Author: David Lteif

Fort Valley dave lebanon

Fort Valley Village Resort 3D/2N Package, Baadaran Shouf, Mount Lebanon

Posted on by David Lteif

This is your opportunity to escape hassled cities, stress, pollution and merge into a distinguished experience of an accommodation and outdoor activity package in the middle of an “out-of-the-way” nature facility in the all-green Mount Lebanon, Baadaran Al Chouf Village. 

Fort Valley Resort: The perfect gateway with exceptional location and Mount Lebanon’s perfect climate.

What to Expect:

Located in an oak and pine trees forest at 1100 meters above the Mediterranean Sea level and only 60km from Beirut City. It is where you will share the culture and live the traditions with the locals in a breathtaking landscape and authentic atmosphere, where fresh air, fun, nature and complete relaxation are guaranteed. 

Day1: Discover local wonders. 

15:00-17:00 Pickup from your address in Beirut City and drop-off in Baadaran Fort Valley Resort. This service is included from Beirut City and the airport.  

17:00-18:00 Check-in and relax.

Sunset: A guided walking tour in the nearby village of Baadaran, visiting the 17th century Serail, the abandoned military airport aerodrome, the Ain Al Saifiyeh water fountain, the small traditional streets, and more cultural spots in the village. 

20:00-21:00 Dinner will be served at 8pm including appetizers and main course from the menu as well as a non-alcoholic drink (available upon request) and a small, bottled water. Then relax by the pool or play your favorite social games (cards, chess, Ping-Pong and more…)

Day 2: Nothing but fun.

07:30 Start your day with a healthy delicious traditional Lebanese breakfast before joining a yoga class and your favorite outdoor sports in the fitness zone. 

9:00 Meet again your local guide and join the team on 3 hours hiking ATV squad trip around the village and in its green forest. 

12:00 Return to Fort Valley. The swimming pool, the restaurant and the bar are open and welcome you during the day and night. Time to enjoy water games as well.

20:00-21:00 A barbecue dinner with appetizers and drinks.

22:00 Join us for an enchanting evening by the campfire, where you can enjoy live music, roast marshmallows, relax in a cozy tent, stargaze through the telescope and watch a movie or your sport game beneath the starlight sky while snuggled up with blankets.  

Day 3: Making the most of your last hours at the resort. 

07:30 Breakfast + yoga and outdoor sports available for your convenience. 

09:00 Relax by the pool while reading your new book or listening to your favorite summer playlist. the restaurant and the bar welcome you all day. You may also ask your local host for a special activity or any request. Make sure to take all your belongings from your room and get ready for departure.

15:00 Departure to Beirut City. 

Accommodation: 

8 retreats and tree houses built with stone and wood. Comfortable, cozy and romantic. A solidarity escape or a shared venture, each mesmerized mountain and forest view house accommodates up to 4 guests. 

Food & Beverages:

Embark on a culinary adventure at our poolside bar, where our menu spans from cheesy local pizzas and mouthwatering pastas to fast-food favorites and exotic wonders of Lebanese cuisine. Local beers and wines available at the bar. 

What’s included:

  • Accommodation in private rooms.
  • Breakfast
  • Dinner
  • Hiking trips with local guides
  • Access to swimming pool
  • Access to water games (Soap soccer & water slide) 
  • Access to children playground 
  • Access to fitness zone
  • Wifi
  • First0aid assistance
  • Local taxes
  • Transport from/to Beirut City.                                                                       

What’s not included but optional: 

  • Alcoholic drinks
  • Lunch
  • Laundry service
  • Morning yoga classes
  • Tent rent
  • ATV guided tours
  • Tips
  • Personal expenses. 

Additional services & options:

  • Your stay can be extended upon request and availability. Please refer to your host or administration office.
  • Private hiking trips in the Shouf Cedars Park can be booked with us. Please call: +9613527555
  • A private tour to Beiteddine palace, Deir elQamar and Mussa Castle can be booked as well.                                                                                For reservations and details please call: +9613527555

PS:

Confirmation will be received within 48 hours of booking subject to availability.

Not wheelchair accessible.

Hiking and activities noit recommended for guests with medical conditions. 

Children must be accompanied by an adult.

Dress code is smart casual during dinner.

Alcohol drinking age is 18. 

Hiking shoes, sport outfits, swimming and special equipment are required for your comfort. 

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  • FORT VALLEY VILLAGE davelebanon.com
Beirut by davelebanon.com

12 Reasons Why You Should Visit Lebanon at Least Once in Your Lifetime

Posted on by David Lteif

1- People:

The Lebanese people are resilient and worldly and offer hospitality like no other.

