Sidon, situated on the coast 48 kilometers south of Beirut is one of the famous names in ancient history. Here you will enjoy wandering along the sea front and visit the Crusader Sea Castle. Not far from it is the picturesque vaulted souk of Sidon where workmen still play their trades. The Khan el Franj is a typical caravanserai with a large rectangular courtyard and a central fountain surrounded by covered galleries. The Great Mosque, formerly the Church of St John is also an enjoyable stop.
Then drive to Tyre,“the Queen of the Seas”, an island city of unprecedented splendor with five millennia of history. This great Phoenician city ruled the seas and founded prosperous colonies such as Cadiz and Carthage, but its historical role declined at the end of the Crusades. There are important archaeological remains, mainly from Roman times.
Thanks to its historical wealth, relaxed lifestyle and thriving business climate, Tripoli is a city where modern and medieval blend easily into a lively hospitable metropolis. Visit the Citadel overlooking the city, the Church of St. John, the Great Mosque, Hammam el Abed and the Souk – one of the oldest in Tripoli dating to the first half of the 14th century.
On the way back to Beirut, stop in the small and lovely village of Batroun for a short visit.
Drive along the coast towards the North which is one of the most panoramic areas of Lebanon.
Becharreh
The picturesque gateway to the Cedars of Lebanon, is the birthplace of the famous Lebanese poet Gibran Khalil Gibran. Here one may visit the Gibran Museum and the many ancient churches and monasteries.
Kozhaya
It is part of the Holy valley where Maronites used to during the Ottaman’s period. Monastery of St-Antoine of Kozhaya is one of the numerous monasteries built in this valley. It is built partly inside in the mountain and party outside it. It is surrounded by a very beautiful panorama of forest and valley.
Cedars
The Cedars of Lebanon, which once covered the country’s mountains, are in the Besharre region in the North of Lebanon. From Lebanon’s cedar forests, King Solomon got the timber to build his temple and palace, while the Egyptians Pharaohs used the wood carve their sarcophagi and ‘sunships’.