🟩 INTRODUCTION
8 Days / 7 Nights | Civilizations, Sacred Valleys, and Syria’s Most Joyful Festival
Discover the soul of Syria through an unforgettable journey that blends ancient civilizations, sacred Christian heritage, legendary cities, and one of its most vibrant cultural celebrations — the Marmarita Carnival.
From the timeless streets of Damascus and the majestic citadel of Aleppo to the desert wonder of Palmyra and the breathtaking Crusader fortress of Krak des Chevaliers, this journey reveals Syria’s layered history in its most vivid form.
At the heart of the experience lies the joyful Marmarita Carnival in the Valley of Christians, where music, costumes, and celebration bring centuries-old traditions to life in a uniquely festive atmosphere.
🟩 JOURNEY HIGHLIGHTS
✔ Explore Damascus, the world’s oldest continuously inhabited capital
✔ Experience the Marmarita Carnival in the scenic Valley of Christians (Wadi al-Nasara)
✔ Discover Aleppo and its ancient citadel and souks
✔ Visit Maaloula where Aramaic is still spoken
✔ Explore Palmyra, the desert kingdom of Queen Zenobia
✔ Walk through Krak des Chevaliers
✔ Witness the Roman amphitheatre of Bosra Roman Theatre
✔ Experience authentic Syrian hospitality, traditions, and cultural celebrations
🟩 WHAT’S INCLUDED
✔ Airport and border transfers
✔ 7 nights accommodation in carefully selected hotels (twin-share)
✔ Licensed expert English-speaking guide
✔ Daily breakfast
✔ Private modern transportation throughout the journey
✔ Entrance fees to all listed monuments and sites
✔ All permits, taxes, and security clearances
✔ Daily bottled mineral water
✔ Land border departure tax (if exiting via Lebanon)
🟩 WHAT’S NOT INCLUDED
✖ International flights
✖ Visa fees (if applicable)
✖ Lunches and dinners
✖ Personal expenses
✖ Single-room supplement (US $340)
✖ Tips for guide and driver
🟩 WHY THIS JOURNEY IS UNIQUE
✔ Combines Syria’s greatest historical landmarks with a living cultural festival
✔ Rare opportunity to experience both ancient heritage and modern celebrations
✔ Small-group travel for authenticity and personal connection
✔ Perfect balance of history, culture, spirituality, and joy
✔ Offers a deeper, human perspective on Syrian traditions
🟩 IDEAL FOR
- Cultural and festival travelers
- History and heritage enthusiasts
- Photographers and documentary travelers
- Travelers seeking authentic local experiences
- Small groups wanting immersive cultural journeys
Detailed Itinerary
Your journey begins with arrival in Beirut or Damascus, followed by transfer to historic Damascus.
Check into your boutique hotel in the Old City and begin your exploration with a guided walking tour. Visit the underground Ananias Church, walk along the ancient Roman Straight Street, and explore atmospheric souks, historic homes, and hidden alleyways.
Optional traditional hammam experience available.
Overnight in Old Damascus.
Spend the day discovering the cultural treasures of Damascus. Visit the National Museum, explore vibrant markets and bazaars, and immerse yourself in the authentic rhythm of daily life in one of the world’s oldest cities.
Enjoy the unique blend of Roman, Byzantine, Islamic, and Ottoman heritage that defines Damascus.
Overnight in Damascus.
Travel north to Saidnaya and continue to Maaloula, one of the world’s last Aramaic-speaking communities, nestled dramatically in the mountains.
Continue to Homs to visit historic religious landmarks before arriving in Aleppo, a legendary crossroads of civilizations.
Overnight in Aleppo.
Explore the magnificent Citadel of Aleppo, towering above one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on Earth.
Walk through historic markets, discover ancient streets, and experience the enduring spirit of a city that has stood at the heart of global trade routes for millennia.
Overnight in Aleppo.
Travel south through historic landscapes, stopping in Hama to see its iconic medieval waterwheels.
Continue to Krak des Chevaliers, the most magnificent Crusader castle in the world, before arriving in the beautiful Valley of Christians.
Experience the highlight of your journey — the Marmarita Carnival. Enjoy colorful parades, music, costumes, dancing, and joyful celebrations that bring together local communities and visitors in a vibrant cultural festival.
Overnight in the scenic countryside of Wadi al-Nasara.
Journey east into the desert to discover Palmyra, one of the most breathtaking archaeological sites in the world.
Walk among its grand colonnades, temples, royal tombs, and Roman theatre — remnants of a once-powerful empire that connected East and West.
Return to Damascus.
Overnight in Damascus.
Travel south to Bosra, home to one of the best-preserved Roman amphitheatres in existence.
Explore ancient streets, ruins, and architectural masterpieces carved from black volcanic stone.
Return to Damascus for your final evening.
Overnight in Damascus.
Enjoy free time for shopping, relaxing, or final exploration in Damascus before transfer to Beirut or Damascus Airport.
End of tour.