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Rafting W/E |
Al Assi |
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RAFTING
You have two options:
Either a complete rafting weekend (Saturday and Sunday), or just a Sunday rafting trip.
In this summer heat, the best solution is RAFTING!
Assi River’s cold water is all what we need. Our first weekend was great and here comes the encore!
Yes, we are going to spend a memorable weekend together. It will be a camping weekend. Brand new wooden bungalows are equipped with beds, and blankets. There might be some mosquitoes, so it is wise to get insect repellent. Toilets are new, clean and modern. Hot water is available, enabling you to have a comfortable shower. In addition to the cozy bungalows, there are tents for those who wish.
The rafting journey is longer than the previous ones we used to take. It starts from the new camping site and ends at the Dardara Falls. It is easy for the beginners and for the advanced. A great time is guaranteed!
Unlike other rivers, Al-Assi offers enough water depth all year round. It is ideal for rafting. Be careful, for you will get wet! On the raft, wear your swimsuits with a T-shirt. Leave your cameras and mobiles in your tent.
The program for the weekend is as follows:
Saturday May 22
-Meet in Antelias parking at 2:00 PM
-Arrive to Hermel about 5:30 PM
-Visit the 2amou3 in Hermel
-Visit the source of Assi River
-Visit the cave of Mar Maroun
-Check in the tents or bungalows and put your luggage
-Have a once-in-a-lifetime sahra around the bonfire, enjoying the great atmosphere VT members create, while roasting some snacks and having dinner.
-Have a good night’s sleep in preparation for the next day’s adventure. You can stay up all night if you wish, watching the wonderful night sky of Hermel (full of stars and constellations).
Sunday May 23
-Have breakfast from fresh and natural products.
-Go rafting on a wild adventure in the river! The ride is long; you will follow the white stream and cross 3 or more waterfalls that will pump high your adrenaline!
-Rest and then have lunch (trout and region specialties).
-Go back to Antelias parking, with happy memories of a truly unique weekend.
You will have the option to spend the whole weekend or join us only on Sunday.
If you want to join us only on Sunday, we will meet at 7:30 AM in Antelias. We will join the others in Hermel for a great rafting adventure, then we’ll have lunch and head back home. You will have the chance to visit some landmarks in Hermel along the way.
WHERE: Assi River
Hermel District
150 km from Beirut
WHEN: Saturday July 31 and Sunday August 1
MEETING PLACE: Saturday in Antelias Parking, facing St. Elie @ 2:00 PM
or Sunday @ 7:30 AM
WHAT TO GET: Towels, swim suits, overnight change of clothes, and toilet essentials. A flashlight might come in handy. Don’t forget to get your Lebanese ID or passport.
PRICE:
a) For the whole weekend: $120 per person including transport, guides, insurance, raft instructor, rafting gear (helmet, life jacket, raft and oars), dinner, breakfast, lunch, accommodation.
b) Only for Sunday: $70 per person including transport, guides, insurance, raft instructor, rafting gear, and lunch.
(Please get the exact change to facilitate and speed up the registration process).
RESERVATION: For reservation call 03-561174 or 03-720706
Please register by Thursday, July 29
NB: Sometimes, due to reasons beyond our control, slight modifications to the program may occur.
Ecotourism rules must be followed, otherwise personal accidents will not be accounted for by the insurance.
Regards,
Vamos Todos
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Mountain Climbing |
Baloua |
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Mountain Climbing, Rappelling, and Zipline.
Balaa is very famous for its 250 meters deep natural sink-hole that has been carved by water 160 million years ago! A magnificent waterfall can be observed during winter and spring with water vapors rising up to the surface. The importance of Baloo Balaa has spread beyond the Lebanese borders. Baloo Balaa is a natural pothole with three separate natural bridges inside it. This natural beauty is a must to see.
We are going to climb and rappel in Balou Balaa.
It is safe. All safety measures are taken: gear, ropes, equipment…etc.
Enjoy it to the utmost.
Live each and every moment….wow…what a feeling!
Let’s see who can make it to the top!
The place is really beautiful. You can hike around and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.
Moreover, while waiting for your turn to climb, you can try the zipline! It’s a great feeling! Just zip down into the air….pump up your adrenaline!
After a great adventure, we will sit together and have lunch out in the open, sharing all thoughts about this exciting event.
