Visiting Shouf Cedars and Beiteddine Palace – A Day Trip with Lunch in Beirut

Are you planning to travel to Beirut? Then you should definitely spare a day of your trip to explore the natural beauty and ancient historical ruins of this vibrant city. In this guide, we’ll take an in-depth look at the Shouf Cedars and Beiteddine Palace day trip with lunch in Beirut, as well as share our top tips on how to make the most of your trip.

Introducing Shouf Cedars and Beiteddine Palace

Shouf Cedars is part of the country’s largest nature reserve, the Shouf Biosphere Reserve. It is located about 30 miles southeast of Beirut, in the middle of the beautiful lush green mountains of Lebanon. The reserve is home to some of the oldest cedar trees in the world, as well as a variety of wildflowers and foliage. You can take a treetop walk in the reserve, as well as admire its stunning mountain views. It’s a popular spot for hikers, so be sure to bring your best walking shoes.

Just a few miles away from the Shouf Cedars is the 19th century Beiteddine Palace. This magnificent structure was built by Emir Bashir Shihab II during the Ottoman era. It is a stunning example of Islamic architecture, with golden mosaics and intricate carved walls. Not only is it a thing of beauty, but it has also been used as a residence by some of Lebanon’s finest leaders throughout the ages.

The Perfect Day Trip

The perfect way to experience both of these attractions is through a day trip that includes lunch. A full day tour will start off with an early morning pick-up from Beirut city centre and take you on an hour’s drive to the Shouf Cedar Reserve. Here you will enjoy a 1 hour guided tour amongst the huge cedar trees and see some amazing mountain views. After enjoying some time here, you will be taken further on to Beiteddine Palace where you will spend 1.5 hours admiring the palace’s beautiful architecture and artwork.

You will then be taken for lunch in one of the local restaurants nearby before making your way back to Beirut, where you will get dropped off at your hotel or chosen destination.

Top Tips To Make The Most Of Your Trip

• Bring your walking shoes – you will be doing a lot of walking during your trip, so make sure you bring comfortable shoes that won’t give you blisters.
• Wear sun protection – if you’re visiting in summer time, it can get very hot and sunny, so make sure you are prepared.
• Don’t forget to take pictures– as this is a full day tour, make sure you take lots of pictures so you can remember your experience.
• Explore nearby attractions– many nearby attractions such as picturesque villages are worth exploring while you are in the area.

How To Book Your Trip?

If all that sounds like something you are interested in, then why not book your own “Beirut: Shouf Cedars & Beiteddine Palace Day Trip with Lunch’ for yourself? This activity can be easily booked online through GetYourGuide (GYG), where you can find all sorts of activities for your trip. GYG offers great customer service, amazing discounts and unbeatable prices. Plus, once you book your activity through GYG, you can receive all the important information about your tour via email or directly within the GYG App, which makes it super convenient for your travels!

Conclusion

If you are planning a trip to Beirut then make sure to visit the Shouf Cedars and Beiteddine Palace as part of your itinerary. The perfect way to explore both attractions is through a day trip that includes lunch, which can be easily booked online using GYG. Just make sure you bring your walking shoes and wear sun protection, and don’t forget to take lots of pictures! Your day trip promises to be nothing less than spectacular. So what are you waiting for? Book your trip today.

We hope that this article has given you all the information that you need about visiting Shouf Cedars and Beiteddine Palace with lunch in Beirut. To book your activity for this day-trip, click here – GetYourGuide. Have a great time!

Insider’s Guide to Beirut: Discovering Hidden Gems, Local Cuisine, and Cultural Experiences

Beirut is a city of contrasts, where ancient architecture meets modern design, and traditional values coexist with a liberal outlook. It’s a city that’s bursting with history, culture, food, and architectural wonders. Here’s an insider’s guide to Beirut that will take you off the beaten path for a unique and unforgettable trip.

Explore Hidden Gems

While Beirut is known for its picturesque Corniche and the historic Pigeon Rocks, there are several hidden gems that only locals know about. One such spot is the Sursock Museum, a beautifully restored 19th-century mansion that houses the city’s finest collection of contemporary art. Another is the Maronite Cathedral of Saint George, a stunning example of Lebanese Baroque architecture, which sits atop a hill overlooking the city. Don’t forget to visit the lively and colorful Souk el Tayeb, an outdoor market where local farmers and artisans sell their wares.

Savor Local Cuisine

Lebanese cuisine is a highlight of any visit to Beirut, and you’ll find a vast range of delicious dishes that will tantalize your taste buds. Head to Tawlet, a restaurant that showcases regional dishes from all over the country, cooked by talented chefs. For street food, try manoushe, a flaky flatbread topped with savory or sweet ingredients, found at bakeries across the city. Don’t forget to indulge in mezze, a generous spread of small dishes that includes hummus, baba ganoush, and stuffed grape leaves, served with freshly baked pita bread.

Immerse in Cultural Experiences

Beirut is a city of culture, where art, music, and tradition converge. Visit the National Museum of Beirut, which houses a vast collection of artifacts from ancient civilizations. Check out Station Beirut, an independent cultural center that hosts concerts, exhibitions, and workshops. If you’re lucky enough to be in Beirut during the Al Bustan Festival, be sure to attend one of the classical music or ballet performances held at the stunning Al Bustan Hotel.

Learn About Local History

Beirut’s history is a fascinating tapestry of cultures and civilizations, with influences from the Phoenicians, Romans, Ottomans, and French. Visit the Beit Beirut Museum, a former sniper’s nest turned museum, which tells the story of the city’s civil war. Walk through the alleys of Gemmayzeh, a neighborhood that survived the war and is now a trendy spot for bars, restaurants, and boutiques. Don’t forget to visit the Martyrs’ Monument, a tribute to those who died during Lebanon’s struggle for independence.

Go Off-the-Beaten-Path

For a truly unique and unforgettable experience, head to Tyre, a charming coastal town about an hour’s drive from Beirut. Here, you’ll find one of the most impressive archaeological sites in the country, the Roman ruins of Tyre. Explore the ancient streets, marvel at the amphitheater, and soak in the history and beauty of this fascinating place. Afterwards, relax on the sandy beaches, and savor local dishes at one of the seaside restaurants.

With this insider’s guide to Beirut, you’re sure to have a comprehensive and unforgettable experience of the city. Whether you’re into history, culture, food, or off-the-beaten-path adventures, Beirut has something for everyone. So, pack your bags and get ready for an adventure in one of the most beautiful and captivating cities in the world!