Just Back From Lebanon

I'd visited Lebanon back in the 1990's, a time of strife and devastation in the country. I traveled with my husband, who was consulting on a medical case and lecturing at the American University. This latest visit, after more than 10 years was an eye-opening experience to say the least. Reconstruction and prosperity are just a few descriptive words that come to mind!  

I arrived in Beirut to find little that I knew or recognized from so long ago. Building and reconstruction is everywhere one looks, cranes reaching to the skies building luxury housing and commercial skyscrapers along the Mediterranean coastline. Although one could see a few buildings peppered with bullet holes leftover from the war years, the feeling of energy and life was quite captivating.


During my visit to Lebanon I stayed at the luxury boutique property, The Albergo. It is ideally located in the exclusive Achrafieh Christian district, and just steps from exclusive shopping areas, high-end boutiques and trendy restaurants and cafes. The rooms all vary in size and layout and reflect a style typical of Beirut's elegant houses. There is a lovely rooftop swimming pool and terrace where one has some of the best views of the city anywhere.  

There is much to see and do in Lebanon to appeal to every traveler's interests. Daytrips from Beirut are the way to see and enjoy the country, from North to South to East, all within an easy drive of the city. My first day of sightseeing took in the Corniche, the Green Line, and National Museum, rebuilt and displaying a beautiful collection of archeological treasures. There is an excellent short film showing how these treasures were preserved during the wars – an amazing story of dedication by the director and staff.
 
A true highlight was my day trip to Baalbek, followed by lunch at Ksara Vineyard and a tour. Baalbeck, northeast of Beirut in eastern Lebanon is perched atop a high point in the Bekaa Valley. These ruins are one of the most extraordinary and enigmatic holy places of ancient times. Long before the Romans conquered the site and built their enormous Temple of Jupiter, long even before the Phoenicians constructed a temple to the god Baal, there stood at Baalbek the largest stone block construction found in the entire world. Within the sprawling complex are a profusion of temples and platforms filled with a stunning collection of fallen columns and sculptures. The primary structures at the ruins are the Great Court; the Temple of Baal/Jupiter situated upon the massive pre-Roman stone blocks known as the Trilithon; the so-called Temple of Bacchus; and the circular temple believed to be associated with the goddess Venus. I spent the greater part of the day exploring the site, that reminded me a little of Leptis Magna in Libya. 


Of course a visit to the Lebanese vineyards is a must – this tradition dates back 5000 years when the Phoenicians, tended vineyards and traded with other major cities, long before the appearance of the Greeks and Romans. The climate of Lebanon and altitude of the vineyard allows the production of wines with a fruitiness and delicacy unique to the region. One of the oldest vineyards in the region, Chateau Ksara, was an exceptional excursion, where I enjoyed a tour of the vineyards and their wine cellar or caves where the wine is stored. We were treated to a light lunch and wine tasting served in the wine tasting room. An unforgettable experience!

One could easily spend five nights in Lebanon, exploring the surrounding countryside, including the port city of Tyre with its remnants of the ancient Phoenician city, old Roman walls, pillars and thermal baths, as well as Sidon with its fortress, built to defend the northern harbor against invasions. I highly recommend that everyone include a visit to the charming seaside village of Byblos, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in Lebanon and filled with Phoenician and Roman ruins. The city is a charming walking friendly place with boutiques, shops, cafes and restaurants to enjoy as you explore. 

—Nicole Beattie, Arabia & North Africa Product Manager 1-800-999-1758.

View our Private Journey Lebanon & Syria: Empires Past.

 

Comments

[isle of wight b&b]

I really like the places in Lebanon especially the historical places, heritage places .

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So beautiful, i have heard from my father he is been there for almost 6 years that Lebanon has such a beautiful places to visit, quite historical cultural every thing togather.