WHERE: Balou Balaa Tannourine
70 km from Beirut
1300 m above sea level
WHEN: Saturday, August 7
MEETING PLACE: Antelias Parking, facing St. Elie @ 7:30 AM
PRICE: $ 50 per person including transport, guides, insurance, and equipment. (Please get the exact change to facilitate and speed up the registration process).
WHAT TO GET: Get some light snacks that will boost up your energy such as dried fruits. Pack your backpacks with lunch, water, cap, sunglasses and sunscreen. Wear hiking shoes or comfortable walking shoes.
RESERVATION: For reservation call 03-561174 or 03-720706. It is preferable to send an SMS from your mobile, giving your name and the event you wish to join in.
NB: Sometimes, due to reasons beyond our control, slight modifications to the program may occur.
Ecotourism rules must be followed, otherwise personal accidents will not be accounted for by the insurance.
Regards,
Vamos Todos
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Hiking |
Kornet al Sawda |
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Soar up high to the highest peak in Lebanon! Enjoy the view at an altitude of 3,083 m!
Wow! No matter how hot it is in Beirut, you will need a thick jacket up there.
Kornet el Sawda is the highest peak in the Middle East. It really is worth all the effort you put to get there. The summit offers a huge panoramic view in all directions, and even Cyprus can be seen when weather conditions are especially good.
The hike is a tough one, LEVEL 6, and about 17 km long. It is mostly uphill. The hike starts from Dahr el Adeeb. The path is bare, with no trees to shade us from the sun. It is good to take the challenge. We did it many times before and we are about to do it again with you.
It will be an adventure you will always remember. Reaching the highest peak (3,083 m) enables you to experience a feeling of pride. Take as many pictures as you can. After all, a picture is worth a thousand words!
If you prefer an easier hike (LEVEL 4), there is the possibility to take a lift in a pick-up to reduce a third of the path. Then you will meet with level 6 and continue the journey. The pick-up will accompany us along the way in case of need.
With Vamos Todos, adventures are always memorable. Join us and see for yourself!
WHERE: Kornet el Sawda
120 km from Beirut
3,083 m above sea level
WHEN: Sunday, August 8
WHAT TO GET: Pack your backpack with water, lunch, sunscreen, sunglasses, and a cap. Wear hiking shoes or comfortable walking shoes. Get a thick jacket, hat, and gloves.
MEETING PLACE: Antelias Parking, facing St. Elie @ 7:30 AM
PRICE: 50000 ll per person including transport, guides, insurance, pick-up. (Please get the exact change to facilitate and speed up the registration process).
RESERVATION: For reservation call 03-561174 or 03-720706. It is preferable to send an SMS from your mobile, giving your name and the event you wish to join in.
NB: Sometimes, due to reasons beyond our control, slight modifications to the program may occur.
Ecotourism rules must be followed, otherwise personal accidents will not be accounted for by the insurance.
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Tree-House Dinner |
Ain Zhalta |
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In Ain Zhalta, in the Chouf, you will have a night to remember. Dinner will be served out in the open, in a tree-house! It is a deluxe tree-house with a bathroom and a kitchen! Tables and chairs will be available for all.
Arak will be brewed while we’re having dinner. You will have the chance to see how it is done and enjoy the Kerke in action. And the best part is that you’ll get to drink it! CHEERS!
Aren’t you tired of traditional dinner outings in noisy restaurants where the smell of cigarettes fill up the closed space? Now is your chance to try something new. You are nature lovers and a tree-house dinner is what you need…..
Before dinner, you will have the privilege to visit the workshop of the Assaf brothers. Assaf, Mansour, and Aref are three famous artists known for their sculptures. The statue of Michael Neimeh in Baskinta is one of their achievements. It will be a great opportunity to meet them in person.
WHERE: Ain Zhalta
In the region of Chouf
45 Km from Beirut
1000 meters above sea level.
WHEN: Friday, August 13
MEETING PLACE: Antelias Parking, facing St. Elie @ 7:30 PM
PRICE: $40 per person including transport, dinner and insurance. (Please get the exact change to facilitate and speed up the registration process).
RESERVATION: For reservation call 03-561174 or 03-720706. It is preferable to send an SMS from your mobile, giving your name and the event you wish to join in.
NB: Sometimes, due to reasons beyond our control, slight modifications to the program may occur.
