DAMASCUS ONE-DAY GROUP TOUR

Every Saturday · Art, Heritage & Shared City Stories · English Only

Duration

09:00 AM–5:00 PM

Departures

Every Saturday

Shared-Tour Price

US$15 per person + tickets

Language

English only

Status

Guaranteed departure

One Saturday. Many Layers of Damascus.

Damascus is not a city that can be understood by looking at monuments alone. Its real character lives between the museum galleries and crowded souqs, inside quiet courtyards, beneath Roman arches, and in conversations shared over coffee.

The Damascus One-Day Group Tour brings local residents and international visitors together for a carefully planned six-hour journey through the capital. We begin at the National Museum of Damascus, continue through the historic centre and the Old City, and finish at the Eastern Gate, known locally as Bab Sharqi.

This is more than a checklist of famous places. Your English-speaking local guide connects the monuments to the people, traditions, faiths and daily life that have shaped Damascus. Along the way, the group has time to talk, ask questions and make genuine connections.

The tour operates every Saturday from 5 September 2026 onwards. Once a booking is confirmed, departure is guaranteed even when only one guest has booked. The number and mix of local and international participants naturally varies from one Saturday to another.

We may adjust the order of visits, use an alternative cultural stop or divide participants into separate guided walking groups when operational conditions require it. This protects the quality of the experience without changing its central character.

The Essentials

Meet at the National Museum of Damascus
Meet at 09:00 AM and finish at 05:00 PM
Finish at Bab Sharqi (Eastern Gate)
Walking tour with several indoor visits
Bookings close Wednesday at 10:00 PM

Who This Tour Is For

This shared English-language tour welcomes both Syrian residents and international visitors who enjoy discovering Damascus with other people.

First-Time Visitors

A structured introduction to Damascus combining its essential monuments with neighbourhoods, art and daily life.

International Visitors

An opportunity to understand the city through a local guide and natural conversations with people who live here.

Damascus Locals

A chance to rediscover the city, practise English and meet participants from different countries when they join.

Solo Travellers

A welcoming scheduled experience for travellers who would rather explore Damascus with a guide and fellow participants.

Culture & History Lovers

For guests interested in Syrian history, architecture, faith, contemporary art, handicrafts and community stories.

Short-Stay Guests

A broad, carefully paced Damascus experience for visitors who have one full day available in the capital.

Damascus Tour Highlights

The city’s essential monuments come first. The route then moves into its neighbourhood histories, contemporary art and living handicraft traditions.

Umayyad Mosque & Saladin

Explore the courtyard, mosaics and layered sacred history of the Umayyad Mosque, followed by the nearby Mausoleum of Saladin.

National Museum of Damascus

Begin with selected galleries that introduce Syria’s civilizations and provide historical context for the rest of the day.

Azm Palace

Step inside one of Damascus’s best-known palaces and discover its courtyards, decorated rooms and traditional domestic architecture.

Al-Hamidiyah & Roman Damascus

Walk through the covered souq and emerge beside the surviving columns of the Roman Temple of Jupiter.

Al-Buzuriyah & Khan Asaad Pasha

Follow the spice market into the monumental caravanserai and hear how merchants connected Damascus with a wider world.

Straight Street, Ananias Church & Bab Sharqi

Follow the ancient Roman axis into the Christian Quarter, visit Ananias Church and finish at the Eastern Gate.

Art, Neighbourhoods & Handicrafts

Beyond the principal landmarks, the tour introduces creative spaces and neighbourhood stories that reveal another side of Damascus.

Mosaic Shop

See the patience and precision behind traditional Damascene mosaic woodwork before continuing to Ananias Church.

The Historic Jewish Quarter

Walk respectfully through Haret al-Yahud, also known as the Al-Amin quarter, and hear about its families, merchants, artisans and courtyard houses.

Mustafa Ali Gallery

Encounter contemporary Syrian sculpture and changing exhibitions in a restored Damascene setting when the gallery is open.

Damascene Handicrafts

Learn about mosaic inlay, Damascus steel, Ajami Damascus art, through shops and workshops along the route.

