Over the course of our trip, we’ll explore Lebanon’s most captivating sites, from the ruins of Baalbek, where the grandeur of Roman temples stirs the imagination, to the Phoenician ports of Byblos, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. Wander through the vibrant streets of Beirut, a city that tells a thousand stories through its art, architecture, and resilience. Lose yourself in the mystical Qadisha Valley, a haven for poets and monks, where silence speaks volumes.

Each day, we’ll combine immersive cultural experiences with guided writing workshops. Whether you’re journaling in a shaded café in Beirut, sketching out story ideas while watching the sunset over the Mediterranean, or penning poetry among the cedar forests, this trip is designed to unlock your creative voice. Our workshops will be led by experienced writers who will help you shape your narratives, whether you're working on travel essays, fiction, or personal reflections.

Beyond writing, you’ll experience Lebanon through its exquisite cuisine, shared over long, leisurely meals; its music and poetry, which echo in the streets; and its people, whose warmth and hospitality will make you feel at home. Expect lively discussions, quiet moments of introspection, and unforgettable encounters with Lebanon’s past and present.

This is more than a trip—it’s a creative pilgrimage. Whether you're a seasoned writer or simply someone looking to rekindle their creative spark, Lebanon will leave its mark on your pages and in your heart.

Day 1: Arrival in Beirut – Setting the Scene

• Arrival & Check-in: Settle into a boutique hotel in Beirut’s vibrant Gemmayzeh district.

• Welcome & Writing Kickoff: Over a traditional Lebanese mezze dinner, meet the group and dive into an interactive session on using place and history as creative fuel.

• Beirut Exploration: A guided walk through downtown Beirut, uncovering layers of history from Phoenician ruins to Ottoman mansions.

• Evening Writing Challenge: Inspired by Beirut’s contrasts, write a short scene blending past and present.

Day 2: Byblos – Storytelling in the World’s Oldest City

• Morning Departure to Byblos: A coastal drive to one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

• Exploration of Byblos: Wander the ancient ruins, Crusader castle, and old souk, imagining the lives of traders and scribes who once walked these streets.

• Midday Writing Session: Find a shaded spot overlooking the sea to craft a snippet or a poem inspired by the ancient harbor.

• Afternoon Free Writing Time: Settle into a café or by the old port to develop a short piece based on Byblos’ Phoenician past.

• Sunset Read-Alouds: Optional sharing session before heading back to Beirut.

Day 3: Cedars of God – Legends & Landscapes

• Drive to the Cedars of Lebanon: Travel to Bsharri, home to Lebanon’s ancient cedars, sacred in mythology and history.

• Forest Walk & Writing Prompt: Use the grandeur of these towering trees to spark a fantasy setting or folklore-inspired tale.

• Visit to the Gibran Museum: Explore the home of Kahlil Gibran, author of The Prophet. Learn how Lebanon’s landscapes shaped his writing.

• Creative Writing Session: Using Gibran’s poetic style as inspiration, craft a piece based on emotion and imagery.

• Evening in Bsharri: Overnight in a cozy guesthouse, with time to work on personal writing projects.

Day 4: The Qadisha Valley – Writing in a Storybook Landscape

• Exploration of the Qadisha Valley: A valley rich in caves, monasteries, and hidden stories.

• Writing Challenge: Develop a character who might have lived here—a hermit, a rebel, a traveler seeking refuge.

• Afternoon Free Writing: Settle into a mountain café or overlook to expand your story.

• Evening Workshop: A fun exercise in crafting dialogue inspired by historical figures.

Day 5: Baalbek – Writing Epics Among Roman Ruins

• Journey to Baalbek: Explore Lebanon’s largest and most breathtaking Roman ruins, including the Temple of Jupiter and the Temple of Bacchus.

• Epic Storytelling Session: Inspired by the grandeur of Baalbek, write a myth, legend, or an opening scene to an epic adventure.

• Afternoon Free Writing: Find a hidden corner among the ruins to develop your piece.

• Evening in Zahlé: Stay in Lebanon’s wine capital, with an optional wine & writing evening.

Day 6: Beqaa Valley – Characters & Conflict

• Morning Winery Visit: A behind-the-scenes look at Lebanese winemaking, with a focus on how sensory experiences shape writing.

• Writing Workshop: Learn to use taste, scent, and sound to add depth to your stories.

• Visit to Anjar: Explore the ruins of an Umayyad city, once a thriving hub on ancient trade routes.

• Writing Exercise: Craft a piece centered on movement—characters on a journey, a fleeting encounter, or a crossroads of history.

• Return to Beirut for an Evening at Leisure.

Day 7: Southern Lebanon – Sea & Stories

• Morning Departure to Sidon: Visit the Sidon Sea Castle and old souk, imagining the stories of merchants and pirates who once sailed these waters.

• Creative Writing Session: Choose between crafting a maritime adventure, a historical romance, or a mystery set in the labyrinthine souks.

• Afternoon in Tyre: Explore its UNESCO-listed ruins, including an ancient Roman hippodrome and submerged ruins beneath the sea.

• Final Writing Challenge: A 500-word piece set in any historical period inspired by the trip.

• Farewell Dinner: A rooftop gathering in Beirut, sharing excerpts of our best work over a final Lebanese feast.

Day 8: Departure – Carrying Stories Forward

• Morning Free Time: Enjoy a last café session, wrap up unfinished pieces, or take a final stroll through Beirut’s artsy Mar Mikhael district.

• Flights Home: Depart with notebooks full of stories, new perspectives, and creative momentum. text goes here