This time it will be a one day trip to Assi River for rafting. The drive is quite long, but it’s worth every minute of it!

We will stop on our way to visit Mar Maroun Cave, the source of Assi River and the Ammou in Hermel.

Once you get to Assi, a short presentation on the basics of rafting will be presented. You will be given the necessary equipment (helmet, oars, life jacket). Each raft will carry around 6 to 8 passengers accompanied by a professional coach. Then off you go to experience a wild adventure in the river!  The ride is long; you will follow the white stream and cross three or more waterfalls that will pump high your adrenaline! You will surely get wet so leave your phone and camera on land.

After this ride, you will rest and have lunch (trout and regional specialties).

NOTE: This rafting club in Assi is our co-partner. Many of you will probably enjoy doing many rating trips during summer. Just contact Vamos Todos to get your tickets, and you can raft any time you wish.

WHERE: Assi River / Hermel District / 150 km from Beirut

WHEN: Saturday, June  01

MEETING PLACE: 7:30 AM in the parking of Sagesse School in Jdeideh, facing the public garden.

                                   

WHAT TO GET: Towels, swim suits, sunscreen. Don’t forget to get your Lebanese ID or passport.

VT members get a 20% discount on sports equipment and apparel found in all branches of Sports Experts.

PRICE: $70 per person including transport, guides, insurance, raft instructor, rafting gear, and lunch.

(Please get the exact change to facilitate and speed up the registration process).

RESERVATION: For reservation call 03-561174 or 79-115001. It is preferable to send an SMS from your mobile, giving your name, surname, and the event you wish to join in.

NB: Sometimes, due to reasons beyond our control, slight modifications to the program may occur.

Ecotourism rules must be followed, otherwise personal accidents will not be accounted for by the insurance. 

Deir el Ahmar is a village located in the Bekaa. It has many unknown historical sites, many historical churches, and a wild unspoiled nature.

Some historians believe that the origin of Deir el Ahmar's name can be attributed to the large monastery in the area that was built with red stones, thus the name of the town can be literary translated to "Red Monastery."

The hike is a loop trail starting and ending in WADA.

The Women's Association of Deir El Ahmar, WADA, is a Lebanese NGO established in 1994. Its mission is to promote women's role in rural development and welfare of society in the region around Deir el Ahmar. 

A healthy organic lunch will be prepared by the ladies of WADA. All levels will meet there for lunch.

The hike will be divided into three levels:

LEVEL 2 (5 km) will start from WADA and walk in the plain until they reach an asphalted road. From there, the bus will take them back to WADA to meet with the others for lunch.

LEVEL 3 (8 km) will take the same trail as level 2, but instead of taking the bus, they will continue on foot along a nice trail to WADA for lunch.

LEVEL 6 13 km) will start from WADA and continue upward to reach Deir Ekhwet el Salib on the mountain peak. The view of the plain is clearly visible from up there. Then the trail will lead to Deir el Ahmar to see the ancient historical churches, a 400 yr old house and many other historical sites. The hike will end in WADA for lunch.

N.B: Levels 2 and 3 will also see the ruins in Deir el Ahmar. They will go there by bus.

WHERE: Deir el Ahmar / Bekaa / 1000 m above sea level / 100 km from Beirut

WHEN: Sunday, June 02

MEETING PLACE:  7:30 AM in the parking of Sagesse School in Jdeideh, facing the public garden.

PRICE:  70,000LL per person including transport, guides, insurance, and lunch. 

(Please get the exact change to facilitate and speed up the registration process).

WHAT TO GET:  Get some light snacks that will boost up your energy such as dried fruits. Pack your backpacks with water, a cap, sunglasses and sunscreen.  Don’t forget to get a jacket. 

VT members get a 20% discount on sports equipment and apparel found in all branches of Sports Experts.

RESERVATION: For reservation call 03-561174 or 79-115001. It is preferable to send an SMS from your mobile, giving your name, surname, and the event you wish to join in.

