Once considered the Paris of the East, Lebanon fell off the tourist map when it disintegrated into civil war in 1975. The word is slowly getting out that travel to Lebanon is now not only possible but surprisingly free of hassles. The handful of foreign visitors now finding their way to Lebanon are mostly well-heeled package tourists.
Independent travellers are a bit of a rarity, but are made to feel welcome.
The Lebanese are genuinely hospitable towards strangers and are not shy of inviting travellers into their homes. If you're interested in the history of the region and want to see how Lebanon is striving to rebuild itself, now's the perfect time to visit. Israeli forces have closed crossings in other Lebanese sectors to prevent entry to the occupied south. Some of the towns affected include Haris, Jezzine, Kafra, Yater and the outskirts of al-Manourieh. The hills of western Bekaa and the vicinity of the historic port city of Tyre have also witnessed attacks.