Brocade & Damascene Textiles

Discover the patterns, colours and techniques that made Damascene brocade internationally admired.

Courtyards & Community Stories

Notice how family houses, places of worship and neighbourhoods reflect the Muslim, Christian and Jewish histories of the city.

Damascus in Monuments, Art & Community

Saturday Itinerary

The times below provide a clear structure while leaving enough flexibility for questions, gallery and workshop availability, temporary closures and the natural rhythm of the Old City. The route may be reordered while keeping the overall experience and finishing time.

09:00 AM — National Museum of Damascus

Meet your guide at the museum’s main entrance. After a short welcome, explore selected galleries that introduce Syria’s civilizations and place the rest of the day in historical context.

10:30 AM — Al-Hamidiyah Souq & Roman Damascus

Continue towards the Old City and enter through its famous covered market. Learn about Damascene commercial and social life before reaching the surviving columns of the Roman Temple of Jupiter.

11:00 PM — Umayyad Mosque & Saladin’s Mausoleum

Explore the courtyard, mosaics and prayer hall of the Umayyad Mosque while tracing the site’s Roman, Christian and Islamic layers. Continue to the nearby Mausoleum of Saladin.

12:00 PM — Azm Palace

Walk through the courtyards and decorated rooms of one of the Old City’s best-known palaces, with an introduction to traditional Damascene architecture, domestic life and hospitality.

01:00 PM — Al-Buzuriyah Souq & Khan Asaad Pasha

Continue through the spice market to Khan Asaad Pasha and hear how merchants and caravan routes connected Damascus with a much wider world.

1:30 PM — Break at Jabri House Café

Pause in a traditional Damascene courtyard. Food and drinks are not included, allowing each participant to order and pay for a preferred drink, snack or meal.

3:00 PM — The Historic Jewish Quarter

Walk respectfully through Haret al-Yahud, also known as the Al-Amin quarter. Hear about the Jewish families, merchants, artisans and courtyard houses associated with the neighbourhood. Access to private houses or synagogue interiors is not promised.

3:10 PM — Mustafa Ali Gallery & the Artists’ Quarter

Visit Mustafa Ali Gallery when open and encounter contemporary Syrian sculpture and changing exhibitions. If the gallery is unavailable, the guide substitutes another suitable art, architecture or craft stop nearby.

3:40 PM — Straight Street & the Christian Quarter

Continue along the line of the ancient Roman street into the Christian Quarter while hearing the stories connected with Saint Paul and Saint Ananias.

4:00 PM — Mosaic Shop

Meet the craft of Damascene mosaic woodwork and see how tiny pieces of wood are assembled into detailed geometric patterns. Purchases are entirely optional.

04:30 PM — Ananias Church & Bab Sharqi

Visit Ananias Church, subject to opening and religious services, then complete the walk at Bab Sharqi, the Eastern Gate, at approximately 5:00 PM.

A Shared City Experience

The route creates opportunities for conversation. International visitors can gain a more human understanding of Damascus, while local residents can share their city, practise English and meet people from abroad. The number and nationality mix varies on every departure, so a particular social balance cannot be guaranteed.

The same US$15 shared-tour price applies to everyone. Entrance fees and café orders are separate.

Entrance Fees

Entrance fees are not included in the US$15 tour price because official rates differ between Syrian residents and international visitors. All figures below use the new Syrian pound. USD equivalents are calculated at the reference rate you provided—US$1 = 131 new SYP—and rounded for orientation. Fees and exchange rates may change, so participants pay the actual posted amount directly at each entrance.

International Visitor Fees

National Museum — 1,000 new SYP (approximately US$7.63)
Azm Palace — 1,000 new SYP (approximately US$7.63)
Khan Asaad Pasha — 500 new SYP (approximately US$3.82)
Umayyad Mosque — 250 new SYP (approximately US$1.91)

Estimated total: 2,750 new SYP (approximately US$20.99)

Syrian Resident Fees

National Museum — 250 new SYP (approximately US$1.91)
Azm Palace — 250 new SYP (approximately US$1.91)
Khan Asaad Pasha — 150 new SYP (approximately US$1.15)
Any applicable mosque or clothing charge is paid directly at the entrance.

