Syria, in its golden season.
Softer autumn light. Ancient cities. Mountain villages. Real conversations. An eight-day journey through the Syria you'll remember long after you've returned home.
Single-room supplement: +$310 USD

Come for the history.
Stay for the people.
October brings a gentler rhythm to Syria: warmer light on the old stones, comfortable city walks and evenings made for long conversations. In eight days, we travel from Damascus to the northern streets of Aleppo, through mountain monasteries, iconic castles, the Palmyra desert and Bosra's Roman theatre.
This is a thoughtfully condensed 2027 edition of our 2026 October tour. The Mediterranean coast is left out to give the major highlights more space, while local markets, shared meals and people remain at the heart of the experience.
Why this journey feels different.
- Meet the people behind the headlines. Hear personal stories of resilience in Ghouta and Jobar, when residents choose to meet us.
- Pull up a chair at Inaam's table. A home-cooked family meal in Baeet, with time to talk and connect.
- Discover Syria as it lives today. Wander local quarters, meet artisans and find the everyday stories between the sights.
- Travel through many worlds in eight days. From the old cities of Damascus and Aleppo to mountain villages, Palmyra and Bosra.
- See it through Syrian eyes. Travel with a local guide and a close-knit group of 10–14 guests.
A glimpse of the Syria ahead.
Real photographs from our Syrian Guides media library. Places, people, daily life, and the light that makes October special.





Places to visit, city by city.
A detailed look at the landmarks planned along our exact eight-day route, not just the names of destinations.


Damascus
From Ottoman monuments and ancient souks to the neighbourhoods of Ghouta and Jobar, our time in Damascus blends monumental history with conversations about the lives of the people who live here.
- Umayyad Mosque and the shrine of John the Baptist
- Azm Palace and its traditional Damascene architecture
- National Museum of Damascus (subject to opening)
- Sulaymaniyya Takiyya Mosque and Ottoman complex
- Al-Hamidiyah Souq
- Roman Temple of Jupiter gateway
- Khan As'ad Pasha
- Straight Street and Bab Sharqi
- Bab Touma and the Christian Quarter
- Ghouta and Jobar — guided visit and conversations with local residents by agreement
- Historic Jewish Quarter
- Buzuriyeh Souq and traditional artisan shops
- Al-Nofara Café and the Hakawati storyteller (when operating)
Museum and historic building interiors are visited when open; opening hours and arrival timing determine the final sequence.

