Essential Syria Tour

What's it all about?

Syria, despite the challenges of recent years, remains a country defined by warmth, depth, and remarkable resilience. Its people are eager to welcome visitors, sharing the rich traditions, flavours, and stories that make this land one of the most culturally captivating in the region. Whether you’re drawn by world-class archaeological sites, vibrant city life, or unforgettable cuisine, Syria promises an experience that stays with you long after you leave.

This journey is packed with both ancient and modern history. Beginning in the Lebanese capital of Beirut, we’ll make our way to Damascus, Homs, Aleppo, and the awe-inspiring Krak des Chevaliers. Traveling with an expert local guide, you’ll gain insight into the country’s heritage, contemporary realities, and everyday life as we cover an impressive amount of ground. As always, the itinerary may be adjusted in accordance with the security situation at the time.

With places limited to just 12 participants, be sure to secure your spot early!

Where?

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

When?

February 13 – 19, 2027

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

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

February 13th - 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”.
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 14th - 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 is now one of the most unique and important mosques in the world).
Visit The church of St. Ananias, the window of St.Paul.
We’ll visit the Ghouta Area, a region deeply affected by the tragic chemical weapons attack by the Assad regime. The neighbourhood still bears the scars of the past, almost resembling an abandoned, bombed ghost town, but there is a sense of quiet resilience as it awaits the chance to rebuild.
View Syria’s breathtaking capital city panoramically from its highest peak at the Scared Mountain – Mount Qasioun.
Dinner and an overnight in Damascus.

February 15th - Maaloula - Homs - Aleppo

Drive to 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.
Continue onwards to Homs. Witness some of the rebuilding efforts underway and visit Khaled Ibn Al-Walid’s shrine.
Drive north to 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.
Dinner in an Armenian-owned Syrian restaurant and overnight in Aleppo.

February 16th - Aleppo

Good morning from Aleppo!
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 one of Aleppo’s famed soap factories.
Dinner and overnight in Aleppo.

February 17th - Idlib | Hama | Tartous | Al-Mistaya

Kick off the day with a visit to Idlib Governorate, a region that has been almost entirely off-limits to tourism since the war began in 2011. Once controlled by HTS, the rebels who have now officially taken over the Syrian government, Idlib offers a rare and unique insight into a part of Syria that differs significantly from the rest of the country, in terms of environment, economy, and religion.
Visit the displaced families in one of the many refugee camps, an intriguing place to meet locals.
Drive to Hama and visit the famous waterwheels here which once provided vital waterways to the land.
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.
Next, we’ll drive through the picturesque rural villages of Tartous, making our way to the renowned Arados Brewery in Safita. Here, we’ll have the chance to taste some authentic Syrian beer while exploring the fascinating stages of its brewing process.
We carry on with a short drive to visit Almishtaya, a nearby Christian village, where you can get a taste of its surprisingly lively nightlife.
Overnight in Homs Countryside.

February 18th - 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.

February 19th - Beirut

Half day touring the last sights of Damascus.
Drive back to Beirut and arrive by early evening. (Approximately 6pm)
End of Syria tour.

Tour Map

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

Visas for Syria are free of charge. We require just a passport copy and job title to obtain the permit.
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.
Tips

Tips are expected for your local guides and driver.

You’ll be in the vastly experienced hands of our English-speaking local guides & fixers 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 the Syria tour, we will add you to a dedicated WhatsApp group so you can chat & share photos easily with your travel mates. Just let us know if you want to opt out of this.

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

Apply for your spot on the tour now or simply request more info below.

Feb 13 - 19th, 2027

Syria Tour

Beirut Start & finish

Or enquire about starting and finishing from Damascus!

Standard hotel

6 nights in Syria

The price

€1390

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Essential Syria Tour

What's it all about?