West of Qaraoun Lake - St.George's Greek Melkite Church, Qaraoun Dam, Niha Fortress and Al Nabi Ayyoub Shrine

Welcome to the charming village of Aithenit with almost 900 residents, often chosen as a holiday destination, situated over 1000 meters above the level of the sea in the Valley of Beqaa, district Mansourah, from where you will get a breathtaking view over the Lake Quaron and the village of the same name located on the opposite side of it. Have a look at the real germ of the place - unique Saint George Greek Melkite Catholic Church - made of stone with impressive vaulted ceiling and absolutely mesmerizing golden background icons in the main center inside presenting Mary with Jesus and the Saints and enjoy the fields around full of beautiful picturesque olive trees groves and grapevines.

Feel your heart with a gratitude of having an opportunity to admire the beauty of the Qaraoun Reservoir with incredible encounters of stunning representants of bird species (around 20,000) occupying this rich in vegetation area including larks, raptors, pelicans or egrets and the biggest in the Lebanon (of the size of 12 kilometer2) lovely artificial lake Qaraoun of turquoise waters, created in 1959 at Qaraoun Dam in the upper part of the Litani River reaches, from where you will immerse yourself in the serene scenery surrounding you with the vista of the distant mountains.

Go for a little hike along one of the amazing trails at Beqaa Valley with the best in Lebanon fertile soil and admire the vivid green wonderful waves of peaceful pure nature and on the way back have some life reflection while relaxing at the edge of magically blue Qaraoun Lake and listening to the singing of the birds.

In the tranquil ambience of the Wadi Al Bouhayra restaurant with absolutely amazing terrace decorated by real picturesque tree from one side and lovely wooden roof with characteristic beams enjoy the delicious homemade Lebanese delicacies like fragrant kibbeh - similar to meatballs football-shaped fried mixture of bulgur and minced meat with fresh fattoush salad and wonderfully creamy hummus finishing up your lovely meal with strong coffee.
Open Hours: Monday: Sunday: 10:00 - 00:00

Leave your car on the main road where you will see the entrance. The hike takes 30 minutes, while which you will enjoy the magnificent views of this Nature Reserve. You can relax on the bench and fully immerse yourself in the peacefulness of this lovely place.

Get a thrill walking along the narrow path overlooking the marvelous landscape of region of Cheouf, Bisri Valley and Bkassine pine forest in the magnificent Shouf Nature Reserve area until you will arrive to the ancient Niha Fortress, also known as Cave of Tyron, which first was mentioned in 975 AD, which was carved into the rock, managed by Crusaders in 13th century, rebuilt by Mamluks and used as a place to hide by Emir Qorqomaz Maan in 16th century.
This fortress was 100 meters deep, contained rooms for its army, wells for collecting water from spring of Ain el-Halquoum and storing food and drink silos.
Sit down on the bench and admire the scenic view right in front of your eyes, considered as one of the most beautiful in the Lebanon and the fascinating remains of once great unique fortress.

Feel like being on the top of the word at the located over 1000 meters above sea level and visited by pilgrimages'worshiping theirs Job Prophet - magnificent shrine complex, Al Nabi Ayyoub, which lies in the mountain village of Niha with the majority or Druze religious community in the magical Shouf Biosphere Reserve.
Look at the lovely archways and the beautiful golden stone used as a material in the constructing of the building, the fascinating prophet Job also known as Darih El Nabi Ayyoub tomb in the main building marked with the Druze star flag, lthe amazing forest area behind the shrine where among other ancient trees like oaks you will see the miraculous 100 years old arbutus tree among which Druze believers practice various rituals and the breathtaking panoramic view over the Shouf Nature Reserve - it's unforgettable!
Open Hours: Monday - Sunday: 7:00 - 20:00
Recommendation: Dress modesty - cover body from shoulders to ankles Women - cover head with scarf

Feed your soul with this little paradise on the planet Earth - surrounded by nature with magnificent waterfall nearby whose lovely sound will accompany you while dinning at the Safi 1926 where friendly and approachable staff will serve you delicious, freshly prepared meal.
Open Hours: Monday - Sunday: 24hr

When the late time arrives, get a good sleep at the local traditional guest house.