Overview:
- Dates: September 12–19, 2026
- Operated by Syria Cradle
- Duration: 8 Days / 7 Nights
- Start & End: Beirut or Damascus Airport
- Group Size: Maximum 9 participants
- Price: From US $960 per person
Experience Syria’s living heritage through one of its most powerful cultural and spiritual celebrations—the Feast of the Cross in Maaloula. This immersive 8-day journey blends ancient cities, sacred traditions, medieval fortresses, and breathtaking desert ruins. Timed with the festival’s bonfires, illuminated crosses, and ancient ceremonies, this tour offers a rare opportunity to witness authentic traditions preserved for centuries.
From the timeless streets of Damascus to the grandeur of Aleppo, and from Crusader castles to Roman amphitheatres, this journey reveals Syria as a living museum—layered with civilizations, faith, and resilience.
Journey Highlights
- Participate in the Feast of the Cross celebration in Maaloula
- Explore the oldest continuously inhabited capital in the world, Damascus
- Discover Aleppo’s historic citadel and revived ancient souks
- Visit the legendary Crusader fortress Krak des Chevaliers
- Walk among the magnificent ruins of Palmyra
- Experience the Roman amphitheatre of Bosra al-Sham
- Travel in a small group for a personal and authentic experience
What’s Included
- Airport or border transfers
- 7 nights accommodation (twin-share)
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Daily breakfast
- Private transportation throughout the tour
- Entrance fees to all monuments
- All permits, VAT, and local taxes
- Daily mineral water
- Land border exit tax (if applicable)
Not Included
- International flights
- Visa fees (if required)
- Lunches and dinners
- Personal expenses
- Single-room supplement (US $340)
- Guide and driver tips
Why Choose This Journey
- Cultural and heritage travelers
- Festival and religious tourism enthusiasts
- History lovers and photographers
- Travelers seeking authentic, off-the-beaten-path destinations
Syria Cradle
Enjoy The Journey
Where ancient traditions still live, and history is not only seen, but felt.
Detailed Itinerary
Arrival via Beirut or Damascus Airport. Transfer to Damascus and begin a guided walk through the Old City, including the underground Ananias Church and the historic Straight Street. Enjoy panoramic views from Mount Qasioun and dinner in the atmospheric old quarters. Overnight in Damascus.
Explore Damascus’s historic mosques, museums, and vibrant bazaars. In the afternoon, visit Maaloula, one of the last places where Aramaic—the language of Jesus—is still spoken. Return to Damascus for overnight stay.
Witness the Feast of the Cross celebration in Maaloula, featuring bonfires, illuminated crosses, and ancient rituals. Continue north through historic towns including Saidnaya and Homs before arriving in Aleppo. Overnight in Aleppo
Discover Aleppo’s Citadel, historic markets, and restored old city. Learn about the city’s profound history and cultural revival. Overnight in Aleppo.
Visit Hama’s famous giant waterwheels and travel through scenic countryside. Explore Krak des Chevaliers, one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the world. Overnight according to tour route.
Journey into the Syrian desert to explore Palmyra’s iconic colonnades, temples, and ancient theatre. Return to Damascus for overnight stay.
Visit Bosra al-Sham, home to one of the world’s best-preserved Roman amphitheatres. Return to Damascus for farewell dinner and overnight.
Free time for final exploration or shopping in Damascus before transfer to Beirut or Damascus Airport.