Ghouta & Jobar. Stories of resilience.
We visit Ghouta and Jobar to learn about a more recent chapter of Syria's history. Here, the focus is not simply on damaged buildings, but on the people who have lived through change, returned, rebuilt and carried on with their lives.
With our local guide, we hope to speak with residents who choose to share their own experiences and perspectives. Listening respectfully is the heart of this visit.
Community conversations are arranged with residents' consent, respecting their privacy and dignity. Visits depend on local access and conditions.
Day 3 · 12 OctMaaloula
- Maaloula's old village and mountain lanes
- Saint Thecla Convent
- Monastery of Saints Sergius and Bacchus
- The historic Maaloula gorge
- Aramaic heritage and local religious traditions
Day 3 · 12 OctHoms
- Church of the Holy Belt (Um al-Zinnar)
- Historic Old City and traditional souq
- Al-Nuri Grand Mosque surroundings
- Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque, if accessible
- A local lunch in Homs
Day 4 · 13 OctAleppo
- Great Umayyad Mosque of Aleppo
- Aleppo Citadel and historic gateway
- Al-Madina Souq and traditional khans
- Jdeideh Quarter and historic houses
- Traditional Aleppo soap-making and local crafts
- Aleppine cuisine and local food stops
Day 5 · 14 OctHama
- The famous Norias waterwheels
- Orontes River and riverfront
- Al-Nuri Mosque in Hama
- Historic Hama centre
- Azm Palace, if open and time permits
Day 5 · 14 OctKrak des Chevaliers
- The great fortified entrance
- Vaulted halls and historic passageways
- Medieval courtyards and castle architecture
- Ramparts and viewpoints over the countryside
Day 5 · 14 OctWadi al-Nasara & Winery
- Wadi al-Nasara (Valley of Christians)
- Village scenery and local life
- Inaam's house in Baeet — home-cooked family meal and conversation, by arrangement
- A local winery such as Jarjour, subject to booking
- Winemaking stories and tasting experience
Day 6 · 15 OctPalmyra
- The Great Colonnade
- Monumental Arch area
- Remains of the Temple of Bel
- Roman Theatre, if accessible
- Ancient Agora area and desert panoramas
Day 7 · 16 OctBusra (Bosra)
- The Roman Theatre of Bosra
- The citadel and theatre precinct
- Al-Omari Mosque, where open
- Basalt-built houses and historic lanes
- Roman and Nabataean remains in the old town
Eight days. Many different Syrias.
Explore each day and the places we plan to visit—not just a list of cities.
Below is the daily route in travel order. See the Places to Visit section for the full city-by-city landmark list. Individual interior visits and optional stops depend on opening hours, access and realistic travel times. Overnight locations are indicative until hotels are contracted.
DAY 01A first evening in Damascus
Arrive via the coordinated Beirut transfer or Damascus Airport, settle into the city and begin with an unhurried introduction to its ancient streets. Depending on arrival times, share a welcome meal and discover the atmosphere of the old town after dusk.
- Bab Touma and the Christian Quarter
- Straight Street and Bab Sharqi
- Old Damascus lanes and courtyards
- Al-Nofara Café and Hakawati tradition, when operating
Overnight: DamascusArrival-day visits depend on transfer and border timing.
DAY 02Damascus, Ghouta & Jobar: history and resilience
The day begins with Ghouta and Jobar, where our guide introduces Damascus's recent history and we may meet residents who wish to share their experiences of resilience and rebuilding. We return to historic Damascus to explore the city's monuments, museum and traditional markets.
- Ghouta and Jobar — context and local conversations by arrangement
- Sulaymaniyya Takiyya Mosque and Ottoman complex
- National Museum of Damascus, if open
- Al-Hamidiyah Souq and the Roman Temple of Jupiter gateway
- Umayyad Mosque and shrine of John the Baptist
- Azm Palace and Khan As'ad Pasha
- Buzuriyeh Souq and traditional craft workshops
- Historic Jewish Quarter and old-city lanes
Overnight: DamascusA full day: central-city interior stops are scheduled according to time. Community meetings depend on consent, conditions and local availability.
DAY 03Maaloula, the city of Homs & the road to Aleppo
Set out from Damascus for the mountain village of Maaloula, where Aramaic heritage and cliffside monasteries create a remarkable introduction to Syria's Christian history. Continue to Homs for its historic streets, sacred landmarks and a local lunch, then travel north to Aleppo.
