Cedars of Lebanon, Qozhaya, & Bcharre – With Lunch (4G on Board)

Nestled in the heart of Lebanon’s UNESCO-protected Holy Valley lies a captivating journey through the country’s rich cultural and natural heritage. From the historic Monastery of St. Anthony to the majestic Cedars of Lebanon, this tour promises an immersive experience that delves into the region’s profound significance. Complemented by a traditional Lebanese lunch, the excursion offers a chance to uncover the birthplace of renowned poet Khalil Gibran and witness the serene beauty that has inspired countless artists and pilgrims over the centuries. With professional guidance and seamless 4G connectivity, this tour invites travelers to embark on an enriching exploration of Lebanon’s remarkable treasures.

This experience made our list of the 15 Best Lunch Experiences In Beirut.

Key Points

• A full-day trip from Beirut exploring Lebanon’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Holy Valley, including the birthplace of Khalil Gibran and the Cedars of Lebanon.
• Visit the Gibran Museum, tour the Monastery of St. Anthony in Kozhaya, and stroll through the majestic cedar groves.
• Enjoy a Lebanese mezze lunch and air-conditioned transportation with a professional licensed guide.
• Discover the cultural and natural significance of the Cedars of Lebanon, some over 1,000 years old.
• Personalized experience with a maximum capacity of 25 travelers.

Tour Overview

This full-day trip from Beirut takes visitors to explore Lebanon’s UNESCO World Heritage-listed Holy Valley, including the birthplace of poet Khalil Gibran, the Monastery of St. Anthony in Kozhaya, and the renowned Cedars of Lebanon.

Travelers will visit the Gibran Museum in Besharreh, tour the historic Monastery of St. Anthony, and walk through one of the cedar groves.

The tour includes a Lebanese mezze lunch, transportation in an air-conditioned vehicle, and a professional licensed guide who speaks English and French. Pickup and drop-off are provided from Beirut hotels, and the tour has a maximum capacity of 25 travelers, ensuring a personalized experience.

Destinations Explored

The tour begins in Besharreh, the birthplace of renowned Lebanese poet Khalil Gibran, where visitors explore the Gibran Museum and learn about his life and work.

Next, the group travels to Kozhaya to visit the Monastery of St. Anthony, a UNESCO World Heritage site. Here, a guided tour provides insights into the history and significance of this ancient religious site.

The final destination is the Cedars of Lebanon, one of the country’s most iconic natural wonders. Visitors can stroll through the majestic cedar groves and marvel at these ancient trees, some of which are thousands of years old.

Throughout the journey, the guide shares fascinating information about the cultural and natural heritage of these captivating destinations.

Monastery of St. Anthony

Nestled in the picturesque Qozhaya valley, the Monastery of St. Anthony stands as a testament to Lebanon’s rich religious heritage.

Visitors to this UNESCO World Heritage site can expect a guided tour that delves into the history and significance of this ancient monastic complex.

The monastery’s origins date back to the 4th century CE, when St. Anthony the Great, one of the first Christian hermits, established a hermitage in the area.

Today, the monastery complex features a church, numerous cave-like dwellings, and other structures that provide insight into the monastic lifestyle.

Guests can explore the intricate Byzantine frescoes adorning the church’s interior and learn about the monastery’s role in preserving Lebanon’s Christian traditions over the centuries.

Cedars of Lebanon

Towering over the picturesque landscapes of northern Lebanon, the ancient Cedars of Lebanon stand as a testament to the country’s rich natural heritage. These UNESCO World Heritage-listed trees, some of which are over a thousand years old, are a cherished symbol of Lebanon and a popular destination for visitors seeking to experience the country’s stunning natural beauty.

The Cedars of Lebanon tour offers an opportunity to explore one of the cedar groves, where visitors can marvel at the majestic trees and learn about their significance in Lebanese culture and history. The tour includes a guided walk through the grove, allowing travelers to fully enjoy the serene and awe-inspiring natural environment.

