Lebanon Mountain Trail Hiking Tour

Your Guides

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The best people to immerse you in a destination are the ones who live there, which is why we feature local Adventure Guides on our trips. Here are a few that you might meet on this adventure.

Gilbert Moukheiber

Gilbert Moukheiber is a driven and passionate mountain leader who has worked in rural development and sustainable tourism with many local and international NGOs. He is an instructor for mountain safety, Wilderness First Aid, and mountain guides training. He also holds several notable certifications including Search and Rescue, Rope Rescue, and Winter Rescue techniques, and is a rescue member of the Lebanese Red Cross National Intervention Team. Gilbert has degrees in Tourism Management & Engineering and International Affairs & Diplomacy. His knowledge, credentials, and strong leadership qualities make Gilbert a key member of MT Sobek's Lebanese guiding team.

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Welcome to Lebanon! Upon arrival at Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport, meet an MT Sobek representative and transfer to the hotel. Tonight enjoy a welcome dinner with the group.
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                    [Headline] => Walk the Baskinta Literary Trail & Transfer to Byblos
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After breakfast at the hotel, receive a briefing for the day. Then depart for Baskinta, where you take a short guided walk on the Baskinta Literary Trail, part of the Lebanon Mountain Trail, which invites you to discover landmarks associated several acclaimed writers and poets from the region. Lunch at a local guesthouse, then transfer to Byblos and spend the afternoon exploring this medieval UNESCO-listed city.
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Wake for a visit to Byblos Crusader Castle, built in the 12th century from limestone and remains of Roman structures. Then drive to Tripoli - founded around 800 BC and inhabited by Greeks, Phoenicians, and Romans - and visit the old souk, port, and fortress, all of which date from medieval times. Continue on to Ehden and dine at the lodge tonight.
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                    [Headline] => Follow the Lebanon Mountain Trail in Ehden Cedars Nature Reserve
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After breakfast, tour the old town\'s Midane Square, Mar Mema Church (one of the oldest Maronite churches in Lebanon, dating back to the ninth century), and St. Georges Cathedral. Then, take a hike on the Lebanon Mountain Trail to Qozhaya Monastery, also known as the Monastery of St. Anthony. In continual use since its founding in the eighth century, the monastery has been printing texts since the 16th century - including texts in Syriac, a language that the Maronites still use in their services.
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                    [Headline] => Hike into Holy Qadicha Valley
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Today is spent hiking along the Lebanon Mountain Trail from Qozhaya to Qadicha. Ouadi Qadicha, also known as Holy Valley, is one of the most important settlement sites of the first Christian monasteries in the world. Its monasteries, many of which are very old, are set in an extraordinarily rugged, beautiful landscape. We will pass by troglodotique constructions, old monasteries and visit the old village of Qanoubine.
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Your hike today takes you from Hadath el Jebbeh to the Tannourine Cedar Forest Nature Reserve. Established in 1999, the reserve protects Lebanon\'s largest and densest cedar forest, and comprises over 2.5 million trees. The scenery is beautiful, the air is clean, and the birds are plentiful. Enjoy a packed lunch during the hike.
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Today, head to Baalbek in the Bekaa Valley, one of Rome\'s ancient breadbaskets. Discover the impressive Bacchus temple, and other Roman sites and archaeological discoveries in the area. Stop in at a Turkish school and enjoy lunch at a local restaurant before transferring to Domaine De Chouchene for a free afternoon around the lake. Follow-up with wine tasting at Chateau Ksara, Lebanon\'s oldest winery founded in 1857. The winery has an incredible network of Roman caves, where their rarest and finest vintages are stored!
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After breakfast, travel to Anjar and visit the UNESCO-listed Ummayyad city, founded in the eighth century and today home to outstanding ruins. Later transfer to Tyre, a once-great Phoenician city where, legend has it, purple dye was invented.
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After breakfast at the hotel, tour the souk, the 12th-century Crusader Cathedral, and the Roman hippodrome before transferring to Sidon, an important Phoenician city that was settled as early as 4,000 BC. Sidon is home to the Sidon Sea Castle, built by the Crusaders in AD 1228; a thriving souk; Phoenician temples; and an ancient church converted into the Great Mosque after the Crusaders were driven out before returning to Beirut. This evening, enjoy a festive farewell dinner in a local restaurant.
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Transfer to the airport for your homebound flight.
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Accommodations

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Charming traditional Lebanese guesthouses and hotels with modern amenities.

Dar Alma Tyre

Rustic Lodging

Dar Alma in Tyre is a bright yellow local hotel set in the ancient alleyways of Tyre. Rooms have warm wood accents, mosaic-tile showers and other boutique touches. Most rooms boast terraces overlooking the Mediterranean. The restaurant boasts both an outdoor terrace as well as indoor seating with stone archways, and serves local Lebanese cuisine. There is a sundeck and Wi-Fi throughout the hotel.

Byblos Sur Mer

Situated on the edge of the Sea in Byblos harbor, this is a truly spectacular hotel and offers stunning views to complement its luxurious property and rooming accommodations. The hotel offers a several different dining options, and guests can enjoy complimentary beach access. Walking through the lobby, the Byblos Sur Mer also houses a variety of archaeological artifacts. On the edge of the water, this is a comfortable and luxurious place to decompress and reflect on trip's spectacular journey through Roman ruins, Phoenician cities, and the legendary Lebanon Mountain Trail.

Le Commodore Hotel

Located in Beirut's Hamra district, this accommodation is an ideal place to spend the first night because of its proximity to the city center. It has an outdoor pool and fitness center which offer a nice place to get acclimated after a long day of travel before beginning the adventure on the following day. The rooms are comfortable and nicely furnished. Guests can also enjoy several dining options with Japanese, French, American options, along with another restaurant offering a fusion of international cuisine.

Mount Jackal Guesthouse

Comfortable Hotel

Rest in comfort at the family run Mount Jackal Guesthouse, set in a the idyllic red-tiled village of Qnat. Get together in the well-equipped common area, complete with authentic Lebanese touches, and sleep in clean, simply furnished rooms. A convenient and welcoming stop for small groups trekking the Lebanon Mountain Trail.

Belmont Hotel

Comfortable Hotel

Enjoy simple, authentic mountain accommodations and warm hospitality at the Hotel Belmont in beautiful Ehden. Room are clean and spacious, and come equipped with modern amenities including Wi-Fi and air con. The on-site restaurant serves hearty Lebanese fare and a range of international dishes. Delight in stunning views from the terrace overlooking the valley!

Domaine De Chouchene

Comfortable Hotel

Located in the heart of Lebanon's wine country, Chouchene is a tranquil hideaway set in beautiful natural surroundings. Discover the wonders of hiking around Kabb Elias then settle into your comfortable room, complete with private bathroom and simple but modern amenities. Guests can make use of the shared kitchen on every floor, and communal living space with TV, fireplace, and dining room.

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