Recommended Tours
This is a list of recommended tours that can fit each traveler to Syria, Lebanon and Jordan. It was made while you in mind taking into consideration that your port of arrival and departure is Damascus International Airport, Syria. If you arrive in a different airport such as Beirut or Amman the recommended tour can be adjusted according to your itinerary. If you have an itinerary of more than 7 days, please contact me so I give you my suggestions. No commitments.
Length of Stay in the area | A Must Do | Private Car | Public Transportation |
1 day | Stay in the Old City of Damascus | -- | -- |
2 days | One day in Old Damascus | Pick one: 1- Bosra & Beyond Your: five sites (Qanawat, Sweida, Shahba, Bosra theater, and St. George Church). 2- Sednaya, Maaloula and Mar Mosa. | Bosra Theater |
3 days | One day in Old Damascus. | 1- Palmyra Comprehensive (Temple of Bel, Underground Tomb, Tower Tomb, Colonnaded St, Museum, and the Castle.) 2- Bosra & Beyond Tour. (Qanawat, Shahba, Bosra Theater, and St. George Church) | 1- Palmyra. Basic. 2- Bosra. Theater. |
4 days | One day in Old Damascus | 1- Krak des Chevalier, St. George Monastery and Safita Tower. 2- Palmyra Comprehensive (Temple of Bel, Underground Tomb, Tower Tomb, Colonnaded St, Museum, and the Castle.) 3- Bosra & Beyond Tour. (Qanawat, Shahba, Bosra Theater, and St. George Church). | 1- Palmyra Basic 2- Bosra Theater. 3- Krak des Chevalier. |
4 days | One day in Old Damascus | 1- Palmyra Comprehensive (Temple of Bel, Underground Tomb, Tower Tomb, Colonnaded St, Museum, and the Castle.). Sleep in Homs. 2- Krak des Chevalier, Saladin Castle, Dead Cities end in Aleppo. Sleep in Aleppo. 3- Aleppo Sightseeing and visit Hama in your way Back to Damascus. | 1- Palmyra Basic 2- Bosra Theater. 3- Krak des Chevalier |
5 days | One day in Old Damascus. | 1- Bosra & Beyond Tour (Qanawat, Shahba, Bosra Theater, and St. George Church). Sleep in Damascus. 2- Palmyra Comprehensive (Temple of Bel, Underground Tomb, Tower Tomb, Colonnaded St, Museum, and the Castle.). Sleep in Homs. 3- Krak des Chevalier, Saladin Castle, Dead Cities end in Aleppo. Sleep in Aleppo. 4- Aleppo Sightseeing and visit Hama in your way Back to Damascus. | 1- Palmyra Basic 2- Bosra Theater. 3- Krak des Chevalier 4- Sednaya and Maaloula. |
6 Days | One Day in Old Damascus | 1- Palmyra Comprehensive (Temple of Bel, Underground Tomb, Tower Tomb, Colonnaded St, Museum, and the Castle.). Sleep in Homs. 2- Krak des Chevalier. Basic and drive to Baalbeck Lebanon. Sleep in Beirut. 3- Beirut Sightseeing. Beituddeen. Sleep in Beirut. 4- Jeita Grotto, Byblos, Cedars forest. Sleep in Beirut. 5- Sidon, Tyre in your way back to Damascus. | 1- Palmyra Basic 2- Bosra Theater. 3- Krak des Chevalier 4- Sednaya and Maaloula. |
Recommended Excursions
(From Damascus)
A Must See in Syria.
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Bosra
(The Broadway of Ancient Romans)
Location Description:
Bosra's most impressive feature is its superbly well-preserved Roman Theater, complete with tall stage buildings. And there are also early Christian Ruins and several old mosques to be found within its great walls.
Further, Nabatean and Roman Monuments, Christian Churches, mosques and Madrasahs are present within the half ruined enceinte of the city. The structure of this monument a central plan with eastern apses flanked by 2 sacristies exerted a decisive influence on the evolution of Christian architectural forms, and, to a certain extent, on Islamic Style as well. Al-Omari Mosque of Bosra is one of the oldest surviving mosques in Islamic History.
