Last updated: 2010-03-11

Day by Day

Day 1

Gathering at the hotel in Damascus.

Day 2-3

Damascus is one of the world’s oldest towns and you will find mosques, churches and a quantity of museums.  But the most exciting thing might be to get lost in the old town centre’s alleys, veil boutiques, perfume makers and juice bars.

Day 4-5

By bus straight out into the desert to the myth bound ruin town Palmyra. The camel caravans passed here two thousand years ago along the Silk Road, loaded with gold, ivory and spices. You will be amazed by the well preserved buildings in shimmering pink sandstone, in the middle of a barren Mars like landscape.

Day 6

You spend a day and a night with Bedouins in the desert and get an insight to their living conditions. The Bedouins still live as cattlemen, with sheep, goats and camels. You sleep in a tent decorated with colorful textiles.

Day 7

By bus east to Deir ez-Zour, by the Euphrates River. It is a typical Syrian desert town, without any grand sights, but you should try follow the local families’ example and watch the sun set from the bridge over the river.

Day 8

You travel a day on The Euphrates. This is where our civilization begun. Old types of wheat, sunflowers and cotton are still being cultivated on the banks of the river. You make several stops along the way on which several cultures have left their marks. You arrive at Aleppo in the evening.

Day 9-10

Aleppo is a many thousand years old merchant town, formed by Armenians, Arabs, Jews, Kurds and Turks. The old town centre has what might be the Middle East’s most genuine bazaar and the citadel thrones on a height. Enjoy the best food in Syria!

Day 11-12

Some of the most important remains from ancient times are found around Aleppo-the dead cities. You trek over hill, between olive plantations, villages and Byzantine ruins during two days. You stay over night at a Syrian farm.

Day 13-14

By train from Aleppo, over the mountains, to Lattakia, Syria’s biggest seaport. Bathe in the Mediterranean or visit one of the many crusades castles in the mountains.

Day 15-16

By bus to Krak des Chevaliers, the world’s best preserved crusaders castle, strategically situated between the coast line and the Orontes Valley. Discover the tunnels, towers and walls. Have a tasty falafel in the village below after a hard day of crusader life. On to Hama.

Day 17

Hama by the Orontes River is one of Syria’s most pleasant towns. You find parks, excursion possibilities and the famous water wheels. 

Day 18-19

Bus to the monastery Deir Mar Musa, high up in the desert mountains. The monastery is over 1400 years old and is distinguished by its ecumenical work. You try monastery life for a couple of days and participate in the cooking and masses. You get the time to really take in all the impressions.

Day 20-21

Back to Damascus. Time to dispose freely, by making excursions or perhaps some fulfilling shopping.