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Lebanon
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Beirut Governorate
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Beirut
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Tours & Activities
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Half Day Trip from Beirut - Beiteddin & Deir Al Kamar - Private Tour
6 h
About this activity
Itinerary
This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Beiteddine Palace, Chouf, Lebanon
Built over 300 years beginning in 1788, the palace was the personal home of emir Bashir Shihab II who wanted the mansion to be a place of singular beauty and legendary opulence. The castle was built on a hermitage called Beiteddine (House of Faith) and featured all manner of amenity including a lush personal apartment for the emir, a harem, and a rich guest house that was often offered to passing luminaries and dignitaries. Many of the surfaces were inlaid with intricate mosaics and designs, many of which have survived remarkably well to this day. Unfortunately, all of this grandeur is said to have come at a great price.
While it is likely an apocryphal story, it’s been said that the emir ordered that the architect of his palace have his hands cut right off so that the Beit ed-Dine Palace could not be duplicated. In addition, he is said to have conscripted all of his healthy male subjects to work on the project for days at a time for no pay.
Despite the possible labour tragedies associated with it, the palace was eventually taken over by the Ottomans and used as a government building before eventually being turned into a protected historic site. Today the palace still retains its stunning architecture and hand-made mosaics and is an important site for both visitors and the people of Lebanon.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Deir Al Kamar Municipality, Chouf, Lebanon
The village of Deir el Qamar is a true gem of the region and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The village was the capital of Mount Lebanon from the 16th to 18th centuries and a regional stronghold for the Ottoman Emirs. With red-tiled roofs, winding streets, and stone houses, the village epitomizes idyllic mountain charm and small-town life at its finest. It also highlights the religious diversity in Lebanon, with a mosque, a church and a synagogue all taking residence in its main square.
The best way to enjoy Deir El Qamar is by meandering through its narrow streets. Start in the main square (which was used for jousting tournaments during the Crusades) and meander through the streets just off the main road.
Duration: 1 hour
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This is a typical itinerary for this product
Stop At: Beiteddine Palace, Chouf, Lebanon
Built over 300 years beginning in 1788, the palace was the personal home of emir Bashir Shihab II who wanted the mansion to be a place of singular beauty and legendary opulence. The castle was built on a hermitage called Beiteddine (House of Faith) and featured all manner of amenity including a lush personal apartment for the emir, a harem, and a rich guest house that was often offered to passing luminaries and dignitaries. Many of the surfaces were inlaid with intricate mosaics and designs, many of which have survived remarkably well to this day. Unfortunately, all of this grandeur is said to have come at a great price.
While it is likely an apocryphal story, it’s been said that the emir ordered that the architect of his palace have his hands cut right off so that the Beit ed-Dine Palace could not be duplicated. In addition, he is said to have conscripted all of his healthy male subjects to work on the project for days at a time for no pay.
Despite the possible labour tragedies associated with it, the palace was eventually taken over by the Ottomans and used as a government building before eventually being turned into a protected historic site. Today the palace still retains its stunning architecture and hand-made mosaics and is an important site for both visitors and the people of Lebanon.
Duration: 1 hour
Stop At: Deir Al Kamar Municipality, Chouf, Lebanon
The village of Deir el Qamar is a true gem of the region and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The village was the capital of Mount Lebanon from the 16th to 18th centuries and a regional stronghold for the Ottoman Emirs. With red-tiled roofs, winding streets, and stone houses, the village epitomizes idyllic mountain charm and small-town life at its finest. It also highlights the religious diversity in Lebanon, with a mosque, a church and a synagogue all taking residence in its main square.
The best way to enjoy Deir El Qamar is by meandering through its narrow streets. Start in the main square (which was used for jousting tournaments during the Crusades) and meander through the streets just off the main road.
Duration: 1 hour
Included
- Hotel Pick up & Drop off
- English Speaking Driver
- Comfortable Private Transportation
Not included
- Lunch
- Gratuities
- Entrance fees in Beit El Din
- Entry/Admission - Beiteddine Palace
Additional
- Confirmation will be received at time of booking
- Not wheelchair accessible
- A current and a valid passport is required on the day of the travel
- The tour is available everyday except Mondays
- Lunch and Entrance fees are NOT included in the price of the tour
- Most travelers can participate
- This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate
Features
Tourism
95%
Cultural
70%
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