Arabella_B

Hi everyone,

I'm the EIC at Fodor's and am headed to Lebanon for a few days next week. I've been wanting to go forever but keep putting off the trip due to the constant turmoil in that part of the world.

Fortunately, I'm seeing some quiet travel happening of late--to Bekka Valley vineyards and Baalbeck (both big draws for me), and more--on social media and the timing feels as right as it's going to be for a while.

So: For those of you who have been, I'd love to hear your recommendations on what I shouldn't miss and/or what you think the highlights are for any first-timer. Thanks so much!

flygirl

I am following you and Katie Parla on Instagram! I have had Lebanon on my quiet radar for years and just lately the signs seem to be telling me to give it more thought. A coworker spent a week there in June - including some volunteer work at refugee camps which got me thinking about this...

Another fodorite went there four years ago with a food tour operator called Taste of Lebanon. Their tours look wonderful.

Arabella_B

Hi @flygirl! From IG to Fodor's Forums. Love it

Coincidentally, I was *just* looking at Taste of Lebanon. Their tours DO look wonderful. Not sure I can commit to a full day of Beirut grazing on my short itinerary (sadly) tho I see they do offer custom options, so will keep exploring. If not this trip, next time for sure (and there will be a next time!)

Nidhi124

I have no idea about Lebanon but keep good memories with you.

traveller1959

My son returned from a trip to Lebanon last week. He was in Baalbek and brought awesome photos. The intricate decorations of the Baccus Temple reminded me of the decorations in the synagogue of Caphernaum, so it is a mix of Roman and Oriental.

Baalbek is currently safe. He was at a Syrian border station where business was normal. A taxi driver offered to drive him to Damascus. "Why not? - I drive there every week."

Otherwise, expect good food - the Lebanese are specialists of grilled meat - and excellent wines (several Lebanese wines have won blind tastings in France). However, Beirut has lost a lot of its former glory in the civil war.

Noora

Wow, Good to here that,

I suggest you to spend more time at Corniche. Go for Dar-el-Qamar trip.

Enjoy the trip, don't forget to post your memories here.

Have a never forgetting trip.

traveller1959

I may add to my post that in my son's group there was a retired soldier who had served in Rwanda, Somalia and Afghanistan. He had a special eye and was very relaxed in Lebanon. The only exception was a camp of Palestinians where he was a bit careful.

Arabella_B

Thank you @traveller1959! Great to hear that Baalbek was safe. I'm so looking forward to visiting there next week. Also excited for the food and wine. I'm working out an itinerary to see & taste at several vineyards.

And @Noora. The Corniche is on the agenda. Beirut is a city I've longed to visit. Deir al-Qamar also looks good. Thanks for the tip! I'll definitely report back.

Thanks all!

welltraveledbrit

Arabella, will checkyou and flygirl out on IG!

We were in Lebanon briefly in 2011 on a trip mainly through Syria and Jordan.

We went to Baalbek with we enjoyed and made a vineyard visit. At the time it was VERY quiet. There were perhaps two other visitors at Baalbeck

Here's my blog post on Beirut
http://www.somuchmoretosee.com/2011/...t-lebanon.html

and one on Baalbek
http://www.somuchmoretosee.com/2011/04/baalbeck.html

and one on the food...ahhh
http://www.somuchmoretosee.com/2011/...food-food.html

We would certainly love to return to Lebanon and we only took a quick detour from Syria. Have a great time, I'm looking forward to reading your impressions.

flygirl

I am skywalkerbeth on IG! Thanks!

thursdaysd

My visit was in 2009, so of no help with the current security situation, but I would be happy to return.

https://mytimetotravel.wordpress.com...iking-lebanon/

https://mytimetotravel.wordpress.com...non-some-more/

traveller1959

Yesterday, there was a shooting in Baalbek. Bust just a clan fight, no civil war. Nothing to worry about as a tourist.

flygirl

You must be there right now - looking forwrd to the report.

tedgale

Bookmarking for the blog links. Thanks.

Flygirl: I'm looking for a stopover on the way from Canada to Cape Town around November 1 2017 and just thought of Beirut.... Final plans on Facebook in due course.

DebitNM

FYI -
ted- 2 year old thread.

ekscrunchy

Tedgale: What airline would take you through Beirut en route to CT??