Lebanon and Jordan

Lebanon and Jordan


Cradle of Civilization

Visit Beirut, the Paris of the Middle East, and experience Babylonian Roman cultures in the ancient city of Tyre. Explore the rock city of Petra by night where you strol the entire Siq to the Treasury lit with over 1,500 candles.
13
Days
7
Cities
Culture, Nature, Adventure

Itinerary

Visit Beirut, the Paris of the Middle East, and experience Babylonian Roman cultures in the ancient city of Tyre. Explore the rock city of Petra by night where you strol the entire Siq to the Treasury lit with over 1,500 candles.

DAY 1

Beirut

Arrive Beirut. Beirut, the capital city of Lebanon is not just the capital for no reason. This beautiful city with its north-west borders lined by the Mediterranean Sea is known by some as the “Paris of the Middle East” and the “Switzerland of the Middle East” by others. No doubt it’s just the perfect place to set-off. Our staff will be waiting to pick you up at the Beirut International Airport. From here you would be checked into one the exclusive hotels as you get ready for the unforgettable experience ahead.

DAY 2

Beirut | Day Trip to Cedar Forest

The Tannourine Cedars Forest Nature Reserve is a definite must-see if you’re visiting the area. The forest is one of the densest in the country and has avoided heavy tourist activity thanks to its unique topography. There are only a very few other places in Lebanon that offer an excellent spot for hiking and biking like this the Cedar Forest.


Baatara Gorge Waterfall, Lebanon

You will find one of the most famous natural wonders in Lebanon right here in Tannourine. The dazzling Baatara sinkhole gorge and waterfall in the spring combine to make this spot a staggering beauty. Discovered in 1952, the site has three amazing natural bridges, one on top of the other, while the waterfall drops a stunning 255 metres into the Baatara Pothole, a cave of Jurassic limestone located on the Lebanon Mountain Trail.


Walking the Monkey Bridge at Baatara Gorge

Zip-lining, climbing, and caving adventures, there are just enough adventures and opportunities for everyone at the Baatara gorge. For the daring and brave, a walk through the Monkey Bridge that has you safely strapped in to line will test their claim as well as provide incredible bird's eye views.

DAY 3

Beirut | Nabatieh

Nabatieh offers you quite a number of exciting things to do while you remain within it. Wander through its streets and experience a rich blend of ancient history and modern glamour. It’s not just the beauty of the city that charms tourists it’s the simplicity and sublimity of their culture.


Beaufort Castle

Built by the crusaders in the 12th century, some call it “the Beautiful Fortress”; others prefer “Castle of the High Rock”. Whichever way you would to call it, the Beaufort Castle is indeed one of the most beautiful historical sites in all of Lebanon. The ruins of Beaufort Castle are undeniably a great place to stop by on your second day and a must for all travellers who come back this way.


Tyre

When you explore the ancient Phoenician city of Tyre, you experience a rich blend of Babylonian, Roman, and Byzantine cultures. With breath-taking prehistoric ruins, Tyre is not only the birthplace of Elissa and Europa but is inarguable among the best tourist sites not just in the country but in the world. Fascinating sites like the Triumphal Arch, the Hippodrome, Marble Sarcophagus, the Necropolis, public baths, and the Roman Columned Porticoes make Tyre find its way to our itinerary for the second day.

DAY 4

Beirut | Baalbek Ruins
From the Temple of Bacchus to the Temple of Jupiter, to the Temple of Venus, Mercury Temple, Stone of the Pregnant Woman, and to the Roman Ruins, Baalbeck is a museum of fantastic historical sites preserved jealousy over the years. It is also home to the Baalbeck International Festival held once a year. One thing is for sure in Baalbek, there are more than enough marvels here to keep you dazzled while your stay lasts.


Ksara Wine Tasting and Cave Tour

It will be a really poor end to retire for the day after a tour around some of the finest monuments and ruins in Lebanon without a treat to a superb glass of fine wine from the oldest vineyard in the country. Then venture into the fascinating Ksara Caves that were discovered in 1898 but today holds thousands of the wine bottles and part of Baalbek splendour.


River Side Late Lunch at Casino Arabi in Berdawny

There's no better way and spot to mark the end of the adventure for the day than to enjoy a late lunch at River Side Casino Arabi in Berdawny. Quality, taste, and service are just superb. Great Labanese mezze, grill beef and chicken, ganouj, and many others. It's simply an ideal spot to sit, relax, and enjoy the lunch; the experience gets even better with family or friends.

