Lebanon Hotels

The Lebanese Recipes Kitchen (The home of delicious Lebanese Recipes and Middle Eastern food recipes) presents Lebanon Travel Guide. This post is about Lebanon Hotels.

Albergo Hotel  (5 Stars)
Beirut, Ashrafieh, Abdel Wahab El Inglizi Street

Facilities: Non smoking suites available - Hair dryers & make up mirrors - 24 hour multi-lingual concierge - Individual climate control -Housekeeping service twice daily - In-room CD players - DVD players upon request - Chocolate Gourmet and Macarons at turndown - Multi-line phones and PC access - WiFi Internet connection - Porthault linen - Porthault robes and slippers - In-room plasma and LCD with 90 international channels - Large writing desks - Fully stocked bars - Extra terry towels in bathroom - Full size Carven bathroom amenities - King size feather pillows - Same day laundry & dry-clean - Welcome tray upon arrival - 24 hour in-room dining - Many suites with terrace.

Check-in: 3PM   Check-out: Noon

Batroun Village Club (4 Stars)
Batroun, Batroun

Types of rooms are pleasantly varied. There are standard rooms with double beds for two persons, mini suites with one double bed and a sofa bed, and regular suites with two beds and two sofa beds, including a kitchenette. On the original side there are rustic, traditional cave-like rooms made from stone, complete with kitchenettes as well. Independent bungalows with a private double room, sofa beds and kitchens are also available.


Facilities: Outdoor pool - Indoor pool - Gym - Tennis court - Health club - Ping pong - Indoor/outdoor basketball playground - Riding horses - NetCafe
Check-in: 2PM Check-out: 11AM

Bella Riva Suite Hotel (3 Stars)
Beirut, Al Manara, Caracas street

Only a block away from Beirut’s seaside promenade, the Bella Riva Suite Hotel is a quiet option that’s centrally located in the heart of town, minutes away from shopping areas and the airport. The popular Hamra neighborhood with its restaurants and shops is a casual walk away.

Hotel Facilities: Fast laundry service - Car rental Desk - Business center - Coffee shop - Restaurant - Banqueting facilities - Room service, 24-hour - Bright and spacious lobby - Choice of self or valet parking - Conference room - Mobile phone rental - Round the clock security - Dry cleaning service - Access to affiliated beach resort and health club facility

Meetings & Business Facilities: Banquet facilities with flexible menus - Gatherings up to 150 guests -Newly-renovated conference room equipped with: - Full-time, on-site technical support - Business Center with computer with internet access, fax and copier - Full complement of up-to-date audio-visual equipment.


Casa d'Or Hotel  (4 Stars)
Beirut, Hamra, Jeanne D'Arc Street

Casa d'Or is only 15 minutes away from the International Beirut Airport and only 5 minutes the Down Town Beirut. This hotel insists in conserving the traditional Lebanese good hospitality, with their friendly staff, always ready to assist you. From the Casa d'Or Hotel you can go by walking to one of the major shopping center in Beirut, the Hamra Street, where you also find banks, restaurants and bars. 

Facilities: - Climate control -A/C - Cable satellite - 24-hour front desk - Direct-dial phone - Hair dryer - Internet access - Parking available - Safe at reception - Kitchenette - Room Service - Major credit cards are accepted - Laundry, ironing or dry cleaning is available - Conference room - Audiovisual equipments

Check-in: 2PM   Check-out: Noon

City Suite Hotel  (4 Stars)
Beirut, Raouche

The newest boutique hotel in town! Located at a walking distance from the Corniche and the prestigious shopping and business area of Hamra, the City Suite hotel is merely 10 minutes drive away from Beirut's International airport. Style, elegance and charm distinguish its interior carefully designed to provide a homy and cozy feeling.

Facilities: Multilangual secretarial staff - Wi-Fi wireless internet access - Car rental desk - Valet parking - No smoking rooms - 24h laundry and dry cleaning - Babysitting upon request - Massage service - Airport pick up and drop off - Restaurant and bar - Room service

Check in: 14:00          Check out: Noon

InterContinental Mzaar Lebanon Mountain Resort and Spa (5 Stars)
Mzaar Kfardebian and Faraya Village, Ouyoune El Simane, Facing Refuge Slopes

Considered the most luxurious snow resort hotel at 2000 meters above sea level, the InterContinental Mzaar Resort & Spa is just over an hour away from Beirut. Despite its reputation as a winter resort, the Mzaar provides entertainment all year round, with a multitude of indoor and outdoor activities as well as proximity to the Casino and to major historical sites.

The property boasts 131 guest rooms and suites which come in three types:
Standard Rooms – luxurious furnishings with a host of facilities such as safety deposit boxes, coffeemakers and internet
Deluxe Rooms – offering mountain or garden view, these are larger than the standard rooms and can fit an extra bed when needed for larger families
Loft Rooms – attractive chalet-type rooms on the top floor with high, slanted ceilings that for a Swiss touch with a lot of wood.

Note: Rooms overlooking the ski slopes have an extra charge of USD 120 per night. Other charges also apply for certain rooms.

 Facilities: 24 hour room service - 24 hour front desk - - Porter/bellman - - Safety deposit box - Foreign currency exchange - Iron / Ironing board - Business center - 4 meeting rooms - Baby-sitting - Laundry and dry cleaning - Underground parking - Individually controlled A/C - Shopping arcade - Indoor and outdoor pool - Beauty saloon - "Les Thermes du Mzaar" Spa - Sauna, steam room, gym - Workout sessions - Aerobics - Massage  - Squash court - Four-lane bowling alley - Cinema and auditorium  - Kids center - WiFi and HSIA connection

InterContinental Phoenicia Beirut  (5 Stars)
Beirut, Ain El Mreisseh, Minet El Hosn

Perhaps the most prestigious of luxury hotels in the city, the InterContinental Phoenicia dominates the reborn hotel district and overlooks the Mediterranean. It is only a few kilometers from Rafik Harriri International Airport, and right in the heart of the city. Everything you expect from an international five-star hotel can be found at the Phoenicia. It is a favorite of well-to-do businesspeople, VIPs, families and heads of state.

