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Experience Our Lebanon

Our customized, private insider tours of Lebanon feature our favorite places and experiences in the country.

Food paradise...

Lebanese cuisine is considered to be the best and most developed in the Middle East, and many “Middle Eastern” restaurants around the world are actually Lebanese. The vast repertoire includes mezze like hummus and baba ghanoush, stuffed grape leaves and vegetables, and grilled meats with irresistible whipped garlic sauce.

Paris of the Middle East...

In the 1950s, ‘60s and early ‘70s, Beirut was known as “The Paris of the Middle East.” French influence still pervades the city, at chic bistros and in sophisticated ateliers. Artisans of Leisure also combines Paris and Beirut in a unique eight-day tour.

Favorite market...

Souk el Tayeb is Beirut’s weekly fashionable farmers’ market, started in 2004. We love perusing the nearly 100 stalls offering fresh produce and regional specialties as well as traditional crafts.

Magnificent trees...

The cedar tree is a symbol of Lebanon and shown prominently on its flag. It is also a marker of affluence in Europe dating back to the Grand Tour, when travelers would bring back cedar seeds as trophies of their travels. Its precious wood has been used throughout history, including for the construction of ancient temples and boats.

Did you know...

That present-day Lebanon is where ancient Phoenicia was.

Seaside excursion...

We love the historic port city of Byblos for its relaxed nightlife and waterfront restaurants serving outstanding local seafood. There are also historic churches and mosques, ancient Phoenician temples and a major international film festival each July.

Discover history, ancient and modern...

Baalbek is a UNESCO World Heritage Site, and home to a unique collection of Roman ruins imbued with Phoenician traditions. Exploring the enormous and well-preserved Temple of Bacchus is one of Lebanon’s true highlights. Nearby, don’t miss visiting the 19th-century Palmyra Hotel, a vestige of a bygone age of travel that once hosted Charles de Gaulle, Jean Cocteau and, during World War II, the British Army.

Memorable view...

Looking out on the Chouf mountains from the terrace of Mir Amin Palace Hotel in Beiteddine. Nearby, Beiteddine Palace is known for its remarkable Lebanese interiors, masterful stonework and marvelous mosaics.

Unique shopping...

At the vibrant vaulted old souk in Sidon, browse for spices, textiles, natural homemade soap and jewelry.

For contemporary art lovers…

The Sursock Museum in Beirut is dedicated to modern and contemporary art from Lebanon, the Middle East and the world. The 1912 building, which was built as the residence of Nicolas Sursock, also houses art galleries, a library, an auditorium, a store and a restaurant.

Little-known site...

Jeita Grotto is a cavernous underground wonderland of crystalline waters, stalactites and stalagmites.

For wine lovers...

Lebanon is one of the oldest wine-producing regions in the world, and is home to world-renowned wineries such as Chateau Ksara and Chateau Musar. Artisans of Leisure can arrange wine tastings and visits to Lebanon’s top wineries.

For beer lovers...

Try 961 Beer, a local microbrew named after Lebanon’s telephone country code. The Lebanese Pale Ale uses local herbs such as sumac, za’atar, chamomile and mint.

Local magazine...

Pick up a copy of The Carton, Lebanon’s beautifully designed English-language food and culture journal. Formerly a quarterly, this Beirut-based publication now comes out twice a year in hardcover format.

Home cooking...

Tawlet, the Beirut restaurant affiliated with Souk el Tayeb, invites different home cooks from around Lebanon to share their recipes each day. We love discovering new favorite dishes, made with the country’s top organic and sustainable ingredients.

Archaeological gem...

The fifth-century A.D. marble capital with bull protomes from Sidon housed in the wonderful National Museum of Beirut.

Off the beaten track...

Exploring Druze villages in the Chouf mountains.

Favorite neighborhood...

Achrafiyeh is home to gorgeous old mansions, tree-lined streets and Lebanon’s best ice cream parlor: Hanna Mitri. The family-owned business has been churning out exquisite ice cream for over 50 years in flavors like rosewater, lemon and amareddine (apricot paste) with pine nuts.

Experience Our Lebanon.

Contact Artisans of Leisure to start planning a private, customized tour.

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