2- Diversity:

Lebanon is home to many different sects and nationalities. Despite the history of conflict, the majority of Lebanese still believe in their capability for peaceful living and acceptance.

3- Nightlife:

The Lebanese can party like no other. From small family get-togethers to nightclubs and concerts, no one has a good time like the Lebanese.

4- History:

Lebanon is definitely one of the world’s most historical places, as its history predates written records. The area that became Lebanon was occupied by the Phoenicians between 300 and 800 BCE, and this trend of occupation continued for centuries, which makes for a fascinating visual history.

5- Music:

Lebanon is known for its big achievements in the regional music scene, as many world famous Arabic music artists hail from this country. Today, music in Lebanon is becoming more international,

6- Movies:

Film is another art form the Lebanese are known for. Many local directors participate in international festivals and contests. Nadine Labaki with Where Do We Go Now? And Muriel Abouross with Stray Bullet are just a couple the many award-winning Lebanese directors. This culture is alive in Lebanon.

7- Art:

Lebanon is currently experiencing a rise in all things culture. From poetry to painting, there are circles for everyone to join. With globalization, the intellectual scene in the country is getting stronger. The country’s history of war and ever-changing culture makes for an interesting aesthetic.

8- Food:

Lebanese food is known all over the world: tabbouleh, kefta and kebbeh are famous dishes. This food never quite tastes the same anywhere else, so pack your bags and come to Lebanon to try the real deal.

9- Secrets:

Lebanon is a small country with a relatively small pool of tourist activities. This increases the likelihood of non-touristic experiences that you can discover or even create! Things like abandoned building adventures and story-telling nights are a thing here. :

10- Fashion:

The country is definitely one of, if not the, major fashion capital of the region. Designers like Elie Saab, Reem Acra and Zuhair Murad all started their careers in Beirut. People are definitely fashion conscious in Lebanon, and the country continuously produces designers that reach global fame.

11- Honesty:

You won’t find brutal honesty and self-awareness like Lebanon’s anywhere else! The Lebanese know that their country is relatively behind on development, and acknowledge that fact. The people resort to humor lessens the edge of their reality. 

12- Humor:

Brutal honesty goes hand-in-hand with humor. Famous comedians like Nemr Abou Nassar find that jokes are a sure-fire way to get Lebanese voices heard. This is an attitude shared by the population in general. You’re unlikely to find such a rowdy, loud and funny group of people anywhere else in the world.

#lovinglebanon

beirut architecture davelebanon.com

The diverse and distinctive architecture of Lebanon

Posted on by David Lteif

The diverse and distinctive architecture of Lebanon embodies the historical, cultural and religious influences that have shaped Lebanon’s built environment. It has been influenced by the Phoenicians, Romans, Byzantines, Umayyads, Crusaders, Mameluke, Ottomans and French. Additionally, Lebanon is home to many examples of modern and contemporary architecture. Architecturally notable structures in Lebanon include ancient thermal and temples, castles, churches, mosques, hotels, museums, government buildings, souks, residences (including palaces) and towers.

Roman architecture:

Baalbek is counted as one of the Roman treasures in Lebanon, and is home to many ancient Roman temples built at the end of the third millennium B.C.

The city was referred to as the city of the sun (Heliopolis) by the Greeks. The temples have faced theft, earthquakes and civil wars and wear. French, German and Lebanese archaeologists rebuilt the temples. In 1984, Baalbek was made a World Heritage Site by UNESCO.[2] They are described as being “the finest example of imperial Roman architecture “The Jupiter temple is six Corinthian columns of the great temple, and it is a 22 meters high column built on a podium. In this Temple, only six columns remain out of the 54 massive columns that originally surrounded the sanctuary. The little temple is found near the Jupiter Temple is known as the Temple of Bacchus and it was built in the second century A.D. Finally, it is considered to be the best-preserved Roman temple of its size.

#lovinglebanon 

kitten davelebanon.com

“Beirut” Kitten stuck in rain pipe for three days found alive.

Posted on by David Lteif

A kitten in Beirut – Lebanon has been rescued after being trapped in a rain pipe for three days. Volunteers from the charity Animals Lebanon used small cameras to identify the exact location of the feline, before pulling it out. People cheered and applauded after the kitten was rescued, as people stood around, with one saying, “I think we should call her Beirut!”.

wine tour dave lebanon

Cheers To Lebanese Wines

Posted on by David Lteif

Did you know that Lebanon has a rich wine history dating back thousands of years? Discover the hidden gem of the Middle East and explore the unique flavors and aromas of Lebanese wines. 🇱🇧 Raise your glass to tradition, excellence, and exquisite taste! 

