Sidon - Sea Castle, Dabane Palace and Temple of Eshmun

Welcome to the former ancient city of Phoenicians, Sidon, occupied since 4,000 BC, and walk along the bridge connecting land with the intriguing island where Phoenician king had his palace and where in 13th century Crusaders built the magnificent fortified Sea Castle on the ruins of Melqart ( similar to Hercules from Roman mythology) temple which was in the following centuries reconstructed by Mamluks and Ottomans.
Look at the impressive Roman columns supporting the stone structure of the building, the fascinating mosque dating back to the Ottoman's period on the roof and the built by two civilizations of Mamluks and Ottomans Easter tower.
Pay attention to the absolutely mesmerizing view over the Mediterranean Sea from the top, and remember to take some great shots as a photographic souvenir.
Open Hours: Monday - Sunday: 9:00 -18:00

Feel like being taken in time and became a part of the family residing in the absolutely charming richly decorated Arab - Ottoman style interiors (later blended with styles from other time periods) of the magnificent Dabane Palace cosnidered as a historic monument, built by Ali Agha al-Hammud, prominent notable in the city of Sidon, in 18th century and taken over by Debbane family, the silk traders, in 1859.
While strolling though the rooms admire the captivating muqarnas ornaments, fascinating marble mosaics with the geometric - typical for Mameluke and plants shapes characteristic for the Ottoman style, the courtyard with the fountain and a garden and made of Lebanese cedar carved ceiling. Pay attention to the fascinating collection of rare string music instruments, beautiful furniture, impressive library and the intriguing history of the Debbane's family. Appreciate the fantastic view over the city from the terrace situated on the top - third floor.
Open Hours: Monday - Thursday: 9:00 -18:00 Friday: Closed Saturday - Sunday: 9:00 -18:00
More Information vie an e-mail : [email protected] or online

With the stunning view over the Sea castle and the fresh breeze touching your face, enjoy the crispy freshness of just made to order juice and delicious classics of Lebanese cuisine served plated in the pleasurable for eyes way by attentive staff at the elegant, tastefully decorated restaurant, Saida Rest House, situated in the restored Ottoman Khan with characteristic stone and marble accents along vaulted ceilings.
Open Hours: Monday - Sunday: 9:00 - 00:00

In the ancient magnificent restored vaulted rooms of the former Khan factory situated in the old souks of the city, you will be taken into the journey of the art of traditional soap producing based on olive oil and learn about the techniques, properties and different varieties of this lovely product. You will also be shown the bunch of items used in the public bath - hammam and towards the end listen to the story of a soap craftsman from Tripoli, Mahmoud Sharkass, who has been running an authentic handmade soap factory for generations.
Have a look at the items displayed at the adjacent to the museum shop where you can purchase apart the authentic soaps also products for the hammam like bathrobes,lofahs, jewelry or books.
Try delicious mamools - rose, or orange blossom scented shortbread cookies stuffed with pistachios or other nuts with refreshing lemonade at the museum café.
Open Hours: Monday - Sunday: 8:30 - 18:00
More Information: via an e-mail: [email protected]

The past ancient history is still in the air at the "Land Castle" place as the Fares Saint Louis Castle is also called, former acropolis of the old city of Sidon, which ruins, including the amphitheater, you will see while visiting this majestic historic monument.
Built originally in 10th of century by Fatimid Caliph Al-Mu'izz li-Din Allah in the form of fortress and later in 13th century, was reconstructed into the current version of Crusader Castle by crusaders led by Louis IX but also called as Saint Louis, the French king.
Have a stroll across this wonderful remainder of the fascinating history of this land, appreciating the powerful walls which are still standing until today. Have a look the intriguing Murex Hill neighboring with the citadel named after the sea snails which shells were used at the Phoenician times in the local purple dye industry where the remains of those creatures were dumped over the years on the hill.
Open Hours: Monday - Thursday: 9:00 - 16:00 Friday: Closed Saturday: 9:00 - 16:00 Sunday: Closed

Visit the larges (75,000m2) and the most glamorous of the Sidon majestic stone mosque complex designed in the style of Ottoman period, built by Haj Bahaa El-Din Hariri, the Prime minister of Lebanon which delights with stunning ornamental Islamic architecture including fantastic mesmerizing spacious interior with beautiful detailed decorations.
Open Hours: Monday - Sunday: 24hr
Recommendations: Dress modesty - cover body from shoulder to ankles, Women - cover head with a scarf

While in the city, you must-see the best Arabic Lebanese sweet shop where professional staff with pack your chosen sweet's collection in the safe for long drive metal container. You will decide between many types and varieties of the Arabic sweet classics, including delicious homemade nougat with nuts. Make you sure to try recommended by locals ice cream - they are divine!
Open Hours: Monday - Sunday: 7:00 - 23:00

Drive towards the village of Wardaniyeh located in the region of Lebanon where at the charming local park you will admire the unique native trees and plants with lovely aroma and enjoy an absolutely magnificent sunset with a breathtaking view of the Lebanese mountains.
Open Hours: Monday - Sunday: 24hr

Come to Zoya, the cosmopolitan restaurant where you will choose from the wide range of various cuisines like Mexican, Indian, American or Italian. The place has been decorated aesthetically pleasing for eyes with lots of green area and serves delicious food tastefully plated.
Chose one of the tasty classics like La daviola pizza, pesto alla cremosa, fajitas and absolutely must-have decadent strawberry cheesecake with aromatic cup of coffee and with fantastic background music and lovely ambience you will enjoy your dinning.
Open Hours: Monday - Thursday & Sunday: 8:00 - 00:00 Friday & Saturday: 8:00 - 01:00

After busy but enjoyable day, have a good sleep at this local spacious hotel.