Cruises from Tartus
Tartus — an ancient port city on the Mediterranean coast of Syria, where three millennia of maritime history meet sandy beaches and a picturesque seafront promenade. This city, which has outlasted Phoenicians, Crusaders, Ottomans and the Cold War, is today experiencing a genuine renaissance: following the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024 and the lifting of international sanctions, Tartus is opening up to the world once again. Located in western Syria, approximately 220 km northwest of Damascus and less than an hour's drive south of Latakia, Tartus is the country's second-largest port and the natural gateway to the ancient treasures of the Levant: the Crusader castle of Krak des Chevaliers, Phoenician Amrit, the island of Arwad, and distant Palmyra.
For the cruise traveller, Tartus offers a unique opportunity to touch civilisations that shaped the Mediterranean over thousands of years. With the USD 800 million agreement signed with DP World in July 2025 and the operator's commencement of operations in November 2025, the port is entering a new era — a modern logistics hub for the Eastern Mediterranean, linking Southern Europe, the Middle East and North Africa. 🚢
📋 Before going ashore in Tartus or setting sail on a cruise from this port, here are the key facts to know:
🇸🇾 Country: Syrian Arab Republic
📍 Region: Tartus Governorate (Muhafazat Tartus)
👥 Population: approximately 496,000 residents (metropolitan area, 2025)
📐 Governorate area: 1,890 km²
🗣️ Languages: Arabic (official); French and English in tourist areas
💴 Currency: Syrian pound (SYP)
🕐 Time zone: EET (UTC+2), summer EEST (UTC+3)
☀️ Climate: Mediterranean, mild winter (+46…+57 °F / +8…+14 °C) and warm summer (+81…+90 °F / +27…+32 °C); summer humidity can reach 80%
✈️ Nearest airport: Damascus International Airport (DAM) — approx. 250 km / 155 mi; Latakia Airport (LTK) — approx. 80 km / 50 mi
⚓ Official port name: Port of Tartus (Mina' Tartus)
🗺️ Port area: approximately 1.4 km² (commercial zone)
🏛️ History of Tartus — from Phoenician Antaradus to the Gateway of the East
⏳ 3,000 years of maritime heritage
Tartus is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the Mediterranean world. Its roots reach back to the 2nd millennium BC, when Phoenicians from the island of Arwad (ancient Aradus) established a trading outpost on the mainland shore called Antaradus — literally "the city facing Aradus." This name survived into the modern Arabic "Tartus" and gave rise to the Latin "Tortosa" and French "Tartous." The city's strategic position between the sea and the Jabal al-Nusayriyah (Ansariyah) mountain range made Antaradus an important trading hub between the mainland and the island — grain, timber, olive oil and the purple dye for which the Phoenicians were renowned throughout the ancient world all passed through its harbour.
During the Roman and Byzantine periods, the city flourished as a regional centre and Christian stronghold. In 346 AD, Emperor Constantine the Great rebuilt and fortified the town, and one of the world's first churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary was established here — a tradition of Marian devotion that made Tartus a place of pilgrimage long before the Middle Ages.
⚔️ From the Crusades to the present day
In 1099, during the First Crusade, the city was seized by the forces of Raymond IV of Toulouse. In the 12th century Tartus became the principal stronghold of the Knights Templar in Syria: in 1152 the Count of Tripoli granted the city and its port to the Templar Order, who constructed a powerful citadel with double concentric walls and the magnificent Cathedral of Our Lady of Tortosa. This 12th-century Romanesque-Gothic gem is considered one of the best-preserved Crusader churches in the Levant and today houses the Tartus National Museum.
In 1188 Saladin recaptured the city, but the Templars held out in the citadel for nearly a hundred more years — until 1291, when Tartus became their last stronghold on the Syrian coast. The knights eventually withdrew to Arwad Island, where they held on for another decade.
During the Ottoman era (16th–20th centuries) Tartus regained its importance as a trading port linking Syria with Cyprus and the wider Mediterranean. After World War I and the collapse of the Ottoman Empire, the city became part of the French Mandate for Syria, and from 1946 part of the independent Syrian Republic. In 1971, during the Cold War, the Soviet Navy established a maintenance and supply base in the harbour of Tartus — its only naval base outside the former USSR. This facility remained under Russian control until early 2025, when Syria's new government terminated the long-standing arrangements with Moscow.
⚓ Port of Tartus — a new era for the Eastern Mediterranean
📊 Scale and structure of the port
The Port of Tartus is Syria's second-largest seaport after Latakia. Its capacity stands at approximately 4 million tonnes of cargo and up to 20,000 containers per year. The commercial zone covers approximately 1.4 km², adjoined by a separate naval zone.
After the fall of the Assad regime in December 2024 and the lifting of US and European sanctions, the port gained fresh momentum for development. In July 2025 the Syrian government signed a 30-year concession agreement with Dubai-based operator DP World worth USD 800 million to modernise and expand the port. In November 2025 DP World officially commenced operations — marking the largest foreign investment in Syria's logistics infrastructure in recent years. The project envisages construction of new terminals, deployment of advanced digital management systems, establishment of free economic zones and development of transit corridors.