- Maaloula village and its Aramaic heritage
- Saint Thecla Convent and Saint Sergius Monastery, when accessible
- Church of the Holy Belt (Um al-Zinnar) in Homs
- Homs old city and Al-Nuri Grand Mosque surroundings
- Lunch in Homs and evening arrival in Aleppo
Overnight: AleppoA full travel day; the order of Homs visits depends on access and arrival times.
DAY 04Aleppo: citadel, grand mosque & living souks
Spend the day entirely in Aleppo, from the great citadel and the monumental mosque to the souks, traditional lanes and neighbourhoods where the city's famous crafts and food traditions continue.
- Great Umayyad Mosque of Aleppo
- Citadel of Aleppo and historic entrance
- Al-Madina Souq and historic khans
- Jdeideh Quarter and its Aleppine architecture
- Traditional Aleppo soap and local crafts, where workshops are open
Overnight: AleppoThe Great Mosque and Citadel are planned stops; interior access depends on the opening arrangements.
DAY 05Hama, Krak & Inaam's family table
Travel from Aleppo to Hama's historic waterwheels and then to Krak des Chevaliers. In Baeet village, we plan to enjoy a home-cooked family meal at Inaam's house, sharing food and conversation with our host. Continue with a local winery experience in Wadi al-Nasara before settling in for the night.
- Hama Norias (traditional waterwheels)
- Al-Nuri Mosque and the historic heart of Hama
- Krak des Chevaliers castle
- Inaam's home in Baeet — a family-hosted meal, by arrangement
- Wadi al-Nasara village landscapes
- Local winery visit and tasting, subject to availability
Overnight: Wadi al-Nasara / Homs areaA full travel day. Our visit to Inaam's home and winery tasting are coordinated with our hosts beforehand.
DAY 06The desert city of Palmyra
Cross into Syria's desert landscapes for the extraordinary remains of Palmyra, an ancient crossroads of trade and cultures. Return to Damascus in the evening.
- Homs-area heritage stop, time permitting
- Palmyra's Great Colonnade and monumental archaeological landscape
- Monumental Arch area and the remains of the Temple of Bel
- Palmyra's desert setting and archaeological context
- Return to Damascus
Overnight: DamascusPalmyra access is reviewed ahead of departure and again locally; an alternative programme applies if required.
DAY 07Bosra, basalt streets & a final Syrian evening
Journey south to Busra (Bosra), where monumental Roman architecture meets a historic town built from dark basalt stone. Return to Damascus for a relaxed final evening together.
- Bosra Roman Theatre and citadel precinct
- Basalt lanes and traditional old houses
- Al-Omari Mosque, if open to visitors
- A locally hosted lunch or regional food experience, when arranged
- Final evening in Damascus
Overnight: DamascusBosra route and site access remain subject to local arrangements.
DAY 08Until next time, Syria
After breakfast, check out and travel to Damascus Airport or back toward Beirut on your confirmed transfer. We help coordinate departure timing with your onward travel arrangements.
- Breakfast and hotel check-out
- Coordinated transfer to Damascus Airport or Beirut
- Assistance with final departure logistics
Overnight: Tour endsChoose onward flight times only after confirming transfer and border requirements.
There's always room at the family table.
Some of the most memorable moments of a journey through Syria happen not in a palace or a castle, but around a table. A home-cooked lunch, a recipe passed down through generations, a conversation that lasts longer than expected: these encounters are an essential part of our tours.
Lunch at Inaam's house.
On Day 5, we plan to visit Inaam at her home in Baeet village, in Wadi al-Nasara. She welcomes travellers into her garden and family setting to share homemade Syrian food and stories of everyday life. The meal is personal, unhurried and a genuine opportunity to get to know our hosts.
Throughout the journey, we favour locally prepared meals and family hospitality where possible. We want you to remember the people you met as vividly as the landmarks you visited.
Inaam's family lunch is planned by arrangement and subject to the family's availability. If it cannot take place, we arrange a suitable alternative locally hosted meal. Please ask your hosts before taking photographs.






