Syria and Lebanon, nestled in the heart of the Levant, form a region where the roots of civilization run deep. Together, they offer a profound tapestry of cultures shaped by ancient empires, religious traditions, and enduring human resilience.
From Hosting ancient Phoenician ports and cities in Byblos, Sidon Tyre, and Ugarit to towering Roman temples and cities in Baalbek and Palmyra, from Christian monasteries in mountain valleys to the Islamic Caliphates with its capital Damascus, Syria and Lebanon share a deeply intertwined cultural heritage. Their cities and landscapes are not merely remnants of the past but living expressions of civilizations that have shaped human history. Together, they form a cultural bridge between East and West, between ancient and modern, offering travelers an unforgettable journey through time and meaning.
THE BEAUTIFUL LEBANON
US$7995
Explore the beauty of Lebanon on an exclusive 13-days, 12-nights tour in April 2026 hosted by Ancient Origins’ Dr Micki Pistorius. Everyone booked on this tour will receive a booklet with articles by experts to the archaeological sites to be visited in Lebanon.
Dr. Willem McLoud is an independent scholar with a keen interest in ancient Middle Eastern and Mediterranean studies, whose research of and writing about the ancient world stretch over more than three decades. Willem’s main areas of study pertaining to the ancient Middle East are the Sumerian and Akkadian civilizations, with special focus on the Uruk and Akkadian Periods in Mesopotamian history. The legends and myths associated with these great heroic ages of the ancient Middle East is a great passion of his. As part of his research and writing projects, he has led many a research tour to the Middle East as well as the Black Sea and Mediterranean regions, visiting countries such as Egypt, Israel, Jordan, Lebanon, Turkey, Greece, Italy, Bahrain, Iran, Armenia, Georgia, Ukraine, Romania, and Bulgaria to name but a few. He is best known for The Nephilim trilogy (2021-2023). Visit his author’s blog on the Ancient Origins Website as well as his academic profile on the Academia.edu platform.
Places to be visited: Damascus • Palmyra • Christian Valley • Crack des chevalier • Ugarit • Lattakia • Lattakia • Apamea • Hama • Aleppo • Ma’lula.
Places to be visited in the extension: Raqqa • Al Hasaka • Tell Mozan • Tel Brak • Deir Ezzor • Palmyra
A local tour guide will provide background history and news on the latest archaeological developments on the sites to be visited, supplemented by your on-site Ancient Origins hostess Dr. Micki Pistorius.
Register your details to hold your place on this exclusive tour. To secure your place a deposit payment of US$750 per person is required within 48 hours of completing the form. Payment details are noted at the end of the form.
Travel with peace of mind, knowing that your payments are 100% financially protected in case any of our suppliers become insolvent, in which case you would receive a full refund..
Ancient Origins Tour of Lebanon 16 April – 29 April 2026 14 Days/13 Nights
Meeting Place Beirut International Airport
Clients will have a private transfer from Beirut airport to the hotel, irrespective of arrival date and time. At the end of the tour, clients will also be transferred privately to Beirut Airport. Where clients arrival times are close to each other, then the transfer will be on a shared basis.
Day 1 – Thursday, April 16
Arrive in Beirut (Lebanon)
Upon arrival in Beirut, meet and transfer to Rotana Arjaan Hotel or similar for check-in, dinner & overnight.
