SYRIA OCTOBER 10-DAY GROUP TOUR
7–16 October 2026 · Guaranteed Departure · $1590 USD
Overview
Join our October Syria group tour during one of the most pleasant times of the year — clear autumn light, calmer weather, lively old-city evenings, and the warm local encounters that make Syria feel unforgettable.
Across 10 days, you follow a rich route through Damascus, Maaloula, Palmyra, Krak des Chevaliers, Tartus, Arwad Island, Ugarit, Saladin Castle, Apamea, Aleppo, Hama, Homs, and Bosra.
This is a people-focused journey, not a rushed checklist. You explore famous monuments, pause in markets and courtyards, share local meals, taste wine in Wadi al-Nasara, and experience Syria with enough time to actually feel each place.
Trip Highlights
Meet Your Guide
Rami Nawaya — Founder & Tour Guide
Meet Rami, founder of Syrian Guides and a licensed local guide from Damascus. His tours are built around connection, context, and the small human moments that make a journey feel personal.
Born and raised in Damascus, Rami brings together history, local stories, markets, architecture, food, and everyday Syrian life. He helps travelers understand not only what they are seeing, but why each place still matters today.
Fluent in English and experienced with international guests, Rami keeps the pace flexible and clear. He explains the country honestly, answers questions openly, and makes sure the group feels supported from arrival to departure.
Rami has also guided well-known travelers and creators, including Bald and Bankrupt.
If you enjoy a tour that feels personal, well-organized, and shaped by real local knowledge, this October departure is designed to show you Syria beyond the surface.
Itinerary at a Glance
- Day 1: Arrive Damascus — Old City Welcome Walk + Storyteller Evening
Day 2: Damascus City Tour — Heritage, Souks + Modern Context Drive
Day 3: Maaloula + Mar Musa + Krak des Chevaliers — Overnight Mishtaya (Wadi al-Nasara)
Day 4: Palmyra — Desert Ruins + Local Wine Tasting — Overnight Mishtaya
Day 5: Tartus + Amrit + Arwad Island — Overnight Latakia
Day 6: Ugarit + Saladin Castle + Apamea — Arrival Aleppo
Day 7: Aleppo Full Day — Citadel, Souks, Old Quarters + Local Life
Day 8: Dead Cities (Idlib) + Hama + Homs — Return to Damascus
Day 9: Bosra — Roman Theatre + Basalt Old Town — Return to Damascus
Day 10: Departure from Damascus — Transfer to Beirut or Amman
A full October route through Syria’s old cities, mountain villages, desert ruins, castles, coastline, and northern heritage — with a pace that leaves room for atmosphere.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Damascus • Old City Welcome Walk + Storyteller Evening
- Morning pick-up in Beirut, or meet the group directly in Damascus if you are already inside Syria.
- Travel to the capital with full border assistance and a relaxed introduction to the route ahead.
- Check in to your Old City guesthouse, usually a traditional courtyard property with a strong Damascene atmosphere.
- Welcome briefing covering money exchange, SIM cards, daily rhythm, safety basics, and practical travel notes for the group.
- Begin with an easy orientation walk through the Old City: Straight Street, historic gates, narrow lanes, and living neighborhoods.
- Pass small shops, bakeries, cafés, and courtyards to feel the everyday pace of Damascus before the deeper city tour tomorrow.
- Optional cultural stop, depending on timing, at a small church, chapel, or traditional house in the old quarter.
- Evening experience at Nofara Café, known for its classic Damascene storyteller atmosphere.
- Dinner is free tonight, giving you the choice between courtyard restaurants, grills, cafés, or a lighter first evening.
- Optional rooftop tea or a short night walk to close the first day gently.
Day 1
Arrival in Damascus • Old City Welcome Walk + Storyteller Evening
- Pick-up in Beirut, or meet the group in Damascus.
- Border assistance and drive to the capital.
- Check in to your Old City guesthouse.
- Welcome briefing: money, SIM cards, safety, and daily rhythm.
- Easy Old City walk through Straight Street, gates, and local lanes.