Click on the following link to book a tour: 2024 Superior Quality: The Bekaa Valey Wineries (full day) (tripadvisor.com)

Few of our local wineries located around the country:

Bekaa Valley Governorate

Château Ksara – Château Kefraya – Domaine Wardy – Château Massaya – Cave Kouroum – Domaine des Tourelles – Château Saint Thomas – Château Heritage – Coteaux du Liban – Château Khoury

Mount Lebanon Governorate

Château Musar – Iris Domain – Château Oumsiyat – Adyar wines

Ardoum winery & distillery – Vignoble Joura

Riachi winery & distillery – St. Michael winery

Northern Lebanon Governorate

Ixsir – Clos du Phoenix – Aurora winery & vineyards – Batroun mountains

Les caves d’Eden – Coteaux de Botrys

Southern Lebanon Governorate

Karam wines – Les vignes du Marje

#lovinglebanon #LebanonWineIndustry #CheersToLebaneseWines

food

Lebanese Culinary Temptation

Posted on by David Lteif

Do not eat Lebanese food; once you start, you’ll never stop!

Picture this: 2:00 PM in Beirut, stunning sea and mountain views, a fresh breeze, and a homemade aperitif (Arak). Our food journey kicks off with a delightful 15-minute “Amuse Bouche” featuring crackers, roasted nuts, raw almonds on ice, and colorful veggies with a lemon zest. Then, a feast of over 35 vibrant Mezza platters arrives, introduced by the proud Chef with a brief oral presentation.

As the Mezza platters are placed before you, the visual spectacle and the ambiance of family and friends gathering, along with music entertainment, enhance the Lebanese hospitality experience. Engage all your senses with local house wine, savoring every bite and breaking thin pita bread into creamy hummus. The Chef reappears, introducing crispy BBQ lamb chops, beef brochettes, and chicken Taouk marinated in local spices, topped with crispy pita, parsley, grilled vegetables, and a delicious creamy white garlic paste.

Dessert time brings an assortment of baklava, local sweets, maamoul, atayef, sfouf, and a basket of fresh local fruits. But wait, there’s more! A gentleman in black Sherval and a red Tarbouche, sporting a large mustache, offers Lebanese coffee with or without cardamom and a choice of minted tea.

As the sun sets, it’s the perfect moment to enjoy a shisha and marvel at the blue hour.

In summary, do not eat Lebanese food; once you start, stopping is impossible!

#lovinglebanon 

PARAGLIDING 2

Lebanon Paragliding Tour

Posted on by David Lteif
We are Lebanon’s first paragliding club, established since 1990. Our pilots hold full licenses, insurance, and certifications in ‘Safety in Adventures,’ accredited by the Lebanese Ministry of Youth and Sports. Recognition and Awards: Over the years, we have been recognized as the BEST PARAGLIDING CLUB in Lebanon by esteemed local and international media channels that have featured our adventures, including BBC, National Geographic, Ushuaïa TV, CNN, M6, F2, MBC, MTV, LBC, and others. What You’ll Experience: For an even more thrilling experience, we have created a landing site in the heart of Jounieh City, nestled in the stunning bay of Lebanon. Passengers are treated to a captivating flight over lush green mountains, charming villages, modern landmarks, and the sparkling Mediterranean Sea.

To enhance your convenience, transportation from any address in Lebanon is available upon request for an additional cost.

Price per Guest: USD80.

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Beirut Lebanon birds watching tours

Lebanon Birdwatching One Day Tour

Posted on by David Lteif

Lebanon has a wide variety of habitats including the Mediterranean coastline and coastal plains leading up to the Mount Lebanon mountain range which runs north-south through the country. Further east lies the Beqaa Valley with areas of wetland in the center around Aammiq and Anjar. There is semi-desert in the north around Ras-Baalbek, and to the west of the Beqaa Valley are the anti-Lebanon mountains.

The eastern Mediterranean Flyway passes straight through Lebanon, which for its small size, has a very diverse avifauna. European and Middle Eastern species are well represented, and the country’s location may explain why so many vagrant species have been recorded.

