About Lebanon

Lebanon, once known as the "Switzerland of the Middle East" is ready to resume its former role. Since the 1991 peace agreement a major restoration and rebuilding program has transformed the country without affecting its unique oriental characteristics. Beirut's historic centre is once again the vibrant hub where east and west still meet and are very much in evidence. Beirut nightlife is famous and draws young and old party lovers from far and wide.

This country is full of contrasts, cultural riches, stunning natural beauty and has a reliable climate. It is only a 4,5 hours flight from most European airports, with a wide variety of flight connections to the newly built Beirut International Airport.

Topography

This small country lies on the eastern Mediterranean coast and has a relatively narrow coastal strip where most of the Lebanese population lives and works in ancient cities with great stories to tell. Parallel to the coast the Lebanon mountains rise steeply to heights exceeding 3000 meters, where ski resorts are abound and where many visitors from the Middle East come to ski in winter. These mountains are also renowned for their beauty and breathtaking scenery, especially in spring, when the melting snow turns into rivers and water falls.
Lebanon has a central plateau, 1000 meters above sea level, running parallel to the mountain range. The Bekaa valley is a very fertile and agriculturally active part of Lebanon. Famous Lebanese wines originate from this plain and find their way around the world to many wine lovers. The Anti-Lebanon mountains lie to the east of the Bekaa and form the border line between Lebanon and Syria.

Historical Lebanon

Throughout the ages, Lebanon has been a cross-road between east and west, and north and south. More than twenty different civilizations have passed through Lebanon, leaving behind a treasure of cultural and archaeological highlights. Already inhabited during the stone age, it went on to become the habitat for the Phoenicians, a great trading civilization that scouted the entire Mediterranean basin. The country has also known the times of the Greeks, the Romans, the beginnings of Christianity and of Islam, the quest of the crusaders... and many more.

Country Facts

area 10,400 sq.Km coast line 225 km population 3.6 mln capital Beirut state form republic independence 22 Nov. 1943 GDP US $18.2 bln currency LL 1500 =$1 climate winter - moderate & humid, skiing in de mountains summer - dry & warm, 300 days of sunshine

Beirut nightlife
The Lebanese truly enjoy life to the full and partying with friends and family is a favourite pastime. No wonder Beirut is entertainment capital number one of the entire Mediterranean! Lively terraced cafés, top-class restaurants and nightclubs and extravagant discos offer fun and enjoyment throughout the night. Service is absolute tops and, naurally, alcoholic drinks are available everywhere.
Alternatively, you might like to take a quiet stroll along the palm-fringed boulevard... All our hotels are in the centre of Beirut, so the choice is entirely yours.

Lebanese society
In contrast to many other societies in the region, Lebanese society is very open, liberal and tolerant. A deep mutual respect for each other's lifestyle and ideas is quite apparent. Ladies dressed in long traditional clothes and headscarves stroll side by side with people that enjoy wearing the latest designer outfits, straight from London, Paris or Milan. Anything goes, provided it is stylish!

Grand Serail of Beirut

1500 years old cedars in deep, deep snow.

The Pigeon Rocks of Beirut.

The Bacchus Temple of Baalbek

your Mediterranean tan guaranteed

Let yourself go

Till the early hours