Hiking Tour Long
From Crusader Castles to Doorways of Desert 11 days/ 10 nights
Since the dawn of the civilization, Syria was a point of convergence of many famous roads and expeditions: the caravans carrying silk from China, pilgrim's way to Mecca, conquest of Alexander the Great, of his generals and of other legendary warriors including the medieval Crusaders clod in dazzling armours… all of these ventures left behind them a spectacular witness throughout Syria, in the plains and the fertile valleys, on the peaks of mountains, in the vibrant cities. On this tour enveloped with perfumes of roses, cedars and orange trees you will cross various Syrian sceneries. In the north you will reach till the Turkish border and explore the rugged limestone region, which is scattered with the pathetic Dead Cities found in extraordinary abundance and astonishing state of preservation, these are ruined ‘ghost’ towns and cities with churches and monasteries abandoned by the Christians in the 7th century. Heading your way through the green coastal terraced hills supporting olive groves, tobacco and rich fruit orchards you will reach Lattakia and its beaches and explore medieval fortresses, the eternal castles witnessing the big adventure of the crusades. Eastwards you will cross the desert along the dramatic desolate hills of bare rock to the millenary cities on the banks of the mythical Euphrates and meet the fabled Palmyra rising from the sand, which resounds by legends that accompanied the caravans transporting treasures from the Orient (silk, perfumes, spices, ivory and pearls). Upon you return to Damascus you will admire the fresh air that blows through the fabulous Ghouta and through gardens of the Barada Valley.
day
1 : Arrival Damascus
Arrive at the Damascus airport, meet and assist, transfer to hotel.
Dinner and overnight in Damascus
day
2 : Damascus
Morning sightseeing tour of Damascus : the National Museum, the Umayyad mosque, the Azem Palace, souks. Afternoon walk along the bank of the Barada river on an old railway in the fertile gardens of Ghouta the precious Silk fibers of which weave a whole page of history of this fabulous city on the crossroad of the West and the Orient.
Dinner and overnight in Damascus
day
3 : Maaloula, Krack des Chevaliers,St.-George, Safita
Short drive North to Maaloula, picturesque village perched in the rock, where Aramaic, the language of Jesus Christ is still spoken, hiking through the miraculous crack in the mountain to the St. Sergius monastery, then proceed to Krack Des Chevaliers, remarkably intact Crusader Castle which will shift you 800 years back, hiking to St. George Monastery through an extremely interesting and scenic route, transfer to Safita.
Dinner and overnight in Safita
day
4 : Safita, Marqab Castle, Lattakia
You explore the village Safita which stands on the site of the fortress that was called Castle le Blanc by the Crusaders, of which you can admire a fabulous Tower about 40m high, continue to the Marqab Castle, the nearest crusaders castle to the coastline of Syria concealing a fabulous painting of the last supper, hiking down the hill during which you will enjoy beautiful views over the mountains and the sea. Till the main road, transfer to Lattakia the Syrian's principal port on the Mediterranean, free time on the coast.
Dinner and overnight in Lattakia
day
5 : Ugarit, Bab al-Hawa, Sarmada, Qalb Lozeh, Aleppo
Visit to Ugarit, an ancient kingdom where the world's firth alphabet was found in the archives of the royal palace, driving north through a remote sparsely inhabited region with memorable views stretching out to Turkey, towards Sarmada where a fierce battle between the Seldjoukes and Crusaders took place in 1119. Chroniclers of the epoch called the area “ager sanguinis” (bloody fields), because of the tremendous number of dead among the crusaders. Continue up to the border 'Bab al-Hawa' and visit of one of the most impressive Dead Cities with a superbly intact church at Qalb Lozeh is beautifully proportioned and ornamented with delicious carvings… Back to Aleppo.
Dinner and overnight in Aleppo
day
6 : Aleppo, St. Simeon, Dead Cities,Aleppo
Full day sightseeing in Aleppo, the fabled city with a long history of glory and prosperity since the 3 rd millennium B.C. The monuments include the gigantesque Citadel, the Great Mosque, and the colorful labyrinth of the ancient Souks, where the time seems to have stopped for centuries…Afternoon hiking through other spectacular Dead Cities, including an important pilgrimage site of the 5th century St Simeon Monastery.
