From the Apostles to the Crusades

This is a journey through the biblical, medieval and Roman worlds. Damascus is the oldest living city in the world and an Islamic capital under the Omayyads. Navigating the tortuous alleys of the old city on foot is a wonderful experience with one highlight being the Church of Ananaias at the end of a Street Called Straight. Here, the stories of the Bible come magically to life, irrespective of your religious beliefs.The 5th-century Church of St. Simeon the Stylite (who positioned himself atop a 16-metre pillar for 40 years) on a rocky outcrop has fine views of the surrounding landscape, whilst Maaloula is a Christian community which still speaks Aramean, the original language of Christ. Crac des Chevaliers was the residence of the military order Knights of St. John (or Hospitallers) and Qala’at Salah ad-Din is one of Syria’s most impressive castles. Aleppo has the largest medieval Citadel in the world and a well-preserved old town with some four miles of covered souks.

The ancient oasis of Palmyra is a very special place with its colonnaded streets, monumental arches, Temple of Baal and Valley of the Tombs. Less well known Apamea, a fascinating counterpoint to Palmyra, is set in lush countryside rather than desert landscape. Bosra has a well-preserved theatre, colonnaded streets and Nabataean and Roman Gates.

VJV Special Events - Dining in the Old Town
In both Damascus and Aleppo we have arranged special dinners with music in traditional houses which are now restaurants (with one ‘Whirling Dervish’ performance). Click here for more exclusive arrangements by VJV.