In the footsteps of St. Paul.
A unique experience to discover the sacred and historical places and the rich cultural, artistic and archaeological heritage of this fascinating land.
We propose a A journey of knowledge, full of meetings as well as visits to holy and historical places, to learn about part of the rich cultural, historical, artistic and archaeological heritage, to stop and pray in the holy places and also to meet and get to know the local communities up close, as well as discover and taste local traditions.
During the trip , in addition to being always accompanied by an English-speaking guide, the group will also receive the support of the Pro Terra Sancta Syria staff who will accompany them in some moments of the trip.
The program of the trip
- Arrival, Beirut – Damascus - 9/10
- Arrival at Beirut airport. Transfer to Damascus by coach (about 3 hours). Accommodation at the hotel and overnight in Damascus.
- Damascus - 10/10
- Morning. Introductory moment. Visit to the Sanctuary of Sant'Anania. Visit of the Greek-Melkite cathedral. Walk along the old walls to Bab Keisan, the place where St. Paul's escape took place. Visit to the Memorial of St. Paul; Meeting with the friars of the Custody of Damascus and with the Sisters of the Immaculate Heart of Mary. Lunch at the convent with the friars and nuns. Afternoon. Guided tour of the old town. Visit the Umayyad Cathedral (where the relic of St. John the Baptist is kept), the ancient Al Hamidie market (where you can find many local products), the Azem palace and the ancient Caravanserai of Asaad Pacha (both significant places of the oriental artistic and architectural tradition) and much more. After dinner, there will be a meeting with the collaborators of the Association pro Terra Sancta and space for questions and curiosities. Overnight in Damascus.
- Damascus – Shahba – Qanawat – Bosra – Damascus - 11/10
- Morning. By bus we head south in the direction of Dara. First stop in Shahba (Philippopolis), birthplace of Emperor Philip. Visit of one of the most important collections of ancient mosaics. Second stop in Qanawat, an ancient town located on the slopes of the "Druze mountains". Visit of the archaeological site. Third and last stop in Bosra, ancient capital of the Roman Arab Empire: there are very well preserved Roman theater and other interesting finds to visit. Afternoon. Return to Damascus and free time. Overnight in Damascus.
- Damascus – Palmyra – Hama - 12/10
- Morning. Departure by coach to Palmyra "The Bride of the Desert". Capital of the Kingdom of Palmyra, which played an important role during the Roman Empire, being located on the eastern borders of the latter. After the seizure of the site by the Islamic State (2013) it suffered extensive damage. It was recaptured in 2016 and rehabilitated for tourism. Afternoon. After visiting the archaeological site, we'll head back to Hama in the direction of Hama. Visit the city center with the famous "norie" (sort of water mills) from the Seleucid era. Meeting with a personality from the local ecclesiastical environment. Overnight in Hama.
- Hama – Aleppo - 13/10
- Morning. Departure for Aleppo. Guided tour of the old Christian quarter and its four oriental churches, meeting with the friars of the Custody at the Latin Cathedral. Lunch with the friars of the Custody. Afternoon. Visit to an educational center in East Aleppo, created with the project "A name a future". Meeting with the project collaborators. Overnight in Aleppo.
- Aleppo - 14/10
- Morning. Guided tour of the old city, visit of the citadel of Aleppo and the great network of markets (Souk). Possible visit to the museum of Aleppo.
- Aleppo – Krak of the Knights – Maaloula – Seidanaya – Damascus - 15/10
- Morning. Departure for the "valley of the Christians". Stop at the Krak of the Knights, a fortress built in 1030 and remained under the control of the order of the Hospitallers for a long time: today one of the largest medieval strongholds in existence. The second stop is Maaloula, an icon of Christianity where the use of the Aramaic language is still handed down. Visit the Catholic monastery of Mar Sarkis and the Orthodox monastery of Mar Taqla. Walk through the streets of the city. Last stop Saidnaya, visit to the monastery of the Virgin Mary. Return to Damascus. Overnight in Damascus.
- Damascus – Beirut – Italy
- Departure from Damascus by bus to Beirut airport and return to Italy.
Costs and information
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