For Nature Lovers, Hikers, and the Serenity of the Mountains

The proposed tour focuses on the village of Beiteddine and the Chouf Cedar Nature Reserve.

Situated at approximately 850 meters above sea level, on a height facing Deir el-Qamar, Beiteddine is a true tourist destination due to its palace, which shares the village's name. From Beirut, you can reach it by taking the southern route to Damour, then the Beiteddine exit, followed by the road to Deir el-Qamar, ending in Beiteddine, roughly 25 kilometers from the coast. The journey from the capital should take about an hour.

Like Deir el-Qamar, Beiteddine has a rich historical past. At the beginning of the 19th century, it succeeded Deir el-Qamar as the capital of the Emirate of Mount Lebanon. Additionally, the Beiteddine Palace is a must-visit for anyone traveling in the region. It was built by Emir Bashir Shihab II, who enlisted Italian architects due to the close relations between Mount Lebanon and Tuscany at the time, initiated by Emir Fakhreddine.

This explains the Italian Baroque style combined with Eastern distinctiveness and Lebanese architectural features, making the palace an architectural gem with its stunning woodwork, traditional hammams, arabesques, mosaic collections, and sumptuous oriental salons that transport visitors to the ambiance of the era, reminiscent of the tales of "One Thousand and One Nights." Moreover, the construction took about thirty years, from 1788 to 1818, reflecting the grandeur of the building, meticulously decorated by a group of local artisans.

In 1934, the palace was classified as a national monument and, during the summer, it became the summer residence of the President of the Republic, which may restrict visits (some rooms are off-limits when the head of state is present).

After visiting Beiteddine Palace, it is essential to visit the Chouf Cedar Nature Reserve, which encompasses the verdant heights of three localities: Aïn Zhalta, Maasser, and Barouk. The road from Beiteddine offers a pleasant drive through long wooded avenues and stunning mountainous landscapes, showcasing the region's natural beauty.

The Chouf Cedar Nature Reserve covers 550 square kilometers at an average altitude of just over a thousand meters. The ecotourism area consists of three sectors: Aïn Zhalta, Maasser, and Barouk, each providing access points to the reserve.

It boasts rich fauna and flora, including numerous species of wild mammals, birds, and plants. The Aïn Zhalta section has the richest biodiversity, while Barouk represents the largest cedar reserve, spreading over vast areas. Therefore, hiking enthusiasts will have a variety of choices. They can take a walk along marked trails to enjoy the view of the cedars. This easy walk through the cedar forest can be completed in 30 to 45 minutes. Those more interested can also hire a guide to undertake one of the hiking circuits to explore the nature