Ecotourism rules must be followed, otherwise personal accidents will not be accounted for by the insurance.
Regards,
Vamos Todos
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Boat Ride Edde Sands |
Boat Ride Edde Sands |
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A day at the beach may sound a routine thing to do on a summer’s day. With Vamos Todos, there is no routine. Our day at the beach is like no other.
The Phoenician Hippoi is a wooden boat, built to look like the Phoenician ships. We will take it for a ride from the bay of Jounieh to Jbeil. Enjoy the view of the coast all the way to Edde Sands. There, we will spend a day at the beach, swimming and relaxing.
We will get back on the boat for lunch.
Sailing back to Jounieh ends this lovely day, full of pleasant memories.
WHERE: Out at sea / Edde Sands
WHEN: Saturday, August 14
MEETING PLACE: Green Beach, Maameltein @ 10:30 AM
PRICE: 100,000 LL per person including guides, insurance, boat ride, Edde Sands, and lunch. (Please get the exact change to facilitate and speed up the registration process).
WHAT TO GET: Get a swimsuit, sunscreen, cap, water, and a towel. Wear soft rubber shoes (no high heels).
RESERVATION: For reservation call 03-561174 or 03-720706. It is preferable to send an SMS from your mobile, giving your name and the event you wish to join in.
NB: Sometimes, due to reasons beyond our control, slight modifications to the program may occur.
Ecotourism rules must be followed, otherwise personal accidents will not be accounted for by the insurance.
Regards,
Vamos Todos
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Karm el Mohr Cedars / Aisha Fortress |
Donnieh |
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Aisha Fortress built on the heights of Al Fawwar spring. It is a huge rock carrying the ruins of what used to be an important palace or protection center, overseeing an old road linking the Donniyeh region to Ba’albeck across the mountains of Kornet el Sawda and Foum el Mizab.
Princess Aisha was the princess of Bchenneta during the 13th century. Aisha Fortress was her summer residence.
The view from the fortress is worth every step you have endured to get there. It is windy and cold up there, so get a windbreaker with you.
A beautiful cedar forest, still unknown to many, is our second point of interest. The old majestic trees stand tall and strong, a witness to thousands of years! Grab your chance. This forest is really worth discovering. You will have sufficient time to hike through it and take pictures. It will be a great setting for a lunch break.
The hike will be divided into two levels:
LEVEL 4 is about 10 km long. You won’t be able to reach the fortress since the path is too steep and long. You will arrive to Nabeh el Fawwar, just beneath the fortress. The hike will be in beautiful surroundings with water springs and forests. The hike will start from “Swekeh”. Both levels will meet along the way in Ain Neblayya and continue together to the beautiful cedar forest. There will be enough time to hike in the forest. The lunch break will be there too. After lunch both levels will hike together until Karm el Mohr.
LEVEL 7 is about 16 km long. It is uphill and tough. You have about 700m of difference in altitude. You will start from “Swekeh”, and take an unhill path until you reach the fortress. From up there, you will see wonderful views. It is windy and cold at the top. Get a windbreaker! Afterwards, you will meet with level 4 at Ain Neblayya where you can fill your bottles with fresh water. From there you will go the beautiful forest and have lunch there. After lunch both levels will hike together to go to Karm el Mohr where the buses will be waiting.
WHERE: Karm el Mohr Cedars / Aisha Fortress
North Lebanon
2400 m above sea level
110 km from Beirut
WHEN: Sunday, August 15
MEETING PLACE: Antelias Parking, facing St. Elie @ 7:30 AM
PRICE: 35,000 LL per person including transport, guides, insurance. (Please get the exact change to facilitate and speed up the registration process).
WHAT TO GET: Get some light snacks that will boost up your energy such as dried fruits. Pack your backpacks with lunch, water, cap, sunglasses and sunscreen. Don’t forget a light jacket or a windbreaker. Wear hiking shoes or comfortable walking shoes.
RESERVATION: For reservation call 03-561174 or 03-720706. It is preferable to send an SMS from your mobile, giving your name and the event you wish to join in.
NB: Sometimes, due to reasons beyond our control, slight modifications to the program may occur.
Ecotourism rules must be followed, otherwise personal accidents will not be accounted for by the insurance.
