Syria in Bloom:
Roses, Easter & Ancient Cities
A nine-day journey from the Damascene rose fields to Maaloula at Orthodox Easter, the ruins of Palmyra, Aleppo, mountain villages and the basalt streets of Bosra.
Single room +$290
Spring is a story you can actually step into.
This is not simply a route from one famous landmark to the next. It is a chance to experience Syria when village gardens are green, the Damascene rose is coming into season and Orthodox Easter brings special meaning to a day in Maaloula.
The journey follows Syria’s contrasting landscapes: the intimacy of Damascus, the open steppe around Palmyra, historic Aleppo, the stone settlements of the north, Hama’s riverside, the walls of Krak des Chevaliers and Bosra’s black basalt architecture.
Two spring traditions, one journey.
Damascene Rose Season
Visit the countryside where the Damascene rose is cultivated. When the harvest is active, meet growers or producers and discover rosewater, sweets and distillation.
Rose harvest and workshop availability are seasonal and weather-dependent.
Orthodox Easter · 2 May
The route visits Maaloula on Orthodox Easter Sunday. Discover mountain monasteries and experience the religious atmosphere respectfully, with church visits coordinated around local worship.
Services and celebrations are community-led; attendance is not guaranteed.
Sednaya & Saint George
Explore Sednaya’s monastic heritage and seek a local Saint George-related encounter if the church calendar and community arrangements allow.
Specific festival dates and public celebrations must be confirmed locally.
Nine days. A different Syria every morning.
DAY 01Arrival in Damascus
The first evening in the city of jasmine
- Meet your Syrian Guides team at the agreed arrival point.
- Assisted transfer from Beirut or the arrival point agreed in your booking.
- Check in to a traditional Damascus guesthouse and settle into the Old City.
- An easy orientation walk along Straight Street, Bab Sharqi and the old lanes if arrival time permits.
- Welcome briefing and free evening to enjoy Damascus.
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DAY 02The Damascene Rose & Old Damascus
A day of flowers, artisans and living history
- Travel to a rose-growing village in the Damascus countryside, subject to harvest conditions.
- Meet local growers or rosewater producers when arranged; learn about distillation, rose sweets and floral traditions.
- Return to Damascus for the Umayyad Mosque, Al-Hamidiyah Souq and Bakdash ice cream.
- Explore Khan Asaad Pasha, Azm Palace and the spice-scented Bzuriyeh Market.
- Look inside a traditional Damascene craft workshop and enjoy the Old City in the evening.
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DAY 03Maaloula, Orthodox Easter & Palmyra
Ancient faith in the mountains, sunset in the desert
- Drive north into the Qalamoun Mountains to Maaloula, one of the communities associated with Western Neo-Aramaic.
- Visit Saint Thecla Monastery and the gorge, subject to opening and accessibility.
- Visit Saints Sergius and Bacchus Monastery where possible and learn about the local Christian heritage.
- Experience the atmosphere of Orthodox Easter in the village; a church visit or service depends on the community schedule.
- Continue across the Syrian steppe toward Palmyra and settle in for the night.
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DAY 04Palmyra, Homs & Aleppo
From caravan kingdoms to Syria’s northern metropolis
- Explore accessible areas of ancient Palmyra, including the Colonnaded Street, Roman Theatre and Agora as conditions permit.
- Hear the story of Queen Zenobia, the caravan trade and the changing fate of this UNESCO site.
- Optional viewpoint toward the ruins, dependent on local access.
- Continue toward Homs for lunch and a look at city life if timing allows.
- Travel north to Aleppo and check in for the evening.
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DAY 05St Simeon & the Heart of Aleppo
Stone, spice markets and Aleppine craftsmanship
- Visit the monumental church complex of Saint Simeon Stylites outside Aleppo where access permits.
- Return to Aleppo for its Citadel and historic skyline; entry depends on opening arrangements.
- Walk restored and surviving stretches of the covered souqs and old caravanserais.
- Explore the Jdeideh quarter, its squares, churches and traditional houses.
- Meet makers of Aleppo soap or other local crafts, subject to workshop availability.
- Enjoy a traditional Aleppine lunch and free evening.
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DAY 06Dead Cities, Hama, Krak & Winery
The grand road through northern and western Syria
- Early departure toward an accessible Dead Cities site such as Serjella, subject to the approved route.
- Continue to Hama to see the historic norias beside the Orontes River.
- Drive through the countryside toward Krak des Chevaliers.
- Explore the crusader-era fortress, including its halls, fortifications and valley panoramas.
- Arrive in Wadi al-Nasara for a local winery visit or tasting for interested guests.
- Overnight in the valley or nearby guesthouse.
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DAY 07Sednaya & St George Traditions
Mountain shrines, community heritage and Damascus
- Travel from Wadi al-Nasara toward Sednaya in the mountains above Damascus.
- Visit Our Lady of Sednaya Monastery if open and learn about its history and pilgrimage traditions.
- Explore a local Saint George church or community celebration if arrangements and actual parish feast dates allow.
- Allow time for village viewpoints, a simple local meal and community encounters.
