NEW TOUR
For a country that has long prided itself on international connections, reaching back to the time of ancient Phoenician traders, Lebanon gets fewer visitors than it deserves, most recently on account of the war in neighbouring Syria. A new eight-day Highlights of Lebanon tour aims to show some of what we’ve been missing, from the Roman ruins of Baalbek (pictured) to forests of cedars in mountain valleys blanketed with snow in winter. It’s some tribute to Lebanese resourcefulness that its cuisine has come to symbolise Middle Eastern food in the world’s eyes, even though this is one of the region’s smallest countries. You’ll get to appreciate why over mezze in Beirut, at breakfast in Tyre’s old souq, and during tastings in a winery established in 1857. Keep abreast of current FCO travel advice, though the itinerary steers clear of high-risk border areas.
PHOTOGRAPH: ANTON IVANOV/SHUTTERSTOCK