Damascus Spirituality: Four-day Journey through Christian Faith.

Profile of Damascus Spirituality Trip: A Journey Through Christian Faith.

Immerse yourself in Syria’s rich Christian legacy, where sacred sites and ancient sanctuaries stand as beacons of spiritual and cultural significance. Venture through Syria’s landscapes and be captivated by the architectural marvels that dot the land.

Embrace the harmonious coexistence of diverse religious traditions, reflected in the gentle melding of cultures in these hallowed sites. Explore the churches and monasteries, allowing the tranquil atmosphere to soothe your soul and deepen your appreciation for the spiritual essence resonating within these timeless sanctuaries.

Engage with the local community and gain a richer understanding of the cultural and historical significance of these sacred spaces. Embark on this journey through Syria’s Christian heritage, where the past and present converge, and the tapestry of faith and tradition unfolds. Discover the architectural marvels, the harmonious coexistence of beliefs, and the profound spiritual connections that make these sacred sites true gems in Syria’s cultural and religious legacy.

Itinerary of Damascus Spirituality Trip through Beirut Int’l Airport, Lebanon

Day 01: Beirut Int’l Airport – Damascus

• Arrive at Beirut Int’l Airport, where you’ll be warmly welcomed by our professional representative. Begin your journey towards the captivating capital city of Damascus, Syria – a place renowned for its rich tapestry of religious, ethnic, and cultural heritage.
• Along the way, take a break at a charming street café to refresh yourself before reaching the Lebanese-Syrian border crossing. After completing the necessary entry visa formalities, continue your voyage to Damascus, where you’ll be dropped off at the historic Bab Touma, the north-eastern gate of the old city.
• Stroll along the ancient roadway to your boutique hotel, nestled in the heart of old Damascus, and settle in for an overnight stay.

Day 02: Damascus

• Nestled in the heart of the Levant, the captivating city of Damascus beckons travelers to discover its remarkable fusion of religious, ethnic, and cultural heritage.
• Begin your journey by exploring St. Paul’s Church, a significant pilgrimage site for Christians worldwide. This sacred space is intimately linked to the life-altering conversion of the Apostle Paul, whose encounter with Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus transformed him from a persecutor to a champion of the early Christian movement.
• Venture forth into the enchanting Old Town of Damascus, and approach the Eastern Gate, the traditional entryway to this ancient part of the city.
• Descend into the humble yet spiritually charged St. Ananias Chapel. This 1^st-century Christian place of worship is believed to be the site where the Apostle Paul regained his sight after his fateful encounter with the divine.
• Stroll along the renowned Straight Street, once known as the Roman-era Via Recta, and feel the weight of history beneath your feet.
• Explore the Al-Zeitoun Church, the headquarters of the Greek Catholic Patriarchate, and marvel at the grand vaulted ceilings and sturdy basalt columns that lend an air of grandeur to this sacred space.
• Venture further into the heart of Damascus, where the Umayyad Mosque, the fourth holiest site in the Islamic world, stands as a testament to the city’s rich religious heritage. Within its walls, you’ll find the domed mausoleum of John the Baptist, known to Muslims as the Prophet Yahya, a powerful symbol of the intertwining of faiths that have shaped this remarkable city.
• Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Souq al-Hamidiyeh, an ancient covered bazaar where the local culture thrives, and lose yourself in the captivating sights, sounds, and aromas that permeate this bustling marketplace.
• Discover the captivating essence of Damascus, a mosaic of faith, history, and vibrancy that invites you to step into a world where the past and present intertwine in a captivating dance.

Day 03: Damascus – Maalula – Sednaya – Damascus

• Embark on a captivating journey through the picturesque towns of Maalula, and Sednaya.
• Nestled amidst the slopes of a rocky mountain canyon, the town of Maalula is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and unique cultural heritage. This enchanting Aramaic-speaking enclave is one of the few remaining places in the Middle East where the language of Jesus Christ is still spoken. Explore Maalula’s rich history, from its Roman-era pagan temple repurposed into a church to the Byzantine artefacts that dot the landscape. Marvel at the architectural wonders of the Deir Mar Taqla, a Greek Orthodox monastery, and the Deir Mar Sarkis, a Greek Catholic monastery with elements dating back to the 5^th  and 6^th centuries.
• Venture north to the picturesque town of Sednaya, renowned for its rich Christian heritage.
• Nestled atop a hill, the iconic Greek Orthodox Our Lady of Sednaya Monastery offers breathtaking panoramic views and houses an ancient icon of the Virgin Mary, believed by many to possess miraculous powers. Explore the town’s more than 40 chapels and monasteries, including the Cherubim Monastery at 2,000 metres above sea level, overlooking Damascus’ fertile plains and Lebanon’s mountains.

