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Lebanon/Syria Soft Adventure

Lebanon/Syria Soft Adventure

2600$ / per person
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This 13-day journey is a mix of highlights and hidden gems across Lebanon and Syria  perfect for first-time visitors or those who know the region and want to experience it differently. It combines culture, nature, and real connections with locals. Think moderate hikes, seasonal agritourism (Pistaccio picking or grape harvesting), joining local religious celebrations, and meaningful encounters along the way.

It’s immersive, mindful, and designed to slow things down letting you fully take in the richness and beauty of both countries.

 

Highlights:

  • Bike tour in Beirut around the city’s streets & landmarks.
  • Visiting Lebanon’s World Heritage sites: Baalbek, Byblos,  the Cedars & Qadisha valley, Anjar.
  • Visiting Syria’s World Heritage Sites: Damascus, Bosra, Palmyra, Aleppo  & Krak des Chevaliers.
  • Seasonal agritourism activities: Wine & Arak tasting & grape harvest in Lebanon & Aleppo Pink Pistaccio picking in Syria.
  • Hands on Cultural immersion, hiking and Camping in the Northern highlands in Lebanon.
  • Hiking in the Qadisha Valley and Staying at the Qannoubine Monastery.
  • Take 300 steps of Stairs to visit Saint Moses in Syria & Overnight in the Monastery.
  • Visit Maaloula historical monasteries & Holy Cross day Celebration.

Number of days: 13 Days/12 Nights

 

Dates : 02/09/2025 Till 14/09/2025

 

Maximum Trip Capacity: 10 persons

 

All areas or towns visited:

Beirut – Byblos – Tripoli – Jourd Mrebine – Qadisha Valley – Baalbek – Rayak – Famascus – Bosra – An Nabek – Palmyra – Homs – Al Husn – Apamea – Aleppo – Maaloula

 

  • Destination
  • Departure Time
    21 Dec 2025
  • Return Time
    4 Jan 2026
  • Included
    Upcoming Small Group Trips
  • Not Included
    Difficult
    Private Customized Lebanon Trips

Tour Plan

1

Day 1: Beirut

  • Morning until early afternoon welcoming all arrivals to Rafic Hariri Airport: Pick up & Assistance. Transfer to guesthouse for luggage drop off and rest.
  • 2/3 hrs  bike tour slow riding starting from Achrafieh neighbourhood with stops around some of Beirut’s highlights monuments and street food  tastings, reaching the corniche and the pigeons/Raouche rock for sunset.
  • Welcome dinner at Traditional Armenian/Lebanese restaurant.
  Meals Included: Dinner   Accommodation: Toureef Guesthouse or similar in Beirut
2

Day 2: Beirut – Byblos - Tripoli

  • Breakfast at the guesthouse.
  • Visit of Byblos old ruins and town.
One of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, bearing an exceptional testimony of the Phoenician civilization, and the diffusion of their alphabet.
  • Cultural and culinary tour of Tripoli.
This vibrant city is renowned for its rich history and delectable street food scene, offering a delightful fusion of flavors and cultural experiences. Discover the remnants of ancient civilizations at the Crusader Castle, marvel at the intricate architecture of the Great Mosque, and soak in the vibrant ambiance of the souk and khans, Hamams, while also trying the traditional Lebanese clothes.
  • Sunset Boat trip to the Palm Islands with snorkelling.
Meals Included: Breakfast + Dinner   Accommodation: Beit el Nassim guesthouse in Tripoli or similar
3