Regards,
Vamos Todos
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Iftar Saida |
Iftar Saida |
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During Ramadan, as you all know by now, we organize a get-together for an Iftar. This year, our Iftar will include a cultural visit in Saida. Saida was one of the most important Phoenician cities, and may have been the oldest. There are many landmarks to visit. Our focus will be on the following:
Sidon Sea Castle: The Crusades built it in 1228AD on a huge rock in the sea where-upon the Phoenicians had built a temple previously.
Audi Soap Museum: The factory dates back to the 17th century, and is now transformed into a museum.
Debbane Palace: Debbane Palace is a historical residence built in 1721 AD and is open for the public for visitors to witness the Arab-Ottoman architecture and details of that era.
Historical Catholic Church (under renovation): It was a soap factory, then transformed into a church in the year 1616.
Historical Roman Orthodox Church (if open): Its date of construction is unknown. However, it is believed that it was constructed over the debris of an older church.
Old Souk: Between the Sea Castle and the Castle of St. Louis stretches the old town and a picturesque vaulted old market.
Khan el Franj: was built by Emir Fakhreddine in the 17th century to accommodate French merchants and goods in order to develop trade with Europe. This is a typical khan with a large rectangular courtyard and a central fountain surrounded by covered galleries.
After such an interesting and cultural tour of the city, we will go to the iftar in a nice restaurant, where the tables are set outside in the garden with greenery and water fountains.
WHERE: Saida
South Lebanon
Sea level
45km from Beirut
WHEN: Friday, August 20
MEETING PLACE: Antelias Parking, facing St. Elie @ 4:00 PM
PRICE: $40 per person including transport, guides, insurance, and dinner. (Please get the exact change to facilitate and speed up the registration process).
WHAT TO GET: Wear comfortable shoes. Get a light jacket just in case.
RESERVATION: For reservation call 03-561174 or 03-720706. It is preferable to send an SMS from your mobile, giving your name and the event you wish to join in.
NB: Sometimes, due to reasons beyond our control, slight modifications to the program may occur.
Ecotourism rules must be followed, otherwise personal accidents will not be accounted for by the insurance.
Regards,
Vamos Todos
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Palm Island |
Al Mina Tripoli |
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We’ve taken you to Palm Island before. But have you ever seen it at dusk? Can you imagine how beautiful the sunset will be over there?
Be prepared to sail out at sea in the afternoon. Spend a relaxing time at the island, enjoying the shore that is mainly made from crushed and broken shells. The sunset, with its warm colors, will decorate the sky. Enjoy every moment.
As you may already know by now, Palm Island is declared as a protected area by Unesco. It is also a culture heritage site. There is evidence for human occupation dated mainly to the Crusade period.
It is a must to see.
You can either get your supper or have a delicious meal delivered to you (barbecued fish, potatoes and salad).
WHERE: Jaziret el Araneb
In the sea, facing Tripoli
WHEN: Saturday, August 21
MEETING PLACE: Antelias Parking, facing St. Elie @ 2:00 PM
WHAT TO GET: A backpack with a bottle of water, hat, sunscreen,
swimming-suit (wear it under your clothes), towel, and other beach
things you might need. Pack some food too if you’ll need it.
PRICE: $40 per person including transport, guides, insurance and boat ride.
An extra $20 will be charged for supper (optional). (Please get the exact change to facilitate and speed up the registration process).
RESERVATION: For reservation call 03-561174 or 03-720706. It is preferable to send an SMS from your mobile, giving your name and the event you wish to join in.
NB: Sometimes, due to reasons beyond our control, slight modifications to the program may occur.
Ecotourism rules must be followed, otherwise personal accidents will not be accounted for by the insurance.
Regards,
Vamos Todos
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Hiking |
Qbayet Karm Chbat |
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Our hike will be very special. The renowned Captain Aref Kodeih will be joining us to share with you his vast knowledge about the environment and its diverse flora and fauna.
Aref Kodeih is a nature lover. After 30 years as an outstanding pilot in the Lebanese Air Force, he decided to dedicate the rest of his life to his passion; protecting the environment in Lebanon. He is a winner of many awards, one of which is UN’s Award of the International day for the Eradication of Poverty.
We will walk together in one group. It will be a moderate hike, about 12 km long. There will be no ascents and you will enjoy the breathtaking scenery all along the track. You will see a diverse variety of trees such as Iron Oak, Cedars, Fir, Juniper, Oak, Pine…and many more.
