There are payphones all over the country and calling cards can be bought from many shops. If you have a roaming mobile phone that belongs to the GSM system, it will work in Lebanon as well. The hotel offers international communications, wireless Internet access in the lobby and Internet connections in the rooms. Internet cafés are inexpensive and plentiful, especially around the hotel.

Fabulous weather awaits visitors for most if not all of the year. Fall, spring and summer are almost always sunny with a few rain showers in fall and spring. During these three seasons, the temperature ranges almost always between 22C to 32C on the coast, with a humid climate in July and August. The winter will see some clouds and rain storms, but the sun always comes up a day or two later with clear blue skies whatever month it is. January and February are the coldest months, yet feel like a light spring to Europeans. Winter temperatures rarely dip below 15C in Beirut and on the coast. The mountains are always cooler so a jacket and warmer clothing is advised for our excursions.

With valid passports, all travelers from almost any European country, North America and parts of Asia and South America can get a one-month visa at the airport for USD 17, or around 12 Euros. If you need information about specific countries, please contact us. Please note: Travelers holding passports that contain visas or entry/exit stamps for Israel are likely to be refused entry into Lebanon.

Lebanon’s turbulent history has created a strong desire for peace and security. After the departure of all foreign presence from the country, our government has been keen on ensuring safety and stability. Many foreigners feel that Lebanon is safer than most metropolitan cities in Europe and America. The crime rate is definitely lower in the country than elsewhere in the world, although common-sense precautions are advisable.

In a word, cool. You can dress practically anyway you like in cosmopolitan Beirut. On the whole, the Lebanese tend to be well dressed and pay attention to fashion and clothing, in line with other Mediterranean countries. When traveling to more traditional areas such as Tripoli, modest dress is required such as covering the shoulders for women and knee-length pants or dresses. Women will only need scarves when visiting a mosque. Since Lebanon Gourmet tours do not fall during summer, light winter clothing is recommended.

The national tongue is Arabic. Almost everyone speaks some English and/or French, particularly in the major cities. Due to a large part of the population having lived abroad during one time or another, visitors will be surprised to be addressed in Spanish, Swedish or Italian every now and then. Tourists will find no problems communicating, and may establishments provide signs, menus and information in English.

It is preferable but not obligatory. The itinerary was designed to expose you to all kinds of activities, sites and culinary experiences that will give you the real essence of Lebanon and its way of life. That said, there is no obligation to adhere to it 100% if you have other plans, as long as you keep us informed of your whereabouts.

Lebanon is +2 hours from GMT. This means it is only one to two hours ahead of Europe, making any time difference virtually unnoticeable and allowing you to still feel energetic a little later than usual.