Private Cedar Hike, Beiteddine Palace & Deir el Qamar Tour
Overview
Available languages
8 hours
Mobile ticket
he Chouf Mountains offer Lebanon at its most diverse — and this private full-day tour from Beirut captures three of the region's most rewarding experiences in a single, beautifully paced day. Begin with a moderate one-hour hike through the Maaser el Shouf Cedar Reserve — Lebanon's largest nature reserve and home to one of the country's most extensive surviving cedar forests, a UNESCO-recognised landscape of extraordinary ecological richness. Then visit Beiteddine Palace — one of the finest 19th-century palaces in the Arab world — before ending the afternoon in Deir el Qamar, Lebanon's first capital, where honey-stone mansions and centuries of quiet coexistence define one of the most enchanting villages in the country.
Nature, architecture, and history — all within the same mountain range, all in one private day, entirely at your own pace with a knowledgeable English-speaking driver who knows every road and every story in the Chouf.
Additional Info
Wheelchair accessible
Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
Specialized infant seats are available
Suitable for all physical fitness levels
What To Expect
Beirut
9:00 AM — Departure from Beirut Your knowledgeable English-speaking driver collects you from your Beirut hotel and heads southeast into the Chouf Mountains — pine and cedar-forested ridges rising steeply above the coastal plain as you climb toward Maaser el Shouf and the biosphere reserve.
Shouf Cedars Reserve
Arrive at the Maaser el Shouf Cedar Reserve — the heart of the Shouf Biosphere Reserve, Lebanon's largest nature reserve and one of the most ecologically significant protected landscapes in the Middle East. The reserve protects one of Lebanon's most extensive surviving cedar forests — ancient trees descended from the vast cedar forests that once covered these mountains and whose timber built Phoenician ships, Solomon's Temple, and the palaces of Egypt. A moderate one-hour hike takes you along the marked trail through the grove — terrain that includes some inclines and rocky sections that make it more engaging than a gentle stroll. Ancient cedar trunks tower above you, the mountain air is cool and clear, and the silence of a protected forest at altitude is something that stays with you. Your driver shares the story of the reserve, the conservation efforts that saved these trees, and the remarkable ecology of the Shouf on the drive up and back.
Options
PRIVATE TOUR
Lunch & Tickets not included: Please note this option does not include the Lunch and tickets. This cost goes on your own. Duration: 8 hours Pickup included
What‘s Included
Tour Leader
Hotel pickup and drop-off
Air-conditioned vehicle
Comfortable Private Transportation
Lunch
Gratuities
Pickup points
Select a pickup point
Cancellation Policy
For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
Reviews
3 reviews
Total reviews and rating from Viator & Tripadvisor
Recommended
yixiud,Nov 7, 2021
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00Beiteddine is outstanding, with beautiful Islamic-styled ornamentation. The Cedar Reserve is also a great area to appreciate nature. Apart from the trip, I had a great time talking with Hassane, our guide, on a variety of issues throughout our travel. I will strongly suggest this travel agency to everyone!
Good introduction to beautiful Lebanese mountainside
VinnieLondon SE2,Jul 11, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
4.00Pick up from Beirut hotel all on time. Around 40 minutes to Deir Al-Qamar which is a beautiful historic village in the mountains with stunning views, old Christian church and Moslem palace. Nice place to stop for lunch. Bien Eddine Emir’s mountain palace (small entry fee) was excellent as was trip up to the hotel which was once the Emir’s children’s package (nice spot overlooking valley and palace for a coffee and/or lunch). Then on to Baouk Cedar reserve (entry fee around £7.50 payable) for fantastic views/fresh air and half hour walk back down if you choose. Overall a good itinerary to see the beautiful Lebanese countryside. Recommend
Recommended
hanan-williams,Jan 18, 2019
- Review from Tripadvisor
5.00We booked the tour of Beiteddine, Deir el Qamar and Cedars from Beirut. It was a day to remember. The driver was fluent in English and very helpful and friendly especially with our kids. I highly recommend this company.
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Operated by Lebanon Tours & travels