THROUGH THE WONDERS OF THE ARAB LEVANT
March 20 ⇾ March 28
December 22 ⇾ December 30
In addition to our regular group departures to Syria, we also offer tour services for private travel parties and lone wolves alike. As a traveller-oriented boutique operator, tailored trips and bespoke adventures are our bread and butter. Get in touch for more info on our customised journeys to Syria.
Moral qualms about travelling to Syria? Have a look at our FAQ or shoot us a message to learn more on how an ethical visit to Syria is going to support local communities, young and independent freelance Syrian guides, and small businesses alike.
DAY 1 to DAY 2 - Damascus
Damascus can be either reached overland from Lebanon or by direct flight via the UAE, Qatar or Kuwait; we will assist you in the booking process: get in touch for more info on this option.
Beirut Option: our guide will meet you at Beirut International Airport and take care of your transfer to the Syrian Arab Republic along the legendary Beirut-Damascus highway.
Damascus Flight: our guide will meet you at Damascus International Airport and take care of the transfer to our hotel of choice in downtown Damascus.
We'll then spend two days touring Damascus and its many cultural, historical and architectural wonders, the latter also including a surprisingly vast amount of Soviet-inspired architecture, monuments and memorials (such as the astounding October War Panorama Museum and the neo-rationalist headquarters of the Syrian National Bank).
During our time in the city, we'll also have the unique chance to meet with the locals, the gentle and proud Damascene people, who will share with us their delicious food and their unique views about the complex and often misrepresented proxy conflict that has strangled the Syrian Arab Republic.
Overnights in Damascus.
DAY 3 - Palmyra
Early morning start and transfer to legendary Palmyra, an oasis in the Syrian desert home to the monumental remnants of what was once one of the most important cultural centres of the ancient world.
Full day devoted to Palmyra and its imposing ruins, including the Arch of Triumph, the Great Colonnade, the Theatre, the Agora and the Tower Tombs.
Afternoon desert drive to the historical city of Homs, known in pre-Islamic Syria as Emesa.
Overnight in Homs.
DAY 4 - Homs and Almishtaya
Morning tour around the old city of Homs and visit to the charming little town of Almishtaya in the Valley of Christians.
In the afternoon we’ll then pay a mandatory visit to the mighty Krak des Chevaliers, one of the best preserved medieval castles in the world.
Overnight in Almishtaya.
DAY 5 - Tartus and Arwad
In the morning we'll drive to Tartus, a booming seaside resort town, where we will enjoy a short stroll around downtown before we hit the lively city beach for some fresh seafood.
In the afternoon we’ll then take a quick boat trip to the little-known picturesque islet of Arwad, the country’s only inhabited island, and a true highlight of your trip.
Overnight in Tartus.
DAY 6 to DAY 7 - Hama and Aleppo
In the morning we will head east towards Hama, renowned for its seventeen norias (giant wooden wheels) used for watering the gardens, which are locally claimed to date back to 1100 BC.
After having toured Hama and its engineering miracles, we’ll eventually move on to Aleppo, a biblical metropolis of glorious past and troubled present that needs no introduction.
We'll then devote the following day entirely to the city’s legendary sights: Aleppo’s citadel, the covered grand bazaar, Bab Al Faraj square, the Umayed mosque and much more.
As in Damascus, we’ll also carve out enough time to meet with local Aleppine folks, who will unveil for us the untold stories and hidden facets of their mythical hometown.
Overnights in Aleppo.
DAY 8 - Damascus
Full-day long drive back to Damascus across Western Syria with late-afternoon arrival in the country’s capital.
En route to Damascus we’ll stop in the ancient Aramaic village of Maaloula, built into the rugged mountainside, at an altitude of more than 1500 metres, and known as one of the only three remaining spots in the world where Jesus Christ of Nazareth’s own language (Western Aramaic) is still spoken.
Overnight in Damascus.
DAY 9 - FAREWELL TO SYRIA
1990 €
INCLUSIONS
Double/twin-room accommodation (breakfast included), private transport in Syria (car/minivan), all entrance fees, English-speaking guiding service, 24/7 on-site and remote assistance.
EXCLUSIONS
Single supplement, transfer from/to Beirut (300 € per vehicle), international flights, main meals (lunches and dinners), extra drinks, visa fees (if required), tips, travel insurance.
Moral qualms about travelling to Syria? Have a look at our FAQ and shoot us a message to learn more on how your visit to Syria is going to support local communities and freelance Syrian guides.
LEGAL DISCLAIMER – Soviet Tours works neither with nor for the Syrian Ministry of Tourism nor any other government agencies of the Syrian Arab Republic. Neither monetary transactions nor any kind of formal or informal communications are currently taking place (or have taken place in the past) between Soviet Tours and the Syrian Government or any of its branches or any other internationally sanctioned state or private entities within the Syrian Arab Republic. The local guides we collaborate with are all freelancers and/or solo traders and – to our best knowledge – are not associated in any form with the Syrian Government or any of its branches or any other internationally sanctioned state or private entities within the Syrian Arab Republic. The use of our company’s logo/name and/or extracts from our website by the Syrian Government or any of its branches or any other internationally sanctioned state or private entities within the Syrian Arab Republic has not been authorised by Soviet Tours. Das Anbieten/Vermitteln/Veranstalten/Durchführen von Reiseleistungen nach/in Syrien stellt keinen Verstoß gegen bestehende EU/DE Sanktionen dar, da der reine Fremdenverkehr für touristische Zwecke – sofern es keine Zusammenarbeit mit sanktionierten Organisationen/Behörden besteht – eine der wenigen Sparten der syrischen Wirtschaft ist, die von den besagten Sanktionen nicht betroffen wird.
Tours to Syria | Travel to Syria | Visit Syria | Damascus Tours