English 
NederlandsDiscover the wonders of ancient Syria
Welcome to a remarkable journey through the enchanting landscapes and ancient wonders of Syria. Embark on an unforgettable tour that will transport you back in time as you explore the magnificent cities of Damascus, Maaloula, Hama, Homs, Aleppo, and Bosra. Unveil the rich tapestry of history, culture, and architectural marvels that have withstood the test of time, including the awe-inspiring Crak des Chevaliers. Prepare to be captivated by the breathtaking sights, immersive experiences, and warm hospitality of this extraordinary land, where ancient tales come to life and a vibrant heritage awaits at every turn. Join us as we embark on an unforgettable adventure to discover the treasures of Syria.
General info
| Start date | Monday 15 July 2024 |
| End date | 19 / 21 / 23 July 2024 |
| Days | 5 / 7 / 9 days |
| Price | A: 5 days – € 945 B: 7 days – € 1,195 C: 9 days – € 1,495 |
| Including | Accommodation (single room) Transportation on the ground Local guide Visa support Breakfast Entry fees |
| Excluding | International flights Insurance Visa Departure tax Lunch & dinner Tips for the guide Personal expenses |
Itinerary
Monday 15 July – Beirut (Lebanon) – Damascus
- 8:30 AM – Meet the group and departure to Damascus from Beirut.
- Lebanon / Syria border crossing.
- Drive to Damascus, the capital of Syria.
- Via Straight Street we walk to the House Chapel of Ananias. He was one of the first Christians in Syria.
- Highlight: The Great Mosque, also known as the Omajaden Mosque.
- See the famous Al Hamidieh Grand Bazaar (also known as the Al-Hamidiyah Souk). The perfect place to get acquainted with daily life in Damascus.
- Walk through the old centre of Damascus.
- Overnight stay in Damascus.
Tuesday 16 July – Damascus – Maaloula – Mishtaya
- We drive to Maaloula. A beautiful village against the mountains. Here the language of Christ is still spoken (Aramaic).
- Visit the monasteries of St. Thecla, Sergio’s and Bacchus.
- Drive to Krak des Chevaliers.
- Highlight: Visit to Krak des Chevaliers. This famous castle is the symbol of the Crusades and was the base for the Hospitallers.
- Drive to Mishtaya, up in the mountains.
- Overnight stay in Mishtaya.
Wednesday 17 July – Mishtaya – Hama – Apamea – Aleppo
- Drive to Hama.
- Visit to the famous waterwheels in the Orontos River.
- We continue towards Apamea.
- Highlight: We visit the old Roman city of Apamea. If you’ve been to Baalbek in Lebanon you will notice the resemblance between both places.
- Drive to Aleppo. It was the largest city in the country and since the civil war it is the second largest city in the country.
- Overnight stay in Aleppo.
Thursday 18 July – Aleppo
- City tour of Aleppo, one of the oldest cities in the world still inhabited.
- Highlight: Visit to the well-known Aleppo Citadel. A medieval fortress in the middle of the city.
- Walk through the old covered souk. It is still being renovated.
- Overnight stay in Aleppo.
Friday 19 July – Aleppo – Homs
- Group A: returns to Beirut. End of the tour upon arrival in Beirut.
- Group B + C continue:
- We drive to Ebla for a visit to an old settlement from the Bronze age.
- Drive to Homs. Here you have free time to explore a bit on your own.
- Overnight stay in Homs.
Saturday 20 July – Homs
- Walking tour through Homs. Here you’ll see a lot of destruction from the recent war.
- See the church of the belt of virgin Mary and the Khaled Bin Al-Walid Mosque.
- Night tour through the city.
- Overnight stay in Homs.
Sunday 21 July – Homs – Al Nabek – Damascus
- Group B: returns to Beirut. End of the tour upon arrival in Beirut.
- Group C continues:
- We leave Homs and head South towards Damascus.
- On the way we stop at Al Nabek to visit the St. Moses Al-Abyssinian monastery, here you’ll find some ancient frescoes.
- Arrival in Damascus for some last minute shopping.
- Overnight stay in Damascus.
Monday 22 July – Damascus – Bosra
- Drive to Bosra.
- Highlight: Arrival in Bosra, after which we go to the Roman Amphitheatre. A 45m long and 8,5m deep theatre that is remarkably well preserved.
- Walk through the old centre of Bosra, with e.g. the cathedral and the basilica.
- Drive to Damascus.
- Free time to explore the old town of Damascus on your own.
- Overnight stay in Damascus.
Tuesday 23 July – Damascus – Beirut
- Return to Beirut.
- End of the tour.