October Autumn Tour

Monday, 26th – ​​​Maaloula »  ​Mar Musa ​» Homs ​»  Aleppo

• Our first stop today will be the October War Panorama, which vividly recounts the story of the October 1973 War, providing valuable insight into Syria’s modern history.
• Following this, we will visit the notorious Saydnaya Prison, once used by the Assad regime as a site for the torture of political prisoners, offering a solemn look at this dark chapter in Syria’s history.
• After that, we'll then drive to Maaloula, a small Christian town that suffered immense destruction by ISIS in 2014. Despite this, it remains one of the most scenic villages in Syria and is the only place in the world where Aramaic, the language spoken by Christ, is still actively used as a living language; in fact, it is possible to hear the Lord’s prayer being spoken using it.
  
• Then, we visit Mar Musa, a breathtaking 6th-century monastery perched among rugged mountains. Shaped like a towering fortress, this ancient site was founded by Mar Musa al-Habashi (Saint Moses of Abyssinia), who, according to legend, was the son of an Ethiopian king.
• Following this, we’ll head to Homs, the most affected city by the war, during our visit, we'll explore the Khaled Ibn Al-Walid Shrine and the St. Mary Church of the Holy Belt, two significant landmarks of the city, afterward, we will have Lunch in Homs City.
  
• Then, we will head to Aleppo, a flourishing metropolis since the 3rd millennium BC, Aleppo has been fighting with Damascus for the title of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited city. 
  
• Once we have explored more of the city, we'll enjoy dinner at Qurtuba, a renowned Syrian restaurant run by an Armenian family, known for its authentic flavors and warm atmosphere.
  
• Overnight in a 4-star hotel in the center of Aleppo City.

Tuesday, 27th –  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, 28th – ​St. Simeon ​» ​Idlib ​» Hama ​» Krak de Chevaliers ​» ​Jarjour Winery

• After breakfast, our first stop in the morning will be the majestic Basilica of St. Simeon, one of the oldest and largest church ruins in the world. Built in the 5th century, it honors Saint Simeon Stylites, who famously lived atop a pillar for decades in devotion. The site offers sweeping views and a deep sense of early Christian history.
• Then, we visit 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 Lawrence of Arabia describes 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.
• Then, we'll drive through the picturesque rural villages of the Homs Valley, heading to the renowned Jarjour winery, which is famous for its unique blue wine. Here, we'll enjoy a wine and cheese tasting, immersing ourselves in the flavors of the region.
• Afterward, we take a short drive to the Christian village of Almishtaya, known for its vibrant nightlife. Indeed, you can experience the lively atmosphere and enjoy the evening in one of Syria's most charming villages.
  
• Finally, overnight in a 4-star hotel in Al Mishtaya-Homs countryside.

Thursday, 29th – Palmyra » Damascus

• Breakfast at the hotel, early departure to Palmyra.
  
• Firstly, we will visit the ancient city of Palmyra, Syria's most iconic tourist destination. Notably, once a key city on the Silk Road, Palmyra briefly ruled its own empire in the 3rd century, stretching from Turkey to Egypt. However, despite being well-preserved, much of the city was sadly destroyed during the ISIS occupation in 2015.
  
• During our tour we will explore what remains, including the Arch of Triumph, the Sulphur Spring, the Great Columns, the Theater, the Agora, the Castle, and the Tombs.
  
• Furthermore, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch in a traditional Bedouin tent restaurant, run by a local family. This is, indeed, a perfect opportunity to savor authentic Syrian cuisine while experiencing the warm hospitality of the region.
  
• Afterward, we will drive back to Damascus, arriving just in time to enjoy a relaxing dinner in the city.
  
• Finally, overnight in Damascus.

Friday, 30th –  ​Damascus ​» Busra Sham » Shrine of Sayyida Zaynab »  ​Beirut or Dam Airport

• After breakfast at the hotel, 
  
• we'll head south through the lush, fertile plains to the ancient city of Bosra al-Sham, which is certainly, home to the best-preserved Roman amphitheater in the world. 
  
• Subsequently, We'll explore the city’s rich Roman heritage, including its baths and captivating historical tales. Meanwhile, while in the region, we’ll also have the chance to enjoy the renowned Malihi dish, a local specialty. 
  
• Next, we’ll visit the original school in Daraa where the boys' graffiti ignited the revolution, and meet Muawiya Siyasneh, one of those boys, to hear his firsthand account of that pivotal moment in history.
• Afterward, we'll drive back to Damascus, where, we will visit the Shrine of Sayyida Zaynab, an important Mosque for Shiaa followers.
• We'll then drive back to Beirut (or Damascus Airport), aiming to arrive by early evening, around 6 pm.
• End of Syria October Autumn Tour.