MIDDLE EAST, NORTH AFRICA AND ETHIOPIA - Setur

Bread vendor on the corniche,Lebanon, Beirutmediterranean seasidontyrebyblosjeitabeirut MT.lebanonbeiteddinetripolilebanonbaalbeckl e b a n o nr a n G Ezahlehanti lebanonr a n G EsyriaBEST TIME TO BE HEREWith its Mediterraneanclimate, Lebanon enjoysthree hundred days of suna year and can be visitedthroughout the year. Most ofthe rainfall occurs betweenNovember and March; June,July and August are oftencompletely rainless. Themost pleasant seasons forexploring the sites of Lebanonare spring and autumn.HIGHLIGHTSisraelAaNJAR Most notable for the graceful stonearches and wide arcades, the 8th century ruinsof Aanjar at the southern end of the BéqaaValley are staggering in their beauty.BAALBEcK Baalbeck’s awe-inspiringcity ruins are among the largest and finestexamples of Roman architecture in the world.The grandeur of the columned temples, theintricately carved stonework and the sheer sizeof the stones used to construct the Temple ofJupiter are astounding.TYRE Phoenician Tyre was queen of the seas,an island city of unprecedented splendour withher industry of purple-dyed textiles, extensivenecropolis, monumental arch and one of thelargest hippodromes ever unearthed.WE RECOMMENDBeirut Chic, cool and cosmopolitan, modernday Beirut is one of the must-visit cities oftoday. It has a wonderful ancient history andan ‘interesting’ recent past, but it is the energyand vibrancy that is most likely remain in yourmemory. Juxtaposed to ancient settlementsgoing back at least 5,000 years are new andcontemporary buildings. Next door to thebalustrades and balconies of the French era ofold are restaurants oozing wonderful cuisine,culture and class. On the Cornicle road stopfor a short walk in the favourite promenade ofmany Beirutis.Beiteddine The imposing palace ofBeiteddine is the best example of early 19thCentury Lebanese architecture, built over a 30-year period by Emir Bashir. While here, wanderthrough the palace complex and its museumsand see a fine collection of Byzantine mosaics.Byblos Built upon multiple layers of ruins, awalk through the annals of Lebanese history inByblos, uncovers the diverse cultures that havemade this area a mosaic of civilizations. Thispicturesque seaside town with its tiny circularharbour has a history that has been closely tiedto the Mediterranean for millennia. From thehigh keep of the castle, there is a superb viewover the Crusader town to one side and thePhoenician city to the other.Low Season 7 nights from £2,194 per personHigh Season 7 nights from £2,546 per personPrices include international flights.EXTENSION SUGGESTIONSyria Only a few hours drivefrom Beirut, Damascus is oneof the oldest continuouslyinhabited cities on earth,its authenticity a completecontrast to the modernityand vibrancy of Beirut. In itsOld City, you will experiencea generosity and hospitalityat odds with the ‘perceived’view of Damascus. Enjoywandering its historicstreets free of the ‘attention’that you get elsewhere inthe region. Further afieldare the museums andthe coloured bazaars ofMaaloula to explore. InPalmyra, you will see one ofthe most spectacular sitesof the ancient world, themost preserved Crusadercitadel on the planet andWorld Heritage Site, Krakdes Chevaliers. Turn southfrom here to the 2nd centuryRoman capital of Bosra,famed for its mosques andmagnificent amphitheatre.call 0845 0700 619 to speak to an expert or visit www.abercrombiekent.co.ukLEBANON P47