07 Sep 2024

Hiking - Sfireh - Donniye

  • Sfireh, a surprisingly amazing small village located in Donniyeh.

    In this tiny village, we will see three Roman temples, one of which is well preserved, another partially built, and a third one that still has some remnants on the hill directly on top of the other two.

    The first, well-preserved one, is El Sfireh fortress that was built in the early third century, during the rule of the Roman leader, Speeros from which derives the name of the village. The emperor remained four years in the region and this temple was constructed to commemorate his name. The temple is almost whole, lacking only the pediment and the cornice. It is made of huge blocks of stone in a rectangular shape. The castle is an equivalent to a range of temples and a station for caravans heading from the coast towards the Bekaa and the other way round.

    The hike in Sfireh is one of a kind combining historical ruins, dense forests and amazing views overlooking the area.

    The forest is so dense that sunlight can barely reach the ground. We will then reach to a panoramic spot where the Akkar plains and the Mediterranean coast can be seen. During our hike, we will encounter a lot of old stone houses that have amazing stories to tell.

    Our hike will be divided into two levels:
    LEVEL 4 and LEVEL 6 will walk together starting from the Roman temples.
    After the educational visit to the temples, we will head on a varied trail fluctuating among dense forests and exposed scenic spots.
    We will have a lunch break along the way on a hilltop overlooking extraordinary views.

    Afterwards, we will head to the village of Sfireh.
    LEVEL 4 will take a ride in a small van/ pick-up truck to get back to the bus.
    LEVEL 6 will walk a steep uphill, about 2 km long, to meet with Level 4.

    WHERE: Sfireh / Donniyeh
    In the north
    1200 m above sea level
    115 km from Beirut

    WHEN: Saturday, September 07

    MEETING PLACE: 7:30 AM in the parking of Sagesse School in Jdeideh, facing the public garden. (See map on: https://www.vamos-todos.com/Pages/ParkingMap.aspx)
    There will be a breakfast stop along the way.

    PRICE: 30$ per person including transport, guides and insurance.
    Kindly get the exact change.
    You can register now at all branches of Antoine Library or on the following link:
    https://www.antoineticketing.com/?event_group_id=26
    Looking forward to see you!

    WHAT TO GET: Lunch, 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 4$.
    - Children/ Teenagers between the age of 11 and 18 will have a discount of 3$.
    - University students will have a discount of 2$ provided that they present their university card.
    - Groups with 5 to 9 persons, with different criteria than the above, will get a 2$ discount.
    - Groups with 10 or more persons, with different criteria than the above, will get a 3$ discount.

    PAYMENT TERMS:
    - Cancellation with less than 24 hours’ notice will be charged half-price
    - Reservations with less than 24 hours’ notice will be charged an extra 2$.
    (e.g. Cancelling or booking for a Sunday’s event on Saturday 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.

    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
    - “LIA insurance” is the exclusive insurance company sponsor of Vamos Todos.

    Regards,
    Vamos Todos
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