• Beirut - 8:30 AM — Hotel pickup
  The guide meets the group at the Beirut hotel and travels north, transitioning from the coastal highway to a mountain road. The scenery transforms dramatically as the journey ascends toward the Qadisha Valley.
• Qadisha Valley - Qadisha Valley — UNESCO gorge · photo stops at the rim
  Stop at the rim to gaze down at the sheer limestone walls that plunge hundreds of meters to the valley floor, adorned with ancient monastery caves carved into the cliffs over seventeen centuries. Qadisha means “Holy” in Aramaic. The guide explains who chose these remote cliffs as a dwelling place, why they were chosen, and what has endured. Multiple photo stops along the rim offer views that highlight why Lebanon’s north is unique.
• Gibran Museum - Khalil Gibran Museum — The Prophet, in the village that inspired it
  “The Prophet” has sold over 100 million copies in more than 100 languages, making it one of the best-selling books of the 20th century. Khalil Gibran was born in Bcharre, influenced by this mountain valley, and is buried here in the cave chapel of this former Carmelite monastery, which now houses his original paintings, watercolors, and personal manuscripts. The guide discusses Gibran’s life, his years in New York, and why “The Prophet” resonates differently when experienced in the landscape that inspired it.
• The Cedars of God - Cedars of God — one-hour guided hike · UNESCO-protected grove
  A UNESCO-protected grove located 2,000 meters above sea level, where some trees are over 1,000 years old and have trunks measuring more than 14 meters in circumference. These trees are the descendants of the forests that built Phoenician ships, furnished Solomon’s Temple, and supplied Egyptian palaces. Enjoy a one-hour guided hike on marked trails at your own pace—easy terrain, suitable for all fitness levels, with breathtaking mountain scenery. The guide covers the ecology, mythology, and conservation history of Lebanon’s most iconic tree. A place that leaves a lasting impression.
• Bcharre - Lunch in Bcharre — included
  Enjoy mountain Lebanese mezze at a local Bcharre restaurant, featuring grilled meats, fresh bread, and views of the Qadisha Valley. Fully included. The best stop of the day is still to come.
• دير مار أنطونيوس الكبير قزحيا - الرهبانية اللبنانية المارونية - Kozhaya Monastery — first printing press in the Middle East
  Descend into the Qadisha Valley for the day’s final and most atmospheric stop—the Monastery of Saint Anthony of Kozhaya, founded in the 12th century and carved directly into the limestone cliff face of the valley wall. Explore cave chapels, ancient stone cells, and the profound silence of the gorge. Inside, discover a pilgrimage cave active for over eight centuries and the first printing press ever used in the Middle East, brought here by Maronite monks in the 16th century to print liturgical texts in Arabic and Syriac. A place often discovered by accident and never forgotten. The guide explains the full significance of the printing press and its impact on the history of knowledge in the Levant.
• Beirut - Return to Beirut — approx. 6:00–7:00 PM
  Drop-off at the Beirut hotel. Experience a UNESCO gorge, the tomb of “The Prophet’s” author, ancient cedar trees, and the first printing press in the Middle East—an all-inclusive exploration of Lebanon’s north.

• Hotel pickup and drop-off in Beirut
• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Professional expert guide
• 1-hour guided hike through the Cedars of God
• Qadisha Valley UNESCO viewpoint — multiple photo stops
• Tickets / Admission to all Historical sites (if option selected)
• Lunch in a local restaurant (if option selected)

• Gratuities (optional)
• Food or drinks unless specified

In northern Lebanon, the country reveals its authentic self, moving away from the typical tourist attractions. This comprehensive guided day tour includes four unique stops that many visitors to Lebanon miss, yet those who do visit often consider them the highlight of their trip. Experience a UNESCO-listed gorge, visit the tomb of an author whose book was one of the best-selling of the 20th century, explore a cedar forest with trees older than most nations, and see a 12th-century monastery carved into a cliff that houses the first printing press used in the Middle East. The tour includes everything — guide, lunch, and all entry fees. There are no additional costs or decisions to make on the day, just nine hours spent in one of the Middle East’s most remarkable landscapes, guided by an expert familiar with every stop.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.