SYRIA RAMADAN 8-DAY GROUP TOUR
Guaranteed Departure ·$ 1390
Overview
Experience Ramadan in Syria in the most human way possible — sitting at family tables, talking with shopkeepers, and walking through lantern-lit alleys with a local guide who knows the city by heart.
Over 8 days, we still visit the “big names” — Old Damascus, Maaloula, Homs, Aleppo, Palmyra, Krak des Chevaliers, and Bosra — but we do it through the people who live there: the families who cook for you, the craftsmen who still open their workshops, the young Syrians who share how life feels today.
This is not a rushed bus tour. It’s a slow, people-oriented journey that combines culture, heritage, cuisine, and living history with everyday encounters: breaking the fast with locals, listening to stories over tea, and seeing how Syrians actually live Ramadan in 2027.
Trip Highlights
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival in Damascus
- Pickup in Beirut at 9 AM; scenic 3-hour drive to Damascus with full border assistance.
- Check into your Old City guesthouse and settle into its traditional Damascene courtyard.
- Walk through the Old City and feel the early Ramadan atmosphere as lanterns and decorations appear.
- Visit St. Ananias Church and explore surrounding alleys filled with lived history.
- Stop at a mosaic and mother-of-pearl workshop to see traditional craftsmanship.
- Walk along Straight Street, the oldest functioning Roman street in Damascus.
- See Bab Sharqi (Eastern Gate) and learn its history dating back to 200 AD.
- Explore the Jewish Quarter and an art gallery inside a former Jewish palace.
- View the Roman Victory Arch near Mariamite Cathedral and visit a Damascene art workshop.
- Enjoy evenings in the Old City: cafés, tea at Nofara, and a traditional hammam.
Day 2
Full Day in Damascus
- Begin with a Damascene breakfast at your guesthouse.
- Start the tour with Ghouta, the destroyed part of Damascus and listen to stories of resilience.
- Visit Nairabein Park for a panoramic city view and orientation.
- Explore the National Museum, home to the first alphabet and first musical note.
- Pass the historic Hijaz Railway Station, once serving pilgrims to Mecca.
- Walk through Hamidiyah Souq, taste tamarind juice, and stop for Bagdash ice cream.
- Visit the Umayyad Mosque, a major site during Ramadan evenings.
- Explore Azm Palace & Ass’ad Pasha Caravansarai, an outstanding example of traditional Damascene architecture.
- Walk through Bzuriyeh Spice Market and its 300-year-old caravanserai; coffee/tea break inside.
- Visit artisan workshops for copper, kilim weaving, Damascene steel, and Ajami art.
- Sunset Views: End your day by watching the sunset from a rooftop, where the view of the old city is simply unforgettable.
- Nightlife: experience Damascus’ unique nightlife—whether it’s live concerts, cozy bars, or a traditional bath, there’s something for everyone!
Day 3
Sednaya • Maaloula • Homs • Aleppo
- Drive north with a contextual stop outside Sednaya Prison for historical insight.
- Continue to Maaloula, one of the last villages where Aramaic (the language of Jesus) is still spoken.
- Explore the Monastery of Saints Sergius & Bacchus (1,700 years old).
- Enjoy coffee or tea at a Maaloula rooftop café with mountain views.
- Visit local shops offering handmade goods and taste monastery-produced wine.
- Walk through the gorge associated with Saint Thecla and visit her ancient monastery and shrine.
- Continue to Homs for lunch in a traditional local restaurant.
- Visit the Church of the Holy Belt and its underground sanctuary dating back to 59 AD.
- Walk through the restored old souq and observe surrounding war-affected areas.
- Visit the Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque and learn about its historical significance.
- Arrive in Aleppo, check into the hotel, and enjoy dinner.
- Overnight in Aleppo.
Day 4
Aleppo: The Timeless City
- Enjoy a hotel breakfast featuring Mamouniyeh, Aleppo’s signature sweet.
- Visit the Aleppo Citadel, the city’s most iconic historical site.
- Explore the 800-year-old souks, including restored and war-scarred sections.
- Tour a 900-year-old Aleppo soap factory and meet local craftsmen.
- Walk through narrow alleys, meeting residents and hearing their stories.
