- Short description
- Basic information
- The program
- A map of the tour
- How to join us
- Ask for more information
Short description
In October 2022, I organized and led the first tour in Syria with a small group of seven people. Since then, Syria has become one of my favorite travel destinations. This trip offers a detailed tour of Syria, covering the most interesting places and sights of the country. The tour starts and ends in Beirut, Lebanon, including only a short walk through the historical center of Beirut and Baalbek.
The first leg of the tour takes us to Damascus where we visit the National Museum, the Umayyad Mosque, the Tomb of Saladin, Azem Palace, the Old Market Hall, the Fortress Gates, and other sights.
We spend a few hours in the ancient ruins of Bosra, on the border with Jordan, where we can see the exceptionally well-preserved Roman amphitheater. The next day, we head to Palmyra through the Syrian desert. From there, we continue to the city of Homs, where we visit the Khaled Ibn Al Waled Mosque and the main attractions of the "Valley of Christians" - the knight's fortress "Krak des Chevaliers" and the "Saint George" monastery.
We will continue our journey to Tartus on the Mediterranean Sea, where we plan to visit the Citadel of Tartus, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Tortosa, and take a walk along the coastal boulevard. From there, we will proceed to Latakia to visit the Latakia Tetraporticus (Triumphal Arch of Septimus Severus), the ruins of the Temple of Bacchus, the Latin Church, and other sights. Latakia is also a seaside resort, so if you're not in the mood for sightseeing, you can enjoy the beach.
Our next stop will be Aleppo, where we'll explore the Citadel and its museum, the covered market, the Baron Hotel, the Umayyad Mosque, and other interesting places.
After Aleppo, we'll head to the city of Hama to visit the famous water wheels (Norias of Hama), the old city, and the Bedouin market. Before returning to Damascus, we'll visit the ancient Christian villages of Sednaya and Maalula, with their monasteries. On the last day of the trip, we'll transfer to Beirut and fly back home.
All photos shown in this document were taken during our trip through Syria and Lebanon in October 2022.
Basic information
Dates: April 6 - April 15, 2024; October 7 - October 16 2024;
Duration: 9 nights/10 days;
Group: 7/8 people;
Price for the program in Syria without air tickets (1): €1,860/person (for a group of 7/8 people). If the group is smaller, the price will increase slightly.
Included in the price: A tour leader (that's me) who speaks English; a local guide/driver; transportation in a minibus along the route; 9 nights in 3 or 4-star hotels (2); twin/double bed rooms with breakfast; plus one dinner at the end of the trip. The security clearance needed for the visa is also included, as well as all entrance fees except for Baalbek in Lebanon. Additionally, all transfers to and from Beirut airport are included.
Not included in the Price: international airfares; lunches and dinners (although the food is not expensive); travel insurance (if you do not have one, we can arrange it for you); Syrian visa (USD 67; available at the border); exit fee for Syria (USD 3); and personal expenses.
(1) Flights
Note: The group will travel from Sofia, Bulgaria to Beirut via Istanbul, Turkey. We can arrange airfare from your home country to Istanbul or to Beirut directly. If you choose to fly separately from the group, we will also arrange a transfer to the hotel in Beirut. Please contact us for available options.
Departure: Istanbul 12.25 - Beirut 14.15;
Return: Beirut15.35 - Istanbul 17.35;
(2) Hotels (3 or 4 star):
Zeitouna or Inana , Al Wadi hotel, Aleppo palace Hotel, Miramar Hotel, Gems Hotel.
Covid-related requirements for entry into Lebanon and Syria: There are no restrictions at the moment.
Visas: Visa requirements for both Lebanon and Syria depend on your nationality. Please contact us for more details.
This program offers an overview of the key aspects of the trip. If you require customized solutions based on your specific case and circumstances, please contact us via email. We can arrange flight tickets from any location worldwide to the trip's starting point. Furthermore, we can handle hotel transfers and any necessary documents. Our team will provide assistance throughout the entire organization process. Feel free to reach out to us without hesitation via email!
