Walk in the Wake | Weekend in 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. The country has many treasures, but this three-day weekender manages to cover a selection of Syria’s highlights that will fascinate, delight, and provide insight into this ancient land and its people.

In this historical crossroads, archaeologists have uncovered human remains 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. Even the ancient language of Aramaic is still spoken here!

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 // Arrival – Bosra – Damascus

Arrival in Damascus and completion of immigration formalities. Wasting no time, we’ll hop in our van and head to the southern city of Bosra, the first Nabatean city around 2,000 BC. Later, Bosra became a prosperous provincial capital during the Roman era, flourishing into a metropolis and a major center for food production and coin minting. Bosra is said to have played an important role in the life of Mohammed, as described in accounts by the Christian monk Bahira – the Assyrian monk who is said to have foretold to the young Mohammed his future as a prophet. Today, Bosra is regarded as a major archaeological site and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. Continue to Damascus for overnight.

In the evening, we’ll enjoy the city after dark, savoring delicious Syrian food and perhaps a drink in one of its lively bars.

Day 2 // 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 bears the saint’s name. Next is the Church and Monastery of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, one of the oldest such sites in Syria, believed to date back to the 3rd or 4th century. Today, it is one of the only places in the world where scholars can still study Aramaic, the ancient language of Christ.

We’ll then hit the road again for the two-hour drive to the impressive Krak des Chevaliers, or "Fortress of the Knights,” one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the world. Crossing the moat, entering the dungeons, and climbing the ramparts, we’ll explore this fascinating remnant of the past, founded in the 11th century and once occupied by Crusader forces.
On the way back to Damascus, we’ll stop for dinner in Homs, a city made infamous by the three-year siege between the Syrian military and rebel opposition, which resulted in widespread destruction of entire neighborhoods.

Day 3 // Damascus – Departure

Our trip would not be complete without visiting the oldest continuously inhabited capital city on Earth. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Damascus’ 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 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, it is now a cultural and folklore museum where we will learn about Syrian history, customs, clothing, and more. The rest of the day will be spent exploring the city’s major historic and religious landmarks, including the Umayyad Mosque, Straight Street, the House of Saint Ananias, Khan As’ad Pasha Caravanserai, Al-Buzuriyah Souq, and Souq Al-Hamidiyah.
We’ll have some free time for souvenir shopping before heading back to Damascus Airport for our flight home.

Grade: Easy – available for everyone.
Activities: Cultural immersion, sightseeing.
Cost: 5,370 AED all incl. flights, until NOV 12.

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

Visa:
Visa on arrival / e-visa for all passports. Several nationalities such as Egypt or Russia require OK to board.

It is sole responsibility of participant to secure entry to country of destination.

See yah in Syria x

Trekkup Crew
Whatsapp 050 4848238
Find all trekkups at linktr.ee/trekkup