the villa

activities

Whether your activities are based in discovering nature, immersing into culture or culinary activities, you may if you wish be guided by a trained expert. They are trilingual and can give you the level of depth you need to make it a memorable experience.

It is preferable to book these activities in advance with us to ensure your place, however if you decide last minute you would like to embark upon an activity, we will do our best to try to find you the right guide.

nature

Hiking

Hiking

These back- to- nature, guided hikes take you through off-road trails and paths on a journey of discovery in Hasroun, Hadsheet, Bsharri, and Diman. Expect a half-day trek with mid-level activity. You will be totally enchanted by the old village houses, quaint squares,

breath-taking valley views and the sound of silence.

The Journeys

– Hasroun: St. Jude church Square

– Hadsheet:  St. Romanos Square

– Bsharri Highway: Public Garden

– Hawka: St. Challita Square

– Diman: Patriarch Square

– Mountaineering Elevation Gain

– Ribs of the Qadisha Valley from south to east

Hiking fee will be agreed upon in advance depending on number of people

 

Auto-hiking

If you’re not a big fan of hiking, here’s an activity you can enjoy:  It includes small hikes of a maximum of 30 min, where you can discover some of the region’s hidden gems. The ride starts in front of Villa Chamoun in your personal car (if you need another form of transportation, it can be provided) and you choose the destination from a list of sites.

Fees will vary upon your request as well as the time of the journey.

 

Book Hiking

Biking

Biking

For the biking enthusiast, a guided bike tour is available with all the required pit-stops and technical support, if needed. You will be supplied with a bike and equipment. At the end of the journey transportation will be arranged to pick you up and take you back to your starting point.

The Journeys

– South-Eastern journey: 13 km one way (Bsharri Highway-Haddad St. Daniel)

– North-Eastern journey: 14 km one way (Bsharri Highway- Ehden Mar Sarkis)

– Jurassic Groove ride: 14 km one way-downhill (Bsharri Highway- Annoubine)

Biking Fee for group sizes of no less than 5 riders

  • Including bikes & helmets and guide
  • Extra fees for bike transportation

 

Book Biking

Cedars of God

Cliff Diving

A Rappelling School for groups of more than 3, for beginners or those with intermediary experience. Children must be above 12 years of age.

The Sites

– Valley French Cliff 28 M

– Boufa-Ehden Cliff 17 M

– Hadsheet Cliff 12M TO 20 M


Please note: Safety Petzl gears and certified instructors are provided and will lead the tour and conduct the lessons. If required, the transportation can be provided for the group.

Diving fees are based on:
1 Site for 3 hrs
2 Sites for 5 hrs
3 Sites for 7 hrs

Book Cliff Diving

Gibran

The Gibran Museum

The Lebanese writer, poet, artist, and philosopher whose books have been translated to over 100 languages. Upon his death, the content of his studio in New York, including his furniture, his personal belongings, his private library, his manuscripts and 440 original paintings, were transferred to his native town of Bsharri and form the content of the Gibran Museum.

Admission fee includes a tour booklet
Open 10:00am-5:00pm

Please note: No cameras allowed. Visitors need to adopt an introspective state as not to disturb the others.

Booking for The Gibran Museum

Qadisha Cave

The Qadisha Cave

The 10-million-year-old grotto was first discovered in 1903. There are 778 metres of the cave which are part of the journey, revealing a dazzling collection of stalactites and stalagmites in wonderful colours.

The grotto is a 7km walk or drive from Bsharri, off the old road to The Cedars. Follow the signs, then take the concrete footpath opposite (look for the ‘Entree Grotte Qadisha’ sign). When you get there, it will be 1.5km walk to the grotto.

Maronite Scouts are your guides inside the Grotto, for a safe and informative tour.

Admission fee
Open 9.30am-5.30pm

Book for The Qadisha Cave

Religious

During your visit to Hasroun and the region of Bsharri, the religious aspects of the region cannot be understated. During your stay you can visit the birth village of Saint Charbel, Baakafra; stroll through its alleys, and admire the surrounding landscapes while noting that it is the highest inhabited village in the Middle East. Baakafra village is just one example of the religious tourism that you can experience.

A truly noteworthy journey is to the Qadisha Valley or the Holy Valley, where you can enjoy a trek to visit the caves, convents and churches with religious, historic, artistic, and cultural significance. The valley is a UNESCO site described as “one of the most important early Christian monastic settlements in the world. Its monasteries, many of which are of a great age, stand in dramatic positions in a rugged landscape. Nearby are the remains of the great forest of Cedars of Lebanon, highly prized in antiquity for the construction of great religious buildings.”

In addition, if you are a fan of ancient churches and religious frescoes, you will find many great examples of them in the region, so do not hesitate to inquire with the management

Book for Religious

Cedars of God

Cedars of God

The renowned Cedar of Lebanon is considered one of the most majestic trees in the world. It is rooted in the Cedars of God, an extensive forest and a breath-taking journey that will forever leave an imprint in your mind and soul.

A contribution fee for the preservation of the forest
Open 9.30am-6.00 pm

Booking for Cedars of God

Goat-to-chevre

From Goat-To-Chevre

From goat-to-Chèvre is an epicurean activity that can take place between the month of May until the beginning of November. Whether you are by yourself, a couple, or a family you can spend from 2 hours to an entire day hiking with a shepherd and his goats in the mountains of Jebbet Bsharri.

The day begins by you milking the goats to understand where and how the goat is milked, followed by your hike with the shepherd. The day ends with you making deliciously fresh Chèvre cheese at the villa with our cheese maker. You may enjoy it on the premises or take it home with you.

Options:

Hiking with the shepherd can be between 1 hour and up to 8 hours, depending on your interest and comfort level.

Or you may simply want to learn how to milk the goats for 30 minutes, and then make different cheese recipes; from a basic sea salted Chèvre, to making a rosemary, thyme, or fig Chèvre.

This activity needs to be reserved in advance.

Book From Goat-To-Chevre

Making Kibbeh with Love

Making Kibbeh with Love

Kibbeh is the national Lebanese specialty that comes in myriad sizes, shapes, flavours and recipes which depend on the region. Lebanon’s North, and in particular Hasroun, is well-known for its Kibbeh varieties. You can learn how to make different forms of Kibbeh with their stuffing, including a meatless kibbe.

This is a 2 to 3-hour activity depending on the kind of Kibbeh you wish to learn about.

 

Book Making Kibbeh with Love

Season Mouneh Making

Seasonal Mouneh Making

Hasroun is well-known for its seasonal harvest of fruit and vegetables. However, the locals prepare their pantry preserves all throughout the summer, so that they have their supplies for the snowy winter months.

You can learn the art of making Mouneh while experiencing the charming banter of the women of the village. The products you make depend on what is in season between the middle of May and the end of November.

A few examples of the Mouneh we make are Arak, sun-dried tomato paste, tomato sauce, a variety of fruit jams and others that you can discover during your visit.

The length of time for this activity and the fee depends on the items you choose.

Book Seasonal Mouneh Making