Estimated listed total: 650 new SYP (approximately US$4.96), plus any applicable mosque or clothing charge.

This Shared Saturday Tour

Choose this option if you enjoy meeting other people and are happy with a fixed Saturday departure, a fixed 09:00 AM–05:00 PM schedule, an English-only experience and the published route.

Price: US$15 per person, plus entrance tickets and personal café orders.

Looking for a Private Tour?

Choose our private Damascus experience if you prefer a flexible date, private guide, customised pacing, personal interests or arrangements for your own family or friends.

View the Private Damascus One-Day Tour

A Break at Jabri House Café

Partway through the Old City walk, we pause at Jabri House Café, an atmospheric traditional courtyard where the group can rest and continue the conversation in a relaxed setting.

Food and drinks are not included. Everyone can decide whether to order tea, coffee, a cold drink, a snack or something more substantial. This keeps the tour price fair and allows each guest to choose according to personal taste and budget.

A Saturday Walking Through Damascus

Includes & Excludes

INCLUDES

Professional English-speaking local guide
Six-hour guided Damascus itinerary
Guided explanations at the listed attractions and cultural stops
Guaranteed Saturday departure once booking is confirmed
Shared cultural experience welcoming locals and visitors

EXCLUDES

Entrance fees to museums and attractions
Food and drinks at Jabri House Café
Transport to the meeting point and from the finishing point
Personal expenses, craft purchases and café orders
Tips and gratuities

Meeting & Finishing Points

Meeting Point

Main entrance of the National Museum of Damascus at 09:00 AM. Please arrive 10 minutes early so the tour can begin on time.

Finishing Point

Bab Sharqi (the Eastern Gate) at approximately 05:00 PM.

What to Bring

Comfortable walking shoes
Drinking water, especially during warmer months
Syrian pounds for entrance tickets and café orders
Modest clothing suitable for visiting religious sites
Sun protection when the weather requires it

Frequently Asked Questions

When does the tour operate?

The Damascus One-Day Group Tour operates every Saturday from 5 September 2026 onwards. Bookings for each departure close at 10:00 PM on the preceding Wednesday, Damascus time—72 hours before departure.

Is departure guaranteed?

Once your booking has been confirmed, the tour operates even when only one guest has booked. Like any travel service, operation remains subject to force majeure, official restrictions, exceptional safety conditions or events outside our reasonable control. If such a rare situation prevents operation, we contact confirmed guests and apply the appropriate alternative or remedy under our payment and cancellation policy.

Will there always be both local and international participants?

Both Syrian residents and international visitors are welcome, but the number and nationality mix varies from one Saturday to another. The tour creates opportunities for connection without promising a particular balance or group composition.

Is the price the same for everyone?

Yes. The shared-tour price is US$15 per person for local residents and international visitors. Entrance tickets and café orders are separate. Payment arrangements are confirmed during booking.

Which language is used?

The entire tour is conducted in English only. Live Arabic translation is not provided, so participants should be comfortable following explanations in English.

Are entrance fees included?

No. Entrance fees are paid separately in new Syrian pounds at each attraction. At the reference rate of US$1 = 131 new SYP, international visitors should currently allow approximately 2,750 new SYP (US$20.99) in total. Syrian residents should currently allow approximately 650 new SYP (US$4.96) for the museum, Azm Palace and Khan Asaad Pasha, plus any applicable mosque or clothing charge. Official fees and exchange rates may change.

Are all interiors and cultural stops guaranteed?

The advertised route is our intended Saturday programme, but museum rooms, places of worship, galleries, workshops and historic properties control their own opening and access. We may reorder the route or substitute an appropriate nearby cultural stop when an interior, exhibition or workshop is unavailable. Prayer times and official closures are always respected.

Does the Jewish Quarter visit include a synagogue?

