Day 01: Beirut – Damascus City Tour

• Begin your journey from Beirut, Lebanon, with a convenient pick-up from your city center accommodation.
• Take a break at a street café for refreshments before reaching the Lebanese-Syrian border crossing.
• Continue your travel to the capital city of Damascus, Syria, renowned for its diverse religious, ethnic, and cultural heritage.
• Your drop-off point will be Bab Touma, the north-eastern gate associated with the old city’s Christian neighbourhood.
• Stroll along the ancient roadway to a boutique hotel located in the heart of old Damascus to have a short break and meet your guide to start your city tour of Damascus.
• Experience the spiritual significance of the Chapel of St. Ananias, an ancient church that embodies the essence of early Christianity.
• Take a stroll along the historic Straight Street, a captivating thoroughfare adorned with shops, cafes, and bustling markets.
• Be awe-inspired by the splendour of Azem Palace, an architectural gem that showcases the exquisite beauty of Damascene craftsmanship, currently houses the Museum of Popular Traditions.
• Embark on an exploration of Khan Assad Pasha, an impressive caravanserai that stands as a testament to the region’s rich trading heritage.
• Enjoy a stroll through the narrow alleys, leading you to the Umayyad Mosque. This iconic landmark is a significant cultural and spiritual center, housing the Shrine of John the Baptist.
• Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Souq al-Hamidiyeh, an ancient covered bazaar and bustling marketplace where the local culture thrives.
• Take a well-deserved rest at the historic Al Noufarah coffeehouse, where you can savour the flavors of coffee and tea while observing the vibrant Damascene life unfolding around you.
• Witness the religious diversity of Syria by visiting the Al-Seida Raqiyeh Mosque an important Shia pilgrimage site.
• Enjoy a stroll along the ancient roadway to your accommodation for overnight stay.

Day 02: Damascus City Tour – Beirut

• Take a stroll through the winding alleys leading to the Jewish Quarter (Harat al-Yahud) in old Damascus. This neighborhood has a rich Jewish history, with synagogues, shops, and homes that were integral to the city’s social and cultural fabric. The Jewish population in Damascus has declined over time, with many leaving Syria.
• Visit the art gallery of Mustafa Ali, an esteemed sculptor renowned in Syria. Ali’s works are characterized by their elegance and monumental nature, provoking deep contemplation on the fragility of humanity. His sculptures have the power to penetrate the consciousness of viewers, leaving a lasting impact.
• Wander towards Maktab Anbar, an architectural gem nestled within the historic precincts of Damascus. Built in the mid-19th century by Anbar Anbar, a wealthy Jewish businessman, it showcases Damascene architectural style with ornate embellishments, stonework, and a charming courtyard that reflects a blend of Ottoman, Levantine, and European influences.
• Visit Beit al-Aqad, a meticulously restored Damascene house located in the old town of historic Damascus. It was originally owned by a prosperous family of textile merchants. Today, Beit al-Aqad serves as the home of the Danish Institute, which was established in 2000 with a primary focus on the study of Arab and Islamic culture.
• In the afternoon, travel back to your accommodation in Beirut.