Now that the war is over, Lebanon is getting back on its feet. the 2006 war with Israel and the Hizbollah caused a lot of damages, and the country is still crossing periods of instability. Try to take advantage from a relatively stable period to visit this country where orient and occident coexists ( without always necessarily mixing).

According to Lonely Planet tourist guide, Beirut was listed as one of the ten liveliest cities for 2009 for its sparkle set, artful events and night life. Experience this mediterranean city, loaded with history in each corner of its streets, and mix culture and archeologic experience with nighlife.

Nearby visit the remains of an open-air Roman bath and its intricate mosaic floors. Once a Roman colony, Beirut has several other surviving Roman structures including parts of the semi-circular cultural building called the Exedra, a group of five columns which were once part of the grand colonnade of Roman Berytus, and another set of columns that once formed part of the Roman basilica.

The National Museum houses many of the valuable archaeological artifacts that were unearthed during the construction in the Central District. For other artifacts from Lebanon and the Levant region, visit the Archaeology Museum at the American University of Beirut. This collection includes many examples of pottery, glassware and Phoenician figurines.

Beirut also has a number of mosques and churches. Sometimes called the Grand Mosque, the The Al-Omari Mosque was originally a pagan temple which was later replaced by a church to Saint John the Baptist and then converted into a mosque in 1291.

Located on the Mediterranean Sea, the Raouché is a delightful place for jogging and walking. The city’s famous Pigeon Rocks stand just off the coast and the nearby shores have provided proof of some of the earliest human settlement in Beirut. Travelers may also enjoy walking further along Beirut’s coastal road, the Corniche, to watch the sea, sample local food from a push-cart vendor, or just enjoy the sunset. Likewise, Luna Park provides a lovely spot for picturesque views of the sea.

Baalbek is also on your must see list. The ruins are very impressive. Baalbek can be visited easily from the town of Zahle.

Our Arabic language course & program allows you plenty of time to discover the culture of Beirut.