West Lebanon - Byblos, Hakel and Faraya

You will leave your car here and explore the fascinating, one of the oldest in the world, city of Byblos.
It's always great to walk and explore the city, but if it's boiling outside – take care of yourself and travel by car.

In the middle of the souks and at heat of city of Byblos, you will find the hidden germ - one of the most beautiful and oldest churches in the Lebanon, Church of St. Jean Marc (the patron of Byblos) or the St. John's Cathedral as it's called and built in 12th century during the Crusaders' dominion in the magnificent Romanesque style. Currently, it's the seat of Maronite Catholic Eparchy of Byblos.
Look up at the beautiful decorative groin vaults on the side aisles of the church and elegant arched baptistery on the western side of the cathedral. Pay attention to the courtyard with a lovely garden where you will see the ancient Byzantine mosaics.
Open Hours: Monday - Sunday: 8:00 - 18:00

At the old town of Byblos named Jbel is situated the place of the preservation of the memory of those who died during Armenian Genocide which happened during WWI. The museum was founded with a help of family of Bezikian by Armenian Catholicosate of the Great House of Cilicia at the 100th anniversary of the event and situated at the land of "Bird's Nest", the Armenian Orphanage at Jbel.
Here at the museum you will find out how Armenians lived in the Turkish Empire and the genocide conducted by the Ottoman government in 1916 at the Armenians; learn how the missionaries and NGOs - the non-non-governmental organizations supported survived orphans in the process of returning to the Middle East, mainly in Lebanon, and tries to resettle, and see how the orphans were managing with returning to normal life with all the trauma they have experienced. At the end, you will meet a story of a person who sacrificed her own life for orphans, named "Mama" - Maria Jacobsen
Open Hours: Monday: Closed Tuesday - Sunday: 10:00 - 17:00
More information via: 00961 09 542352

Feel the ancient time in the air while visiting the historic monument, a defense Crusader castle, known also as a Castle of Gibelet. Built by Crusader in 12th century by using local limestone material on the Roman ruins, and up to 13th century it was in the possession of the Embriaco family from Genoa, Italy.
In here, you will learn about the history of the Byblos, which is one of the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world dating back to 8,000 years with 17 civilizations living here through the past centuries including Phoenicians, Egyptians and Romans, whose ruins you will see lying nearby.
As it was a former Phoenician city, there is a say that the Byblos is a place where the Phoenician alphabet was created.
Look up the stunning sculptures and the all archeological site well market with information boards and climb to the top to get a breathtaking panoramic view over the Mediterranean Sea and the old town of Byblos.
Open Hours: Monday - Sunday: 8:00 - 18:00

For the authentic Lebanese fish lunch, come to Chez Pepe where while sitting comfortably in the lovely, decorated in the nautical theme interior with pictures of celebrities posing with the owner displayed on the walls, with intensive blue chairs and admiring palm trees from the distance, you will fully appreciate the attentive, carrying staff and absolutely delicious and fresh gourmet seafood-based dishes.
Enjoy the magnificent view at the old Bylbos port, Jbel, and check out the museum section created by the Pepe himself with his art collection gathered over the years.
Open Hours: Monday - Sunday: 10:00 - 00:00

Pick up your car from here, where you left in the morning. It's to explore some ancient fossils in another town.

To discover fossils - the proofs of the ancient life, visit the first in Lebanon natural marine fossils' museum created by Rizkalahh Nohra in 1991 in the authentic Lebanese village house at the town Hakel, where he displayed his collection of fossils formed by micritic - the limestone mud recrystallization, from the last thirty years and considered as 98 Million years old Cenomanian type.
At the museum you will see mainly the fascinating, popular in the area fossil fish along with plants and other forms, learned about the fossils discoveries including the oldest one from 4th century at Eusebe de Cesaree and considered as a witness of Biblical Noah's life and the process of turning the alive animals into fossils.
Open Hours: Monday - Sunday: 9:00 - 17:00
More Information contact via e-mail: [email protected]

Welcome to the charming village of Faraya situated in the district of Keserwan on the altitude up to 2000 m above sea level, known from Phoenician as a "The land of fruits and vegetables"because of the richness of the local soil where after parking your car at the local Les Ruches Afeer restaurant, you will go on the pleasant hike to the hidden natural gem of the area, the Faraya Waterfall, called aso Nabeh el Labanand located between the villages Kfardebian and Faraya.
While you walk, you will immerse yourself in the beautiful local nature around you and admire on your arrival the magnificent waters of one of the most beautiful waterfalls in the Lebanon. Take some time to relax, breathe deeply the fresh air and recharge your batteries.

Have a delicious Lebanese dinner at this warm, lovely decorated restaurant with huge windows overlooking the magnificent mountain landscape.
With the friendly staff, peaceful ambience and authentic classics of the local cuisine served elegantly plated with a matching glass of wine, you will fully enjoy your evening in the Lebanese picturesque nature reserve area.
Open Hours: Monday - Sunday: 9:00 - 23:30

After a busy day, take some rest at this modern wooden chalet, well-furnished, spacious and providing amazing views over the river through the large windows.
Open Hours: (business hours) Monday - Sunday: 24hr
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