SYRIA EASTER 2026 GROUP TOUR · ARCHIVE
Past departure · 27 Mar – 5 Apr 2026
Overview
This Easter group tour has finished. The itinerary is kept here for reference. Looking ahead? See upcoming Syria group tours or explore our 2027 Nowruz & Easter journey.
Celebrate Easter in Syria through living culture — old-city evenings, timeless churches, spring countryside, and warm local encounters that make the holiday season feel real and human.
Over 10 days, you explore Syria’s essential classics (Damascus, Maaloula, Palmyra, Krak des Chevaliers, Aleppo, Bosra) and add the Mediterranean chapter that most trips miss: Tartus, Amrit, Arwad Island, Ugarit, and Saladin Castle.
This is a slow, people-first group journey — not a rushed “checklist tour”. You walk ancient streets, sit for home-style meals, taste local wine in the Valley of Christians, and enjoy a special spring celebration night with the group.
Trip Highlights
Meet Your Guide
Rami Nawaya — Founder & Tour Guide
Meet Rami, one of the Syrian Guides. Beyond being a skilled translator, Rami’s real passion is building human connection through tour guiding.
Born and raised in Damascus, Rami leads tours that go deeper than the usual “highlights.” He mixes historical landmarks, vibrant markets, and hidden trails, offering a perspective that helps visitors see Syria with fresh eyes.
Guiding isn’t just work for Rami — it’s a calling. Fluent in English, he focuses on making guests feel genuinely at home while discovering the country’s beauty in a natural, grounded way.
Rami has also guided well-known travelers and influencers, including Bald and Bankrupt.
If you like a tour that feels personal, flexible, and shaped around your interests, Rami tailors the experience to match your preferences — so it doesn’t feel like a script, it feels like your Syria.
Itinerary at a Glance
- Day 1: Arrive Damascus — Old City Walk + Storyteller Evening
Day 2: Damascus City Tour — Old City + Ghouta/Jobar Context Drive
Day 3: Maaloula + Mar Musa + Krak des Chevaliers — Overnight Mishtaya (Wadi al-Nasara)
Day 4: Palmyra — Desert Ruins + Blue 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, Heritage Quarters
Day 8: Dead Cities (Idlib) + Hama + Homs — Return to Damascus
Day 9: Bosra — Roman Theatre — Return to Damascus
Day 10: Departure from Damascus — Transfer to Beirut or Amman
A balanced route: Easter-city atmosphere, monasteries, desert archaeology, castles, coastline, the deep north — with time to breathe.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Damascus • Old City Walk + Storyteller Evening
- Morning pick-up in Beirut (or meet in Damascus if you are already inside Syria) and a scenic drive to the capital with full border assistance.
- Arrival in Damascus and check-in to your Old City guesthouse (traditional courtyard atmosphere).
- Short rest + welcome briefing: money exchange, SIM basics, daily rhythm, and respectful tips for churches/holy sites during Easter week.
- Gentle orientation walk through the Old City: Straight Street, historic gates, and lived-in alleys that make Damascus feel timeless.
- Pass through local neighborhoods to feel the real pace of the city (shops, street food corners, small courtyards).
- Optional cultural stop (time permitting): a small church or historical chapel connected to early Christian Damascus.
- First “Easter season” taste: market sweets and bakery smells (maamoul / biscuits) as the city prepares for the holiday.
- Evening experience: enjoy the famous storyteller atmosphere at Nofara Café (classic Damascene vibe).
- Dinner is free (not included): your guide suggests the best Old City courtyard restaurants for your mood + budget.
- Optional rooftop tea to end the first night with a calm view over the Old City.
Day 1
Arrival in Damascus • Old City Walk + Storyteller Evening
- Pick-up in Beirut (or meet in Damascus) + smooth border support.
- Arrive Damascus and check in to your Old City stay (courtyard vibe).
- Welcome briefing: money/SIM basics + Easter-week etiquette in religious sites.
- Easy Old City walk: Straight Street, gates, and historic alleyways.
- Feel the local rhythm: shops, food corners, lived-in quarters.
- Optional stop at a small church/chapel (time permitting).
- First Easter-season sweets: maamoul / local biscuits in the markets.
- Evening: Nofara Café storyteller atmosphere.
- Evening free for dinner (guide recommendations).
- Optional rooftop tea / viewpoint to end the night.
Day 2
Damascus City Tour • Old City + Ghouta/Jobar Context Drive
- Breakfast at the hotel, then a full guided day mixing major heritage with real city life.