DAY 5

Beirut | Jeita Grotto

Hold your breath as you wander through Nature's finest piece of art with limestones. With clear underground water making a mirror image of the spectacular interior of the cave, beauty is perfectly defined in here. The flowing water through the cave provides drinking water to thousands of Labanese within and beyond this area. And don't forget, the largest known stalactite in the world awaits you right in the upper galleries of the marvel.


Harissa Statue

Made in Lyon and shipped to Harissa in 1907, the adventure will certainly not be complete without a visit to this 8.5m high masterpiece. The Harissa statue, popularly known as Our Lady of Lebanon is one of the country's coveted landmarks. Whether through a cable car or the newly carved route through the side of the mountain, or pulled through a funicular train to the top of the mountain, one thing is sure; the sight from this view is absolutely amazing. So, get ready to wowed at the sight of this masterpiece. 


Byblos

When you step into Byblos you literally step into the past, Lebanon’s past. This is because Byblos is not just the oldest in the country but arguably the oldest in the world! With lots of great sites that have survived the test of time like the ancient City Wall, the Fossils Museum, St. Mark Church, Our Lady of Deliverance and lots of others the city remains a major tourist destination in Lebanon. The city’s pride is not only in its accomplishments, it also has warm and welcoming locals that are always happy to see visitors.


Seafood dinner in Byblos

For a city which shares its borders with the sea, you would not expect anything less in terms of fresh and deliciously prepared seafood. So at the end of the day, you should wind up into one of the finest restaurants around the city for a delightful bowl of tasty seafood for dinner. It’s the least they can do to welcome their guests.

DAY 6

Beirut | Beit Adine Lebanon

Excitingly, Beiteddine Festival holds right in the heart of the city once every year during summer. Who knows, you may be in luck to celebrate and join in the festival. The Beiteddine Palace is as famous as the city itself and is graced by thousands of visitors every year. With several beautifully designed courtyards, this still remains the official summer residence of the Lebanese president. A good part of it is opened to tourists while the rest is occupied by the president. Who knows, you may be lucky enough to see the Lebanese president on your.


Beirut Museum

Beirut National Museum is proudly considered as the country’s main cultural institution. Tell the story of Lebanon’s history yourself as you roam the corridors of the museum lined with impressive archaeological and historical artefacts that holds the accounts of the country’s history and civilisation. The Beirut museum is has one of the finest interior designs in Lebanon and several dozens of enthusiastic tourists troop in everyday to explore Lebanon’s rich heritage and history. Be sure to get a peek at this place before you leave.


Beirut downtown and marina

Escape to Downtown and Beirut Marina which is vibrant, colourful, and full of energy. Magnificent structures, fine restaurants and bars, the most beautiful view of the Mediterranean bay, along with remarkable monuments and sculptures litter the streets of this area; there is just no better place to be at this time. The city is buzzing with life and the elderly ones are just so nice to be around with. At the end of day 5, you would certainly have not to regret about wandering about it fabulous streets.

DAY 7

Beirut - Amman | Fly Beirut to Amman

Upon arrival, a member of our staff will meet you at Queen Alia International Airport to assist with tourist visa and immigration. From here you would be transferred to a hotel in Amman where you would spend the night. Enjoy a delightful evening with a spa, the best falafels in town, or a drink and city views from a scenic bar.

DAY 8

Amman | Umm Qais

Travel from Amman to Umm Qais and enjoy a sumptuous breakfast there at Um Qais. Um Qais is a city rich with black basalt ruins of the Hellenistic era which are known as Gadara, a hilltop site in the north-west corner of Jordan with grand views of the Golan Heights and Lake Tiberius (the Sea of Galilee). Umm Qais is also famous for being one of the ten cities that belonged to the Decapolis (the ten cities of Greek). Be sure to drag a good camera along.


Jerash

We proceed to visit the Greco-Roman City of Jerash, also known as the “City of the thousand Columns”. Jerash showcases the grandeur of Imperial Rome so it’s no wonder some refer to it as the “Pompeii of the East”. It is considered one of the largest and well preserved sites of Roman architecture in the World outside Italy. As the most pristine Decapolis in the modern world, Jerash's prosperity can be admired in the colonnaded Main Street and lovely Oval Piazza. Let’s simply say our Day 7 is all about taking you on an adventurous journey back to ancient Rome.


