Feast of the Cross Festival Tour

 ​ Sep 12-19th, 2026

 ​US$1105

 ​8 Days

September Tour with the Feast of the Cross Celebration – ​Syria September ​Feast of the Cross Tour

September is one of the best times of the year to visit Syria, and it meets the Feast of the Cross celebration on the fourteenth of September. Our ​Syria September ​Feast of the Cross Tour lets you experience this unique event, as Christians in Syria celebrate the Feast of the Cross, especially in Maaloula, where they gather during the day and perform a popular dance called Al-Arada. On the night of the fourteenth, they climb the mountains, light fires, and place crosses. 

This tour also includes Syria’s top highlights, from the Citadel of Aleppo and Krak des Chevaliers to the vibrant cities of Damascus, Homs, and Hama, along with the ancient wonders of Palmyra and the world’s best-preserved Roman amphitheater in Bosra al-Sham.

Note: The itinerary may be adjusted based on local security conditions and other unforeseen circumstances.

The Itinerary

01

Saturday 12th September ​-  ​Beirut or Dam Airport ​» Damascus

02

Sunday 13th – ​Damascus city tour  » Maaloula » Damascus

03

Monday 14th –​ ​Mar Musa ​​​» Homs ​»  Aleppo

04

Tuesday 15th –  ​Aleppo city tour

05

Wednesday 16th –​ ​ St. Simeon ​» ​Idlib ​» Hama » Krak de Chevaliers

06

Thursday 17th – ​Palmyra ​» Damascus

07

Friday 18th –  ​​​Busra sham ​» ​Shrine of Sayyida Zaynab

08

Saturday 19th - ​Damascus ​» Beirut or Dam Airport

Saturday, September 12th ​-  Beirut » Damascus

Sunday, 13th – Damascus city tour » Maaloula » Damascus

Continue reading

Monday, 14th – ​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.
  • 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, 15th –  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, 16th – ​​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, 17th – 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, 18th –  ​Damascus ​» Busra Sham » Shrine of Sayyida Zaynab 

  • 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.
  • In conclusion, dinner and overnight in Damascus, will indeed, provide a perfect ending to our day.

Saturday, 19th –  ​Damascus » ​Beirut or Damascus Airport

  • After breakfast, 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 Syria Feast of the Cross Tour.

Tour Map

Tour Price Includes

 ​​   ​​​Private transportation from arrival to departure

 ​​   ​​Stay in 4-star hotels with twin rooms 7-nights

 ​​   ​Syrian Visa Approval, VAT & All Local Taxes

 ​​​​​   ​Professional licensed English-speaking guide

  ​  ​Entrance tickets to sites ​listed in the itinerary 

    Meals (Breakfast)

    ​Mineral water provided in the vehicle

    ​All required permissions for restricted sites

Tour Price Excludes

    International flights to Beirut or Dam Airport

   Visa fee

    Lunch and Dinner

   Single supplement, Having your private room US$325

   Tips for guide and driver

Tour Capacity: 9 Participants

Tour Led By: Tambi

Inquire Now
Syria May tour

Feast of the Cross Festival Tour

    Thank you! Your message has been sent.
    Unable to send your message. Please fix errors then try again.