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Surprises: You love the city of Khalil Gibran. Bcharré is Located in the mountains at 1400 m altitude, on the edge of the Kadisha valley. It is close to the forest of cedars of Lebanon millennia. At Bcharre practiced skiing on snow-covered mountains and skiing in the wooded trails and paragliding in summer. |
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Discovery: About Tire which is world heritage of UNESCO. Old Port Phoenician, Roman and Byzantine roads, cemetery, hippodromes Roman aqueducts Roman city walls.
Culture: Lebanon is the strength of its culture, its 18 denominations and geographic diversity. In addition, Lebanon is one of the great witnesses of the history of mankind: it has been occupied over the centuries by various civilizations. Lebanon is also renowned worldwide for its cuisine and, in the Arab world for his music.
Lebanon, cultural melting pot, saw the birth of brilliant artists. We chose to present two of the most famous.
Khalil Gibran, poet, philosopher and artist, he writes first in Arabic and then in English when it moved to New York in 1912. His poems have been translated into over twenty languages. His drawings and paintings were presented in the most beautiful capitals of the world.
Amin Maalouf, He lived in France since 1976. He is certainly one of the most gifted Lebanese Francophone writers of his generation. He wrote many novels, mostly of a historical nature in relation to the Middle East.
Hotels: In Lebanon, with the exception of some fixed prices, everything can be bargained, taxi fares to hotel prices. Most hotels give you a discount if you stay more than 3 days.
The Romantic: You like Beirut, the Paris of the East, as we usually call it, is a name well deserved. This city made for exploring, shopping, cuisine and nightlife will easily keep you in its premises for the duration of your stay. |
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How long we must remain at least?
Two weeks or more: You choose your itinerary based on your activities and places you would like to visit.
Beirut; The coast north of Beirut, Byblos, Tripoli; beaches between Byblos and Tripoli Valley Qadisha, Sacred Valley, the Bekaa plain, ancient temples of Baalbek (not to be missed!) The Zahle city and its surroundings; The Umayyad site of Anjar, the Chouf and South Lebanon, the Phoenician city Tire: the Roman ruins and the city of Saida (Sidon old) etc.
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Lebanon "Switzerland of the Middle East"
Bordering the Mediterranean Sea, Lebanon was once, in the Phoenician period, a cultural and commercial crossroad. On its territory, communities of different faiths have coexisted since the earliest centuries of the Christian era. In addition, Lebanon is one of the great witnesses of the history of mankind: it is held over the centuries by various civilizations (Sumerian, Canaanite, Phoenician, Akkadian, Assyrian, Egyptian, Persian, Babylonian, Greek, Seleucid, Roman, Byzantine, Arab, cross, Mameluke, Ottoman and French). In the Near East, this country has a face of an original multi-state, whose development has long been provided by a banking system the most efficient in the world, which earned him the title of Switzerland of the Middle East. However, Lebanon has experienced several civil wars and regional, particularly between 1975 and 1990. It is now destitute and can no longer plan to regain its stability and independence of the past. However, travel to Lebanon is not only possible, but surprisingly easy. Ancient cities of the Roman ruins through its luxurious ski resorts and its Islamic architecture, Lebanon brings together many areas of interest despite the small size of its territory. Still rare, independent travelers are welcome. Lebanese keep a warm welcome to foreigners and do not hesitate to offer them hospitality. It is therefore the ideal time to go on a trip to Lebanon in the middle of rebuilding and not yet widely used. It remains important to emphasize that the image of Lebanon comes from the existence abroad of a strong Lebanese diaspora (numerically, at least twice the number of Lebanese residing in Lebanon), very powerful, occupying many; political, or bank command posts of countries in Europe, America, francophone Africa, or the Persian Gulf.
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Itinerary for a trip to Lebanon
Anjar: Grand Palace, Ruins of the Mosque, and Petit Palais.
Beirut: 5 Roman columns, baths and the Roman baths, Byzantine mosaics exhibited today at the National Museum in Beirut, the Grand Serail, the Ottoman Military Hospital, the Clock Tower, the Grand Mosque Al - Omari (initially known as the Cathedral of St. John), Zawiyat Arraq ibn al-(1517), Emir Assaf Mosque, the Mosque Emir Mounzer, the Greek Orthodox Cathedral of Saint-Georges (1867).