- Feel the first Damascus atmosphere: shops, cafés, courtyards, and street life.
- Optional small cultural stop if time allows.
- Evening at Nofara Café for the storyteller atmosphere.
- Dinner free with guide recommendations.
- Optional rooftop tea or short evening walk.
Day 2
Damascus City Tour • Heritage, Souks + Modern Context Drive
- Breakfast at the hotel, then a full guided day exploring the capital in depth.
- Drive through Ghouta and Jobar for important context on recent history, damage, return, and rebuilding around Damascus.
- Visit the National Museum to understand Syria’s wider story before stepping back into the streets.
- Walk around the Umayyad Mosque area and the surrounding old lanes, courtyards, and market entrances.
- Explore Hamidiyah Souq, where local shopping, architecture, and city energy come together.
- Look for hidden details: old houses, khans, mosaic workshops, copper, textiles, and mother-of-pearl craft.
- Optional stops, depending on opening times, may include traditional courtyards, quieter lanes, or historic caravanserais.
- Lunch is included at a simple local restaurant or family-style table chosen around the day’s route.
- October atmosphere: cooler evenings, busy markets, seasonal produce, and a more comfortable walking pace.
- Sunset moment: a rooftop viewpoint over the Old City.
- Evening free with clear suggestions for restaurants, cafés, hammams, and safe walking areas.
Day 2
Damascus City Tour • Heritage, Souks + Context Drive
- Breakfast, then a full guided day in Damascus.
- Ghouta + Jobar drive for recent-history context.
- National Museum for the bigger Syrian story.
- Old City core around the Umayyad Mosque.
- Hamidiyah Souq and surrounding markets.
- Old houses, khans, workshops, and craft details.
- Optional quiet lanes or courtyards if timing allows.
- Lunch included at a local restaurant.
- October market atmosphere and cooler evening light.
- Rooftop sunset viewpoint + free evening.
Day 3
Maaloula • Mar Musa • Krak des Chevaliers • Overnight Mishtaya
- After breakfast, leave Damascus and drive into the Anti-Lebanon mountains toward Maaloula.
- Walk through the village lanes and enjoy the dramatic cliffs, narrow passages, and mountain views.
- Visit historic monasteries and churches that show the deep Christian heritage of the area.
- Hear the story of Maaloula’s Aramaic heritage and why the village remains culturally unique.
- Optional gentle walk through the gorge paths and viewpoints, depending on timing and group comfort.
- Continue to Mar Musa Monastery, a peaceful stop known for its setting, artwork, and spiritual atmosphere.
- Lunch break on route, simple and local, with time to enjoy the mountain scenery.
- Drive onward to Krak des Chevaliers, one of the great castles of the region.
- Explore the fortress slowly: halls, ramparts, courtyards, defensive passages, and wide countryside views.
- Arrive in Wadi al-Nasara and check in around Mishtaya.
- Relaxed evening in the valley with cooler autumn air and a quieter village pace.
Day 3
Maaloula • Mar Musa • Krak des Chevaliers • Mishtaya
- Maaloula village walk and mountain views.
- Historic monasteries, churches, and Aramaic heritage.
- Optional gorge walk if timing and fitness allow.
- Mar Musa Monastery for a peaceful cultural stop.
- Lunch included on route.
- Visit Krak des Chevaliers.
- Explore halls, ramparts, courtyards, and viewpoints.
- Arrive in Wadi al-Nasara.
- Check in around Mishtaya for overnight.
- Relaxed autumn evening in the valley.
Day 4
Palmyra • Desert Ruins + Local Wine Tasting • Overnight Mishtaya
- Early breakfast, then drive through the semi-desert toward Palmyra.
- Arrive at one of Syria’s most powerful archaeological landscapes and begin a guided walk through the main ruins.
- Explore colonnaded streets, monumental remains, the theatre area, and open desert views.
- Hear the story of Queen Zenobia and Palmyra’s role between empires, trade routes, and desert power.
- Visit accessible corners of the site, with time for photos and quiet moments in the wide desert light.