Day 3: Tripoli – Jourd Mrebine

  • Light Breakfast at guesthouse
  • We will take a 2-hour drive from Tripoli for a day trip to one of the most remote and authentic corners of Lebanon, the highlands of Hermel, deep in the Jourd Mrebine region.
  • We will visit a local family farm in a place where tourists never set foot. This family lives in one of the last remaining traditional mud-brick farmer houses in Lebanon, preserving a way of life that has nearly disappeared. You’ll enjoy a hands-on culinary experience; from kneading dough for fresh bread to gathering herbs from the garden as we join our hosts in preparing a traditional Lebanese brunch. We'll then share this feast together, exchanging stories and learning about local traditions.
  • In the afternoon, we’ll take a scenic 3 km hike  through the vast highlands, following a trail that leads to a peaceful, remote campsite equipped with all the necessary amenities.
  • There we will watch the sunset, enjoy a warm dinner, and gather around a bonfire under the stars in one of the least light polluted areas in Lebanon.
  Meals Included: Breakfast + Lunch + Diner Accommodation: Al Jourd Ecotourism & Campsite
4

Day 4: Al Jourd – Qadisha Valley

  • After a generous and delicious breakfast, each participant will plant a Juniper tree in the land where we are staying.
  • We will then take the road  from Al Jourd area to the Qadisha Valley.
  • First we will visit the convent of Saint Antonios Kozhaya with its miraculous cave and museum.
  • Then will take a hike from Hadshit, arriving to Monastery of Qannoubine. Visit hadchit waterfall and saint marina.
The Qadisha Valley is one of the most important early Christian monastic settlements in the world, dating back to the 5thcentury AD. Listed among the Unesco world heritage sites it is characterized by a dramatic rugged landscape, rocky cliffs and caves carved into the hillside.
  • Relaxing and meditative afternoon at the monastery of Qannoubine in a serene landscape and location.
  • Dinner at the Monastery prepared by the team.
  Meals Included: Breakfast + Lunch + Diner Accommodation: Monastery of Qannoubine  
5

DAY 5: Arz - Barqa - Baalbek

  • Breakfast at the Monastery, then fun off road, bumpy but very scenic ride from the Qannoubine Monastery to Bcharreh. We will stop at the Monastery of Saint Licha.
  • Scenic roadtrip . Then short walk in the cedars forest and panoramic view over the qadisha valley.
  • Proceed the roadtrip through a very scenic road overlooking the lebanese moutains with panoramic stops.
  • Wine tasting at family owned winery in the village of Barqa.
  • Afternoon guided visit of Baalbek Heliopolis site.
Baalbek with its majestic structures, is one of the finest examples of Imperial Roman Architecture at its apogee. Well known as Heliopolis since the Hellenistic Period or the city of the sun for its complex temples and structures where a triad of deities was worshiped.
  • Visit Al Sayida Khawla Mosque and Shrine.
  • Sunset from the ruins of the Mercury temple hill overlooking Baalbek, the plains and the temples.
  • Local street food Sfiha dinner and local sweets tasting
  Meals Included: Breakfast + Diner Accommodation: Palmyra Hotel
6

DAY 6: Baalbek - Rayak - Anjar - Damascus

  • Breakfast at the Hotel.
  • Morning agritourism activity joining a local winemaker and his team in seasonal grape picking in the region of Rayak. The proceed to his winery for wine and arak demonstartions and tasting.
  • Visit Anjar, the preserved ruins of an 8th-century Umayyad city set against a stunning mountain backdrop. Recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Anjar tells the story of a short-lived but ambitious city that once thrived as a trading hub along the Damascus-Beirut route.
  • Border crossing and costums heading to Damascus.
  • Check in at Damascus guesthouse for a short resting time.
  • Then we will head out for a night walk in old Damascus, have a generous dinner and proceed to Nofara café (oldest countinuous café in Damascus) for Hakawati  moments and evening.
Meals Included: Breakfast + Diner Accommodation: Al Mamlouka Guesthouse in Damascus
7

Day 7: Damascus

  • Breakfast at the guesthouse
  • Our day tour will take us deep into the heart of Damascus as explore the vibrant old City, we’ll wander through bustling souks and hidden alleyways, stopping to admire architectural gems like the grand Umayyad Mosque, the Azem Palace, and ancient Christian sites such as St. Ananias’ Chapel  We’ll also visit stunning caravanserais like Khan As’ad Pasha and Khan al-Harir, once vital hubs for Silk Road traders. Along the way, we’ll indulge in a rich variety of Damascene street food and tastings.
  • In the afternoon we will have a traditional damascene mosaic & calligraphy with a local artisan in his century old workshop.
  • We will conclude our day with breathtaking views from a rooftop vantage point.
  • Optional post tour outing to local café and dinner.
  Meals Included: Breakfast + Lunch  Accommodation: Al Mamlouka Guesthouse in Damascus
8