Hotel Facilities: 24 hours room service - Self-Laundry Facilities (washer/dryer) - Dry Cleaning - Rental Car Desk - Coffee Making facilities - pressing equipements - Dedicated Lounge - Baby-Sitting - Non-Smoking Rooms - Florist- Secretarial Services - Airline Desk - ATM/Cash Machine - Gift Shop - Business center - High-speed Internet Access - Safety Deposit Box available at Front Desk - Full Kitchen Kitchenette - Foreign Currency Exchange - Beauty Salon - Concierge Services - Shoe Shine - Newspaper Service

SPA Amenities: Indoor and outdoor pools - Yoga, Tae Bo and Step classes - Mineral whirlpools, saunas, steam rooms and Jacuzzi - Latest cardio-theater system - Fully equipped gym - Personal trainer - Tanning beds
 
Check-in time: 3PM   Checkout time: Noon


The Parisian Hotel  (4 Stars)
Beirut, Ain el Mreisseh, Rustom Basha street

The Parisian Hotel has a prime location in Ain El Mreisseh, few minutes away from the central business district of the city center, 10 minutes from International airport and at a walking distance from the beaches and Beirut's most hip and trendy shopping areas,pubs, restaurants and cafes. Whether you are a business traveler seeking direct accessibility to down town or a leisure voyager looking for a golden sandy beach to tan, then this is the hotel you are looking for.

Facilities: Direct international dial phone - High speed internet access in all rooms - Cable TV -Non smoking rooms- Housekeeping - Laundry - Dry cleaning - 24 hours reception and concierge services - Wake up call - Valet parking service - Car rental and limousine service.

Check in: 14:00      Check out: Noon

Portemilio Hotel & Resort  (5 Stars)
Jounieh, Kaslik

This is one of the most notable resorts in Kaslik, just half an hour away from Beirut and the airport. The Portemilio Hotel & Resort is spread over an area of 50,000m2, with landscaped gardens and several low-lying hotel buildings. Minutes away from the Casino and Jeita Grotto, the property is also within easy driving distance (about half an hour) to the historical city of Byblos, as well as to the Faraya ski resort. There are also many cinemas, restaurants, clubs and pubs in the area, as well as a horseback riding club.

Facilities:  Indoor heated swimming pool - Fitness & Health center - Outdoor Olympic size pool - Basketball & Tennis Courts - Sauna - Babysitting or child care - Laundry service - Business center - Conference room - Hair salon - Car rental desk - Gift and "Artisana"shops - Hairdryers Available

Check-in: 2 PM   Check-out: Noon

Regency Palace Hotel (5 Stars)
Jounieh, Adma

This new, refreshing boutique hotel is close to the restaurants and high-end shopping venues of Kaslik, as well as to the Casino and Star Academy Lebanon. You can easily visit other tourist attractions such as Byblos and the Jeita Grotto as well. A simultaneous sea and mountain view from the hotel make it a pleasure.

Facilities:  Radio - Direct local phone call - Satellite LCD T.V. - Hair dryer - Working desk  - Individually Controlled A/C - Bathroom with tub & shower - Bathrobe - Wake-up call service - Babysitter - Mini-bar - Safe box available - Valet Parking - Car Rental - Duty Manager 24 hours - Massage Service - Taxis available 24 hours - Multi-Lingual hotel staf - HIgh speed Internet connection - Outdoor swimming pool

Check-in Time: 2PM    Check-out Time: Noon
 
Lebanon Visa Information - Lebanon Shopping and Exchange Rate - Lebanon Food and Dining

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Lebanon Visa Information

The Lebanese Recipes Kitchen (The home of delicious Lebanese Recipes and Middle Eastern food recipes) presents Lebanon Travel Guide. This post is about Lebanon Visa Information.  

Summary
-----------------Passport Required?    Visa Required?    Return Ticket Required?
British---------Yes------------------------Yes/1----------------Yes
Australian-----Yes------------------------Yes/1----------------Yes
Canadian-----Yes------------------------Yes/1----------------Yes
USA------------Yes------------------------Yes/1----------------Yes
Other EU------Yes------------------------Yes/1----------------Yes

Passports
Passport valid for six months required by all nationals referred to in the chart above.

Visas
Required by all nationals referred to in the chart above, except the following:
(a) transit passengers continuing their journey by the same or first connecting aircraft, provided holding onward or return documentation and not spending the night at, or leaving, the airport.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see General Info).

Visa Note
1. Nationals listed in the chart above except nationals of Bulgaria, Estonia, Hungary, Latvia, Lithuania, Poland, the Slovak Republic and Slovenia who must obtain a visa prior to arrival, can obtain their visas on arrival at Beirut International Airport or any other port of entry at the Lebanese border, providing passport holders do not possess an Israeli stamp, and they hold return or onward tickets. All visitors requiring a visa should contact the consulate (or consular section at embassy) before leaving for details about where to obtain their visa; see General Info.

Note: Nationals not referred to in the chart above are advised to contact the embassy to check visa requirements (see General Info).

Types of Visa and Cost
Visitor one month: free (single-entry).

Validity
Visitor visas are generally issued for stays of up to three months.

Applications to:
Consulate (or consular section at embassy); see General Info.

Working Days Required
Depends on nationality of applicant; please contact the embassy (see General Info) for the specific number of days required for processing applications.

Warning
Travel to some areas of Lebanon requires caution. Travelers are advised against all travel to Palestinian refugee camps and against all but essential travel to south of the Litani.
  
Although the situation overall in Lebanon is calm, it is fragile. On several occasions in recent years, the security situation has deteriorated quickly. Anyone traveling to Lebanon should keep themselves well informed and closely monitor political and security developments.

