Since the early centuries of christianity the Holy Valley has served as a refuge for those in search of solitude. Today we started our day with a visit to Mar Lishaa monastery which is one of the most important monasteries in the Holy Valley. Mar Lishaa was first mentioned in the 14th century. It consist of 4 small cells, a refractory and some offices, the communal church includes 4 chapels which are cut into the rock face.

After our visit to Mar Lishaa Monastery we then headed off on our 5.3km walk to reach Qannoubine Monastery. Along the way we witnessed many waterfalls, the birds were singing and the sound of water flowing in the bottom of the valley. Blissful!

After walking for over an hour we then reached the Qannoubine Monastery which is one of the oldest Maronite monasteries located in the Holy Valley.

After Qannoubine you have the option of walking to Our lady of Hawqa Monastery which is 2km on from the Qannoubine Monastery or you can turn around and head back to where you started.

The total walk is 10.6km and it took us around 2.5hours in total to walk to and from.

If you would like any further information on visiting the monasteries please email info@explorelebanontours.com or you can visit www.explorelebanontours.com

The Tannourine Cedars Forest Nature Reserve protects one of the largest and densest cedar forests in Lebanon. Eighty percent of the trees in the forest are cedars.

There are some of 60,000 trees in Tannourine, making it the largest cedar reserve in Lebanon.

If you would like further details on the Cedar Forest in Tannourine or would like to hike the Reserve email info@explorelebanontours.com or Visit www.explorelebanontours.com

Cedars of God is home to Lebanon’s oldest cedar trees in Lebanon. Currently there is only approximately 375 trees left in this forrest.

Some of the trees date back 1,500-2,000 years, and have a girth of up to 14m. The trees are a scenic sight at any time of the year. However In the winter its a beautiful time to visit the cedars as the mountain backdrop is draped in snow.

About 3km from the cedar forrest, the cedar ski resort is also the location for Lebanon’s oldest ski resort where people have been skiing the slopes since 1920’s well before any ski lifts were installed in 1953. (approximately running from November through to March)

If you would like to visit Cedars, Explore Lebanon Tours go daily.

Chouwen is located 40km away from Beirut and is 600m above sea level. Jannet Chouwen is one of the most picturesque places in Lebanon. The stream runs down the mountain and flows into the "Nahr-Ibrahim" river better known as the river of the god Adonis. 

In Jannet Chouwen you will experience alot of life's pleasures - hiking, nature, relaxation and for the courageous people you may also like to swim, be sure to pack your swimsuit.

Around hiking trip is about 3 hours (back and fourth) if you would like further information please email info@explorelebanontours.com

Explore Lebanon Tours operate Daily Tours to Chouwen