- Lunch in a centuries-old Aleppine guesthouse full of artifacts and history.
- Explore Jdeideh Quarter, including the Maronite Church and community heritage.
- Visit Hattab Square, once famous for its citadel views.
- Sunset stop at a high viewpoint overlooking Aleppo and the Citadel.
- Dinner at a traditional Armenian restaurant, with optional Arak tasting.
Day 5
Idlib • Krak des Chevaliers
- Scenic morning drive through Idlib province toward Krak.
- Meet friendly locals known for their warm hospitality and storytelling.
- Lunch boxes provided to maximize sightseeing time.
- Continue into Wadi al-Nasara (Valley of the Christians).
- Visit Krak des Chevaliers, one of the world’s best-preserved Crusader castles.
- Drive to Ba’eet village for a home-cooked meal with a local family.
- Visit a local winery for a tasting session.
- Arrive in Al-Mishtaya for hotel check-in.
- Optional evening drinks at Le Mond Café or a quiet village stroll.
Day 6
Palmyra → Return to Damascus
- Drive through the semi-desert toward Palmyra, the “pearl of the desert.”
- Visit the Palmyra Citadel for panoramic views of the ancient city.
- Explore the museum remains and learn about archaeologist Khaled al-Asaad.
- Visit the ruins of the Temple of Bel.
- Walk the Colonnaded Street, Zanobia’s Bath, Theater, and Agora.
- Learn the story of Queen Zenobia and Palmyra’s role on ancient trade routes.
- Enjoy a Bedouin lunch and tea in a desert tent.
- Visit Afqa Spring, essential to ancient Palmyra’s life.
- Enter the underground Tomb of the Three Brothers, once used as ISIS headquarters.
- Return to Damascus with a dinner stop and taste the famous Nabk dessert.
Day 7
Bosra → Damascus (Final Night)
- Drive south through the fertile Horan plain toward Bosra.
- Explore the Roman Theater, one of the best preserved in the world.
- Walk Bosra’s basalt-stone Straight Street and ancient residential areas.
- Visit the Nabatean Arch, oldest mosque in Syria, and early churches.
- Explore Mamluk baths, ancient marketplaces, and underground passages.
- Visit the oldest octagonal church with its pioneering dome structure.
- See the Monastery of Monk Bahira and nearby ruins.
- Visit a 2,000-year-old Roman bath with advanced heating systems.
- Enjoy a traditional lunch hosted by a local family in Bosra.
- Return to Damascus for a final Ramadan evening in the Old City.
Day 8
Departure to Beirut
- Visit remaining sites such as Sayida Ruqayya Shrine, Zahiriya Madrasa, and Old Damascene palaces.
- Walk through the Old City one last time and feel the Ramadan atmosphere.
- Shop in Hamidiyah Souq and Bzuriyeh Spice Market for final souvenirs.
- Enjoy free time around the Umayyad Mosque and nearby bazaars.
- Return to guesthouse for final lunch.
- Prepare for departure and check out.
- Begin the drive back toward the Lebanese border.
- Continue to Beirut in the afternoon at around 2pm.
- Arrival in Beirut city center or airport.
Where You’ll Stay
Comfort & Services
We deliberately choose guesthouses and characterful, authentic hotels over generic luxury towers. You stay in places that feel rooted in Syrian life — old houses, family-run hotels, countryside villas — but still enjoy comfort, good services, 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, whether it is a home-cooked meal with a family or a simple restaurant where Syrians themselves like to eat.
Dinners are not included, but we do not leave you alone with the decision. Each evening, your guide suggests tried-and-tested spots that match your mood and budget — from simple grills to atmospheric old-city courtyards.
In Damascus, we often book or recommend places such as Naranj and Dar Misk, along with other favourite local restaurants and street-food stops.
In Aleppo, we like to use long-time favourites such as Cordoba and Wanes, where you can enjoy generous meze, grills, and classic Aleppine dishes in warm surroundings.
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
Throughout the tour, you’ll get the chance to enjoy a wide range of authentic Syrian flavours — the same dishes locals grow up eating. Expect comforting 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, other local famous dishes and fresh mezze. Your guide also helps you discover street-food favourites along the way: falafel, shawarma, manakish, sfiha pastries, muhammara spreads, Aleppo kebab, barazek cookies, and warm mshabbak sweets. Each region adds its own touch, making every day a small cultural tasting journey.