Day 8: Damascus- Bosra - Nabek

  • Breakfast at the guesthouse
  • We wil take a 2 hour drive to Bosra In southern syria
  • Explore the well-preserved Roman amphitheater in Bosra.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site in southern Syria, renowned for its remarkably preserved Roman theater, one of the best-surviving examples in the world.
  • Drive to Nabek area to hike u p 300 steps to the St. Moses Monastery, perched atop a mountain known for its unique architecture and stunning views. We will have dinner and spend the night in the Monastery.
  Meals Included: Breakfast + Diner Accommodation: Saint Moses Monastery An Nabek
9

Day 9: Nabek - Palmyra - Homs

  • Light breakfast at the Monastery
  • Head on a 3 hour long roadtrip to Palmyra to visit the local museum as well as what remains from the archeological Unesco world heritage site.
Palmyra, once a thriving desert crossroads between East and West, showcases stunning ruins that reflect a unique blend of Greco-Roman and local architectural styles. Highlights include the Temple of Bel, the grand colonnaded street, and the Roman theatre. A walk through Palmyra is a step into the legacy of Queen Zenobia and the city's rich, resilient history.
  • Return to Homs where we will visit Umm Al Zunnar, a historical Syriac ancient church.
  • Proceed to the village of Mishtaya for dinner.
  Meals Included: Breakfast  + Diner Accommodation: Local Hotel in Michtaya or Homs  
10

Day 10: Al Mishtaya – Al Husn – Apamea - Aleppo

  • Breakfast at the Hotel
  • Visit Krak des Chevaliers, one of the most iconic and best-preserved Crusader castles in the world.
Perched high on a hill overlooking the Homs Gap, this 12th-century fortress once guarded vital trade and military routes between the coast and the interior.
  • Afterwards we will visit the majestic ruins of Afamia (Apamea).
A Hellenistic and Roman city that stood as a key cultural and military center in ancient Syria. Famous for its iconic Great Colonnaded Street, stretching over 2 kilometers with towering columns on both sides
  • We will proceed to Aleppo for check in and rest.
  • Dinner at local armenian 
  Meals Included: Breakfast + Diner Accommodation: Local Hotel in Aleppo
11

DAY 11: Aleppo

  • Breakfast at the Hotel
  • Start the day with a visit of the Citadel of Aleppo, a magnificent medieval fortress that has watched over the city for centuries.
  • From there, we’ll dive into the heart of the Old City, wandering through its narrow alleys, bustling souks, and centuries-old stone passageways that whisper tales of ancient trade and tradition.
  • We will finally step into a fascinating 800-year-old soap factory, where the city’s famous laurel soap is still crafted the traditional way .
  • Conclude the day with a panoramic view of the city and its iconic citadel.
  • Dinner at local restaurant in Aleppo
Meals Included: Breakfast + Diner Accommodation: Local Hotel in Aleppo
12

DAY 12: Aleppo - Maaloula

  • In the morning we will enjoy a small agritourism acitivty of aleppo pistaccio picking as it will be the season with breakfast.
  • Proceed for a 4 hour drive to Maaloula  one of the few places in the world where Aramaic, the language of Jesus Christ, is still spoken.
  • We will also walk through  the sacred mountain gorge, and visit historic christian sites like Saint Sergius and Bacchus Monastery and Saint Thecla Monastery, carved into the rock and filled with centuries of devotion and resilience. We will certainly  to connect with a community that has preserved its unique identity through faith, language, and tradition.
  • Early dinner in Maaloula
  • Highlighting of the visit is the Holy Cross Feast Day festival, featuring vibrant cultural and religious celebrations, colorful processions, music, dance, and traditional rituals.
Meals Included: Breakfast + Diner Accommodation: Monastery in Maaloula
13

