08 Nov 2024

Weekend - Azour Weekend - Azour


  • Azour-Mashmoushe Weekend

    This time, we're venturing south to spend a weekend in the heart of the Jezzine District, renowned for its many villages that rank among Lebanon's finest summer retreats. Situated at an average altitude of 950m, these villages are blessed with lush pine forests and fruitful orchards.

    In the village of Mashmoushi, which once served as the primary seat of the Maronite bishopric in the area, you'll have the opportunity to visit a stunning 18th-century monastery.

    Notably, there's an ancient Byzantine settlement celebrated for its man-made lake, fed by the Litani River through a 16 km long tunnel.

    Our weekend retreat will be at Blue Jay Valley, an eco-friendly bed and breakfast nestled in the heart of Azour-Jezzine. Tucked away in a verdant valley adorned with pine and oak trees, under a canopy of starry nights.

    Blue Jay Valley offers cozy tents and bungalows with outdoor terraces surrounded by natural splendor. Additionally, there's a charming indoor and outdoor restaurant boasting breathtaking views. You'll also have the chance to purchase homemade goods crafted by locals.

    The weekend itinerary unfolds as follows:

    Friday:

    Gather in Jdeideh at 1:00 PM.
    Depart for Azour and check in at the Blue Jay Ecotourism Project.
    Explore the Ecotourism Project.
    Optional tour of Jezzine (time permitting).
    Dinner featuring authentic Lebanese cuisine.
    Evening bonfire.

    Saturday:
    After a delightful homemade breakfast, we'll await the arrival of the other group.
    Upon their arrival, we'll split into two levels:

    LEVEL 6 (14 km): Starting from Deir Mashmoushi, passing through Bteddine, then Azour, continuing to Aytoule, and concluding in Qattine, where you'll visit a historic monastery. Along the way, you'll traverse pine forests, waterways, and the Ain el Zarka pond.

    LEVEL 3 (7 km): Taking a bus from Deir Mashmoushi to Azour, the hike begins from Azour, following the same route as Level 6, passing through Aytoule to reach Qattine.

    On our return journey, we'll stop to visit B. Balady, a collective of resilient landmine survivors engaged in poultry farming, beekeeping, and herb cultivation.

    WHERE: Azour - Mashmoushi - Qattine
    In the region of Jezzine
    80 Km from Beirut
    1100 meters above sea level.

    WHEN: Friday, November 08 & November, March 09/ last day for reservation for the weekend participants is Monday, November 04.

    MEETING PLACE: 1PM on Friday and 7:30 AM on Sunday in the parking of Sagesse School in Jdeideh, facing the public garden. (See map on: https://www.vamos-todos.com/Pages/ParkingMap.aspx)

    PRICE:
    - For weekend 120$ per person including transport, guides, insurance, accommodation & three meals
    - For Saturday only 50$ per person including transport, guides, insurance & lunch
    (Please get the exact change to facilitate the registration process)

    WHAT TO GET: Usual overnight stuff, light snacks that will boost up your energy such as dried fruits, water, cap, sunglasses and sunscreen. Wear comfortable shoes such as hiking shoes and always keep a windproof jacket in your backpack.

    SPECIAL RATES:
    - Children with the age of 10 and younger will have a discount of 45’000 LBP
    - Children/ Teenagers between the age of 11 and 18 will have a discount of 30’000 LBP
    - University students will have a discounts of 30’000 LBP provided that they present their university card
    - Groups with 5 to 9 persons, with different criteria than the above, will get a 5’000 LBP discount
    - Groups with 10 or more persons, with different criteria than the above, will get a 10’000 LBP discount

    PAYMENT TERMS:
    - Cancellation within 3 days’ notice or less will be charged half-price
    - Reservations within 3 days’ notice or less will be charge and extra 10$
    (eg. Cancelling or booking for a weekend’s event on Wednesday, Thursday or Friday will be subject to the above terms

    ESSENTIAL ECOTOURISTIC RULES & REGULATIONS
    - Smoking is strictly prohibited during the event
    - Always follow the guide on the designated trail
    - Do not go off road without notifying the guide
    - Do not get close to a cliff especially when the guide in charge tells you not to do so
    - Although accidents are covered by the insurance but they remain under the responsibility of the member
    - 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.

    RESERVATION: Every day from 8am till 5pm on 03-917190 or 79-115001. It is preferable to send an SMS or WhatsApp from your mobile, giving your name, surname, and the event you wish to join. Deadline for reservation is [Date]

    COLLABORATION:
    - “Sports Experts” is the exclusive sports gear and outfit sponsor of Vamos Todos. Members will get a special discount at all “Sports Experts” branches in Lebanon
    - “Antaki Group” is the exclusive “Fujifilm” cameras & devices sponsor of Vamos Todos.
    - “LIA insurance” is the exclusive insurance company sponsor of Vamos Todos.

    Regards,
    Vamos Todos
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