Christmas in Syria: An 8-Day Journey
Celebrate Christmas Eve in Damascus, then discover the people, living traditions and remarkable heritage of Syria — from Aleppo to Palmyra and Bosra.
Syria, in a different light.
An enchanting 8-day journey through Syria beginning with Christmas Eve in the Christian Quarter of Old Damascus, then continuing through Maaloula, Homs, Aleppo, the Dead Cities, Hama, Krak des Chevaliers, Palmyra and Bosra.
The buildings tell part of the story. In December, the people, shared meals and light-filled streets give the journey its heart.
We travel at a human pace, not as a checklist: the route is structured, but we leave space for cafés, local food, crafts, stories, and the unexpected moments that make a place memorable.
Trip Highlights
A classic Syria circuit with one distinctive difference: you begin in Damascus when its Christian neighbourhoods come alive for Christmas.
Christmas Eve in Damascus
Start in the historic Christian Quarter among decorated streets and the welcoming holiday atmosphere of Damascus.
Old Damascus & the Umayyad Mosque
Explore Straight Street, old souqs, Damascene courtyards and religious landmarks with a local guide.
Aleppo & Its Craftspeople
The Citadel, historic souqs, traditional crafts and the stories behind a city known for its food and artistry.
Krak des Chevaliers
Walk one of the world’s remarkable medieval fortresses above the Valley of the Christians.
Palmyra & the Desert
Discover the surviving monuments and layered history of Syria’s celebrated desert city.
Bosra & the Roman Theatre
Visit the extraordinary black-basalt theatre and the streets of an ancient southern city.
Christmas, the Damascene way.
Christmas is part of the everyday cultural life of Syria’s Christian communities. This tour begins on 24 December so you can experience the holiday atmosphere in the place itself — not a staged festival.
Christmas, the Syrian Way
Ancient streets. Church bells. Warm hospitality. A celebration experienced among the people who call Damascus home.
Christmas Eve · Damascus
Festive Damascus
Walk through Damascus as its historic Christian neighbourhoods glow with lights, music and evening celebrations.
Churches & seasonal music
Living Christian Traditions
From churches to seasonal performances, Christmas in Damascus is experienced through living traditions, not only decorations.
Courtyards & conversations
Warm Hospitality
Courtyard cafés, seasonal gatherings and shared meals are part of what makes Christmas in Damascus feel lived rather than staged.
Festival note: Christmas Eve services, street activities, venues and timings for December 2026 cannot be guaranteed this far in advance. Your guide will confirm what is available closer to the departure and adapt the evening respectfully.
What’s Included & Excluded
✓ Included in your journey
- Two-way group transfer from and to Beirut
- Twin-share accommodation in trusted local hotels/guesthouses
- Comfortable air-conditioned transport and experienced driver
- Wireless tour guide audio system — guide microphone/transmitter + personal receiver and earpiece for each traveler
- Local English-speaking tour guide
- Guided sightseeing and site visits
- Visa-arrangement assistance where applicable
- Breakfast and lunch throughout the tour
- Travel insurance, subject to the policy terms
- Local winery visit and wine tasting
Not included
- Visa and border fees
- International or regional flights
- Dinners and optional evening meals
- Personal expenses and shopping
- Tips and gratuities
- Single-room supplement: $260 USD
The People You’ll Meet
A real Syrian journey is shaped by conversations as much as by monuments. Along this Christmas route, meet people who keep local crafts, food, village hospitality and living traditions alive.
Local families, cafés, churches and the people who give Damascus its holiday atmosphere.
The skilled hands and personal histories behind city markets, workshops, crafts and food.
Family-style lunch and winemaking traditions around the Valley of the Christians.
A desert lunch stop near Palmyra and local hospitality along the southern route.
Specific visits and personal encounters are arranged according to availability, season and local conditions.
Pace & Practical Reality
What the journey feels like
- Active cultural journey with moderate walking most days
- Uneven old-city lanes, ruins, stairs and fortress paths
- Days 3 and 5–6 include some of the longer road sections
- December can be cold or wet; bring warm layers and practical footwear
- Daily timings stay flexible around people, weather, access and local conditions
Is This Tour for You?
A great fit if you: enjoy culture, heritage, local encounters, food, photography and conversation; want to see Syria at Christmas; or want an engaging first trip covering its iconic sites.
Probably not ideal if you: need resort-style luxury, dislike longer drives, want a rigid sightseeing schedule, or expect every stop to run exactly as printed.
