SYRIA SUMMER 10-DAY GROUP TOURS
Guaranteed Departure · $1590 USD
Choose Your Summer Departure
Overview
This is a slow, people-first group journey — not a rushed “checklist tour”. You explore Syria’s essential classics (Damascus, Maaloula, Palmyra, Krak des Chevaliers, Aleppo, Bosra) and add the Mediterranean chapter many trips miss: Tartus, Amrit, Arwad Island, Ugarit, and Saladin Castle.
The three summer departures follow the same route, the same inclusions, and the same logistics. The difference is simply the date you choose — everything else stays consistent and professionally organized, with a small group pace and real local encounters.
Trip Highlights
Meet Your Guide
Rami Nawaya
Founder & Tour Guide
Founder and Damascus-born guide who focuses on human connection, not just sightseeing. With a strong background in translation and fluent English, he keeps the experience smooth, personal, and full of the small local moments that travelers remember most.
Mary Wakim
Founder & Tour Guide
Founder-guide with a Tourism degree and an energetic, welcoming presence. She blends history, architecture, and local life in a way that feels easy and engaging, and she’s especially loved for how naturally she connects travelers with people and communities on the ground.
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 / Hama / Aleppo
Day 4: Aleppo tour
Day 5: Serjilla / Apamea / Saladin Castle / Latakia
Day 6: Ugarit + Kasab — Latakia
Day 7: Tartous – Amrit – Local winery
Day 8: Palmyra – Homs – Return to Damascus
Day 9: Bosra — Roman Theatre — Return to Damascus
Day 10: Departure from Damascus — Transfer to Beirut
A balanced route: city atmosphere, mountains, desert archaeology, 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’re 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).
- Welcome briefing: daily rhythm, money exchange tips, SIM basics, and how evenings/free time work.
- Quick orientation about etiquette: churches/mosques, photography, and what to expect in public spaces.
- Gentle Old City walk: Straight Street, historic gates, and the lived-in alleys that make Damascus feel timeless.
- Local-life moments: bakeries, spice corners, small shops, and everyday scenes (not just monuments).
- Optional cultural stop (time permitting): a small church or hidden chapel connected to early Christian Damascus.
- First market taste: sweets, fresh juice, seasonal snacks, and a quick introduction to Syrian flavors.
- 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 or viewpoint to end the first night with a calm Old City panorama.
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 + daily rhythm.
- Etiquette tips for mosques/churches + photography guidance.
- 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).
- Market sweets and local snacks.
- 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.
- Context drive through Ghouta and Jobar to understand recent history, rebuilding, and how the city changed.
- Short stops for explanation and questions (what you’re seeing, what happened, what life looks like today).
- Visit the National Museum to build a strong “big picture” of Syria before the streets and monuments.
- Walk in the Old City core: the Umayyad Mosque area and surrounding historic lanes.
- Explore Hamidiyah Souq and the classic market arteries (shops, smells, sounds, and movement).
- Hidden architecture focus: courtyards, caravanserais, and old houses (as accessible).
- Craft workshops: mosaic, copper, textiles, mother-of-pearl — and how these crafts survive today.
- Lunch included: local, simple, and genuinely Syrian (family-style or a small place Syrians love).
- Sweet stop: a famous local dessert/ice-cream corner (time permitting).
- Sunset moment: a rooftop viewpoint over the Old City, perfect for photos and calm.
- 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 for real context about the recent period.
- Stops for explanation and questions (rebuilding + what you’re seeing today).
- National Museum for strong historical grounding.
- Old City core: Umayyad area + historic streets.
- Hamidiyah Souq and surrounding markets.
- Courtyards + hidden lanes away from crowds.
- Craft workshops (mosaic/copper/textiles).
- Lunch included (simple, local).
- Dessert/juice stop (time permitting).
- Rooftop sunset viewpoint + evening free with curated dinner suggestions.
Day 3
Maaloula / Hama / Aleppo
- After breakfast, depart Damascus toward the Anti-Lebanon mountains with scenic photo stops.
- Arrive in Maaloula and explore the village lanes carved into a dramatic cliffside setting.
- Visit key monasteries/churches (as open/available) and learn how local Christian heritage shaped the town.
- Hear the story of Aramaic in Maaloula and why this place became globally famous.
- Time for a warm drink or a local snack, and a slow walk for atmosphere (not rushed).
- Continue north with a comfortable road rhythm: planned rest stops, water breaks, and viewpoints.
- Arrive in Hama and stop by the river to see the famous norias (giant wooden waterwheels).
- Short walk along the riverbank for photos, local life, and a simple explanation of how the norias worked.
- Lunch included in/near Hama (timing depends on traffic and day flow).
- Continue the long drive north to Aleppo, with a clear briefing about tomorrow’s city exploration.
