The journey begins at 8:00 AM in Beirut with a scenic drive to Damascus (around 4 hours, including border crossing). Alternatively, we can greet you directly at Damascus Airport. Upon arrival, settle into a charming boutique hotel located in the heart of Old Damascus.

After a short rest, we set off on a walking tour through the ancient city. We’ll visit the House of Ananias, an underground chapel linked to Saint Paul’s story, and stroll along the historic Straight Street (Via Recta)—a Roman road that still alive with echoes of faith and empire. Afterward, we relax at Al Nofara, Damascus’s oldest café, where a traditional storyteller brings old legends to life over tea.

Dinner (optional) is served at Nanerj, a beloved restaurant offering an unforgettable first taste of Syria. For those who wish, we’ll explore the nightlife of Damascus—perhaps visiting a hidden speakeasy or experiencing a traditional hammam for an evening scrub.

Sleep tonight in the peaceful charm of your Damascene hotel, surrounded by jasmine, history, and the gentle hum of an ancient city.

Highlights of the Day:

• Scenic drive from Beirut to Damascus, with a smooth border crossing and a warm welcome into Syria.
• Walking tour of Old Damascus, including the House of Ananias and legendary Straight Street.

Travel Details: Expected travel distance: ~120 km/ Time: ~4 h transfer (including border crossing); Walking city tour: ~3–4 km/ Time: ~2–3 h walking exploration; Overnight stay at a hotel in Damascus (-/-/-)

After breakfast, we delve deeper into Damascus, exploring at a gentle pace that allows space for reflection, photography, and genuine human connection. We begin at the National Museum, where ancient relics whisper stories of Syria’s rich and layered past. Then, we visit the Handicraft Market and stroll through the vibrant Souk Al-Hamidiye, where tradition meets daily life in a burst of color and scent.

At the heart of the old city, we visit the majestic Umayyad Mosque and the elegant Azem Palace, both standing as symbols of spiritual and artistic heritage.

In the afternoon, we make a sobering visit to Eastern Ghouta, bearing witness to the recent tragedies and the resilience of the Syrian people.

As the sun begins to set, we ascend Mount Qasioun for a sweeping view of Damascus, with its domes and rooftops glowing in golden light. The evening is yours to explore: discover a vibrant corner of the city or relax with tea and quiet moments in the old town.

Highlights of the Day:

• National Museum & Umayyad Mosque, uncovering Syria’s deep spiritual and artistic roots
• Sunset from Mount Qasioun, a breathtaking view of one of the world’s oldest cities.
• Ghouta visit, a suburb that witnessed immense suffering during the war, including the 2013 chemical attacks - a moving reminder of resilience amid recent history.

Travel Details: Expected travel distance: ~25 km/Time: Full-day exploration (~6–8 h with breaks); Overnight stay at a hotel in Damascus (B/-/-)

We begin the day in Maaloula, a stunning Christian village nestled in the cliffs of the Anti-Lebanon Mountains. Despite the scars left by ISIS's devastation in 2014, Maaloula remains a site of profound cultural and spiritual significance—the only place on Earth where Aramaic, the language of Christ, is still spoken. Next, we ascend to the serene heights of Mar Musa, a 6th-century monastery carved into the rock. Founded by Saint Moses the Abyssinian, this architectural marvel emanates a deep sense of solitude and devotion.

Our journey continues north to Hama, where the slowly turning Norias—gigantic medieval waterwheels—provide a glimpse into Syria’s engineering heritage and agrarian past. These elegant wooden structures once channeled the waters of the Orontes River to irrigate the land, and today they stand as a poetic symbol of the city's resilience.

By evening, we arrive in Aleppo, one of the world’s oldest cities, where layers of history unfold at every corner. Once a vital hub on the Silk Road, Aleppo captivates with its rich past and resilient spirit. We will conclude the day with an optional dinner at Qurtuba, an Armenian-run restaurant that showcases the region’s culinary traditions in a warm and authentic setting.

Highlights of the Day:

• Visit Maaloula, where Aramaic—the language spoken by Christ—continues to be used.
• Explore Mar Musa Monastery, a 6th-century sanctuary nestled in the mountains.

