Saturday, August 7 - Mountain climbing, rappelling and zipline in Baloo Balaa

Sunday, August 8 - Hiking in Kornet el Sawda

Friday, August 13 - Tree-house dinner.

Saturday, August 14 - Boat trip and swimming in Edde Sands

Sunday, August 15 - Hiking in Karm Shbat - Akkar

Friday, August 20 - Iftar in Saida

Saturday, August 21 - Afternoon trip to Palm Island + sunset

Sunday, August 22 - Hiking to Aisha Fortress.

Friday, August 27 - Night Hike in Afqa and s7our

Weekend, August28/29 - Weekend in Tyre

Friday, Sept 3 - Dinner in Jurd

Saturday, Sept 4 - Afternoon trip to Palm Island

Sunday, Sept 5 - Hiking in Jebel el 40- Jurd el Njas, Donniyeh

Sept 7….Sept 12 - Trip to Turkey

Sunday, Sept 12 - Hiking in Hadath el Jebbeh, Annoubine

Saturday, Sept 18 - Caving in Roueis

Sunday, Sept 19 - Hiking in Wazzani

Friday, Sept 24 - Night hike in Mayfouk

Weekend Sept 25/26 - Weekend in Jurd el Hermel

Balaa is very famous for its 250 meters deep natural sink-hole that has been carved by water 160 million years ago! A magnificent waterfall can be observed during winter and spring with water vapors rising up to the surface. The importance of Baloo Balaa has spread beyond the Lebanese borders. Baloo Balaa is a natural pothole with three separate natural bridges inside it.  This natural beauty is a must to see.

We are going to climb and rappel in Balou Balaa.

The place is really beautiful.  You can hike around and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.  

Moreover, while waiting for your turn to climb, you can try the zipline!  

WHERE:  Balou Balaa 70 km from Beirut

PRICE: $40 per person including transport, guides, insurance, and equipment. 

WHAT TO GET:  Get some light snacks that will boost up your energy such as dried fruits. Pack your backpacks with lunch, water, cap, sunglasses and sunscreen.  Wear hiking shoes or comfortable walking shoes.

Kornet el Sawda is the highest peak in the Middle East. It really is worth all the effort you put to get there.  The summit offers a huge panoramic view in all directions, and even Cyprus can be seen when weather conditions are especially good. 

The hike is a tough one, LEVEL 6, and about 17 km long. It is mostly uphill.  

If you prefer an easier hike (LEVEL 4), there is the possibility to take a lift in a pick-up to reduce a third of the path. Then you will meet with level 6 and continue the journey.  

WHERE:   Kornet el Sawda 120 km from Beirut  3,083 m above sea level

WHAT TO GET:  Pack your backpack with water, lunch, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a cap.  Wear hiking shoes or comfortable walking shoes.  Get a thick jacket, hat, and gloves.

PRICE: 50,000 LL per person including transport, guides, insurance, pick-up. 

In 3ain Zhalta, in the Chouf, you will have a night to remember.  Dinner will be served out in the open, in a tree-house!  It is a deluxe tree-house with a bathroom and a kitchen!  

Arak will be brewed while we’re having dinner.  You will have the chance to see how it is done and enjoy the Kerke in action.

Before dinner, you will have the privilege to visit the workshop of the Assaf brothers.  Assaf, Mansour, and Aref are three famous artists known for their sculptures.  The statue of Michael Neimeh in Baskinta is one of their achievements. It will be a great opportunity to meet them in person.

WHERE:  3ain Zhalta In the region of Chouf 45 Km from Beirut 1000 meters above sea level.

PRICE: $40 per person including transport, dinner and insurance.

The Phoenician Hippoi is a wooden boat, built to look like the Phoenician ships.  We will take it for a ride from the bay of Jounieh to Jbeil.  Enjoy the view of the coast all the way to Edde Sands. There, we will spend a day at the beach, swimming and relaxing.  

We will get back on the boat for lunch. 

WHERE:  Out at sea / Edde Sands

PRICE: 100,000 LL per person including guides, insurance, boat ride, Edde Sands, and lunch. 

WHAT TO GET:  Get a swimsuit, sunscreen, cap, water, and a towel. Wear soft rubber shoes (no high heels).