- Lunch included at a simple local restaurant near Palmyra or on the route, depending on timing.
- Return toward Wadi al-Nasara and Mishtaya for a slower countryside evening.
- Stop at a local winery for a relaxed tasting experience, including the famous blue wine when available.
- Learn why the Valley of Christians has its own food, village, and wine culture.
- Free time at the hotel for rest, fresh air, or a short walk nearby.
- Overnight in the Mishtaya area.
Day 4
Palmyra • Wine Tasting • Mishtaya
- Drive through the semi-desert to Palmyra.
- Guided walk through the main ruins.
- Zenobia, trade routes, and desert history.
- Photo time in wide autumn light.
- Lunch included near Palmyra or on route.
- Return toward Wadi al-Nasara / Mishtaya.
- Local winery stop.
- Blue wine tasting when available.
- Relaxed countryside evening.
- Overnight Mishtaya.
Day 5
Tartus • Amrit • Arwad Island • Overnight Latakia
- Breakfast, then leave the mountains and drive toward Syria’s Mediterranean coast.
- Arrive in Tartus for a coastal walk and a different rhythm from the inland cities.
- Enjoy time by the water, with views of the harbor, old lanes, cafés, and daily coastal life.
- Visit Amrit, an ancient Phoenician site with a quiet and unusual atmosphere.
- Continue to the port area and prepare for the island crossing.
- Boat trip to Arwad Island, weather permitting.
- Walk through Arwad’s stone alleys, compact neighborhoods, and island viewpoints.
- See historic features of the island as accessible, while learning about its long maritime story.
- Seafood lunch by the water, one of the most enjoyable meals of the coastal chapter.
- Free time for photos, sea air, and a slow afternoon pace.
- Drive north to Latakia and check in for overnight.
Day 5
Tartus • Amrit • Arwad Island • Latakia
- Drive from the mountains to the Mediterranean coast.
- Tartus coastal walk and harbor atmosphere.
- Photo time by the sea.
- Visit Amrit, an ancient Phoenician site.
- Continue to the port for the island crossing.
- Boat to Arwad Island, weather permitting.
- Walk Arwad’s stone alleys and local neighborhoods.
- Historic island features and sea views.
- Seafood lunch by the water.
- Drive to Latakia for overnight.
Day 6
Ugarit • Saladin Castle • Apamea • Arrival Aleppo
- Breakfast in Latakia, then begin one of the richest driving days of the tour.
- Visit Ugarit, the ancient city associated with one of the earliest known alphabets.
- Walk through the ruins and understand how this coastal kingdom fits into the history of writing and trade.
- Continue to Saladin Castle (Qalaat Salah al-Din), a dramatic fortress set in a powerful landscape.
- Explore the castle’s viewpoints, defensive structures, and surrounding scenery.
- Lunch included on the road, planned around the long route north.
- Stop at Apamea to walk along parts of its famous colonnaded avenue.
- Hear the story of Apamea as one of Syria’s great Greco-Roman cities.
- Continue toward Aleppo as the scenery shifts from coast and mountains into the deep north.
- Evening arrival in Aleppo, check-in, and rest.
- Optional short stroll or dinner suggestion depending on arrival time and group energy.
Day 6
Ugarit • Saladin Castle • Apamea • Aleppo
- Start from Latakia after breakfast.
- Visit Ugarit and learn the alphabet story.
- Walk the key parts of the site as accessible.
- Continue to Saladin Castle.
- Explore fortress views and structures.
- Lunch included on route.
- Stop at Apamea’s colonnaded avenue.
- Greco-Roman history and photo time.
- Drive north toward Aleppo.
- Arrive Aleppo for overnight.
Day 7
Aleppo City Tour • Citadel, Souks, Old Quarters + Local Life
- Breakfast, then begin a full day in Syria’s great northern city.
- Visit the Citadel of Aleppo and take in wide views over the old and modern city.
- Walk down into the historic Old City, following the market streets and restored sections of the souqs.
- See both the beauty of Aleppo’s heritage and the visible signs of damage and rebuilding.