Travel Details: Expected travel distance: ~370 km/ Time: ~7–8 hours including visits; Overnight at a hotel in Aleppo (B / - / -)

After breakfast, we begin our day with a visit to the magnificent Aleppo Citadel, the city’s iconic fortress rising above the skyline. Its impressive towers, fortified gates, and rich history reflect Aleppo’s centuries of resilience. Next, we stroll through the Old Souk, which was once the largest covered market in the world. As we walk, we witness Aleppo’s transformation—passing through destroyed areas, active reconstruction, and beautifully restored sections full of life.

We stop for a bite at Abu Hagoub, a beloved local spot famous for Aleppo's traditional specialties. Afterward, we continue to the Umayyad Mosque, now nearing the final stages of restoration, where the stone and silence echo centuries of worship.

In the afternoon, we visit the Al-Jubaili Soap Factory, the oldest in the city, where Aleppo's renowned laurel soap is still handcrafted. We will also stop by a nearby exhibition to see the world's largest bar of soap, which holds a Guinness World Record!

We close the day with a sunset at one of Aleppo’s secret panoramic viewpoints before heading to Uncle Hamido’s (optional), a modest yet iconic eatery renowned for what many claim is the best falafel in the country.

Highlights of the Day:

• Marvel at the Aleppo Citadel, a symbol of resilience and survival perched above the ancient city.
• Wander the Old Souk, experiencing Aleppo’s vibrant history, where you can witness everything from ancient ruins to beautifully restored landmarks.
• Discover Aleppo’s famous crafts and flavors, from traditional laurel soap to legendary falafel.

Travel Details: Expected travel distance: ~10 km (within Aleppo city)/ Time: Full-day exploration (~6–7 h with breaks); Overnight stay at a hotel in Aleppo (B/-/-)

Our journey today takes us to Idlib, a region that has slowly begun to reconnect with the rest of the country. Here, the landscape tells a story not only of conflict but also of quiet resilience. By visiting the refugee camps, we gain a rare and moving insight into the everyday lives of displaced families—people who, despite hardship, carry immense dignity and hope.

From there, we ascend to the Citadel of Salah ad-Din, one of Syria’s most breathtaking fortresses. Towering above emerald hills, this mountain stronghold has withstood centuries of storms, invasions, and empires. Its hand-carved moat and layered stone walls tell the story of a time when civilizations rose and clashed across these highlands—from the Phoenicians and Byzantines to the Crusaders and Saladin himself.

In the afternoon, we descend toward the Mediterranean coast, arriving in Lattakia, where the rhythm of the sea mingles with the scent of pine forests and the vibrancy of city life. Here, the modern and the ancient breathe together, and the day ends in the gentle glow of the sea.

Highlights of the Day:

• Meet the displaced families in Idlib and hear their stories of survival and resilience.
• Stand atop the Citadel of Salah ad-Din, surrounded by breathtaking panoramic mountain vistas.
• Unwind by the Mediterranean in the vibrant seaside charm of Lattakia.

Travel Details: Expected travel distance: ~240 km/Time: ~6–7 hours including visits. Overnight stay at a hotel in Lattakia (B / -/ -)

We begin our day with a visit to Burj Islam, a stretch of Syria’s coastline known for its rocky beaches, crystal-clear waters, and hidden sea caves. It’s a peaceful escape, where the rhythm of the waves carves serenity into the cliffs.

From there, we journey south to Ugarit, one of the most significant archaeological sites of the ancient world. It was here that the world’s oldest known alphabet—the Ugaritic script—was discovered on clay tablets. As we walk through the ruins of palaces and archives, we step into a world where language itself was born, and where five distinct writing systems once coexisted within an astonishing cultural tapestry.

We continue to Marqab Castle, a dramatic Crusader fortress situated high above the sea. Once a key stronghold of the Knights Hospitaller, it was part of a vast communication network with Krak des Chevaliers, using mirrors and smoke signals to send messages across the mountains.

By evening, we reach Tartous, a relaxed coastal city where the Mediterranean Sea meets Syrian hospitality. The city's vibrant seafront, lined with cafés and seaside promenades, invites you to relax and enjoy the golden sunset.

Highlights of the Day:

• Walk through Ugarit, the birthplace of the world’s first alphabet.
• Explore Marqab Castle, a Crusader fortress offering breathtaking views of the sea.

Travel Details: Expected travel distance: ~140 km/ Time: ~6 hours including visits; Overnight stay at a hotel in Tartous (B / - / -)

After breakfast, we board a boat to Arwad, Syria’s only island, long inhabited since the Phoenician era. Enclosed by ancient walls and crisscrossed with narrow alleys, this small fishing and shipbuilding community carries centuries of maritime tradition in its soul.

