Deir El-Qamar    City of the Emirs

Situated in the historical heartland of Mount Lebanon, the Chouf is often referred to as cradle of modern Lebanon. This area is very rich with a wide variety of greenery and vegetation and many natural beauty spots, historical sites and examples of Lebanese architecture. The high point of this excursion is a walking tour in Deir el-Qamar through its ancient winding cobbled alleyways. Apart from having a meal at one of the restaurants along the Damour River, a short distance from coastal highway once you start climbing into the hills.
Another stop which is particularly recommended on a hot day is Jahiliya where the cool waters of the Damour River run into natural pools surrounded by pink oleander groves.
On leaving the village, a small sign on the right-hand side of the road indicates this area, which is especially popular with families as a Sunday outing. In 1945 the Lebanese Government declared the old area of Deir el-Qamar a historic site and the palaces and old residences were included in the National Inventory of historical monument. In 1995 UNESCO began formalities to class Deir el-Qamar's monuments as World Heritage sites.