Ramadan treats & seasonal flavours
If your trip coincides with Ramadan, you’ll also get to experience the special dishes and flavours that appear only this time of year. Expect the smell of ma’arouk (Ramadan sweet bread) in the afternoons, street vendors preparing fresh qatayef filled with cream or nuts, and glasses of jallab, tamarind, and amar al-din being poured everywhere before iftar. In the Old City, families gather around long tables for hearty dishes like fatteh, kibbeh, lentil soups, and roasted meats, followed by warm sweets such as mshabbak and kunafeh. These seasonal tastes bring the evenings to life and offer a beautiful glimpse into how Syrians celebrate and share food during Ramadan.
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 8–12 travelers to ensure extra space, comfort, and a relaxed travel experience.
The interior is spacious with wide cushioned seats, good legroom, and large windows that open the landscape like a moving panorama—ideal for long drives between cities, mountains, and archaeological sites. The ride feels steady and quiet, allowing guests to rest, chat, or simply enjoy the scenery.
Includes & Excludes
INCLUDES
EXCLUDES
Visa & Entry Requirements
Visa and advance-entry requirements depend on your nationality, passport, travel history and arrival route. Eligible travellers entering by land from Lebanon or Jordan may receive a visa on arrival, but some nationalities need approval before travelling even by land. For flights to Damascus or Aleppo, verify any advance-approval and airline boarding requirements before purchasing non-refundable tickets.
Syrian Guides assists guests on our tours with the applicable entry process and checks the available arrangements for their passport. Government visa fees are separate from the tour price unless your quotation states otherwise. Approval, boarding and admission are decided by the responsible authorities and airline; none can be guaranteed.
Before booking flights, contact us with your passport nationality and entry route. See our current visa and entry guide and visa-fee reference.
Safety Information
We assess the planned route and access before and during each tour, and adjust or cancel visits when changing conditions require it. No destination or journey can be guaranteed safe. You are always accompanied by a local guide who follows the situation on the ground closely, stays updated with local authorities, and provides transparent briefings so you always know what to expect.
We use established routes, carefully selected accommodation and local guidance while monitoring changes that could affect the tour. Your guide is with you throughout the journey — at sites, in the old cities, and during border procedures — ensuring 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. The coverage includes emergency medical care, hospitalization, medical evacuation, and essential travel protections such as trip delays and luggage issues.
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?
We operate guided tours with local knowledge and continuously review the planned route, access and conditions. Security risks in Syria vary by area and can change without warning; no tour operator can guarantee safety. We use experienced local guides, choose routes and accommodations carefully and may change or cancel visits if circumstances require. Review your government’s travel advice and check that your insurance covers your actual itinerary. Read our Syria safety guide for more context.
How can I obtain a visa for Syria?
Requirements vary by passport nationality and entry route. Eligible visitors may obtain a visa on arrival at certain land borders, but this is not guaranteed for every nationality; some require advance approval. Travellers arriving by air should verify approval and airline boarding requirements ahead of time. Syrian Guides assists our tour guests; check the current visa guide.
How long does it take to get a visa to Syria?
Processing times depend on nationality, passport review and entry route; some approvals may take several weeks. Do not rely on a fixed 3–7-day or 1–3-week guarantee. Ask us to check your case before committing to non-refundable flights. Read current entry guidance.
How much does a visa to Syria cost?
Government visa fees depend on the traveller’s nationality and entry category and can change. The fee is normally separate from the tour price. We confirm the expected amount for your passport and crossing before departure. See the current visa-fee reference.
What is the currency exchange rate in Syria?
Exchange rates change, and Syria has introduced a new currency denomination. Do not rely on an old fixed SYP-per-dollar figure. Check the current rate and whether a price is quoted in old or new Syrian pounds. Read our Money in Syria guide.
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.
Cool days and cold nights
February average highs are around 15°C in Damascus and 13°C in Aleppo, but nighttime temperatures can be near freezing. A warm coat, layers and rain protection will help on city walks and mountain visits.
View live city forecasts, seasonal temperatures & packing tips ↗Historical climate averages, not a prediction for your travel dates.
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