July Summer Tour

Tuesday, 14th - ​ ​ Amrit » Arwad Island » Marqab Castle » ​Lattakia

• Breakfast and head to Amrit, ​this Phoenician temple in Tartous Governorate, dates back to the third millennium BC. Its unique design features a central altar accessible only by boat, as it is surrounded by water within the temple grounds.
  The site reflects the grandeur of the Phoenician civilization along the Syrian coast. Notably, you can see an Olympic stadium nearby.
  
• Next, we will visit Arwad Island, the only island in Syria, known for its charming narrow alleys and small houses enclosed within ancient walls. Measuring approximately 800 meters in length and 500 meters in width, the Phoenicians settled the island in the early second millennium BC.
  Today, Arwad is famous for its handmade shipbuilding and thriving fishing industry.
  
• Following that, we will visit Marqab Castle, also known as Margat, is a historic Crusader fortress near Baniyas, Syria. As one of the major strongholds of the Knights Hospitaller—who also controlled Krak des Chevaliers—the two castles communicated via smoke signals or mirrors through Chastel-Blanc (Safita), a smaller intermediary fortress. Perched on a hilltop, Marqab Castle offers breathtaking views of the coastline.
  
• Next, we will continue our journey to the charming city of Lattakia, where the sea meets lush green mountains and a lively urban atmosphere. Upon arrival, we will explore the city and take in its unique blend of natural beauty and vibrant culture.
  
• Overnight stay at a 4-star Resort in Lattakia City, with a beautiful sea view.

Wednesday, 15th - ​Ugarit » Burj Islam » Citadel of Salah ad-Din » Damascus

• After breakfast, we will depart for Ugarit, a historic coastal town north of Lattakia. Ugarit gained fame with the discovery of clay tablets bearing the world’s oldest known consonantal alphabet. The earliest settlement, a large fortified village, dates back to the 8th millennium BC.
  Later, two immense palaces were constructed, containing archives and literary texts that reveal an astonishing diversity of languages and five distinct writing systems, including the Ugaritic script from the 14th century BC.
  
• After that, we will visit Burj Islam, an area renowned for its stunning rocky beaches and crystal-clear blue waters. This picturesque coastal spot also features a breathtaking sea cave, offering a unique and serene natural escape.
  
• Then, we will visit Syria’s most breathtaking castle, majestically perched on a rocky hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding green mountains. One of its most remarkable features is a manually excavated moat, a testament to the dedication and skill of its builders. This historic fortress has witnessed the influence of multiple civilizations, from the Phoenicians and Byzantines to the Crusaders and the era of Saladin.
  
• Then, we will journey back to Damascus, taking in the stunning landscapes along the way, making for a scenic and relaxing drive.
  
• Finally, you will enjoy an overnight in a boutique hotel in the center of the Old Damascus.

Thursday, 16th - ​ ​​Damascus » ​Beirut or Dam Airport  

• 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.
  
• Afterwards, we will explore Souk Al-Hamidiyeh: The most beautiful souk of Damascus. Here, its shops display all sorts of goods, especially clothes, fabrics, pastries, and handicrafts.
  
• 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 Mount Qasioun, the highest peak offering a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city of Damascus.
  
• We'll visit the remaining tourist attractions in Damascus, including the modern districts, and enjoy some free time for shopping.
  
• We'll then drive back to Beirut (or Damascus Airport), aiming to arrive by early evening, around 6 pm.
  
• End of the Tour.