Dinner and overnight in Aleppo
day
7 : Ebla, Apamea, Hama, Palmyra
Exploration of the fertile valley of the Orontes River. Visit to the millenary Ebla, recently discovered missing station on the Silk Road between the Euphrates and the Mediterranean. Continue to Apamea, Roman city with the most beautiful and best preserved city we walk the kilometer long colonnaded street with its fluted columns and fabulous views across the fertile plains, on to Hama to see (and hear) the Norias, ancient Roman waterwheels driven by the Orontes River. Continue eastwards, through the desert to Palmyra.
Dinner and overnight in Palmyra
day
8 : Palmyra
All day in the magnificent oasis city of Palmyra, capital of the legendary Queen Zenobia, who dared to challenge the power of Rome. Visit includes the imposing Bel temple, mystic valley of tombs, the theater, agora, etc. In the evening climb uphill to the Arab castle to witness the fabulous sunset over the ruins ,Dinner and overnight in Palmyra .
day
9 :Free day in Damascus
Drive back to Damascus, afternoon free to explore or shop.
Dinner and overnight in Damascus
day
10 :Zabadani, Bloudan, Damascus
Trekking in the green Barada Valley in the fresh air and captivating landscapes of the popular hill resorts Bloudan and Zabadani, which offer great views out over the valley bellow and its fertile plain boasting rich gardens and orchards of apples, apricots, walnuts, plums and cherries. Return to Damascus.
Dinner and overnight in Damascus
day
11 :Departure from Damascus
Departure.
Hiking 3-Sahara
In the furrows of Caravans of the Sun 11 Day / Night 10
Departure.
You will live through thousand and one adventures in the country of Aladin, who will lead you through mountains and valleys of luxuriant verdure, through the harshness of the desert to the banks of the mythical Euphrates, among the Bedouins. Unexpected treasures will enchant you – Crusader castles in the magical setting of the Jebel Ansariye and imposing Castles of desert, mysterious phantoms of the Dead Cities dispersed in the lime hills, and, of course, the breathtaking pearl of the desert Palmyra, the legendary oasis which suddenly rises in front of your eyes like a mirage. Wandering through the labyrinth of souks in Aleppo and Damascus you will discover the magic world of legends, the world of Sinbad and other smart merchants from the fairytales… The magic nights spent in a Bedouin tent in the heart of desert and riding on the back of camels like the Bedouins will make from this trip an unforgettable experience … You will travel off the beaten track, encounter people of legendary hospitality and taste the delicious meals in this fascinating country far from the tourist crowds….
day
1 :Arrival at Damascus
Arrive at the Damascus International Airport, meet and greet, transfer to hotel.
Dinner and Overnight in Damascus.
day
2 :Damascus
Full day Damascus city tour includes: the National Museum, the lavishly decorated Azem Palace with its fairytale courtyards, the inspiring Umayyad Mosque which is one of the most beautiful holy places of Islam, the Christian Quarter with St. Paul Window, St. Ananias Chapel and the Straight Street associated with St Paul and his conversion on the road to Damascus. Finishing in the fabulous authentic covered bazaar. In the evening panoramic view of Damascus from the Kassioun Mountain and dinner with a show (Darwish dance) in the traditional Umayyad Palace restaurant in the heart of the Old City.
Dinner and Overnight in Damascus.
day
3 :Krack des Chevaliers, St George
Drive north to the most beautiful region of Syria the Jabel Ansariye range offering wonderful views over gently rolling ranges of hills striated with olive groves, tobacco and rich fruit orchards. This scenery changes to rugged, steep and inaccessible mountains covered with thick forests with peaks of over 1500 m. Visit to the Krack des Chevaliers, the dream castle of childhood fantasies, hiking down to the St. George monastery through the stunning nature.
Dinner and overnight in the hotel near to the Krak des Chevaliers.
day
4 :Safita
Hiking in the mountains covered with rosaries, pomegranate trees, fig and olive groves, in direction of the huge mass of stones that announces the picturesque town of Safita. In Safita you will see another castle, the Chastel Blanc, which used to belong to the Knights Templars. It boasts a well preserved tower and splendid views of the coast and Mount Lebanon.