Trip Description:
½ day trip to visit
Second Century Roman 15000 capacity Theater and fortress around. One stop at theater where you can see all other ancient sites in walking distance. 2 hours stop.
Duration: 6 to 7 hrs.
Start Time: 8 am
Total Cost: 5500 Syrian Pounds.
Prices are meant for 4 passengers. Extra passengers for the same trip can be accommodated at an extra charge. If you like, you can share the trip with our other tourists depending on availability.
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Bosra Tour, and beyond.
( Several Centuries Presented in One Day )
Towns of Bosra, Shahba, Izraa, Sweida, and Qanawat.
Location Description:
Of the city which once counted 80,000 inhabitants, there remains today only a village settled among the ruins. The second century Roman theater, constructed probably under Trajan, is the only monument of this type with its upper gallery in the form of a covered portico which has been integrally preserved. It was fortified between 481 and 1231 AD.
Further, Nabatean and Roman Monuments, Christian Churches, mosques and Madrasahs are present within the half ruined enceinte of the city. The structure of this monument a central plan with eastern apses flanked by 2 sacristies exerted a decisive influence on the evolution of Christian Architectural Forms, and, to a certain extent, on Islamic Style as well. Al-Omari Mosque of Bosra is one of the oldest surviving mosques in Islamic History.
Trip Description:
Full Day To visit over 15 amazing archeological sites as follows: Second Century Roman Theater with 15000 capacity and fortress around, 13th-century wall, Sts. Sergius, Bacchus and Leontus Cathedrals, 3rd century basilica, Al-Omari Mosque, Al-Khidre Mosque, AlMabrak Moasue, the Manjak Hammam, Bab AlQandil (Gate of the Lantern)..etc. This Trip includes other towns like Shahba, Izraa, Sweida, and Qanawat.
Duration: Full Day 8 –10 hours
Start Time: 8 am
Total Cost: 7700 Syrian Pounds.
Prices are meant for 4 passengers. Extra passengers for the same trip can be accommodated at an extra charge. If you like, you can share the trip with our other tourists depending on availability.
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Sednaya and Maaloula
(Jesus Speaks To you )
Location Description:
Maaloula is one of the most scenic villages in Syria and is of particular interest as the only place in the world where Aramaic; the language spoken by Christ; is still used as a living language by locals. The word Maaloula means “entrance” in Aramaic. There are two important monasteries in Maaloula: (Saint Sergius) Mar Sarkis and Mar Thecla (Taqla): Enter Mar Sarkis Monastery, and you will find yourself in the midst of history. Then visit renowned Mar Taqla Monastery, along with scores of pilgrims, both Muslims and Christians, who go there to gain blessings and to make offerings.
Notre Dame de Sednaya, to give the convent its full name, is enthroned like a mighty fortress of faith above the Greek Orthodox village. It was founded in 547 AD by the Byzantian Emperor Justinian, is dedicated to the Blessed Virgin Mary and comes under the jurisdiction of the Patriarch of Antioch.
Trip Description:
½ day to visit:
Our Lady of Sednaya Convent, St. Gergius Monastery, Mar Taqla Monastery.
Duration: 6 to 7 hrs.
Start Time: 8 am
Total Cost: 4400 Syrian Pounds.
Prices are meant for 4 passengers. Extra passengers for the same trip can be accommodated at an extra charge. If you like, you can share the trip with our other tourists depending on availability.
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Sednaya, Maaloula and Sherobim
(Pilgrimage Time )
Location Description:
Sherobim Monastery was built in the third century AD, it houses the Icon of Wonders; the famous Church of Sophia; and a monastery founded in AD 547 containing a portrait of the Virgin believed to have been painted by St. Luke. It is 2000m above sea level.
Maaloula is one of the most scenic villages in Syria and is of particular interest as the only place in the world where Aramaic; the language spoken by Christ; is still used as a living language by locals. (Site Information on trip# 4)
Notre Dame de Sednaya, to give the convent its full name, is enthroned like a mighty fortress of faith above the Greek Orthodox village. (Site Information on trip# 4)
Trip Description:
One day to visit three towns Our Lady of Sednaya Convent, Sherobim Monastery, St. Gergius Monastery and Mar Taqla Monastery in Maalloula.
Duration: 8 to9 hrs.
