Beiteddine and Al-Chouf Cedar Reserve: Explore the Hidden Gems of Lebanon
4.5
2 Ratings
Beiteddine
Uncover the unseen treasures of Lebanon, brimming with historical towns and tourist sites, guided by native tour operators and well-prepared vehicles.
Duration:
5 hours
Cancellation:
1 day
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Highlights
- Beiteddine - Built over 300 years beginning in 1788, the palace was the personal home of Emir Bashir Shihab II who wanted the mansion to be a place of singular beauty and legendary opulence. The castle was built on a hermitage called Beiteddine and featured all manner of amenity including a lush personal apartment for the Emir, a harem, and a rich guest house that was often offered to passing luminaries and dignitaries. Many of the surfaces were inlaid with intricate mosaics and designs, many of which have survived remarkably well to this day. Unfortunately, all of this grandeur is said to have come at a great price. While it is likely a false story, it’s been said that the emir ordered that the architect of his palace have his hands cut right off so that the Beittedin Palace could not be duplicated. In addition, he is said to have conscripted all of his healthy male subjects to work on the project for days at a time for no pay. Despite the possible labour tragedies associated with it, the palace was eventually taken over by the Ottomans and used as a government building before eventually being turned into a protected historic site. Today the palace still retains its stunning architecture and hand-made mosaics and is an important site for both visitors and the people of Lebanon.
What's Included
- Private transportation
- On-board WiFi
- In-vehicle air conditioning
What's Not Included
- All fees and/or taxes
Location
Beiteddine
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Customer Ratings
4.5
(2 Ratings)
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1 star
Gaby85
Jun 10, 2023
Hike in the Chouf Cedar Reserve - The Chouf Cedar Reserve holds over 20% of the country's cedar trees, some of which date back 2,000 years. Hike in forest, or rent a mountain bike from the Chouf Biosphere Reserve at the entrance and cycle along the trail.
Review provided by Tripadvisor
