• First Day: Sunday, March 9th, 2008

Hiking trip in the valley of Qadisha (inscribed on the UNESCO World Heritage list)

Description:
Discover one of the deepest and most beautiful valleys in Lebanese nature. This wild steep-sided gorge is scattered with cave chapels, hermitages and monasteries cut from rock. Exploring this rare site can only be done on foot, along a primitive, narrow trail.

The hike begins from the village of Hawqa, where a 4-hour descent is made down the long stair trail leading to the valley of Qannoubine and its famous Monastery. The trail meanders along several hermitages and authentic mountain villages, and thus several stops will be made to admire the rare beauty of these sites.

Afterwards, the bus will transport the group to the Cedars of Bsharreh.

Schedule:
08:00  Departure from Hotel by bus
09:30  Arrival in Hawqa + beginning of hike
15:30  End of hike + Transfer to the Cedars by bus
16:30  Return to Hotel
18:00  Arrival in Hotel

Technical Details:
Hiking duration: 4 to 5 hours
Difficulty:          Average
Requirements:  Hiking shoes, back pack, water bottle, snack, cap,
                         sunglasses, sunscreen, sweater and windbreaker.
                         (Lunch boxes will be provided to all participants.)

Cost:
The cost for this excursion is 40$ per person.
This amount includes transportation, tourist guides, lunch,
and insurance.

• Second Day: Monday, March 10th, 2008

Visit to the grotto of Roueiss
in the Aqoura region - Northern Lebanon.

Description:
We invite you to experience the unforgettable tunnels of the Roueiss grotto, where water has created marvelous wonders in stalactites and stalagmites of up to 5066m length. You will discover a realm of nature unaltered by man, and savor its beauty with the company of an expert guide. Not only is the cave big (the second longest in Lebanon after Jeita), it also has large chambers with several passages, narrow and low at times, which can lead to an exit.

To close this memorable visit, you will be treated to a special mountain lunch prepared by the villagers of Aqoura. On the way back, you will visit one of the most ancient cities in the world - "Byblos".

Schedule:
08:00  Departure from  Hotel by bus
09:30  Arrival at the grotto + Briefing + Distribution of caving material
10:30  Grotto visit
13:00  Exit from grotto
13:30  Lunch at Aqoura hosted by one of the villagers
15:00  Departure towards Byblos
16:00  Byblos visit
17:00  Return to Hotel
18:30  Arrival in Hotel

Technical details:
Grotto temperature: 12° Centigrade
Caving difficulty:      Average - difficult passages
Optional Requirements: Comfortable shoes, warm
                 clothes, and 1 extra outfit for change
                (cavers will get wet and dirty inside the grotto)

Cost:
The cost for this excursion is 55$ per person.
This amount includes transportation, caving equipment (helmets and head lamps), tourist guide, lunch, entrance to Byblos, and insurance.