The Jewish Quarter experience is a respectful guided neighbourhood walk focused on the history, families, crafts and architecture of Haret al-Yahud, also known as the Al-Amin quarter. Entry to synagogues, private houses or restricted properties is not promised.

Is Mustafa Ali Gallery always included?

Mustafa Ali Gallery is a planned cultural stop, subject to its Saturday opening and exhibition schedule. When it is unavailable, the guide provides another suitable art, architecture or craftsmanship experience nearby.

Do I have to buy handicrafts?

No. The crafts visit is educational and there is no obligation to purchase anything. If you choose to buy directly from an artisan, the purchase is personal and is not included in the tour price.

Are food and drinks included?

No. The group stops at Jabri House Café, where every participant can order and pay for any preferred drink, snack or meal. There is no compulsory café order.

How much walking is involved?

This is an active city walking tour lasting six hours, including indoor visits and a café break. Participants should be comfortable spending several hours on foot and walking on uneven Old City streets. Contact us before booking if you have mobility concerns.

Will photographs be taken?

The guide may offer group photographs during the day, but participation is optional. Tell the guide if you prefer not to appear in photographs. Participants must ask permission before photographing identifiable residents, artisans or private interiors.

What should I wear?

Wear comfortable walking shoes and clothing suitable for the weather. Modest dress is required when entering religious sites. Your guide will explain any additional requirements during the tour.

Where does the tour begin and end?

The tour begins at the main entrance of the National Museum of Damascus at 09:00 AM and finishes at Bab Sharqi, the Eastern Gate, at approximately 5:00 PM. Please arrive by 8:50 AM.

How do I reserve my place?

Contact us using the below form. We will then ask you to complete the booking form with your preferred Saturday and participant details before the Wednesday deadline. Submitting the contact form below is an inquiry and does not reserve a place by itself. Your booking becomes confirmed only after our team sends written confirmation and any required payment step has been completed.

What People Say About Us

      
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   280 Tripadvisor reviews 
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       Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   wfhartnett 
 
 
 
 Verified An Adventure in Damascus After my family finished a cruise in Istanbul, my middle son and I flew to Beirut. Syrian Guides picked us up at the airport, took us over the gorgeous Mt. Lebanon, smoothed our way through the border checkpoints, and whisked us to our Damascus hotel on the ancient Straight Street (mentioned in Acts 9:11), where we met our super articulate guide, Ayham. We spent 3 days touring Damascus and 1 in Palmyra. Four big takeaways: Damascus is super safe, inexpensive, friendly, and historic. The only problem is that the Syrian credit card system is still being restored and thus cash is required for everything. Ayham happily answered our barrage of questions and seemed to know everyone. One surprising thing was the large number of active and visible Christian churches in this overwhelmingly Muslim country. Syria is a great adventure. You should go now, while tourism in Syria is getting back on its feet.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Georgia C 
 
 
 
 Verified An amazing experience! I did a 10-day tour of Syria with the Syrian Guides! It was an amazing and unforgettable experience! I definitely recommend Syria Guides. They are very professional, helpful, and made this trip feel extremely safe and fun! I recommend it 100%.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Alica H 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing We had a wonderful tailored tour with some added extras and our time in Syria was truly unforgettable. Ola is superfriendly and attentive. I wish everyone could experience Syria in all of its aspects in such a good atmosphere. Places we stayed at had a special vibe and Syrian people were the cherry on top. I highly recommend this company. Thanks a lot!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Margherita B 
 
 
 
 Verified Highly recommended and professional tour This was a wonderful experience with an extremely knowledgeable and experienced guide, Fida. Our tour was tailored to our needs and we really discovered a lot of hidden gems in Damascus that we would never know without them Looking forward to coming back and seeing more with the help of Syrian guides!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Shamon B 
 
 
 
 Verified Visit syria cities driving one of Shomox car Visiting Syria is great nowadays syria is became strong and i got a cool tour picking up car from Shomox which is top 1 car renting and tours in Syria i enjoyed it so much
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   QuickWhitTravel 
 
