Pick-up in Beirut » Transfer to Syria » Old Damascus City Tour » Overnight in Damascus
The journey starts in Beirut, Lebanon's capital, where all travelers gather. From there, we drive towards the Syrian border, completing customs procedures along the way. Our destination is Damascus, where we'll check into our hotel and take care of practicalities like getting sim cards and exchanging currency.
We will explore the ancient city of Damascus on a captivating walking tour and savor delicious Syrian delicacies at local restaurants. In the evening, we will take a night stroll through the alleys of Old Damascus, experiencing the enchanting atmosphere. To enjoy the vibrant nightlife, we can head to one of the many lounges in the heart of the world's oldest capital city.
Old Damascus Tour » Overnight in Damascus
In Old Damascus we will wonder the captivating streets of this UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Throughout the day, we'll make several stops, including tea and coffee breaks and a delicious lunch.
We'll explore the charming Hamidiah Bazar — which feels like a scene taken from the Arabian Nights, and the Handicrafts Market, showcasing Syria's marvelous traditions.
We’ll visit significant places like the oldest church of St. Ananias (St. Paul) and El-Azem Palace which is now a folklore museum, with its rich interior of flowers, fruit trees, and water jets.
Umayyad Mosque, a place of worship since the first millennium B.C.
In the evening we will have a delicious feast and then we can enjoy a bit of the night life, or you relax at the hotel.
Other highlights include the National Museum, displaying artifacts from Syria's rich history.
Overall, the day trip to Damascus promises a blend of history, culture, and delectable experiences to cherish.
Bosra City Tour » Overnight in Damascus
Driving to the massive amphitheater in Bosra, a captivating World Heritage Site, much more impressive than the Colosseum in Rome.
An outstanding example, yet distinctive as it was built during the Roman Empire, 1700 years ago, out of local basalt rock and the dark coloring of the structure is rare outside this part of Syria.
Early Christian ruins and several mosques are found within its great walls.
The old city once counted 80,000 inhabitants.
Bosra holds a significant place in history as one of the main cities of the powerful Nabatean Kingdom, renowned for its world-famous abandoned capital, Petra. It was later conquered by the Roman Emperor Trajan in the early 2nd century AD.
Within the impressive walls of Bosra, we'll discover not only the magnificent Roman theater, one of the world's best-preserved, but also early Christian ruins and several mosques, showcasing the city's diverse heritage.
Thought to have been constructed during the early years of Roman rule under Emperor Trajan's reign, Bosra flourished and became the capital of the Syrian province. Moreover, it served as a crucial stopover on the ancient caravan route to Mecca.
After exploring Bosra and enjoying lunch there, we'll drive back to Damascus. We'll have a very special dinner, followed by a unique experience at a Syrian night club. This day trip promises a blend of ancient wonders and memorable moments to cherish.
Maaloula & Saidnaya » Krak des Chevaliers » Overnight in Al-Mishtaya
We'll drive to Maaloula, a small Christian town built into the rugged mountainside at an altitude of over 1500 meters. It's a unique place where the Aramaic language, the language of Jesus, is still spoken. We'll explore the remains of monasteries, churches, and shrines.
We'll walk through a canyon to reach the Monastery of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, dating back to the 4th century, showcasing two of the world's oldest icons, including one depicting The Last Supper.
In Saidnaya, we'll visit the Greek Orthodox Virgin Mary Monastery, built by the Emperor of Byzantium in the 6th century. Then, we'll trek along a mountain path, following the footsteps of Saint Thecla from the 2nd century, leading us to the sacred cave visited by many pilgrims, both Muslim and Christian, seeking blessings.
Our journey continues to the awe-inspiring Krak des Chevaliers, a World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the world. Originally rebuilt in the 12th century to shelter Christians during the crusades, this imposing castle has witnessed various historical periods under different empires and rulers (The County of Tripoli, The Knights Hospital, The Mamluk Sultanate, The Ottoman Empire and many more until the present Syrian Arab Republic).
In the evening, we'll rest in Al-Mishtaya, cherishing the memories of this extraordinary day.
Palmyra » Overnight in Hama
After an early breakfast in the Christian village of Al-Mishtayeh, we will go to visit Palmyra, another World Heritage Site.
Known as the city of palms, Palmyra is the most important oasis in the Syrian Desert, boasting columns and palm trees amid golden sands.
The travel agency will arrange a special permit approved by high military officials. At the checkpoint, we'll meet a government security agent who will escort us on our Palmyra tour.
Despite some ruins, Palmyra is remarkably preserved. Sadly, we'll witness the destruction left by ISIS in their attempt to erase the area's history and culture.
Our visit includes the grand Temple of Bel, a majestic fusion of Greco-Roman and oriental-inspired architecture. The city's main attractions are the theater and the big colonnade, a kilometer-long path where desert caravans once passed.
Continuing our route, we'll make a quick stop in the 60% destroyed city of Homs before spending the night in Hama.
Hama City Tour » Apamea » Overnight in Aleppo
On this day trip, we'll explore two fascinating historical sites.
In the morning, we'll visit Hama, renowned for its 17 ancient waterwheels, believed to date back to 1100 BC. Originally used for irrigation, these waterwheels now stand as an aesthetic and traditional display.
Continuing our trip, we'll explore Apamea’s (founded in 301 B.C.) impressive ancient remains, including the longest Roman world colonnade stretching 2 km.
Afterward, we'll drive to Aleppo, where we'll check-in at a beautiful boutique hotel.
Before our evening tour of Aleppo, we'll stop at a traditional restaurant.
This day trip promises to be filled with historical wonders and culinary delights.
Old Aleppo City Tour » Overnight in Aleppo
In the morning, we'll explore the Old City of Aleppo, a World Heritage Site with a history spanning over 6,000 years. Despite being heavily affected by the Syrian war, we'll witness the city's resilience as Syrians return home and the city rebuilds.
Our first stop will be at the majestic Citadel of Aleppo, a grand example of Islamic military architecture dating back to the 3rd millennium B.C. Its well-designed towers and iron gates dominate the city's landscape.
Continuing our trip, we'll head to Antioch Gate, where we'll visit the world's largest Covered Souk (13 sq km) and caravanserais. Though some are destroyed, they offer glimpses into vibrant commercial districts from the Middle Ages (15th and 16th centuries) and served as accommodations for traveling traders.
At a traditional soap factory (Laurel Soap Factory and Dakka Kadima), we'll witness Aleppo Soap being made following centuries-old recipes. It's an original 18th-century soap factory. We will get the chance to buy some, as they are great souvenirs.
In the evening, we can arrange a visit to the 12th-century public bathhouse - Hammam - to experience the continuous hammam tradition since Roman times.
After a day filled with history and culture, we'll rest overnight in Aleppo, cherishing the memories of this unforgettable journey.
Aleppo City Tour » Transfer to Lebanon » Drop-off in Beirut
In the morning we will attend the prayer in Armenian in the Forty Martyrs Church, a 15th century Armenian church that contains a 19th century icon depicting the Judgement Day.
Next, we will witness the destruction left by the war on one of the most beautiful plazas in old Aleppo and visit the Maronite Cathedral, a 19th century cathedral that was on the frontline during the conflict.
After enjoying one last Syrian meal together, we will say farewell to you and transfer you to Beirut which marks the end of your tour.
This time we will cross the border through Homs, back to Lebanon.