🚢 How many cruise ships does the port accommodate
The Port of Tartus can simultaneously accommodate several large vessels. During the pre-conflict tourism period (before 2011), cruise ships operated by MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises and other lines called regularly at Tartus, which featured on Eastern Mediterranean itineraries as the gateway to Damascus and Krak des Chevaliers. With the restoration of safe navigation conditions in the region and ongoing infrastructure modernisation under the DP World agreement, Tartus is gradually reappearing on the radar of cruise lines interested in unique Levantine itineraries.
🏢 Which cruise lines operated from Tartus
In the pre-war period the port of Tartus welcomed ships from leading Mediterranean cruise operators including MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, Royal Caribbean International, Princess Cruises and others. Tartus featured on Eastern Mediterranean itineraries alongside Beirut, Piraeus, Limassol and Haifa. The resumption of regular cruise calls is expected as the region stabilises and port infrastructure continues to develop.
💡 Interesting facts about Tartus and its port
Getting to know the city will be richer with a few lesser-known details:
🏝️ Tartus is the only Syrian port directly facing an inhabited island. Just a few kilometres offshore lies Arwad — Syria's only inhabited island — where fishing and traditional boat-building have continued without interruption for thousands of years.
⛪ One of the world's first churches dedicated to the Virgin Mary was built in Tartus. As early as the 3rd century AD a chapel honouring the Mother of God stood here — long before Rome officially embraced Christianity.
🏰 The Tartus citadel was the last Templar stronghold in Syria. The Knights Templar held their citadel until 1291, long after all their other fortresses in the Holy Land had fallen. It was here that the Crusader era on Syrian soil came to its final close.
⚓ The only Soviet naval base outside the USSR. From 1971 to 2025 Tartus was the sole basing point of the Soviet and then Russian navy beyond the former USSR — the only refuelling and maintenance facility in the Mediterranean that allowed warships to avoid the long voyage through Turkey's straits.
🌿 Amrit — the world's oldest known stadium is right next to the city. Just 7 km from Tartus lies the Phoenician sanctuary of Amrit (6th century BC), featuring a ritual stadium for ceremonial games — one of the earliest known sporting venues on the planet.
🏗️ USD 800 million — the largest foreign investment in Syria since 2024. The agreement between DP World and the Syrian government, signed in Damascus in July 2025 in the presence of President Ahmed al-Sharaa, became a symbol of Syria's return to the international economy.
🌊 Tartus came through the civil war largely unscathed. Unlike Aleppo, Homs or Palmyra, the city remained relatively protected throughout the 13-year conflict and preserved its architectural and touristic character intact.
🎭 The Tartus Art Festival draws artists from across Syria. Every summer the city hosts the Tartus Tourism Festival, featuring cultural performances, folk music and artisan exhibitions, transforming this port city into the cultural capital of Syria's Mediterranean coast.
📍 Top sights of Tartus — must-see for the cruise traveller
A cruise ship stopover in Tartus offers the opportunity to explore both the city itself and surrounding heritage sites within a few hours' drive. A detailed list with photos, addresses and opening hours can be found in the "Sights & Attractions" section; below is a brief overview of the city's landmark locations.
⛪ Cathedral of Our Lady of Tortosa (12th century) — one of the best-preserved Romanesque-Gothic Crusader churches in the entire Levant. Built by the Templars over an earlier Byzantine church of the 3rd century AD. Today it houses the Tartus National Museum, with artefacts spanning the Stone Age to the Islamic era.
🏰 Templar Citadel — a medieval fortress of the 12th–13th centuries with massive double concentric walls. The old quarter of the city has organically grown up inside the fortress walls — this authentic "living fortress" is a unique urban phenomenon.
🏝️ Arwad Island — Syria's only inhabited island, 3 km / 1.9 mi offshore from Tartus; a twenty-minute boat ride. Narrow lanes, traditional boat-building, Phoenician walls and a fishing culture unbroken for millennia. The island preserves an ancient Phoenician harbour and a small museum.
🏺 Amrit (Marathus) — a Phoenician sanctuary of the 6th century BC, 7 km / 4.3 mi from Tartus. A sacred pool dedicated to the god Eshmun, two unique monumental spindle-shaped mausolea (spinoids) and the remains of a ritual stadium.
🏖️ Corniche promenade and city beaches — a long seafront walk along the Mediterranean, lined with cafés and seafood restaurants with views across to Arwad Island. Al-Hamidiya and Risal beaches are the most popular spots for locals and visitors alike.
🏔️ Marqab Castle (Qal'at al-Marqab) — a magnificent Crusader and Hospitaller fortress 25 km / 15.5 mi north of Tartus, near Baniyas. Built on a volcanic hilltop, it impresses with its scale and state of preservation: massive walls, a Gothic chapel and panoramic views over the sea and mountains.
🕌 The Old Market (Souk) — a traditional bazaar in the centre of Tartus, offering local spices, olive oil, handmade soap and the crafts of Syrian coastal artisans.
🗺️ Krak des Chevaliers — one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the world (UNESCO World Heritage Site), located 60–70 km / 37–43 mi east of Tartus. Built by the Hospitallers in the 12th century on a mountain ridge, it could garrison up to 2,000 knights. An essential visit if the ship's schedule allows.