Day 2 – Friday, April 17
Beirut
After breakfast, head to visit the Beirut National Museum and then head to Downtown Beirut, which includes contemporary high-rises, as well as, Parisian-style buildings constructed in the old tradition with beautiful wrought iron work, where the new blends well with the old. Visit the ruins of the Roman Baths near the Grand Serail, the Parliament building, martyrs’ square. After lunch, continue visiting Beirut and explore the Phoenician ruins of Beirut. Head to visit the American University of Beirut (AUB) and visit AUB’s museum. Founded in 1868, it is the third oldest museum in the Near East, after Cairo and Constantinople. It is a regional Museum with collections from 7 countries (Lebanon, Syria, Cyprus, Egypt, Palestine, Iraq, and Iran). The Museum was renovated in 1999 and reopened to the public in 2006. After the visit walk through Al Hamara street return to the Hotel for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 3 – Saturday, April 18
Beirut – Sidon – Tyre – Beirut
After breakfast, begin the day with a drive to Sidon, and visit the Sea Castle. Sidon is translated to ‘fishery’ or ‘fishing-town, it is the third-largest city in Lebanon and is located in the South Governorate of Lebanon, on the Mediterranean coast, about 25 miles north of Tyre and 25 miles south of the capital, Beirut. Then head to visit Tyre, second largest city in the south of Lebanon with its purest shores. We will enjoy lunch in Tyre, and then we’ll continue to the old island of Tyre, to see the Roman baths theatres and the old port. Make sure to take a walk along the corniche and enjoy the breathtaking view of the Mediterranean Sea. Return to the Hotel for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 4 – Sunday, April 19
Beirut – Byblos
After breakfast, head to visit the famous Jeita grottos; considered among the most important natural touristic features of Lebanon for its magnificent sceneries. Jeita Grotto, which is a natural wonder, is a system of two interconnected caves and is, situated approximately 11 miles away from Beirut. It is the longest cave existing in the Middle East and is considered to be a pride of Lebanon. Then continue to Harissa, “Our Lady of Lebanon”, where the statue of the Virgin dominates a sanctuary (a chapel in the pedestal). Enjoy the panoramic view from the top of the statue. Later, drive to Byblos, to visit one of the most important archeological sites in the area, considered the longest continually inhabited city in the world: Byblos. Enjoy walking through its castle, souks, cathedral port, restaurants transfer to Byblos Sur mer Hotel or similar for check-in, dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 5 – Monday, April 20
Byblos (Tripoli) – Bcharreh – Beirut
Tripoli, Lebanon’s second-largest city and despite being one of its poorest, it is rich in diversity and is a beautiful city to explore. There are always new places to visit and new things to do and then make our way to the Citadel of Tripoli, the Tripoli Harbor, and the Mosques and churches in the city. After the visit drive to the Cedars. The Cedars, a forest that has a unique assemblage of conifers, deciduous and evergreen broadleaf trees in an isolated phytoclimatic region with a highly varied topography, located just 5 miles from Bcharre. The Cedars are one of Lebanon’s most beautiful nature reserves and home to the oldest cedar forest. Enjoy the view of the thousands year old Cedars grown at an elevation of 1,800 meters, After the visit drive to Beirut. Upon arrival transfer to Arjaan Roche’ hotel for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 6 – Tuesday, April 21
Beirut (Baalbek) – Damascus (Syria)
Begin the day with a visit to Baalbek, an ancient Roman city located in the Bekaa valley, 53 miles away from Beirut. It makes the largest and best-preserved corpus of roman architecture left around. Our first stop will be at The Baalbek quarries, located near the ancient city of Baalbek in modern-day Lebanon, are home to some of the largest monolithic stones ever quarried by human hands. These massive blocks, known as “megaliths,” were cut and shaped during ancient times, most likely for use in the nearby Roman temples of Jupiter, Bacchus, and Venus. Continue to the site of Baalbek to visit the acropolis that occupies the top of an artificial hill built up of different layers of habitation. Continue to the Syrian border. After the formalities, drive to Damascus. Upon arrival Damascus transfer to Beit Zamman Hotel or similar for check-in dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 7 – Wednesday, April 22
Damascus
We’ll start the day by visiting the National Museum of Damascus. Then we continue to the Umayyad Mosque, also known as the “Great Mosque of Damascus,” located in the heart of the old city. The mosque was built where Temple Haddad was located during the Aramaic era. It was replaced by Jupiter in the Roman days and converted into a church in the Christian dynasty. After the mosque, we’ll head to visit the Saladin tomb, and then continue to Azem Palace, built by the governor of Damascus in the 18th century. It has all the characteristics that elaborate on the style of the Damascene houses. In the afternoon, we’ll walk through Qaimayrieh Street, then continue to visit Anania’s house. Ananias was the disciple who heeled St. Paul when he came to Damascus. Also, we’ll visit St. Paul’s window, believed to be the place where St. Paul lowered in a basket and escaped the city. Have dinner and then head back to the hotel for overnight. (B,L,D)
PS: We will Dinner at a traditional Damascene house in the city.