Travelers are advised against all travel south of the Litani River and to all Palestinian refugee camps. There remains a serious risk from unexploded bombs remaining from the 2006 conflict between Hezbollah and Israel being accidentally detonated. There is also a risk of violence near the Israel/Lebanon border (the Blue Line).

Following the death of Hezbollah military commander Imad Mughniyah in Damascus on 12 February 2008, his funeral is planned for 14 February in Beirut's southern suburbs. Since this coincides with a large planned demonstration to commemorate the third anniversary of the assassination of Rafik Hariri, there is a heightened risk of violent clashes in Beirut on that day.

Travelers are strongly advised to avoid all public demonstrations and large public gatherings as the situation can change quickly and dramatically. This is a particular risk due to the current political crisis surrounding the election of a new president. There have been sporadic clashes between opposing political groups and there remains the possibility of further violence.

There is a high threat of terrorism in Lebanon. There is a risk that Western interests may also be targeted. Maintain a high level of vigilance in Beirut, and around the towns of Chtaura and Zhale. On 25 January 2008, a bomb attack in the Hazmieh area of east Beirut killed several people including Captain Wassim Eid of the Internal Security Force and injured several others. On 15 January 2008, a bomb in the Dora Karantina area of north Beirut killed and injured several people. Initial reports suggest that a US Embassy vehicle was the target of the attack. On 12 December 2007, a bomb exploded in Baabda, on the outskirts of Beirut, killing a senior Lebanese General, Francois al-Hajj, and a number of others, and injuring several civilian bystanders. Travelers should be aware that in the current tense political climate, places where members of the public and Lebanese officials congregate may be at increased risk of attack. In May, June and September 2007, there were a number of bomb attacks in and around Beirut, which killed several people. Militant groups are threatening further attacks across the country. Places where large numbers of people congregate may be particular targets.

Those in Lebanon should exercise extreme caution and keep abreast of the latest developments by listening to BBC and other English-language broadcasts, and heed local advice.

On 12 July 2006, two Israeli soldiers were kidnapped on the border between Israel and Lebanon. This led to a major outbreak of violence, including major Israeli strikes across Lebanon in which buildings, roads and bridges have been destroyed and hundreds of people killed and thousands injured. Following the adoption of United Nations Security Council resolution 1701, a ceasefire between Israel and Lebanon came into effect on 14 August 2006. While this has largely been observed so far, the security situation remains uncertain, and there remains much unexploded ordnance in Southern Lebanon. Visitors should heed local advice in areas which have not been declared safe from unexploded ordnance.

Visitors should carry identity papers at all times and it is recommended that you register with your embassy.

This advice is based on information provided by the Foreign and Commonwealth Office in the UK. It is correct at time of publishing. As the situation can change rapidly, visitors are advised to contact the following organizations for the latest travel advice:

British Foreign and Commonwealth Office
Tel: 0845 850 2829.
Website: www.fco.gov.uk

US Department of State
Website: http://travel.state.gov/travel

Vaccinations
Special Precautions Certificate Required?

Diphtheria.......Sometimes   
Hepatitis A......Yes   
Malaria............No   
Rabies............No   
Tetanus..........Yes   
Typhoid..........Sometimes   
Yellow Fever..No*   

Health Care
Health insurance is essential. Lebanese hospitals are very modern and well equipped and many doctors are highly qualified. All doctors speak either English or French. The majority of hospitals in the region are private and require proof of the patient’s ability to pay the bill before providing treatment (even in emergency cases). Visitors who are not insured and require hospitalization should contact their embassy for advice. Standards at Lebanon’s public hospitals are much lower. The two best hospitals in the country are the Hôtel Dieu in Achrafieh, Beirut, and the American University/AUB Hospital in Hamra, Beirut.

Note
* A yellow fever vaccination certificate is required from travelers from infected areas.

Lebanon Shopping and Exchange Rate - Lebanon Food and Dining - Lebanon Travel Tips

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Lebanon Shopping and Exchange Rate

The Lebanese Recipes Kitchen (The home of delicious Lebanese Recipes and Middle Eastern food recipes) presents Lebanon Travel Guide. This post is about Lebanon Shopping and Exchange Rate.   

Lebanon’s traditional souks (markets) are found all over the country offering decorative and precious handmade items at very low prices. Special purchases include traditional pottery and glassware, as well as cutlery made of tempered steel or copper with ram or buffalo bone handles shaped in the form of beautiful and colorful birds’ heads. Brass and copper goods include braziers, bowls, fluted jugs, ashtrays, swords and doorstops, all attractively designed and hand engraved. Cloth, silk and wool kaftans, abayas (embroidered nightwear) and table linen are popular, as are handworked gold and silver. Shops sell the latest Western goods including clothes, cosmetics, furniture and electrical appliances.

Shopping hours
Mon-Sat 0800-1800.

Currency Information:

Currency
Lebanese Pound (LBP; symbol L£) = 100 piastres. Notes are in denominations of L£100,000, 50,000, 20,000, 10,000, 5,000, 1,000, 500, 250, 100, 50, 25, 10, 5 and 1. Coins are in denominations of L£500, 250, 100 and 50.

Currency Exchange
There are a large number of banks in Beirut where international currencies can be exchanged. Numerous licensed exchange shops also operate and some hotels offer exchange services. US Dollars are best and do not need to be exchanged as they are accepted even in small shops.

Credit/Debit Cards and ATMs
All major credit cards are widely accepted. ATMs are widely available in Beirut and larger cities.

Traveller's Cheques
Limited acceptance, as major banks only accept certain types of travelers cheques. Traveller's cheques also require up to two weeks to clear and are therefore generally not recommended.

Banking Hours
Mon-Fri 0830-1600, Sat 0800-1300.