✨ Why choose a cruise to Tartus
Tartus is a rare port where every step ashore is a journey through time.
First, the concentration of ancient heritage is unmatched: the Phoenician sanctuary of Amrit, the Templar citadel, Arwad Island and Marqab Castle are all within 30 km / 18.6 mi of the port, while Krak des Chevaliers (UNESCO) is just 70 km / 43.5 mi away. 🏰
Second, this is a city rediscovering itself: following the lifting of sanctions in 2025 and major investment in port infrastructure, Tartus is returning to the Mediterranean cruise map — and today you have the chance to be among the first to discover it. 🌊
Third, it offers authenticity without the tourist queues: unlike the overcrowded itineraries of Athens or Barcelona, Tartus provides a vivid, genuine encounter with millennia of Levantine civilisation. 🍋
The cruise specialists at Four Gates Group will help you find the ideal ship and itinerary calling at Tartus, assist with transfer arrangements and necessary documentation, and offer exclusive fares from MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises, Royal Caribbean and other leading brands with which we partner as a priority agent in Ukraine. 🤝
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is provided for general reference and is current as of the date of publication. Prices, schedules, itineraries and visiting conditions may change without notice. Please verify up-to-date details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant venues.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals
How to Get to the Cruise Terminal in Tartus
Tartus is Syria's only significant Mediterranean port that accepts cruise ships. The city lies 220 km north of Damascus and 65 km south of Latakia, and despite its relatively modest size, its transport connections differ considerably from most Mediterranean cruise ports: there are no direct flights to Tartus, the railway is currently out of service, and reaching the ship always involves several steps. Below is a step-by-step guide covering every available transfer option, current prices, and practical tips from the cruise specialists at Four Gates Group. 🎯
📍 Where Is the Tartus Cruise Terminal
The Port of Tartus is a large commercial complex on the Mediterranean coast, sheltered by two long breakwaters. It is divided into four basins separated by Moles A, B, and C, with a total berth length of more than 5,100 m. Within the complex there is a dedicated passenger terminal for cruise and ferry vessels.
⚓ Tartus Passenger Terminal — the only terminal where cruise ships berth. It is located in the urban section of the port, adjacent to the old city and the waterfront promenade:
• Berths reach a depth of up to 12.2 m, accommodating vessels up to 65,000 DWT
• Since November 2025, the port has been operated by DP World (UAE) under a 30-year concession with USD 800 million in planned investment — this will significantly accelerate infrastructure modernisation
📌 GPS address: Port of Tartus, Tartus, Syria (34.8922° N, 35.8866° E)
🚶 Distance to the city centre: approximately 1 km to the old-town waterfront, about 10–15 minutes on foot
❗ Important: the exact berth and terminal for your ship are always stated in your cruise voucher. Confirm this information 48–72 hours before departure — the port is continuing to update its infrastructure.
✈️ From Damascus Airport (DAM) to the Cruise Terminal
Damascus International Airport (DAM) is Syria's main aviation gateway, located 220 km from Tartus. It is the only major international airport receiving flights from most countries. As of 2026, airlines operating into Damascus include Turkish Airlines, Qatar Airways, Royal Jordanian, Etihad Airways (from June 2026), flydubai, Air Arabia, Flynas, and others.
🚗 Private transfer (minivan or car) — the safest and most comfortable option
This is the only recommended option for cruise passengers travelling with luggage. Your driver will meet you in the arrivals hall and take you directly to the port gates.
• Distance: approximately 220 km (via the highway through Homs, then west to the coast)
• Journey time: 2.5–3 hours depending on traffic and road conditions
• Cost: from USD 80 for a car (1–3 passengers), from USD 110 for a minivan (4–7 passengers)
• Payment: USD or EUR cash; advance booking is required
• Advantages: fixed price, convenient with large luggage, driver experienced on local roads, option to stop in Homs
🤝 Four Gates Group arranges private transfers for its clients — simply provide your flight number when booking your cruise and we will organise the Damascus meet-and-greet seamlessly.
🚌 Scheduled bus Damascus–Tartus — the budget option
Regular buses run between Damascus and Tartus. This is the cheapest way to reach the city, though less practical with heavy luggage.
• Departure: Al-Terminal Al-Jadid (New Bus Terminal) in Damascus
• Journey time: approximately 3 hours
• Cost: approximately USD 5–8 per ticket
• Important: tickets are purchased at the station on the day; schedules are irregular — buses depart when full or at set times
• Onward connection: from Tartus bus station to the port — 10–15 minutes on foot or a local taxi (USD 1–2)
🚕 Taxi from Damascus Airport to Tartus — fast but expensive
A private or shared service taxi directly from Damascus Airport to Tartus.
• Journey time: 2.5–3 hours
• Cost: USD 60–100 depending on negotiation and vehicle type
• Important: always agree on the fare before the journey — taxi meters are rarely used in Syria
✈️ From Latakia Airport (LTK) to the Cruise Terminal
Latakia International Airport (LTK) is a regional airport located 65 km north of Tartus. International services are limited, but it is a viable option for cruise passengers arriving on regional or charter flights.
