Akhtamar Tour operators

13/10/2026

Douma

🍽️ TAALAYA RESTAURANT: A DELICIOUS START TO OUR JOURNEY 🇱🇧

As part of our guided trip with Akhtamar Tour Operators, we began our day by enjoying delicious Lebanese food at the beautiful Taalaya Restaurant. Surrounded by a welcoming atmosphere and the flavors of traditional Lebanese cuisine, it was the perfect start to a memorable journey through the villages of Bchaale and Douma.

🌿 BCHALE: THE NOAH’S OLIVE TREES

After lunch, we traveled to Bchaale to discover its famous ancient olive trees, traditionally known as Noah’s Olive Trees. These remarkable trees are among the oldest living olive trees in the world and are a powerful symbol of Lebanon’s agricultural heritage, resilience and connection to the land.

Standing beside these ancient trees, we felt the depth of history preserved in their trunks and branches. They continue to live and produce olives, linking the present with generations that came before us.

🌲 THE AKHTAMAR ASSOCIATION’S CEDAR TREE

At the entrance of Bchaale, we also visited the cedar tree planted several years ago by the Akhtamar Association and dedicated to the memory of Charles Aznavour. This meaningful tree stands as a symbol of remembrance, friendship and cultural appreciation, welcoming visitors to the city.

🏘️ GUIDED WALKING TOUR OF DOUMA

After exploring Bchaale, we continued our guided walking tour in Douma, one of Lebanon’s most beautiful and historic mountain towns. We wandered through its charming streets, admired its traditional stone houses and discovered the atmosphere that makes Douma such a special destination.

🛍️ MOUNÉ SHOPPING AND LOCAL TRADITIONS

Our visit also included time for mouné shopping, where we discovered traditional Lebanese products prepared and preserved according to local customs. From homemade specialties to authentic mountain flavors, the experience offered a wonderful taste of Douma’s culinary heritage.

🎬 THE OLD MOVIE THEATRE

We also visited Douma’s old movie theatre, a nostalgic landmark that recalls an important part of the town’s cultural and social life. Its history adds another fascinating layer to Douma’s heritage and reminds us of the stories, gatherings and memories connected to this historic place.

✨ A MEMORABLE JOURNEY THROUGH LEBANON

From the delicious Lebanese cuisine at Taalaya Restaurant to the ancient olive trees of Bchaale, the Akhtamar Association’s cedar tree dedicated to Charles Aznavour and the historic streets of Douma, this guided trip was a beautiful celebration of Lebanon’s nature, culture, history and traditions.

🇱🇧 Akhtamar Tour Operators

Discovering Lebanon, one story at a time.

13/10/2026

🦌 Deer farm 🇱🇧

13/10/2026

Deir mar fawka ,Hardin

1. 6th century AD — traditional foundation date. The monastery is traditionally dated to the Byzantine period, during the reign of Emperor Justinian I (527–565 AD). This date is reported in historical accounts; it is not necessarily the date of the surviving church.

2. An earthquake destroyed the original monastery. Historical accounts state that the original building was destroyed by an earthquake in the late 6th century. Monks subsequently rebuilt a church dedicated to Saint George the Martyr (Mar Geryes).

3. The present church dates to the 15th century, according to one historical account. An-Nahar, citing a Greek manuscript attributed to the monk Silvestros, reports that four monks built the current church in the 15th century, under the authority of the local leader Muqaddam Abd al-Moneim II al-Yaacoubi.

4. The monastery has an ancient oak tree. Its enormous oak is a distinctive landmark. its trunk circumference exceeds four metres.

5. Hardine has a wider Syriac and Maronite religious history. Historical sources document Syriac Christian communities and monasteries in the village during the medieval period. Hardine also became an important centre of Maronite religious life.

6. Saint Fawqa is associated with early Christianity. Saint Fawqa, also known as Phocas, was an early Christian martyr traditionally dated to around 117 AD. The monastery's dedication connects the site with this ancient Christian tradition.

13/10/2026

Deir Kfifen

🏛️ DEIR KFIFEN MONASTERY: A JOURNEY THROUGH LEBANON’S SPIRITUAL HERITAGE 🇱🇧

As part of our guided trip with Akhtamar Tour Operators, we visited Deir Kfifen Monastery, one of Lebanon’s treasured religious and historical landmarks. Surrounded by peaceful landscapes and the beauty of the Lebanese mountains, the monastery offered a meaningful opportunity to discover the country’s spiritual heritage.

