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NederlandsStrapped for time – See the highlights of Syria on this fast paced small group budget tour
Syria November Budget Tour
Experience the allure of Syria’s captivating past on an extraordinary tour that will take you through the magnificent cities of Damascus, Maaloula, Hama and Aleppo. Delve into a world steeped in history, where time-honored traditions and architectural wonders intertwine. Marvel at the majestic Crak des Chevaliers and immerse yourself in the rich tapestry of culture, as you wander through ancient streets and bazaars. With each step, you’ll uncover the stories of civilizations that have shaped this land, while embracing the warm hospitality of its people. Join us on this remarkable journey, where the past comes alive and the treasures of Syria await your exploration.
General info
| Start date | 15 November 2023 |
| End date | 18 / 20 / 22 November 2023 |
| Days | 4 / 6 / 8 days |
| Price | A: 4 days – € 745 B: 6 days – € 995 C: 8 days – € 1295 |
| 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
Wednesday 15 November – 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.
Thursday 16 November – 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.
Friday 17 November – 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.
Saturday 18 November – Mishtaya – Hama – Apamea – Aleppo
- Group A: Return to Damascus for a visit to the National Museum and last minute shopping before returning to Beirut. End of tour.
- Group B + C continue:
- 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.
Sunday 19 November – Aleppo– Hama – Homs
- 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.
- Drive to Hama.
- Visit to the famous waterwheels in the Orontos River.
- Drive to Homs.
- Overnight stay in Homs.
Monday 20 November – Homs – Palmyra
- Group B: Return to Damascus for a visit to the National Museum and last minute shopping before returning to Beirut. End of tour.
- Group C continues:
- Drive to Palmyra.
- Highlight: See the remains of the Temple of Bel, the Triumphal Arch, the colonnades, the theatre, the agora and the tombs.
- Return to Homs.
- Overnight stay in Homs.
Tuesday 21 November – Homs – Damascus
- Al Nabek to visit St. Moses Al-Abyssinian monastery
- Drive to Damascus.
- Free time to explore the old town of Damascus on your own.
- Overnight stay in Damascus.
Wednesday 22 November – Damascus – Beirut
- Returns to Beirut.
- End of the tour.