- Evening arrival, hotel check-in, and rest after the travel day.
- Optional easy evening stroll (time/energy permitting) + your guide’s best Aleppo dinner suggestions.
Day 3
Maaloula / Hama / Aleppo
- Depart Damascus after breakfast (mountain scenery).
- Maaloula village walk + cliffside lanes.
- Visit monasteries/churches (as open).
- Aramaic heritage story + viewpoints.
- Tea/snack stop and slow atmosphere walk.
- Drive north with planned breaks.
- Hama river stop to see the norias.
- Short riverside walk + photos.
- Lunch included (timing-based).
- Continue to Aleppo and check in.
- Optional light evening stroll + dinner suggestions.
Day 4
Aleppo tour
- 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 4
Aleppo tour
- 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 5
Serjilla / Apamea / Saladin Castle / Latakia
- Early departure from Aleppo toward the countryside of Idlib (long day, comfortable pacing).
- Arrive to Serjilla, one of the most impressive “Dead Cities” (Byzantine stone villages frozen in time).
- Slow walk through key ruins: houses, streets, courtyards, and churches (as accessible), with full historical explanation.
- Time for photos and quiet moments — this site is about atmosphere and scale, not rushing.
- Continue to Apamea to walk parts of its legendary colonnaded avenue and hear the story of Roman Syria.
- Explain how Apamea worked as a city: streets, markets, public life, and why it mattered in the ancient world.
- Lunch included on route (timing depends on day flow; simple, local, and well-planned).
- Drive toward the coastal mountains for Saladin Castle (Qalaat Salah al-Din).
- Explore fortress viewpoints and dramatic landscape — green hills, deep valleys, and powerful defensive architecture.
- Short rest stop for tea/coffee before continuing to the sea.
- Continue to Latakia for evening arrival, hotel check-in, and a relaxed coastal night.
- Dinner is free (not included): your guide suggests the best seaside restaurants and safe evening spots.
Day 5
Serjilla / Apamea / Saladin Castle / Latakia
- Depart Aleppo early (long day, planned breaks).
- Serjilla Dead City walk: stone houses + churches (as accessible).
- Full story: what the “Dead Cities” were and why they matter.
- Photo time + slow, quiet atmosphere.
- Apamea colonnaded avenue walk.
- Roman-city explanation: streets, public life, and scale.
- Lunch included (timing-based).
- Saladin Castle fortress + viewpoints in green mountains.
- Tea/coffee rest stop.
- Arrival Latakia + check-in.
- Dinner free with guide recommendations.
Day 6
Ugarit + Kasab — Latakia
- Breakfast in Latakia, then start a culture + nature day along the coast and nearby mountains.
- Visit Ugarit, the ancient city linked to one of the world’s earliest alphabets.
- Walk the site with context: what was discovered here and how it changed the story of writing.
- Time for questions and a slow exploration pace (not rushed museum-style).
- Continue toward Kasab (Kassab) for mountain air, pine landscapes, and viewpoints (road/time permitting).
- Stop at scenic points for photos and short walks (summer heat-friendly pacing).
- Local-life moments: small cafés, mountain roadside corners, and relaxed village atmosphere (as available).
- Lunch included on the road (simple, local, and well-timed).
- Optional: a short nature walk or viewpoint stop if conditions are right.
- Return to Latakia in the afternoon for downtime (beach/pool walk depending on hotel).
- Optional seaside stroll in the evening for fresh air and coastal atmosphere.
- Dinner free (not included): guide recommends the best seafood/grill options and safe evening areas.
Day 6
Ugarit + Kasab — Latakia
- Start from Latakia after breakfast.
- Ugarit ruins + story of early alphabet and discoveries.
- Slow walk with time for questions.
- Continue toward Kasab for mountain scenery (time permitting).
- Photo/viewpoint stops along the way.
- Local cafés/roadside corners (as available).
- Lunch included on route.
- Optional short nature walk/viewpoint stop.
- Return to Latakia for relaxed afternoon downtime.
- Optional seaside stroll.
- Dinner free with curated recommendations.
Day 7
Tartous – Amrit – Local winery
- Breakfast, then depart Latakia for Tartous along the Mediterranean coast.
- Harbor/sea atmosphere walk: cafés by the water, local streets, and coastal daily life.
- Time for photos and a calm introduction to Syria’s coastal culture (different mood from Damascus/Aleppo).
- Continue to Amrit, an ancient Phoenician site with a unique landscape and rare ruins.
- Guided explanation of the Phoenicians on this coastline and why Amrit is special.
- Slow walk through the site (weather-friendly pacing) with time for questions.
- Lunch included on route (timing depends on the day’s road flow).
- Drive inland toward the countryside for a relaxed stop at a local winery.
- Wine tasting experience (seasonal): story of local production, the region, and how Syrian wine culture works today.
