Neighbouring one of the other new additions to our Middle East portfolio, Israel, Lebanon is a small but beautiful coastal country, boasting ancient cities, dramatic mountain ranges carpeted by ancient oak trees, and a well-deserved reputation as a must-visit destination for travellers keen to get under the skin of the history and religious roots of the region.

Set at the meeting point of the Mediterranean and Arabia, here visitors can delve deep into the cultures which defined and shaped the region, from the Phoenician maritime kingdoms to the Roman and Ottoman Empires, and early Christianity and Islam. Beirut, the country’s lively capital, is a major seaport and one of the oldest cities in the world, inhabited for over 5,000 years. After going through a rebuilding process following the Lebanese Civil War, this diverse city blends nearby ancient historic sites with an urban financial business district, Ottoman and Venetian Gothic architecture, and a modern waterfront marina with souks and mosques just outside the city.