4 DaysLebanonprovinceCultureFood
Béqaa
Your 4-day travel guide
Spring and autumn for perfect weather
Béqaa•4D•Couple
Béqaa, Lebanon
Duration:4 Days
Activities:12
Best for:Couple
Ancient Temples, Vineyards, and Lebanese Flavors
Welcome to the Béqaa Valley, where the air carries the scent of sun-warmed earth and ripening grapes, and ancient Roman columns stand against a backdrop of snow-capped mountains. This fertile plain between the Lebanon and Anti-Lebanon mountain ranges feels like Lebanon's beating heart, where you'll discover some of the country's most significant archaeological sites alongside family-run wineries that have perfected their craft for generations. As a couple, you'll love the romantic combination of exploring 2,000-year-old temples hand-in-hand and sharing intimate wine tastings overlooking vineyards that stretch to the horizon. The pace here is wonderfully slow, with locals who greet you with warm smiles and restaurants where meals stretch for hours over shared plates of mezze. You'll leave with your camera full of golden-hour temple photos and your taste buds remembering flavors you never knew existed.
Get Real Local Advice
Ask someone who actually lives in Béqaa
1
Roman Ruins and Local Flavors in Baalbek
Day 1 of your journey
Begin your Béqaa adventure at Lebanon's most impressive archaeological site, where you'll spend 2-3 hours exploring the colossal Roman temples. The Temple of Jupiter features six remaining columns that are among the largest ever constructed in the Roman world, while the better-preserved Temple of Bacchus showcases intricate carvings and remarkable architectural detail. Visit in the morning to avoid the midday heat and crowds, and wear comfortable shoes as you'll be walking on uneven ancient stone surfaces. The scale of these ruins is truly humbling, with some stone blocks weighing over 800 tons.
Baalbek Roman Temples
Why Visit
These UNESCO World Heritage temples represent the peak of Roman imperial architecture in the Eastern Mediterranean. The engineering marvel of moving and placing the massive stones alone makes this site worth visiting, but it's the sheer scale and preservation that will leave you awestruck. As a couple, you'll appreciate the romantic atmosphere of wandering through these ancient structures together, imagining the ceremonies that once took place here.
Hire one of the official guides at the entrance for about $20-30. They provide fascinating historical context you'd miss on your own. Address: Baalbek Roman Temples, Baalbek.
2
Wine Tasting and Mountain Views
Day 2 of your journey
3
Ancient Anjar and Local Markets
Day 3 of your journey
4
Free Day & Local Exploration
Day 4 of your journey
Before You Go
Essential Travel Tips
Lebanese pounds (LBP) are the local currency, but US dollars are widely accepted. Carry small bills for markets and tips.
Dress modestly when visiting religious sites. Shoulders and knees should be covered.
Bargaining is expected in markets but not in restaurants or established shops.
Tap water is not generally safe to drink. Stick to bottled water.
Learn basic Arabic phrases: 'Marhaba' (hello), 'Shukran' (thank you), 'Min fadlak' (please).
Check current travel advisories and local news before your trip, as political situations can change.
Many sites close around 1-2pm for a few hours. Plan accordingly.
Credit cards are accepted in hotels and larger restaurants but carry cash for smaller establishments.
When to Go
Best Time to Visit
The ideal time to visit Béqaa is from April to June and September to October. Spring (April-June) brings mild temperatures, wildflowers, and green landscapes, perfect for exploring archaeological sites without extreme heat. Autumn (September-October) offers warm days, cool evenings, and the grape harvest season, making it particularly special for wine enthusiasts. Summer (July-August) can be very hot, especially in the valley, though it's dry. Winter (November-March) brings cold temperatures and occasional snow, with some sites having reduced hours or accessibility issues. The vineyards are particularly beautiful during the October harvest season.
Local Insights & Tips
The Béqaa Valley has a distinct character from coastal Lebanon, with a more traditional, agricultural feel. Family and hospitality are central values here, and you'll often be invited for coffee or conversation. Meals are social events that can last hours, with multiple courses shared family-style. While Arabic is the main language, many in the tourism industry speak English and French. The region has a mix of religious communities living side by side, and respect for all traditions is important. Friday and Saturday are the weekend days, with many families gathering for large lunches. Don't be surprised if shopkeepers offer you small tastes of their products, this is normal and friendly, not a sales pressure. Tipping 10% in restaurants is customary for good service.