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BAALBECK,
Lebanon's greatest Roman treasure can be counted among the wonders
of the ancient world. ; The Largest and most noble Roman temples
ever built, they are also among the best preserved. The temple
complex of Baalbeck is made up of the Jupiter Temple and the Bacchus
Temple. A short distance away is the circular structure known as the
Temple of "Venus. Most spectacular is the first view - the 22 meter
Corinthian columns thrusting upwards to the sky. If you're lucky,
you'll get here in time for the annual music festival.
BEITEDDINE The road to Beiteddine (the Alhambra of Lebanon),
leaves the coastal highway 17 kilometers beyond Beirut. It climbs
quickly along the beautiful Damour
River to 850 meters above sea level. The most spectacular view of
the palace and its surrounding is from the village of Deir El Qamar.
The Beiteddine palace complex is Lebanon's best example of early
19th century architecture.
JEITA
GROTTO
- Only a short ride north of Beirut, this is one of the largest and
most intricately carved caverns in the world. After a short
steam-engine minitrain ride, descend to the grottoes and enjoy the
relaxing boat ride through this underground world of wondrous
natural formations.
TRIPOLI
- The capital of the north, this quaint city is a mellow, layback,
quaint traditional place - quite the contrary to Beirut. The city's
rich past is reflected in many ways - the continued use of ancient
soap,
hammams (public bathhouses), and souqs (outdoor markets). ; The
smell of Tripoli's famous sweets are like a mist over the entire
city. ; Stroll through the winding alleyways through the
marketplace; enjoy a good
old fashion scrub down and massage at one of the hammams. ; This is
what Tripoli is all about. ; The Old area of the city near the port
(Al Mina) is a tourist's delight. ; Visit the fortified Citadel, the
green-domed Taynal Mosque, and the souq. ; Stop for a drink in one
of the many coffee houses.
BYBLOS
- Had time forgotten to carry this quaint fishing village along, or
did Byblos stubbornly decide to forget the
trip and stay there instead? Nestled on the Mediterranean, this
ancient Phoenician port has a; Crusader castle and Roman theatre.
(no Toto - we're not in Acco anymore - you'll know what I mean when
you get hereto Byblos - don't miss it).
COUNTRYSIDE-
a visit to Lebanon is not complete without a drive through the
CHOUF MOUNTAINS the
spectacular views, the rivers, lakes, and valleys. Climb to the
famous Barouk mountain peak for a panoramic
view of the entire region. ; There are abundance of small
restaurants, cafes, and rest spots. From the summit of BAROUK
descend to the flatland, which borders at the sea - a descent of a
few minutes.
The
CEDARS of Lebanon are more than just groves of immense rare trees
growing in these mountains - they are a source of Lebanese pride.
These trees are what remain of a once thick blanket of forest.
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