Lebanon food and history tour

Planet

On this tour we visit several towns and places that are listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites, such as the beautiful Qadisha Valley, the architectural site of Baalbek and the town of Deir Al Qamer. Our visits to these places help to support local projects to conserve the area's cultural and geographical heritage. We also enjoy tours of wine cellars in Baalbek and try local food in traditional restaurants, so we contribute on the learning and spreading of the eno-gastronomical heritage.

Our driver/guides will brief travelers on appropriate behaviour, both cultural and environmental, and when visiting areas of natural beauty such as the Chouf Cedar Reserve, which is also UNESCO listed, and the Cedars Forest we make a point of ensuring that we leave no permanent traces of our stay behind, taking all rubbish with us to protect these valuable tourist attractions. These are some of the most beautiful areas in the whole of Lebanon and we ensure that our impact is minimal when spending time in these environments.

Where appropriate and feasible we will always incorporate walking tours of cities rather than being reliant on private transportation - not only reducing our carbon footprint but we believe leading to a more enjoyable and intimate experience for our clients. Furthermore, all vehicles used on the tour have low carbon emissions. We work closely with our local suppliers to highlight best practice in terms of environmental issues.

This being a private and tailormade tour, it has much less impact when traveling through rural areas, reducing our environmental and social affects. Finally to emphasis our commitment to Responsible Tourism all clients will receive a copy of our Travelers Code of Conduct with their travel documents.

People

This tour begins with a walking tour where tourists learn about how the area was shaped by the civil war, where stark reminders of the conflict are visible. Our local guides also explain the regeneration efforts that have been made, which is very important to the local people who have lived through, and continue living in these areas which have been devastated by war. Visiting these sites and cities allows our clients to learn about the strong culture of this once war-torn, and ultimately closed-off city. Although the villages and towns have been rebuilt, we bring clients with the aim of bringing tourism to the area, boosting the local economy. Also, clients get to understand and learn about these country’s turbulent past.

Our philosophy is to only use small and locally owned suppliers, meaning that the income remains within the country and creates a real economic contribution. We also feel that the passion inherent within such suppliers means that your experience will be enhanced.

We only employ local staff and unlike many operators we believe that to send a foreign Tour Leader along to accompany your trip is an unnecessary burden on your wallet and our carbon footprint. We believe that locals know best. Our local operators only use locally owned accommodation. This means your money stays in the area to benefit the local community. When possible we use local transport, (i.e. rail or bus) and we always use local restaurants, markets and shops and encourage our clients to interact both financially and socially with the communities that they are passing through. In doing this your travels are supporting and encouraging the development of local services.

Our clients have the opportunity to visit ‘Les Quartier Des Arts’, an area in Beirut full of local shops and boutiques where they can purchase local souvenirs. By doing this we are supporting the local people and their livelihood, ensuring the money directly benefits the local people. And of course, this being a food and wine centered tour, we also enjoy at several occasions throughout this tour, visits of wine cellars and many traditional restaurants, so we contribute on the learning and spreading of the eno-gastronomical heritage.