What to expect:

We pickup from any hotel in Beirut

Birds watching in Lebanon, it is the ideal territory for a large number of regional specialties including Chukar Partridge, local birds being intermediate between the subspecies Cypriotes and Synaia. Syrian Serins can be found at various locations across the country and this globally vulnerable species commonly breeds in Lebanon. Lebanon is one of the few Middle Eastern countries that has a breeding population of Eurasian Blue Tits.

Other key breeding species include Short-toed Snake Eagle and Long-legged Buzzard, pairs of which can be found in nearly every village. Stone Curlews, Cream-colored Coursers and Penduline Tits breed in the northern Beqaa Valley, the latter also breeding at Anjar. The semi-desert areas in the north Beqaa Valley also produce interesting species that are more typical of a drier climate, with Desert Lark and Tem Minck’s Lark being observed in recent years. Horned Larks are very common in the mountains (the bicornes subspecies, now included in penicillate, was at one time considered a separate species).

This activity ends back at the meeting point.

What’s included.

  • Air-conditioned vehicle
  • Binoculars
  • Guidebook
  • All Fees and Taxes

What’s not included.

  • Outdoor and camera equipment

Accessibility

  • Not wheelchair accessible

Additional information

  • Confirmation will be received at time of booking.
  • Not recommended for travelers with back problems.
  • Not recommended for pregnant travelers.
  • No heart problems or other serious medical conditions.
  • Most travellers can participate.
  • Age between 14 to 99 years old.
  • This experience requires good weather. If it’s cancelled due to poor weather, you’ll be offered a different date or a full refund.
  • This is a private tour/activity. Only your group will participate.
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British

ROXANNE BARNBEY – UK

Posted on by David Lteif

TRIP OF A LIFETIME!

I cannot even begin to explain the love I now have for Lebanon! I have been to over 40 countries and yet I struggle to think of another country that has as much variety and diversity as Lebanon does! Firstly, the people are genuinely wonderful. Not one day passed where I wasn’t greeted with a smile, a kind word and offers of help from literally everyone I encountered during my trip. Secondly, the wide range of opportunities for a fun day out in Lebanon is truly amazing. In one day, I explored the ancient sites in Byblos, walked down beautiful, cobbled lanes as I shopped in the souks, strolled along the stunning port, visited a pre-historic cave at Jeita and witnessed awe-inspiring views at Harissa. I selected to travel with Dave Lebanon Tours due to the many outstanding reviews I read and I wasn’t disappointed! This has to be the most professional tour company around. My guide was exceptionally knowledgeable and will explain the history of Lebanon in general as well as go in to great detail at each site visited. He was also extremely flexible and very much just wanted me to be happy and enjoy my trip. The cost was extremely reasonable and it was helpful that the entry to all of the sites was included in the price (not all agencies offer this!) – it meant I could just relax and enjoy the day. I loved this tour so much that I booked another trip the next day and have already given Dave Lebanon Tours’ details to several friends who also plan on visiting Lebanon in the near future. So enjoyable was my time in Lebanon that I am already planning another trip in May! Thank you for a truly wonderful time and for welcoming me to your beautiful, safe and interesting country. 

So, in one day, I visited the coast, historical monuments and then leapt in 5 foot snow in the mountains! In ONE day!!! Nothing was too much trouble for my guide, he simply wanted me to enjoy my time in Lebanon and discover the beauties of the country that he is so proud of. And proud he should be! Not only is Lebanon unbelievably safe (I am a young, blonde, solo traveler who walked alone at all times of the day and night and didn’t not experience or witness a single bit of hassle or trouble – do not allow recent news to put you off – I was there during the ‘protests’…I put this word in quotes because it was a polite demonstration contained to just one square in Beirut!!) and so welcoming – every day I was greeted with smiles, welcomes and offers of help from literally everyone I encountered! Dave Lebanon DMC is a professional, bespoke service – anywhere I wanted to go, my guide drove me, even driving up snowy mountains when I mentioned I enjoy snow, just to let me take some photos! He took me to Tripoli (again – SAFE! and so interesting!!) where we ate delicious pastries and toured lots of interesting and historical sites. I was shown around downtown Beirut; again, taken up to the mountains (an absolute highlight) and spent the whole day having the most interesting discussions with my guide, who I now feel is a friend, so much so, that I hope to come back in May, bringing some friends along with me! I will of course, without question, go with Dave Lebanon tours again – professional, real integrity, bespoke service and a genuine desire to do everything they can to ensure their customers receive the trip of the lifetime…thank you so very much for making my time in Lebanon so enjoyable; I was sad to leave! Looking forward to seeing you again in May!
Best day out in Lebanon!