SYRIA MAY 8-DAY GROUP TOUR 2026
Guaranteed Departure · $1290 USD
Overview
May is when Syria feels lighter: clearer skies, greener countryside, and those long Old City evenings where Damascus truly shines.
Over 8 days, we cover the essentials — Damascus, Maaloula, Homs, Aleppo, the Idlib countryside, Hama’s norias, Krak des Chevaliers, Palmyra, and Bosra — but we do it at a pace that lets you actually connect: with craftsmen in their workshops, families at lunch tables, and locals who still treat visitors with natural curiosity and warmth.
This departure is also designed to celebrate the season of the Damascene Rose. If the rose harvest is active, we add a short rose-focused stop in the Damascus countryside (rosewater distillation, rose sweets, and the story of why this flower became part of Syria’s identity). It’s a small touch — but it makes the whole week feel unmistakably “May”.
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: Arrival in Damascus — Old City Walking Tour
Day 2: Full Damascus Exploration — Souqs, Umayyad Mosque & Spring Evenings
Day 3: Palmyra — Desert Ruins, Bel Temple & Arrival in Aleppo
Day 4: Full Day Aleppo — Citadel, Souqs, Old City & Crafts
Day 5: Idlib Region — Hama Norias — Krak des Chevaliers — Local Winery
Day 6: Maaloula — Sednaya — Return to Damascus
Day 7: Bosra — Roman Theatre & Southern Countryside
Day 8: Damascus — Final Walks, Souvenirs & Departure to Beirut
A simple rhythm: cities + countryside + desert — balanced with relaxed evenings and time to breathe.
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Damascus
- Pickup in Beirut at 9 AM; scenic 3–4 hour drive to Damascus with full border assistance.
- Check into your Old City guesthouse and settle into its quiet Damascene courtyard.
- Start with an easy Old City walk to get oriented — alleys, arches, and daily life.
- Visit St. Ananias Church and hear how Damascus became one of the world’s earliest Christian centers.
- Step into a mosaic and mother-of-pearl workshop and watch the craft happen in real time.
- Walk along Straight Street, the oldest continuously-used Roman street in the city.
- See Bab Sharqi (Eastern Gate) and trace the city’s Roman-era footprint.
- Explore the Jewish Quarter and visit a small art space inside a restored old house.
- Stop at the Roman Victory Arch near Mariamite Cathedral and discover hidden courtyards nearby.
- Evening suggestions: tea at Nofara, a relaxed food street, or a traditional hammam.
Day 1
Arrival in Damascus
- Pickup in Beirut at 9 AM; scenic 3–4 hour drive to Damascus with full border assistance.
- Check into your Old City guesthouse and settle into its quiet Damascene courtyard.
- Start with an easy Old City walk to get oriented — alleys, arches, and daily life.
- Visit St. Ananias Church and hear how Damascus became one of the world’s earliest Christian centers.
- Step into a mosaic and mother-of-pearl workshop and watch the craft happen in real time.
- Walk along Straight Street, the oldest continuously-used Roman street in the city.
- See Bab Sharqi (Eastern Gate) and trace the city’s Roman-era footprint.
- Explore the Jewish Quarter and visit a small art space inside a restored old house.
- Stop at the Roman Victory Arch near Mariamite Cathedral and discover hidden courtyards nearby.
- Evening suggestions: tea at Nofara, a relaxed food street, or a traditional hammam.
Day 2
Full Day in Damascus
- Begin with a classic Damascene breakfast at your guesthouse.
- Start with Ghouta / Jobar for context and a grounded look at recent history and recovery.
- Stop at Nairabein Park for a panoramic view and a proper city orientation.
- Visit the National Museum to connect the Old City to Syria’s deeper timeline.
- Pass the historic Hijaz Railway Station, once tied to the pilgrimage routes.
- Walk through Hamidiyah Souq; taste tamarind juice and stop for Bakdash ice cream.
- Enter the Umayyad Mosque and explore the surrounding courtyards and lanes.
- Visit Azm Palace and Ass’ad Pasha Caravansarai for peak Damascene architecture.
- Explore Bzuriyeh Spice Market; coffee/tea break inside its caravanserai atmosphere.
- Workshop trail: copper, kilim weaving, Damascene steel, and Ajami wood-painted rooms.
- May touch: if the Damascene Rose harvest is active, we include a short rose stop (rosewater + rose sweets).
