TREASURES OF SYRIA

Morning departure from Beirut towards the Syrian border. After completing the border formalities, arrival in Damascus and check-in at the hotel. After a short rest, we will begin our visit to one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

Visit to the National Museum, which houses an extraordinary collection of archaeological artifacts spanning the history of the ancient Syrian civilizations. Continuation towards Takiyya Suleimaniah, an elegant Ottoman-era complex, renowned for its refined architecture and peaceful courtyards.

Next, tour of the historic Damascus Citadel, a medieval fortress that has played an important defensive role throughout the city’s history.

The day concludes at the Mount Qasioun Viewpoint, from where spectacular panoramic views of Damascus and its surroundings can be enjoyed, especially at sunset, before returning to the hotel.

Departure to discover the extraordinary historical and religious heritage of Damascus, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.

The visit begins at the Chapel of Saint Ananias, an ancient Christian place of worship associated with the conversion of Saint Paul. Continuation to Saint Paul’s Church, built next to the ancient Roman gate through which, according to tradition, the apostle escaped from the city. Afterwards, visit to Zaitoun Church, an important Christian temple of great spiritual and historical value.

The tour continues with Maktab Anbar, an elegant 19th-century Damascene mansion known for its refined traditional architecture and decorated courtyards. Next, visit the impressive Khan Assad Basha Caravanserai, one of the best-preserved caravanserais in the Middle East, followed by Al Azem Palace, a magnificent 18th-century residence that reflects the splendor of Damascene architecture.

The day continues with a visit to the iconic Umayyad Mosque, one of the most important religious monuments in the Islamic world. Next to it is the Mausoleum of Saladin, the resting place of the renowned Muslim leader who reconquered Jerusalem during the Crusades.

The tour concludes at the Sayyidah Ruqayya Shrine, one of the main pilgrimage sites in Shia Islam, before enjoying a walk through the lively Al-Hamidiyah Souk, Damascus’s most famous covered market, filled with traditional shops, local handicrafts, and an authentically Syrian atmosphere.

Departure from Damascus towards the picturesque village of Maaloula, one of the few places in the world where Aramaic, the language of Jesus Christ, is still spoken. The visit begins at the Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, an ancient Christian temple built over the remains of a pagan sanctuary and renowned for its great historical importance.

Next, we will explore the Eastern Gorge, a narrow natural passage surrounded by impressive rock formations that leads to the Convent of Saint Thecla, an important pilgrimage site dedicated to the saint and known for its peaceful surroundings and deep religious roots.

Continuation towards Homs to visit the historic Um Al Zenar Church, one of the oldest Christian churches in Syria, revered for its spiritual importance and its close connection to early Christian tradition.

The journey continues towards Idlib, with a brief stop to have coffee and take a walk through the city center before continuing to Aleppo, where accommodation and rest will take place.

Departure from Aleppo towards the historic Qalb Lozeh Church, considered one of the finest examples of early Christian architecture in Syria. Built in the 5th century, this impressive stone basilica stands out for its excellent state of preservation and for having influenced the design of numerous medieval churches.

Return to Aleppo to explore the historic Khan Al Harir Souk (Silk Market), a former trading center along the Silk Road, followed by a walk through the Old City, a UNESCO World Heritage Site famous for its stone alleyways, traditional markets, and centuries-old architecture.

Visit to the imposing Aleppo Citadel, one of the most emblematic medieval fortresses in the Middle East, situated on a hill overlooking the city. Continuation to the Armenian Cathedral of the Forty Martyrs, one of the most important Armenian churches in Syria, and conclusion of the tour with a visit to a traditional Aleppo soap factory, where we will learn about the artisanal process of producing the famous olive oil soap, made using techniques passed down through generations.

Departure from Aleppo towards the ancient City of Apamea, one of the most important Greco-Roman archaeological sites in Syria. It stands out for its impressive colonnaded avenue, one of the longest in the ancient world, as well as the remains of temples, baths, and public buildings that reflect the city’s splendor during the Roman period.

Continuation towards Hama, where we will visit the Great Mosque (Al Jamea Al Kabir), one of the city’s main historical monuments. Afterwards, visit to Saint George’s Cathedral, an important Orthodox church, followed by a tour to admire the famous Hama Water Wheels (Norias), enormous wooden hydraulic wheels that for centuries raised water from the Orontes River to supply the city.

The journey continues towards the majestic Krak des Chevaliers, considered one of the best-preserved medieval fortresses in the world and declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Its imposing walls, towers, and complex defensive structures make it one of the masterpieces of military architecture from the time of the Crusades.

The day concludes with arrival in Al-Mishtaya, where accommodation and rest will take place.

Departure from Al-Mishtaya towards the legendary Ancient City of Palmyra, one of the most emblematic archaeological sites in the Middle East and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located in an oasis in the Syrian desert, Palmyra was an important commercial center that connected the routes between East and West during antiquity.

Tour of the main remains of the ancient city, where visitors can admire its majestic columns, temples, monumental streets, and archaeological remains that reflect the splendor of Greco-Roman civilization and the legacy of the famous Queen Zenobia.

After the visit, continuation of the journey towards Damascus, arrival at the hotel and accommodation.

After breakfast, departure from Damascus towards the Syrian border. After completing the border formalities, continuation of the journey towards Beirut, enjoying the route through the landscapes of western Syria and the Bekaa Valley.