Baabda

Day Trips

Begin your day at the iconic Presidential Palace overlooking the Mediterranean shores. Wander through manicured gardens shaded by ancient pines and admire the elegant architecture. Feel the gentle sea breeze as you learn about Lebanon's political heritage.

Drive down to the vibrant seaside neighborhood of Ras Beirut for a mezze lunch. Sample hummus, tabbouleh, and freshly baked pita at a bustling cafe by the sea. Let the gentle sea breeze soothe your senses as you enjoy freshly brewed Arabic coffee.

Return to Baabda for a gourmet dinner at a rooftop terrace restaurant. Watch the sunset paint the mountains in shades of rose and gold. Toast to new adventures with a glass of Lebanese wine under starry skies.

Set out on a guided hike through Baabda's emerald pine forest. Breathe in the crisp mountain air as you weave between towering cedar and fir trees. Listen for the melody of birds hidden among the branches.

Pause at a shaded clearing to enjoy a picnic of fresh za'atar bread, olives, and labneh. Share stories with fellow hikers and learn about the forest’s wildlife from your guide. Capture panoramic photos of the rolling hills stretching toward the horizon.

Return to your traditional guesthouse and relax in a wooden lounge overlooking the forest canopy. Warm up by a crackling fire with a cup of spiced tea infused with local herbs. Drift to sleep to the soothing sounds of nocturnal insects stirring in the trees.

Drive to Qornet El Sawda, Lebanon's highest peak in the Mount Lebanon range. Stand above the clouds as dawn breaks, illuminating snow-capped peaks in golden light. Feel a sense of awe as you survey the valley far below.

Descend to a nearby mountain village and sample homemade kibbeh and labneh at a family-run eatery. Wander through narrow streets lined with stone cottages and red-tiled roofs. Engage in conversation with locals, eager to share tales of ancient traditions.

Return to Baabda at twilight and dine in a cozy eatery serving wood-fired manakish. Enjoy live traditional music as candles flicker on your table. Let the rhythms of the oud and tabla lull you into the evening.

Visit the centuries-old St. John of Chouweir Monastery perched on a rocky outcrop. Observe its ornate frescoes and resilient stone walls, testaments to Lebanon's Christian heritage. Pause for a moment of reflection in its peaceful courtyard.

Head to the nearby historical village of Deir el Harf for a freshly prepared platter of grilled kafta and local preserves. Explore nearby workshops where artisans craft intricate embroidery and wood carvings. Pick up a few handmade souvenirs to remember the region's living history.

Return to Baabda and attend a candlelit choral performance in the monastery's ancient chapel. Let the harmonies echo off centuries-old stones, stirring a profound spiritual connection. Afterwards, share a late-night dessert of gata at a cozy pastry shop.

Join a hands-on cooking class led by a local chef in Baabda’s town center. Learn to knead dough for saj bread, whisk eggs for shakshuka, and grind fresh spices for the baharat blend. Savor the aromas filling the sunny kitchen as you master new techniques.

Visit a bustling farmers’ market to taste seasonal produce: juicy pomegranates, creamy goat cheese, and bright citrus fruits. Chat with vendors about their artisanal cheeses and preserved lemons. Purchase ingredients to recreate your favorite recipes back home.

Sit down to a chef-curated tasting dinner featuring modern twists on Lebanese classics. Enjoy mouthwatering fatayer, stuffed grape leaves, and slow-roasted lamb shoulder. Cap off the night with rose water ice cream while exchanging stories with fellow food enthusiasts.

Set off to the nearby Araya Fortress, a medieval citadel standing guard over the valley. Wander through ancient battlements and imagine the clang of steel during bygone battles. Appreciate sweeping views of terraced hills below.

Enjoy lunch at a rustic mountain inn offering mezze platters and freshly baked saj. Try muhammara drizzled with pomegranate molasses as you rest on a sunlit terrace. Engage in conversation with your hosts about local legends surrounding the fortress.

Return to Baabda at dusk and partake in a traditional storytelling night around an open fire. Listen as elders recount epic sagas from Lebanon's rich folklore. Sip on sweet herbal tea as stars shimmer overhead.

Embark on a scenic drive through rolling vineyards ascending the slopes of Mount Lebanon. Stop at a family-owned winery for a guided tour of wine cellars carved into the mountain. Learn about indigenous grape varieties like Obaideh and Merwah.

Delight in a gourmet wine pairing lunch featuring local cheeses, cured meats, and artisanal bread. Savor each course as your sommelier explains the flavor profiles of each varietal. Breathe in the heady aroma of fermenting grapes wafting through the cellar.

Return to Baabda for a casual evening tasting of small-batch olive oils and local arak. Share impressions of the day’s discoveries under a trellised pergola. Watch fireflies dance among vine leaves as night falls.

Participate in a pottery workshop led by a master ceramist in a nearby village. Shape clay on a spinning wheel and imprint traditional motifs by hand. Feel a deep connection to centuries-old craftsmanship with every rotation.

Head to a cedar woodcarving studio to observe artisans fashioning intricate patterns. Try your hand at carving a small keepsake under expert guidance. Learn how mountain cedar has been integral to Lebanese identity since Phoenician times.

Return to Baabda for an outdoor screening of a Lebanese indie film in a community courtyard. Recline on comfortable cushions under a canopy of string lights. Discuss the film’s themes with locals over shared plates of popcorn and sugared almonds.

Drive through olive groves to visit the hidden hamlet of Beit Meri. Stroll among terraced fields and breathe in the scent of wild thyme and rosemary. Pop into a roadside café for a warm manakish flatbread topped with za'atar.

Continue to the historic village of Deir el Qamar, famed for its stone architecture and Ottoman-era palaces. Wander through cobblestone streets lined with antique shops and galleries. Enjoy a leisurely lunch at a terrace overlooking lush valleys.

Return to Baabda for a sunset horseback ride through a private ranch at the forest’s edge. Feel the gentle sway beneath you as you watch the horizon ignite in fiery colors. Toast the day with a cold Lebanese beer under the fading light.

Spend a leisurely morning at a spa retreat nestled in the mountains around Baabda. Indulge in a traditional hammam followed by a rejuvenating massage infused with local essential oils. Let the soothing aromas of eucalyptus and rosemary melt away any remaining tension.

Relax by an infinity pool overlooking pine-covered slopes, sipping fresh herbal infusions. Read a book or close your eyes to listen to birdsong drifting through the trees. Enjoy a light lunch of seasonal salads and grilled vegetables prepared with garden-fresh ingredients.

Conclude your journey with a farewell dinner at an upscale mountain restaurant overlooking the coast. Raise a toast to your 10-day adventure while sampling a refined tasting menu celebrating Lebanese terroir. Absorb the tranquil night air as you reflect on memories made in Baabda.