PS: We will Dinner at a traditional Damascene house in the city.
Day 8 – Thursday, April 23
Damascus – Palmyra – Christian Valley
Today prepare yourself for a long drive where we’ll depart to the Syrian Steppe to visit the ruins of one of the famous cities in the Middle East Palmyra; in ancient times, it was the home of Queen Zenobia. At the end of the 3rd century AD, she defied the Romans and consequently destroyed them. One of Syria’s most magnificent ancient sites, Palmyra, spreads over many acres and has an abundance of entire edifices from the 2nd century AD. In the late afternoon, we’ll drive to the Christian valley near Homs. Upon arrival check in dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 9 – Friday, April 24
Crack des chevalier – Ugarit – Lattakia
After breakfast, visit Crack Des Chevaliers, one of the famous twelve century Crusader Castles in the world. Continue Driving along the Mediterranean towards Lattakia to visit Ugarit, which has been considered one of the greatest earliest international ports in history. It was inhabited by the Canaanites, and remains from the Neolithic were found at the site. Ugarit witnessed waves of settlements from the third millennium BC. It was a key point for commercial routes and flourished later in the Bronze Age. One of the great findings in Ugarit is the Ugaritic alphabet, which dates no later than the twelfth century BC; this is the earliest example of a written alphabet, which has led to speculation that the system was developed in Ugarit. (B,L,D)
Day 10 – Saturday, April 25
Lattakia – Apamea – Hama
In the morning, leave the mediterranean region and drive across the Syrian mountain towards one of the most fertile valleys in Syria. ( Al Ghab Plain). Our first stop will be Apamea which is considered the rival of Palmyra and has one of the lognest collonaded roads in the roman world. It is on the right bank of the Orontes River, was an ancient Greek and Roman city,under the Macedonians, became the capital and Metropolitan Archbishopric of late Roman province Syria. After the visit continue to Hama. Hama’s history stretches back to at least the Neolithic period, upon arrival to Hama we visit the famous giant waterwheels. Drive around the famous Archeological tell In Hama which of Hama, then we head to Cham Palace hotel or similar, for check-in and overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 11 – Sunday, April 26
Hama – Aleppo
After breakfast, drive towards Aleppo. On the way we stop at Ebla. It is one of the most significant archaeological sites in the Middle East, primarily due to its historical importance as a center of trade, diplomacy, and culture during the third and second millennia BCE. Ebla reached its peak during the Early Bronze Age, around 2400–2300 BCE. Continue to Aleppo to visit the newly renovated museum that Exhibits tools, pottery, and other items from the Paleolithic, Neolithic, and Bronze Age periods, showcasing early human settlement in the region. Also, it holds a significant collection of artifacts from Ebla (Tell Mardikh), including cuneiform tablets, statues, and other items that provide insights into the ancient city-state’s culture and administration. It has and the Citadel. After the visit transfer to the Sheraton Hotel or similar to check in dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 12 – Monday, April 27
Aleppo
After breakfast, enjoy the day visiting Aleppo city starting with its Citadel that has been a strategic and symbolic site for over 4,000 years, serving various civilizations from the Bronze Age to the Islamic period. Continue to visit the magnificent souks of Aleppo which part of it demolished during the war in Syria. Visit the The Jdeideh Quarter , it is a historic neighborhood in the city. The quarter is famous for its beautifully preserved stone houses with inner courtyards, fountains, and wooden balconies. Return to the Hotel for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 13 – Tuesday, April 28
Aleppo – Ma’lula – Damascus
We’ll drive back to Damascus via Ma’lula. It is one of the few remaining places where Western Aramaic, the language spoken by Jesus Christ, is still spoken by some of its residents. The village has been inhabited for thousands of years and features archaeological remnants from various periods, Ma’lula has two religious places, Saint Takla convent, and Saints Sergius and Bacchus monastery. Saint Takla was converted into Christianity by Saint Paul in the First Century AD. Those churches are considered some of the oldest in the world because they were converted from Pagan temples in the early day’s right when Christianity became the religion of the Byzantine Empire. Continue to Damascus. Upon arrival Transfer to Beit Zamman Hotel or similar for check-in, dinner, and overnight. (B,L,D).