🚕 Taxi or private transfer — the only practical option from Latakia to Tartus:
• Distance: approximately 65 km along the coastal road
• Journey time: approximately 45–60 minutes
• Taxi cost: USD 20–35 (agree in advance)
• Private transfer cost: from USD 40
💡 Four Gates tip: if your cruise itinerary involves flying into Latakia, ask our manager about transfer availability — it is considerably more convenient and cost-effective than arranging it on arrival.
🚌 From Beirut (Lebanon) to Tartus
Beirut is the closest point to Tartus with a major international airport offering a wide range of flights, including convenient connections with Europe via Istanbul, Dubai, Doha, and other hubs. The distance from Beirut to Tartus is approximately 120 km, but you must cross the Syrian border at the Arida (Al-Arida) checkpoint.
🚗 Private transfer Beirut–Tartus — the most comfortable option for cruise passengers:
• Distance: approximately 120 km
• Journey time: 1.5–2.5 hours (including border crossing; waiting time at the border is unpredictable)
• Cost: from USD 80–120 (private car, 1–4 passengers)
• Arida border crossing: the Arida/Al-Arida checkpoint is the most convenient crossing between Lebanon and Syria for the direct Tripoli–Tartus route
• Entry note: citizens of most EU countries can obtain a Syrian visa on arrival (cost from USD 75 for EU citizens as of 2025–2026); verify current requirements in advance
🚐 Shared minibuses and service taxis Tripoli–Tartus — the budget option without your own vehicle:
1️⃣ From Beirut by minibus or taxi to Tripoli (northern Lebanon) — ~1.5 hours
2️⃣ From Tripoli — minibus or shared taxi to the Abdeh–Arida border area
3️⃣ Cross the Arida border on foot (usually 20–40 minutes)
4️⃣ From the Syrian side — a minibus to Tartus bus station (~30–40 minutes)
• Minibus fare Arida–Tartus: approximately 10,000 Syrian pounds or USD 1–2
• Total route cost: USD 15–25 per person
• Journey time: 3–4 hours including all connections and the border crossing
• ⚠️ Important: minibuses depart when full, not on a fixed schedule — allow plenty of extra time
🏙️ From Tartus City Centre to the Cruise Terminal
If you have stayed overnight at a hotel in Tartus or arrived by bus at the city station, reaching the port is straightforward:
🚕 Taxi — the most convenient option within the city:
• Fare from a hotel or bus station to the port gates: USD 1–3
• Taxis can be found outside any hotel or on main streets
• Agree on the price before getting in — meters are rarely used
🚶 Walking from the city centre — a practical choice without luggage:
• From the old-town waterfront to the port entrance — approximately 10–15 minutes
• The route runs along the shoreline
• Not recommended with large suitcases in hot weather
🚗 By Private or Rental Car
Some travellers choose to drive to Tartus independently in a rental car from Damascus or Latakia.
• Route from Damascus: motorway M5 north to Homs → motorway M1 west to Tartus; total distance ~220 km
• Route from Latakia: coastal road southward ~65 km
• Parking near the port: limited and paid; confirm on arrival
• Important: entry into the port zone may require a pass — check your cruise voucher or contact port services in advance
♿ Accessibility for Passengers with Reduced Mobility
Port of Tartus infrastructure is currently undergoing modernisation. As of 2026:
✅ The main berthing area is single-level and accessible for passengers in wheelchairs
✅ The passenger terminal is equipped with basic access facilities
⚠️ Pavements and roads in the city are uneven — independent wheelchair navigation is challenging
⚠️ There are no specialised adapted taxis available on a regular basis — notify your cruise line in advance if assistance is required
✅ Port staff are available to assist with boarding — inform your cruise line of any special needs ahead of time
⏰ When to Arrive at the Cruise Terminal
Most cruise lines calling at Tartus open check-in 3–4 hours before departure. Recommended arrival times:
🕐 MSC Cruises, Costa Cruises: 3–3.5 hours before departure
🕐 Royal Caribbean, Norwegian, Celebrity: at the assigned boarding time shown in your voucher (usually 30-minute windows)
🕐 Smaller and luxury lines (Silversea, Seabourn, Azamara): any time after the terminal opens
❗ Boarding deadline: typically 60–90 minutes before departure. All Four Gates Group vouchers include the exact boarding time for your cruise.
⚠️ A special note for Tartus: unlike Western European ports, the journey to Tartus via Damascus or Beirut takes considerably more time and depends on road conditions and the border situation. We strongly recommend arriving in Syria or Lebanon no later than one full day before your ship departs.
💡 Expert Tips from Four Gates Group
Tartus is an atypical Mediterranean embarkation or disembarkation port. Here is what you need to know:
🌅 Arrive at least one day before departure. The drive from Damascus takes 2.5–3 hours, and road and border conditions can change. One night in Tartus or Damascus is a sensible precaution.
💱 Carry cash in USD or EUR. The Syrian pound (SYP) is the official currency, but US dollars and euros are widely accepted in transport and hotels. Visa and Mastercard only began to be accepted in Syria from May 2026, so cash remains essential.
📋 Sort out your visa in advance or check the requirements. Citizens of most countries can obtain a Syrian visa on arrival at the border or airport, but conditions can change — verify current information before travelling.
📱 Download apps before you leave: Google Maps with an offline map of Syria and Lebanon, Google Translate with the Arabic language pack (most drivers and staff do not speak English), and YallaGo (a local ride-hailing app available in Damascus).
🌡️ Factor in the climate. Summers in Tartus are hot (+86–95 °F / +30–35 °C), while the drive from Damascus over the mountain pass can be noticeably cooler. Dress comfortably and carry water.
🏨 If you are staying in Tartus the night before your cruise — choose a hotel on the waterfront or near the old city: from there it is 5–10 minutes by taxi to the port.
📞 Useful Contacts
Port of Tartus (general information): +963 43 220 800
Damascus Airport (information): +963 11 543 1136
Latakia Airport: +963 41 477 000
Syria emergency services: 110 (police), 113 (ambulance)
Four Gates Group cruise specialists (24/7 for clients):+38 097 653 05 53
Getting to the cruise terminal in Tartus requires more careful planning than most Mediterranean ports — but it is an entirely manageable task. The key rule: allow extra time, do not rush, and entrust your transfer to experienced professionals. The cruise experts at Four Gates Group handle every logistics question — from selecting a flight with the ideal connection to arranging a meet-and-greet with a name board at the airport and delivering you directly to the gangway of your ship. 🛳️✨
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is provided for general reference and reflects conditions at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes, visa requirements, and border-crossing conditions may change without notice. Please verify current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant authorities.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals
Tartus Sights and Attractions: A Complete Guide for Cruise Passengers
Tartus — one of Syria's oldest cities on the Mediterranean coast, which has miraculously survived millennia of civilisations: Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Crusaders and Ottomans. Around every corner stand walls that remember the Crusades, an island over 4,000 years old, and the ruins of a Phoenician city older than Rome. For a cruise passenger with 6–10 hours in port, Tartus offers a genuine immersion into the deepest layers of Mediterranean history. Below is a complete guide to the key sights with up-to-date information for 2026 and instructions on how to reach each from the port. 🎯
🏰 1. Tartus Citadel (Crusader Fortress)
💡 Interesting Facts and Background:
The Tartus Citadel is the best-preserved Crusader fortification situated within the limits of a modern city. Built in the 12th century as the main Templar stronghold in the region, it guarded the coastline for over 150 years. The medieval streets tucked between its ancient walls still move at their own unhurried pace. 🛡️
🔹 The Crusader city was known as Tortosa — the principal port of the County of Tripoli before Tripoli itself was taken.
🔹 Inside the fortified quarter, buildings with Gothic portals and pointed windows from the 12th–13th centuries survive, seamlessly incorporated into later Arab neighbourhoods.
🔹 From the citadel walls you get a panoramic view of the harbour and Arwad Island — one of the finest spots for sunset photography. 📸
🔹 The citadel is unique in that it is surrounded by a living urban fabric: traders, cafés, residents — not a museum backdrop but a genuine Syrian city.
🔹 Underground passages and cellars have survived, testifying to the sophisticated defence system that once operated here.
📜 History:
A settlement at the site of modern Tartus existed as far back as the 2nd millennium BC under the name Antaradus — meaning “the city opposite Aradus” (i.e. Arwad Island). In 1099 Crusaders under Raymond of Toulouse briefly seized the town; in 1102 they established permanent control. Tartus became one of the key ports of the Holy Land — pilgrims landed here, armies embarked, and merchant ships were loaded and unloaded.
In 1188 Saladin captured the city, but the citadel held firm under siege. The Templars retook and reinforced it. Only in 1291, after the fall of Acre, did the last Crusaders abandon Tartus and retreat to neighbouring Arwad Island — where they held on for another ten years before the Mamluks expelled them from there as well. The citadel gradually became a residential quarter — and so it remains to this day.
🚢 How to Get There from the Port:
• On foot: 10–15 minutes from the quay along the promenade towards the Old City
• Taxi: 5 minutes, minimum-fare ride
💶 Prices and Opening Hours:
• A walk through the Old City around the citadel: free
• Entry to the inner courtyards and towers may involve a token fee in Syrian pounds
• Opening hours: daily from morning to evening
⚠️ Tip: carry only a photocopy of your passport and local cash in Syrian pounds (SYP). The streets of the Old City are narrow but safe — locals are extremely welcoming.
⛪ 2. Cathedral of Our Lady of Tortosa (12th century)
💡 Interesting Facts and Background:
This 12th-century Romanesque cathedral is one of the best-preserved examples of medieval ecclesiastical architecture in the entire Levant. Also known as the Cathedral of Our Lady of Tortosa, it was once one of the most venerated pilgrimage sites in the Holy Land. 🕊️
🔹 According to medieval tradition, this is the site of the world's oldest church dedicated to the Virgin Mary, said to have been founded by the Apostle Peter himself.
🔹 The cathedral was built in the Romanesque style with massive walls, pointed arches and the austere symmetry characteristic of Crusader construction.
🔹 After the Crusader withdrawal in the 13th century the cathedral was converted into a mosque and later into the Tartus Archaeological Museum, which it remains today.
🔹 Inside, extraordinary artefacts are on display: Phoenician, Greek, Roman and early Christian finds from sites along the coast.
📜 History:
The first chapel on this site is said, by legend, to have appeared in the 1st century AD. The large church we see today was erected by Crusaders in the 12th century. During sieges it housed the city's most prized relic — an icon of the Virgin Mary which the Crusaders believed saved the city from its enemies. After 1291 the building was repurposed but never destroyed. In the 20th century Syrian authorities carried out a restoration and established a museum inside.
🚢 How to Get There from the Port:
• On foot: 10–15 minutes via the promenade and the Old City
• Taxi: 5 minutes
💶 Prices and Opening Hours:
• Entry to the Archaeological Museum (inside the cathedral): approximately 50,000 SYP (up to EUR 2–3 at the current exchange rate)
• Opening hours: approximately daily 9:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m., closed on Fridays
⚠️ Tip: confirm current opening hours with your cruise guide or hotel; schedules may change during peak tourist season. Photography inside may be restricted.
🏝️ 3. Arwad Island — Syria's Only Inhabited Island
💡 Interesting Facts and Background:
Arwad Island (ancient Greek name — Aradus; Phoenician — Arwad) lies just 3 km offshore from Tartus. The island covers only 0.2 km² (800 by 500 metres), yet it has been continuously inhabited for over 4,000 years — making it one of the oldest continuously settled islands in the Mediterranean. 🌊
🔹 Arwad is mentioned in the Book of Genesis in the Bible (10:18) and in ancient Egyptian hieroglyphics at the Temple of Amun-Ra at Karnak.
🔹 In Phoenician times Arwad was one of the four leading city-states of Phoenicia — alongside Tyre, Sidon and Byblos — and the only one oriented culturally towards northern Syria.
🔹 In 1302 the Mamluks expelled from Arwad the last Crusaders in the Levant — they held the island ten years longer than Tartus itself.
🔹 Cars are banned on the island: narrow stone alleys, traditional fishing boats, handcraft boatbuilding workshops — and no road traffic whatsoever. 🚫🚗
🔹 Around 5,000 residents live on the island today — predominantly fishermen and masters of traditional boat-building.
🔹 The main landmark is the Arwad Citadel (13th century), built on the foundations of a Phoenician palace. Its walls offer a panoramic view of the Mediterranean and the Syrian coastline. 🏰
📜 History:
The Phoenicians settled on Arwad in the early 2nd millennium BC and transformed it into a powerful maritime state. Strategically positioned at the crossroads of trade routes between Egypt, Anatolia, Cyprus and the Aegean, the island accumulated enormous wealth. The Arwad fleet defended Phoenician cities while Arwad merchants traded across the entire Mediterranean.
Arwad later came under Persian, Greek and Roman rule, remaining an important naval base throughout. During the Crusades the island served as a strategic staging point for supply and reinforcement. After the Crusader expulsion in 1302 the island passed to the Mamluks and subsequently to the Ottomans. In the 20th century Arwad acquired the status of a tourist attraction while retaining its living fishing and boat-building traditions.
🚢 How to Get There from the Port of Tartus:
• Walk to the jetty: 10–15 minutes from the port to the boat departure point
• Motor boat: regular sailings throughout the day; the crossing takes 15–30 minutes. Departure times depend on the season and weather — check locally
• Ferry ticket: a small amount in Syrian pounds (SYP); price varies by season
💶 Prices and Opening Hours:
• Island entry: free (no official ticket office)
• Arwad Citadel: small contribution or voluntary donation to the custodians; open daily during daylight hours
• Walk along the island streets and waterfront: free
⚠️ Tip: there are no ATMs on the island — bring SYP cash with you. Allow at least 2–3 hours — the island is small but wonderfully atmospheric. Fresh fish and seafood at the waterside cafés are a must-try.
🏺 4. The Ancient Phoenician City of Amrit
💡 Interesting Facts and Background:
Amrit is one of Syria's least-known yet most astonishing archaeological sites. Founded in the 3rd millennium BC, it is among the oldest cities in the Mediterranean whose ruins have survived virtually without later reconstruction. Here you can touch stone that is 5,000 years old — with no one else around, only olive groves and the sound of the sea. 🫒
🔹 The principal landmark is the sacred Maabed Temple: a 48-metre rectangular basin cut from the rock, with a small central sanctuary on a platform in the middle of the water. It is one of the most unique temple complexes in the ancient world, dedicated to the god Melqart.
🔹 Ancient Amrit also contained a stadium — one of the oldest sporting arenas in the world: competitions were held here long before the Greek Olympic Games. 🏟️
🔹 The necropolis of Amrit features meghazils — monumental tower tombs from the Achaemenid period (5th–4th centuries BC) that resemble Egyptian obelisks and have no parallels elsewhere in Syria.
🔹 The site is included on the UNESCO Tentative List as a property of outstanding significance.
🔹 The absence of mass tourism means rare silence reigns here — an ideal atmosphere for photographers and lovers of ancient history.
📜 History:
Founded around the 3rd millennium BC, Amrit at its peak (9th–4th centuries BC) was under the dominion of Arwad Island and served as the religious and commercial centre of Phoenician culture. Greeks and later Romans left their marks here, yet most of the outstanding structures remained Phoenician. The city declined in the 2nd century BC and underwent no significant medieval reconstruction — which is why the ruins have reached us in an almost pristine state. Systematic excavations began only in the 19th–20th centuries. Today Amrit is protected by the Syrian authorities and is the subject of international restoration projects.
