Itinerary
Route: Beirut (Lebanon) ➔ Masnaa Border Crossing ➔ Damascus
Border Escort & Scenic Crossing: Morning pick-up from your hotel or Beirut International Airport (BEY). Relax in private transport through the Bekaa Valley to the Syrian border with expedited clearance.
The Scent of Memory: Arrive in Damascus and check into your boutique heritage palace hotel. Step directly into the labyrinth of Old Damascus to breathe in climbing Damascene jasmine and the rich aromas of historic spice souks.
The Sacred & The Secular: Visit the subterranean House of Saint Ananias, linked to the dawn of Christianity. Proceed to the opulent Azm Palace and the majestic Umayyad Mosque with its soaring architecture and golden mosaics.
The Evening Tale: Walk down ancient Straight Street (Via Recta) to Al-Nofara Café. Under the spell of cardamom coffee, witness the traditional Hakawati (storyteller) keeping Syria's oral epics alive.
Recommended Dining: Lavish Damascene welcome dinner featuring traditional Fatteh, slow-roasted meats, and artisanal mezze inside a private courtyard setting.
Overnight: Damascus (Boutique Heritage Palace Hotel)
Route: Damascus ➔ Bosra ➔ Izra’a ➔ Sayyida Zeinab ➔ Damascus
The Black Pearl: Travel south to Bosra, renowned for its dark basalt architecture. Stand center-stage inside the Great Roman Theatre of Bosra—the world's most complete and intact Roman amphitheater.
Imperial Ruins: Explore the Nabataean Gate, the ancient Winter Market, and the sprawling Roman Baths.
Spiritual Anchors: On the return journey, visit the early Christian Ezra’a Church (Basilica of St. George) and the Sayyida Zeinab Shrine, celebrated for its masterwork mirror-work and deep spiritual devotion.
Recommended Dining: Conclude your day with an inspiring dinner at The Inclusion Restaurant, a local project empowering individuals with special needs while fulfilling Syria Caravans' commitment to community impact.
Overnight: Damascus (Boutique Heritage Palace Hotel)
Route: Damascus ➔ Palmyra ➔ Homs ➔ Al-Mishtaya
CULTURAL & ARCHITECTURAL HIGHLIGHTS
The Desert Queen: Journey into the Syrian Desert to stand before Palmyra, the "Bride of the Desert." Wander through monumental colonnades, grand archways, and the theater of Queen Zenobia’s ancient empire.
The Spirit of Homs: Head west to Homs to visit the historic Church of the Virgin’s Girdle (Umm Al-Zunnar) and its underground rock-hewn chapel, followed by the landmark Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque.
Syrian Wine Tasting in the Valley: Celebrate the evening in the lush Valley of the Christians with a curated Wine Tasting session at a local boutique winery, discovering the exceptional quality of contemporary Syrian viticulture rooted in thousands of years of terroir history.
Recommended Dining: Bedouin lunch in the desert oasis, followed by fresh Halawet El-Jibn in the Homs market.
Culinary Experience: Exclusive evening wine tasting in Al-Mishtaya paired with regional cheeses and charcuterie.
Overnight: Al-Mishtaya (Valley of the Christians)
Route: Al-Mishtaya ➔ Krak des Chevaliers ➔ Maaloula ➔ Damascus
The Crusader Giant: Begin at Krak des Chevaliers (Qal’at al-Hosn), the world’s definitive medieval Hospitaller fortress, perched high above the valley with sweeping views across the Homs Gap.
The Holy Path: Descend into Maaloula, one of the last places on Earth where Western Aramaic is still spoken. Visit the cliffside Monasteries of Saints Sergius and Bacchus (Mar Sarkis) and walk through the dramatic "Sacred Gorge" to the Monastery of Saint Tekla.
Cultural & Culinary Experience: Enjoy a guided stroll along Maaloula's mountain paths, discovering local mountain herbs and tasting regional delicacies tucked inside the historic cliff village.
Overnight: Damascus (Boutique Heritage Palace Hotel)
Route: Old Damascus ➔ Masnaa Border Crossing ➔ Beirut (Lebanon)
Hidden Courtyards: Spend your final morning exploring the historic Jewish Quarter of Old Damascus, renowned for its serene courtyards, distinct architecture, and tranquil atmosphere.
The Quiet Pause: Enjoy a moment of reflection at the nostalgic Al-Qishleh Café, tucked away in the narrowest bends of the ancient city.
Escorted Departure: Stroll through the ancient Harrat (alleys) to gather lasting keepsakes before your private VIP transfer across the Syrian-Lebanese border back to Beirut Airport or your hotel.
Culinary Experience: A classic Damascene farewell breakfast featuring Foul, Hummus, and warm Fatteh in an ancient neighborhood hub.
Overnight: Departure / End of Tour