Beiteddine: famous for its palaces, museums and gardens, Beiteddine is one of the major tourist attractions of Lebanon.
Deir el-Qamar: quoted Amir.
Jeita: Jeita extraordinary caves over a distance of 650 meters and on two levels.
Tripoli: The Citadel Saint-Gilles, the Church of St John, Great Mosque, the mosque Taynal, the Al-Mualaq (mid-sixteenth century), the Mosque-Madrasa Burtasiyat (fourteenth century), the Hammam Izz ed-Dine (1298) restoration, the Hammam el-Abed (seventeenth century), the Hammam al-Jadid or new bath (1740), the Souk al-HARAJ (XIV century), the Lion Tower was built in (fifteenth century) .
Tibnin: large castle, the main base of UNIFIL in southern Lebanon.
Baalbek: Temples of Baalbek...
Mashgharah Zaida: Deir El Qamar ..
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Itinerary for a trip to the region
Towards Syria : Currently, Syria is the only country to have an open border with Lebanon - the Israeli border might remain closed for a long time. Syria will not issue any visas to visit their neighbors think, therefore, to get yours before leaving your country of origin. Lebanon, to him, issuing visas at its border.
Several daily bus services run between Beirut and Damascus, and buses and taxis will transport you from Beirut to Aleppo and Homs, and from Tripoli to Homs and Lattakia. If you plan to travel by car in Lebanon, you can expect to have to pay an exorbitant fee at the border - you recover normally out of the country, but be aware that the operation might cost you.
There are four points on the Lebanese-Syrian borders: Masnaa (on Highway Beirut - Damascus), Qaa (north of the Bekaa Valley), Aarida (north of Tripoli, on the coast) and Abboudiyé ( north-east of Tripoli).
Towards Israel : The borders with Israel have been closed since 1948.
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When to go
The sun lovers prefer to come to Lebanon during the summer (June to mid-September). Paradoxically, Lebanon is also a destination increasingly popular for its winter sports. There are several ski resorts, where the season runs from December to May. In May, the time on the coast is warm enough to swim, and the country is covered with flowers. Fall is a beautiful period also, in October, the heat is gone, it's the perfect time to wander.
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Security
Thank you to consult the advice of the passenger site of French Foreign Ministry Please consult >>>
Single Woman
Walking at night in Beirut, poses no security problem, even for a single woman. For passengers, in a Muslim in general, a woman should not incite feelings by her cloths. It is suitable for a man, not shaking hands with a Muslim woman, especially if she is a bit older: the contact is not permitted by Islam (and certainly no kissing).
Population
People are very courteous. The Lebanese people is extraordinary and very cultured ... Campaigns in Beirut, you will find a home and a sense of hospitality. The population belongs to various Christian and Muslim rites.
Languages Spoken
Although Arabic is the official language of Lebanon, the English and French are very common. Most Lebanese speak at least two to three languages. Several establishments have signs, menus and information in Arabic and English.
The Arab world
Lebanon-Syria: You can take the route from Lebanon to Syria - and vice versa - by private car or rental, bus, taxi or bus service. Many non-Lebanese citizens can obtain an entry visa to Lebanon border.
Other
All foreigners must have a visa. The passport holders of the European Union or Canada can obtain visas upon arrival in Lebanon. A visa of 15 days is up to 17 USD (or 25.000LL). A three-month visa for one entry in Lebanon amounts to 35 USD (or 50.000LL).
Login to the site of
the General Directorate of General Security for more information.
Please consult to visit our visa section
NB
No foreigner will be allowed on the Lebanese territory if he is holding a passport endorsed with visas or stamps of entry or exit of Israel, or a ticket indicating that country.
The exempt from visa
Nationals of the GCC (Gulf Cooperation Council)
Rahhala Estimation
In Lebanon, with the exception of some fixed prices, everything can be bargained, taxi fares to hotel prices. Most hotels give you a discount if you stay more than 3 days. Being careful, it is possible to live and spend between 28 and 33 euros per day, provided to find cheap rooms and food stalls in the streets. Pour voyager de manière plus confortable, prévoyez un budget journalier de 55 et 87 euros.
Meals economic 4,5-9 euros.
Meals middle class: 9-17 euros.
Meals of higher category: 35-48 EUR.