🚢 How to Get There from the Port of Tartus:
• Taxi or private car: approximately 10–15 minutes south of the city (7 km along the coastal highway)
• An independent visit to Amrit is recommended only as part of an organised tour or with a local guide: official signage and tourist infrastructure are minimal
💶 Prices and Opening Hours:
• Entry: as of 2026, there is no official ticket office; a voluntary payment to the custodians is possible
• Hours: open daily during daylight hours (approximately 8:00 a.m.–5:00 p.m.)
⚠️ Tip: bring water, a hat and comfortable shoes. There is almost no shade. Early morning or late afternoon photography is a must: the light makes the ancient stone truly magical.
🏯 5. Krak des Chevaliers — “The Most Perfect Castle in the World”
💡 Interesting Facts and Background:
T. E. Lawrence (Lawrence of Arabia), who visited here in the early 20th century, described Krak des Chevaliers as “perhaps the best-preserved and most wholly admirable castle in the world”. That verdict rings just as true today. The castle stands on a strategic hill commanding the pass between the Mediterranean and inland Syria — and looks as though it was built yesterday. 🏰✨
🔹 Built in the 12th–13th centuries by the Knights Hospitaller, it is the benchmark of concentric castle design: two concentric ring walls, multiple towers, a moat, a chapel, stables and storehouses — all in extraordinary condition.
🔹 Krak could sustain a siege for a garrison of over 2,000 with five years of food supplies — logistically staggering by medieval standards.
🔹 Inside, a Romanesque chapel with frescoes, a Knights' Hall, a medieval kitchen with a hearth, grain stores and the original water-filled moat all survive intact.
🔹 In 1271 Mamluk Sultan Baybars took the castle almost without a fight: according to legend, he forged a letter from the Hospitaller Grand Master ordering surrender, and the garrison complied. 📜
🔹 UNESCO World Heritage Site since 2006 — jointly listed with the nearby Castle of Saladin.
🔹 The castle emerged from the Syrian civil war largely intact: only one hall sustained shell damage while the rest remained unharmed.
📜 History:
The first fortification on this site was Kurdish, dating to 1031. Crusaders seized it in 1099 during the First Crusade. In 1142 the Count of Tripoli granted the castle to the Knights Hospitaller, who over the following 130 years transformed it into the mightiest fortress in the Middle East. By the 13th century the garrison numbered over 2,000 men — a staggering figure for the era.
After Baybars' conquest in 1271, the castle passed into Mamluk and subsequently Ottoman hands. In 1933 the 500 inhabitants who had settled inside the fortress were relocated. The French undertook a restoration; Syria inherited the site after independence in 1946. Before the civil war, the castle attracted up to 5 million visitors a year.
🚢 How to Get There from the Port of Tartus:
• The castle is approximately 60–70 km from Tartus (near the city of Homs), a drive of 1.5–2 hours
• The only realistic option: a private taxi or an organised excursion from a cruise agency; getting there independently without your own transport is extremely difficult
• Approximate cost of hiring a private car with driver: check with local operators (from EUR 50–80 per group)
💶 Prices and Opening Hours:
• Entrance ticket (foreigners): 100,000 SYP (approximately EUR 3–5 at the current exchange rate)
• Opening hours: 9:00 a.m.–6:00 p.m. (summer), 9:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m. (winter); closed Tuesdays (rule loosely observed)
• Local guide services on site: voluntary payment
⚠️ Important: allow a minimum of 2–3 hours for the castle; wear sturdy shoes — the uneven stone surfaces involve a good deal of climbing and descending. Bring water and sunscreen. Factor in travel time: 4 hours return journey plus 2–3 hours on site equals nearly a full day.
🌿 6. Other Sights Worth Visiting near Tartus
• 🏰 Marqab Castle (Qal'at Marqab) — a formidable black basalt Hospitaller fortress perched on a clifftop above the sea, near the town of Baniyas (40 km to the north). Note: interior visits are suspended in 2026; exterior viewing and a sea-view café are available. Entrance 100,000 SYP.
• ⛩️ St George's Monastery (Deir Mar Gerges) — an active Orthodox monastery in the Valley of the Christians (Wadi al-Nasara), founded in the 5th century. A spiritual and cultural oasis amid mountain scenery, on the road to Krak des Chevaliers.
• 🌊 The Corniche Promenade and Fish Quarter — the heart of authentic Tartus: morning fresh-fish auctions, fishing barques, small seafood cafés at remarkably affordable prices. Free of charge and purely atmospheric.
• 🦇 Al-Dawayat Cave — the oldest cave in Syria, with 20-million-year-old stalactites and stalagmites and a constant interior temperature of 19 °C (66 °F). Approximately 50 km from Tartus.
• 🏘️ Safita Town and the Crusader Tower (Chastel Blanc) — a 12th-century watchtower 30 km from Tartus, from which both the sea and Krak des Chevaliers are visible on a clear day. Superb panorama. 🔭
🗺️ Three Self-Guided Itineraries for Your Day in Tartus
A cruise ship's call at Tartus typically lasts 6–10 hours. Realistically you can cover 2–4 attractions. Below are three options depending on budget and interests.
