Beirut Historical Tour, Beiteddine Palace & Deir El Kamar

Beirut

It was built on a rocky promontory, a site also occupied by prehistoric man. In ancient times it was overshadowed by powerful neighbors, but when the city- states of Sidon began to decline in the first millennium B.C, Beirut acquired more influence. During Roman times, Beirut became a roman colony (15 B.C), and an important port and cultural centre. During the roman and Byzantine eras it was distinguished for its law school, whom professors helped draft the famous Justinian code. Beirut was destroyed by a devastating earthquake in 551 A.D. A century later, it was conquered by the Muslim Arabs and in 1109 it fell to the crusaders. The city remained in crusader hands until 1291, when it was taken by the Mamluks. In 1516 the 400- year ottoman rule began. Later, in the 17th century, Beirut knew a period of great prosperity under the government of emir Fakhreddine II. Then with the break –up of the Ottoman Empire at the end of the World War I, the city became the capital of modern Lebanon. Beirut, with nearly a million inhabitants, remains the cultural and commercial centre of the country.

Some of its main landmarks are: the martyrs’ statue, the Souks (markets) and the parliament building, which are part of the design covering 1.8 million square meters. In extensive archeological investigations, historical periods ranging from Canaanite (3,000- 1200 B.C) to ottoman (1516-1918 A.D), have been revealed.

Beiteddine Palace

Forty-three kilometer from Beirut stands this magnificent palace built at the beginning of the 19th century by Emir Bechir II, who reigned over Lebanon for more than 50 years. With its arcades, galleries and rooms decorated by artists from Lebanon, Damascus and Italy, this building is a model of eastern architecture. Today the palace houses a museum of feudal weapons, costumes and jewelry as well as an archeological museum and a museum of Byzantine mosaics.

Deir El Kamar

It was the capital of Mount Lebanon, located 35 km away from Beirut, now it is a typical Lebanese village with its historical center, souk (market), museum, mosque & churches.

Rates Per Person:

• If 2 pax: $ 153 per person
• If 3 pax: $ 102 per person
• If 4 pax: $ 77 per person
• If 5 pax: $ 61 per person

Rate includes: Vehicle, Professional guide (English, French)

Rates Per Person:

• If 2 pax: $ 163 per person
• If 3 pax: $ 109 per person
• If 4 pax: $ 82 per person
• If 5 pax: $ 65 per person

Rate includes: Vehicle, Professional guide (Turkish, Spanish, Italian)