NB: Sometimes, due to reasons beyond our control, slight modifications to the program may occur.

Ecotourism rules must be followed, otherwise personal accidents will not be accounted for by the insurance. 

BIKING!

Start your journey from the Jurd of Ouyoun el Simane Kfardebian where views are spectacular.  Pedal your way along a flat and downhill trail all the way to Chabrouh Dam. Then you pedal uphill to get to Faraya Square. There, you will have lunch by the river bank. It will be outdoors, a picnic style meal. Barbecue, salad and baked potatoes will be prepared by the locals in the area, served with soft drinks and water.

The bus and a bicycle carrier van will accompany us all day long.  One will lead and the other will stay behind.  If you get tired, you can take a break and ride in the bus. The trail has some uphill stretches as well as downhill ones. There will be many rest stops along the way.

The whole trail is around 25 km. You will have enough time to take pictures at the scenic stops.

This event is suitable for all levels. The competent can ride all the way. The others can take the bus when tired.

Come on and show us your biking skills.  It will be an adventure to remember!

“Life is like riding a bicycle. To keep your balance you must keep moving”. Albert Einstein

WHERE: Kfardebian to Faraya

WHEN: Saturday, June 08

MEETING PLACE: 7:30 AM in the parking of Sagesse School in Jdeideh, facing the public garden.

                                     

PRICE: 80000 LL per person including transport, guides, bike rental, lunch, and insurance. (Please get the exact change to facilitate and speed up the registration process).

               

WHAT TO GET:  Get some light snacks that will boost up your energy such as dried fruits. Pack your backpacks water, cap, sunglasses and sunscreen.  Don’t forget a jacket because it gets cold in the shade. 

VT members get a 20% discount on sports equipment and apparel found in all branches of Sports Experts.

RESERVATION: For reservation call 79-115001 or  03-561174. It is preferable to send an SMS from your mobile, giving your name, surname, and the event you wish to join in.

NB: Sometimes, due to reasons beyond our control, slight modifications to the program may occur.

Ecotourism rules must be followed, otherwise personal accidents will not be accounted for by the insurance. 

Join Vamos Todos to venture into the extreme south…at the borders.  It is perfectly safe, a land full of life, rich in plantations, restaurants and resorts.

You will see (what once we thought unfeasible) the Golan Heights, Ghajar, Bawwabet Fatme and Al Wazzani. 

You will also see some stone protection blocks built during the Turkish era.

Ghajar  is an Alawite village on the Hasbani River on the border between Lebanon and the Israeli-occupied area of the Golan Heights. It has a population of 2,000. In an attempt to distinguish permanent borders between the occupied land and Lebanon, the United Nations drew up what became known as the Blue Line. Due to Ghajar's location, stuck between Lebanon and the Israeli-controlled Golan Heights, the northern half of the village came under Lebanese control and the southern part remained under Israeli control. This arrangement created much resentment among the residents, who see themselves as Syrian. There is an Israel Defense Forces checkpoint at the entrance to the village, and a fence surrounding the entire village, but no fence or barrier dividing the Israeli and Lebanese sides of the village.

Golan Heights is a strategic plateau and mountainous region at the southern end of the Anti-Lebanon Mountains and remains a highly contested land on both sides of the borders of Syria and the occupied land. Two-thirds of the area is currently occupied by Israel. The Golan Heights has been under Israeli control since 1967.

Bawwabet Fatme is the border line gate between Lebanon and the occupied land.

Al Wazzani is a small village in the Hasbaya District of the Nabatieh Governorate, just north of the Israel-Lebanon border, on the banks of the Hasbani River. The village is located about 1km from the Wazzani Spring, a major source of the Hasbani River. 

Wazzani is rich in plantation fields.  You will walk through them and watch the locals cultivate their land.