- Drive through Ghouta and Jobar to understand the recent history of Damascus and see the impact of the conflict and ongoing rebuilding.
- Visit the National Museum for a clear historical “big picture” before exploring the streets.
- Walk through the Old City core: the Umayyad Mosque area and surrounding historic lanes.
- Explore Hamidiyah Souq and the classic markets that define Damascus.
- Discover hidden architecture: old houses, caravanserais, and small workshops (mosaic, copper, mother-of-pearl, textiles).
- Optional stops (time/availability): traditional courtyards, historic khans, and quieter lanes away from the main crowds.
- Lunch included: simple, local, and genuinely Syrian (family-style or a small restaurant Syrians love).
- Easter-season mood: notice the special market rhythm — spring produce, holiday sweets, and evening family energy.
- Sunset moment: a rooftop viewpoint over the Old City.
- Evening is free — your guide suggests the best courtyard restaurants, cafés, and safe areas to explore.
Day 2
Damascus City Tour • Old City + Ghouta/Jobar Context Drive
- Breakfast, then a full guided day in Damascus.
- Drive through Ghouta + Jobar to understand recent history and rebuilding.
- National Museum for strong context.
- Old City core: Umayyad Mosque area + historic streets.
- Hamidiyah Souq and surrounding markets.
- Courtyards + workshops (crafts and local life).
- Optional quiet lanes / hidden khans (time permitting).
- Lunch included (simple, local).
- Easter-season markets: spring produce + holiday sweets.
- Rooftop sunset viewpoint + evening free with curated dinner suggestions.
Day 3
Maaloula • Mar Musa • Krak des Chevaliers • Overnight Mishtaya
- After breakfast, drive into the Anti-Lebanon mountains toward Maaloula.
- Walk the village lanes and enjoy the dramatic cliffside setting.
- Visit Maaloula’s historic monasteries and churches (a powerful Easter-season atmosphere).
- Hear about the local Aramaic heritage (one of the last places where it still survives in daily life).
- Optional gentle walk/hike (time/fitness permitting) through the gorge paths and viewpoints.
- Continue to Mar Musa Monastery — a meaningful spiritual and cultural stop with unique art and setting.
- Lunch break on route (simple, local, included) and time to breathe in the mountain landscape.
- Drive onward to Krak des Chevaliers, one of the best-preserved Crusader castles anywhere.
- Explore the fortress: ramparts, halls, courtyards, and panoramic views over the countryside.
- Arrive in the Valley of Christians (Wadi al-Nasara) and check in around Mishtaya.
- Evening is relaxed: fresh mountain air, village calm, and optional church bells / Easter-season village mood.
Day 3
Maaloula • Mar Musa • Krak des Chevaliers • Mishtaya
- Maaloula mountain village walk + monasteries.
- Aramaic heritage and cliffside views.
- Optional gorge walk (time/fitness permitting).
- Mar Musa Monastery for a meaningful cultural stop.
- Lunch included on route.
- Visit Krak des Chevaliers (iconic castle).
- Explore ramparts, halls, and viewpoints.
- Arrive Valley of Christians (Wadi al-Nasara).
- Check-in Mishtaya area for overnight.
- Relaxed evening with Easter-season village atmosphere.
Day 4
Palmyra • Desert Ruins + Blue Wine Tasting • Overnight Mishtaya
- Early breakfast, then drive through the semi-desert to Palmyra.
- Arrival and guided walk among the main ruins: colonnaded streets, monumental arches, and the theatre area.
- Stories of Queen Zenobia and Palmyra’s role as a desert kingdom between empires.
- Explore key corners of the site (as accessible): tomb areas, viewpoints, and wide-open desert horizons.
- Time for photography and quiet moments — Palmyra is about scale, silence, and light.
- Lunch included at a simple restaurant near Palmyra.
- Drive back to Wadi al-Nasara / Mishtaya for a slower countryside evening.
- Blue wine tasting at a local winery (seasonal, relaxed, and very local).
- Learn about the Valley of Christians food culture and why this region feels different from the cities.
- Free time to rest at the hotel: spring air, calm pacing, and optional short evening walk.
- Overnight in Mishtaya area.
Day 4
Palmyra • Blue Wine Tasting • Mishtaya
- Drive to Palmyra through the semi-desert.
- Guided exploration of the ruins + big history.
- Zenobia + trade routes story.
- Desert light + wide views + photo time.
- Lunch included near Palmyra.
- Return to Wadi al-Nasara / Mishtaya.
- Local winery stop.
- Blue wine tasting experience.