Next, we visit the Phoenician temple of Amrit, a sacred site dating back to the 3rd millennium BC. Its remarkable altar, surrounded by water and accessible only by boat, speaks to a civilization that once ruled the waves. Nearby lie the remains of an ancient Olympic stadium, bearing witness to the cultural grandeur of coastal Syria.

We then ascend to the iconic Krak des Chevaliers, perhaps the most legendary Crusader castle in the world. Towering over the landscape, its towering walls and grand halls once guarded pilgrimage routes and still evoke the might and mystery of the medieval era.

Our journey continues to Homs, a city deeply affected by the war. Yet, even amid the destruction, resilience shines through. We visit the Khaled Ibn Al-Walid Shrine, with its striking domes, and reflect at the remains of the Old Souk, a silent testament to a vibrant past.

Highlights of the Day:

• Sail to Arwad, Syria’s only island, steeped in Phoenician seafaring tradition, and explore a water-locked temple and an ancient stadium.
• Marvel at Krak des Chevaliers, the most admired Crusader castle in the Middle East.

Travel Details: Expected travel distance: ~170/Time: ~7–8 hours including visits; Overnight stay at a hotel in Homs (B / - / -)

After breakfast, we set out early toward Palmyra, once the glittering jewel of Syria’s desert and one of the ancient world’s most storied cities. A vital hub on the Silk Road and briefly the heart of a short-lived empire under Queen Zenobia, Palmyra’s grandeur once stretched from Turkey to Egypt.

Though much of the site was tragically damaged during the ISIS occupation in 2015, the soul of Tadmor endures. We walk among the surviving Arch of Triumph, the majestic colonnades, Fakhr ad-Din al-Maani Castle, the ancient theater, the Agora, and the tower tombs, where history still speaks through stone.

We will enjoy lunch (optional) in a traditional Bedouin tent, hosted by a local family—an intimate and heartwarming moment to experience genuine Syrian hospitality and regional cuisine in the very heart of the desert.

In the afternoon, we return to Damascus, arriving in time to relax and share our reflections after this fulfilling day.

Highlights of the Day:

• Walk through the ancient ruins of Palmyra, Syria's iconic desert city.
• Dine in a Bedouin tent, enjoying home-cooked meals and the warm hospitality of the desert.

Travel Details: Expected travel distance: ~360 km; Time: ~7–8 hours including visits; Overnight stay at a hotel in Damascus (B / - / -)

After breakfast, we begin with a visit to the Shrine of Sayyida Zaynab, a revered site for Shia Muslims and an architectural gem of devotion. The atmosphere is filled with reverence, reflection, and spiritual intensity.

From there, we head south through the fertile plains of southern Syria toward Bosra al-Sham, which was once the capital of the Roman province of Arabia. Here, we find the best-preserved Roman amphitheater in the world, a magnificent structure still nearly intact after centuries. Surrounded by black basalt stone, the city’s ancient streets, baths, and churches whisper tales of a glorious past where East met West.

We will enjoy lunch (optional) featuring Malihi, a beloved local dish renowned throughout the region—a culinary tribute to Southern Syrian hospitality.

Later in the day, we return to Damascus for our final evening together, where we will share memories, laughter, and the unforgettable impressions that Syria has left on our hearts.

Highlights of the Day:

• Visit the Shrine of Sayyida Zaynab, a place of profound spiritual significance.
• Explore Bosra's Roman amphitheater, one of the best-preserved in the world.

Travel Details: Expected travel distance: ~240 km /Time: ~6–7 hours including visits; Overnight stay at a hotel in Damascus (B / - / -)

After breakfast, we spend our final morning exploring the modern face of Damascus, where graceful boulevards and contemporary life blend with the city's ancient soul. You will have free time to shop, revisit your favorite corners of the Old City, or simply pause for a quiet coffee, soaking in your last impressions of Syria.

In the afternoon, we depart by road toward either Beirut or Damascus International Airport, depending on your flight arrangements, aiming to arrive around 6:00 PM.

Though the journey ends, the memories of Syria's warmth, rich history, and remarkable resilience will remain long after you return home.

Travel Details: Expected travel distance: ~120–140 km (depending on destination) Time: ~2.5–4 hours including border crossing; End of tour. (B/-/-)