Day 04: Damascus – Ezra’a – Bosra – Beirut Int’l Airport

• Venture south towards the enchanting town of Ezra’a and discover the architectural masterpiece that is the 1500-Year-Old Church of St. George. This historic church stands as a remarkable testament to the region’s rich heritage, having preserved its original fabric to this day. Constructed of sturdy basalt stone, the Church of St. George is considered one of the world’s architectural marvels, being the only one of its kind that has remained in its original form without significant alterations. 
• Travel further south to the remarkable city of Bosra, a UNESCO Site that holds immense historical significance.
• Bosra offers a treasure trove of historical monuments, showcasing a captivating blend of Roman and Byzantine ruins, alongside impressive examples of early Islamic architecture. Explore the well-preserved 2^nd
  century Roman theatre, with its grand colonnades and seating tiers, providing a glimpse into the ancient Roman entertainment culture.
• Beyond the Roman influences, Bosra also showcases remnants of early Christian heritage, with the ruins of ancient churches bearing witness to the city’s vibrant past.
• Uncover the remarkable Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, located in the north of the Nabatean Gate and south of the Monastery of Monk Bahira. This church is considered one of the ancient roofed church buildings in the world, boasting a round geometric shape similar to other churches built in the same era, such as Apamea, Seleucia, and Resafa, as well as the Byzantine cathedral in Aleppo, the Church of St. George in Izraa (515 AD), and the Church of St. John the Baptist in Jerash (531 AD).
• Finally, visit the Monastery of Bahira the Monk, a sacred site that has stood the test of time, preserving the legacy of a remarkable historical figure.  This Monastery continues to be a place of reverence and spiritual pilgrimage for both Christians and Muslims, offering a glimpse into the daily lives and devotional practices of the monks who once resided within its walls.
• In the afternoon, travel to Beirut Int’l Airport for your departure flight, bidding farewell to Syria with cherished memories of its rich history, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality. Alternatively, you may choose to extend your journey to include Jordan alongside your visit to Syria.

Included:

• Private round-trip transfer.
• Syrian Land border security clearance.
• Syrian tourist visa reference code (Entry visa approval).
• 3 Overnights at a boutique hotel in the old town of Damascus.
• Meal Plan: Breakfasts at the hotel.
• Lunch box on day 4.
• Professional English-speaking guide during the tours only.
• Entrance fees.
• Portage at the hotels.

Excluded:

• Entry visa fees to Syria.
• Any meals and drinks.
• Any tipping.
• Insurance of any kind.

Rate per person in single room, valid till end of Feb 2025, on the basis of a single traveler:

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Itinerary of Damascus Spirituality Trip through Amman, Jordan

Day 01: Amman – Damascus

• Pick-up from your accommodation in Amman City Center to begin your journey towards the captivating capital city of Damascus, Syria – a place renowned for its rich tapestry of religious, ethnic, and cultural heritage.
• Along the way, take a break at a charming street café to refresh yourself before reaching the Lebanese-Syrian border crossing. 
• After completing the necessary entry visa formalities, continue your journey to the captivating capital city of Damascus, Syria. Known for its rich tapestry of religious, ethnic, and cultural heritage, Damascus offers a captivating experience for travelers.
• 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 for overnight stay.

Day 02: Damascus

• Nestled in the heart of the Levant, the captivating city of Damascus beckons travelers to discover its remarkable fusion of religious, ethnic, and cultural heritage.
• Begin your journey by exploring St. Paul’s Church, a significant pilgrimage site for Christians worldwide. This sacred space is intimately linked to the life-altering conversion of the Apostle Paul, whose encounter with Jesus Christ on the road to Damascus transformed him from a persecutor to a champion of the early Christian movement.
• Venture forth into the enchanting Old Town of Damascus, and approach the Eastern Gate, the traditional entryway to this ancient part of the city.
• Descend into the humble yet spiritually charged St. Ananias Chapel. This 1^st-century Christian place of worship is believed to be the site where the Apostle Paul regained his sight after his fateful encounter with the divine.
• Stroll along the renowned Straight Street, once known as the Roman-era Via Recta, and feel the weight of history beneath your feet.
• Explore the Al-Zeitoun Church, the headquarters of the Greek Catholic Patriarchate, and marvel at the grand vaulted ceilings and sturdy basalt columns that lend an air of grandeur to this sacred space.
• Venture further into the heart of Damascus, where the Umayyad Mosque, the fourth holiest site in the Islamic world, stands as a testament to the city’s rich religious heritage. Within its walls, you’ll find the domed mausoleum of John the Baptist, known to Muslims as the Prophet Yahya, a powerful symbol of the intertwining of faiths that have shaped this remarkable city.
• Immerse yourself in the vibrant atmosphere of Souq al-Hamidiyeh, an ancient covered bazaar where the local culture thrives, and lose yourself in the captivating sights, sounds, and aromas that permeate this bustling marketplace.
• Discover the captivating essence of Damascus, a mosaic of faith, history, and vibrancy that invites you to step into a world where the past and present intertwine in a captivating dance.