Places to stay.
Historic courtyards, city comfort and a quiet night in the countryside.

Via Recta / Beit Al Mamluka
Heritage guesthouses in Old Damascus, selected for intimate courtyards and easy evening walks.

Riga Palace Hotel
A comfortable base for the city's historic streets, markets and Aleppine evenings.

Villa Rosa / Winery Guesthouse
A quiet countryside stay near Krak des Chevaliers and the valley's local vineyards.
These are representative hotels used on other Syrian Guides tours, not yet confirmed October 2027 reservations. We will confirm the final properties before departure or arrange comparable alternatives. Twin sharing is included; a private single room costs an extra $310 for the whole tour.
Comfort on the road.
Two transport options, with the final vehicle confirmed according to the group size.


Hyundai County
Our mid-size coach for smaller departures, with air conditioning, comfortable seats and room for luggage.


Foton · 35 seats
A larger coach with generous personal space and luggage capacity for departures of ten or more.
Both options include a professional Syrian driver and private air-conditioned travel. Vehicle assignment is based on the number of confirmed travellers and may be adjusted to an equivalent vehicle if operationally necessary.
Guided by people who call Syria home.
The places are extraordinary; the people behind the journey are the reason to come with us. We make time to listen, share, ask questions and discover life beyond the most photographed landmarks.
Meet residents in Ghouta and Jobar, share a family meal at Inaam's home, and discover local crafts and stories from the people who live here.
A local team, private transport, practical entry assistance, selected hotels, guiding and on-the-road support.
Warm stone, late afternoon light and mountain landscapes. A seasonal visual mood made with real photos—not fabricated foliage.
One meaningful journey. Clearly priced.
Our tours are designed to be generous and straightforward. Breakfasts, lunches, most listed entry costs, a licensed guide, group transport and travel insurance are built into the package.
Private single room: +$310 for the full tour.
8 days / 7 nights · Guided small group · Arrival and departure arrangements must be coordinated in advance.
Included
- Seven nights in selected 3–4★ or characterful hotels, twin share
- Daily breakfasts and lunches, including a planned family meal at Inaam's home
- One shared group dinner
- Licensed Syrian guide and local operational support
- Private air-conditioned group vehicle
- Scheduled Beirut round-trip group transfers or coordinated Damascus Airport transfers
- Listed entrance fees where visits operate
- Travel insurance under the issued policy
- Visa/entry assistance and pre-trip briefing
- Wi-Fi on the group vehicle where coverage permits
Not included
- International flights
- Visa and border visa fees
- Dinners other than the hosted group dinner
- Personal purchases, beverages and optional extras
- Tips and gratuities
- Single-room supplement of $310 USD
- Independent transfers outside the arranged group service
Before you join us.
Is this an eight-day or ten-day tour?
The October 2027 departure runs 10–17 October: eight calendar days and seven nights. It follows Damascus, Damascus, Maaloula–Homs–Aleppo, Aleppo, Hama–Krak–winery, Palmyra–Damascus, Busra–Damascus, and Damascus departure.
Is the tour price per person?
Yes. The price is $1,690 USD per person sharing a twin room. For a private single room, add $310 USD for the full journey.
Can I come as a solo traveller?
Absolutely. Solo travellers are welcome in our group. You can request a twin-sharing match when available or choose a private room with the single supplement.
Do we visit Sulaymaniyya Takiyya and the Great Mosque of Aleppo?
Both are explicitly part of our planned itinerary: Sulaymaniyya Takiyya in Damascus on Day 2 and the Great Umayyad Mosque of Aleppo on Day 4. Site access remains subject to opening hours and applicable local arrangements.
Will we visit Palmyra and Bosra?
Both feature in the proposed 2027 route. Because access and road conditions may change, we confirm arrangements closer to departure and provide appropriate alternatives if necessary.
What about transfers and visas?
We help guide the correct entry procedure for your nationality and arrange coordinated airport or Beirut group transfers. Visa fees are not included. Please confirm your route before booking flights.
How demanding is the trip?
Expect old-city walking, uneven archaeological ground and some longer road days, especially the cross-country transfers. We plan breaks and adjust the pace where practical.
Are Ghouta and Jobar included?
We plan a respectful guided visit on Day 2, with conversations with residents only when they wish to meet us. Access, privacy and local conditions guide the experience.
Will we eat at Inaam's house?
We plan a home-cooked family meal with Inaam in Baeet village on Day 5. This depends on her family's availability and is confirmed with the host; a locally hosted alternative is arranged if necessary.
How can I reserve a place?
Send an enquiry with your nationality, arrival plans, number of travellers and room preference. We confirm availability, detailed booking terms and payment arrangements in writing.

Come see Syria for yourself.
10–17 October 2027 · 8 days · $1,690 twin-share · +$310 single room. Tell us who is travelling and where you plan to arrive, and we will guide you through the next steps.
Email the Syrian Guides teamWhat our travellers say.
First-hand TripAdvisor reviews from guests who have travelled through Syria with our local team.
Ask about the October 2027 group tour
10–17 October 2027 · $1,690 USD twin-share · +$310 single room

