Witness how East and West intertwine in a blend of ancient and modern that is reflected in the culture, values, and traditions of Lebanon. Its capital city Beirut shines as a Mediterranean jewel with its glamorous cosmopolitan city life, beach resorts and the golden architecture around Nijmeh Square. With an abundance of delicious dishes, the cuisine of the country speaks for itself and provides every traveler with another major reason to travel to Lebanon. But this is also a country marked by conflict, devastated by decades of civil war and home to many Syrian and Palestinian refugees – a troubled history that still pulsates through Lebanon's veins. Nonetheless, its people remain hospitable and friendly, and the natural surroundings defy the violence of the past with breathtaking mountain ranges, ancient ruins, and unspoiled landscapes.
Beirut is the perfect destination for seasoned travellers: here, East and West intertwine in intricate ways, creating a city so magnetic that few are able to resist its powerful draw. Much has changed over the latter half of the twentieth century—Beirut rising to become glitterati central in the 60s but falling from grace during the bloody Civil War—but the city is alive and kicking, enticing travellers with superb gastronomy, the Middle East's most vibrant nightlife and close proximity to the ancient towns of Byblos and Baalbek.