Travel back to the hotel in Amman

After the day’s trip we retreat to the hotel in Amman to absorb the marvels of the day and revitalize for the next day’s exploration.

DAY 9

Petra | Amman City Tour

Today begins with breakfast at one of the exquisite restaurants in the area. We depart to explore the ruins of the Amman Roman theatre, the Citadel and the Umayyad Palace soon after the tasty treat at the restaurant. Discover the archaeological and folklore museums, roam the city, and shop in any of the stores in the old down town area of the city all in this on fun tour.


Check in at Petra Guest House

And just when it’s the sun begins to set, you transfer to the hotel in Petra. Stay overnight at amazing Petra guest house located just outside the entrance to Petra.


Petra by Night

Petra’s beauty never sets with the sun; it stays with it all day long. At night the city remains awake. The Petra Night Show is a must. This event is a magical way to see part of the rock city by candlelight and explore the old city, which has become a world wonder, the fantastic experience starts by walking the entire Siq to the Treasury, lit with over 1,500 candles to bring the major attraction to this spectacular view.


Dinner and drinks at Cave Bar

You can’t come to Petra and miss the oldest bar in the world. An original Nabatean Tomb fronted with a large "Piazza" surrounded by original carved Nabatean stonework. The restaurant is located at the Petra Guesthouse. This is where the fun train stops for the day and there’s no regret about that.

DAY 10

Petra
Now it’s time to see Petra during the day. After breakfast in the morning, we will start off explore the wonders ofPetra, aptly described as the "Rose-Red City, Half as Old as Time". The ancient city was founded by the Nabateans 2000 years ago. Its massive architectural structure and its multicolored stones are an incredible attraction. The visit to the ancient Nabatean capital starts on horseback then followed by a walk through the Siq, a long narrow fissure between two overhanging cliffs. Towards the end of the Siq, you will be spellbound by Petra's most famous monument; the Treasury. The tour proceeds gradually unfolding the endless mysteries of the city before an overnight rest at the exquisite Petra guest house.

DAY 11

Wadi Rum - Aqaba | Beida

After breakfast we proceed to Beida which is also known as “Little Petra”. It is right at this very spot that the Nabateans used to entertain their guests. Beida has many ancient ruins from sacred temples to tombs that were erected and used by the Nabateans during the nabatian period. It’s totally worth the visit.


Wadi Rum

After the treat, we continue south to the enchanting desert of Wadi Rum, Jordan's largest desert and one of the most spectacular desert landscapes in the world. A jeep tour inside the Wadi until sunset allows you the opportunity to soak in the splendour of the landscapes. Then watch the most beautiful view while drinking a cup of traditional Bedouin tea.


Aqaba

Next you transfer to the Gulf city of Aqaba. A visit to the Port of Aqaba at the tip of the Red Sea just between Africa and Asia offers a spectacular view you really don’t want to miss. Then visit the Aqaba Archaeological museum which is the largest in the region to discover more of the culture and history of the city than you could have possibly imagined. And don’t forget to try a plate of Sayadeyah, their native meal of rice, fish, and spices. It will surely keep you coming back for more.


Check in at Movenpick Aqaba

Then at the end of the day you checked in at Movenpick Aqaba to rest for the night.

DAY 12

Aqaba and The Red Sea | Diving / Snorkeling the Red Sea

Home to many amazing reefs, reef sharks and other marine life, the Red Sea offers all lovers of the sea opportunities to dive and snorkel just about everywhere on the shallow reefs with its crystal clear waters. How about swimming with a pod of some lovely dolphins?


Check in at Holiday Inn Dead Sea

We check you in at Holiday Inn Dead Sea for the night after the adventure of the day to rest and get refreshed.

DAY 13

Dead Sea

The Red Sea isn’t the only open waters around. The Dead Sea, which is the lowest point on the surface of earth, presents itself for a swim in its warm salty water. Well, you can always take a break just about any time you feel exhausted and you need it.


Transfer & Flight Home

After enjoying the Dead Sea, check out of your hotel and transfer to Amman airport for your flight home.

Share by: