Trekkup Dubai ✔

Welcome to Syria, home to one of the oldest civilizations in the world and rich with artistic and cultural heritage. From its ancient roots to its recent political instability and civil war, the country has a complex and turbulent history. The country has many treasures, but this three-day weekender manages to cover a selection of Syria’s highlights that will fascinate, delight, and provide insight into this ancient land and its people.

In this historical crossroads, archaeologists have uncovered human remains dating back 700,000 years – even before the time of the Neanderthals. The city of Elba, thought to have existed around 3,000 BC, is one of the world’s oldest settlements ever to be excavated, while the famed Damascus is the world’s oldest continuously inhabited capital city. Even the ancient language of Aramaic is still spoken here!

Invasions and occupations through the ages resulted in a who’s who of ancient empires making their mark on this land. These include the Egyptians, Hittites, Sumerians, Mitanni, Assyrians, Babylonians, Canaanites, Phoenicians, Persians, Greeks, Romans, Mongols, Crusaders…and more! A melting pot for millennia, today it is home to diverse ethnic and religious groups including Kurds, Armenians, Assyrians, Christians, Druze, Alawites, and Shia and Sunni Arabs, the last making up the majority of the Muslim population.

There is no escaping the fact that the Syrian people have suffered greatly in recent decades, enduring military coups, a 50-year dictatorship, and brutal civil conflict resulting in death and destruction – and more than six million Syrians fleeing the country.
The future of the country is still being determined, but visit Syria today and you will find a destination of fascinating ancient landmarks, delicious cuisine, proud heritage and traditions, and welcoming locals who are eager to share their culture.

Let’s go!

Day 1 // Arrival – Bosra – Damascus

Arrival in Damascus and completion of immigration formalities. Wasting no time, we’ll hop in our van and head to the southern city of Bosra, the first Nabatean city around 2,000 BC. Later, Bosra became a prosperous provincial capital during the Roman era, flourishing into a metropolis and a major center for food production and coin minting. Bosra is said to have played an important role in the life of Mohammed, as described in accounts by the Christian monk Bahira – the Assyrian monk who is said to have foretold to the young Mohammed his future as a prophet. Today, Bosra is regarded as a major archaeological site and was declared a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 2010. Continue to Damascus for overnight.

In the evening, we’ll enjoy the city after dark, savoring delicious Syrian food and perhaps a drink in one of its lively bars.

Day 2 // Ma’aloula – Krak des Chevaliers

After breakfast, we leave Damascus and head to the village of Ma’aloula. Here we will visit the Greek Orthodox Convent of Saint Thecla and walk the mountain path that bears the saint’s name. Next is the Church and Monastery of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, one of the oldest such sites in Syria, believed to date back to the 3rd or 4th century. Today, it is one of the only places in the world where scholars can still study Aramaic, the ancient language of Christ.

We’ll then hit the road again for the two-hour drive to the impressive Krak des Chevaliers, or "Fortress of the Knights,” one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the world. Crossing the moat, entering the dungeons, and climbing the ramparts, we’ll explore this fascinating remnant of the past, founded in the 11th century and once occupied by Crusader forces.
On the way back to Damascus, we’ll stop for dinner in Homs, a city made infamous by the three-year siege between the Syrian military and rebel opposition, which resulted in widespread destruction of entire neighborhoods.

Day 3 // Damascus – Departure

Our trip would not be complete without visiting the oldest continuously inhabited capital city on Earth. Designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Damascus’ historic center is surrounded by Roman-era walls punctuated by seven ancient gates. As we wander the streets of the Old City, it’s easy to imagine a time when Silk Road traders arrived to barter and sell their wares.
Our first stop will be Azem Palace, a masterpiece of traditional Damascene architecture. Built in 1750 by the Ottoman governor, it is now a cultural and folklore museum where we will learn about Syrian history, customs, clothing, and more. The rest of the day will be spent exploring the city’s major historic and religious landmarks, including the Umayyad Mosque, Straight Street, the House of Saint Ananias, Khan As’ad Pasha Caravanserai, Al-Buzuriyah Souq, and Souq Al-Hamidiyah.
We’ll have some free time for souvenir shopping before heading back to Damascus Airport for our flight home.

Grade: Easy – available for everyone.
Activities: Cultural immersion, sightseeing.
Cost: 5,370 AED all incl. flights, until NOV 12.

Accommodation & Meals: 5 star hotel - double sharing, meals excluded.
Specifically Excluded: Visa expenses, meals.

Visa:
Visa on arrival / e-visa for all passports. Several nationalities such as Egypt or Russia require OK to board.

It is sole responsibility of participant to secure entry to country of destination.