The Town of Karm Al Mohr is home to the Aisha Fortress built on the heights of Al Fawwar spring. It is a huge rock carrying the ruins of what used to be an important palace or protection center, overseeing an old road linking the Donniyeh region to Ba’albeck across the mountains of Kornet el Sawda and Foum el Mizab.

Princess Aisha was the princess of Bchenneta during the 13th century. Aisha Fortress was her summer residence.

The view from the fortress is worth every step you have endured to get there.  It is windy and cold up there, so get a windbreaker with you. 

A beautiful cedar forest, still unknown to many, is our second point of interest.  The old majestic trees stand tall and strong, a witness to thousands of years!  Grab your chance.  This forest is really worth discovering.  You will have sufficient time to hike through it and take pictures. It will be a great setting for a lunch break.

The hike will be divided into two levels.

WHERE:  Karm el Mohr / Aisha Fortress - North Lebanon - 2400 m above sea level - 110 km from Beirut

PRICE: 35,000 LL per person including transport, guides, insurance. 

WHAT TO GET:  Get some light snacks that will boost up your energy such as dried fruits. Pack your backpacks with lunch, water, cap, sunglasses and sunscreen.  Don’t forget a light jacket or a windbreaker. Wear hiking shoes or comfortable walking shoes. 

This year, our Iftar will include a cultural visit in Saida.  Saida was one of the most important Phoenician cities, and may have been the oldest.  There are many landmarks to visit. 

After the cultural tour of the city, we will go to the iftar in a nice restaurant, where the tables are set outside in the garden with greenery and water fountains. 

WHERE:  Saida - South Lebanon - Sea level

PRICE: $40 per person including transport, guides, insurance, and dinner. 

WHAT TO GET:  Wear comfortable shoes. Get a light jacket just in case. 

             

We’ve taken you to Palm Island before.  But have you ever seen it at dusk? Can you imagine how beautiful the sunset will be over there? 

Be prepared to sail out at sea in the afternoon.  Spend a relaxing time at the island, enjoying the shore that is mainly made from crushed and broken shells. The sunset, with its warm colors, will decorate the sky.  Enjoy every moment.  

You can either get your supper or have a delicious meal delivered to you (barbecued fish, potatoes and salad).

WHERE:  Jaziret el Araneb - In the sea, facing Tripoli

WHAT TO GET:  A backpack with a bottle of water, hat, sunscreen, swimming-suit (wear it under your clothes), towel, and other beach things you might need.  Pack some food too if you’ll need it.           

PRICE: $30 per person including transport, guides, insurance and boat ride. An extra $20 will be charged for supper (optional).

We will walk together in one group.  It will be a moderate hike, about 12 km long.  There will be no ascents and you will enjoy the breathtaking scenery all along the track. You will see a diverse variety of trees such as Iron Oak, Cedars, Fir, Juniper, Oak, Pine…and many more.

After the hike, we will go by bus to Morgan, a Lebanese restaurant atop a hill overlooking the whole region. A delicious meal will be a great way to end this memorable day.

WHERE:  Karm Shbat - Akkar North Lebanon 2000 m above sea level - 155 km from Beirut

PRICE: $40 per person including transport, guides, insurance, and lunch. 

WHAT TO GET:  Get some light snacks that will boost up your energy such as dried fruits. Pack your backpacks with, water, cap, sunglasses and sunscreen.  Don’t forget a light jacket because it gets cold in the shade. Wear hiking shoes or comfortable walking shoes. 

The moon is coming back, full and luminous. We will take advantage of this monthly phenomenon and walk by night from Lassa to Afka. 

This time, the night hike will have a special touch to it.  Since Ramadan is here, we will get together for a ‘shour’ meal under the moon. For those who are fasting, get something to eat along the way because the ‘shour’ won’t be before 11:00 PM.

WHERE:  Lassa - Afka - In Keserwan region - 55 Km from Beirut 1400 meters above sea level.

WHAT TO GET:  A backpack with a bottle of water, a light jacket and a flashlight. Wear hiking shoes or comfortable walking shoes.

PRICE: 35,000 LL per person including transport, guides, insurance.

As every weekend program, you have the choice of a whole weekend or just a Sunday trip…it’s up to you.