Start Time: 8 am
Total Cost: 5500 Syrian Pounds.
Prices are meant for 4 passengers. Extra passengers for the same trip can be accommodated at an extra charge. If you like, you can share the trip with our other tourists depending on availability.
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Sednaya, Maaloula, and Mar Mousa
(Let’s Go Saints )
Location Description:
Three Different Locations.
Mar Mousa Monastery is one of spectacular places in Syria. Unexpected to the environment, rocks, stones, dry areas, it survives. It was said that first Christians took refuge there long centuries ago. Nowadays monastery is revived by the Italian monk Paolo. The rocky nature, right said the ravine is gorgeous. You don't resist the solitary feeling with your thoughts and with yourself. Perfect place for meditation.
Maaloula is one of the most scenic villages in Syria and is of particular interest as the only place in the world where Aramaic; the language spoken by Christ; is still used as a living language by locals. (Site information in trip#4)
Notre Dame de Sednaya, to give the convent its full name, is enthroned like a mighty fortress of faith above the Greek Orthodox village. (Site information in trip#4)
Trip Description:
Full Day to visit three different locations: Our Lady of Sednaya Convent, St. Gergius Monastery, Mar Taqla Monastery, and Mar Mosa Al-Habashi (Saint Moses) Monastery at Nabek town.
Duration: 8 to 10 hrs.
Start Time: 8 am
Total Cost: 6600 Syrian Pounds.
Prices are meant for 4 passengers. Extra passengers for the same trip can be accommodated at an extra charge. If you like, you can share the trip with our other tourists depending on availability.
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Krak Des Chevaliers & Palmyra
( Time Machine Ride )
Location Description:
Krak Des Chevaliers (1031 AD)
The Middle East was always a meeting place for many different civilizations, notably the Babylonians, Egyptians, Hittites, Hebrews, Romans, Persians, Byzantines, Arabs, Kurds, Ottoman Turks, Seljuk Turks and Franks. Such a vast array of different cultures led to the creation of the unique architecture preserved in the Krak des Chevaliers. The fortress was described as “perhaps the best preserved and most wholly admirable castle in the world” by T. E. Lawrence. This fortress was made a World Heritage Site, along with Saladin Citadel. (Site information in trip#8)
Palmyra (2nd millennium BC)
The most striking building in Palmyra is the huge temple of Ba'al, considered "the most important religious building of the first century AD in the Middle East". It originated as a Hellenistic temple, of which only fragments of stones survive. Starting from the temple, a colonnaded street, corresponding to the ancient Decumanus, leads to the rest of the ancient city. The second most noteworthy remain in Palmyra is the theater, today having 9 rows of seating, but most likely having up to 12 with the addition of wooden structures. Other remains are countless and you might be the first to sight something unseen before. (Site information in trip#7)
Trip Description:
A long day of two Different Gorgeous Locations. (for tight schedules people). From Damascus, we will head to Krak Des Chevaliers first, then drive 2-3 hrs to Palmyra, and finally return to Damascus.
Duration: 12 to 15 hrs.
Start Time: 8 am
Total Cost: 11000 Syrian Pounds.
Prices are meant for 4 passengers. Extra passengers for the same trip can be accommodated at an extra charge. If you like, you can share the trip with our other tourists depending on availability.
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Palmyra & Krak Des Chevaliers
( One night at Palmyra )
Location Description:
Palmyra (2nd millennium BC)
The most striking building in Palmyra is the huge temple of Ba'al, considered "the most important religious building of the first century AD in the Middle East". It originated as a Hellenistic temple, of which only fragments of stones survive. Starting from the temple, a colonnaded street, corresponding to the ancient Decumanus, leads to the rest of the ancient city. The second most noteworthy remain in Palmyra is the theater, today having 9 rows of seating, but most likely having up to 12 with the addition of wooden structures. Other remains are countless and you might be the first to sight something unseen before. (Site information in trip#7)
Krak Des Chevaliers (1031 AD)
The Middle East was always a meeting place for many different civilizations, notably the Babylonians, Egyptians, Hittites, Hebrews, Romans, Persians, Byzantines, Arabs, Kurds, Ottoman Turks, Seljuk Turks and Franks. Such a vast array of different cultures led to the creation of the unique architecture preserved in the Krak des Chevaliers. The fortress was described as “perhaps the best preserved and most wholly admirable castle in the world” by T. E. Lawrence. This fortress was made a World Heritage Site, along with Saladin Citadel. (Site information in trip#8)
Trip Description:
First day dedicated to Palmyra where it ends in watching the sunset over the ruins from the Citadel. Second day starts with the sunrise in Palmyra, then you will head to Krak des Chevaliers. You should arrange your own accommodation. Our driver will stay in Palmyra.