The hike will be divided into two levels:

LEVEL 2 and LEVEL 4 will start together and walk along the ridge of the mountain overlooking the Khiam plain. You will see the village of Ghajar and the neighboring Israel. It is a moderate hike with no major ascents.  LEVEL 2 will take the bus halfway along the trail to go to Hosn Wazzani Resort and wait for others to have lunch altogether. LEVEL 4 will continue on foot, passing through farmlands. You might see farmers harvesting their crops.  It is a new sight to the eye since they differ in culture, dress code and dialect. The hike will lead you to the view point where the Golan Heights and the village of Ghajar appear only a few steps away!

Lunch will be at Hosn Wazzani Resort by the river. It is a new resort, built according to high standards, rustic style and very unique. 

As for Bawwabet Fatme, you will go by bus to visit it.

This hike must not be missed.  It will imprint unforgettable memories of a once in a lifetime experience.

NOTE: Non Lebanese must register one week in advance. Names must be submitted to the army for approval. (Full name, father’s name, mother’s name, date of birth, nationality or copy of passport).

WHERE: El Wazzani / In the South / 106 km from Beirut / 425 meters above sea level.

WHEN: Sunday, June 9

MEETING PLACE: Jdeideh Public Garden, facing Sagesse School @ 7:30 AM

There will be a breakfast stop along the way.

PRICE: 80000 LL per person including transport, guides, insurance, and lunch. (Please get the exact change to facilitate and speed up the registration process).

WHAT TO GET:  Get some light snacks that will boost up your energy such as dried fruits. Pack your backpacks with water, cap, sunglasses and sunscreen.  Don’t forget a light jacket because it gets cold in the shade. Wear comfortable shoes, preferably hiking shoes. Get your ID or PASSPORTS.

VT members get a 20% discount on sports equipment and apparel found in all branches of Sports Experts.

RESERVATION: For reservation call 03-561174 or 79-115001. It is preferable to send an SMS from your mobile, giving your name and the event you wish to join in.

 

NB: Sometimes, due to reasons beyond our control, slight modifications to the program may occur.

Ecotourism rules must be followed, otherwise personal accidents will not be accounted for by the insurance. 

   

As for every weekend program, you have the choice between a whole weekend, or just a Sunday trip…it’s up to you.

We are going to Barka, a breathtaking region in Eastern Bekaa. One of its most prominent features is the “Kingdom of Juniper”, a project thriving with juniper trees, lying between Ras Barka and Rabeea locations. It is a totally safe place to visit, lying far from the borders, so you can rest assured and enjoy your time to the max. 

Barka, with its’ picturesque views, is suitable to visit in summertime. Not only it lies in the mountain, on a 1850 meters altitude, but it also offers mesmerizing landscapes. From there, you can see half of Lebanon, from Jabal El Sheikh,  to Sannine and Kornet El Sawda, which lies only a few kilometers away.

The region comprises a great number of juniper trees, which are as important as cedar trees and provide the region with a sense of magnificence, in addition to breathless and unique beauty. 

For the weekend, we will stay in neat and well equipped chalets that are divided in a convenient way for everyone. From each room,  the breathtaking panorama will allow you to spend unforgettable moments. 

Please note that this amazing location is suitable for any couple or group wishing to spend quality time. Vamos Todos will be working in partnership with the project we’re staying at, which means that VT members can just buy tickets and go there anytime they want.

The weekend program is as follows:

On Saturday afternoon, those who want to spend the whole weekend with us will gather in the parking lot, in Jdeideh. On our way to Eastern Bekaa, we will have two stops: the first breakfast stop in Chtaura, and the second stop in Saydet Bechweit. When we reach Barka, we will check in. The chalets are fully equipped. Each of them comprises two beds, a private washroom and hot water. In the evening, we will spend time together and have fun. Any musical instrument is welcome to spread a magical and joyful ambiance. We will also all have a delicious dinner all together. After dinner, we will all go out for a nice evening walk that will last an hour. Then, those who want can go to sleep for the night. 