The hike will start from Bat7et el Shouh. The mainly straight and downward trail will lead you to a beautiful Iron Oak forest. These trees are so tall, literary touching the sky. Then the next stop will be at a panoramic cliff where views just cannot be described! You will have the impression of flying and soaring above the whole area! From there, you will go to Akkar el Atika then to Zabbout where Canaanite tombs can be found.
You can refill your water bottles at the two water springs mainly Nabeh el Banet, and Nabeh Hmadi.
The hike will end in Nabeh Hmadi.
After the hike, we will go by bus to Morgan, a Lebanese restaurant atop a hill overlooking the whole region. A delicious meal will be a great way to end this memorable day.
WHERE: Karm Shbat - Akkar
North Lebanon
2000 m above sea level
155 km from Beirut
WHEN: Sunday, August 22
MEETING PLACE: Antelias Parking, facing St. Elie @ 7:30 AM
PRICE: $40 per person including transport, guides, insurance, and lunch. (Please get the exact change to facilitate and speed up the registration process).
WHAT TO GET: Get some light snacks that will boost up your energy such as dried fruits. Pack your backpacks with, water, cap, sunglasses and sunscreen. Don’t forget a light jacket because it gets cold in the shade. Wear hiking shoes or comfortable walking shoes.
RESERVATION: For reservation call 03-561174 or 03-720706. It is preferable to send an SMS from your mobile, giving your name and the event you wish to join in.
NB: Sometimes, due to reasons beyond our control, slight modifications to the program may occur.
Ecotourism rules must be followed, otherwise personal accidents will not be accounted for by the insurance.
Regards,
Vamos Todos
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Afqa Night Hike + S7our |
Afqa |
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The moon is coming back, full and luminous. We will take advantage of this monthly phenomenon and walk by night from Lassa to Afka.
This time, the night hike will have a special touch to it. Since Ramadan is here, we will get together for a ‘shour’ meal under the moon. For those who are fasting, get something to eat along the way because the ‘shour’ won’t be before 11:00 PM.
The track will be in a bare landscape, thus permitting the moonlight to guide us throughout the hike. We can see some juniper trees along the way.
The hike will be quite easy with no major ascents. It will be around 8 km long.
Along the way, we will stop at Nabi Hadwan, where views are really breathtaking. There, we will have a ‘shour’ (s7our) gathering around a saj, where one of the local inhabitants will get his saj out in the open to serve us tasty manakish and hot tea. We will have the chance to rest around a bonfire, roasting corn and potatoes.
Nature is generous to us. Let’s make the best of it!
WHERE: Lassa - Afka
In Jbeil region
75 Km from Beirut
1700 meters above sea level.
WHEN: Friday, August 27
MEETING PLACE: Antelias Parking, facing St. Elie @ 7:00 PM
WHAT TO GET: A backpack with a bottle of water, a light jacket and a flashlight.
Wear hiking shoes or comfortable walking shoes.
PRICE: 35,000 LL per person including transport, guides, insurance. (Please get the exact change to facilitate and speed up the registration process).
RESERVATION: For reservation call 03-561174 or 03-720706. It is preferable to send an SMS from your mobile, giving your name and the event you wish to join in.
NB: Sometimes, due to reasons beyond our control, slight modifications to the program may occur.
Ecotourism rules must be followed, otherwise personal accidents will not be accounted for by the insurance.
Regards,
Vamos Todos
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Special W/E |
Tyr |
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As every weekend program, you have the choice of a whole weekend or just a Sunday trip…it’s up to you.
We are going south to spend a weekend by the sea. Let’s discover the attractions of Tyre and cool down in its waters!
What’s there in Tyre? What will we see? Here are some pointers:
Tyre is an ancient Phoenician city. It was founded around 2750 BC.
Remains from other periods have been unearthed at Tyre, including those from the Byzantine, Arab and Crusader eras, but it is the Roman ruins that are most numerous and impressive.
The sights of modern Tyre include a colorful souk (market), a double-domed Shia mosque, and a Christian quarter that is the seat of the Maronite Bishop of Tyre and the Holy Land.
Tyre has a beautiful white sandy coast. It is one of the most beautiful shores in Lebanon. Close-by, there is a natural reserve. Tyre Coast Nature Reserve was declared a nature reserve in 1998. It comprises a sandy beach; fresh water springs and agriculture land. Water from the springs creates a mixed fresh water/salt water environment and the area is an important nesting site for sea turtles.