✨ A PLACE OF FAITH AND HISTORY

Deir Kfifen Monastery is closely connected to the history of the Lebanese Maronite tradition and is known as the place where Saint Nimatullah Al-Hardini lived, prayed and served. His life of humility, devotion and compassion continues to inspire visitors from Lebanon and around the world.

Walking through the monastery, we felt the serenity of this sacred place and admired its traditional architecture, peaceful courtyards and atmosphere of reflection. Every corner seemed to preserve memories of prayer, dedication and generations of religious life.

🙏 THE LEGACY OF SAINT NIMATULLAH AL-HARDINI

Our visit allowed us to learn more about Saint Nimatullah Al-Hardini, a beloved Lebanese saint whose spiritual legacy remains deeply rooted in the country’s history. His connection to Deir Kfifen makes the monastery an important destination for pilgrims and anyone interested in Lebanon’s religious and cultural heritage.

🌿 A PEACEFUL ESCAPE

Beyond its historical importance, Deir Kfifen Monastery is also a place of tranquility. The surrounding natural beauty, quiet atmosphere and mountain views created a perfect setting for contemplation and appreciation of Lebanon’s timeless character.

✨ A MEMORABLE CULTURAL EXPERIENCE

Visiting Deir Kfifen Monastery was a deeply meaningful experience and an unforgettable part of our journey through Lebanon. It offered us a chance to connect with the country’s faith, history, architecture and traditions while discovering one of its most cherished spiritual landmarks.

🇱🇧 Akhtamar Tour Operators

Discovering Lebanon, one story at a time.

13/10/2026

Hardin

🏛️ HARDINE: A JOURNEY THROUGH FAITH, HISTORY & HERITAGE 🇱🇧

As part of our heritage journey with Akhtamar Tour Operators, we explored the beautiful mountain village of Hardine, in the Batroun district of North Lebanon — a village deeply connected to Lebanon’s early Christian heritage, ancient architecture and spiritual traditions.

✝️ Hardine: One of the Earliest Christian Villages in Mount Lebanon

Hardine is traditionally regarded as one of the first villages in Mount Lebanon to embrace Christianity. Its story reaches back to the Roman era, when the village was still associated with pagan worship.

According to local legend, a Roman ruler’s daughter, remembered as Saydet el-Qalaa (Lady of the Citadel), embraced the Christian faith. Her father opposed the new religion, and following the destruction of his palace in a devastating earthquake, she is said to have sought refuge in a cave high among the rocks, where a natural spring provided water. Her faith and holiness became known throughout the surrounding area, and the Christian message spread among the people of Hardine.

Whether understood through historical evidence or local tradition, this remarkable story reflects the village’s enduring place in Lebanon’s Christian memory.

🏛️ The Roman Heritage of Hardine

Long before becoming a centre of Christian life, Hardine was an important Roman-era settlement. The village is known for the remains of a monumental temple dedicated to Mercury, traditionally associated with the reign of Emperor Hadrian in the 2nd century AD. Its surviving ruins recall the ancient civilizations that once occupied these mountains.

⛪ Deir Mar Fawqa

We visited Deir Mar Fawqa, a historic monastery traditionally associated with the early Christian period. Its religious heritage and remarkable natural surroundings reflect the long monastic tradition of Mount Lebanon.

🙏 The Birthplace of Saint Nimatullah Al-Hardini

We discovered the family home associated with Saint Nimatullah Al-Hardini, born Joseph Kassab in Hardine in 1808. A Lebanese Maronite monk devoted to prayer, teaching and spiritual life, he was canonized by Pope John Paul II in 2004.

🕊️ The Baptismal Church of Saint Nimatullah Al-Hardini

We visited the historic Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus (Mar Sarkis wa Bakhos), associated with Saint Nimatullah Al-Hardini’s baptism as a child, when he received the name Youssef. This meaningful stop allowed us to retrace the early life of one of Lebanon’s beloved saints.

🏘️ Hardine’s Historic Square & Traditional Stone Houses

We strolled through the village square and admired its traditional natural-stone architecture, reflecting the craftsmanship, identity and way of life passed down through generations.

🪨 The Natural Stone of Hardine

We discovered the distinctive natural stone formations of Hardine, which contribute to the village’s rugged mountain landscape and unique character.

🕯️ The Mahabes — Hermitages of Faith

Our exploration also included the Mahabes, the traditional hermitages carved into or built among the rocky landscape. These places of solitude and prayer offer a glimpse into the lives of the hermits who sought spiritual refuge in Hardine’s mountains.