On Sunday morning, we will wake up in a great healthy mood, have a late breakfast at an organic farm, while waiting for the Beirut group to join us, to start the hike together.

As usual, the hike will comprise an easy, a moderate and a difficult level:

LEVEL 2 will walk for 4 KM on a flat trail among juniper trees. 

LEVEL 4 will have a longer 8 KM trail, with some uphill and downhill during the hike. 

LEVEL 6 will walk for 14 KM, following a harder and steeper track.  

Of course, all three levels will enjoy the shades of majestic junipers. 

After the hike, All levels will have lunch together. 

WHERE: Barka, Rabeea / Eastern Bekaa / 1850 meters above sea level.

WHEN: Weekend June 15/16

WHAT TO GET:  Pack the usual overnight stuff.  Don’t forget to get sunscreen, a cap, and a jacket. Pack your backpack with water and light snacks.

VT members get a 20% discount on sports equipment and apparel found in all branches of Sports Experts.

MEETING PLACE:   The parking of Sagesse School in Jdeideh, facing the public garden. @ 2:00 PM on Sat. @ 7:30 AM on Sun. 

                                  

PRICE:  

a) For the whole weekend: USD 120 per person including transport, guides, insurance, entrance to the reserve, accommodation & three meals. 

b) For Sunday participants, the price will become 80 000 LL per person (transport, guides, insurance and lunch). 

(Please get the exact change to facilitate and speed up the registration process).

RESERVATION: For reservation call 03-561174 or 03-115001. It is preferable to send an SMS from your mobile, giving your name and the event you wish to join in.

NB: Sometimes, due to reasons beyond our control, slight modifications to the program may occur.

Ecotourism rules must be followed, otherwise personal accidents will not be accounted for by the insurance. 

On Sunday morning, we will wake up in a great healthy mood, have a late breakfast at an organic farm, while waiting for the Beirut group to join us, to start the hike together.

As usual, the hike will comprise an easy, a moderate and a difficult level:

LEVEL 2 will walk for 4 KM on a flat trail among juniper trees. 

LEVEL 4 will have a longer 8 KM trail, with some uphill and downhill during the hike. 

LEVEL 6 will walk for 14 KM, following a harder and steeper track.  

Of course, all three levels will enjoy the shades of majestic junipers. 

After the hike, All levels will have lunch together. 

WHERE: Barka, Rabeea / Eastern Bekaa / 1850 meters above sea level.

WHEN: Weekend June 15/16

WHAT TO GET: Pack the usual overnight stuff.  Don’t forget to get sunscreen, a cap, and a jacket. Pack your backpack with water and light snacks.

VT members get a 20% discount on sports equipment and apparel found in all branches of Sports Experts.

MEETING PLACE: The parking of Sagesse School in Jdeideh, facing the public garden. @ 2:00 PM on Sat. @ 7:30 AM on Sun. 

                                  

PRICE:  

a) For the whole weekend: USD 120 per person including transport, guides, insurance, entrance to the reserve, accommodation & three meals. 

b) For Sunday participants, the price will become 80 000 LL per person (transport, guides, insurance and lunch). 

(Please get the exact change to facilitate and speed up the registration process).

RESERVATION: For reservation call 03-561174 or 03-115001. It is preferable to send an SMS from your mobile, giving your name and the event you wish to join in.

NB: Sometimes, due to reasons beyond our control, slight modifications to the program may occur.

Ecotourism rules must be followed, otherwise personal accidents will not be accounted for by the insurance. 

The month has passed by quickly, and we are looking forward to the next night hike under a full moon.

Bmohrei is an area in the Shouf ideal for night hiking.  The path is easy, winding about in a vast and open space, where the moonlight can shine upon us with all its brightness.

The hike will be one easy level, about 6 km, mainly flat with no ascents.

You will pass beneath the cedar reserve, thus seeing the big trees from a distance.

You will also pass through cherry orchards, where the moonlight will cast interesting shadows among the trees.