🥉 Itinerary 1. Budget — City and Island
⏱️ Total time: 6–7 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: up to EUR 20 + meals
🕘 9:00 a.m. — Leave the cruise terminal
Walk along the promenade to the Old City (10–15 minutes).
🕘 9:15–11:00 a.m. — Old City and Citadel
Stroll through medieval streets, explore the citadel walls, take photos from the viewpoint.
🕚 10:30–11:00 a.m. — Cathedral-Museum of Our Lady of Tortosa
Visit the Romanesque architecture and Archaeological Museum (~30 minutes).
🕙 11:00–11:20 a.m. — Walk to the boat jetty
🕚 11:30 a.m.–2:30 p.m. — Arwad Island
Crossing (~20 min), walk through the streets, visit Arwad Citadel, lunch at a waterfront café with fresh fish.
🕝 2:30–3:00 p.m. — Return crossing and walk back to the port
🕞 3:30–4:00 p.m. — Back on board
💰 Cost breakdown:
• Return ferry (Arwad): EUR 1–3
• Lunch: EUR 5–10
• Miscellaneous: EUR 5
💸 TOTAL: EUR 11–18 per person + meals
🥈 Itinerary 2. Optimal — City, Island and Amrit
⏱️ Total time: 8–9 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: EUR 30–50 + meals
🕗 8:00 a.m. — Early morning walk through the Old City
Narrow streets without the crowds. Visit the citadel and cathedral.
🕘 9:00 a.m.–12:00 p.m. — Arwad Island
Full island tour: citadel, harbour, boatbuilding workshops, café. Minimum 2.5–3 hours.
🕛 12:30–2:00 p.m. — Taxi to Amrit and back (7 km)
Self-guided visit to the Phoenician sanctuary, stadium and tower tombs. 1–1.5 hours on site.
🕝 2:30–3:30 p.m. — Lunch in Tartus
Seafood on the waterfront — EUR 8–15 per person.
🕓 4:00–4:30 p.m. — Return to the port
💰 Cost breakdown:
• Return ferry to Arwad: EUR 2–3
• Taxi to Amrit return: EUR 10–15
• Lunch: EUR 10–15
💸 TOTAL: EUR 22–33 per person
🥇 Itinerary 3. Premium — Krak des Chevaliers and the Best of the Region
⏱️ Total time: 9–10 hours | 💰 Estimated budget: EUR 200–400 per group
🏆 What's included:
• ✅ Meet-and-greet by private driver at the ship's gangway
• ✅ Comfortable car or minivan for the full day
• ✅ Licensed English-speaking or Ukrainian-speaking guide
• ✅ Admission to all attractions included
• ✅ Flexible itinerary — adapted to your interests on the go
🕗 8:00 a.m. — Depart for Krak des Chevaliers
60–70 km, 1.5 hours of scenic driving.
🕘 9:30 a.m.–12:00 p.m. — Krak des Chevaliers with guide
Private tour — chapel, Knights' Hall, moat, viewpoints.
🕛 12:30–1:30 p.m. — Lunch at a local restaurant on the way back
Traditional Syrian cuisine: fattoush, hummus, grilled meats.
🕝 2:00–3:30 p.m. — Arwad Island
Crossing + walk: Arwad Citadel, Old Town, harbour.
🕓 4:00–4:30 p.m. — Return to the ship
You can book through your cruise manager, or contact us in any convenient way:
Phone numbers:
• Office: +38 (044) 337 82 01
• Mobile (LifeCell): +380 93 653 05 53
• Mobile (Vodafone): +380 66 653 05 53
• Mobile (Kyivstar): +380 97 653 05 53
Write to us by e-mail
⚠️ Important to Know Before Going Ashore
🕐 The “all aboard” rule: you must return to the ship 60 minutes before departure. If you are late, the ship will not wait — and reaching the next port at your own expense will be a costly lesson.
🪪 Documents: carry a photocopy of your passport plus your cruise card (Ship Card).
💵 Cash: the Syrian pound (SYP) is the essential currency for all local transactions. Euros and US dollars are rarely accepted. Exchange at local banks or reliable money changers; ATMs in tourist areas are scarce.
👟 Clothing: comfortable closed-toe shoes for uneven cobblestones. For mosques and religious sites — covered shoulders and knees; women may need a headscarf. 🧕
☀️ Sun protection: in summer temperatures reach +35 °C (+95 °F). Hat, sunglasses and sunscreen are essential. The Amrit site offers almost no shade at all.
💧 Water: bring a supply of drinking water, especially for excursions to Amrit and Krak des Chevaliers.
📱 Connectivity: mobile roaming in Syria may be limited; download offline Google Maps in advance.
🤝 Safety and etiquette: Tartus is one of Syria's calmest cities. Local residents are exceptionally hospitable. Respect local customs and do not photograph military installations or individuals without their permission. 🚫📷
⚠️ Current situation: before your cruise, always check your government's travel advisory for Syria and confirm up-to-date information with your cruise manager.
ℹ️ Please note: the information on this page is for general guidance and was accurate at the time of publication. Prices, schedules, routes and visiting conditions are subject to change without notice. Always verify current details with a Four Gates Group cruise specialist or on the official websites of the relevant attractions.
FOUR GATES GROUP — Cruises by Professionals