⛪ The Historic Church of Saint Sheena

We visited the historic Church of Saint Sheena, another meaningful stop in our exploration of Hardine’s rich religious heritage and centuries-old Christian traditions.

🌿 A Guided Journey Through Living Heritage

Our visit was enriched by the guidance of the lovely Mrs. Barbara, who accompanied us through the village’s historic sites and helped bring its stories, traditions and spiritual heritage to life.

Hardine is more than a beautiful mountain village. It is a place where Roman history, early Christian traditions, ancient stone architecture and the lives of beloved saints come together to tell a remarkable story of Lebanon.

✨ Another memorable journey through the treasures of our beloved country, discovering the stories behind the places that make Lebanon unique.

🇱🇧 Akhtamar Tour Operators

Discovering Lebanon, one story at a time.

13/10/2026

Deir kfifen

13/10/2026

13/10/2026

🏰✨ Smar Jbeil: A Journey Through Lebanon’s Ancient Christian Heritage

During our visit with Akhtamar Tour Operators on September 27, 2026, we discovered the extraordinary history of Smar Jbeil, one of Lebanon’s remarkable historic villages in the Batroun district. 🇱🇧

🏛️ Smar Jbeil Fortress stands on a strategic rocky hill overlooking the surrounding countryside. The village has ancient Phoenician associations, while the fortress reflects its later medieval history. Its surviving structure bears witness to the successive civilizations that shaped this region.

🇦🇲 An interesting Armenian connection is Haroutune (Harutiun) Kalayan, the Armenian-Lebanese engineer associated with restoration work at Smar Jbeil Fortress in the early 1970s. His contribution reflects the important role of Armenian professionals in preserving Lebanon’s archaeological heritage.

⛪ Saint Nohra Church (Mar Nohra) – Located in the heart of the village, this ancient church is traditionally associated with Saint Nohra, the Christian martyr believed to have died in Smar Jbeil in the early 4th century. Archaeological excavations revealed evidence of an earlier Byzantine church dating to the 5th–6th centuries AD, alongside a later church from the Crusader period.

🌳 Our Lady of Rescues Church (Saydet El Maounat) – This remarkable roofless stone church, shaded by an ancient oak tree, preserves traces of historic architecture and offers a glimpse into Lebanon’s medieval religious heritage.

❤️ Walking among these ancient stones, historic churches, and the fortress, we travelled through centuries of faith, architecture, and cultural memory. Smar Jbeil is a living testament to Lebanon’s extraordinary historical and Christian heritage.

📍 Akhtamar Tour Operators — Discover Lebanon’s hidden treasures, where every stone has a story to tell!

26/06/2026

✨ Tripoli El Mina + Syr El Denniyeh – SUNDAY, JULY 5TH ✨

Ready for an unforgettable summer escape? Join us for an incredible journey through history, hidden gems, and breathtaking nature in Northern Lebanon! 🇱🇧👇

📍 OUR AMAZING STOPS:

🥐 Amarin Bakery – Optional breakfast stop for some of the freshest, most delicious local baked goods!

⛪St. Jacob Orthodox Monastery (Deddeh)– Discover the serene beauty of this historic spiritual center and ancient seminary hub.

🚶‍♂️Tripoli El Mina Walking Tour– Wander through colorful & stunning historic alleys ,vibrant neighborhoods ,and beautiful churches.

🐟El Chaar Restaurant– A delicious one, famous seafood lunch stop right along the lively Corniche El Mina since 1988!

🏰Qasr Al Ahlam (The Palace of Dreams)– Be amazed by this magnificent, colorful stone castle built over 25 years (Entry included!).

⛰️Jabal 40 / Jabal Al Arba'in (Optional)– Take in jaw-dropping panoramic views from the glass viewpoint bridge and check out the highest swing in the Middle East!

🪨 Al Zahlan Grotto & Suspension Bridge– Explore a dramatic million-year-old limestone cave ,walk across Lebanon's longest pedestrian suspension air bridge ,and capture incredible photos at stunning viewpoints (Entry included!) enjoy the beautiful Syr El Denniyeh town and the retro Syr Palace Hotel .

💵Price Per Person:$48 ONLY!
✅What's Included:

Comfortable transportation 🚌

Expert guided service 🗺️

Delicious seafood lunch 🍤

2 entrance fees ($5 + $9 USD included!) 🎟️

📞RESERVE YOUR PLACES NOW!

Spaces are limited . Contact Akhtamar Tour Operators at
70 792 403 Book your seats today!📲