The reward for flexibility is a journey that feels lived rather than staged.
Your 8-Day Christmas Itinerary
Eight days across Syria — starting on Christmas Eve. The schedule is an operating plan, with individual stops adjusted according to access, weather and local circumstances.
Eight Days, Eight Stories
Follow the route at a glance, then explore the full day-by-day details below.
Day 1 (Dec 24)
Arrival in Damascus + Christmas Night
- Choose your entry point — Beirut (land), Jordan (land), or Damascus Airport (flight).
- Warm welcome by your guide and smooth assistance with entry procedures (where needed).
- Transfer to your hotel/guesthouse and an easy check-in process.
- Short refresh break — settle in and get comfortable after your journey.
- Gentle walking orientation in Old Damascus to understand the old city layout.
- Walk along Straight Street, one of the oldest functioning Roman streets in the world.
- Explore the Christian Quarter and quiet historic alleys around the churches.
- Visit St. Ananias Chapel and hear the story of early Christianity in Damascus.
- Pass Damascene courtyard houses and learn how traditional homes were built for privacy and beauty.
- Experience the lively old-city food street and stop at Nofara Café, Syria’s oldest café.
- Ascend to a rooftop for a breathtaking sunset over Damascus.
- Highlight: Christmas night in ancient Damascus — festive streets, warm atmosphere, and a special evening that captures the spirit of the season.
Day 2 (Dec 25)
Full Day in Damascus
- Start the day with a local breakfast — fresh bread, labneh, olives, eggs, and seasonal jams.
- Context stop: visit the outskirts / affected areas such as Ghouta with sensitivity and respect.
- Panoramic orientation from a viewpoint to understand the city’s geography.
- Explore the National Museum to connect Syria’s deep history in one visit.
- Pass the historic Hijaz Railway Station and learn about Ottoman-era travel routes.
- Walk through Al-Hamidiyah Souq and experience the daily rhythm of the bazaar.
- Visit the Umayyad Mosque, one of the most important Islamic monuments in the world.
- Step into Azm Palace to see Damascene architecture at its finest.
- Explore Ass’ad Pasha Caravansarai and nearby historic courtyards and khans.
- Walk into Bzuriyeh Spice Market for scents, sweets, and local drinks.
- Lunch break with Syrian classics (vegetarian options always available).
- End the day with a sunset rooftop view over Old Damascus — unforgettable skyline and atmosphere.
Day 3 (Dec 26)
Maaloula • Homs • Aleppo
- Begin the northbound journey from Damascus toward the mountains of Maaloula.
- Enjoy the scenery of houses intricately carved into the mountainside.
- Visit ancient churches and hear prayers in Aramaic, the language of Jesus Christ.
- Walk the gorge connected to Saint Thecla and visit her monastery and shrine.
- Visit the Monastery of Saints Sergius & Bacchus and learn about early Christian traditions.
- Continue toward Homs, Syria’s third-largest city and a key historical crossroads.
- Visit the Church of the Holy Belt (Holy Belt of the Virgin Mary), one of the world’s oldest churches.
- Stop by Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque (as accessible) for architectural context.
- Walk through parts of the old market and see the city’s layers of past and present.
- Lunch stop along the route with local Syrian dishes.
- Arrive in Aleppo and check-in for a two-night stay.
- Evening orientation walk — first taste of Aleppo’s atmosphere and local cafés.
Day 4 (Dec 27)
Aleppo Tour
- Start with breakfast and an introduction to why Aleppo is Syria’s great craft and culinary capital.
- Visit the mighty Aleppo Citadel and learn how it shaped the city for centuries.
- Walk through the ancient alleys around the citadel and feel the old city’s rhythm.
- Explore the historic Aleppo Souks, including restored sections and areas that show resilience.
- Visit an 800-year-old-style soap factory and meet craftsmen who keep the tradition alive.
- Stop at historic squares and neighborhoods that once formed the city’s social heart.
- Visit heritage churches / community sites in Jdeideh Quarter (as accessible).
- Optional: visit Aleppo Museum for deeper context on northern Syria’s history.
- Lunch in a local restaurant known for classic Aleppine dishes and warm hospitality.
- Meet locals and hear real stories that give the city a human face.
- Time for artisan workshops and small family businesses (textiles, crafts, sweets).
- End with a panoramic viewpoint — a final wide look at the citadel and skyline.