Day 14 – Wednesday, April 29
Damascus – Beirut (Lebanon) – next destination
After breakfast, Drive to Beirut. Upon arrival to Beirut transfer to the airport to take your flight to your next destination. (B,L).
Ancient Origins Tour of Lebanon 16 April – 29 April 2026 14 Days/13 Nights
Tour Cost (Land Only):
4-7 participants: $7,995.00
8-14 participants: $6,995.00
Per person sharing in double occupancy
Single supplement: $995.00
Price is based on minimum of 4participants and maximum of 14 participants
* Travel with peace of mind, knowing that your payments are 100% financially protected in case any of our suppliers become insolvent, in which case you would receive a full refund.
Syria Extension April 28, 2026 – May 02, 2026
Led by Dr. Willem Mcloud of Ancient Origins
Day 1 – Tuesday, April 28
Aleppo – Raqqa – Al Hasaka
Today we will have a long drive towards AL Hasakah. o we will drive along the Euphrates towards Al Raqqa then continue driving towards al Hasakah. Upon arrival transfer to the Hotel for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 2 – Wednesday, April 29
Al Hasaka Tell Mozan – Tel Brak – Deir Ezzor.
After breakfast, drive to tell Mozan. It is the archaeological site of ancient Urkesh, a significant Hurrian city-state from the Bronze Age. Founded around the early 4th millennium BCE, Urkesh was a central hub for the Hurrians, a people known for their rich culture and influence in the ancient Near East. Continue to tell Brak. is one of the world’s earliest known cities. Archaeological evidence indicates that a small settlement existed here as early as 6000 BCE, and by the late fifth millennium BCE, it had evolved into a significant urban center. The site is renowned for its monumental architecture, including the “Eye Temple,” a structure adorned with numerous eye-shaped sculptures, which may have held religious significance. After the visit drive to Deir Ezzor. Upon arrival, transfer to the hotel for check in and overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 3 – Thursday, April 30
Deir Ezzor – Dura Europos – Mari – Deir Ezzor
After breakfast drive southeast towards the Iraqi border. Our first stop will be Dura Europos. It was an ancient city founded around 300 BCE. Established as a military colony by the Seleucid Empire, it was named “Dura” (meaning “fortress” in Aramaic) and later “Europos” by the Greeks, honoring the Macedonian city of Europos, the birthplace of Seleucus I Nicator. Strategically positioned at the crossroads of east-west and north-south trade routes, Dura-Europos flourished as a vibrant urban center. Its prosperity attracted a diverse population, including Greeks, Persians, Jews, and Palmyrenes, fostering a rich cultural and religious tapestry. Continue to the kingdom of Mari. It was a prominent Semitic-speaking city-state situated on the western bank of the Euphrates River. It flourished from approximately 2900 BCE to 1759 BCE, serving as a vital trade hub connecting Sumer in the south with the Eblaite kingdom and the Levant in the west. The main important remaining structure in Mari is Zimri-Lim Palace. (reign: 1779 to 1757 BCE). It covered more than 2 hectares and had some 300 rooms, corridors and courtyards. Mari has the best-preserved Mesopotamian Palace, with two large courtyards. After visiting the ruins of Mari, drive back to Deir Ezzor for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 4 – Friday, May 01
Deir Ezzor – Palmyra – Damascus
After breakfast, Drive to Damascus via Palmyra. Upon arrival in Damascus transfer to Beit Zamman Hotel or similar for dinner and overnight. (B,L,D)
Day 5 – Saturday, May 02
Damascus – Beirut – Next destination
After breakfast, drive to Beirut. Upon arrival to Beirut transfer to the airport to take your flights for your next destination. (B)
Syria Extension April 28, 2026 – May 02, 2026
Tour Cost (Land Only)