Exchange Rate Indicators
1.00 GBP = 2292.56 LBP
1.00 USD = 1514.45 LBP
1.00 EUR = 1944 LBP
Currency conversion rates as of 6 May 2010


Lebanon Food and Dining - Lebanon Travel Tips - Lebanon Weather 

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Lebanon Food and Dining

The Lebanese Recipes Kitchen (The home of delicious Lebanese Recipes and Middle Eastern food recipes) presents Lebanon Travel Guide. This post is about Lebanon Food and Dining.  

Lebanese cuisine is widely acknowledged to be the finest in the Middle East. The country’s gastronomic tradition is characterized by the use of an extremely wide variety of locally produced, and therefore extremely fresh, vegetables served in all forms and shapes with an abundance of fresh herbs (mostly coriander, parsley and mint). A meal is always concluded with a wide range of fresh fruit, including melon, apples, oranges, persimmon, tangerines, cactus fruit, grapes and figs, which are all grown locally. Excellent Lebanese food is available everywhere. Beirut also offers a large choice
of international restaurants which offer dishes from all over the world.

Things to know: Alcohol is not prohibited.

National specialties:
• Kibbeh (lamb pounded to a fine paste, often rolled into balls and fried).
• Mezza, a range of up to 40 small dishes served as hors d’oeuvres with arak.
• Tabbouleh (salad made with cracked wheat, lemon, mint and tomatoes).
• Baba Ghanoush (dip made with baked aubergines and garlic).
• Baklava (the Lebanese version of these Middle Eastern pastries uses pistachio nuts and rose-water syrup).

National drinks:
• Arak, a wine traditionally produced and aged for five to 10 years before being redistilled with anis seeds.
• Coffee is served strong, thick and heavily sweetened. It is often flavored with cardamom.

Legal drinking age: 18.

Tipping: In hotels and restaurants, a tip of between 5 and 10% of the bill is expected.

Nightlife
Nightclubs spice up the evenings in Beirut and mountain resorts. Entertainment ranges from solo guitarists to orchestras and floor shows. Some British-style pubs can be found in Beirut. There are many cinemas presenting the latest films from all over the world. The internationally renowned Casino du Liban in Maameltain is equipped with lavish gambling halls, luxurious restaurants and a cabaret.

Lebanon Travel Tips - Lebanon Weather - Lebanon History

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Lebanon Travel Tips

The Lebanese Recipes Kitchen (The home of delicious Lebanese Recipes and Middle Eastern food recipes) presents Lebanon Travel Guide. This post is about Lebanon Travel Tips. 

Social Conventions
Lebanese people are known for their hospitality. Handshaking is the normal form of greeting. It is acceptable to give a small gift, particularly if invited home for a meal. As far as dress is concerned, casual dress is suitable for daytime wear, except in main towns where dress tends to be rather formal. Smarter hotels and restaurants often require guests to dress for dinner. Since Lebanon is almost evenly divided between those adhering to the Muslim faith, and those adhering to the Christian faith, visitors should dress according to the custom of the majority in the individual places being visited. Smoking is common and acceptable unless specified otherwise.

International Travel:

Getting There by Air
The national airline is Middle East Airlines (MEA) (website: www.mea.com.lb).

Departure Tax
£100,000 for first class; £75,000 for business class; and £50,000 for economy class.

Main Airports
Beirut International (BEY) (Rafic Hariri) (website: www.beirutairport.gov.lb) is 8km (5 miles) south of the city (journey time – 20 minutes). To/from the airport: A bus service operates to the city center. Taxis are also available. Facilities: Tourist information desk, duty-free shops, post office, restaurants, bars, hotel reservations, bank/bureau de change, car hire and a VIP lounge.

Getting There by Water
Main ports: Beirut (website: www.portdebeyrouth.com), Chekka, Jounieh, Tripoli, Sidon and Tyre.

Several cruise lines connect Beirut, Jounieh and Tripoli with the rest of the world. The sea connection between the Cypriot port of Larnaca and Jounieh in Lebanon may be closed and travelers considering that route are advised to check with the Ministry of Tourism or the embassy.

Getting There by Rail
There are no passenger services operating at present.

Getting There by Road
Best international routes are via Turkey and Aleppo–Homs and Lattakia in the Syrian Arab Republic along the north–south coastal road, and also the Beirut–Damascus trunk road. Bus services are available from Europe. For details, contact the Ministry of Tourism or the embassy (see General Info).

Overview
The following goods may be imported into Lebanon by residents and non-residents over 18 years of age without incurring customs duty:

• 800 cigarettes or 50 cigars or 100 cigarillos or 1,000g of tobacco.
• 2l of champagne, whisky or cognac (or any other similar products) or a maximum of 4l of other alcoholic beverages.
• 1l of eau de cologne and 100g of perfume.
• Personal belongings not exceeding £2,000,000.
• Prescribed dosages for medicine.

Note: Those aged under 18 years are permitted half the specified quantities for duty free except tobacco and alcoholic beverages, which are forbidden.

Prohibited Imports
Arms, ammunition, narcotics, immoral publications and recordings.

Prohibited Exports
Arms, ammunition, narcotics, archaeological pieces and currencies. Antiques without an export license.

Internal Travel:

Getting Around By Air
There are no internal flights.

Getting Around by Water
Ports are served by coastal passenger ferries. For details, contact the embassy (see General Info).

Getting Around by Road
Traffic drives on the right. Speed limit signs, traffic police and traffic lights are present but may not always be respected and driving, particularly in Beirut, can be quite unpredictable. As public transport is limited, roads in Beirut are over-congested. The worst times for traffic jams are 0730-0930 and 1630-1900.

Bus: Intercity buses run by private companies are cheap and efficient. Many hotels also offer complimentary bus and other transport services.

Taxi: Intercity taxis operate throughout Beirut and Lebanon. Travel is normally shared. Prices are negotiated in advance. Town taxis have red license plates and an official tariff. There is a surcharge of 50% after 2200.

