LEBANON LONG WEEKEND

Our Clients’ Reviews

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  Michael Dowd

  LEBANON LONG WEEKEND

  

  Written October 2011

  A good mix of the new and the old  - and of well organised visits and free time.  We did a lot in three days (and one evening) without it getting tiring.  Excellent tour leader. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Baalbek was stunning but I also enjoyed the late afternoon stroll round Anjar - less to see but just right after the overwhelming experience at Baalbek.

  I'd been to Beirut before but enjoyed it much more second time around, helped by the informative city walk with Reem, our tour leader. 

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Reem was an excellent local leader with a very nice manner.  She grew up in Beirut and knows a lot but doesn't impose her views.  She is serious about her work but also good at ensuring we also enjoy ourselves.  It was great at the historical sites to have a leader who knew so much but could also judge how much to tell you and how much to leave for our questions.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Before I went that I noticed an earlier review that criticises the tour heavily for a lack of tour leadership.  I think it is good to have it pointed out that there is a fair bit of free time but for me this wasn't a tour where we needed the tour leader to organise the evenings.   Mind you, everyone in Beirut tells you everywhere is a short walk away.  Fortunately I enjoyed the sometimes long walks that then ensued!

  My only disappointment was that I wanted to see the National Museum of Beirut (especially after visiting Byblos where some of the exhibits come from) but this is impossible as the free daytime in Beirut is on a Monday, when the museums are closed.

  We were lucky to get what was probably the last of the year's really hot days - you do need to take sun protection seriously.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Worth considering whether to stay on in Beirut for a day or two after the tour if you have the time.

   
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  Hannah Marder

  LEBANON LONG WEEKEND

  

  Written May 2011

  Great country, decent trip, but fell down on lack of a proper tour leader. Lebanon is a fascinating country and the itinerary of this trip works well.  However the departure I went on lacked a tour leader which meant we did not enjoy the full benefits of the usual Exodus experience. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  The ruins at Baalbek are pretty impressive - even if like me you thought you'd seen and done it all when it came to Roman ruins!  Byblos is really pretty, especially when the sun shines.  Beirut is one of the most fascinating cities I've visited in a long time. 

  What did you think of your group leader?

  The local guide was adequate.  There was no official tour leader on my departure and this did mean an impaired experience compared to other Exodus trips I have been on.  Do plenty of pre-departure reading, take a decent guidebook, and be prepared for less than smooth transfers and hotel arrangements.  It may be worth doing some internet research as well on good places to eat etc.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  In the absence of a tour leader, you need to be better prepared for this trip than you might for a 'normal' Exodus trip, as above. 

  The hotel in Byblos has a really good spa, well worth trying out. 

  If you wanted to see a bit more of the country, you could consider extending your stay in Beirut for a day or two - most places can be visited on a day trip from the capital as the country is small. 

  Most places accept US dollars as currency if you aren't able to get hold of any Lebanese pounds before you travel.  I would recommend taking dollars instead of sterling.

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  My low rating for this trip is because of the absence of a proper tour leader and the amount of stress that resulted from that.  As an experienced Exodus veteran I know what to expect from their tours and this one fell a long way below the usual standard.  Lebanon as a country is fantastic and there's nothing wrong with the trip itself - if a tour leader was provided, or travellers suitably briefed beforehand and adequate alternative arrangements were in place then it would be a great trip.  I am sure that in response to my feedback and that of others Exodus may well rectify this, however if you are due to depart in the near future please bear in mind the tips above.  Perhaps Exodus will post in response to my review to say what they have done to rectify matters - if a leader/alternative arrangements were in place then I would recommend the trip.

  Exodus Response

  Our Customer Services team are in the process of investigating the problems raised and will be contacting Ms Marder directly. This trip does include the services of a local Exouds Tour Leader and we shall look into what happened thoroughly.

  
  

  - Exodus Staff

   
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  Kathy Macey

  LEBANON LONG WEEKEND

  

  Written November 2010

  A true discovery and delight.  It's difficult to get your head around just how those temples were constructed with such intricacy - and how they have stood the test of time and a war!! 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Seeing that Beirut has "risen from the ashes" after its years of war.

  Awe inspiring sights of Baalbek, Anjar and lovely Byblos. The gentle and proud people we met.

  I remember the 1975-1990 conflict and the one lasting memory I had in my head was of that bombed out Hilton Hotel - the shell of that still remains, surrounded by new glass high-rise constructions.

  There's a lot of wealth around in Beirut and hope it will be fully restored in time to its former glory.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Katya was very good and spoke openly and honestly about her times/thoughts during the war and

  how the influx of many Arab nationals are changing her city.  Good or bad???

  She had a great knowledge of all the sights we visited and was clear and concise in the information given.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Banks, on arrival are available for money exchange, but dollars are widely accepted.

  Locals are very friendly and helpful - and food, especially the meze is scrummy - their local beer isn't bad as well!

   

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  A country worth a visit - albeit on this occasion a short one.

  It would have been nice to visit The Cedars - but that gives me an excuse to go back.

  Would have like to have spent more time in Byblos - in fact, more time everywhere!

  Again, travelled with another good group of people - thank you Exodus!

   
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  Tim Greig

  LEBANON LONG WEEKEND

  

  Written October 2010

  Exodus really scraped the barrel to find the hotel. There are so many nicer hotels in Beirut. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Drinking cocktails along the Corniche

  What did you think of your group leader?

  Fine

   
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  Chloe Knott

  LEBANON LONG WEEKEND

  

  Written June 2010

  An absolutely fascinating place to visit. Great to see the redevelopment of Beirut. 

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Visiting the ruins of Baalbek - truly incredible! Also enjoying a local beer and sea food overlooking the harbour at Byblos.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  She was great and had very good knowledge of the various archaeological sites.

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  For female travellers there are no clothing restrictions. Beirut is extremely cosmopolitan.

   
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  JOSEPHINE WALL

  LEBANON LONG WEEKEND

  

  Written December 2009

  This was a wonderful insight into a country that has been difficult to visit in the past.  

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  What was the most inspirational moment of your trip?

  Seeeing Baalbek and also the mountains in the evening.

  What did you think of your group leader?

  He was really knowledgable and an all round nice guy. 

  Do you have any advice for potential travellers?

  Go and visit the Lebanon as soon as you can! 

  Is there anything else you would like to add?

  Great food, great wine and a really great country - go visit!!