- Time to unwind: sit, take photos, and enjoy the relaxed valley atmosphere.
- Evening arrival to the Valley of Christians area for overnight (Wadi al-Nasara) depending on winery location/timing.
- Dinner free (not included): your guide suggests the best local dinner spots for a calm countryside night.
Day 7
Tartous – Amrit – Local winery
- Drive to Tartous along the coast.
- Harbor walk + Mediterranean local atmosphere.
- Photo time + relaxed coastal pace.
- Visit Amrit (Phoenician site).
- Phoenician history explanation + why Amrit matters.
- Slow site walk with time for questions.
- Lunch included (timing-based).
- Local winery stop + tasting.
- Relaxed valley atmosphere + photos.
- Overnight in Wadi al-Nasara area (timing/route-based).
- Dinner free with guide recommendations.
Day 8
Palmyra – Homs – Return to Damascus
- Early departure toward the desert with planned rest stops and water breaks.
- Arrive in Palmyra and begin a guided walk among key ruins and wide desert horizons.
- Storytelling focus: Queen Zenobia, Palmyra’s role as a crossroads, and why the site became iconic.
- Walk the colonnaded streets and main areas (as accessible), with time for photos and questions.
- Explain the “desert city” feeling: trade, caravans, and how life worked in this environment.
- Lunch included near Palmyra (simple, local, and well-timed).
- Continue to Homs for a respectful cultural stop (timing permitting).
- Visit the Church of Saint Mary of Holy Belt (if open) and/or a calm stop near the Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque area.
- Short drive-through context: Homs history, rebuilding, and what the city feels like today.
- Return to Damascus for evening arrival and hotel/guesthouse check-in.
- Free evening in the Old City: shopping, cafés, or a final slow walk through favorite lanes.
- Dinner free (not included): your guide suggests the best Damascus options for your final nights.
Day 8
Palmyra – Homs – Return to Damascus
- Early drive toward the desert (planned breaks).
- Arrive Palmyra and explore key ruins (as accessible).
- Zenobia + Palmyra crossroads story.
- Colonnades + main areas with photo time.
- Desert-city life explanation: trade + caravans.
- Lunch included near Palmyra.
- Drive to Homs for a respectful stop (timing permitting).
- Holy Belt Church and/or Khalid ibn al-Walid area (as open/appropriate).
- Context drive-through: Homs today + rebuilding.
- Return to Damascus and check in.
- Evening free with dinner recommendations.
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 (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
- 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 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 • Transfer to Beirut
- 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.
- 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.
Summer flavours
In summer, markets feel especially alive: fresh herbs, seasonal produce, and street food corners full of local energy. 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
If you enter Syria by land from Beirut, you normally receive the visa directly at the border (no pre-approval needed). If you fly into Damascus Airport, most nationalities require visa pre-approval before travel, which we can arrange.
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 (varies)
Your passport must not contain Israeli stamps or entry records. At the border, your guide assists with the full procedure so it stays simple and smooth.
For the most up-to-date and detailed information, please see:
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?
Yes, it is safe to travel to Syria, particularly to cities like Damascus, Aleppo, and other principal sights. These areas are considered safe and are popular among tourists. To ensure your safety, our private guide in Syria will accompany you throughout your journey. You can enjoy our Syria tours knowing that your well-being is our top priority. For more information, read our Safety and Security in Syria page.
How can I obtain a visa for Syria?
To get a Syrian visa, travelers flying into the country need to arrange visa approval in advance, which is then followed by receiving the actual visa on arrival at the airport—this step is required before boarding your flight. However, if you’re entering Syria by land from Lebanon or Jordan, the process is much easier: no prior approval or documents are needed, and you simply receive a visa on arrival at the border after paying the visa fees.
How long does it take to get a visa to Syria?
If you’re flying directly to Damascus, you’ll need an initial visa approval before boarding, and we at Syrian Guides can handle that for you. This approval process usually takes 3 to 7 working days. Once approved, the actual visa is stamped on arrival at the airport. For more about visa, visit our Syria Visa Requirements page.
How much does a visa to Syria cost?
If you’re arriving by air, here’s what you can expect to pay:
| Nationality | Visa Fee (USD) |
|---|---|
| EU Countries | $75 |
| United Kingdom | $150 |
| United States | $200 |
| Canada | $100 |
| Australia | $150 |
| New Zealand | $150 |
| Brazil | $50 |
These fees apply when entering by air or land. To see the full list of Syria visa fees, click here.
What is the currency exchange rate in Syria?
The current exchange rate in Syria is around 11,000 SYP to 1 USD, but keep in mind that rates can fluctuate frequently. It’s always a good idea to check the latest rate online just before your trip. You can also refer to our Money in Syria page for the most up-to-date info during your city tours.
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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