Essential Syria Tour

What's it all about?

Despite facing challenges in recent years, Syria remains a land of hospitality and resilience, and its people are eager to share their traditions and customs with visitors from around the world. Whether you’re interested in exploring ancient ruins, tasting delicious cuisine, or simply soaking up the vibrant atmosphere, Syria is sure to leave a lasting impression on you.

There is a huge amount of ancient and modern history waiting to be explored. We’ll start of in the Lebanese capital city of Beirut and travel to Damascus , Homs, Aleppo and the magnificent Krak des Chevalliers. We’ll cover a huge amount of ground with our expert local guide explaining all as we go. Depending on the security situation on the ground, the itinerary is subject to change.

Places are limited to only 12 so sign up today!

Where?

Beirut – Damascus – Krak de Chavaliers – Palmyra – Homs – Aleppo – Damascus – Beirut.

When?

February 26 – Mar 3rd, 2024

Visa?

We will apply for a security clearance on your behalf which will allow you to collect the visa on arrival at the border.

The Itinerary

Beirut – Damascus – Krak de Chavaliers – Homs – Palmyra – Aleppo – Damascus – Beirut.

February 26th - Beirut / Damascus

Early pick up from Beirut, Lebanon.
Transfer to the Syrian border for exit/entry formalities.
Continue onto Damascus by private car.
Check into your incredible Old Damascene hotel. Take a short rest before starting a walking tour of the old town.
In the afternoon we’ll explore the Al-Hamidiyah Souq.
Free time in the evening to enjoy Damascus’ vibrant night-life along “Straight Street”.
**Free inclusion** – Optional visit to a Hamam for an evening scrub! There’s no better way to end your first day in Damascus than relaxing in one of it’s ancient bath houses.
Overnight in the Al-Mamlouka hotel in the centre of Old Damascus.

February 27th - Damascus

After breakfast, we’ll start our full day Damascus city tour.
Visit the National Museum of Syria.
Explore the Handicraft market for some of the best handmade goods in the Middle East.
Azem Palace (a perfect example of a traditional Damascene house turned museum of the Ottoman times)
Umayyad mosque (a place of worship since the first millennium B.C. It was once a church and now one of the most unique and important mosques in the world).
Visit The church of St. Ananias, the window of St.Paul.
Dinner and and overnight in Damascus.

February 28th - Maaloula - Homs - Aleppo

Our first stop today will be at October War Panorama. This hugely impressive North Korean built museum is a must visit for propaganda greatness surrounding the 1973 Arab – Israeli war.
Drive onto Maaloula, a small Christian town that was almost completely decimated by ISIS in 2014. It’s one of the most scenic villages in Syria and is the only place in the world where Aramaic; the language spoken by Christ is still used as a living language.
Explore the ruins of the Safir Hotel. This was once the best hotel in Maaloula and overlooked the entire town. It was destroyed and looted in 2014.
We’ll visit a Catholic church which was destroyed but has already been rebuilt.
Continue onto Homs. Witness some of the rebuilding efforts underway and visit Khaled Ibn Al-Walid shrine.
Lunch in Homs city
Depart for Aleppo and arrive in the early evening.
Explore some of the old town around the citadel by night.
Dinner at a famous Armenian family run Syrian restaurant.
Overnight in Aleppo.

February 29th - Aleppo

Aleppo was arguably one of the worst affected cities during the Syrian war. Here you’ll get the chance to see some of the terrible destruction as well as the opportunity to witness the early stages of the massive rebuilding projects that Syrians are now undertaking.
Our first stop in the morning will be the famous Aleppo Citadel.
We’ll also be able to see the destroyed souk and see the fully restored parts.
Visit the Aleppo Museum and walk through the adjoining markets.
Visit the Baron Hotel – one of Aleppo’s most famous landmarks. It’s the oldest still functioning Hotel in Syria which once welcomed the likes of Charles De Gaulle, Yuri Gagarin, Lawrence of Arabia, Agatha Christie and Theodore Roosevelt. Stay here if you dare but you will have to do without heating, electricity or hot water.
Stop by the Aleppo “propaganda” store for some special souvenirs.
Dinner & overnight in Aleppo.

March 1st - Hama - Apamea - Krak Des Chevaliers

Drive south to Hama and visit the famous waterwheels here which once provided vital water ways to the land.
Visit the ancient Roman and Greek city of Apamea on the way. Explore the ruins and walk along the impressive colonnade.
Continue driving to Krak Des Chevaliers – “The most wholly admirable castle in the world.” – According to Lawrence of Arabia – and one of the most important preserved medieval crusader castles in the world.
Dinner, drinks and overnight in Almishtaya.

March 2nd - Palmyra - Damascus

Early departure to Palmyra.
Full day visit to the ancient and partially destroyed city. See the Arch of Triumph, the Great Colonnade, the Theatre, the Agora and the Tombs.
Drive back to Damascus in time for a last group supper. (And last hamam!)
Overnight in Damascus.

March 3rd - Beirut

Half day touring the last sights of Damascus.
Drive back to Beirut and arrive by early evening. (Approximately 5pm)
End of Syria tour – Why not continue the adventure by flying from Damascus to Baghdad and joining our tour of southern Iraq! Contact us for more info.

Inclusions

Exclusions

Hotels

Twin share accommodation including breakfast (single supplements are available for an extra charge)
Entrance Fees

All entrance fees (unless otherwise stated)
Guides & Transport

Both an expert local guide, driver and western tour leader (on non-budget group tours)
Visa Support

We will apply for your security clearance that will allow you to collect the visa at the border.
Beirut Transfer

Pickup and drop off in Beirut by private car.
Taxes & Charges

VAT & exit charges included.

International Flights

Flights to and from your starting point.
Lunch and Dinner

Lunch and dinners are extra charge.
Visa Fee

The price varies depending on your nationality. Typically it is around $70 USD for European passports.
Tips

Tips are expected for your local guides and driver.

You’ll be in the vastly experienced hands of our English speaking local guides & fixer as well as your Rocky Road Travel guide. We visit Syria regularly, so we have maximized the itinerary accordingly. Given the unpredictable nature of travelling in Syria, the itinerary may change slightly, but we will always go above and beyond with added extras such as stops at local cafe-bars, shisha lounges and amusement parks. We are in constant communication with our local partners on the ground who advise the safe routes to take.

Before & after the Syria tour we will add you to dedicated email and social media groups so you can share photos easily with your travel mates. Just let us know is you want to opt out of this.

To book simply hit the button below and start the conversation today.

Feb 26 - March 3rd, 2024

Syria Tour

Iraq tour extension

Continue onto Baghdad from Damascus!

Premium hotel

6 nights in Syria

The price

$1490

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Essential Syria Tour

What's it all about?