We are going south to spend a weekend by the sea. Let’s discover the attractions of Tyre and cool down in its waters!

What’s there in Tyre?  What will we see? Here are some pointers:

Tyre is an ancient Phoenician city. It was founded around 2750 BC. 

Remains from other periods have been unearthed at Tyre, including those from the Byzantine, Arab and Crusader eras, but it is the Roman ruins that are most numerous and impressive. 

Tyre has a beautiful white sandy coast. It is one of the most beautiful shores in Lebanon.   

We will spend the night in Al-Fanar Auberge. Its location close to the lighthouse near the ancient seaport, with an access to the sea, makes Al-Fanar Auberge a favorite meeting place. The unique cozy architecture adds to its magic.

WHERE:   Tyre South Lebanon Sea level 83 km from Beirut

WHAT TO GET:  Pack the usual overnight stuff.  Don’t forget to get a swimsuit, sunscreen, towel, a cap, and a light jacket (for the night). 

PRICE:  

a) For the whole weekend: $110 per person including transport, guides, insurance, accommodation & three meals. 

b) For Sunday participants, the price will become $40 per person (transport, guides, insurance, and lunch). 

Dinner under the stars, a cozy get-together in a gypsy’s tent, drinks, music…all in the company of shepherds…what else can we ask for.

Up in the Jurd of Faraya, where you can touch the sky, be prepared for an evening to remember. A tasty barbecued meal, with salad and potatoes will be prepared for you.  

We will sit in a huge gypsy tent, decorated with colorful cushions and carpets. At the end of the meal, the music will fill the air.  Just dance the night away!

Don’t miss this unique evening.  Get the feel of shepherd’s life.

WHERE:  Faraya / Jurd 2000 m above sea level 46 km from Beirut

PRICE: $40 per person including transport, guides, insurance, and dinner. (Please get the exact change to facilitate and speed up the registration process).   

WHAT TO GET:  Get a jacket because it gets cold at night.

We’ve taken you to Palm Island before.  But have you ever seen it at dusk? Can you imagine how beautiful the sunset will be over there? 

Be prepared to sail out at sea in the afternoon.  Spend a relaxing time at the island, enjoying the shore that is mainly made from crushed and broken shells. The sunset, with its warm colors, will decorate the sky.  Enjoy every moment.  

As you may already know by now, Palm Island is declared as a protected area by Unesco. It is also a culture heritage site. There is evidence for human occupation dated mainly to the Crusade period. 

It is a must to see.  

You can either get your supper or have a delicious meal delivered to you.

WHERE:  Jaziret el Araneb - In the sea, facing Tripoli

WHAT TO GET:  A backpack with a bottle of water, hat, sunscreen, swimming-suit (wear it under your clothes), towel, and other beach things you might need.  Pack some food too if you’ll need it.   

PRICE: $40 per person including transport, guides, insurance and boat ride. An extra $20 will be charged for supper (optional). (Please get the exact change to facilitate and speed up the registration process).

Jibel el Arbeen is an area in Bekaasefrine / Donniye. It is one of the nicest hikes that can be done in this area.  The views of most of Akkar plain, all of Donniye, Nabeh el Sikkar and vast plantations are clearly visible. From atop of the hill, you can get overwhelming views. 

 During this hike, you will see a wonderful cedar forest where enough time will be spent there to contemplate the beauty and have lunch.

The hike will be divided into two levels. 

WHERE:  Jibel el Arbeen-Jurd el Njas / Donniye North Lebanon 1300 m above sea level 95 km from Beirut

WHAT TO GET:  Get some light snacks that will boost up your energy such as dried fruits. Pack your backpacks with lunch, water, cap, sunglasses and sunscreen.  Don’t forget a light jacket or a windbreaker. Wear hiking shoes or comfortable walking shoes.                         

PRICE: 35,000 LL per person including transport, guides, insurance. (Please get the exact change to facilitate and speed up the registration process).

         

Annoubine’s history dates back to the 6th century. It has monasteries and sanctuaries spread all over the gorge, in the form of caves or churches. The view you get to see from the valley is beyond imagination. Once there, you get the feeling of peace and tranquility. The spiritual atmosphere reigns over the entire valley.  A Colombian hermit lives in this deserted valley.