See yah in Syria x

The vast landscapes of Oman are dotted with green spots of ancient villages, almost anywhere you look. Their existence for centuries has been dependent on access to water and protection from natural disasters. With origins dating back 500 years, it was only a few decades ago that life began to change here with the introduction of cars, roads, and electricity. The days of transporting farm produce on donkey back for two days to the nearest market are over, as many former farmers now reside in cities such as Muscat.

One of the most fertile regions here is called Jebel Akhdar – The Green Mountain, famous for its abundance of springs, labyrinth of wadis and Mediterranean climate on a plateau that is 2000 meters above sea level. Throughout the year, every month is different here, marked by various harvests – roses, pomegranates or figs; but most importantly you can enjoy fresh air during hot Gulf summer and witness the snow in winter!

For several years now, many ancient villages have been undergoing renovations in order to endlessly charm the visitors who wish to immerse themselves in centuries-old cultures.
And for this Trekkup we have cherry picked the glistening gems that will not only take you back in time, but also transport you to places like Bhutan’s Tiger Nest or Yemen’s Hadhramout, as you will notice striking similarities.

Our journey is set to follow sun, as it crosses two distinct parts of Jebel Akhdar: East to West on a little known path that will traverse the high ledges near the eagles nests, all the way down to a lush oasis with an ocean of palm trees.

You are soon to notice, the sun favours Jebel Akhdar and grants it with a daily spectacles of sunrise and sunset, shows not to be missed!
Yalla!

DAY 1 // Friday
Meeting at airport for a flight to Muscat. Arrival, immigration formalities, drive to Eastern Jebel Akhdar, start offroading. Overnight.

DAY 2 // Saturday
Shine and rise to the gorgeous sunrise of Eastern Jebel Akhdar!!
After breakfast short walk across terrace plantations before we hit 5-6 hrs trail to western side, crossing the ridges with endless panoramas. We will arrive to the western side of Jebel Akhdar in the afternoon, with enough time to explore the ancient settlements and colourful farms here. Quick walk around our Tiger Nest-esque village with a cup of well-deserved coffee, and a drive to hotel to catch up with the sun, and so for you to decide if sunset in the west is better than eastern sunrise! Mountain Nights dinner to celebrate.

DAY 3 // Sunday
Today we will explore the Western part of the plateau, walking across the plantations and Arabic irrigation systems called FALAJ, yet another setting known only from Sinbad cartoons. From here we will hit the road back to airport, with a stop at Rustaq and in Nakhla fort, if time allows. In the evening return flight home with a pocket of fresh, green memories!

Grade: Moderate to hard, with cheat option (shuttle instead of trekking).
Activities: Trekking, sightseeing, offroading.
Duration: Weekend
Accommodation & meals: Double sharing - guesthouse (or camping) on day 1, sunset hotel on day 2. Meals: 2 breakfasts, 1 dinner and 1 packed lunch. Bring your favourite snacks. Single room subject of availability and extra cost at the time of booking.

Cost: 1800 AED excl. flights or 3110 AED incl. flights and airport transfers. Cost valid until NOV 12.

Specifically excluded: optional flights and airport transfers, entry fees if any.
Requirement: Trekking shoes – no shoes no hike! Daypack, hat, sunscreen, sunglasses, camera, water + 2 litres sports electrolytes for both days.

See yah in Jebel Akhdar x

Historically intriguing, culturally compelling and scenically magical, Eritrea is one of the most interesting countries in Africa – and to many travellers, one of the most mysterious.

To this day, Eritrea's government is one of the world's most repressive, with no legislature or free press. Public and private life is highly controlled, with restrictions imposed on freedom of expression, opinion and faith. The country possesses extensive agricultural and mineral resources, yet it is among the poorest nations on the continent.

But despite the tough political and economic landscape and the odd travel restrictions, Eritrea remains one of the most inspiring destinations in Africa.

For a relatively small country, Eritrea impresses with incredible scenery that’s just made for a road trip, from the plateaus and soaring peaks of the Abyssinian Highlands to the Filfil Rainforest and the deserted white-sand beaches of the Red Sea coast. Culturally, it is a melting pot, home to an array of ethnic groups, and boasting a delicious cuisine familiar to fans of Ethiopian food.

A walk through the old town of Massawa is like stepping back in time, its streets lined with gently crumbling Ottoman buildings and home to the oldest mosque in Africa. The cherry on top is Asmara, Eritrea’s scenic capital full of striking and whimsical Art Deco architecture.

Join us as we return to this fascinating destination and make sure Eritrea feels the love!

Welcome to Uzbekistan! The region’s cradle of culture for more than two millennia, a home to a spellbinding arsenal of architecture and ancient cities, all deeply infused with the bloody, fascinating history of the Silk Road. In terms of sights alone, Uzbekistan is Central Asia's biggest draw and most impressive showstopper.