Duration: 2 days and one night.
Start Time: 8 am
Total Cost: 14000 Syrian Pounds.
Prices are meant for 4 passengers. Extra passengers for the same trip can be accommodated at an extra charge. If you like, you can share the trip with our other tourists depending on availability.
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Palmyra
( The Hub of the Ancients )
Location Description:
Palmyra (2nd millennium BC)
The most striking building in Palmyra is the huge temple of Ba'al, considered "the most important religious building of the first century AD in the Middle East". It originated as a Hellenistic temple, of which only fragments of stones survive. Starting from the temple, a colonnaded street, corresponding to the ancient Decumanus, leads to the rest of the ancient city. The second most noteworthy remain in Palmyra is the theater, today having 9 rows of seating, but most likely having up to 12 with the addition of wooden structures. Other remains are countless and you might be the first to sight something unseen before.
The city was first mentioned in the archives of Mari in the 2nd millennium BC. It was another trading city in the extensive trade network that linked Mesopotamia and northern Syria. Palmyra is also mentioned in 2 Chronicles (8:4): “There had been a temple at Palmyra for 2000 years before the Romans ever saw it. Its form, a large stone-walled chamber with columns outside, is much closer to the sort of thing attributed to Solomon than to anything Roman.”
Trip Description:
One full day. From Damascus, we will head to Palmyra to see: Huge Hellenistic Temple of Baal, double colonnaded portico in Corynthian style, the ancient city, the monumental arch, theater, small senate, Tariff Court, the agora's entrance was decorated with statues of Septimius Severus, and his family, the Diocletian's Camp, large-scale funerary monuments (Valley of the Tombs), and many more. On the way back to Damascus, we recommend a stop at the famous Baghdad Café (Service Area.). Some choose to be dropped in Homs or Hama where an extra charge of 1000 Syrian Pounds exist.
Duration: 8 to 10 hrs.
Start Time: 8 am
Total Cost: 7700 Syrian Pounds.
Prices are meant for 4 passengers. Extra passengers for the same trip can be accommodated at an extra charge. If you like, you can share the trip with our other tourists depending on availability.
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Krak Des Chevaliers
(Where Crusaders Hug Saladin)
Location Description:
Krak Des Chevaliers (1031 AD)
Krak des Chevaliers was the headquarters of the Knights Hospitaller during the Crusades. The fortress may have held about 50-60 Hospitallers and up to 2,000 other foot soldiers; the Grand Master of the Hospitallers lived in one of the towers. In the 12th century the fortress had a moat which was covered by a drawbridge leading to postern gates.
The Middle East was always a meeting place for many different civilizations, notably the Babylonians, Egyptians, Hittites, Hebrews, Romans, Persians, Byzantines, Arabs, Kurds, Ottoman Turks, Seljuk Turks and Franks. Such a vast array of different cultures led to the creation of the unique architecture preserved in the Krak des Chevaliers. The fortress was described as “perhaps the best preserved and most wholly admirable castle in the world” by T. E. Lawrence. This fortress was made a World Heritage Site, along with Saladin Citadel.
Trip Description:
One full day to visit Krak Des Chevaliers and surrounding area, mainly St. Georges Monastery in Al-Humayra. One the way back to Damascus, we recommend a stop at the Taiba Restaurant Icon (Service Area) where you find the best Syria food and sweets. Some choose to be dropped in Homs or Hama where an extra charge of 1000 Syrian Pounds exist.
Duration: 8 to 10 hrs.
Start Time: 8 am
Total Cost: 7700 Syrian Pounds.
Prices are meant for 4 passengers. Extra passengers for the same trip can be accommodated at an extra charge. If you like, you can share the trip with our other tourists depending on availability.
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