There are many trails in this holy valley.  Also, there are many caves and monasteries, which simply cannot all be visited in one hike.

WHERE:  Qadicha Valley – Wadi Annoubine  In the region of Ehden 1200 m above sea level. 80 Km from Beirut

PRICE: 35,000 LL per person including transport, guides, insurance. (Please get the exact change to facilitate and speed up the registration process).

WHAT TO GET:  Get some light snacks that will boost up your energy such as dried fruits. Pack your backpacks with water, lunch, a cap, sunglasses and sunscreen.  Don’t forget to get a jacket. 

We are going to Akoura, to the Cave of Roueis. 

We are going to explore the underground. You will explore a large cave, and have time to rest inside it, having a warm drink and a snack to boost up your energy. Get tasty snacks and wine if you wish.  A glass of wine will be just great in such a cool atmosphere!

The temperature in the cave is cool. It is 16 degrees all year round. Get a jacket to keep you warm.

WHERE:   Roueis - Akoura

WHAT TO GET:  Pack your backpack with a light snack, water, dry clothes and socks.  Wear hiking shoes or old comfortable walking shoes.  Get a jacket along, because it gets cold in there.

PRICE: 50,000 LL per person including transport, guides, insurance, caving equipment. 

   

Venture into the extreme south…at the borders.  It is perfectly safe, a land full of life, rich in plantations, restaurants and resorts.

You will see (what once we thought unfeasible) the Golan Heights, Ghajar, Bawwabet Fatme and Al Wazzani. 

The hike will be one level, easy, with no uphill.  You will walk mainly in the plantations while watching the locals harvest their land.  It is a new sight to the eye since they differ in culture, dress code and dialect. The hike will lead you to the view point where the Golan Heights and the village of Ghajar appear only a few steps away!

Lunch will be at a restaurant in Wazzani by the river, a few steps away from the iron fence separating the two countries.

As for Bawwabet Fatme, you will go by bus to visit it.

WHERE:  El Wazzani  In the South 106 km from Beirut 425 meters above sea level.

PRICE: $40 per person including transport, guides, insurance, and lunch. (Please get the exact change to facilitate and speed up the registration process).

WHAT TO GET:  Get some light snacks that will boost up your energy such as dried fruits. Pack your backpacks with water, cap, sunglasses and sunscreen.  Don’t forget a light jacket because it gets cold in the shade. Wear comfortable shoes, preferably hiking shoes.

Mayfouk is a Lebanese village in Byblos (Jbeil) district, Mount Lebanon. It is located at 60 Km from Beirut, with altitudes that vary from 800m to 1100m.  It was the second Maronite Patriarchal location in Lebanon. 

It is also known as the village of honey, and a honey carnival is organized there every summer. In this regard, you will have the chance to buy locally produced honey, the best on the market.

Under the moonlight, you will enjoy this wonderful village in a different way.

WHERE:  Mayfouk in Byblos district 800 / 1100 m above sea level 60 km from Beirut

WHAT TO GET:  You must wear hiking shoes or comfortable walking shoes.  Get a jacket since it gets cold at night. Don’t forget to get a flashlight. 

PRICE: 35,000 LL per person including transport, guides, insurance. (Please get the exact change to facilitate and speed up the registration process).

Camping, as never done before!

Al Jord, located in North-East of Lebanon, at the junction of the jords of Akkar, Hermel and Donniyeh is our next adventure.  We will spend the whole weekend there.  A weekend out of this world!

This Jord is unique. Juniper trees spread over its hills, and a panoramic view of Wadi Jhannam will take your breath away!

The site is equipped with first class tents!  Large tents are made from goat hair, juniper wood and stones. They are equipped with mattresses, sheets, pillows and blankets. They offer you the comfort of your home. In the tent you can turn on the furnace to keep yourself warm at night. Showers and toilet facilities are up-to-date with solar heating systems.

WHERE:   Al Jord - Hermel District - 180 km from Beirut - 2500 m above sea level

                                     

WHAT TO GET:  Towels, overnight change of clothes and toilet essentials. It gets really cold at night so get thick jackets and hats. Also get caps and sunscreen to protect you from the hot sun of the day. Don’t forget to get your Lebanese ID or passport.