4-7 Participants: $1,895.00
8-14 participants: $1,595.00
Per person sharing in double occupancy
Single supplement: $295.00
Price is based on minimum of 4 participants and maximum of 14 participants
ACCOMMODATIONS
**** Superior – 4-star hotels with western style service and comfort level acceptable to western standards.
TRIP GRADE
II Active – Some hikes over gravel or on sandy sites and few walks at/or to sites on uneven terrain, few elevations, several winding mountain drives, and comfortable, but busy schedule of touring days.
TOUR DEPOSIT
US$750 PER PERSON
US$750 PER PERSON
A deposit of US$750 per person is required to secure immediate booking. The remainder of the payment will be required ten weeks before the start date of the tour. Any problems or queries contact us here
CANCELLATIONS
& REFUNDS
& REFUNDS
- Cancellations must be received in writing and will be processed according to the date the written notice is received. Although a verbal cancellation is appreciated, it will not be accepted as final notice. Departure is defined as the date of the first flight from travellers country, or the trip departure date as indicated on our Trip Schedule, whichever comes first.
Money will be refunded minus the following cancellation fees/penalties per person (unless different for a particular trip, then the special cancellation schedule of that trip will apply):
– From time of booking up to 90 days prior to departure US$500.00 per person
– 89-60 days prior to departure US$750.00 per person
– 59-31 days prior to departure 75% of total land cost
– 30-0 days prior to departure No refund - Aside from the above penalties, any additional penalties on airline tickets imposed by the airlines- in cases of cancellation or date changes after issuance of tickets – will be totally charged to the traveler. In addition, any costs involved in obtaining visas will also be collected from the traveler and cannot be reimbursed by Ancient Origins or its suppliers.
- Hotel rooms booked on our tours are run of The House (ROH), any special rooms with views or upper floors will entail a supplement that clients will be responsible to cover.
PRICE PER
PERSON INCLUDES
PERSON INCLUDES
- Airport /Hotel/Airport Transfers.
- Hotel accommodation as per the itinerary is based on combination of boutique properties and 4* hotels (best available in each small city.)
- Meals as mentioned in the itinerary (B: Breakfast, L: Lunch, D: Dinner) – lunches at local restaurants & dinners at Damascene houses & restaurants.
- Qualified English-speaking guide.
- Entrance fees to all museums, citadels, and archeological sites as per the itinerary.
- Water with lunches and dinners.
- Visa approval for Syria –
- Departure tax.
PRICE PER
PERSON EXCLUDES
PERSON EXCLUDES
- International air USA/Beirut/USA.
- Lebanese visa (Currently free on arrival for US citizens – subject to change).
- Syrian visa (currently $200 to be paid in CASH at the border – subject to change).
Your passport must NOT include any Israeli stamps. - Beverages or any alcoholic drinks with or without meals.
- Transfers if not arriving/departing on tour dates or needing extra days.
- Tips & gratuities to drivers, guides, restaurant staff, etc.,
- Items of personal nature (camera fees at sites, laundry, emails, excess luggage, etc.).
- Dayroom/overnights necessitated by changes in airline schedules or early arrival.
- Trip surcharge to operate below required minimum participants.
- Travel protection insurance (HIGHLY RECOMMENDED)
