Northern Lebanon Extensive Historical and Cultural Attractions

Northern Lebanon Extensive Historical and Cultural Attractions

By: Douglas Scott

Northern Lebanon uniquely blends the outdoors with extensive historical and cultural attractions.
With the countries highest mountain, Qornet Es Saouda 3,090m, as well as the highest ski resort, The Cedars. This region offers a rocky, rugged terrain that makes Lebanon unique in the Middle East.
At the far northern end of the Mt Lebanon range, the Aakkar region is the most remote area of the country, housing traditional villages and beautiful scenery. Throughout northern Lebanon, mountain climbing, skiing, hiking, caving, and other outdoor opportunities abound.
In the heart of northern Lebanon are some of the countries most unique and sacred religious sites, making the region a spiritual as well as natural haven. The Holy Qadisha Valley has been a place of refuge for those fleeing religious persecution since the 5th century. As the seat of the Maronite Church, the Valley houses some of the most important early Christian monastic settlements in the world. The Qadishas ancient, rock cut monasteries are a destination for those seeking pilgrimage and retreat.
Tripoli, now Lebanons second largest city, faced its share of drama through the ages. Inhabited since the 14th century B.C., it was ruled sequentially by the Persians, Alexander the Greats successors, the Romans, Mamluke Muslims, and Turkish Ottomans. As a result, the city is filled with history, including mosques, Turkish baths, a crusader castle, and restored traditional marketplaces.
What to see and do may include some of the following.
Lebanons second largest city, Tripoli and search for unique traditional crafts in its labyrinthine traditional marketplaces.
Visit the birthplace and tomb of Lebanons revered mystic poet and artist, Khalil Gibran, in the picturesque town of Bcharre and walk through this traditional, red roofed, mountain village overlooking the Qadisha Valley. Hike along a rippling river through the lush, cool Qadisha Valley to visit the ancient rock cut monasteries clinging precipitously to the steep, rocky cliffs.
Marvel at the size and majesty of Lebanons 1,000 year old Cedar trees at Arz Ar-Rab near Bcharre or the Tannourine Cedars Forest Nature Reserve.
Climb Lebanons tallest mountain, Qornet Es Saouda 3,090m and take to the slopes at the countries highest ski resort, The Cedars.
Grab a boat to Palm Islands Nature Reserve to watch birds, some 300 species during migratory seasons, endangered sea turtles, and other wildlife.
Go caving or rappel deep into a rocky sinkhole in the mountains near Tannourine.
Explore the dense forests and spectacular scenery and wildlife in the remote Aakkar region on a multi day hike.
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Amazing Places With A Last Minute Travel Deal

Amazing Places With A Last Minute Travel Deal
By: Theresa Cahill and Jeff G

If you are spontaneous and have a few days off from work, you can spend those days in an exotic locale, a big city, or anywhere in between by booking a last minute travel deal. You see, sometimes the need to just get away strikes at the last possible moment, and you may feel you are relegated to your hometown, or even your couch, for those days off. However, there are often times deals to be had if you book flights, hotels, and mini-vacation packages just days before departure.
One of the greatest places to look for a last minute travel deal is on the Internet. The travel web sites already offer great low prices, but they also feature some amazing trips that are only available days before departure. To find one of these, just check out some of the more popular travel sites; there, you will find links to the featured trips. You can save quite a bit of money when you grab these hot deals as opposed to booking your trip a couple of weeks in advance.
If you are open to trying new places, and the thought of just getting away to anywhere appeals to you, then definitely check for a last minute travel deal. By buying a package, you can save a load of money over booking all parts of a quick getaway separately.
Now, some airline web sites have jumped on the bandwagon and also offer last minute packages to those who are willing to go at a moment's notice. They can do this because if flights are not booked to capacity, the airlines lose money on each flight. Consequently, they will often lower the fares to certain destinations at the last possible moment. To ensure that you are hooked by the low fare, thy may even have the package deal of a hotel and flight.
So maybe you are thinking that checking out different web sites is too much, and wonder if there is a better way to find out if a last minute travel deal is available. Well, you are in luck, because many airlines and travel sites offer you the chance to sign up for email alerts when deals are offered; on some sites, you can even enter preferred destinations, so if a deal becomes available, you will be notified immediately.
So grab the mouse and click away: check out the Internet for great last minute travel deals. Don't spend those days off wishing you were somewhere else... get online and make it happen, and enjoy the extra savings, too!
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