- Return to Damascus for an unhurried evening in the Old City.
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DAY 08Bosra & the Black Basalt South
Roman theatre, living villages and a final Damascus evening
- Drive south across the Hauran plain toward Bosra.
- Visit the extraordinary Roman Theatre inside the ancient city.
- Walk through the black basalt streets and explore Roman, Byzantine and Islamic heritage.
- See further monuments and local neighbourhoods where access permits.
- Enjoy lunch at a local family restaurant or host venue when arranged.
- Return to Damascus with free time for final shopping or a traditional hammam.
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DAY 09Damascus & Departure
One last walk, one last coffee, and the road home
- Breakfast at your Damascus hotel and checkout.
- Optional morning stroll, souvenir shopping or coffee depending on departure timing.
- Transfer to the agreed departure point, Damascus Airport or Beirut as arranged.
- Border or airport assistance as specified in the booking confirmation.
Read the full day story
The published itinerary is indicative. Opening hours, permissions, worship schedules, weather and road conditions may require adjustments. Alternative experiences will be arranged where practical.
Where you'll stay.
A collection of historic Damascene courtyards, comfortable city rooms and countryside hospitality. All properties are proposed for 2027 and subject to final confirmation.
Traditional old-city accommodation close to historic streets, neighbourhood cafés and evening walks. Final property and room arrangements will be confirmed before the tour.
Our overnight base in Palmyra, allowing us to start the following morning close to the ancient city. Room arrangements are confirmed before departure.
A well-placed, comfortable base for the historic souqs, Aleppine food and a relaxed evening after exploring the city.
A countryside overnight amid the green hills and local hospitality of the Valley of the Christians, convenient for the Krak region.
Room arrangements: the $1,540 USD price is per traveller sharing a twin room. A single room costs an additional $290 USD, subject to availability. Hotel substitutions of comparable standard may be necessary.
A closer look at our hotels and guesthouses
From cherry kebab to home-cooked classics.
Daily breakfasts and lunches are included. Syrian cuisine changes from one city to the next. We introduce famous regional dishes, seasonal vegetables, comforting stews, local sweets and family recipes. Dinners are independent, with recommendations from your guide.
Kebab Karaz · Cherry Kebab
Grilled minced-lamb kebab simmered with tart sour cherries, giving the savoury meat a beautiful sweet-sharp sauce; often served over flatbread and garnished with pine nuts or parsley. A signature Aleppine dish.
Kibbeh Labaniyeh
Little bulgur-and-meat kibbeh dumplings cooked in warm, tangy yoghurt sauce with garlic and dried mint or coriander. Creamy, delicate and especially comforting.
Mulukhiyah · Mlukiyeh
Finely prepared jute mallow leaves cooked with chicken or meat, garlic and coriander, usually accompanied by rice and lemon. A familiar Syrian family lunch with regional variations.
Mujadara
Earthy lentils mixed with bulgur or rice and finished with deeply caramelised onions. A humble, much-loved dish often served with yoghurt or fresh salad.
Muhammara & Aleppo Kibbeh
Muhammara combines red peppers, walnuts, olive oil and pomegranate molasses. Alongside it, try Aleppo's many kibbeh variations: baked, fried and sometimes prepared with local sauces.
Fatteh, Yabrak & Mahashi
Chickpea fatteh layers crisp bread, yoghurt and butter or nuts. Yabrak are tightly rolled vine leaves; mahashi are seasonal vegetables stuffed with seasoned rice and sometimes meat.
Breakfast, street food & sweets
Start with labneh, olives, eggs, fresh bread, makdous, fatteh and seasonal jams. Between visits, look for falafel, shawarma, manakish, sfiha and Aleppine pastries. Finish with pistachio sweets, barazek or traditional ice cream.
Spring flavours and special lunches
During rose season we may taste rosewater, rose-flavoured drinks and sweets. In Bosra, lunch may be at a family-run restaurant; in the Krak region, a village meal can accompany an optional winery tasting. A non-alcoholic alternative is always welcome.
Dishes vary by restaurant and availability. Vegetarian, vegan and other dietary requirements should be shared in advance.
From Syrian kitchens and local tables
Two buses. The right fit for your group.
We match the vehicle to the number of travellers so that everyone has room to relax during the scenic drives between Damascus, Palmyra, Aleppo and the mountains. Both options include a professional Syrian driver and private air-conditioned transport.
Transfers & arrival
Round-trip group transfers from Beirut were included in the previous May programme. Exact transfer arrangements, meeting points and possible Damascus Airport pickups will be confirmed in the 2027 booking details.
On the road
The journey includes longer drives, particularly Palmyra–Homs–Aleppo and the Dead Cities–Hama–Krak route. We schedule suitable breaks. Wi-Fi, charging and audio availability depend on the assigned vehicle and network coverage.
See photos of our group transport below
Our two group-transport options
What’s included — and what isn’t.
