Your flight to Beirut takes you to Lebanon’s vibrant, sun-spoilt capital, founded in the 15th century BC. Gaze at the Grand Serail, Beirut’s governmental palace, and watch the sun set behind Pigeon Rocks in the Mediterranean Sea.
Explore Beirut’s diverse history at the National Museum with its sarcophagi, mosaics, ceramics and weapons dating back to prehistoric times, or walk up the elegant marble staircases of Beirut’s Sursock Museum, where modern paintings and sculptures await you.
For a city retreat, enjoy traditional Turkish Baths in Beirut’s Basta Tahta district, or venture to ancient Byblos, 26 miles north of Beirut, and explore its well-preserved Phoenician ruins.
The people of Beirut love mezze, the colourful mix of small, hot and cold, dishes: try tabbouleh salad, marinated seafood, skewered meats and pita bread with hummus. Beirut’s locals can’t do without their coffee, so join them and sample the strong, thick drink, often flavoured with cardamom.< |