Lodgings & Costs
Lebanon is a country quite expensive compared to the standards of the Mediterranean and the Middle East, the post is larger accommodation. Lebanon is renowned for its first-class hotels and resorts centers. However, there are also other possibilities of accommodation in smaller places, and lesser-known originals that offer a historic ambience and locale, and the opportunity to interact closely with residents. The Yearbook of the alternative accommodation is essential for travelers who pay attention to issues of budget and those seeking to leave the beaten track.
Hotels
Cheap room: 11-22 euro.
Hotel category average 22-44 euros.
Superior class hotel: 122 euros.
Change
1 € = 1800LL (April 2006).
Flights to Lebanon
Nothing is easier than to go to Lebanon today. A growing number of airlines service in Beirut, which ensure frequent connections with Europe, Africa, Asia and the rest of the Middle East. The national airline, Middle East Airlines, also connects Canada.
The Beirut airport is located 5 km south of downtown. Taxes on flights from Beirut amounted to 56.5 euros. Thank you to our line of low-cost Asia : Please consult.
Transports
Lebanon is a small country, just about 3 hours to cross from end to end. Public transport, including long-distance buses, is rarely more than 6 euros.
To move, most people use taxis, many of which follow, such as buses, fixed route. They can carry up to 5 passengers, each paying one-fifth the amount of the race. Beware of many \"pirate taxis\" bad customers: they resemble mistake there but more expensive than others.
Events & most important Festivals
Independence of Lebanon, 22 November 1943.
Martyrs' Day May 6
Army Day, August 1st.
Workers' Day May 1st.
Liberation Day and the Resistance May 25
Most holidays are religious holidays. Given the number of religious movements in Lebanon, the holidays are not lacking. For example: An arts festival of international renown is held for four days in Baalbek in July.
In summer, the time of major festivals lasting several days or weeks, including Baalbek, Jbeil (Byblos), Beiteddine and Sour (Tyr). These festivals welcome the biggest stars of Lebanese and international, creating a festive atmosphere in the host cities.
The street festivals, smaller, and religious festivals are held in several regions of the country during the year. Across Lebanon, you will find restaurants, cafes and pubs that offer live music and a special atmosphere and friendly owners with whom you spend a good evening.
Lebanon Activities: Hiking, skiing...
Hiking: Lebanon offers tremendous opportunities for hiking in the mountains and gorges.
Skiing: There are also 6 major ski slopes offering a variable level of difficulty. It is possible to rent equipment on site at a reasonable price.
Bathing places around the rocks are often good sites for diving, water skiing, windsurfing and sailing are very handy.
For travelers whose motto is "I shop therefore I am," Lebanon is the destination of choice in the Middle East. The Lebanese have the look of fashion and this is found through a wide range of products available in Lebanon.
Music, books, movies, and more
Music: The singer Fayrouz and her son Ziad, an experimental jazz musician, are the most active and have made a very important contribution to contemporary Lebanese music. She is the greatest Arab singer since the demise of Umm Kalsoum. She expressed her immense talent in a variety of genres, performing as well, in the traditional classical works of Arab-Andalusian and Mouwachahs Qacida and that tapping into the contemporary repertoire of operettas and modern songs.
Fayrouz.com : Site dedicated to the legendary singer.
History of Lebanon
In 1200 BC. AD: The Phoenicians, based one of the first great civilizations of the Mediterranean, a civilization that dominated parts of the Mediterranean, through entrepreneurship and intellectual development from a range of cities independent states. They prevailed on the sea because of the superiority of their vessels and their talents as browsers, are exceptional craftsmen, traders and talented invent the first true alphabet - a breakthrough that will pave the way for major literary works of Greece old.
333: The conquest of Alexander to the Roman colonization.
In the second century: The birth of medieval Christianity in Lebanon.
in the eighth century Islam Lebanon wins the (then djebel Loubnan).
Crusades: In the twelfth century during the Crusades, Lebanon is included in the states of Latin Levant
1516: Lebanon was included in the Ottoman Empire
1861-1915: The Western influence in Lebanon: The Province (mutasarrifiya) autonomous Mount Lebanon.
Between 1880 and 1914: population growth and the crisis of sericulture caused a major influx into the Americas, which hit at least a quarter of the population.
1918-1943: The establishment of the modern state: France obtains from the League of Nations a mandate on the Syrian Levant regions. The kingdom of Syria was proclaimed, while reserving to the Mount Lebanon area autonomous status.
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