Dinner and overnight in Safita
day
5 :Saladin Castle, Arwad Island, Lattakia
Drive to the proximity of the Saladin castle, ruins of famous impregnable castle sculpted into rocks, where you must pass through a narrow strait between two walls of sheer rock. After the visit of this imposing Crusader castle hiking in its countryside. Later on move to the coastal city of Tartus where you will board a boat and go on a see-trip to the Arwad Island. Exploration of the picturesque island with its narrow alleys and citadel. Transfer to Lattakia.
Dinner and overnight in Lattakia
day
6 :Aleppo
Cross the coastline mountains to Aleppo, the door to the desert. Afternoon devoted to the visit of this splendid Oriental city with a unique atmosphere created by the narrow winding streets, the gigantesque citadel, and the fabulous labyrinth of covered souks and khans, which make this city unforgettable…
Dinner and overnight in Aleppo.
day
7 :St. Simeon, Aleppo
Transfer to the St. Simeon monastery, the masterpiece of the early Christian architecture. A huge basilica was built over the pillar on top of which the Stylite lived for 42 years, then trekking in the rugged limestone hills scattered with the phantom Dead Cities, ruins of settlements dating back to the Byzantine era… Back to Aleppo
Dinner and overnight in Aleppo.
day
8 :Qalat Jaber, Assad Lake, Raqqa
Drive to the east through the Syrian desert to the Euphrates region, exploration of the Al-Assad dam. After the visit of the amazing Jaabar castle you can take a refreshing swim in the cold sweet blue waters of the mythical river of Euphrates… continue to Raqqa.
Dinner and overnight in Raqqa .
day
9 :Rasafeh, night in the desert
Drive to Rasafeh, the dramatic ruins of a huge walled city which rose to fame after the martyrdom of Sergius, a Roman soldier converted to Christianity, who refused to pray to Jupiter. Continue driving till the road ends, then walk about 20 Km through the desert that begins to make its presence felt more forcefully, set the tents for night.
Dinner and Overnight in the desert camp .
day
10 :Qasr al-Heir al-Sharki, Palmyra
In the same way as legendary camel caravans of the Bedouins you will navigate the inhospitable vastness by the time the imposing walls of the Qasr al- Heir al-Sharki ( literally ‘eastern walled-palace’) come into view. The site where the group will take the bus to the great caravan city of Palmyra, a vital link in the desert routes between Roman Syria to the west and Mesopotamia to the east.
Dinner and Overnight in Palmyra.
day
11 :Palmyra
Full day in the dazzling oasis Palmyra to marvel at its triumphal arches, the impressive Bel Temple, the mystic Valley of tombs, theatre and agora, and the Museum with a unique collection of inspiring portrait sculptures of the Palmyrene habitants, in the evening hike to the hilltop of the Arab fortress to witness a fabulous sunset over the city of thousand columns in the sunset.
Dinner and Overnight in Palmyra.
day
12 :With camels through desert, Abbassia source
On this day you continue with the camel caravan through the desert. Despite the harshness of the desert environment the home of numerous interesting nomadic tribes, till reaching an area near to the Abbassia hot water spring, dinner and camping near the spring in which you can refresh your body and mind.
Dinner and Overnight in the desert.
day
13 :Palace Sukkari , dinner and night in a Bedouin tent
The caravan moves to the site of the Sukkari Palace, a Bedouin crew will take care of a big Bedouin tent and camels set tent nearby and prepare a delicious meal displaying traditional specialities.
Dinner and Overnight in a Bedouin tent
day
14 :Damascus
Drive back to Damascus, afternoon free to explore or shop
day
15 :Departure from Damascus
Departure.
Drive back to Damascus, afternoon free to explore or shop.
Hiking Short
On the Road of Conquerors: From Alexander to Saladin 8 days / 7 nights
This tour is a colourful mosaic combining stunning sceneries of rare natural beauty and unique cultural heritage sites. You will spend a charming week laced with gentle treks and charming walks scattered with world's great monuments, famous old castles, ruined towns, cities and monastic establishments which enveloped in perfume of roses, lilies, iris, daisies and various blooming wild flowers narrate the bygone glory. On the Mediterranean littoral you will discover the face of first cities of the past (Ugarit), nearby, in the calm shadow of the pines covering mountains of the Jabel Ansariye, gigantic Crusader castles (Krack des Chevaliers) will open their gates. You will be stunned by the beauty of the museum in the open air of the mysterious Dead Cities. Fabulous caravan cities rise abruptly from sand in the rugged desert (Ebla, Palmyra) and dramatic bare stone mountains hide many picturesque villages (Maaloula). The green carpet of plains of the Orontes Valley and the fertile Ghouta with its gardens have always attired steps of numerous pilgrims. You will contrast these calms moments with the frenetic atmosphere of the vibrant cities of Aleppo and Damascus. Syria is a fascinating country where history left its imprints on every stone.
