Palace of Dreams – Oyoun El Samak – Zahlan Grotto – Jabal El Arbaaine

Northern Lebanon offers a captivating tour of natural wonders and historic sites. Visitors can marvel at the opulent Palace of Dreams, unwind by the serene Oyoun El Samak lake, explore the enchanting Zahlan Grotto, and exhilarate themselves at the panoramic Jabal El Arbaaine. This diverse itinerary promises an unforgettable adventure, blending cultural heritage and stunning landscapes. As travelers delve deeper into this enchanting region, they’ll uncover layers of history, natural beauty, and thrilling experiences that leave a lasting impression.

Key Points

• This full-day small-group excursion in northern Lebanon showcases the Palace of Dreams, Oyoun es-Samak lake, Zahlan Grotto, and Jabal El Arbaaine viewpoint.
• The Palace of Dreams is a 19th-century palace with grand marble halls, ornate salons, and an opulent bathhouse set in expansive gardens.
• Oyoun es-Samak lake provides a serene respite with breathtaking views and a mirror-like surface reflecting the surrounding mountains.
• Zahlan Grotto features million-year-old stalactite formations, sparkling stalagmites, and reflective pools of crystal-clear water.
• Jabal El Arbaaine offers a thrilling swing ride for a unique aerial perspective of the region’s majestic natural scenery.

Tour Overview

This full-day small-group excursion in northern Lebanon showcases a selection of the region’s captivating natural and cultural highlights.

With a maximum group size of 15 travelers, the tour offers a personalized experience as participants visit the lavish Palace of Dreams, relax at the tranquil Oyoun es-Samak lake, explore the million-year-old stalactite formations of the Zahlan Grotto, and experience a swing ride at the panoramic lookout of Jabal El Arbaaine.

The tour includes entrance fees, guided service, and air-conditioned transportation, providing a well-rounded and convenient way to discover the wonders of northern Lebanon.

Itinerary Details

The tour begins with a visit to the lavish Palace of Dreams in Bakhoun. Travelers then relax at the tranquil Oyoun es-Samak lake. Next, they explore the million-year-old stalactite formations in the Zahlan Grotto.

Attraction	Duration	Description
Palace of Dreams	1 hour	Lavish palace in Bakhoun
Oyoun es-Samak	45 minutes	Peaceful lake
Zahlan Grotto	1 hour	Million-year-old stalactite formations

The tour culminates with an exhilarating swing ride at the panoramic lookout of Jabal El Arbaaine, offering breathtaking views of the surrounding landscape.

Palace of Dreams

Where does one’s journey begin on this full-day tour of northern Lebanon? The first stop is the lavish Palace of Dreams in the town of Bakhoun.

This 19th-century palace was once the summer residence of a prominent Lebanese family. Visitors can explore:

1. The grand marble-floored central hall.
2. The ornate salons decorated with intricate woodcarvings and painted ceilings.
3. The opulent bathhouse with its intricate tile work.
4. The expansive gardens that surround the palace.

The Palace of Dreams offers a glimpse into Lebanon’s rich history and the lifestyle of its former aristocracy, setting the stage for the captivating sights to come on this northern Lebanon excursion.

Oyoun Es-Samak Lake

After exploring the lavish Palace of Dreams, the tour continues to the tranquil Oyoun es-Samak lake.

This serene body of water is nestled amidst the rolling hills of northern Lebanon, offering a peaceful respite from the bustling city. Visitors can take in the breathtaking views, snap photos of the picturesque landscape, and simply relax by the water’s edge.

The lake’s calm, mirror-like surface provides a perfect reflection of the surrounding mountains, creating a truly stunning natural setting.

Whether you’re seeking a moment of tranquility or simply want to admire the natural beauty of Lebanon, Oyoun es-Samak lake is a must-visit destination on this full-day excursion.

Zahlan Grotto

Descending into the Zahlan Grotto, visitors marvel at the million-year-old stalactite formations lining the cave’s interior.

The tour explores this natural wonder, showcasing its geological marvels:

1. Towering stalactites, some reaching over 20 feet in length, hang gracefully from the ceiling.
2. Sparkling stalagmites rise from the cave floor, created by the slow accumulation of mineral deposits.
3. Reflective pools of crystal-clear water add to the serene ambiance.
4. Intricate flowstone formations, created by the flow of water, adorn the grotto’s walls.

This captivating subterranean experience offers a glimpse into Lebanon’s rich geological history and the power of nature to create breathtaking beauty.

Jabal El Arbaaine

Leaving the serene underground wonders of Zahlan Grotto behind, the tour continues its ascent to the panoramic viewpoint of Jabal El Arbaaine.

This elevated vantage point offers breathtaking 360-degree views of the surrounding mountainous landscape. Visitors can take a thrilling swing ride for a unique perspective, soaring high above the scenic overlook.

The experience provides a perfect opportunity to capture stunning photographs and soak in the majestic natural beauty of the region.

After spending time taking in the sights, the group will return to the meeting point, completing the day’s exploration of northern Lebanon’s captivating attractions.

Inclusions

The tour package covers a range of inclusions to provide visitors with a seamless and enriching experience.

Visitors can look forward to:

• Complimentary entrance fees to all the featured attractions, including the lavish Palace of Dreams, the tranquil Oyoun es-Samak lake, and the captivating Zahlan Grotto.

• A knowledgeable guide who’ll lead the group and share insights throughout the tour.

• An exhilarating swing ride at the panoramic lookout of Jabal El Arbaaine.

• Transportation via an air-conditioned vehicle, with parking fees included.

These inclusions ensure that travelers can fully enjoy the tour without worrying about additional costs or logistics.

Pickup and Meeting Information

Travelers joining this tour will be provided with free pickup from their location in Beirut, whether it’s a hotel, Airbnb, or home address.

The meeting point for the tour is in Beirut, Lebanon, and the excursion starts at 8:30 am. At the end of the tour, guests will be dropped off back at the original meeting point.

The tour operator requires the pickup location details in advance to ensure a seamless start to the day.

With a maximum group size of 15 travelers, this small-group tour offers a personalized experience as you explore the highlights of northern Lebanon.

Frequently Asked Questions

Are Pets Allowed on the Tour?

The tour does not allow pets. Pets are not mentioned in the tour overview or inclusions, and it is stated that the tour is not wheelchair accessible, indicating pets would likely not be permitted either.

Can I Bring My Own Food and Drinks?

Guests are welcome to bring their own food and drinks on the tour. The tour includes transportation and admission fees, but does not provide any meals or refreshments. Travelers can enjoy a picnic at the scenic destinations.

Is Wi-Fi Available During the Tour?

The tour operator doesn’t provide Wi-Fi during the excursion. Travelers should expect to be disconnected from the internet throughout the day as the focus is on exploring the historical and natural sights of northern Lebanon.

Can I Extend the Tour Duration?

Customers can’t extend the tour duration as it’s a fixed, full-day small-group excursion. However, they can inquire about adding private tours or customizing the itinerary for a more personalized experience, subject to availability and additional fees.

Do I Need to Bring My Own Equipment for the Activities?

The tour includes all necessary equipment for the activities, such as the swing ride at Jabal El Arbaaine. Participants don’t need to bring their own gear. The tour provider handles all the required equipment.

Recap

This captivating tour of northern Lebanon offers a diverse array of natural and cultural attractions. From the opulent Palace of Dreams to the serene Oyoun El Samak lake and the enchanting Zahlan Grotto, visitors will be enthralled by the region’s breathtaking landscapes. The experience culminates at Jabal El Arbaaine, where a thrilling swing ride provides panoramic views of the area’s beauty.