- Finish with a rooftop sunset view, then enjoy Damascus nightlife at your own comfort level.
Day 2
Full Day in Damascus
- Begin with a classic Damascene breakfast at your guesthouse.
- Start with Ghouta / Jobar for context and a grounded look at recent history and recovery.
- Stop at Nairabein Park for a panoramic view and a proper city orientation.
- Visit the National Museum to connect the Old City to Syria’s deeper timeline.
- Pass the historic Hijaz Railway Station, once tied to the pilgrimage routes.
- Walk through Hamidiyah Souq; taste tamarind juice and stop for Bakdash ice cream.
- Enter the Umayyad Mosque and explore the surrounding courtyards and lanes.
- Visit Azm Palace and Ass’ad Pasha Caravansarai for peak Damascene architecture.
- Explore Bzuriyeh Spice Market; coffee/tea break inside its caravanserai atmosphere.
- Workshop trail: copper, kilim weaving, Damascene steel, and Ajami wood-painted rooms.
- May touch: if the Damascene Rose harvest is active, we include a short rose stop (rosewater + rose sweets).
- Finish with a rooftop sunset view, then enjoy Damascus nightlife at your own comfort level.
Day 3
Palmyra • Bel Temple • Arrival in Aleppo
- Very early departure from Damascus toward Palmyra through the open steppe landscape.
- Arrival into the desert oasis — Palmyra always feels like it appears out of nowhere.
- Visit Palmyra Citadel (when accessible) for panoramic views over the ruins and valley.
- Walk the iconic Colonnaded Street and trace the city’s main ceremonial spine.
- Explore the Theater, Agora, and the key surviving monuments of the ancient city.
- Visit the Temple of Bel and learn why it mattered — spiritually, politically, and architecturally.
- Hear the story of Queen Zenobia and Palmyra’s moment as a real power, not a footnote.
- Desert lunch break (simple, authentic, and surprisingly peaceful).
- Short stop at the oasis area / Afqa Spring (when possible) — the water source that made life here possible.
- Depart Palmyra and drive north toward Aleppo with rest stops along the way.
- Arrive in Aleppo, check in, and enjoy a relaxed evening meal after a big travel day.
Day 3
Palmyra • Bel Temple • Arrival in Aleppo
- Very early departure from Damascus toward Palmyra through the open steppe landscape.
- Arrival into the desert oasis — Palmyra always feels like it appears out of nowhere.
- Visit Palmyra Citadel (when accessible) for panoramic views over the ruins and valley.
- Walk the iconic Colonnaded Street and trace the city’s main ceremonial spine.
- Explore the Theater, Agora, and the key surviving monuments of the ancient city.
- Visit the Temple of Bel and learn why it mattered — spiritually, politically, and architecturally.
- Hear the story of Queen Zenobia and Palmyra’s moment as a real power, not a footnote.
- Desert lunch break (simple, authentic, and surprisingly peaceful).
- Short stop at the oasis area / Afqa Spring (when possible) — the water source that made life here possible.
- Depart Palmyra and drive north toward Aleppo with rest stops along the way.
- Arrive in Aleppo, check in, and enjoy a relaxed evening meal after a big travel day.
Day 4
Full Day Aleppo — Old City, Citadel & Crafts
- Breakfast at the hotel — Aleppo mornings start strong.
- Visit the Aleppo Citadel and take in the full panorama of the city.
- Walk into the historic souks and see the restored sections beside the scarred ones.
- Stop at a traditional Aleppo soap factory and meet the artisans.
- Explore old caravanserais, workshops, and hidden courtyards behind market doors.
- Listen to local stories — the guide connects each place to lived memory, not just dates.
- Lunch in a classic Aleppine setting (warm hospitality and serious food).
- Discover the Jdeideh Quarter and its historic churches and squares.
- Visit Hattab Square and walk through the lanes that shaped Aleppo’s social life.
- Optional stop for a dessert moment (Aleppo sweets are a world of their own).
- Sunset viewpoint over the city and Citadel for one last wide-angle memory.
- Dinner at a traditional restaurant (optional Arak tasting for those interested).
Day 4
Full Day Aleppo — Old City, Citadel & Crafts
- Breakfast at the hotel — Aleppo mornings start strong.
- Visit the Aleppo Citadel and take in the full panorama of the city.
