17-Day Western Middle East Northern/Scenic Route: Turkey & Lebanon in July
Experience the Middle East beyond the desert. This 17-day 'Northern Route' focuses on the high-altitude landscapes of the Western Middle East, specifically the verdant Black Sea coast of Turkey and the rugged peaks of Mount Lebanon. Traveling in July, you avoid the blistering heat of the lowlands by seeking refuge in the 'Yaylas' (plateaus) and cedar forests, making this an ideal journey for families seeking adventure without the exhaustion of extreme weather.
Our Family Travel Guides approach balances educational history with active nature exploration. You will transition from the bustling historic streets of Istanbul to the misty fjords and tea gardens of Rize, before flying south to the cosmopolitan yet ancient shores of Lebanon. This route is designed with convenience in mind, utilizing direct flights and private transfers to ensure a stress-free experience for parents and children alike.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Istanbul, Turkey - Arrival & Bosphorus Breezes
Arrival at Istanbul Airport
Touch down at one of the world's most modern hubs. After clearing customs, meet your private transfer for a comfortable ride to your hotel in the Sultanahmet or Galata district.
Galata Tower Views
Take the elevator up the historic Galata Tower for a 360-degree view of the city. It’s a great way for kids to visualize the geography of the Golden Horn and the Bosphorus.
Bosphorus Sunset Cruise
Board a private or public ferry to enjoy the cool July evening breeze. Seeing the palaces and fortresses from the water is a relaxing introduction to the city.
Welcome Dinner in Karaköy
Enjoy fresh seafood or traditional mezes at a family-friendly terrace restaurant overlooking the water.
Day 2: Istanbul, Turkey - Imperial History
Hagia Sophia & Blue Mosque
Explore these architectural wonders early to beat the crowds. The scale of the domes is sure to impress even the youngest travelers.
Topkapi Palace Gardens
Wander through the Harem and the treasury. The outer gardens provide plenty of space for kids to run around under the shade of ancient plane trees.
Basilica Cistern
Descend into the cool, subterranean world of the Sunken Palace. The Medusa heads and the atmospheric lighting make this a 'spy-movie' adventure for children.
Grand Bazaar Exploration
Navigate the labyrinthine alleys. Challenge the kids to find specific items like colorful lanterns or Turkish delight shops.
Day 3: Istanbul, Turkey - Asian Side Delights
Ferry to Kadıköy
Cross the Bosphorus to the Asian side. The 20-minute ferry ride is an attraction in itself, often accompanied by local musicians.
Moda Seaside Walk
Stroll along the family-friendly promenade in Moda. Stop for famous ice cream at Ali Usta, a local favorite since 1969.
Toy Museum (Göztepe)
Visit the Istanbul Toy Museum, founded by poet Sunay Akın. It houses thousands of toys dating back to the 1700s in a charming wooden mansion.
Evening at Maiden's Tower
Enjoy a final Istanbul dinner with a view of the lighthouse tower in the middle of the Bosphorus.
Day 4: Istanbul to Trabzon, Turkey - The Black Sea Gate
Domestic Flight to Trabzon
Take a quick 1.5-hour flight to the Black Sea coast. The landscape changes dramatically from urban sprawl to lush, emerald green mountains.
Trabzon Hagia Sophia
Not to be confused with its Istanbul namesake, this 13th-century Byzantine church features stunning frescoes and sits in a quiet garden.
Atatürk Pavilion
Visit this elegant white mansion set amidst floral gardens on a hill overlooking the city and the sea.
Akçaabat Köfte Dinner
Sample the region's famous meatballs (köfte) at a seaside restaurant in the nearby town of Akçaabat.
Day 5: Trabzon, Turkey - Sumela’s Cliffside Magic
Sumela Monastery Drive
A scenic drive into Altındere National Park. The monastery appears to cling precariously to the side of a sheer cliff face.
Exploring the Monastery
Hike up the path to explore the rock-hewn churches and monk cells. The mist often rolls in, creating a magical, fjord-like atmosphere.
Riverside Lunch
Enjoy trout and local corn pudding (Muhlama) at a restaurant nestled by the mountain stream at the base of the park.
Return to Trabzon
Relax at the hotel or explore the local bazaar for traditional silver filigree (Telkari).