Car hire: Self-drive cars are available, but chauffeur-driven vehicles are recommended; check with the Ministry of Tourism. It should be noted that the price of petrol is very expensive in Lebanon.

Emergency breakdown service: SOS Auto (tel: (1) 216 376; website: www.sosauto.net).

Documentation: An International Driving Permit and Green Card are required.

Getting Around Towns and Cities
Public bus services are available in Beirut, where bus services have recently been expanded, although service taxis remain the most widely used option.

Lebanon History - Lebanon Activities - Lebanon Country and Tourist Information

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Lebanon Weather

The Lebanese Recipes Kitchen (The home of delicious Lebanese Recipes and Middle Eastern food recipes) presents Lebanon Travel Guide. This post is about Lebanon Weather.

Lebanon has a typically Mediterranean climate. There are four seasons. Summer (June to September) is hot on the coast and cooler in the mountains. Spring and autumn are warm and pleasant. Winter (December to mid March) is mostly rainy, with snow in the mountains.

 

 

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Lebanon History

The Lebanese Recipes Kitchen (The home of delicious Lebanese Recipes and Middle Eastern food recipes) presents Lebanon Travel Guide. This post is about Lebanon History. 

The Lebanon, over the course of history, provided an inaccessible haven for tribes and religious groups escaping from repression and persecution in other parts of the Middle East. The principal groupings in the country are: the Maronites, Christians who – uniquely among Eastern Christians – maintained links with, and secured support from, their co-religionists in Europe; the Greek Orthodox Christians; the Shia Muslims, who arrived in Lebanon to escape persecution from the Sunni majority elsewhere in the Islamic world; and the Druze, a heretical Muslim sect founded in the 10th century.
The colonial powers that subsequently occupied Lebanon – the Ottoman Turks and the French – were content to leave these sects more or less to themselves.

The Turks took control of the area in the 16th century during the major expansion of the Ottoman Empire and remained there until the end of World War I. With the dissolution of that empire, the French were granted a League of Nations mandate to administer Lebanon until independence in 1941. From that time, the disparate communities cohabited in relative peace with political power divided between Christians, Shia and Sunni Muslims. On this basis, Lebanon developed a thriving economy based on providing business services – banking and finance, transport and trade facilities – for other countries in the region. This situation prevailed until the 1970s when the Palestine Liberation Organization (PLO), which had been expelled from Jordan in 1971, established itself in Lebanon with the tacit agreement of the Lebanese.

The influx of a large new community with a powerful armed wing upset the relatively fragile political balance in Lebanon. The PLO’s presence ultimately led to the Israeli invasion of Lebanon in 1982. By then Lebanon had been engulfed in a six-year civil war between right-wing Christian militias (the Falange and the southern militia led by Saad Haddad, and later the forces led by General Michel Aoun) and various alignments of Muslim and Palestinian forces. Among the latter, the most important were the Amal movement and the more radical, Iranian-inspired Hezbollah organization. Hezbollah, in particular, which grew from the radicalization of the Shia population, bore the brunt of the subsequent fighting against the Christian militias and the Israelis. It is now a significant political force in Lebanon.

After the war began in 1976, the capital Beirut was split across the ‘Green Line’, dividing the city between the Christian-dominated east of the city and the Muslim west. Central Government all but broke down, despite repeated attempts to find some kind of political solution. The Israeli invasion succeeded in driving most of the Palestinian guerrillas out of Lebanon, but failed in its principal political objective of installing a Christian-dominated government in power. The Israeli occupation earned Tel Aviv much international criticism. However, following the election of a coalition government in Tel Aviv, the Israelis withdrew in early 1985 to a self-declared ‘security zone’ in the south controlled by the IDF (Israeli Defence Forces) and their locally recruited Christian proxy militia, the South Lebanon Army (SLA).

The ‘security zone’ became the scene of an attritional guerrilla war between the IDF/SLA and fighters from Hezbollah which came to an end in 1999 when the Israeli government decided to pull their troops out of the region (with their departure, the SLA immediately collapsed). In the rest of the country, the Syrian army proved to be the ultimate broker and guarantor of a political settlement of the civil war. This process began in November 1989 with the election of a National Assembly. A new President, Elias Hrawi (who succeeded his assassinated predecessor René Daowad) became one of a troika – Prime Minister Salim al-Hoss and the speaker of the parliament, Hussein Husseini, were the others – which led the official administration in the Muslim areas of Lebanon.

By the end of 1991, the Syrians, with tacit Western acceptance following their participation in the UN anti-Iraqi coalition, were in control of Beirut and most of the north and center of the country. Legislative elections were held in Lebanon in August and September 1992. Christian groups boycotted it – a decision they later appeared to regret as it allowed the Muslim parties, including Hezbollah, to take complete control of the parliament. President Elias Hrawi’s six-year term was due to expire in November 1995 but, after parliament decided to alter the constitution, his term was extended by a further three years. While this angered Christian leaders, it was quite acceptable to ‘Sister Syria’ (as official pronouncements have it) which still maintains a large troop deployment in Lebanon.

The 1996 elections returned Hariri to continue as premier and the ex-Amal guerrilla leader, Nabih Berri, as speaker of the assembly. The original division of responsibilities between president and premier, which saw President Hrawi take charge of foreign policy while Prime Minister Rafik Hariri looked after the reconstruction program, was also confirmed. That division has remained ever since and much of the country, and Beirut in particular, has recovered to something near its pre-war condition. Hariri relinquished his job in 1998 and, at the same time, Hrawi was replaced by Jamil Lahad as president. However, Hariri, now a dominant figure in Lebanese politics, was reinstated in 2000 following the most recent general election which saw 17 parties share the 128 national assembly seats. In April 2003 the government was dissolved after heavy Syrian pressure behind the scenes, and reconstituted with Hariri remaining as Prime Minister but without any significant Christian participation.