Day 13: Maaloula – Damascus - Beirut

  • Breakfast near the Monastery in local bakery.
  • Return to Damascus shopping and strolling for half day.
  • Border crossing and customs and return to Beirut, with street food lunch on the way.
  • Free time in Beirut and transfer to Airport for evening flight.
(overnight stay can be arranged in local guesthouse if your flight goes the next day) Meals Included: Breakfast + Lunch 

Environmental:

Within this trip fee each participant is donating an amount to compensate on  his/her flight’s CO2 emissions and trip transportation and plant a Juniper tree during the trip in the highlands of Lebanon.

Local Community:

70% out of the trip cost is directly generating income to the local communities working in the tourism sector, from accommodations to services, activities and small businesses.

Community Service:

Included in the trip fee, each participant is donating 50$ that will be distributed among fragile families in Lebanon, to compensate on job losses, and rehabilitation of their homes.  

Prices:         

2600$/Person (in Twin Room) 3980$/Person (in Single room except in two homestays you might be sharing) (Possibility to travel only to Lebanon or only to Syria)

Rate Includes:

  • Professional 24/7 Tour Leader
Pia ABBOUD: Tour Operator, National Guide, Travel Expert and Heritage management specialist.
  • Full private 13 days TOUR, VISITS, ENTRANCES (referring to the program)
  • All Airport PICK UPS and TRANSFERS.
  • Private TRANSPORTATION  with all fuel expenses throughout all the journey according to the program with All Airport PICK UPS and TRANSFERS.
  • 12 Nights ACCOMODATION in guesthouses, monasteries and campsite.
  • MEALS:  At least 2 meals/day - 12 Breakfasts + 4 Lunches + 11 Dinners
  • Local guides
  • Donations for carbon footprint compensation and social support cause.
  • Visa procedure for syria (not the visa cost, this means we assit in the making of the visa)
  • Water refill at all times.

Rate Excludes:

  • International Flights
  • Visa Fees for Syria (As fees are different between nationalities)
  • Optional Travel Insurance covering daily activities and tours (Ask for the price depending on the option you choose)
  • Any Alcoholic drinks during all mentioned meals
  • Laundry service
  • Personal expenses and souvenirs.
  • Any other service not included under “RATE INCLUDES”

Registration policy:

  • Registration will not be taken into consideration or confirmed unless you pay at least 50% DEPOSIT out of the total amount.
  • The remaining 50% has to be paid 1 month ahead of arrival through Bank Transfer
  • Passport of the guests should be valid for at least 3 months after the departure date.

Cancellation policy:

  • IF  you cancel your reservation, 40 DAYS and above your scheduled arrival date, The full amount you paid will be refunded, minus the bank charges.
  • IF cancellation occurs between 39 to 15 Days before your scheduled arrival dates,  50% out of the total amount will be refunded. (Subject to case by case)
  • IF cancellation occurs Starting and less than 14 Days before your scheduled arrival dates  the full amount will be unrefunded. (Subject to case by case)

What to bring?

  • Bring lightweight, breathable clothing for daytime activities and warmer layers such as sweaters or jackets for cooler evenings.
  • Comfortable walking shoes & hiking boots are essential, especially for the activities planned, exploring historical sites and natural attractions with uneven terrain.
  • A hat, sunglasses, and sunscreen are important for protection against the sun, as May marks the transition to sunnier weather.
  • Swimwear for occasional swimming.
  • Refillable Water bottle.
  • Personal medication: Bring any necessary prescription medications and a small first aid kit for minor emergencies.
  • Travel insurance: Consider purchasing travel insurance to cover unexpected events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
  • Portable charger: Keep your electronic devices charged, especially if you'll be using them a lot for photography during day trips.

Anything to be planned or prepared in advance?

  • Ask for visa process for your nationality to enter syria, it may take up to 15 days to prepare in advance 
  • Your Passport should be valid for at least 6 months after the departure date.
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