Departure.
day
1 :Arrival Damascus
Arrive at the Damascus airport, meet and greet, transfer to hotel.
Dinner and overnight .
day
2 :Damascus
Tour begins with the exploration of the Damascus highlights: the National Museum, the Umayyad Mosque, Azem Palace and labyrinth of souks. In the afternoon escape from the bustling city to the calm and fresh gardens of the fabled Ghouta, trekking on the path of the ancient railway along the bank of the Barada River in the shadow of fig trees, almonds and olive groves.
Dinner and overnight in Damascus .
day
3 :Maaloula, Krack des Chevaliers,Tartus, Lattakia
Transfer to Maaloula, picturesque Christian village set into cliffs. Hiking through the famous miraculous crack in a rock up to the St. Sergius monastery, then drive through the coastal mountains to the grandiose fortress Krack Des Chevaliers cutting an imposing silhouette against the skyline, after the visit of this dream castle of childhood fantasies, a trek to the St. George monastery. Leave for Lattakia stopping in the port of Tartus.
Dinner and overnight in Lattakia.
day
4 :Ugarit, Saladin Castle, Aleppo
En route to Aleppo, visit of Ugarit, the old kingdom on the Syrian coast that had given the humanity the first alphabet in the world, then drive to the neighborhood of the dramatic Saladin Castle, to visit the inspiring remains of this legendary Crusader castle, which rises out of a rock. You must pass through a deep narrow canyon between two walls of sheer vertical rock. Drive northwards to Aleppo.
Dinner and overnight in Aleppo .
day
5 :Aleppo
Sightseeing in the highly atmospheric city of Aleppo, the most 'oriental' city in the Middle East, with narrow streets, huge fortified impregnable Citadel, countless mosques, caravanserai and thriving souks. Afternoon drive to the majestic monastery of St Simeon, where the Stylite sat atop his pillar for 42 years, then a trek through some of the romantic 'Dead Cities', deserted ghost settlement scattered through the limestone hills. Return to Aleppo.
Dinner and overnight in Aleppo .
day
6 :Ebla, Apamea, Hama, Palmyra
Heading to Palmyra stopping in Ebla, one the most ancient sites in Syria revealing the existence of a major Bronze Age civilization. The site is famous for a palace dating back to the second half of the third millinery BC, in which 15000 tablets covered with cuneiform scriptures have been discovered. Continue to Apamea, the stirring site reminiscent of Palmyra representing a subtle union between the Greco-roman and Syrian Art. Walk through its famous colonnaded avenue. Drive via the city of Hama famous for its colossal water wheels which have been lifting water for thousands of years from the Orontes valley up to the village, continue eastwards and drop to the desert towards Palmyra.
Dinner and overnight in Palmyra.
day
7 :Palmyra, Damascus
Full day in the fabulous oasis of Palmyra, the pearl of the desert. Day begins early in the morning with a hike uphill to the Arab castle, which dominates the site, to admire the Palmyra ruins in the purple color of the rising sun. Visit includes the monumental Bel Temple, colonnaded streets dominated by the Triumphal Arch, the theater, agora and the mystic Valley of Tombs… Return to Damascus.