- Walk into the historic souks and see the restored sections beside the scarred ones.
- Stop at a traditional Aleppo soap factory and meet the artisans.
- Explore old caravanserais, workshops, and hidden courtyards behind market doors.
- Listen to local stories — the guide connects each place to lived memory, not just dates.
- Lunch in a classic Aleppine setting (warm hospitality and serious food).
- Discover the Jdeideh Quarter and its historic churches and squares.
- Visit Hattab Square and walk through the lanes that shaped Aleppo’s social life.
- Optional stop for a dessert moment (Aleppo sweets are a world of their own).
- Sunset viewpoint over the city and Citadel for one last wide-angle memory.
- Dinner at a traditional restaurant (optional Arak tasting for those interested).
Day 5
Idlib • Hama • Krak des Chevaliers • Winery
- Early departure from Aleppo toward the countryside of Idlib.
- Scenic drive with brief photo stops for farmland and village life along the way.
- Arrive in Hama and walk along the river to see the giant wooden norias.
- Learn how the waterwheels shaped the city’s rhythm for centuries.
- Short break by the Orontes River — simple moments, strong atmosphere.
- Continue toward Wadi al-Nasara (Valley of the Christians) through green hills.
- Visit Krak des Chevaliers and explore its walls, halls, viewpoints, and defensive systems.
- Take time for photos — the castle is vast, and May light is perfect for it.
- Stop in a local village for warm hospitality and a relaxed meal.
- Enjoy a local winery tasting session (a small surprise that many guests love).
- Check into the hotel in the Valley and unwind in fresh mountain air.
- Optional evening: café stop or a quiet village stroll under the stars.
Day 5
Idlib • Hama • Krak des Chevaliers • Winery
- Early departure from Aleppo toward the countryside of Idlib.
- Scenic drive with brief photo stops for farmland and village life along the way.
- Arrive in Hama and walk along the river to see the giant wooden norias.
- Learn how the waterwheels shaped the city’s rhythm for centuries.
- Short break by the Orontes River — simple moments, strong atmosphere.
- Continue toward Wadi al-Nasara (Valley of the Christians) through green hills.
- Visit Krak des Chevaliers and explore its walls, halls, viewpoints, and defensive systems.
- Take time for photos — the castle is vast, and May light is perfect for it.
- Stop in a local village for warm hospitality and a relaxed meal.
- Enjoy a local winery tasting session (a small surprise that many guests love).
- Check into the hotel in the Valley and unwind in fresh mountain air.
- Optional evening: café stop or a quiet village stroll under the stars.
Day 6
Maaloula • Sednaya • Return to Damascus
- After breakfast, depart Wadi al-Nasara and drive south toward the mountains of Maaloula.
- Arrive in Maaloula — one of the last places where Aramaic is still spoken.
- Visit the Monastery of Saints Sergius & Bacchus (a major early Christian site).
- Walk the village lanes and take in the cliffside setting and stone houses.
- Tea/coffee on a rooftop terrace with sweeping mountain views.
- Walk through the gorge linked to Saint Thecla and visit her ancient monastery.
- Continue to Sednaya for a brief stop and local context about the area’s layered history.
- Visit the Our Lady of Sednaya Monastery (when accessible) and enjoy the viewpoint over the town.
- Sednaya Festival (St. George Feast Day): if the celebration is active, you’ll witness the village come alive — families gathering, music in the streets, traditional dancing, and a joyful local atmosphere that feels deeply authentic.
- Drive onward to Damascus and check back into your Old City guesthouse.
- Free evening for a hammam, relaxed café time, or a final Old City stroll.
Day 6
Maaloula • Sednaya • Return to Damascus
- After breakfast, depart Wadi al-Nasara and drive south toward the mountains of Maaloula.
- Arrive in Maaloula — one of the last places where Aramaic is still spoken.
- Visit the Monastery of Saints Sergius & Bacchus (a major early Christian site).
- Walk the village lanes and take in the cliffside setting and stone houses.
- Tea/coffee on a rooftop terrace with sweeping mountain views.
- Walk through the gorge linked to Saint Thecla and visit her ancient monastery.
- Continue to Sednaya for a brief stop and local context about the area’s layered history.
- Visit the Our Lady of Sednaya Monastery (when accessible) and enjoy the viewpoint over the town.
