Beiteddine and Deir el Qamar

Beiteddine Palace sits on a hillside in the Chouf Mountains, about forty-five kilometres southeast of Beirut, and it is the finest example of traditional Lebanese palace architecture. Built over several decades from the late eighteenth century by Emir Bashir Shihab II, the complex is a series of courtyards and halls in honey-coloured stone, with arched galleries, carved wooden ceilings, marble fountains and intricate mosaics. A large outer courtyard leads to the private quarters, a hammam and gardens with views across the valley. A small museum displays Byzantine mosaics and local costumes, and in summer the palace hosts a well-known music and arts festival in its courtyards. A few kilometres away, the village of Deir el Qamar, meaning monastery of the moon, was once the capital of the emirs. Its old square, fountain, mosque and merchant houses with red tile roofs are among the best preserved in the country, and strolling the lanes is delightful. Cafes and craft shops add to the charm, and the quiet atmosphere is a refreshing change from the coast.

The tour linked from this page is a small-group trip from Beirut that visits both Beiteddine and Deir el Qamar, with lunch included in some versions. Many itineraries add extra stops, such as the Moussa Castle, an eccentric folly built by a single man over decades, or the Barouk and Chouf cedar reserve, where ancient cedar trees grow on the mountain slopes. The drive takes about an hour each way through winding mountain roads with sweeping views.

Opening hours vary, and the palace is typically closed on Mondays and may have limited hours in winter, so confirm before you go. Dress is casual but modest, and walking involves stairs and uneven stone. The mountain air is cooler than the coast, so bring a light layer in spring and autumn, and expect snow at higher elevations in winter. Photography is generally permitted outdoors, and some interior rooms have restrictions.

The Chouf region also has a special place in Lebanese history and culture as the heartland of the Druze community, and your guide can explain the area's religious and political background. A day here combines architecture, village life, mountain scenery and the chance to try regional food such as grilled meats, mezze and local sweets. It is a quieter and more relaxed alternative to the busier coastal sights and suits travellers of all ages, including families and older visitors.

If you can, schedule it on a clear day for views and good light, and consider staying for lunch under the trees in Deir el Qamar. Many guests rank it among the loveliest days out from the capital, and it is easy to combine with a hike in the Chouf Cedar Reserve for those who want more time outdoors.

Look out for the small details inside the palace, such as painted ceilings, marble inlay and the pattern of the courtyard paving, which reward slow looking. In Deir el Qamar, the old square is a good place for a coffee, and the little shops sell local crafts, olive oil and traditional sweets.