Day 5 (Dec 28)
Idlib • Hama • Krak des Chevaliers • Valley of Christians • Local Winery
- Depart Aleppo and head into Idlib countryside for archaeology and quiet landscapes.
- Visit Serjilla and Bara, two of Syria’s most remarkable Dead Cities.
- Walk among stone ruins and hear how these forgotten towns once lived and prospered.
- Continue to Hama, renowned as the city of waterwheels.
- See the giant Norias on the Orontes River and enjoy riverside views.
- Short stroll in the city and time to interact with locals in one of Syria’s friendliest places.
- Drive toward the green hills of the west and the Valley of Christians.
- Visit the awe-inspiring Krak des Chevaliers, one of the best-preserved crusader castles in the world.
- Walk the ramparts, halls, and courtyards while learning the castle’s story.
- Lunch at a local family house in the Valley of Christians — a warm, home-cooked table and real village hospitality.
- Local Winery Stop & Wine Tasting in the Valley of Christians — a relaxed countryside visit and a chance to taste Syrian wines in a beautiful setting.
- Arrive to the peaceful countryside villages (Mishtaya / Marmarita area) for overnight.
- Evening atmosphere in a Christian village — calm, warm, and perfect after a rich travel day.
Day 6 (Dec 29)
Palmyra • Back to Damascus
- Depart early and travel through changing landscapes toward the Syrian semi-desert.
- Arrive to Palmyra — often called the pearl of the desert.
- Start with a wide panorama to understand the ancient city’s scale and setting.
- Walk sections of the Colonnaded Street, the ancient market axis of the city.
- Visit key monuments: the Theatre, Agora, and surviving temple remains.
- Hear Palmyra’s story — its rise, its beauty, and the tragic destruction in 2015.
- Visit viewpoints / key spots that help you connect the ruins to the living landscape.
- Scenic drive with a stop at a traditional Bedouin tent for a rejuvenating break.
- Enjoy a relaxed lunch with tea and simple regional dishes.
- Continue the drive back to Damascus (around three hours, depending on stops).
- Check-in in Damascus and take time to rest after the travel day.
- Evening free — cafés, old city walks, or your guide’s dinner suggestions.
Day 7 (Dec 30)
Bosra — Roman Theatre & Southern Countryside
- Morning departure from Damascus heading south through the fertile Horan plain.
- Scenic drive with wide views of fields, basalt villages, and ancient landscapes.
- Arrive to Bosra, one of Syria’s most remarkable archaeological towns built in black basalt.
- Explore the famous Roman Theatre, among the best preserved in the world.
- Walk Bosra’s ancient streets and see Roman, Byzantine, and Islamic layers overlap.
- Discover temples, churches, and mosques crafted from black basalt stones.
- Photo stops inside and around the theatre — a truly dramatic setting.
- Enjoy a relaxed local lunch in the southern countryside.
- Drive back to Damascus with time for a calm evening walk or café stop.
- Optional farewell dinner in a traditional Damascene courtyard restaurant recommended by your guide.
- Overnight in Damascus.
Day 8 (Dec 31)
Damascus — Crafts, Shrines, Souvenirs & Free Time + Departure
- Breakfast and a calm start — your final day in Damascus.
- Visit the lavishly decorated Sayyida Ruqiyah Shrine, famous for glass mosaics and Kashani motifs.
- Explore hidden corners of the old city — quiet alleys, courtyards, and local life.
- Visit handicraft workshops where artisans create swords, copper pieces, and mosaics.
- Optional stops for Ajami-painted woodwork, textiles, and Damascene steel.
- Time in Hamidiyah Souq for last-minute shopping and gifts.
- Stop in Bzuriyeh Spice Market for spices, sweets, and classic Syrian treats.
- Coffee/tea break in a historic café — one last slow moment inside the old city.
- Relaxed lunch (included) and time to choose what you want more of — history, crafts, or atmosphere.
- Free time in the afternoon to explore Damascus at your own pace.
- Depending on your flight / exit plan, transfer to Damascus Airport or the border (Beirut / Amman).
- Full assistance with departure procedures and smooth coordination for onward travel.
- Tour ends with warm goodbyes and support until you’re safely on your way.
Winter travel: opening hours, road conditions, weather and site access can change. Your guide will explain any necessary adjustments and arrange suitable alternatives where possible.
