Lebanon , once known as the “Gem of the Middle East ”, has suffered much from war, strife, and instability over the past 25 years; however, it is in the process of making a comeback, and it is working hard to rebuild, to restore itself back to its “Days of Glory”. Lebanon is a beautiful country, with much to offer in the way of tourism. Rich in culture and history that dates back thousands of years, one can see the beauty its natural settings and in its ancient ruins. Although small in size, Lebanon packs much into its small package. Tourists can drive the circumference of the country in less than 10 hours. It offers everything from the sandy beaches of Beirut to snow top mountains of Fariah, and tourists can soak up some rays, and partake in some downhill skiing, all in the same day.

There are many sites for Tourists to enjoy in the Lebanese Capital of Beirut. Much has been put into the reconstructed Downtown Area, thanks to the the work of the late Prime Minister, Rafik Hariri. The newly developed area of the Soladaire, representing the “New Lebanon”, is bustling with Businesses, Restaurants, Cafes, and many upscale Designer Shops. Another popular shopping area can be found on the famous Hamra Street . In the Corniche area of Beirut , stands an amazing natural rock formation off the coastline known as Raouche. This is one of Beirut ’s most popular spots, as evidenced by the number of tourists and locals alike that congregate at the many cafés set amongst the cliffs that overlook this natural wonder. On the hillside overlooking Beirut , tourists can take the “Telefrik”, a cable car, up to the famous village of Harissa , with its National Shrine, Our Lady of Lebanon.

There are many fine restaurants to choose from that offer an array of Lebanese Mezzas and Fresh Seafood. Tourists will enjoy dining al fresco on the edges of the Mediterranean , taking in its pleasant sea breezes. Evening entertainment is also plentiful with the many night clubs found in the Bohemian Quarter of the old Ashrafieh District, and the ever famous Casino du Liban with its gaming and nightly entertainment. Nestled into the cliffs overlooking Jounieh, the Casino du Liban is just 22 km north of Beirut .

Not far from Beirut are the magnificent caves of the Jeita Grotto. This is a definite “Must See”, and is under consideration for becoming one of the New Seven Wonders of Nature. With all the majesty of its stalactite and stalagmite formations, one can definitely feel God’s Presence as you enter. To the north of Beirut is the seaside city of Byblos (also known as Jbeil), with its archeological sites and a beautifully restored Medieval Souk that stands in the city’s center. To the East of Beirut is the beautiful area of the Chouf Mountains . There, Tourists will find a number of attractions, such as the scenic town of Deir Al Qamar that has played an important role in the history of Lebanon; Castle Moussa, built by a man named Moussa Abdel Karim Al Maamari, it reflects the cultural history of Lebanon and its Tradition; and Beiteddine with its palace that has become the summer presidential residence. Beiteddine has become a popular tourist site and home to many festivals and live concerts. To the south, is the city of Saida with its seaside fortress built by the Crusaders in the 13th Century. Further south is the city of Tyre , on the Israeli Border. There, tourists will find the ruins of Al Bass which contain an ancient Roman necropolis and a massive hippodrome that was once used for chariot races.

Moving to the north on the eastern side of the country, is the the Bekaa Valley . Referred to as Lebanon ’s Wine Country, this fertile valley houses a number of great orchards and vineyards that produce quality wines and Arak ; a potent drink made from grapes and anise, it has a strong licorice taste. The beautiful city of Zahle stands to the far west of the valley, and is known as “The City of Wine and Poetry” as it is the center of the winery business, and has produced with over 50 poets from the area. Also found in the Bekaa Valley are the ruins of Anjar, and the famous ruins known as Baalbek . Baalbek is where the Romans built their enormous Temple of Jupiter , and the largest stone block construction in the world can be found.

Centrally located in Lebanon is the Metn. There houses the towns of Aley and Hamdoun. With plenty of restaurants, cafés, and boutiques, this is a very popular area for the GCC Residents, who come in the summer to escape the Gulf heat.

Further to the north are the famous Cedars of Lebanon. Located on Lebanon ’s highest mountain range, it is truly one of Lebanon ’s most beautiful areas. Nestled in the Cedars of Lebanon is the town of Bsharre , birthplace of the famous Lebanese writer Khalil Gibran. The Cedar Tree has significant historical relevance in the area, and is the symbol which represents Lebanon . The Cedars is a resort area for all seasons, with its camping and hiking in the warmer months, and skiing in the winter.