The scientific section of the reserve offers us the opportunity to learn about nature life there.
A marine and wildlife museum in Tyre, classified by National Geographic Society as the world’s unique museum, offers a collection of more than 2000 species of sea and land creatures. It is a must to see.
We will spend the night in Al-Fanar Auberge. Its location close to the lighthouse near the ancient seaport, with an access to the sea, makes Al-Fanar Auberge a favorite meeting place. The unique cozy architecture adds to its magic.
The program of the weekend is as follows:
Saturday, August 28
- Meet in Antelias at 2:00 PM
- Go to Tyre and check in Fanar Hotel.
- Stroll in the old streets of Tyre and the Corniche until you reach a small restaurant by the sea.
- Dinner (mezza and fish).
- Visit the ruins of Tyre.
- Stroll in the city until you reach the hotel.
- You can extend your evening in the hotel pub and night club.
- Overnight.
Sunday, August 29
- Have breakfast.
- When the group coming from Antelias arrives, we will sail by boat to make a tour of Tyre and visit a small island.
- Back to port.
- Take the bus to Ras el Ain to see fresh water ponds by the shore!
- Visit the natural reserve of Tyre.
- Go to the vast white sandy beach for a cool swim and tasty lunch.
- If time permits, we will visit Qana and the historical sites there.
- On our way back, we will stop in Saida for sweets.
WHERE: Tyre
South Lebanon
Sea level
83 km from Beirut
WHEN: Saturday August 28 & Sunday August 29
WHAT TO GET: Pack the usual overnight stuff. Don’t forget to get a swimsuit, sunscreen, towel, a cap, and a light jacket (for the night).
MEETING PLACE: Antelias Parking, facing St. Elie @ 2:00 PM on Sat.
@ 7:30 AM on Sun.
PRICE:
a) For the whole weekend: 110$per person including transport, guides, insurance, accommodation & three meals.
b) For Sunday participants, the price will become 40$ per person (transport, guides, insurance, and lunch).
(Please get the exact change to facilitate and speed up the registration process).
RESERVATION: For reservation call 03-561174 or 03-720706. It is preferable to send an SMS from your mobile, giving your name and the event you wish to join in.
NB: Sometimes, due to reasons beyond our control, slight modifications to the program may occur.
Ecotourism rules must be followed, otherwise personal accidents will not be accounted for by the insurance.
Regards,
Vamos Todos
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Turkey |
Turkey |
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IT’S TIME TO GO TO TURKEY
Turkey is a paradise of sun, sea, mountains, and lakes that offers the vacationer a complete change from stress and routine of everyday life. From April to October, most places in Turkey have an ideal climate, perfect for relaxing on sandy beaches or enjoying the tranquility of mountains and lakes.
Turkey also has a magnificent past, and is a land full of historic treasures from 13 successive civilizations spanning 10,000 years. Even if you spend only a short time in Turkey, you can see a lot of this great heritage.
There are many places to visit in Turkey, but due to limited time, we have chosen the main attractions mainly:
- Antakya: Antakya is one of the most interesting and entertaining cities in southern Turkey. The city is culturally diverse, with its mixture of Arab and Turkish speaking people, as well a Christian minority. The city seems to have its own architectural style. The ancient Assi River divides the city in half.
- Iskenderun: The administrative capital is Antakya. Iskenderun is also known as Hatay. Hatay is one of the most cosmopolitan provinces of Turkey, home to communities of various background and religions.
- Mount Taurus: Many armies marched through the pass in the Taurus Mountains. The pass was later named “Gates of Judas” by the crusaders.
- Cappadocia: Cappadocia is one of the most popular tourist destinations in Turkey. Cappadocia is well known for its rock churches that date to the period of the persecution and for its underground cities, amazingly intricate systems of tunnels cut into mountains of rock. There you will see:
• Goreme (Open Air Museum) is one of the earliest settlements in the area. Over 30 of the best-preserved churches of Cappadocia can be seen here. Most churches date from the 9th to 11th centuries and bear good examples of Byzantine mural paintings.
• Uchisar is a fortress-type settlement hewn into a high outcrop of rock. The view of the Cappadocian landscape from this location is truly unique.
