- Short description
- Basic information
- The program
- A map of the tour
- How to join us
- Ask for more information
Short description
In October 2022 and October 2023, our company Thousand Voyages organized two groups (totaling 15 people) traveling to Syria on this program. As the company owner and tour leader for both groups, I (Pavel) have developed a deep appreciation for Syria. It 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 exploring the ancient ruins of Bosra, near the Jordanian border, where an exceptionally well-preserved Roman amphitheater stands. The following day, we journey through the Syrian desert to Palmyra. From there, we continue to Homs, visiting 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.
Our journey continues to Tartus on the Mediterranean Sea. Here, we visit the Citadel of Tartus and the Cathedral of Our Lady of Tortosa, and enjoy a stroll along the coastal boulevard. Next, we proceed to Latakia to see the Latakia Tetraporticus (Triumphal Arch of Septimus Severus), the ruins of the Temple of Bacchus, and the Latin Church, among other sights. As Latakia is also a seaside resort, those preferring relaxation can enjoy the beach instead.
Aleppo is our next destination, where we'll explore its Citadel and museum, the covered market, the historic Baron Hotel, the Umayyad Mosque, and other fascinating sites.
After Aleppo, we head to Hama to see its famous water wheels (Norias of Hama), wander through the old city, and visit the Bedouin market. Before returning to Damascus, we'll stop at the ancient Christian villages of Sednaya and Maalula to visit their monasteries. On the final day of our trip, we transfer to Beirut for our flights home.
All photos in this document were captured during our journey through Syria and Lebanon in October 2022.
Basic information
Dates: 9-18 May 2025; 29 September - 8 October 2025;
Duration: 9 nights/10 days;
Group: 7/8 people;
Price for the program in Syria without air tickets to/from Beirut (1): €1,980/person (for a group of 7/8 people). If the group is smaller, the price will increase slightly.
Included in the price:
Guiding: An English-speaking tour leader (Pavel, the owner of the company) and a local English-speaking guide/driver.
Transportation: A minibus for the entire route and transfers to and from Beirut airport.
Accommodation: 9 nights in 3- or 4-star hotels (2), with twin/double rooms and breakfast included.
Hotels: Hotel Zeitouna or similar in Damascus, Hotel Al Wadi or similar in Homs, Aleppo Palace Hotel in Aleppo, Miramar Hotel or similar in Latakia, and Hotel Gems or similar in Beirut.
Documents/entrance tickets: Security clearance required for the visa and all entrance fees (except for Baalbek in Lebanon).
Not included in the Price: International airfares, lunches and dinners (though food is reasonably priced), travel insurance (we can arrange this if needed), Syrian visa (USD 67, available at the border), exit fee for Syria (USD 3), and personal expenses.
(1) Flights
Note: The group will fly from Sofia, Bulgaria to Beirut via Istanbul, Turkey. We can arrange flights from your home country to Istanbul or directly to Beirut. If you choose to fly separately, we'll also arrange your transfer to the Beirut hotel. Contact us for available options.
Departure: Istanbul 12:25 - Beirut 14:15
Return: Beirut 15:35 - Istanbul 17:35
Visas: Visa requirements for Lebanon and Syria vary by nationality. Please contact us for specific 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'll head to our hotel in Hamra, the vibrant tourist district home to numerous hotels and restaurants. We'll take a brief stroll around the area to get our bearings, though we won't embark on a detailed tour of Beirut. Overnight stay in Beirut.
Our group will fly from Istanbul Airport to Beirut. If all group members fly through Istanbul, we may meet there. Otherwise, we'll meet at the hotel in Beirut. We'll provide the necessary information about the hotel's name, address, and meeting time.
Day 2: From Beirut to Damascus via Baalbek
We'll set off for Damascus today, making a stop at the magnificent temple complex of Baalbek en route. This UNESCO World Heritage site features the impressive Temple of Bacchus and Temple of Jupiter. After crossing the Syrian border, we'll reach Damascus in the early evening. We'll stretch our legs with a short walk before settling in for the night in this ancient city.
Day 3: Exploring Damascus
Today is devoted to discovering Damascus. We'll visit the National Museum, marvel at the Umayyad Mosque, pay respects at Saladin's Tomb, wander through the Azem Palace, haggle in the old covered market, admire the fortress gates, and explore several other fascinating sights. We'll spend the night in Damascus.
Day 4: Journey to Bosra
We'll embark on a two-hour drive to Bosra, situated near the Jordanian border. Once the capital of the Roman province of Arabia, Bosra was a crucial stop on the ancient caravan route to Mecca. The city boasts an exceptionally well-preserved Roman theatre from the 2nd century, intriguing early Christian ruins, and several historic mosques.
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'll journey from Damascus into the Syrian desert to visit Palmyra, an ancient city dating back to the third millennium BC. This historic metropolis was a vital center in the Middle East and a crucial trading post along the Silk Road. Palmyra's architecture uniquely blends Greco-Roman styles with Persian and Arabian influences, making it one of the most significant archaeological sites in Syria, the Middle East, and indeed, the world.
After exploring Palmyra, we'll head west to Homs, where we'll make a stop at the impressive Khaled Ibn Al Waled Mosque. As the day draws to a close, we'll arrive at the "Valley of the Christians" (Wadi al-Nasara), our resting place for the night.
Day 6: The Valley of Christians (Wadi al-Nasara), Krak des Chevaliers, and St. George Monastery; Tartus; LatakiaToday, we'll explore the main attractions of the "Valley of Christians" — the magnificent Krak des Chevaliers fortress and the historic St. George Monastery.
We'll continue to the coastal city of Tartus, where we'll visit the Citadel, the Cathedral of Our Lady of Tortosa, and enjoy a stroll along the seaside boulevard.
Next, we'll head to Latakia, a picturesque city on the Mediterranean coast. This evening, we'll have time for a brief walk and a quick dinner before retiring for the night in Latakia.
Day 7: Latakia
Today, we'll explore Latakia in depth. Our itinerary includes the Latakia Tetraporticus (Triumphal Arch of Septimius Severus), erected to honor the Roman Emperor, the ruins of the Temple of Bacchus, and the Latin Church. If time allows, we'll visit additional sites.
In the late afternoon, we'll drive to Aleppo for our overnight stay.
Day 8: Aleppo
We'll dedicate today to Aleppo, Syria's second-largest city. Our tour will encompass the Citadel and its museum, the covered market, the historic Baron Hotel, the Umayyad Mosque, and several other fascinating locations. We'll spend another 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.
Our next stop will be the ancient Christian villages of Sednaya and Maaloula, renowned for their historic monasteries.
In the evening, we'll make our way back to Damascus for 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!
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