Je Suis Syria | Journey Across Syria

Welcome to Syria, home to one of the oldest civilizations in the world and rich with artistic and cultural heritage. From its ancient roots to its recent political instability and civil war, the country has a complex and turbulent history.

In this ancient land, archaeologists have uncovered human remains discovered dating back 700,000 years – even before the time of the Neanderthals. The city of Elba, thought to have existed around 3,000 BC, is one of the world’s oldest settlements ever to be excavated, while the famed Damascus is the world’s oldest continuously inhabited capital city.

Situated on the Eastern coast of the Mediterranean Sea, the nation was once part of a vast area known as Bilad Al-Sham (Greater Syria), which now corresponds to the modern-day Levant region, encompassing Syria and its neighbors Turkey, Jordan, Lebanon and Palestine/Israel.
Invasions and occupations through the ages resulted in a who’s who of ancient empires making their mark on this land. These include the Egyptians, Hittites, Sumerians, Mitanni, Assyrians, Babylonians, Canaanites, Phoenicians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Mongols, Crusaders…and more! A melting pot for millennia, today it is home to diverse ethnic and religious groups including Kurds, Armenians, Assyrians, Christians, Druze, Alawites, and Shia and Sunni Arabs, the last making up the majority of the Muslim population.

There is no escaping the fact that the Syrian people have suffered greatly in recent decades, enduring military coups, a 50-year dictatorship, and brutal civil conflict resulting in death and destruction – and more than six million Syrians fleeing the country.
The future of the country is still being determined, but visit Syria today and you will find a destination of fascinating ancient landmarks, delicious cuisine, proud heritage and traditions, and welcoming locals who are eager to share their culture.

Let’s go!

Day 1 :: Departure via Jordan / Bosra

Meeting at airport for a flight to Amman, change of the ride to a private vehicle and drive towards Syrian border.

Welcome to Syria! Head straight to the southern city of Bosra, an ancient settlement mentioned by the Egyptians as far back as the 14th century BC. Later established as the first Nabatean city around 100-200 BCE, Bosra then became a prosperous provincial capital during the Roman era, followed by time as an important center of Christianity, before coming under Muslim rule.

Bosra is said to have played an important role in the life of Mohammed, and with strategic importance as Syria's southern gateway, during the Islamic era the city also became an important stopover on the ancient caravan route to Mecca and Medina. Today it known for its archaeological treasures and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. Our tour will take us through highlights including Bosra Old Town, the magnificent 2nd-century Roman theatre, the Cathedral of Bosra, an important example of early Christian architecture, and several mosques, including Al-Omari Mosque, one of the oldest surviving mosques in Islamic history.

Continue to Damascus, check in and overnight in the hotel.

Day 2 & 3 :: Discovering Damascus

Over next two days we set out to discover the oldest continuously inhabited capital city on Earth. Designated an UNESCO World Heritage Site, the historic center is surrounded by Roman-era walls punctuated by seven ancient gates. As we wander the streets of the Old City, it’s easy to imagine a time long ago when Silk Road traders arrived to barter and sell their wares. Our first stop will be Azem Palace, a masterpiece of traditional Damascene architecture. Built in 1750 by the Ottoman governor, today it is a cultural and folklore museum where we will learn about Syrian history, customs, clothing and more. The rest of the day we will make our way between the city’s major historic and religious monuments and key areas, including the Umayyad Mosque, Straight Street, House of Saint Ananias, Khan As'ad Pasha Caravanserai, Al-Buzuriyah Souq, and Souq Al Hamidiyah.

In the evenings, after a quick refreshment, we will hit the streets of the old town for yet another setting of this fascinating city.

Day 4 :: Ma’aloula – Krak Des Chevaliers

After breakfast we leave Damascus and head to the village of Ma’aloula. Here we will visit the Greek Orthodox Convent of Saint Thecla, and walk the mountain path that holds the saint’s name. Next is the Church and Monastery of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, once of the oldest such sites in Syria, claiming to date back to the 3rd or 4th century. Today it is one of the only teaching centers in the world where scholars can still learn Aramaic, the ancient language of Christ.

We’ll hit the road again for the two-hour drive to the impressive Krak Des Chevaliers, or "Fortress of the Knights”, one of the most important preserved medieval castles in the world. Crossing the moat, entering the dungeons and climbing the ramparts we’ll explore this fascinating remnant of days gone by, which was founded in the 11th century and once occupied by Crusader forces.

On the way back to Damascus we’ll stop for dinner in Homs, the city made infamous by the three-year siege of Homs, a face-off between the Syrian military and the rebel opposition which resulted in widespread damage and destruction of entire neighborhoods.

Day 5: Departure
Bye bye Syria! Its time to hit the road to Amman airport for our return flight home.

Grade: Easy – available for everyone.
Activities: Cultural immersion, sightseeing.

Cost: 5,700 AED all incl. flights, cash payment during briefings only.
Cost valid until MAY 4th.

Accommodation & Meals: 5 star hotel, double sharing, meals excluded.
Specifically Excluded: Visa expenses, meals.

Visa:
Syria: arrangements for visa on arrival for ALL PASSPORTS are included in trip budget. Visa cost, if any, payable on arrival.
Jordan: visa on arrival, approx 40 USD.

See yah in Syria x

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