Drive to Maalula, where the inhabitants still speak Aramaic, the language spoken by Jesus Christ, to visit the monasteries of St. Thekla and St. Sergius. Descend deeper into the Anti-Lebanon valley to the secluded monastery of Deir Mar Mousa, a living monastic community revived by the Italian Jesuit Father Paolo dell`Oglio. View frescoes dating back to the seventh century, sample the locally produced cheeses, and behold the spectacular views across the harsh desert valley below.