Jounie Travel Guide

  Harissa
by zuyao
 
  • Harissa
      Harissa
    by zuyao
  •   Things to Do
    by zuyao
  • The magnificent view
      The magnificent view
    by zuyao
  •   Jounie
    by stappm
  •   Jounie
    by stappm
 

Explore Jounie

Things to Do  

Catch the Teleferique
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zuyao 345 reviews
The magnificent view

A must-try is a ride on the Teleferique cable car which runs from Jounieh up to Harissa, where you can pay a visit to the famous Lady of Lebanon Statue. The cable car ride itself is hair-raising as it brings you up to dizzying heights as it climbs the steep mountain.

The view of Jounieh bay is simply amazing. This however, is definitely not a ride for people with vertigo!

Ticket is US$6 (return trip).

Updated May 17, 2012

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Karam Museum
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zuyao 345 reviews

Guinness World Record (27777 Model Cars) and Guinnes World Record (333 Dioramas) are the awards given to Karam Museum. Owned by Billy Karam (an avid rally racer), the museum features an incredible collection of miniature cars, planes, tanks and beautifully built miniature of castles/ war scenes. Probably missed by most tourists, this museum is definitely worth the visit. The collection is jaw dropping!

Entrance is free but it's only open on Saturday. However, when I was there on a Thursday, the owner was very kind to open the museum for my visit. Such is the hospitality and friendliness of the Lebanese people!

Written May 17, 2012

Website: http://www.billy-karam.com

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Lady of Lebanon at Harissa
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zuyao 345 reviews
Harissa

Overlooking Jounieh Bay is the imposing statue of Virgin of Lebanon, also known as Lady of Lebanon. She has been there since the 19th century. Pilgrims from all over the world visit the statue while others like myself enjoyed the serenity of its surrounding and the marvelous view of the bay.

Written May 17, 2012

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Our Lady of Harissa
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stappm 146 reviews

From Jounieh take a drive up the hillside to the small town of Harissa where at the Maronite Cathedral stands Our Lady of Harissa. The view from this modern Marionite Cathedral is well worth the drive. Don't want to drive? A cable car links the coast to the Belvedere - and a breathtaking trip!

Written Sep 23, 2005

Website: http://www.harissa.info/

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Hotels  

Rabiya Marine Hotel: Great Resort

Rabiya Marine Hotel: Great Resort, Jounie

 stappm Says:  This hotel is on the north side of Jounieh Bay in an area called Safra. Rabiya Marine Hotel is actually a Chalet Resort (Chalet's are like hotel rooms or timeshares you own or rent for an entire season) However at the Rabiya they do reserve the top 2 floors for just hotel... 

Restaurants  

Chez Louis: Fresh Seafood and Great Views
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stappm 146 reviews
The resturant is in the upper left of the photo.

This is a lovely open air resturant for lunch or dinner. You select your seafood fresh and they have every delight from the sea you can dream of - urchins included. They prepare them to your desire and you can enjoy then by the sea with a panoramic view of the Mediteranean, Aquamarina 2 Resort and Marina.

Favorite Dish: Urchins....... very fresh!s erved fresh and raw - kinda like a tiny cavier, salty.

Maameltein, near Casino du Liban

Updated Jan 19, 2006

Address: Al Jazira Bldg., Old Rd., Sea Way, Facing Aquamari

Phone: 09-832177, 09-832925

Website: http://www.lebanon.com/restaurants/seafood.htm

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Transportation  

Rent a Car
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stappm 146 reviews

Don't worry - you CAN drive in Lebanon. Just expect the unexpected and remain aware of everyone around you. Don't be surprised to find a car driving the wrong way down a oneway street - or someone to come to a complete stop, for no apparent reason, on the highway - perhaps even someone reversing 500 meters to an exit long since passed. Defense is key.

I do recommend renting a car in Lebanon - I personally HATE (and yes it is a strong word) but I hate Taxi drivers in Lebanon. They are the worst taxi's of any city I have ever been to. They are obnoxious and honk at you when you are walking, they NEVER take you directly to where you want to go - usually opting for an out of the way tourist spot in the interim. Twice they wanted marriage before dropping me at my destination....lol.... but I am serious. ("I am married" is a very handy phrase to learn in Arabic!!!)

Most major car renters are there like Hertz and Avis, and car rentals are inexpensive (intermediate $40 USD a day INCLUDING insurance!) One odd thing - they do have you pay the insurance deductible upfront (on a credit card $200-$500 depending on the insurance you buy) when you rent the car - like they are expecting an accident. However it is credited back upon return of the car.

Also another unusual thing - when dropping the car at the airport - you go directly to departures (as if you were dropping someone off) call the rental car number (I used Avis) and someone ran out and took the car from the curb. It was very nice!!! No Aiport Rental Car Parking lots to find, no rental car shuttle buses to find and wait on!

Updated Sep 25, 2005

Website: www.avis.com

Related to:
 Road Trip

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Map of Jounie