Trip to Damascus

Program Details

• Day 1: Old Damascus + Mount Qasioun at sunset The Umayyad Mosque, one of the oldest and most beautiful mosques in the Islamic world; enjoy viewing the golden mosaics and historic minarets + Al-Hamidiyeh Market and Bakdash shop.

• Stroll through the oldest markets of Damascus amid authentic Damascene atmosphere.

• Don’t miss tasting the famous Bakdash ice cream – a dense Arabic ice cream covered with Aleppo pistachios.

• Azem Palace An Ottoman palace dating back to the 18th century, featuring a beautiful inner courtyard, fountains, and decorated stonework – offering a wonderful glimpse of Damascene life in the Ottoman era.

• Lunch at the restaurant Naranj, located on Al-Mustaqim Street near the Roman arch. Serves authentic Syrian dishes (fatteh, qabseh, grilled meats) in an elegant setting with excellent service.

• Walk along Al-Mustaqim Street, a Roman road from the first century AD, and visit Hananeya Church, the oldest underground church in Damascus.

• Return to the hotel to prepare for the ascent to Mount Qasioun (bring a warm jacket and water).

• Mount Qasioun at sunset This is our golden moment! Climb Mount Qasioun, sit on its slopes and enjoy the most beautiful views of Damascus while watching the sunset. This is the magical moment! See with your own eyes how Damascus turns into a sea of golden and amber colors.

• Take souvenir photos – the atmosphere is perfect for photography.

• Enjoy hot Syrian tea with the cool mountain breeze. After sunset – Damascus lights at night.

• After the sun disappears, Damascus glitters with the lights of its homes and sparkling mosques; the night view of Damascus from the mountain is as stunning as the sunset itself.

• Dinner can be enjoyed at one of the mountain restaurants, then return to the hotel.

• Day 2: Continue exploring landmarks and museums – the National Museum of Damascus Located in the Mazzeh area, it houses a rich collection of artifacts from pre‑history to the Islamic era. Highlights: Palmyra statues, Mari Kingdom mosaics, and rare Islamic manuscripts. Bab Touma neighborhood and the Christian quarter

• Wander the narrow alleys of the Christian quarter and visit the old churches.

• Enjoy the quiet atmosphere and the many cafés. Lunch at Al-Shamiat restaurant or Beit Jibri restaurant in Bab Touma.

• Beit Jibri: a restaurant in a beautiful Damascene courtyard with fountains and citrus trees, serving traditional Syrian cuisine in a charming heritage setting.

• Stroll through Medhat Pasha Market (buy souvenir gifts) – a market full of spice shops, sweets, and coffee stalls, ideal for buying gifts and photographing local life.

• Suggested for those who want a traditional Damascene bath experience (Al‑Bakri Hammam) in Al‑Qimariyya. Brief introduction: Al‑Bakri Hammam is one of the oldest and most famous heritage baths in Old Damascus. It is not just a place for washing but an architectural masterpiece that carries the scent of the past, described as “a architectural jewel woven from threads of heritage and authenticity.” It is still operating today, preserving its ancient traditions. Address: The hammam is located in the Bab Touma area within the walls of Old Damascus, on Al‑Nahawi Street (near the Al‑Qimariyya district). Historical periods: built in the Mamluk era (mid‑13th to early‑16th century) and renovated in the Ottoman era (early 17th century). Its roots may date back to the Mamluk period. Architectural design: an excellent example of traditional Arab‑Islamic architecture. Decor and lighting: The hammam features a perforated upper dome with small colored glass openings that let natural light in, creating a scenic view. It also contains stone carvings, stained glass, decorations, and verses of poetry engraved on its façade. Services offered: The hammam provides traditional services: exfoliation and massage using a “kessa” (rough loofah) and traditional Aleppo bay leaf soap. Steam rooms: therapeutic steam rooms that help relaxation and open pores.

• Rest at Café Al‑Qishla (Café Al‑Qishla) A popular café in a large courtyard with a flowing fountain; try the mint‑lemon iced juice.

• Return to the hotel

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