Beirut

The ship is scheduled to dock at the Port of Beirut, a 10-minute walk from the downtown area. Unmetered taxis generally available at the port are of relatively poor quality. Be sure to establish the fare before leaving the port.

Printable map to take along.

Beirut was called the "Paris of the Middle East" because of its vibrant outdoor cafe culture and European architecture. Each district has its own sights and places to visit. The Downtown District has some very impressive ancient and historical sites dating back over 6000 years.

Beirut is a city of contrasts: beautiful architecture exists alongside concrete eyesores; traditional houses set in jasmine-scented gardens are dwarfed by modern buildings; winding old alleys turn off from wide avenues, and swanky new cars vie for right of way with vendor carts.

The heart of Beirut, Downtown, should be the starting point of any visit as it lies roughly in the center of the city; from there one can explore the surrounding areas and take in the views. The commercial area of Beirut is rather small, making all major points of interest within short walking distances.

As the city is quite compact, walking is the best way of getting around, and perfect for getting off the beaten track to find unexpected surprises.

Take a ride on the Beirut Balloon (30 passenger helium filled balloon, offering breathtaking views from an altitude of 300m.), Allenby St., Downtown Beirut (Entrance is through Biel Convention center. Look for it in the sky!),

Baalbek is a very popular (ship organized) excursion here.

It contains the largest and most noble Roman temples ever built, and they are among the best preserved.

Verdun - A trendy shopping area, Rue. Verdun (or Verdun st.) is the main area where you'll find most hotels and shops. The area also features cafes and restaurants. Many Gulf Arabs stay here during summer vacations.

Downtown Beirut itself has been almost totally restored to its former splendor with neat little outside cafès and chic shops and restaurants that make you think you're in Paris.

Automatic bank tellers: Withdrawal can be made from any automatic bank teller found in any region of the country. Withdrawals can be made in either Lebanese Lira or the US dollar.

Arabic is the official and national language but French and English are widely spoken, and younger people being generally more likely to be fluent in English, French being more known among older people.

Due to Lebanon's diverse religions and sects, many public holidays are celebrated, some of which more than once: New Year's Day, Armenian-Orthodox Christmas (6 Jan), Eid al-Adha – Feast of Sacrifice, celebrating the last day of Hajj, the Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca, Al Hijrah – Islamic New Year, Feast of St Maroun (9 Feb), Eid Milad Mnabi – Prophet's Anniversary, Good Friday and Easter Monday (Apr), Labour Day (1 May). Martyrs' Day (6 May), Liberation of the South (25 May), Assumption (15 Aug), Eid al-Fitr - Festival of the Breaking of the Fast, All Saints' Day (1 Nov), Independence Day (22 Nov), Christmas Day (25 Dec). Based on the lunar…