9:00 AM — Departure from Beirut Your guide meets you at your Beirut hotel and heads northeast into the Lebanese mountains — the landscape climbing steeply from the coast through pine and cedar-forested slopes toward the high-altitude lake basin of Chouwen.

Arrive at Chouwen Lakes, nestled within the Jabal Moussa UNESCO Biosphere Reserve — one of the most ecologically rich and scenically dramatic landscapes in northern Lebanon, protecting ancient cedar and oak forests, rugged limestone peaks, and pristine mountain lakes. The well-marked trail loops around the lakes and through the reserve — flat lakeshore sections alternating with gentle ridgeline paths, manageable for hikers of any fitness level. Still mountain lakes, forested slopes, and wide panoramas over the Lebanese ranges surround you throughout. Your expert guide leads at a comfortable pace, sharing knowledge of the reserve's flora, geology, and wildlife. A natural lakeside break marks the midpoint before the return trail completes the loop.

Lunch in Byblos — ancient port & old souk (Optional - at own expenses) Descend from the mountains to the Mediterranean coast and arrive in Byblos — one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on earth, founded by the Phoenicians over 7,000 years ago. After a morning in the mountains, the contrast of Byblos's ancient fishing port, Crusader castle, and stone-paved old souk could not be more vivid. Enjoy a long, relaxed lunch at one of the waterfront restaurants overlooking the harbour — fresh Lebanese mezze, grilled fish, and seafood with the medieval city walls and the Mediterranean as your backdrop. One of the most memorable lunch settings in Lebanon and the perfect finale to a day that began at altitude.

Return to Beirut — approx. 5:00–6:00 PM Drop-off at your Beirut hotel after a full day that took you from the mountain lakes of Chouwen to the ancient Phoenician harbour of Byblos — two of Lebanon's most rewarding landscapes in a single easy day.