Fresh air and a calm atmosphere out in nature is the best way to spend an evening.

At the end of the hike, there will a short walk in the village streets until you reach a small but welcoming place where villagers will be preparing for you a tasty mankoushe on the saj.  We all sit around a cozy campfire, roasting some corn and relaxing by the warmth of the flames.

WHERE: Ain Zhalta Bmohrei / In the region of Chouf / 900 m above sea level / 45 km from Beirut

WHEN: Friday, June 21

WHAT TO GET:  You must wear hiking shoes or comfortable walking shoes.  Get a light jacket since it gets cold at night. Don’t forget to get a flashlight.

VT members get a 20% discount on sports equipment and apparel found in all branches of Sports Experts.

MEETING PLACE: 7:00 PM in the parking of Sagesse School in Jdeideh, facing the public garden.

PRICE: 45,000 LL per person including transport, guides, insurance. (Please get the exact change to facilitate and speed up the registration process).

RESERVATION: For reservation call 03-561174 or 79-115001. It is preferable to send an SMS from your mobile, giving your name, surname, and the event you wish to join in.

 

NB: Sometimes, due to reasons beyond our control, slight modifications to the program may occur.

Ecotourism rules must be followed, otherwise personal accidents will not be accounted for by the insurance. 

Summer is hot, but water cools it down.  One of the most beautiful waterfalls in Lebanon is what we are going to see this Sunday!  It’s the waterfalls of ‘Bsetine el Ossi’. Don’t miss it.

Kafarhilda is a long, narrow town running along the hillside of the rich agricultural valley of the same name and is known for its pleasant outdoor restaurants. Scattered around the village are the ruins of many monasteries and churches.

On the road of Kfarhilda is a springtime waterfall on Nahr el Jawz. A pretty valley known as "Bsetine el Ossi", near the falls, is ideal for hiking. 

This hike will be a one level hike (level 4).  The hike will be mostly beside a stream.

You will enjoy the sound of rushing water along the track. The beginning of the hike is all downhill.  The end is an uphill trail.

At the end of hike, we will stop at a local restaurant at the top of the waterfall for a delicious Lebanese lunch. The setting will be ideal for relaxation before heading back to Jdeideh.

On our way back, we will stop in Helta, a small village in Batroun.  There, you will visit the house of Patriarch Elias Hoayek.  It is the house where he was born and lived in. You will see his clothing and his church items, among other belongings. 

Archbishop and Patriarch Elias Hoayek(1843 – 1931) was born in Helta, Lebanon. He is hailed as the father of Lebanonism and the founder of the modern Lebanese state. The Lebanese people of all sects hailed his patriotism, followed his example and maintain it to this day. Hoayek is considered one of the four founders of Lebanon: Fakhr el Dine IIBashir II,Youssef Beik Karam and Patriarch Hoayek.

His famous sayings:

1- "Both national feeling and religion make it an obligation for you to respect and love everybody whatever may be his belief. Reason leads you to fraternize with the person you live with under the same sky and on the same land".

2- “God wants us to love our country”.

So, once again, it’s nature and culture all in one trip!

WHERE: Bsetine el 3ossi – Kfarhilda / Caza of Batroun – North of Lebanon / 75 Km from Beirut / 650 m above sea level

WHEN:    Sunday, June 23

MEETING PLACE:  Jdeideh Public Garden, facing Sagesse School @ 7:30 AM

There will be a breakfast stop along the way.

PRICE: 70,000 LL per person including transport, guides, insurance, and lunch. (Please get the exact change to facilitate and speed up the registration process).

WHAT TO GET:  Get some light snacks that will boost up your energy such as dried fruits. Pack your backpacks with water, cap, sunglasses and sunscreen.  Don’t forget a light jacket because it gets cold in the shade. Wear comfortable shoes, preferably hiking shoes. 

VT members get a 20% discount on sports equipment and apparel found in all branches of Sports Experts.