- Relaxed mountain-air evening.
- Overnight Mishtaya.
Day 5
Tartus • Amrit • Arwad Island • Overnight Latakia
- Breakfast, then drive from the mountains toward the Mediterranean coast.
- Arrive in Tartus and enjoy a coastal walk (sea air + different pace).
- Time for photos and a feel of local coastal life (harbor, old lanes, cafés by the water).
- Visit Amrit — an ancient Phoenician site with unique ruins and atmosphere.
- Continue to the port and prepare for the island hop.
- Boat trip to Arwad Island (weather permitting).
- Walk Arwad’s tight stone alleys and feel the “island town” rhythm.
- See the island’s historic features and viewpoints (as accessible).
- Seafood lunch by the water — one of the most memorable meals of the trip.
- Free time for photos, sea breeze, and a slow afternoon.
- Drive north to Latakia and check in for overnight.
Day 5
Tartus • Amrit • Arwad Island • Latakia
- Drive to the Mediterranean coast.
- Tartus coastal walk + local pace.
- Photo time by the sea.
- Visit Amrit (Phoenician site).
- Head to the port for the island hop.
- Boat to Arwad Island (weather permitting).
- Walk Arwad alleys + island atmosphere.
- Historic island features/viewpoints (as accessible).
- Seafood lunch by the water.
- Drive to Latakia for overnight.
Day 6
Ugarit • Saladin Castle • Apamea • Arrival Aleppo
- Breakfast in Latakia, then start the big “north corridor” day.
- Visit Ugarit, the ancient city linked to the world’s first alphabet.
- Walk the ruins and understand why Ugarit matters in the story of writing and civilization.
- Continue to Saladin Castle (Qalaat Salah al-Din) — one of Syria’s most dramatic fortresses.
- Explore viewpoints, fortress structures, and the landscape around the castle.
- Lunch included on the road (simple, local, and well-timed for the long drive).
- Stop at Apamea to walk parts of its famous colonnaded avenue.
- Learn the story of Apamea as a legendary Greco-Roman city of Syria.
- Continue north toward Aleppo as landscapes shift from coast/mountains to the deep north.
- Evening arrival in Aleppo, check-in, and rest.
- Optional evening stroll and your guide’s best Aleppo dinner suggestions.
Day 6
Ugarit • Saladin Castle • Apamea • Aleppo
- Start from Latakia after breakfast.
- Ugarit ruins + story of the first alphabet.
- Walk the site and key points (as accessible).
- Continue to Saladin Castle (dramatic fortress).
- Explore viewpoints + fortress features.
- Lunch included on route.
- Stop at Apamea colonnaded avenue.
- Apamea history + photo time.
- Drive north toward Aleppo.
- Arrive Aleppo for overnight + dinner suggestions.
Day 7
Aleppo City Tour • Citadel, Souks, Heritage Quarters
- Breakfast, then start exploring Syria’s great northern city.
- Visit the Citadel of Aleppo and enjoy panoramic viewpoints.
- Walk down into the historic Old City and its market arteries.
- Explore the restored sections of the souqs and the parts still showing the city’s recent scars.
- Meet local shopkeepers and hear lived stories of resilience and rebuilding.
- Walk the heritage quarters (including classic old streets and courtyard architecture).
- Lunch included at Dar Halabia Restaurant (a local favorite).
- Continue exploration at a comfortable pace with stops for tea/coffee and street atmosphere.
- Visit a viewpoint in the western neighborhoods to see Aleppo from a different angle.
- Free evening: your guide recommends the best Aleppine dinner options and safe evening areas.
- Overnight in Aleppo.
Day 7
Aleppo City Tour • Citadel, Souks, Heritage
- Citadel of Aleppo + panoramic viewpoint.
- Old City walk + historic markets.
- Explore restored souq sections + war-scarred areas for context.
- Meet locals and hear real stories.
- Heritage quarters + courtyard architecture.
- Lunch at Dar Halabia (included).
- Tea/coffee stops + street atmosphere.
- Viewpoint in western neighborhoods.
- Evening free with curated 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 impressive “Dead Cities” (Byzantine-era stone villages frozen in time).
- Continue to Bara, another major Dead City with powerful ruins and atmosphere.
- Understand early Christian rural life: churches, houses, olive presses, and how these villages once thrived.
- Photo time and slow walking — the Dead Cities reward calm exploration.
- Drive to Hama for the famous norias and a riverside walk.
- Lunch included in Hama or on route (depending on timing).
- Continue to Homs for a short cultural stop.
