The port of Beirut is a stunning coastal city, a perfect addition to your tour of Egypt. Its vibrant culture, ancient history, and stunning Mediterranean views are sure to captivate visitors. Don′t miss the iconic Pigeon Rocks, the National Museum, and the charming Gemmayzeh neighborhood. With its trendy cafes, designer boutiques, and art galleries, Beirut offers a unique blend of modernity and tradition.
East and West are strikingly mixed in Beirut. National Museum, impressive "Grand Serail" - Ottoman Heritage, American University, Embankment and "Pigeon Rock". Excursion to Mount Harissa, where the statue of the Mother of God of Lebanon rises above Beirut. Visit to the Jeita Caves, a well-kept theater with natural decorations of stalactites and stalagmites, including a boat ride on an underground lake. Famous Beirut souks are now modern wide shopping arcades and include Gold souk with global brands and local designers.
Beirut is a starting point for excursions to legends:
1) 7000 years old Byblos. One of the oldest cities in the world is located just 40 km north of Beirut. Citadel of the crusaders faces the picturesque bay and the Greek theater. With a stop at the Nar al-kalb river to inspect the oldest collection of wall inscriptions in the world. All the conquerors of this ancient land - from the pharaoh of Egypt Ramses II in the 8th century BC, the Assyrians and Greeks to the French expeditionary corps in 1942 - left a memory of themselves here.
2) Full day excursion to the famous Bekaa Valley. Baalbek, the city of the gods, stays in its center of it. Alexander the Great and the Roman emperors established one of the largest religious centers of ancient times here. On the way back we will visit the Beit eddin Palace, a masterpiece of 19th century Lebanese architecture. Marble inlaid doors, carved windows and hundreds of arches...Bekaa Valley is also the centre of Lebanese winemaking.
Beirut is a city with a rich history that spans over thousands of years. Over time, many legends and myths have emerged about the city, but one of the most intriguing is the story of the "Phoenix of Beirut."
According to the legend, a mystical bird known as the Phoenix lived in the mountains overlooking Beirut. The bird was said to have a beautiful red and gold plumage and a majestic wingspan that could blot out the sun.
The Phoenix was believed to have the power of immortality and was said to have lived for over a thousand years. According to the legend, the Phoenix would burn itself to ashes every 500 years, only to be reborn from its own ashes and rise again.
The people of Beirut revered the Phoenix and believed that it brought good luck and prosperity to the city. They would often look up to the mountains in the hope of catching a glimpse of the mythical bird.
As time passed, the legend of the Phoenix of Beirut became woven into the fabric of the city's history and culture. Today, the Phoenix remains a symbol of rebirth, renewal, and hope for the people of Beirut.
So, the next time you visit Beirut, be sure to keep an eye out for the Phoenix, who may just be watching over the city and bringing its magic to life.