Where You’ll Stay
Comfort & Services
We deliberately choose trusted local hotels and characterful guesthouses over generic towers. You stay in places that feel rooted in Syrian life — old houses, central locations, countryside stays — while still enjoying comfort, good services, and warm hospitality.
Rooms are typically twin rooms. If you prefer a private room, a single supplement of 260 USD applies.
Meals
Breakfasts and lunches are included every day of the tour. Lunches stay relaxed and local — sometimes a simple restaurant Syrians actually use, sometimes a scenic stop, sometimes a family-style table depending on the day.
Dinners are not included, but you are never left alone with the decision. Each evening, your guide suggests tried-and-tested spots that match your mood and budget — from simple grills to atmospheric old-city courtyards.
What kind of meals to expect
Throughout the tour, you’ll taste authentic Syrian flavours — the dishes locals grow up eating. Expect breakfasts like fatteh, labneh, olives, fresh bread, eggs, makdous, seasonal jams, and hearty lunches such as freekeh with chicken, okra stew, grilled kebab, stuffed vine leaves, lentil soups, fresh mezze. Your guide also helps you discover street-food favourites: falafel, shawarma, manakish, sfiha pastries, muhammara, Aleppo kebab, barazek cookies, and warm sweets.
December flavours & Christmas atmosphere
December in Syria feels intimate — warm bakeries, winter comfort dishes, and festive streets in the Christian quarters. On the first night, you experience the Christmas atmosphere in Old Damascus — decorations, lights, and a holiday night that feels surprisingly alive and human.
Transportation
Hyundai County
For our group journeys across Syria, we rely on the Hyundai County — a reliable, smooth, and comfortably designed mid-size bus. Although it can seat up to 25 passengers, we intentionally use it for small groups of 8–14 travelers to ensure extra space, comfort, and a relaxed travel experience.
The interior is spacious with cushioned seats, good legroom, and large windows that open the landscape like a moving panorama — ideal for long drives between cities, mountains, and archaeological sites.
Meet Your Guide
Guide to be announced (TBD)
Your tour will be led by a local Syrian Guides guide. We’ll introduce your assigned guide and share their background before departure, once the assignment is confirmed.
Your guide will help with practical arrangements, cultural context and the festive atmosphere in Damascus.
Visas, Safety & Winter Travel
Visa & entry requirements
Visa eligibility, fees, approval requirements and processing times vary according to nationality and point of entry. Not every traveler can rely on visa on arrival, including when entering by land.
We help guests confirm the correct process before they finalize travel arrangements. Please see our visa requirements guide for background information, and verify details with the team for your passport.
Safety & practical realities
Local access, operating conditions, weather and site arrangements may change. We use familiar transport and accommodation providers, assess the route before departure and communicate adjustments clearly.
Travel insurance is included as described in our insurance information, subject to the terms and coverage limits of the actual policy. Travelers should also review their government's current travel advice.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will the Christmas Eve celebrations happen as planned?
The visit is planned around Christmas Eve in Old Damascus. Specific church services, public celebrations and gatherings depend on local schedules and access closer to December 2026.
Is the tour suitable for everyone?
There is moderate walking and several longer road days. Tell us about mobility limitations or other travel requirements before booking so we can assess the route with you.
What should I pack?
Warm layers, a waterproof outer layer, comfortable walking shoes, modest clothing for religious visits and personal medications. Temperatures differ between Damascus, Aleppo, the mountains and the desert.
Are meals included?
Breakfasts and lunches are included every day; dinners remain generally independent to give you flexibility.
How much is a private room?
The listed single-room supplement is $260 USD, subject to hotel availability and final room arrangements.
What about visas and entry fees?
These depend on your nationality and route. Visa fees are excluded, and our team will explain which approval steps apply to you before travel.
Is insurance included?
Yes, subject to the insurer's actual conditions, eligibility rules and limits. Ask for the current policy details before booking.
Festive streets, wintry air
December historical average highs are about 14°C in Damascus and 12°C in Aleppo; nights can be much colder. Bring a warm coat and waterproof layer, especially for outdoor evenings, hillside visits and church celebrations.
View live city forecasts, seasonal temperatures & packing tips ↗Historical climate averages, not a prediction for your travel dates.
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BOOK YOUR TRIP TODAY!
The first Christmas departure is fully booked, and only two spots remain on the second departure. Enquire now to request one of the remaining places and experience Christmas in Damascus along with Syria’s greatest highlights.