Key Facts
Age	Over 1,000 years
Height	Up to 35 meters
Designation	UNESCO World Heritage Site

Khalil Gibran Museum

One of the highlights of the tour is a visit to the Gibran Museum in Besharreh, the birthplace of the renowned Lebanese poet and artist Khalil Gibran.

The museum is housed in the childhood home of Gibran and showcases an impressive collection of his writings, paintings, and personal belongings. Visitors can explore the rooms where Gibran lived and worked, gaining insights into his life and creative process.

The museum also features temporary exhibitions that delve deeper into Gibran’s influential literary and artistic legacy.

With its rich cultural heritage and the chance to connect with one of Lebanon’s most celebrated figures, the Gibran Museum is a must-see destination on this captivating tour.

Included Amenities

Beyond exploring the Gibran Museum, this tour provides an array of amenities to enhance the overall experience.

The package includes a delectable Lebanese lunch featuring a selection of mezze (small plates), a main dish, and either fruits or dessert accompanied by a soft drink.

Travelers will also enjoy the convenience of air-conditioned transportation and the guidance of a professional, English and French-speaking tour guide.

Plus, bottled water, on-board WiFi, and all necessary entrance fees are covered, ensuring a seamless and enjoyable day.

With these thoughtful inclusions, guests can focus on seeing the rich cultural and historical sites without the hassle of coordinating logistics.

Meeting and Pickup

This tour offers convenient pickup options for travelers.

Pickup is available from hotels located within Beirut city, excluding hostels, Airbnb, and private apartments. Alternatively, guests can choose to meet the group at the Nakhal & Cie office in Beirut.

The tour starts promptly at 8:30 am, so it’s important that guests are ready at their designated pickup location.

The tour has a maximum capacity of 25 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience.

With hotel pickup and drop-off included, travelers can relax and enjoy the scenic journey without worrying about transportation.

Whether you choose to be picked up from your hotel or meet the group at the office, this tour provides a hassle-free start to your day exploring Lebanon’s wonders.

Duration and Capacity

The tour is scheduled as a day trip with an 8:30 am start time, allowing ample time to explore the designated destinations.

The tour has a maximum capacity of 25 travelers, ensuring an intimate and personalized experience for all participants. This cap on the group size helps to maintain a comfortable and manageable pace throughout the day’s activities.

Whether you’re traveling solo or with a small group, you can expect a well-organized and efficient tour that maximizes your time in each of the featured locations. The compact group size also allows the guide to provide more personalized attention and insights, enhancing the overall enjoyment and immersion in Lebanon’s cultural and natural wonders.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Book This Tour for My Family of 4?

Yes, the tour can accommodate a family of 4. The tour has a maximum capacity of 25 travelers, so there’s plenty of room for the family to join the excursion from Beirut to Besharreh, Kozhaya, and the Cedars of Lebanon.

Is There a Discount for Senior Citizens?

The tour operator doesn’t currently offer a senior citizen discount. However, they may be willing to provide a discounted rate for groups of 4 or more seniors upon request. It’s best to inquire directly with the tour company about any special pricing.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks on the Tour?

According to the tour overview, bringing your own food and drinks is not permitted. The tour includes a Lebanese lunch, bottled water, and soft drinks as part of the inclusions. Outside food and beverages are not allowed on this tour.

How Long Does the Bus Ride Take From Beirut to Besharreh?

The bus ride from Beirut to Besharreh takes approximately 2 hours. The tour includes visits to several destinations in the Holy Valley region, with the Cedars of Lebanon being one of the main attractions.

Do I Need to Wear Any Specific Clothing for the Tour?

The tour doesn’t have any strict dress code, but comfortable, modest clothing that covers shoulders and knees is recommended. Wear sturdy walking shoes as there’ll be some light hiking through the cedars.

Recap

This captivating tour offers visitors a chance to enjoy Lebanon’s rich cultural and natural heritage.

Exploring the UNESCO-listed Holy Valley, travelers will marvel at the ancient Cedars of Lebanon, visit the birthplace of renowned poet Khalil Gibran, and discover the historic Monastery of St. Anthony.

With a Lebanese mezze lunch and a professional guide, this tour provides an enriching and personalized experience amidst the serene natural environment.