Dear explorers,
Another cultural tours during the summer season will be awaiting for us to discover the hidden gems of Lebanon.
This time we will head toward shouf region, specifically in Baadarane, Mokhtara & Baakline. So don't miss this event.
The Shouf region constitutes an important geographical zone that played a significant role in the formation of modern-day Lebanon.
Deeply rooted in history, often understudied and misunderstood, it offers to the visitor a natural canvas made of green lush forests, where man established himself since times immemorial amongst woodlands of pine and oak, where a local mediterranean flora and fauna thrives.
Baadarane is a town located 60 Km away from Beirut at an approximate elevation of 1.100 meters above sea level, frequently snowy during winter due to its exposure to the harsh northern winds. In summer, the climate is warm and moderate, favorable for outdoor activities like hiking and camping.
Mainly made up of flat rocky terrain and overlooking the surrounding areas, Baadarane’s strategic position along with the presence of abundant water sources still providing the town’s daily needs, made it an important station on the land route linking the coast to the Beqaa valley through the mountainous Shouf region.
Moreover, it insured an alternate link between northern Palestine to the Northern interior.
Etymologically speaking, the denomination refers in Syriac to a “place of rest” or a “place of help”, henceforth the belief that the locality was already known since antiquity.
Itinerary program:
1- Moukhtara Palace:
Moukhtara Palace is a historical and architectural gem with great cultural significance. This majestic mansion nestled amidst lush greenery serves as the ancestral home of the prominent Druze Jumblatt family. Built in the 19th century, it exemplifies traditional Lebanese architecture with intricate stonework, elegant arches, and expansive courtyards. Over the years, Moukhtara Palace has not only been a symbol of the Druze community's heritage but also a center of political and social influence in Lebanon. It reflects the complexity of history, making it an interesting destination for those delving in Lebanon's culture and history.
2- Hamadeh Palace:
Hamadeh Palace is a must to explore which was built in 1591, its possibly located on top of earlier crusader remains and constituted the ruling center of the Hamadeh family. The palace is still inhabited and listed on the inventory of Lebanese historical buildings in the General Directorate of Antiquities.
3- The Palace of Ali Jumblatt:
Interchangeably called “the old palace”, “the castle” or “the Jumblatt serail”, the construction is believed to have been first erected in the 17th Century on the ruins of an old roman period fortification; it’s currently in a derelict state and needs adequate restauration.
4- The old grape presses:
Situated next to a modern road, these abandoned presses are probably dated from the ottoman period and exhibit techniques and extraction methods that evolved over long periods of time. They are the living testimony of lost way of life, typical to the rural communities of Mount Lebanon.
5- Fort valley village:
Situated in Baadarane, a place where you can find calm mountain vibes, cozy stay with a view, delicious homemade view and the poolside vibes. Whether it's your first visit or your fifth, the Fort valley experience always leave a mark.
We will have lunch in this amazing place as well as the opportunity to enjoy swimming in the pool, tanning and relaxing under the sun.
Keep exploring and happy travels ! ☺
Early reservations are highly recommended by confirming your attendance to the event; Call Daniel on 70-196750 (whatsapp-viber-sms-messenger) or through accessing our website www.vincalibanotica.weebly.com and also VINCA LIBANOTICA page, group and instagram.
N.B.:
- Date: Sunday August 24 2025
- Destination: Baadarane, Baakline, Mokhtara
- 60 kms away from Beirut
- meeting point in jal dib & downtown Beirut
- Plz don't smoke during the event
- Breakfast stop on the road
- we can pick up people on our way
- Lunch in Fort valley restaurant a la carte.
- Follow the guide instructions
Meeting points :
1- @ 7:15 am: jal dib near DHL and Banque Libano Francaise facing the Canadian embassy (we can pick our hikers that live on our way)
2- @ 7:30 am: near Al Amine Mosque downtown Beirut.
Departure : 7:15 am from Jal dib (plz be on time)
7:30 am from Al amine mosque Beirut (plz be on time)
Breakfast stop on the road
Required materials : comfortable clothes, backpack, hat, 3L of water, running shoes, sunglasses, sunscreen, healthy snacks, swimsuit.
Fees: 20 USD or equivalent to the LBP market rate (including transportation, professional touristic guide (Alain Feghaly), but does not include medical insurance)
Entrance fees:
- Fort valley village: 10 USD
Lunch a la carte
Group of 6 will benefit from 1 free invitation
Group of 10 will benefit from 2 free invitation
For info and reservation, call:
Daniel Salameh 70 196 750
KEEP EXPLORING, STAY HEALTHY AND THANK YOU FOR NOT SMOKING ON OUR TRIPS.
Also check out other Sports events in Ashrafieh, Meetups in Ashrafieh, Trips & Adventurous Activities in Ashrafieh.
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