Lebanon Guide
In a volatile Middle East, Lebanon always recovers from its stormy days and comes out smiling. In this compact country, Beirut's glamorous boutiques, Baalbek's Roman ruins, world-class ski slopes and Tripoli's medieval souks are easily accessible. Join the visitors who realise there is more to Lebanon than newspaper headlines.
Once you've strutted along glamorous Beirut's Corniche, head to the nearby Roman site of Byblos for Corinthian columns and Crusader castle. In the north, get lost around port city Tripoli's maze of souks and Mamluk-era old quarter, and head west for Roman temples at Baalbek. Dip south for Phoenician soap-making city Sidon, and Tyre's Byzantine mosaics and picturesque harbours.
Bird-watch in the huge Chouf Cedar Reserve and hyena-spot at Horsh Ehden Forest Nature Reserve. Ski black slopes at Faraya M'zaar in the Mount Lebanon Range or waterski from golden sands near Byblos. Vineyard-hop through the lush Bekaa Valley and explore Ummayad site Aanjar. The Qadesha Valley has old monasteries while Jeita Grotto drips with illuminated stalactites.
Buy handmade olive-oil soaps and syrupy halawat al-Jibn pastries from Tripoli souks and pick up fine Lebanese wines from Chateau Ksara vineyard in the Bekaa Valley. Kit yourself out with bejewelled local designer clothes from Beirut's boutiques and at markets everywhere choose a nargileh (water pipe) or brass coffee pot.
The Lebanese tend to kick off any meal with mezze (appetisers) such as creamy babaghanoush (chargrilled aubergine with garlic and olive oil) and hummus. Taste national favourites kibbeh nayeh (raw lamb with burghul wheat) and farrouj meshwi (grilled chicken with garlic) and finish with sweet pastry kunafi . Wash down with fine Bekaa Valley wine and strong sweet kahwa (coffee).
Take part in the recently organised Lebanon Mountain Trail, 300km from Akkar in the north to Marjaayoun in the south, or taste the most glamorous side of the Middle East at Beirut's newest clubs.