• The Underground City of Kaymakli was cut out of volcanic tufa as deep as 300 feet during the period covering the 6th to the 10th centuries. It is possible to descend through seven floor levels of the city by means of a labyrinth of tunnels.
- Posanti: It is a small village in the mountains.
- Tarsus: Tarsus, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. It was here that Cleopatra supposedly met Mark Antony. It was also the birthplace of St. Paul.
- Mersin: Mersin is the major commercial city and shipping port on Turkey’s Eastern Mediterranean coast.
Now that you have an idea of the main places to visit, here is the outline of the program:
You will spend 4 nights and five days in Turkey. The hotels will be 4 and 5 star hotels.
The travel will be by Pullman, to ensure a comfortable ride throughout the journey.
Tuesday, Sept. 7: Leave to Turkey.
- Gather in Antelias parking at 6:00 PM
- Leave at 6:30 PM
- Stop for a short rest in Tripoli.
- Rest in Maaret el Naaman in Syria.
Wednesday, Sept 8: Leisure day in Takseem / Mersin
- Visit the St. Peter’s Church in the rocks.
- Lunch is at your own.
- Check-in and rest.
- Free time for shopping and a tour in Antakya.
- Dinner in hotel.
- There are many night clubs in Turkey for those who wish to experience some night life.
Thursday, Sept. 9: Iskanderun – Mount Taurus
- Wake up at 6:00 AM.
- Breakfast at 6:30 AM.
- Leave at 7:00 AM to Iskenderun. Visit the place of Ataturk and walk along the beautiful seaside pedestrian street.
- Continue to Mount Taurus.
- Lunch is at your own.
- Leave at 4:30 PM to Cappadocia.
- Check-in the hotel.
- Dinner in hotel.
Friday, Sept. 10: Cappadocia – Kaymakli – Gerome
- Wake up at 7:00 AM.
- Breakfast at 7:30 AM.
- Visit the underground city Kaymakli. There will be some hiking there.
- Visit the caves in Uchisar.
- Lunch is at your own.
- Visit the city of Goreme. There, you will also find industries of carpets, pottery and leather.
- Dinner with a typical folkloric sahra.
- Also, there are many night clubs for those of you who wish to explore.
Saturday, Sept. 11: St. Paul - Mersin
- Wake up at 6:00 AM.
- Breakfast at 6:30 AM
- Leave the hotel at 7:30 AM
- Rest in Posanti.
- Go to Tarsus and see the house of St. Paul.
- Continue to Mersin.
- Check-in and rest in Hilton hotel . Spend the day at the beach and relax.
- Lunch is at your own.
- Stroll by night on the corniche of Mersin and visit ‘Sahat el Salam”.
- Dinner with an entertaining evening aboard a ship out at sea.
- Back to “Hilton” for overnight.
Sunday, Sept. 12: Return to Beirut
- Wake up at 6:30 AM.
- Breakfast at 7:00 AM.
- Leave the hotel at 7:30 AM.
- Stop for a short rest in Iskenderun.
- Cross the Turkish Syrian border.
- Lunch in Syria in “Ma3aret el Ne3man”.
- Cross the Syrian Lebanese border.
- Rest in Tripoli.
- Arrive to Antelias at 10:00 PM.
We will take care of the formalities, but you have to provide us with a passport that is valid for more than 6 months.
WHERE: Turkey
WHEN: From Tuesday evening, Sept 7…. till Sunday night, Sept 12.
WHAT TO GET: Overnight essentials, change of clothes, towel and swimsuit, sunscreen, cap, sunglasses, jacket…..and PASSPORT.
For your personal shopping, you need to get some money. It is best to exchange money at the Syrian Turkish border.
MEETING PLACE: Tuesday, September 7 @ 6:30 PM
Antelias Parking, facing St. Elie
PRICE: $495 per person including transport, guides, insurance, breakfasts and dinners,
accommodation, entrance to the historical sites and custom charges.
Note:
• If you confirm registration and pay before Aug 15, you will get a discount and the price will become $475.
• Last day for registration is Aug 25
• An extra $150 will be charged if you want a single room.
• The passport must be valid for at least 6 months.
• Tips are not included in the price. At the end of the journey, a certain amount of money will be collected from the group to be given as tip.
• All drinks (water, soft drinks and alcoholic drinks) will be charged for separately. They are not included in the price.
CANCELATION POLICY:
• If you cancel your reservation before Aug 25 half the amount will be returned.
