English 
NederlandsWelcome to ancient Syria
Experience the allure of Syria’s captivating past on an extraordinary tour that will take you through the magnificent cities of Damascus, Maaloula, Hama, Homs, Aleppo, and Bosra. 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 | Sunday 15 October 2023 |
| End date | 19 / 21 / 23 October 2023 |
| 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
Sunday 15 October – 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.
Monday 16 October – 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.
Tuesday 17 October – 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.
Wednesday 18 October – 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.
Thursday 19 October – 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.
Friday 20 October – 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.
Saturday 21 October – 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.
Sunday 22 October – 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.
Monday 23 October – Damascus – Beirut
- Return to Beirut.
- End of the tour.