Relations with Israel have deteriorated in the last two years. There have been occasional outbreaks of fighting and exchanges of fire between Hezbollah guerrillas based in the south of the country and Israeli forces across the border. Moreover, the two governments have been immersed for the last twelve months in a serious argument about the allocation of water resources: this is one of the most sensitive issues in the region.

In addition, the tricky issue of the Syrian troops stationed in Lebanon continues to simmer, unresolved. In September 2004, the UN Security Council adopted a resolution that foreign troops must leave Lebanon, pointedly referring to Syria. Parliament voted to extend President Lahoud's term by three years, but prime minister Rafiq Hariri unexpectedly departed. In February 2005, Hariri was killed in a massive car bomb attack in Beirut. This triggered mass protests about the presence of Syrian troops in Lebanon, from those both for and against. The cabinet of Prime Minister Omar Karami resigned after two weeks of anti-Syrian rallies sparked by the assassination. The USA, amongst others, have been steadily mounting pressure on Syria to Syria to withdraw its troops. However, in March 2005, pro-Syrian former Prime Minister Omar Karami was asked by the president to form a new government. Elections in May and June 2005 saw an anti-Syrian alliance led by Saad al-Hariri, son of the assassinated Prime minister Rafik Hariri win control of parliament for the first time in a decade and a half, the assembly was dominated by members opposed to Syrian influence.

Government
The amended 1926 Constitution under which Lebanon is now governed allows for the election of a National Assembly of 128 members every four years. Seats are allocated on a religious basis to ensure that each population is proportionately represented in the Assembly. An executive president who is also head of state is elected for a six-year term.

Economy
Beirut’s position as a major financial and commercial center for the Middle East was lost during the 16-year civil war from 1975 to 1991 that destroyed the economy. Since then, both Lebanon and its capital have re-established themselves.

Agriculture now accounts for about 10% of GDP. There are no significant mineral resources, but the manufacturing industry is growing rapidly. Banking and transit trade (both of which were almost wiped out during the civil war) have recovered reasonably well.

The 2006 conflict between Hezbollah and Israel led to a collapse in the tourist industry and severely affected Lebanon’s economy. In 2006, the economy contracted by 5% and the national debt reached a record level of US$40.4 billion. Grants and loans of nearly US$8 billion pledged at the Paris III conference in early 2007 are expected to go some way towards reversing this. Inflation was at 4% in 2006. A fifth of the population was unemployed.


Lebanon Country and Tourist Information - Lebanon Activities - Where to Go in Lebanon 

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Lebanon Country and Tourist Information

The Lebanese Recipes Kitchen (The home of delicious Lebanese Recipes and Middle Eastern food recipes) presents Lebanon Travel Guide. This post is about Lebanon Country and Tourist Information. 

Location
Middle East.

Area
10,452 sq km (4,036 sq miles).

Population
3.9 million (CIA estimate 2007).

Population Density
375.6 per sq km.

Capital
Beirut.
Population: 1.17 million (2003).

Government
Republic.

Language
The official language is Arabic, followed by French as the second language. English is widely spoken. Armenian is spoken by a small percentage of the population.

Religion
Islam and Christianity are the main religion. Islam (predominantly Shi’ite)
accounts for approximately 59.7% of the population’s beliefs. Christian denominations, mainly Greek Orthodox, Maronite, Armenian and Protestant, account for another 39%. Other religions account for the remainder (including a very small Jewish community).

Time
GMT + 2 (GMT + 3 from last Sunday in March to last Sunday in October).

Electricity
230 volts AC, 50Hz.

Telephone
Country code: 961. Telephone booths are accessible for local and international calls. Payphone cards are available from post offices and kiosks.

Mobile Telephone
Roaming agreements exist with most international mobile phone companies and there is coverage througout the country. Cellular phones are widely used and are available for hire to visitors.

Internet
There are Internet cafes in Beirut, Tripoli and most major towns.

Media
Lebanon’s broadcasting scene is well-developed and diverse, reflecting the country’s pluralism and divisions. Lebanon was the first Arab country to permit private radio and television stations, but the government controls who may operate stations and whether or not they can broadcast news. Several stations are owned by leading politicians.

Post
Post to Europe and the USA usually takes from one to two weeks.

Press
• There are more than 30 daily newspapers published in Arabic, Armenian and French.
• Daily Star is published in English.
• There are several English-language weeklies, primarily Monday Morning.
• The best-selling Arabic dailies are Al Anwar, Al Dyar, Al-Mustaqbal, An Nahar and Al Safir.
• The most important daily in French is L’Orient-Le Jour.

Radio
• Radio Liban is state-run.
• Voice of Lebanon, Radio Delta and Radio One are commercial stations.

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2010 - December 2011 period.

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2009-December 2010 period.

2009
1 Jan New Year's Day.
6 Jan Orthodox Armenian Christmas.
7 Jan Ashoura.
9 Feb Feast of St Maroun.
9 Mar Mawlid al-Nabi (Prophet's Birthday).
10 Apr Good Friday.
12 Apr Easter Sunday.
17-20 Orthodox Easter.
1 May Labor Day.
6 May Martyrs' Day.
25 May Resistance and Liberation Day.
15 Aug Assumption of the Virgin.
21 Sep Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).
1 Nov All Saints' Day.
22 Nov Independence Day.
28 Nov Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).
25 Dec Christmas Day.

2010
1 Jan New Year's Day.
6 Jan Orthodox Armenian Christmas.
9 Feb Feast of St Maroun.
26 Feb Mawlid al-Nabi (Prophet's Birthday).
2 Apr Good Friday.
4 Apr Easter Sunday.
2-5 Apr Orthodox Easter.
1 May Labor Day.
6 May Martyrs' Day.
25 May Resistance and Liberation Day.
15 Aug Assumption of the Virgin.
11 Sep Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).
1 Nov All Saints' Day.
17 Nov Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).
22 Nov Independence Day.
7 Dec Islamic New Year.
25 Dec Christmas Day.