- Sednaya Festival (St. George Feast Day): if the celebration is active, you’ll witness the village come alive — families gathering, music in the streets, traditional dancing, and a joyful local atmosphere that feels deeply authentic.
- Drive onward to Damascus and check back into your Old City guesthouse.
- Free evening for a hammam, relaxed café time, or a final Old City stroll.
Day 7
Bosra → Damascus (Final Night)
- Drive south through the fertile Horan plain toward Bosra.
- Enter the vast Roman Theater, one of the best preserved on earth.
- Walk Bosra’s black basalt streets and feel how different the south looks and feels.
- Explore the old city layers: Roman, Byzantine, Islamic — all stacked together.
- Visit key ruins and viewpoints inside the archaeological zone.
- See early religious sites (mosques and churches) that reflect Bosra’s long timeline.
- Discover underground passages and old market traces, where the city used to pulse.
- Short break in a local café / tea spot for a simple countryside pause.
- Traditional lunch hosted by a local family (when available), or a trusted local restaurant.
- Return to Damascus in the afternoon and check back into the Old City.
- Free evening for final shopping, a hammam, or a slow walk near the Umayyad Mosque.
Day 7
Bosra → Damascus (Final Night)
- Drive south through the fertile Horan plain toward Bosra.
- Enter the vast Roman Theater, one of the best preserved on earth.
- Walk Bosra’s black basalt streets and feel how different the south looks and feels.
- Explore the old city layers: Roman, Byzantine, Islamic — all stacked together.
- Visit key ruins and viewpoints inside the archaeological zone.
- See early religious sites (mosques and churches) that reflect Bosra’s long timeline.
- Discover underground passages and old market traces, where the city used to pulse.
- Short break in a local café / tea spot for a simple countryside pause.
- Traditional lunch hosted by a local family (when available), or a trusted local restaurant.
- Return to Damascus in the afternoon and check back into the Old City.
- Free evening for final shopping, a hammam, or a slow walk near the Umayyad Mosque.
Day 8
Damascus — Final Walks & Departure to Beirut
- Last Damascene breakfast and a slow start (no rushing on the final morning).
- Visit remaining Old City gems: Sayyida Ruqayya Shrine and nearby historic lanes.
- Optional: Zahiriya Madrasa and hidden courtyards for final photos.
- Walk through the Old City one last time — the “small streets” are the real souvenir.
- Final shopping in Hamidiyah Souq for textiles, gifts, and classic Damascus finds.
- Stop in Bzuriyeh Spice Market for spices, nuts, and seasonal treats (including rose products in May).
- Free time around the Umayyad Mosque area to enjoy the atmosphere without a schedule.
- Return to the guesthouse for final packing and checkout.
- Depart toward the Lebanese border with assistance during procedures.
- Continue to Beirut in the afternoon (city center or airport drop-off).
Day 8
Damascus — Final Walks & Departure to Beirut
- Last Damascene breakfast and a slow start (no rushing on the final morning).
- Visit remaining Old City gems: Sayyida Ruqayya Shrine and nearby historic lanes.
- Optional: Zahiriya Madrasa and hidden courtyards for final photos.
- Walk through the Old City one last time — the “small streets” are the real souvenir.
- Final shopping in Hamidiyah Souq for textiles, gifts, and classic Damascus finds.
- Stop in Bzuriyeh Spice Market for spices, nuts, and seasonal treats (including rose products in May).
- Free time around the Umayyad Mosque area to enjoy the atmosphere without a schedule.
- Return to the guesthouse for final packing and checkout.
- Depart toward the Lebanese border with assistance during procedures.
- Continue to Beirut in the afternoon (city center or airport drop-off).
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 260 USD applies.
Meals
Breakfasts and lunches are included every day of the tour. We keep lunches relaxed and local — sometimes home-style, sometimes small restaurants that Syrians themselves choose.
Dinners are not included, but you are never left guessing. Each evening, your guide recommends tried-and-tested places based on your mood and budget — from simple grills to atmospheric Old City courtyards.
In Damascus, we often recommend places like Naranj and Dar Misk, plus great street-food stops.
In Aleppo, favourites include Cordoba and Wanes, where you can enjoy generous meze, grills, and classic Aleppine dishes.
Vegetarian options are widely available, and we can accommodate most dietary requirements if you let us know in advance.
