Saints & Cedars | Long Weekend in Lebanon
About the event
Lebanon is that pocket-sized powerhouse that somehow fits 10,000 years of history, ski slopes, beach clubs, Roman mega-temples, and the world’s best mezze into an area smaller than Qatar. You can literally have breakfast by the Mediterranean, lunch in the mountains, and dinner in a rooftop bar that feels like Paris and Dubai had a baby. Buckle up – this place hits different.
They don’t call it the “Switzerland of the Middle East” for nothing: snow-capped peaks, ancient cedars older than Jesus, and valleys so deep monks built monasteries into the cliffs just to flex. The name “Lebanon” even comes from the ancient word for “white” – yeah, those snowy mountains have been the national brand since forever. History? Phoenicians invented the alphabet here, Romans dropped the most over-the-top temples outside Italy, Crusaders built castles, Ottomans added souks and soap empires. Modern chapter got messy – civil war, heartbreak, rebuild, repeat – but Beirut rose from the ashes like the ultimate comeback kid and reclaimed its title: “Paris of the East 2.0”.
And the food? Mezze spreads so good you’ll forget calories exist. Labneh that slaps harder than your ex, grilled meats dripping with garlic sauce, and enough olive oil to keep the Mediterranean shiny.
Ready? Let’s roll.
Day 1 // Touchdown Beirut
Meet at DXB, hop on the direct FZ-159 to BEY. Land, breeze through arrivals, and get whisked to the hotel. Night owls? First taste of Beirut nightlife – the city that never sleeps (and probably invented after-parties).
Day 2 // Jeita Grotto, Harissa & Ancient Byblos
Road-trip north for a day of natural wonders and ancient vibes. We start with Jeita Grotto, a jaw-dropping natural wonder, regularly ranked among the world’s most spectacular caves. Explore the stunning upper galleries, then take a boat ride through the lower cavern, gliding beneath dramatic stalactites and stalagmites in this underground fantasy.
Continue to Harissa - ride the iconic cable car up for breathtaking panoramic views over Jounieh Bay and the Mediterranean. At the summit stands the majestic Our Lady of Lebanon Shrine, a major pilgrimage site and one of the country’s most recognizable landmarks. Further north to Byblos (Jbeil) – one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on Earth (over 7,000 years of history).
Explore the Crusader Castle, the ancient Phoenician harbor, and the impressive archaeological site perched above the sea. Wander the charming old souk with its boutiques, cafés, and traditional houses.
Dinner and overnight in Byblos, with time to enjoy its lively bars and vibrant nightlife by the sea.
Day 3 // Tripoli, Batroun & Back to Beirut
Continue north to Tripoli, Lebanon’s underrated second city packed with medieval charms. Head to Citadel of Raymond de Saint-Gilles, the largest Crusader fortress in the country, with sweeping views over the old town and its maze of alleys. Further to Hammam Ezzedine, a beautifully preserved Mamluk bathhouse that reflects the urban life of Tripoli’s past. Dive into the bustling souks: spices, vintage finds, traditional crafts, and culinary treasures. We’ll not miss Khan Al Saboun, where legendary olive-oil soap being handmade in the historic soap palace.
Next stop: charming coastal Batroun. one of Lebanon’s most charming seaside destinations. Walk through the historic streets and visit the ancient Phoenician sea wall, carved directly into the coastal rock more than 2,000 years ago. Batroun is known both for its rich historical heritage and its lively atmosphere, especially during the summer season, with water sports, beach clubs, and vibrant nightlife, as well as its craft beer and traditional lemonade.
Free time at the beach. Evening return to Beirut for the night.
Day 4 // Chouf Mountains, Cedar Giants & Departure
Breakfast and check-out. Our trip would not be completed without a visit to Chouf Mountains.
First to Beiteddine Palace, a masterpiece of 19th-century Lebanese architecture built by Emir…