- Meet local shopkeepers when possible and hear everyday stories of return, work, and resilience.
- Explore old quarters, courtyard architecture, narrow lanes, and traditional urban details.
- Lunch included at Dar Halabia Restaurant or another trusted local option depending on availability.
- Continue at a comfortable pace with stops for tea, coffee, photos, and street atmosphere.
- Visit a viewpoint in the western neighborhoods for another perspective on Aleppo.
- Evening free with guide recommendations for Aleppine food and safe areas to enjoy.
- Overnight in Aleppo.
Day 7
Aleppo City Tour • Citadel, Souks, Heritage
- Citadel of Aleppo and city views.
- Old City walk and historic market streets.
- Restored souq sections and rebuilding context.
- Meet locals when possible.
- Heritage quarters and courtyard architecture.
- Lunch at Dar Halabia or similar local restaurant.
- Tea, coffee, photos, and street atmosphere.
- Western viewpoint over Aleppo.
- Free evening with dinner suggestions.
- Overnight in Aleppo.
Day 8
Dead Cities (Idlib) • Hama • Homs • Return Damascus
- Early departure from Aleppo toward the Idlib countryside.
- Visit Serjilla, one of the most atmospheric of the “Dead Cities”, with Byzantine-era stone houses and ruins.
- Continue to Bara, another major abandoned settlement with powerful remains and wide rural scenery.
- Understand early Christian village life through houses, churches, olive presses, tombs, and agricultural traces.
- Take time for photos and slow walking; these sites are best experienced without rushing.
- Drive to Hama for the famous norias and a riverside walk.
- Lunch included in Hama or on the route, depending on timing.
- Continue to Homs for a short cultural stop.
- Visit the Church of Saint Mary of the Holy Belt if open and accessible.
- Stop near the Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque area for a respectful exterior visit as appropriate.
- Taste Halawat al-Jubn, one of Hama and Homs’ beloved sweets.
- Return to Damascus for overnight, with the option of a calm Old City evening.
Day 8
Dead Cities • Hama • Homs • Damascus
- Early drive from Aleppo toward Idlib countryside.
- Serjilla Dead City and Byzantine stone ruins.
- Bara Dead City and rural heritage landscapes.
- Early Christian village life and photo time.
- Drive to Hama for the norias and riverside walk.
- Lunch included based on timing.
- Continue to Homs for a short cultural stop.
- Church of Saint Mary of the Holy Belt if open.
- Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque area from outside as appropriate.
- Halawat al-Jubn dessert, then return to Damascus.
Day 9
Bosra Tour • Roman Theatre + Basalt Old Town • Return Damascus
- Breakfast, then drive south to Bosra, the black-basalt city of the Hauran.
- Explore the great Roman Theatre, famous for its scale, preservation, and dramatic setting.
- Walk through the theatre corridors, seating tiers, stage area, and fortress-like outer structure.
- Learn how the theatre became part of a later defensive complex, creating layers of history in one place.
- Stroll through the old town streets, where basalt walls, quiet alleys, and scattered ruins shape the atmosphere.
- Optional stops, depending on access and timing, may include churches, mosques, baths, or smaller ruins nearby.
- Photo time and slow walking; Bosra is best appreciated through texture, scale, and silence.
- Lunch included at a simple local stop.
- Return to Damascus in the afternoon.
- Free time for last-minute shopping in the souqs: spices, crafts, soap, textiles, and small gifts.
- Farewell evening with optional rooftop tea, café time, or a final Old City walk.
Day 9
Bosra • Roman Theatre • Damascus
- Drive south to Bosra.
- Explore the Roman Theatre.
- Walk corridors, seating tiers, and stage areas.
- Learn the theatre and fortress story.
- Old town walk through black basalt streets.
- Optional smaller ruins, churches, or mosques if accessible.
- Photo time and slow pace.
- Lunch included.
- Return to Damascus in the afternoon.
- Free evening for shopping and a final Old City atmosphere.
Day 10
Departure from Damascus • Transfer to Beirut or Amman
- Breakfast and check-out from your hotel or guesthouse.