• Cancelation after Aug 25 will not be refunded.
RESERVATION: For reservation call 03-561174 or 03-720706
Regards,
Vamos Todos
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Hiking |
Annoubine Al Hadad |
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Due to your increasing demand for Wadi Annoubine, we are going to take you there again. As said before, you’ll never get enough of that holy place.
Annoubine’s history dates back to the 6th century. It has monasteries and sanctuaries spread all over the gorge, in the form of caves or churches.
The view you get to see from the valley is beyond imagination. Once there, you get the feeling of peace and tranquility. The spiritual atmosphere reigns over the entire valley.
A Colombian hermit lives in this deserted valley.
There are many trails in this holy valley. Also, there are many caves and monasteries, which simply cannot all be visited in one hike.
This Sunday, we will visit Deir Saidet Annoubine, St. Marina, Deir Mar Licha, Deir el Salib, and Saidet Hawka. We will pass through Hadath el Joubbeh and Hadchit (depending on the level of the hike).
Deir Saidet Annoubine:
This is one of the oldest Monasteries in Lebanon.
The monastery was built in a rocky pit, most probably by Byzantine emperor Theodos the Great in 379 – 395. The walls of the church dedicated to the Virgin Mary are decorated with mural paintings dating back to the 16th and 17th centuries. The monastery was rehabilitated in 1990 and is now used by the Antonine Sisters who welcome pilgrims to spend the night.
St.Marina:
The chapel of St. Marina now holds the tombs of eighteen patriarchs from the 15th to the 19th centuries. The chapel of St. Marina stands in the memory of a girl named Marina who entered Annoubine monastery disguised as a monk. (The whole story will be told during the hike).
Deir Mar Licha:
Deir Mar Licha is the birthplace of the Maronite Orders of Monks. It has a church in the cliff, and four small chapels built inside a natural cave, together with monk cells.
Deir el Salib:
It is built into a large cavity of the cliff. It is a double chapel that was once covered with frescos. Although the chapel is abandoned and ruined, you can still see remains of these frescos.
Saidet Hawka:
There you can see a tiny chapel in a huddle of caves and grottos with the barest remnants of fresco paintings. A Colombian hermit now resides there. We will have the chance to visit him.
Hadchit:
The name Hadchit comes from the Phoenician “new”. Only ruins are left of this part of the town.
The hike will be divided into four levels: level 4, level 5, level 6 and level 7.
LEVEL 4 will start from Hawka, visit the hermit, St. Marina, and Deir Saidet Annoubine. It is a great place to visit and you will have enough time to contemplate scenery and take pictures. Then you will meet with the other groups by the river for lunch. It is a lovely place, a breathtaking setting. After lunch, you will continue to Mar Licha. There will be some ascents and descents since the topography of the valley is quite steep. Be prepared!
LEVEL 5 will take the same trail as level 3, but after lunch, you will climb the cliff to reach Hadchit, and visit Deir el Salib. The hike will end in Hadchit village. The hike is quite demanding. There will be ascents to climb!
LEVEL 6 will start from Hadath el Joubbeh, go to Annoubine village, visit Deir Saidet Annoubine and St. Marina. You will meet the others by the river for lunch. It is a lovely setting that you won’t get enough of. After lunch, you will continue to Mar Licha. It is a tough hike with lots of ascents and descents. You must be well prepared to take this level.
LEVEL 7 will take the same track as level 6, but after lunch, you will climb the cliff to reach Hadchit, and visit Deir el Salib. Be prepared for a steep uphill hike!
WHERE: Qadicha Valley – Wadi Annoubine
In the region of Ehden
1200 m above sea level.
80 Km from Beirut
WHEN: Sunday, Sept 12
MEETING PLACE: Antelias Parking, facing St. Elie @ 7:30 AM
There will be a breakfast stop along the way.
PRICE: 35,000 LL per person including transport, guides, insurance. (Please get the exact change to facilitate and speed up the registration process).
WHAT TO GET: Get some light snacks that will boost up your energy such as dried fruits. Pack your backpacks with water, lunch, a cap, sunglasses and sunscreen. Don’t forget to get a jacket.
RESERVATION: For reservation call 03-561174 or 03-720706
NB: Sometimes, due to reasons beyond our control, slight modifications to the program may occur.
Regards,
Vamos Todos
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