Included in the draft package
- 8 nights' accommodation in shared twin rooms
- Breakfasts and lunches during the tour
- Private air-conditioned group transport and driver
- Licensed English-speaking Syrian guide and guided sightseeing
- Entrance fees to planned sites, where applicable
- Visa and entry-process assistance
- Travel insurance, subject to the policy terms and certificate
- Arranged Beirut round-trip group transfers (subject to schedule confirmation)
- Tour coordination, WhatsApp group and pre-departure briefing
- Guide audio system on equipped group transport
Not included
- International or regional flight tickets
- Visa fees and any applicable government charges
- Dinners and drinks outside specified inclusions
- Personal purchases and optional independent activities
- Tips for guide, driver and hospitality staff
- Single-room supplement (+$290 USD)
- Anything not explicitly confirmed in the final booking confirmation
Travel insurance, explained clearly.
The proposed package includes travel insurance arranged through Syrian Guides. The final policy certificate and schedule of benefits will specify the insured traveller, dates, emergency assistance contact and applicable limits.
Insurance should be read carefully: coverage can have exclusions, excesses, restrictions on activities or territories, and conditions affecting medical evacuation or trip disruption. We will share the documentation before departure so travellers can decide whether they need supplementary cover.
Read the travel insurance informationWhat to review before travelling
- Emergency medical treatment and hospitalisation limits
- Medical evacuation and repatriation provisions
- Any Syria-specific territorial exclusions
- Emergency assistance telephone numbers
- Cancellation, baggage and personal-item exclusions
- Whether your own additional travel cover is recommended
No insurance benefit is guaranteed beyond the actual policy wording.
Visa, entry & practical safety.
Visa and arrival arrangements
Entry requirements vary by nationality, border route and airline. A visa may be available on arrival for eligible nationalities entering by land, while direct flights may require prior entry clearance or airline documentation. Processing time and fees can change.
Before confirming flights, send us your nationality, passport details and intended entry route so our team can check the current procedure and any expected approval lead time.
Read the Syria visa guideSafety and itinerary flexibility
Syria’s conditions are changeable, and government travel advisories may warn against all travel. Our team reviews routes and access permissions, uses local drivers and guides, and may rearrange or replace stops where travel is not appropriate.
The itinerary includes churches, active communities and sensitive historic locations. We visit respectfully, follow photography guidance and avoid promising access to any community celebration without local consent.
Read more about travel safetyFrequently asked questions.
Is this an eight-day or nine-day tour?
The departure runs from Friday 30 April through Saturday 8 May 2027: nine calendar days and eight nights. Arrival on 30 April is Day 1, followed by Days 2–9.
When is Orthodox Easter in 2027?
Orthodox Easter falls on Sunday 2 May 2027. The route is designed to visit Maaloula that day, but church services and local celebrations are not guaranteed.
Will we definitely see rose harvesting?
The Damascene rose is a seasonal highlight, but exact flowering, harvesting, distillation and producer access depend on weather and local arrangements. We will choose the best possible experience available.
Does this tour include a Saint George festival in Sednaya?
We plan to visit Sednaya and explore Saint George-related heritage. Participation in any festival, procession or service requires confirmation of the relevant parish schedule.
What is the room supplement?
The advertised price is $1,540 USD per traveller sharing a twin room. A private room costs an additional $290 USD.
Are lunches and breakfasts included?
Yes, breakfasts and lunches are part of the planned package. Dinners and most drinks are not included.
Is travel insurance included?
Insurance is listed as a proposed inclusion and will be provided according to the final issued policy. Review the actual certificate and exclusions before travel.
Can I fly directly to Damascus?
Potentially, but the appropriate approval and boarding process depends on your nationality and airline. Contact our team before buying a non-refundable flight.
How demanding is the itinerary?
It includes city walks, uneven archaeological sites and some longer road days, especially the Palmyra–Aleppo and Aleppo–Krak transitions. The guide adjusts stops and breaks to the group.
Can I join as a solo traveller?
Yes. You can join as a solo traveller, request a twin-share arrangement when available, or pay the $290 single-room supplement for your own room.
Moments from previous May tours
From your first enquiry to your first day in Damascus.
Tell us your nationality, preferred rooming and arrival route.
Complete the booking form and receive the applicable deposit instructions.
We help with entry procedures and share hotel, insurance and travel details.
Join the pre-tour online meeting and WhatsApp group before departure.
Payment and cancellation terms will be confirmed with your booking. See the Syrian Guides payment and cancellation policy.
Led by Syrian Guides.
Syrian Guides is a Damascus-based team of local guides, tour planners and drivers. We connect major historic places with markets, village life, family traditions and the conversations that make a journey memorable.
The previous May departure identified founder and guide Rami Nawaya as its guide. The guide and tour-leader assignment for this 2027 departure is to be confirmed and will appear in your final tour briefing.
Be part of this May journey.
30 April – 8 May 2027 · 9 days / 8 nights · $1,540 twin-share · +$290 single supplement.
Ask us about availability, entry arrangements or the exact package inclusions before booking.
Use the enquiry form below to send us your nationality, preferred rooming and arrival plans.
The enquiry form is displayed immediately below. Fill it in to contact our team directly.
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Check availability for the May 2027 tour
30 April – 8 May 2027 · $1,540 USD twin-share · +$290 single room