- Relaxed final morning in Damascus, depending on departure time.
- Revisit a favorite lane, viewpoint, small shop, or café in the Old City.
- Last-minute souvenir time in the souqs for spices, crafts, sweets, soap, or gifts.
- Optional café stop for tea or coffee and one final Damascene atmosphere moment.
- Farewell lunch included, with time to share memories from the trip.
- Prepare luggage and transfer details before departure.
- Transfer to Beirut or Amman for onward flights or private extensions.
- Border assistance is included to keep the exit process as smooth as possible.
- Tour ends with guide and driver farewell.
- Optional add-ons can be arranged on request, including extra nights in Damascus or airport support.
Day 10
Departure from Damascus
- Breakfast and check-out.
- Relaxed final morning in Damascus.
- Optional last Old City walk or café stop.
- Souq shopping for spices, crafts, soap, or gifts.
- Farewell lunch included.
- Transfer preparation and luggage check.
- Transfer to Beirut or Amman.
- Border assistance included.
- Guide and driver farewell.
- Help with extensions on request.
Where You’ll Stay
Comfort & Services
We choose guesthouses and characterful local hotels because they make the trip feel connected to place. Expect Old City courtyards, family-run properties, countryside stays, and coastal comfort rather than anonymous hotel towers. The aim is simple: authentic atmosphere, reliable service, and a comfortable base after each full day.Rooms are typically twin rooms, and if you prefer a private room, a single supplement of 310 USD applies.
Meals
Breakfasts and lunches are included every day. We keep lunches local and practical: sometimes a family-style table, sometimes a trusted small restaurant, and sometimes a well-timed stop on the road.
Dinners are not included, because evenings are often when travelers want choice. Some nights you may prefer a quiet courtyard, another night grilled food, a café, or seafood by the coast. Your guide gives clear suggestions for different budgets and moods.
One night includes a shared group dinner, giving everyone time to relax, talk, and enjoy the social side of the journey.
What kind of meals to expect
You’ll taste the food Syrians actually enjoy day to day: breakfast spreads with labneh, olives, fresh bread, eggs, makdous and jams; lunches with kebab, freekeh, stuffed vine leaves, lentil soups, mezze, stews, and regional specialties.
October & autumn flavours
October is a lovely season for eating in Syria. Markets feel comfortable to walk through, cafés are pleasant in the evening, and the route brings variety: Damascene sweets, Aleppine dishes, village food in Wadi al-Nasara, local wine, and fresh seafood around Tartus and Arwad.
Vegetarian options are common, and we can accommodate most dietary needs if you tell us in advance.
Transportation
Hyundai County
For group travel across Syria, we use a comfortable mid-size Hyundai County. The vehicle can seat more passengers than we take, so the group has extra room, easier boarding, and a calmer experience on longer travel days.
Good legroom, wide windows, air conditioning, and luggage space make the route more enjoyable as the scenery changes from Damascus streets to mountains, desert, coastline, and northern countryside.
Includes & Excludes
INCLUDES
EXCLUDES
Visa & Entry Requirements
If you enter Syria by land from Beirut, the visa is normally issued directly at the border without pre-approval. If you fly into Damascus Airport, most nationalities require visa pre-approval before travel, and we can arrange the process for you.
Visa fees are paid on arrival and vary by nationality. Examples only:
- EU nationals: around $75 USD
- UK: $150 USD
- USA: $200 USD
- Latin America: $25–$50 USD depending on nationality
Your passport must not contain Israeli stamps or entry records. At the border, your guide assists with the procedure so the arrival process remains clear and manageable.
For the most up-to-date and detailed information, please see:
Safety Information
We design the route around areas we are comfortable operating in and adjust the program if local conditions require it. Your guide follows updates closely and explains changes calmly, so the group always understands the plan.
We use trusted roads, known hotels, reliable drivers, and neighborhoods where we feel confident taking guests. Your guide stays with the group during transfers, visits, and border procedures, and gives clear advice for free evenings.