RESERVATION: For reservation call 03-561174 or 79-115001. It is preferable to send an SMS from your mobile, giving your name and the event you wish to join in.

 

NB: Sometimes, due to reasons beyond our control, slight modifications to the program may occur.

Ecotourism rules must be followed, otherwise personal accidents will not be accounted for by the insurance. 

Mountain Climbing, Rappelling, and Zipline.

Balaa is very famous for its 250 meters deep natural sink-hole that has been carved by water 160 million years ago! A magnificent waterfall can be observed during winter and spring with water vapors rising up to the surface. The importance of Baloo Balaa has spread beyond the Lebanese borders. Baloo Balaa is a natural pothole with three separate natural bridges inside it.  This natural beauty is a must to see.

We are going to climb and rappel in Balou Balaa.

It is safe.  All safety measures are taken: gear, ropes, equipment…etc.

Enjoy it to the utmost.

Let’s see who can make it to the top!

The place is really beautiful.  You can hike around and enjoy the breathtaking scenery.  

Moreover, while waiting for your turn to climb, you can try the zipline!  It’s a great feeling! Just zip down into the air….pump up your adrenaline!

After a great adventure, we will sit together and have lunch out in the open, sharing all thoughts about this exciting event.

WHERE:  Balou Balaa / 70 km from Beirut / 1500 m above sea level

WHEN: Saturday, June 29

MEETING PLACE: 7:30 AM in the parking of Sagesse School in Jdeideh, facing the public garden.

                                     

PRICE: 80 000 LL per person including transport, guides, insurance, and equipment. (Please get the exact change to facilitate and speed up the registration process).

               

WHAT TO GET:  Get some light snacks that will boost up your energy such as dried fruits. Pack your backpacks with, water, lunch, cap, sunglasses and sunscreen.  Don’t forget a jacket because it gets cold in the shade. Wear hiking shoes or comfortable walking shoes, and preferably long pants. 

VT members get a 20% discount on sports equipment and apparel found in all branches of Sports Experts.

RESERVATION: For reservation call 79-115001, 03-561174. It is preferable to send an SMS from your mobile, giving your name, surname, and the event you wish to join in.

NB: Sometimes, due to reasons beyond our control, slight modifications to the program may occur.

Ecotourism rules must be followed, otherwise personal accidents will not be accounted for by the insurance. 

“Every mountain top is within reach if you just keep climbing.” Barry Finlay

Sannine is the third highest peak in Lebanon. Its highest point is 2,628 m above sea level. Mount Sannine, which has a base of limestone, is the source of many mountain springs.

The hike in Sannine will be divided into two levels. Both levels will start by visiting Mikhael Neame’s mausoleum.

From there they will go by bus to the main water source. 

LEVEL 7 will hike from the source along a steep uphill trail to reach the peak of Mount Sannine where the French room is located.

LEVEL 3 & 4 will start from the source and take a moderate trail along the cliff. Views of the Bekaa and of Beirut are awesome from up there.

Both levels will meet for lunch under a huge and beautiful tree.

WHERE: Sannine / Mount Lebanon / 2628 m above sea level / 55 km from Beirut

WHEN: Sunday, June 30

MEETING PLACE: 7:30 AM in the parking of Sagesse School in Jdeideh, facing the public garden.

                                     

PRICE: 45,000 LL per person including transport, guides, insurance. (Please get the exact change to facilitate and speed up the registration process).

               

WHAT TO GET:  Get some light snacks that will boost up your energy such as dried fruits. Pack your backpacks with lunch, water, cap, sunglasses and sunscreen.  Don’t forget a jacket because it gets cold in the shade. Wear hiking shoes or comfortable walking shoes. 

VT members get a 20% discount on sports equipment and apparel found in all branches of Sports Experts.

NB: Sometimes, due to reasons beyond our control, slight modifications to the program may occur.

Ecotourism rules must be followed, otherwise personal accidents will not be accounted for by the insurance.