So I went just for 4 days and 2 days in Cyprus as I also had to think of the school work I had to do when I got back.
I was aware Lebanon can be an unstable country in terms of politics due to the numerous religious groups. However I was not going to let that deter me from visiting and a few of my Lebanese friends told me which places to steer clear of. So I researched on Trip Advisor and on Google about any tours I could join so that I could make the most of my trip. I read good reviews about Nakhal Tours so I booked 3 tours to see Jeita, Harrisa and Byblos, The Cedars, Qadisha Valley, Kozhaya and Bcharre and then Saida, Sour and Maghdouche.
I arrived on Thursday evening and after being ripped off by my airport taxi I eventually got to Hamra where I was staying. The hotel was nice and I was delighted to be upgraded from my single room to a double deluxe! The hotel was in an excellent location as it was slap bang on Hamra street so one way led you to Place E'toile and the other to the Corniche and the famous Raouche 'Pigeon Rocks'.
On the Friday, I ventured out to explore the Place E'toile and Corniche, after stumbling across many roads manned by the Army and Police I eventually got to Place E'toile and then walked along the Corniche. I also saw the Mohammed Amin Mosque which is situated right next to a beautiful church. Along the way to Raouche, I stopped off at Zaytouna Bay for a drink and it was so lovely and peaceful. The weather that week was perfect - it wasn't too hot or cold and there was a nice breeze too. The walk along the corniche was nice and it was relatively busy with people fishing, jogging and just enjoying a walk. After taking lots of photos, I decided to stop off and have a bite to eat and nargileh at Bay Rock Cafe which was recommended to me by a colleague. It was lovely and the views were stunning especially as the sun was setting. Afterwards, using my trusty google maps, I walked back to my hotel which was surprisingly quick.
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| Place E'Toile |
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| Mohammed Al Amin Mosque |
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| Raouche |
The next three days were full on days touring Lebanon. Day 1 consisted of Jeita which was again just amazing with how something so beautiful can be formed naturally, Byblos and Harissa. Byblos is also next to Jounieh where we stopped off for a delicious Lebanese lunch. Just by visiting Byblos I could see there is so much history in Lebanon which I really want to read more about.
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| Byblos Port |
The next day I visted Bcharre where Gibran Khalil Gibran's museum and tomb is. It was really interesting to see his works and art. Although I have to say visiting his tomb was a little eerie! The route to the mountains was magnificent. I could see luch green mountains and greenery and then behind were the snow capped mountains of Lebanon. Afterwards we visited The Cedars which again was a sight to see, the national tree of Lebanon with fresh snow around. The last place we visited was Kozhaya which is situated in the Qadisha Valley where one of the oldest monasteries is. It was amazing to see that monks and hermits used to pray there.
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| Driving through the mountains to Bcharre |
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| The Cedars |
The last visit was to Saida, Sour and Maghdouche which I was looking forward too. Back in London, I always go to this one Lebanese restaurant, I have been since I was at university and the majority of the staff are from South Lebanon. The photo's displayed in their restaurant have always made me want to visit Lebanon so I am truly thankful that I have been able too this year :)
Saida was beautiful, especially the old city and learning about the crusader castle by the sea was fascinating! In Sour, we visited Byzantine and Roman ruins which were breathtaking. Honestly, I have always loved history and seeing it in front of you is just an amazing experience. Afterwards we visited Maghdouche which was slightly up in the mountains to see the cave where Mary waited for Prophet Jesus (pbuh). I loved learning about different religions growing up and again to see a Holy/Biblical sight was again really amazing. We also got the opportunity to walk through the garden where there were 12 special plaques displaying important moments in Christianity.
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| Saida |
Overall, I had an absolutely enjoyable trip to Lebanon and the truthfully speaking once I landed in Cyprus I was really missing Lebanon. So I am planning on revisiting it soon to see Baalbeck and Beitedine insha'allah! Nakhal Tours were excellent and the tour guides who were archaeologists were very knowledgable and answered lots of my questions. I would definitely recommend them if you are a solo traveller. I also met some really lovely solo travellers too which was nice on the trip.
So if you have not visited Lebanon, book a ticket and go now!
Love and Blessings,
Sara xx
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