Day 03: Damascus – Maalula – Sednaya – Damascus

• Embark on a captivating journey through the picturesque towns of Maalula, and Sednaya.
• Nestled amidst the slopes of a rocky mountain canyon, the town of Maalula is renowned for its breathtaking natural beauty and unique cultural heritage. This enchanting Aramaic-speaking enclave is one of the few remaining places in the Middle East where the language of Jesus Christ is still spoken. Explore Maalula’s rich history, from its Roman-era pagan temple repurposed into a church to the Byzantine artefacts that dot the landscape. Marvel at the architectural wonders of the Deir Mar Taqla, a Greek Orthodox monastery, and the Deir Mar Sarkis, a Greek Catholic monastery with elements dating back to the 5^th  and 6^th centuries.
• Venture north to the picturesque town of Sednaya, renowned for its rich Christian heritage.
• Nestled atop a hill, the iconic Greek Orthodox Our Lady of Sednaya Monastery offers breathtaking panoramic views and houses an ancient icon of the Virgin Mary, believed by many to possess miraculous powers. Explore the town’s more than 40 chapels and monasteries, including the Cherubim Monastery at 2,000 metres above sea level, overlooking Damascus’ fertile plains and Lebanon’s mountains.

Day 04: Damascus – Ezra’a – Bosra – Amman

• Venture south towards the enchanting town of Ezra’a and discover the architectural masterpiece that is the 1500-Year-Old Church of St. George. This historic church stands as a remarkable testament to the region’s rich heritage, having preserved its original fabric to this day. Constructed of sturdy basalt stone, the Church of St. George is considered one of the world’s architectural marvels, being the only one of its kind that has remained in its original form without significant alterations. 
• Travel further south to the remarkable city of Bosra, a UNESCO Site that holds immense historical significance.
• Bosra offers a treasure trove of historical monuments, showcasing a captivating blend of Roman and Byzantine ruins, alongside impressive examples of early Islamic architecture. Explore the well-preserved 2^nd
  century Roman theatre, with its grand colonnades and seating tiers, providing a glimpse into the ancient Roman entertainment culture.
• Beyond the Roman influences, Bosra also showcases remnants of early Christian heritage, with the ruins of ancient churches bearing witness to the city’s vibrant past.
• Uncover the remarkable Church of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, located in the north of the Nabatean Gate and south of the Monastery of Monk Bahira. This church is considered one of the ancient roofed church buildings in the world, boasting a round geometric shape similar to other churches built in the same era, such as Apamea, Seleucia, and Resafa, as well as the Byzantine cathedral in Aleppo, the Church of St. George in Izraa (515 AD), and the Church of St. John the Baptist in Jerash (531 AD).
• Finally, visit the Monastery of Bahira the Monk, a sacred site that has stood the test of time, preserving the legacy of a remarkable historical figure.  This Monastery continues to be a place of reverence and spiritual pilgrimage for both Christians and Muslims, offering a glimpse into the daily lives and devotional practices of the monks who once resided within its walls.
• In the afternoon, travel to your accommodation in Amman city center, bidding farewell to Syria with cherished memories of its rich history, cultural heritage, and warm hospitality; or extend your journey to include Lebanon alongside your visit to Syria.

Included:

• Private round-trip transfer.
• Syrian Land border security clearance.
• Syrian tourist visa reference code (Entry visa approval).
• 3 Overnights at a boutique hotel in the old town of Damascus.
• Meal Plan: Breakfasts at the hotel.
• Lunch box on day 4.
• Professional English-speaking guide during the tours only.
• Entrance fees.
• Portage at the hotels.

Excluded:

• Entry visa fees to Syria.
• Any meals and drinks.
• Any tipping.
• Insurance of any kind.

Rate per person in single room, valid till end of Feb 2025, on the basis of a single traveler:

Discover the Beauty of Syria

Syria offers many amazing experiences for travelers. It has a rich history, vibrant cultures, bustling markets, beautiful places of worship, ancient cities, grand castles, stunning landscapes, delicious food, and friendly people.

Explore the lively marketplaces, where the air is filled with the aroma of spices and fresh bread.

Marvel at the impressive religious sites, which blend the past and present.

Uncover the secrets of historic cities that have stood the test of time. Admire the majestic splendor of centuries-old castles.

Feast your eyes on breathtaking mountains and deserts. And savor the delectable flavors of Syria’s renowned cuisine.

Most of all, it is the warm, welcoming spirit of the Syrian people that makes this Syria so special.

Discover the beauty of Syria – it will leave a lasting impression on you.

Book Your Trip Today and Experience it First-hand!

• E-Mail: discover@nawafir-tours.com
• WhatsApp: +963 94 435 15 98

You can learn more about:

• Visa Guide to Syria in 2024
• Travel Guide to Syria 2024
• Travel to Syria 2024: Your Questions Answered
• Reasons to Travel to Syria Beyond the Headlines
• Tours to Syria