Lebanon ‘a wonderful experience’

For such a small country, Lebanon is packed with amazing sights. From Tyre to Baalbek there are ruins from the Phoenicians, the Romans and the Crusaders. The Jeita Grotto, filled with stalactites and stalagmites, is like a cathedral. The mighty cedars in the forest preserve are something to see.

For my customized trip, Nov. 15-22, 2015, I made arrangements through Spiekermann Travel Service (Eastpointe, MI; 800/645-3233, www.mideasttrvl.com). My cost was $1,200, which included a single supplement of $305. Airfare with Turkish Airlines added $700.

I was picked up from the hotel every morning by a different guide and driver, with other participants, and driven to a different destination. A delicious lunch was provided every day.

Beirut is a modern city with skyscrapers, upscale shops and lots of restaurants. I especially enjoyed the National Museum of Beirut, which houses antiquities from the Neolithic era to Roman times, all beautifully displayed and labeled in both French and English.

I also spent a morning walking around the grounds of the American University of Beirut and strolling along the Corniche, the seaside promenade, with the locals. 

Not far from the university was my hotel, Three O Nine (Jeanne D’Arc St., Ras Beirut, Lebanon, Beirut, Lebanon; +961 1 755 309, http://three-o-nine.beirut-hotel.net/en).

The Nov. 12 terrorist bombings in Beirut in no way affected my decision to go to Lebanon. There was plenty of security in Beirut. At no time did I feel I was in any danger. 

I couldn’t have had a better trip. Being in Lebanon was a wonderful experience. 

PHYLLIS SCHLESINGER

New York, NY