Day 6: Trabzon to Uzungöl, Turkey - Alpine Escapes
Drive to Uzungöl
A 90-minute drive through tea-covered valleys leads to Turkey's most famous alpine lake, surrounded by towering mountains.
Lakeside Lunch
Dine at a wooden chalet-style restaurant. The air here is significantly cooler than Istanbul, perfect for July.
Pedal Boats on the Lake
Rent a pedal boat for a fun family activity on the calm waters of Uzungöl.
Haldizen Valley Walk
Take a short stroll into the valley for photos of the mosque and its reflection in the lake.
Day 7: Uzungöl, Turkey - Nature Hikes
Upper Plateau Hike
Take a local transfer to the higher plateaus for views above the clouds. The scenery resembles the Swiss Alps or Norwegian fjords.
Picnic in the Wild
Enjoy a picnic with local cheeses and fresh bread while watching the mountain mist dance across the peaks.
Village Visit
Visit a traditional wooden village to see how the locals live in this high-altitude environment.
Turkish Tea Ceremony
Learn about the region's tea culture and enjoy a freshly brewed cup of Rize tea by the fireplace.
Day 8: Rize & Ayder, Turkey - Tea & Waterfalls
Rize Tea Gardens
Drive to Rize, the heart of Turkey's tea production. Visit the Ziraat Botanic Tea Garden for tastings and stunning views of the Black Sea.
Storm Valley (Fırtına Vadisi)
Stop for lunch in this dramatic valley known for its Ottoman-era stone bridges and rushing whitewater.
Ayder Plateau
Continue up to Ayder, a meadow-filled plateau famous for its waterfalls and hot springs.
Gelin Tülü Waterfall
Visit the 'Bridal Veil' waterfall, which tumbles down the mountain right next to the village.
Day 9: Trabzon to Beirut, Lebanon - Cross-Border Shift
Flight to Beirut
Transfer back to Trabzon airport for your flight to Beirut (usually via Istanbul). Prepare for the transition to the Mediterranean Levant.
Beirut Arrival
Check into your hotel in the Hamra or Achrafieh district. Beirut is a vibrant city known as the 'Paris of the Middle East'.
Raouche Rocks Sunset
Walk the Corniche (seaside promenade) to see the iconic Pigeons' Rock. Take a small boat through the caves if the sea is calm.
Lebanese Feast
Introduce the family to authentic Lebanese cuisine—Hummus, Tabbouleh, and Shish Taouk.
Day 10: Beirut, Lebanon - Mediterranean Charm
National Museum of Beirut
A manageable and impressive museum showcasing Lebanon's history from pre-history to the Ottoman era. The sarcophagi are world-renowned.
Beirut Souks & Downtown
Explore the rebuilt city center, where modern luxury meets ancient Roman ruins and beautiful mosques/churches side-by-side.
Zaitunay Bay
Stroll the modern yacht marina. There are plenty of cafes and space for children to walk safely away from traffic.
Dinner in Mar Mikhael
Explore the trendy, art-filled neighborhood of Mar Mikhael, famous for its colorful stairs and creative eateries.
Day 11: Byblos, Lebanon - World’s Oldest City
Drive to Byblos (Jbeil)
A short 45-minute drive north along the coast to one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
Byblos Castle & Ruins
Explore the Crusader Castle and the Phoenician archaeological site overlooking the Mediterranean.
Old Souk Lunch
Eat in the charming old stone souk. Try the local 'Manoushe' (Lebanese flatbread).
Byblos Fossil Museum
A quirky and fascinating stop for kids to see 100-million-year-old fish fossils found in the Lebanese mountains.
Day 12: Jeita Grotto & Harissa, Lebanon - Views & Caves
Jeita Grotto
Visit these spectacular limestone caves. You explore the upper galleries on foot and the lower galleries by boat on a subterranean river.
Teleferique to Harissa
Take the cable car (Teleferique) from Jounieh up to the shrine of Our Lady of Lebanon for breathtaking bay views.
Lunch with a View
Have lunch at the mountain top overlooking the Mediterranean coastline.
Return to Beirut
Enjoy a relaxing evening at the hotel pool or a short walk in the neighborhood.
Day 13: Beirut to Bsharri, Lebanon - High Altitudes
Drive to Northern Highlands
Leave the coast behind and head into the rugged mountains of the North. The scenery becomes dramatic with deep gorges and limestone peaks.