The program
Day 1: Arrival in Beirut
Upon arrival in Beirut, we will head to the hotel located in Hamra, the tourist neighbourhood that boasts most of the hotels and restaurants. We will take a short walk around the area, but we won't have a detailed tour of Beirut. Overnight in Beirut.
Day 2: From Beirut to Damascus via Baalbek
Today, we will depart for Damascus. On the way, we will stop at the temple complex of Baalbek, which includes the Temple of Bacchus and the Temple of Jupiter (UNESCO). After crossing the border into Syria, we will arrive in Damascus shortly thereafter. We will take a short evening walk before spending the night in the city.
Day 3: A Tour of Damascus
Today is dedicated to visiting Damascus. We will tour the National Museum, the Umayyad Mosque, the Tomb of Saladin, the Azem Palace, the old covered market, the fortress gates, and several other sights. Overnight in Damascus.
Day 4: Bosra
Today, we will travel to Bosra, which is about a two-hour drive from Damascus near the Jordanian border. Bosra, once the capital of the Roman province of Arabia, was an important stop on the ancient caravan route to Mecca. There is an almost completely preserved Roman theatre from the 2nd century, early Christian ruins, and several mosques to visit.
In the afternoon, we will return to Damascus to continue exploring the city. We will spend the night in Damascus.
Day 5: Palmyra
Today, we will leave Damascus for the Syrian desert to visit Palmyra, an ancient city founded in the third millennium BC. The city was an important center in the Middle East and a major trading post on the Silk Road. The architecture of Palmyra combines Greco-Roman styles with those of Persia and Arabia, making it one of the most significant archaeological sites in Syria, the Middle East, and the world.
After Palmyra, we will head west to Homs, where we will stop at the Khaled Ibn Al Waled Mosque. At the end of the day, we will reach the "Valley of the Christians" (Wadi al-Nasara), where we will spend the night.
Day 6: The Valley of the Christians (Wadi al-Nasara), the Knight's Fortress, and the Monastery of St. George; Tartus; Latakia
Today, we will visit the main attractions of the "Valley of the Christians" - the Knight's Fortress "Krak des Chevaliers" and the Monastery of St. George.
We will continue to the city of Tartus by the sea, where we will visit the Citadel of Tartus, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Tortosa, and take a walk along the coastal boulevard.
Next, we will visit Latakia, a beautiful city situated picturesquely on the coast of the Mediterranean Sea. Tonight, we will only have time for a short walk and a quick bite to eat. We will spend the night in Latakia.
Day 7 Latakia
Today, we will take a closer look at the city. We will visit the Latakia Tetraporticus (Triumphal Arch of Septimus Severus), built in honor of the Roman Emperor Septimus Severus, the Ruins of the Temple of Bacchus, the Latin Church, and other sights if we have time. Those who do not wish to spend time sightseeing can go to the beach if the weather permits.
In the late afternoon, we will drive to Aleppo, where we will spend the night.
Day 8 Aleppo
Today is dedicated to Aleppo, the second largest city in Syria. We will visit the Citadel and its museum, the covered market, the Baron Hotel, the Umayyad Mosque, and several other interesting places. We will spend the night in Aleppo.
Day 9: Hama; Christian Villages of Sednaya and Maaloula
Today, we will head south with our first stop in the city of Hama. Here, we will visit the old mills in the center, explore the old town, and peruse the Bedouin market.
Next, we will visit the old Christian villages of Sednaya and Maaloula, which are home to ancient monasteries.
We will return to Damascus in the evening to spend the night.
Day 10 Transfer to Beirut.
Today we will have a transfer to Beirut airport.
A map of the tour
How to join us
Please email us if you would like information about this trip or to sign up. We will respond as soon as possible and keep you updated on the organisation and all other details of the trip. If you are a ready-made group of at least 5 or 6 people (maximum 8), we can discuss dates that work for your group. You can also sign up for future organised and planned trips. To join the list, please send us your names. That's it!
