Syria Winter Tour

Tuesday, 06th –  Aleppo city tour

• After breakfast, our first stop in the morning will be, of course, the famous Aleppo Castle, which stands in the middle of the city and dominates it from the height of its fifty meters. Furthermore, it has admirably designed towers and is distinguished by its entrances made with perfection to prevent any enemy intrusion, as well as its iron gates.
  
• Then, we'll stroll through the market stretching from the front of the castle to the old city. Along the way, we'll witness the contrast between the destroyed areas, the active restoration sites, and finally, the fully renovated section, which now looks absolutely stunning.
  
• Moreover, Aleppo is renowned for its spicy sausage; therefore, we’ll make a stop at Abu Hagoub Restaurant, famous for serving the best sausage sandwiches in the city.
  
• Then, we visit the Umayyad Mosque in Aleppo, which is currently in the final stages of restoration.
  
• Subsequently, we'll visit Al-Jubaili Soap Factory, the oldest in Aleppo, where you'll have the opportunity to witness the traditional process of crafting the world-famous laurel Aleppo soap, renowned for its quality and history.
  
• We will also visit a soap exhibition where you can touch the largest bar of soap in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records.
  
• We head for sunset at one of our secret spots overlooking Aleppo; subsequently, we head back to Uncle Hamido's restaurant, where you'll get the chance to taste what is often hailed as the best falafel in the world.
  
• Finally, overnight in a 4-star hotel in the center of Aleppo City.

Wednesday, 07th – ​Idlib - Hama - Krak de Chevaliers - ​Damascus

• We’ll start our day exploring Idlib Governorate, now more accessible since its liberation. Long closed to tourism since 2011, Idlib offers a rare opportunity to witness a region with a distinct economic system, religious makeup, and way of life—offering a deeper, contrasting perspective of Syria beyond the usual tourist paths.
  
• We'll drive south to Hama, where we'll visit the iconic waterwheels that once played a crucial role in providing water to the surrounding land. Furthermore, these ancient structures are a symbol of the city’s rich history.
  
• After that, we'll continue our journey to Krak des Chevaliers, which is described by Lawrence of Arabia as "the most wholly admirable castle in the world."  In addition, this medieval crusader fortress is one of the most significant and well-preserved castles from that era, offering a fascinating glimpse into Syrian History.
  
• Afterward, we will drive back to Damascus, arriving just in time to enjoy a relaxing dinner in the city.
• Finally, you will enjoy an overnight in a boutique hotel in the center of the Old Damascus.

Thursday, 08th – Damascus - Beirut

• After breakfast, we'll begin our full-day tour of Damascus.
  
• Firstly, we'll explore the city at a relaxed pace, allowing ample time for photography and meaningful interactions with the locals.
  
• The National Museum: Its visit provides an overview of the civilizations that have succeeded on Syrian soil. Specifically, it contains statues, seals, jewelry, masks, mosaics, tablets and weavings from the most important sites in the country.
  
• Then, we will head to the Handicraft Market, which is home to some of the finest handmade goods in the Middle East.
  
• The Umayyad Mosque, a historic site of worship dating back to the first millennium B.C, it was once a church and is now one of the most important mosques in the world.
  
• Azem Palace, a beautifully preserved example of a traditional Damascene house turned Ottoman-era museum.
  
• We will visit the devastated Ghouta area, which was tragically attacked with chemical weapons by the Assad regime, a poignant reminder of the region's history and the resilience of its people.
  
• We will visit Mount Qasioun, the highest peak offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city of Damascus.
  
• Furthermore, we'll also discover some hidden gems in Damascus, such as Al Qashleh Cafe, known for its vibrant atmosphere and ​popularity with Syria's younger crowd. ​Additionally, we’ll visit The Barber Shop, the only speakeasy place in Syria—offering a truly one-of-a-kind experience.
• We'll then drive back to Beirut (or Damascus Airport), aiming to arrive by early evening, around 8 pm.
  
• End of Syria January Tour.