Gibran Museum
Visit the museum dedicated to Khalil Gibran, Lebanon's most famous poet and author of 'The Prophet', housed in an old monastery.
Mountain Terrace Lunch
Eat traditional mountain food like 'Kibbeh Nayyeh' (or cooked versions) while overlooking the Qadisha Valley.
Bsharri Village Walk
Explore the red-roofed village of Bsharri, the highest point in the valley.
Day 14: Bsharri, Lebanon - Qadisha & Cedars
Cedars of God (Arz el-Rab)
Visit the ancient grove of Lebanon Cedars. Some of these trees are over 1,000 years old and are a national symbol of the country.
Qadisha Valley Hike
Take a family-friendly hike down into the Holy Valley (Qadisha), a UNESCO site filled with ancient hermitages and monasteries carved into cliffs.
Monastery of St. Anthony
Visit the Monastery of Qozhaya, which houses the first printing press in the Middle East.
Overnight in the Mountains
Stay in a cozy mountain lodge. The July air here is crisp and cool, a stark contrast to the humid coast.
Day 15: Baalbek, Lebanon - Roman Giants
Drive to Bekaa Valley
Cross the mountain range into the Bekaa Valley to see one of the most important Roman sites in the world.
Baalbek Temple Complex
Marvel at the massive Temple of Jupiter and the remarkably preserved Temple of Bacchus. The scale is gargantuan.
Ksara Winery Lunch
Visit Chateau Ksara, Lebanon's oldest winery. While adults enjoy a tasting, kids can explore the cool Roman-era wine caves.
Anjar Umayyad Ruins
Stop briefly at the ruins of Anjar, a unique example of an 8th-century inland commercial center from the Umayyad period.
Day 16: Chouf Biosphere, Lebanon - Eco-Adventure
Beiteddine Palace
Visit this masterpiece of 19th-century Lebanese architecture, featuring ornate ceilings and beautiful courtyards.
Deir el Qamar
Lunch in the 'Monastery of the Moon', a historic village of stone houses and narrow streets that served as the capital of Mount Lebanon.
Chouf Cedar Reserve
The largest of Lebanon's nature reserves. Enjoy a light hike or a guided tour to learn about reforestation efforts.
Return to Beirut
Drive back to the capital for your final evening in the Middle East.
Day 17: Beirut, Lebanon - Farewell
Hamra Street Shopping
Pick up final souvenirs—Lebanese sweets (Baklawa), olive oil soaps, and local spices like Za'atar.
Sursock Museum
A final dose of culture at this contemporary art museum housed in a stunning Italianate villa.
Farewell Lunch
Enjoy a long, relaxed lunch at a garden restaurant in the Achrafieh district.
Airport Transfer
Head to Beirut Rafic Hariri International Airport for your flight home.
Best Time to Visit Middle East
The best time to visit the Western Middle East varies by region. For the coastal and desert areas, spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November) offer the most pleasant temperatures. However, for a 'Northern/Scenic' route like this one, July is actually an excellent time. While cities like Istanbul and Beirut can be hot and humid, the mountains of the Black Sea and the Lebanese highlands provide a cool, refreshing escape. This is the peak season for the 'Yaylas' (Turkish plateaus), where you can witness local festivals and vibrant green landscapes that are often covered in snow during other months.
Visas & Border Crossings
Turkey and Lebanon have separate visa requirements. Most Western travelers can obtain an e-Visa for Turkey online prior to arrival. Lebanon offers visas on arrival for many nationalities (including the US, UK, and EU), but it is CRITICAL to ensure your passport contains no evidence of travel to Israel (stamps or exit/entry records from neighboring land borders), as this will result in immediate denial of entry to Lebanon. There are no direct land crossings between Turkey and Lebanon for tourists currently; travel between the two is exclusively via flight, typically connecting through Istanbul.
Getting Around Middle East
International travel in this region is best handled by air. Turkish Airlines and Middle East Airlines (MEA) offer extensive networks connecting the major hubs. For local travel in Turkey, domestic flights are affordable and efficient. Within the mountainous regions of both countries, renting a private car or hiring a driver is highly recommended for families. Public transport in the mountains can be infrequent, and having a private vehicle allows you to stop at scenic viewpoints and small villages that tour buses often bypass. In Beirut, ride-sharing apps like Uber are the most reliable and transparent way to navigate the city.