Dinner and overnight in Damascus.
day
8 :Damascus
Drive back to Damascus, afternoon free to explore or shop
Special offer Tours
Fairytale of the Orient 8 days/ 7 nights
Syria appears as a colorful mosaic of colors, smells and sounds. This one week tour captures the spirit of Orient with its charms and legends. You will admire the beauty and splendor of its archaeological sites, imposing castles, ancient cities and wonderful sceneries. In the rich ancient kingdoms of Ugarit and Ebla you will discover the face of the first cities that rose and fell thousands years ago. Krack des Chevaliers dramatically located in the mountains will remain you of the tormented era of the Crusaders. Experience the magic of Damascus, the oldest inhabited city in the world, with its mesmerizing labyrinth of souks, the lavishly ornamented palaces, narrow picturesque streets and ancient houses, and of the fairytale city of Aleppo enveloped in the perfume of roses, fragrant soaps and incense. Palmyra in the colors of the setting sun and the highly atmospheric, magnetizing ‘Dead Cities’ will make Syria for you unforgettable. This land of outstanding beauty and fascinating history rolls out the carpets of jasmine to invite you to discover its splendid and undreamt gems.
day
1 :Arrival Damascus
Arrive at the Damascus national airport. Meet and greet, assistance with visa formalities. Transfer to hotel.
Dinner and Overnight in Damascus.
day
2 :Damascus
Day 07 Entire day sightseeing in Damascus, city with history stretching back to 4000 years. In the morning excursion to the National Museum to admire its rich archeological treasures. In the afternoon visit to the inspiring Umayyad Mosque, one of the greatest monuments of Islam; to the lavishly decorated 18th-century Azem Palace which looks like it comes straight out of a tale in the Thousand and One Nights, the tiny Chapel of Ananias and the Straight Street of the biblical association, the vibrant souks. Sunset over Damascus from the Mount Kassioun.
Dinner and Overnight in Damascus
day
3 :Maaloula, Krack des Chevaliers, Amrit, Lattakia
A short drive brings us to Maaloula, a picturesque village perched in the rock. Visit St. Sergius monastery, and St. Takla Convent, ones of the well-known eastern martyrs. Here Aramaic, the language of Jesus Christ can still be heard. Continue to the extraordinary site of Qalat al-Husn, better known as Krack des Chevaliers. It is the best preserved of all Crusader castles. On the way to the coastal city Lattakia visit of Amrit, ancient Phoenician city with a mysterious water temple.
Dinner and Overnight in Lattakia.
day
4 :Ugarit, Saladin Castle, Aleppo
Morning excursion to Ugarit, the old kingdom on the Syrian coast that had given to the humanity the first alphabet in the world. Drive through the mountains to visit the inspiring remains of another legendary Crusader castle, the Saladin Castle which rises out of a rock you must pass through a deep narrow canyon between two walls of sheer vertical rock. Transfer to Aleppo.
Dinner and Overnight in Aleppo
day
5 :Aleppo
Morning sightseeing in Aleppo, perhaps the most alluring and unspoiled city in the Middle East. Visit includes the colossal Citadel, the Great mosque, khans and madrassas, the famous Christian Quarter. The vibrant souks with stalls selling every imaginable variety of merchandise provide a vivid impression of life in the Late Antique world. Afternoon visit St. Simeon Monastery set in the beautiful limestone hills. This 6th century masterpiece of Early Christian Architecture rose around the site of the pillar on top of which St Simeon lived for 42 years. Site offers splendid views reaching out to Turkey. Transfer back to Aleppo.
Dinner and Overnight in Aleppo.
day
6 :Ebla, Hama, Palmyra
Day 05 Visit to the millenary Ebla, recently discovered missing station on the Silk Road between the Euphrates and the Mediterranean, destroyed around 1600 BC. Then continue to Hama to see (and hear) the ancient waterwheels driven by the Orontes River to view the ancient Roman waterwheels. Local people like to say if the squeaking of the "Norias" stopped for a night, the entire town would suffer from insomnia. Through desert to the oasis Palmyra. In the evening drive up the hill to the Arab fortress for the unforgettable sun set over this legendary oasis of thousands of palm trees and colons.
Dinner and Overnight in Palmyra
day
7 :Palmyra, Damascus
An entire day is devoted to Palmyra, one of the most awe-inspiring of all Roman sites. This rich caravan city which rises majestically out of the wilderness. It was the capital of the famous Queen Zenobia, who dared to challenge the power of Rome. Visit includes the spectacular ruins of the Temple of Bel, the mystic valley of Tombs, theatre, agora, the triumphal arc and colonnaded avenue. Transfer to Damascus.
Dinner and Overnight in Damascus .
day
8 :Departure from Damascus
After the breakfast transfer to the Damascus airport. Departure.
Departure.