Note
Muslim feasts are timed according to local sightings of various phases of the moon and the dates given above are approximations. During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last anything from two to 10 days, depending on the region.

Below are listed Public Holidays for the January 2010 - December 2011 period.
1 Jan New Year's Day.
6 Jan Orthodox Armenian Christmas.
9 Feb Feast of St Maroun.
26 Feb Mawlid al-Nabi (Prophet's Birthday).
2 Apr Good Friday.
4 Apr Easter Sunday.
5 Apr Orthodox Easter.
1 May Labor Day.
6 May Martyrs' Day.
25 May Resistance and Liberation Day.
15 Aug Assumption of the Virgin.
11 Sep Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).
1 Nov All Saints' Day.
17 Nov Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).
22 Nov Independence Day.
7 Dec Islamic New Year.
25 Dec Christmas Day.
1 Jan New Year's Day.
6 Jan Orthodox Armenian Christmas.
5 Dec Ashoura.
9 Feb Feast of St Maroun.
15 Feb Mawlid al-Nabi (Prophet's Birthday).
22 Apr Good Friday.
24 Apr Easter Sunday.
1 May Labor Day.
6 May Martyrs' Day.
25 May Resistance and Liberation Day.
15 Aug Assumption of the Virgin.
30 Aug
31 Aug Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan).
1 Nov All Saints' Day.
22 Nov Independence Day.
6 Nov
7 Nov Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice).
25 Dec Christmas Day.

Contact Information:

Ministry of Tourism
550 rue de la Banque Centrale, Hamra, Beirut, Lebanon
Tel: (1) 746 256.
Website: www.destinationlebanon.gov.lb

Embassy of the Republic of Lebanon in the UK
21 Palace Gardens Mews, London W8 4RB, UK
Tel: (020) 7229 7265.
Opening hours: Mon-Fri 0900-1530.

Embassy of the Republic of Lebanon in the USA
2560 28th Street, NW, Washington, DC 20008, USA
Tel: (202) 939 6300.
Website: www.lebanonembassyus.org

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Lebanon Activities

The Lebanese Recipes Kitchen (The home of delicious Lebanese Recipes and Middle Eastern food recipes) presents Lebanon Travel Guide. This post is about Lebanon Activities. 

Golf
Lebanon has five golf courses, the best and most popular of which is The Golf Club of Lebanon. Situated on the outskirts of Beirut, the club offers an 18-hole 71 par course, with scenic views of the mountains on one side and the Mediterranean sea on the other. The club offers guest membership to visitors. Caddies and club rentals are available and special group green fees may be arranged. The course is playable all year. The club also includes a sport and leisure complex with facilities for tennis, squash, swimming and snooker as well as dining areas.

Watersports
Scuba diving and snorkeling are available. The waters near the ancient city of Tyre offer some interesting underwater archaelogical ruins, which divers may explore. Swimming is generally popular and many beaches offer full facilities, with guest memberships and freshwater pools provided to supplement the sea. Other watersports that can be practiced in Lebanon incude water-skiing and sailing. Boats may be rented by anglers along the coast, but most local anglers prefer to fish in the deep waters by the shore.

Other
Despite its Mediterranean setting, skiing is possible in Lebanon and is actually quite popular. Mountain resorts such as Bakish, The Cedars, Faqra, Faraya, Laklouk and Zarour offer excellent accommodation and facilities. These mountains and gorges also present excellent terrain for hiking. There is a wide selection of tennis courts in major towns and resorts. Horse riding is also popular, and Lebanon’s Equestrian Federation now includes six riding clubs with excellent Arab horses available.  

Where to Go in Lebanon - Lebanon Overview - Lebanon Pictures 

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Where to Go in Lebanon

The Lebanese Recipes Kitchen (The home of delicious Lebanese Recipes and Middle Eastern food recipes) presents Lebanon Travel Guide. This post is about Where to Go in Lebanon.

Beirut
Once known as the ‘Paris of the East’, Beirut commands a magnificent position, thrust into the Mediterranean. Behind the city are towering mountains, visible when the traffic haze settles down. The Corniche seafront boasts beaches, restaurants, theaters and a dazzling variety of shops and restaurants. Beirut suffered greatly from Lebanon’s 16-year civil war, but following an impressive and ongoing process of reconstruction, the city is once again one of the most popular tourist and business destinations in the Middle East. The so-called ‘Green Line’ which, during the war, divided the city into East and West, has now gone, and two competing centers have grown up several kilometers apart. One is Hamra in West Beirut, where the American University is located along with the majority of hotels. The other is Achrafieh in East Beirut, home to the Université St Joseph and an increasing number of smart shops and expensive restaurants. Beirut’s Central District, known as Solidere (the company in charge of the reconstruction program), is seeing a spectacular number of modern buildings and office blocks springing up everywhere. After massive landfill, two new marinas, a new seaside promenade and a green park are also planned. While many of the new buildings look very modern, Beirut’s old souks (covered markets) are being reconstructed in an authentic way. The Turkish bath at Al-Nouzha provides another glimpse of the old Beirut. The Beirut National Museum, has been rehabilitated and is constantly updating its interesting collection. On the western tip of Beirut, Raouche is an increasingly popular district with a lively seaside promenade. Its famous landmark, the Pigeon Rocks, are huge formations standing like sentinels off the coast.

Excursions
Around 20km (13 miles) north of Beirut, the spectacular Jeita caverns are a popular tourist attraction. The caverns are on two levels, and the lower gallery includes an underground waterway which can be visited by boat (but may be closed during winter).

