The Tourleb Adventures of Kulturnest: Community-led Cultural Journeys across Lebanon

The Tourleb Adventures of Kulturnest is a series of affordable cultural outings created by and for the Kulturnest community of artists, in collaboration with Tourleb’s local experts.
These adventures are designed to uncover Lebanon’s treasures through slow walks, encounters with artisans, shared meals, and meaningful connections.

At the heart of this initiative is a strong commitment to artists and artisans: supporting one another, discovering our land together, building connections along the way, eating, creating, and having fun.

This is about showing up for each other, celebrating creativity, and affirming that we are here to uplift, encourage, and stand together.

For each adventure, places are limited to a maximum of 15 people, including organisers.

Practical Information

• Departure: 9:00 AM from Kulturnest (parking available on the street or at Charcutier Aoun free of charge)
• Return: Around 4:30 PM to Kulturnest
  
• Fees: Kulturnest Artists Community: Special USD 25 per adventure / per person - Others: USD 45 per adventure / per person
• Including: Tourleb, carpooling, and one entrance fee (if any)
• Excluding: Meals, tastings, activities, shopping, insurance, other entrance fees, and anything not mentioned in the program

Reservation & Payment

Reservations via WhatsApp: 03 008 245

A reservation is confirmed only upon payment, at least 48 hours before each trip.

Payment methods

Whish Wallet (03008245)

OR

Cash at Kulturnest during opening hours:

Wednesdays & Fridays: 11:00 AM – 6:30 PM

Thursdays & Saturdays: 2:00 PM – 6:30 PM

2026 Calendar & Adventures

Monday, February 9 - Saida

Step into the timeless streets of Saida (Sidon), one of Lebanon’s oldest coastal cities, where layers of Phoenician, Crusader, and Ottoman history still shape everyday life.

We’ll stroll through the old city, walking within its ancient walls and letting the stories of the past guide us through winding alleys. Along the way, we’ll pause to savor warm, irresistible knefeh (not included), step inside a beautifully restored historic hammam hosting an art exhibition by Tom Yong, and wander through the souks to meet local artisans who keep centuries-old crafts alive.

Expect to return with fresh inspiration, a camera full of images, and meaningful handmade finds - souvenirs that don’t just travel home with you, but feed your own creative practice.

Monday, March 16 - Bourj Hammoud

Just around the corner, we head to Bourj Hammoud, one of Beirut’s most vibrant and character-filled neighborhoods.

This walk is an immersion into Beirut’s Armenian heritage - a story of resilience, craftsmanship, and community. Through tastings of beloved classics like lahmajoun and tahinov hats, we’ll explore how food carries memory and identity.

We’ll meet jewelers, designers, and artisans working with wood and steel, discovering workshops where traditional skills continue to evolve. Along the way, we’ll uncover the history of the Armenian community that arrived in Lebanon in the 1920s, and how Bourj Hammoud became a place of refuge, creativity, and new beginnings.

A neighborhood visit filled with flavors, stories, and inspiring encounters—where heritage is lived, not displayed.

Monday, April 6 - Assia & Douma

Journey north to Assia and Douma, where red earth, craft, and quiet creativity come together.

We’ll delve into the world of pottery, discovering the rich clay of North Lebanon and the hands that shape it into everyday objects and works of art. From there, we’ll explore the charming village of Douma, known for its distinctive architecture and one of the region’s earliest cinema buildings - a reminder of a time when culture and community gathered under one roof.

The day continues with a visit to a local artist whose work captures village houses on canvas and brick, transforming familiar forms into powerful artistic expressions.

A slow, grounding adventure rooted in material, place, and imagination—perfect for reconnecting with craft and creative process.

Monday, May 18 - Tripoli

Welcome to Tripoli, also known as Al Fayhaa or Zahr el Laymoun - a city where every tree carries the scent of a story.

This adventure takes us through one of Lebanon’s most culturally rich cities, where artists and artisans appear at every corner. We’ll wander through the heart of Tripoli to discover its stunning Mamluk architecture, from historic hammams to majestic mosques that speak of centuries of craftsmanship and devotion.

Along the way, we’ll meet soap makers, coppersmiths, and master craftspeople, witnessing traditions passed down through generations. And of course, no visit to Tripoli is complete without indulging in its legendary sweets - a city of flavors, textures, and quiet wonders.

An immersive day in a city that surprises, inspires, and lingers long after you leave.

Monday, June 22 - Zouk

A closer look at the underrated souks of Zouk- places many pass by without noticing the quiet wealth of stories, skills, and artisans they hold.

This walk reveals practices that seem almost forgotten, yet remain alive and vibrant. We’ll discover the nawl, a traditional weaving technique nearly lost to time but still used today by Sanaa. We’ll witness the making of tarbouches, explore tantour-inspired paintings, and step into the sweet world of marzipan craftsmanship, among many other hidden gems.

An intimate journey through overlooked streets, where heritage survives through hands, patience, and passion - reminding us that some of the richest places are the ones we rarely stop to see.

Monday, July 13 - The Shouf

From the inspiring workshops of the incredible women of Baakleen to the irresistible manakiche of Sheikh Atif in Moukhtara and lovingly handmade lawziyeh, this journey reveals a Shouf we don’t usually see.

We’ll slow down and move off the beaten path, stopping by the abandoned castle of Baadarane - a hidden gem surrounded by quiet gardens. Here, we’ll take time to paint, photograph, sketch, or simply meditate, letting the place guide our creativity.

A day rooted in community, flavor, and reflection - where craft, food, and landscape come together to inspire.

Monday, August 17 - Beit Chabeb

Take a stroll through old Beit Chabeb, admired for its magnificent traditional houses and timeless charm.

We’ll pause to savor fatayer bi banadoura, then step into workshops where history still rings - meeting the bell makers who have shaped the bells of churches across Lebanon. From pottery to handcrafted candles, we’ll also spend time with people of determination, whose creativity and skill shine through beautifully designed artisanal candles.

A gentle, inspiring day that celebrates heritage, craftsmanship, and inclusive creativity - reminding us that art lives in every hand and every home.

Monday, September 7 - Keserwan

From the village where Emir Chehab II was born to the breathtaking cross overlooking the Mediterranean, this adventure is a celebration of history, craft, and scenic beauty.

We’ll explore the charm of Ghazir and Dlebta, visiting a family-run workshop where passion and tradition come together in a truly unique way. We’ll meet a talented ceramic painter, taste local marzipan, and visit the serene Monastery of Saydet el Hakleh.

To complete the day, we’ll enjoy a picnic on the hill with a majestic view - a perfect moment to breathe, create, and connect.