What kind of meals to expect
Expect comforting Syrian breakfasts like fatteh, labneh, olives, fresh bread, eggs, makdous and 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 explore street favourites: falafel, shawarma, manakish, sfiha pastries, muhammara, Aleppo kebab, barazek cookies, and warm sweets.
May seasonal flavours & the Damascene Rose
May adds its own signature: fresher herbs, brighter salads, and seasonal fruit that changes daily. And if the Damascene Rose harvest is active, you’ll taste Syria’s rose tradition in a simple, authentic way — rosewater, rose-flavoured drinks, and rose sweets that locals genuinely love (not tourist versions).
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 8–10 travelers to ensure extra space and a relaxed travel experience.
The interior is spacious with cushioned seats, good legroom, and large panoramic windows — ideal for long drives between cities, mountains, and archaeological sites.
Includes & Excludes
INCLUDES
EXCLUDES
Visa & Entry Requirements
If you are entering Syria from Beirut by land, you do not need visa approval in advance — your visa is issued upon arrival at the border.
If you are flying into Damascus Airport, you must obtain visa pre-approval before travel. This process takes 1–3 weeks, depending on nationality.
Visa fees are paid at the border and vary by passport.
- EU nationals: around $75 USD
- UK: $150 USD
- USA: $200 USD
- Latin America: $25–$50 USD
(Full list available on our Syria Visa Fees page.)
Your passport will be stamped upon entry, and it must not contain any Israeli stamps or entry records.
When you arrive, your tour guide meets you at the border and assists with all procedures. The process is straightforward, and we walk you through each step.
For the most up-to-date and detailed information, please see our dedicated guide:
Syria Travel Guide — Visa and Entry Requirements
Safety Information
We plan routes around areas that are considered stable for travel and adjust if needed. You are always accompanied by a local guide who follows the situation on the ground, stays updated, and briefs you clearly so you always know what to expect.
We use well-established routes, choose trusted accommodations in safe neighborhoods, and keep the experience organised without feeling strict. Your guide is with you throughout the journey — at sites, in the old cities, and during border procedures — so you feel supported at all times.
Travel Insurance Included
All our group tours include comprehensive travel insurance, giving you peace of mind throughout your journey in Syria. Coverage includes emergency medical care, hospitalization, medical evacuation, and essential travel protections.
Your insurance certificate is issued automatically after booking — no action needed from your side.
For full coverage details, please read the complete 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 will brief you on local customs, respectful behavior, and safe areas for your free time.
For a deeper, honest look at the situation in Syria, we recommend reading:
If you have any personal concerns, you are always welcome to ask us specific questions before booking.
FAQ
Is it safe to travel to Syria?
Yes — travel is focused on stable areas like Damascus, Aleppo, and the main heritage routes. Your guide accompanies you throughout the trip. For more details, read our Safety and Security in Syria page.
How can I obtain a visa for Syria?
If you enter Syria by land (from Lebanon or Jordan), the process is straightforward and you usually receive the visa on arrival after paying the fees. If you fly into Damascus, you typically need visa approval before boarding. We guide you based on your nationality.
How long does it take to get a visa to Syria?
For travellers flying to Damascus, approval often takes a few working days, though it can be longer for certain nationalities. We confirm the expected timeline before you book.
How much does a visa to Syria cost?
Visa fees vary by passport and are paid on entry. For the updated list, see: Syria Visa Fees.
What is the currency exchange rate in Syria?
Rates change frequently. We recommend checking the latest rate shortly before travel. Our Money in Syria guide helps you plan in a practical way.
Any dress code for women in mosques and churches?
Modest dress is recommended. Many sites provide cover-ups if needed, and your guide will advise you on the spot.
What are the best places to buy souvenirs in Syria?
The best classic markets are Souq Al-Hamidiyah in Damascus and Souq Al-Madina in Aleppo — plus smaller craft workshops along the way.
Can I use credit cards in Syria?
Cards are generally not usable due to banking restrictions. Cash is the norm. Our guide helps you with practical money steps during the trip.
Any vegetarian or vegan options available in Syrian restaurants?
Yes — Syrian cuisine has plenty of vegetarian choices (falafel, hummus, tabbouleh, warak enab, lentil soups). Let us know your diet needs in advance.
Will I have free time during the group tour?
Yes. You’ll usually have free time in the late afternoon or evening. Your guide will clearly explain when guided activities end and can recommend safe, enjoyable options nearby.
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