- Visit the Church of Saint Mary of Holy Belt (if open) for a meaningful faith-history chapter during Easter season.
- Stop at the Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque area (respectful exterior visit as appropriate).
- Taste a local treat: Halawat al-Jubn dessert.
- Return to Damascus for overnight; optional evening celebration dinner (included) or a calm Old City walk.
Day 8
Dead Cities • Hama • Homs • Damascus
- Early drive from Aleppo toward Idlib countryside.
- Serjilla Dead City (Byzantine village ruins).
- Bara Dead City (major ruins + atmosphere).
- Early Christian rural life story + photo time.
- Drive to Hama for the norias + riverside walk.
- Lunch included (timing-based).
- Continue to Homs for a short stop.
- Church of Saint Mary of Holy Belt (if open).
- Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque area (respectful stop).
- Halawat al-Jubn dessert, then return Damascus for overnight.
Day 9
Bosra Tour • Roman Theatre • Return Damascus
- Breakfast, then drive south to Bosra — Syria’s basalt city in the Hauran.
- Explore the legendary Roman Theatre, one of the best-preserved theatres in the world.
- Walk inside the theatre corridors and seating tiers to feel its scale from within.
- Learn how the theatre later became part of a fortress complex — layers of history in one place.
- Stroll the old town streets: black basalt architecture and quiet corners.
- Optional stops (time/availability): historic churches/mosques and small ruins scattered through the old city.
- Photo time and slow walking — Bosra is about atmosphere, not rushing.
- Lunch included (local and simple).
- Return to Damascus in the afternoon.
- Free time for last-minute shopping in the souqs (Easter sweets and gifts are perfect here).
- Farewell evening: optional rooftop tea / café stop and a calm final Old City night.
Day 9
Bosra • Roman Theatre • Damascus
- Drive to Bosra (basalt city).
- Explore the Roman Theatre (world-class preservation).
- Walk internal corridors + seating tiers.
- History layers: theatre + fortress story.
- Old town stroll (black basalt streets).
- Optional ruins/churches/mosques (time permitting).
- Photo time + slow pace.
- Lunch included.
- Return to Damascus afternoon.
- Free evening for shopping + farewell Old City night.
Day 10
Departure from Damascus • Transfer to Beirut or Amman
- Breakfast and check-out from your hotel/guesthouse.
- Relaxed morning walk in Damascus (revisit a favorite lane or viewpoint).
- Last-minute souvenir time in the souqs (spices, crafts, small gifts).
- Optional quick café stop for coffee/tea and a final Old City atmosphere moment.
- Farewell lunch: one last traditional Syrian meal (included) — stories and memories from the trip.
- Transfer preparation and luggage check before departure.
- Departure transfer to Beirut or Amman for your flight home.
- Full border assistance and smooth procedures supported by your guide.
- End of tour: goodbye from the guide and driver — and clear help for anyone extending privately.
- Optional add-on (on request): extra nights in Damascus or airport support if your schedule needs it.
Day 10
Departure from Damascus
- Breakfast + check-out.
- Relaxed morning stroll in Damascus.
- Last-minute souq shopping (souvenirs/spices/crafts).
- Optional café stop for tea/coffee.
- Farewell lunch (included).
- Transfer to Beirut or Amman.
- Border support included.
- Tour ends with guide farewell.
- Help available for extensions (on request).
- Safe onward journey home.
Where You’ll Stay
Comfort & Services
We deliberately choose guesthouses and characterful, authentic hotels over generic towers. You stay in places that feel rooted in Syrian life — old houses, family-run hotels, countryside villas — while still enjoying comfort, good service, and warm hospitality.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. Lunches stay simple, local, and genuinely Syrian — sometimes a family-style table, sometimes a small restaurant Syrians love, depending on the day’s route.
Dinners are not included, because evenings are where personal taste matters (quiet courtyard? busy grill? seafood on the coast?). Your guide suggests the best options every night for different budgets and moods.
One night includes a special group celebration dinner (a fun evening with storytelling and a warm social atmosphere).
What kind of meals to expect
You’ll taste Syria the way locals actually eat it: breakfast spreads like labneh, olives, fresh bread, eggs, makdous and seasonal jams — and lunches such as kebab, freekeh dishes, stuffed vine leaves, lentil soups, fresh mezze, and slow-cooked stews.
Easter & spring flavours
During Easter season, you’ll notice a different rhythm in the markets: fresh herbs, spring produce, and bakeries full of holiday sweets. Expect treats like maamoul and local biscuits, plus the coast chapter where seafood becomes a highlight — especially 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. Although it can seat up to 25 passengers, we keep the group small so you enjoy extra space, easier movement, and a calmer road experience.