Tripoli
The country’s second city, Tripoli is Lebanon’s most Arabian city and retains much of its provincial charm. Its history dates back to the eighth century BC, and the town center, though surrounded by modern housing developments and beach resorts, has preserved its character. There are two parts – the port area and the city proper – which are divided by acres of fragrant orange plantations. Tripoli’s old medieval center at the foot of the Crusader castle has a number of interesting mosques, including the Al-Muallaq Burtasiyat Madrassa, Al-Qartâwiyat Madrassa, Great Mosque and Taynâl. The old souks (covered markets) provide interesting shopping. Tripoli is famous for its sweets and traditional olive oil-based soap. The port area, known as Al Mina, has numerous seafood restaurants and fish markets; most hotels can be found in the modern beach resorts along the coast.

Excursions
Just off Tripoli, numerous small islands can be visited, the largest of which, the Island of Palm Trees, has been listed by UNESCO as a nature reserve for green turtles and rare birds.

Tyre
Tyre was founded at the start of the third millennium BC and still bears impressive traces of its ancient origins today. Tyre’s archaeological sites are divided into three areas: area one is located on what was the Phoenician Island and contains ruins of the large district of civic buildings, public baths and mosaic streets; area two contains an extensive network of Romano-Byzantine roads and other installations; area three is most notable for containing one of the largest Roman hippodromes ever found.

Byblos
Byblos is reputed to be the oldest town in the world, with excavations unearthing artifacts dating back to Neolithic times as well as from Canaanite, Phoenician, Hellenistic, Roman and Crusader periods. Fishing boats and pleasure craft ply the old harbor. Today, Byblos is a thriving modern town, with the old town center being the most interesting part for the visitor to explore.

Elsewhere
A small port city between Beirut and Tyre, Sidon has a sea castle built of stone from Roman remains and it offers well-stocked markets.
Beiteddine, in the Chouf Mountains, is the site of the palace built by the Amir Basheer in the 19th century. The courtyard and state rooms are well worth a visit. Near the Syrian border, Baalbek contains one of the best-preserved temple areas of the Roman world still in existence. It is, in fact, a complex of several temples behind which soar the columns of the Temple of Jupiter.
Besharre, to the northwest, is best known as the birthplace of the famous Lebanese poet Khalil Gibran, author of The Prophet, and there is a Gibran museum. The town is also a gateway to the mountainous region, famous for its many cedar trees. 
 
Lebanon Overview - Lebanon Pictures


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Lebanon Travel Guide: Lebanon Overview

The Lebanese Recipes Kitchen (The home of delicious Lebanese Recipes and Middle Eastern food recipes) presents Lebanon Travel Guide. This post is about an Overview of Lebanon.

Lebanon’s diverse patchwork of Mediterranean-lapped coast, rugged alpine peaks and green, fertile valleys is packed into a parcel of land some 225km (140 miles) long and 46km (29 miles) wide.

Once known as the ‘Paris of the East’, Beirut commands a magnificent position, thrust into the Mediterranean. Behind the city are towering mountains, visible when the traffic haze settles down. The Corniche seafront boasts beaches, restaurants, theaters and a dazzling variety of shops and restaurants.

Beirut suffered greatly from Lebanon’s 16-year civil war, but following an impressive and ongoing process of reconstruction, the city was poised to become one of the most popular tourist and business destinations in the Middle East before the Israeli attacks of 2006.

Outside of the capital, several UNESCO World Heritage Sites await, many of which reflect the country’s various ancient civilizations. Phoenician tombs, Roman temples, Crusader castles and Mamlouk mosques can be found in the cities and ruins of Baalbeck, Byblos and Tyre. The town of Aanjar in the Bekaa Valley contains an Umayyad site from the 8th century - a unique historical example of a commercial center that was inland. Within the mountainous interior of the Kadisha Valley, ancient monasteries and churches can be seen, including a chapel built into the rock face.

Geography
Lebanon lies to the east of the Mediterranean, sharing borders to the north and east with the Syrian Arab Republic, and to the south with Israel/Palestinian Territory. It is a mountainous country and between the two mountain ranges of Jebel Lubnan (Mount Lebanon), Mount Hermon and the Anti-Lebanon range lies the fertile Bekaa Valley. Approximately half of the country lies at an altitude of over 900m (3,000ft). Into this small country is packed such a variety of scenery that there are few places to equal it in beauty and choice. The famous cedar trees grow high in the mountains, while the lower slopes bear grapes, apricots, plums, peaches, figs, olives and barley, often on terraces painstakingly cut out from the mountainsides. On the coastal plain, citrus fruit, bananas and vegetables are cultivated, with radishes and beans grown in tiny patches.

Browse Lebanon Pictures

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Lebanon Pictures - Lebanon Photos - Lebanon Video

The Lebanese Recipes Kitchen (The home of delicious Lebanese Recipes and Middle Eastern food recipes) presents special post about the best Pictures, photos, and video of Lebanon: Beirut, Jounieh, Tannourine, Bcharreh, Snow, Ski, Mzar, Faraya, Chekka, Batroun, Hermel, Douma, touristic destination, places to visit, Baalbeck, Bekaa, Phoenicia, Party in beirut, beauty, landscapes, sightseeing, swim, beach... Enjoy Lebanon - one of the most beautiful countries in the world. This post is special for my blog visitors. I hope you enjoy it :)

 Vendor on the Corniche selling Kaak, eaten with a sweet cheesy pastery called kunafeh

 Pigeon Rocks, Beirut

 Cliffside cafe near Pigeon Rocks

 Corn vendor, Beirut Corniche

 Seaside restaurant, Beirut

 The Beach

 Tourists eat at restaurants in downtown Beirut, Lebanon

Party town ... tourists are flocking to Beirut to enjoy its glamorous nightlife and glitzy shows

 Historical Places at Lebanon

 Place d'Etoile, Central Beirut

Le Royal Hotel Beirut - Water Gate Water Park

 Snow & Skiing resort in Lebanon

 

 Rafick Hariri Int'l Airport

Video About The Beautiful Lebanon 

Finally Let's watch this wonderful video about Lebanese Food

 

Lebanon Pictures ... Lebanese Food 1 - Lebanon Pictures ... Lebanese Food 2

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