Travel Insurance Included
All group tours include travel insurance covering emergency medical care, hospitalization, medical evacuation, and important travel protections. Your certificate is issued after booking.
For full coverage details, please read: Travel Insurance Policy.
Before You Travel
- Your passport must not contain Israeli stamps or entry records.
- Expect simple security checks at some city entrances and major heritage sites.
- Your guide briefs you on respectful clothing, religious-site etiquette, photography, and safe evening areas.
For deeper reading:
If you have a specific concern, message us before booking — we answer honestly and clearly.
FAQ
Is it safe to travel to Syria?
We run this group tour only on routes and in cities where we feel comfortable taking guests, including Damascus, Aleppo, Hama, Homs, Bosra, Palmyra, the coast, and the main heritage sites on this itinerary. Your guide stays with the group, follows local updates, and adjusts the program if needed. For more details, read our Safety and Security in Syria page.
How can I obtain a visa for Syria?
If you enter Syria by land from Lebanon or Jordan, the process is usually straightforward: you receive the visa on arrival at the border after paying the visa fees. If you fly directly into Damascus, most travelers need visa pre-approval before boarding, followed by the visa stamp on arrival at the airport.
How long does it take to get a visa to Syria?
For travelers flying to Damascus, visa pre-approval usually takes around 3 to 7 working days once the required details are submitted. Land-border arrivals are normally handled directly at the border. For more about the process, visit our Syria Visa Requirements page.
How much does a visa to Syria cost?
Visa fees depend on nationality and can change, so always confirm the latest amount before travel. As general examples:
| Nationality | Visa Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| EU Countries | $75 |
| United Kingdom | $150 |
| United States | $200 |
| Canada | $100 |
| Australia | $150 |
| New Zealand | $150 |
| Brazil | $50 |
These examples may apply when entering by air or land, but final fees are confirmed before travel. To see the full list of Syria visa fees, click here.
What is the currency exchange rate in Syria?
The Syrian pound exchange rate changes frequently, so we do not recommend relying on an old number. Before the tour, we help guests understand the practical cash situation and where to exchange safely. You can also read our Money in Syria guide for updated practical advice.
Any dress code for women in mosques and churches?
Syria is generally relaxed, but modest clothing is recommended in religious places. Mosques and some churches may provide cover-ups when needed, especially for women. During the tour, your guide explains what is appropriate before each visit so you can feel comfortable and respectful.
What are the best places to buy souvenirs in Syria?
Good souvenirs include spices, handmade textiles, mosaic work, copper items, jewelry, traditional sweets, and Aleppo soap. In Damascus, Souq Al-Hamidiyah and the surrounding Old City markets are excellent for browsing. In Aleppo, local soap and restored market areas are especially meaningful purchases.
What vaccinations do I need to travel to Syria?
There are no special vaccinations required for most travelers visiting Syria, but it is wise to check with a travel clinic before departure, especially if you have personal health considerations. Our group tours include travel insurance, and we recommend carrying any personal medication you may need.
Can I use credit cards in Syria?
Credit cards are generally not useful in Syria because international banking access is limited. Travelers should bring enough cash in USD or EUR and exchange locally as needed. Your guide explains the safest and most practical way to handle money during the tour. You can also check our Money in Syria guide.
Any vegetarian or vegan options available in Syrian restaurants?
Yes. Vegetarian food is easy to find in Syria, with dishes such as falafel, hummus, tabbouleh, fattoush, lentil soup, stuffed vegetables, and mezze. Vegan options are also possible with advance notice. Please tell us about dietary needs before the tour so we can plan properly.
In which cases can’t I visit Syria?
You cannot visit Syria if your passport contains Israeli stamps or clear Israeli entry records. If you are unsure about your passport history, contact us before booking and we will advise you as clearly as possible.
Will I have free time during the group tour?
Yes. The itinerary is organized, but it is not designed to feel like a forced march. Most days include some free time, usually in the late afternoon or evening, so you can rest, shop, sit in a café, or explore nearby areas at your own pace.
Your guide will always explain where the guided program ends and what areas are suitable for free time.
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