the Maaloula monastery is located on top of the hills. In the village they still speak Aramaic, which is the language spoken in this area around 0 BC.
The nearby monastery of Saint Thekla can be reached via a rocky defile created by a stream.
Mar Mousa is a still working remote monastery, which can only be reached on foot, since it is built on a cliff. It is still very busy and receives many visitors. You can also stay there for a retreat, as long as you do your part of the chores around the house.
Febe writes 