 
 
 Verified Amazing tour We had the most amazing tour with Touleen and Khalid! Sarea was such a great touring assistant to help with my toddler, too. I learned so much about Syria and the sites we visited, and I am already planning another trip back!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Allan 
 
 
 
 Verified We saw so much. Damascus a delight with superb accommodation, Aleppo magnificent, Latakia & the beach wonderful. Each location Our group tour in Syria left us feeling extremely satisfied with all of its elements and that we had made an important voyage of discovery. The recent history of the country has been tragic and we saw evidence with our own eyes that attested to this fact. However, we also were able to appreciate Syria's long glorious historic past in all its complex diversity. Ola, our guide was able to inform us on each and every aspect along the way. We grew very attached to Ola and could not have asked for a more expert and attentive guide. She shepherded us expertly, always looking after our interests and informing us fully at every step. All in all this was an unforgettable experience, an excellent tour, well thought out and, if anyone reading this wonders, perfectly safe. Syria is not dangerous to visit. Come and see for yourself. You will feel safe and well looked after at all times. Thoroughly recommended!
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Andrew B 
 
 
 
 Verified Highly recommend My solo trip experience with Bashar and his team at Syrian Guides was unforgettable. My first time in Syria and we did a 5-day journey through the country starting from Damascus to Aleppo and back. Truly amazing experience. Bashar, a polyglot, is a very knowledgeable guide and made the whole trip smooth and seamless. They will personalize your trip and cater to your preferences. I will definitely be choosing Syrian Guides with Bashar on my next visit.
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   christopher p 
 
 
 
 Verified Welcome to Syria, really. Where to begin - I was wary that Syrian Guides was not legitimate so they arranged a call with an American travel influencer who vouched for the company. I have begun a life changing set of journeys to North Africa and the Levant (apparently there’s a new, hipper term for Levant one might use). These journies enable me to peek behind the veil of American propaganda to see the beauty that is the people who follow Islam, secular and religious. Needless to say, regular trips to Italy will be supplemented with regular trips to Syria and Jordan. If one is wary of flying to Beirut for entry into Syria, Jordan’s Queen Alia Airport is a marvel of modernity and efficiency. Fear not. The United States to my mind is a violent place. In Syria, the shopkeepers in the tourist trade are desperate for business, and literally not one tried to manipulate prices. The honesty of Syrians is one of their many great traits. Go to Syria and you will find a new love for life. Help Syria
  
 
      Posted on Tripadvisor  
   
   Curiosity01891922812 
 
 
 
 Verified Life-changing To travel in Syria with Rami and his team is to understand a country and a society on ways that will be impossible if you go by yoruself. Beside the experience of seeing Damascus and Maaloula what really stays is the conversations about people, food, culture and life. This has been a fundamental trip for me and I am already planning on going back. Thank you!

How to Book

Choose your Saturday

The tour runs every Saturday from 5 September 2026 onwards. Choose the date that suits you and contact us before the booking deadline.

Send us an enquiry

Complete the contact form below no later than Wednesday at 10:00 PM, Damascus time, for the following Saturday departure. The form is an enquiry and does not reserve a place by itself.

Complete confirmation

Our team checks the selected date, explains payment arrangements and answers your questions. Your place is confirmed only after you receive written confirmation and complete any required payment step.

Receive final tour information

We send the final meeting reminder and any practical update affecting opening hours, clothing requirements or the order of visits.

Meet us at the museum

Arrive at the main entrance of the National Museum of Damascus around 10 minutes before the 09:00 AM departure.

Every Saturday

Shared-tour price: US$15 per person, plus tickets

Language: English only

Status: Guaranteed once confirmed

Deadline: Wednesday at 10:00 PM

Booking: Written confirmation required

REQUEST YOUR SATURDAY PLACE

Ready to experience Damascus with others?

Tell us which Saturday you would like to join. Enquiries close at 10:00 PM on the preceding Wednesday. The form is an enquiry; your place is reserved only after our team sends written confirmation and any required payment step is complete.