Wide seats, good legroom, and large windows make long drives (desert, mountains, coast) much more pleasant — whether you want to chat, rest, or simply watch the scenery change.
Includes & Excludes
INCLUDES
EXCLUDES
Visa & Entry Requirements
Visa and entry approval requirements depend on passport nationality, travel history and entry route. Some travellers may obtain visas on arrival at eligible land crossings, but advance approval can still be required, including for some land travellers. Airlines can have boarding-document requirements. Syrian Guides helps tour guests check and arrange applicable documentation, without guaranteeing approval or entry.
Government visa fees can change and are usually paid separately. Check the latest visa guidance and visa-fee reference before booking flights.
Safety Information
We build routes around areas that are considered suitable for travel and adjust plans if anything changes. Your guide follows local updates closely and keeps the group informed in a calm, practical way — so you always understand what to expect.
We use established roads, trusted hotels, and safe neighborhoods. The guide stays with you during transfers, sightseeing, and border procedures, and you receive clear guidance for your free time in the evenings.
Travel Insurance Included
All group tours include travel insurance covering emergency medical care, hospitalization, medical evacuation, and key 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 major heritage sites and city entrances.
- Your guide briefs you on etiquette, respectful clothing in religious sites, and safe evening areas.
For deeper reading:
If you have any personal concerns, message us — we answer honestly and clearly.
FAQ
Is it safe to travel to Syria?
Security conditions in Syria vary by area and can change unexpectedly. We review our routes, use local guides and may alter or cancel visits, but no tour operator can guarantee safety. Please check your government’s current travel advice and relevant insurance coverage, and read our Syria safety guide.
How can I obtain a visa for Syria?
Visa requirements depend on nationality, passport and route. Some travellers are eligible for visa on arrival via certain land crossings, while others need approval in advance, including when entering by land. Airline boarding rules may also require documents before departure. Syrian Guides can help tour guests check the applicable process but cannot guarantee approval or entry. See our current entry guide.
How long does it take to get a visa to Syria?
Visa approval timelines depend on nationality, review and entry route and may take several weeks. We recommend checking requirements early, before booking non-refundable flights. See our updated visa guidance.
How much does a visa to Syria cost?
Government visa fees depend on passport and entry category and may change. Fees are normally separate from the tour price. We can check the applicable fee before your travel dates. See our visa-fee reference.
What is the currency exchange rate in Syria?
Exchange rates fluctuate and new Syrian pound denominations may be in use. Confirm the current rate and whether figures are quoted in old or new Syrian pounds. Read our currency guide.
Any dress code for women in mosques and churches?
In Syria, mosques and churches often provide special attire for visitors, particularly women, to ensure respect for local customs. During our Syria cultural tours, we will guide you on the appropriate dress code to follow.
What are the best places to buy souvenirs in Syria?
Popular souvenirs from Syria include traditional crafts like carpets, mosaic art, handmade jewelry, spices, traditional clothing, and Aleppo soap. For unique finds, consider visiting Souq Al-Hamidiyah in Damascus or Souq Al-Madina in Aleppo. To ensure you find the best souvenirs, our Syria private tours often include shopping experiences tailored to your interests.
What vaccinations do I need to travel to Syria?
No specific vaccinations are required to travel to Syria. However, it’s always a good idea to consult with a travel clinic for the latest health recommendations. For a safe travel experience, Syria tour packages often include travel insurance.
Can I use credit cards in Syria?
Credit cards are currently not accepted in Syria due to US sanctions. It is advisable to carry cash in the local currency for your Syria travel experiences. Check Money in Syria guide for more information.
Any vegetarian or vegan options available in Syrian restaurants?
Yes, there are vegetarian and vegan options available in Syria. Popular dishes include falafel, hummus, tabbouleh, and stuffed grape leaves (Warak Enab), making Syria food tours a delightful experience. Check our articles about Syrian food.
In which cases can’t I visit Syria?
You cannot visit Syria if you have Israel stamp in your passport. Our Syria travel guide can offer more detailed information.
Will I have free time during the group tour?
Yes. Although the tour follows a well-planned daily program, you will have free time every day, usually in the late afternoon or evening. Your guide clearly indicates when the guided activities end, allowing you to explore on your own, relax at cafés, shop, or simply enjoy the atmosphere at your own pace.
If you ever want suggestions during your free time, your guide is always happy to help.
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