the country’s cultural
and natural heritage. Located on the northwestern slopes of Mount Lebanon and pampered by mist and
relatively high precipitation, a multitude of rare and endemic plants that flourish...
This sightseeing includes the National Museum and the Solidère Restoration Project. As you drive to the
National Museum, you pass the Green Line, which was the scene of the heaviest fighting during the civil war.Looking on both sides of the road, it is possible to see the scars of the war, with many buildings still ruined
and potted with bullet holes.
Following this, you continue to the newly restored city centre to see the results of the Solidère Project. This
multi-million dollar scheme has completely restored the city centre and the result is astounding. There have
also been significant archaeological finds in downtown Beirut, which were discovered when certain buildings
that were beyond repair were pulled down to be rebuilt. The semi-pedestrianised area around Place de l'Etoile
is a pleasant place to end your tour and find somewhere for lunch.
Cedars The most venerable representatives of the Cedars of Lebanon, which once covered the...
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Smar Jbeil. Smar Jbeil is a village in North Lebanon located at 4 km...
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Afqa Afqa is a village and municipality located in the Jbeil District of the...
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