• Deir el Qamar - Deir al-Qamar, translating to “Monastery of the Moon,” is a charming village situated southeast of Beirut, approximately five kilometers from the Beiteddine Palace in the Chouf District of Mount Lebanon. In 1864, Deir El Qamar became the first village in Lebanon to establish a municipality. It is renowned as the birthplace of numerous prominent figures, including artists, writers, and politicians. The village was historically home to people of various religious backgrounds, featuring a mosque, synagogue, and Christian churches. In 1860, during the civil war between the Druze and Christians, Deir al-Qamar was devastated by fire. Napoleon III dispatched a French contingent to aid in its reconstruction, reaffirming France’s historical role as a protector of Christians in the Ottoman Empire, as established by a 1523 treaty. In 1864, Deir el-Qamar elected the first municipality in the Arab provinces of the Ottoman Empire. The village maintains a picturesque charm with its traditional stone houses adorned with red tile roofs.
• Saydet El Talle Church - The Church of Saidet et Tallé, also known as Our Lady of the Hill, is a significant historical and religious landmark in Deir el Qamar, dating back to the 15th century. Monk Nicolas Smisaati constructed a church on the site over the remnants of an ancient Phoenician temple dedicated to the goddess Astarte, which was destroyed by an earthquake in 859. According to the Maronite Heritage website, legend has it that a Druze Emir in Baakline observed a light emanating from the hill of Dar El Kamar. He instructed his soldiers to investigate the site the following morning, saying, ‘If you find an Islamic symbol, build a mosque. If you find a Christian symbol, build a church.’ The soldiers discovered a rock with a cross on it, beneath which were the moon and Venus, indicating that the site was once a temple dedicated to the moon and Venus before becoming a church.
• Fakhreddine’s Mosque - Fakhreddine Mosque, featuring an octagonal minaret, is located in Deir el Qamar, Lebanon. Originally constructed in 1493 and later restored in the 16th century by Fakhreddine I, it stands as the oldest mosque in Mount Lebanon.
• Moussa Castle - Moussa Castle, situated in Deir el Qamar, Lebanon, is an extraordinary edifice built over six decades by Moussa Abdel Karim Al-Maamari. Initiated in 1962 when Moussa was just 14 years old, the castle blends medieval and fairy tale architectural styles. It houses a museum that showcases Lebanese history and Moussa’s personal collection, making it a unique cultural attraction and a testament to his lifelong dedication.
• Beiteddine Palace - Beiteddine Palace, or ‘House of Faith,’ is a 19th-century palace located in Beiteddine, Lebanon. It is the venue for the annual Beiteddine Festival and the Beiteddine Palace Museum. Emir Bashir Chehab II, who later became the ruler of the Mount Lebanon Emirate, constructed the palace between 1788 and 1818. Following 1840, the palace served as a government building under the Ottomans. During the French Mandate, it functioned as a local administrative office. In 1943, the palace was designated as the official summer residence of the president. Although it suffered significant damage during the Lebanese Civil War, parts of the palace are now open to the public, while the remainder continues to serve as the president’s summer residence.

• Private transportation
• Hotel pick up & drop off
• Tour Leader
• In-vehicle air conditioning

• Gratuities
• Lunch

Welcome to a journey through Lebanon’s rich history and breathtaking landscapes. Today, we explore the cultural gems of Beiteddine, Deir el Qamar, and the Moussa Palace. Each site holds tales of Lebanon’s past, from majestic Ottoman architecture to serene mountain vistas. Join us as we uncover the beauty and history tucked away in these enchanting destinations.

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