Discover the spectacular scenery and beautiful nature of Qadisha Valley, home to the first Christian monasteries of Lebanon. You will start your hike in the village of Hawqa from where you descend down into the valley. Here, you will visit the 13th century Hawqa monastery, still inhabited by one of the last three hermits in the valley. You will continue your hike with a 1 to 1.5 hour breathtaking path through the valley toward the chapel of Mar Marina and Deir Qannoubine, the oldest Maronite monastery.Just after, you will enjoy a lunch with a large selection of Lebanese mezze at a local restaurant providing beautiful views on the valley.
Optional: After your lunch, you can continue your hike for a bit more than one hour, either on the LMT trail that leads you deeper into the valley and all the way down to the small rural village of Fraidis (option i), or via an easy but lush trail to the start of the valley (option ii), or you can choose to end your day with a guided visit in Deir Mar Elisha, one of the largest monasteries built as a hermitage (option iii).
YOUR DAY TOUR INCLUDES:
OPTIONAL: Add a visit to the old Cedar Forest, or a visit to the Khalil Gibran museum - only in combination with option ii or iii.
Best Season: April to November What to Wear/Bring: Water (1 lt), comfortable (hiking) shoes, a back-pack, comfortable pants/shorts, a sweater or thin jacket, sunglasses and sunscreen. |
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All our tours can be fully customized. In case you wish to arrange your own transportation, or like to complete your day with a dinner and/or overnight stay, we are happy to organize according to your wishes and demands.