TRAVEL
The Cedar which you see on the Lebanese flag is mentioned 103 times in the Bible. A country that could be described in brief as a beautiful mess with friendly people known for their hospitality. Lebanese people in general are trilingual (Arabic, French and English).
*Covid regulations: All travelers are required to present upon arrival a negative PCR test from within 72hours of arrival, submit to an additional PCR test at the airport in addition to proof of vaccination more than 15 days prior to arrival if available. A PCR test costs 110,000 Lebanese Lira (the equivalent of $7); the cost is the responsibility of the individual being tested. You can obtain it at any hospital or laboratory. Test results are usually returned by text messages but can be provided by e-mail or paper copy upon request: http://chu-nds.org/en
* Currency (LL): It is advisable to bring cash in dollars and we will convert it to you into Lebanese Lira. Only hotels are to be paid in dollars.
* Transportation: From the airport we would highly recommend using: https://allotaxi.com.lb/ (try to book online or even contact them if necessary, you will always find them in -1 parking floor of Beirut airport). If staying in Byblos, you can walk all over the region or ask your hotel for a taxi or call Byblos Taxi: +961-9-949394. We will be arranging the commute to the tour day pre-wedding and on the big day.
*Voltage: 230V
*Weather: Temperature will vary between 12 celsius degrees and 22 celsius degrees.
*Dress code: Comfortable for the tour day and any other day. Chic for the party night and certainly very elegant for the wedding. Winter in Lebanon is not as cold as in Europe or as in the US (Chicago), however make sure you are wearing long sleeves and get a jacket or/and coat with you.
*For ladies - If you wish to pamper yourself (nails, hair, makeup): Helena Touch +961 9 546 111
*Restaurants and Bars in Byblos/Jbeil:
- Al Azrak (seafood)
- Bab Al Mina (seafood)
- Locanda (Lebanese cuisine with a twist)
- Khan Jbeil (Lebanese cuisine/ breakfast)
- El Molino (Mexican cuisine)
- E Cafe (French/Italian cuisine/ second branch for brekkie)
- Roadster (American)
- Rock (Known for its chawarma)
- La-Bas (Pub)
- Baritalia (Italian/ Pub)
- Haven the cabin (Cafe)
*Sightseeing in your free time:
Byblos/Jbeil: stroll through old town, visit St John-Mark Church built as a Baptist church in 1115 AD by the Crusaders, check the giblet castle as well as the roman theatre and famous Houssami House.
Batroun: walk by the old pheonician wall, grab Hilmi's famous lemonade, check St Estephan cathedral which is considered a landmark, have lunch at Pierre & Friends, visit Colonel brewery and distillery or spend the sunset at Bolero.
Jounieh: if you are not afraid of cable cars take the "teleferique" to Harissa with a breathtaking view of Jounieh bay, and/or visit Jeita Grotto ( selected as one of the 14 worldwide landmarks).
Beirut: Martyr's Square in the center of Beirut, Blue Mosque - Mohammad Al-Amin Mosque, see the Pigeon Rock - Raouche, Place de l'etoile or Sahet el Nejmeh, Beirut Roman ruins, stroll in Gemmayze and take the St Nicolas stairs then have a coffee or lunch there.
*Emergency:
- Red Cross Hotline: 140
- Internal Security Forces: 112
- Hospitals in Byblos/Jbeil: Hôpital Notre Dame des Secours (Maaounet) or Hôpital Notre Dame Maritime
- Hospitals in Beirut: Hotel Dieu de France, AUBMC, or St Georges Hospital.
- Emergency contacts:
+9613309291 Ghinwa Basbous
+96170521528 Elie Basbous