Tour to Syria

Flight from your location to Damascus, Syria.
Tour leader Vladas Sapranavičius and majority of the group will travel to Damascus via Istanbul.
You may join us in Istanbul or Damascus!
We plan to arrive to Damascus airport on 9:50 AM on Saturday, May 11 morning.

[WE CURRENTLY CHANGE THE ITINERARY AND DESCRIPTION, BECAUSE THE START AND END POINT OF THE TOUR CHANGED. IT IS NOW DAMASCUS AND NOT AMMAN.]
Once in Damascus, we’ll check in at a cozy boutique hotel in the Old City, decorated in authentic Damascene style.
After a light lunch – perhaps shawarma or falafel – we’ll begin our first exploration of Syria’s capital. During a two-hour walking tour, we’ll visit the Ananias Church – one of the oldest Christian worship sites – as well as Bab Kisan and the Church of Saint Paul, which commemorates his conversion story.
Continuing our walk, we’ll stroll down the Straight Street (Via Recta), mentioned in the Bible, and dive deeper into the narrow, fragrant, history-filled alleys of Old Damascus.
In the evening, we’ll enjoy a traditional Syrian dinner and have the chance to relax at a local café or return to the hotel after a day full of first impressions.

After breakfast at the hotel, we’ll dive into a full day of exploring Damascus's rich historical and cultural heritage. We’ll begin with a visit to the National Museum of Syria, whose exhibits trace the country's history from ancient civilizations to modern times.
Next, we’ll admire the Sulaymaniyya Takiyya architectural complex – a striking Ottoman-era monument built during the reign of Suleiman the Magnificent. From there, we’ll continue to the Hejaz Railway Station, a historic building that once connected Damascus to Medina by train.
In the afternoon, we’ll immerse ourselves in the lively and colorful Souk al-Hamidiyeh – not just a market, but the beating heart of local culture. We’ll take a break to enjoy the famous Bakdash ice cream, known across the Middle East for its unique texture and flavor.
We’ll then visit the majestic Umayyad Mosque, one of the oldest and most important Islamic places of worship in the world. Nearby, we’ll pay our respects at the Mausoleum of Saladin, the final resting place of the legendary warrior and leader.
Next comes a sensory experience in the Souk al-Bzouriyeh – the spice market – a true symphony of colors, aromas, and sounds. Spices, sweets, and local products fill the air with their rich fragrance.
Another highlight of the day will be Qasr al-Azm, an 18th-century Ottoman palace that offers a glimpse into the grandeur of old Damascus. We’ll end the day with a visit to Khan As'ad Pasha, an impressive caravanserai known for its unique architecture and historical ambiance.
After this day full of impressions, we’ll enjoy dinner and a restful evening in our atmospheric oriental-style guesthouse in the Old City.

We begin the week by heading north from Damascus, with Aleppo as our final destination for the day. Along the way, we’ll pass through some of Syria’s most powerful historical and spiritual landmarks.
Our first stop will be a scenic viewpoint overlooking the recently liberated Saidnaya prison, a place that reflects the country’s complex and painful past. From there, we continue to the town of Saidnaya, known for its revered Greek Orthodox Monastery of Our Lady of Saidnaya, which remains an important pilgrimage site and a source of spiritual comfort to this day.
Next, we’ll visit Maaloula, a Christian town where the Aramaic language—the language spoken by Jesus—is still alive. We’ll explore the Monastery of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, and may even have the rare opportunity to hear the Lord’s Prayer recited in Aramaic. You'll also hear remarkable stories about the nuns of Maaloula, some of whom endured kidnappings and captivity during the war.
From there, we’ll take a short hike through Saint Thecla’s canyon. Local legend says the mountain miraculously split to allow Thecla to escape her persecutors—making this not just a physical journey, but a spiritual one as well.
On the way to Aleppo, we’ll stop in Homs, where we’ll visit the Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque, an important religious site in the Islamic world. Here, you’ll also witness the visible scars left by years of conflict. We’ll recharge with a taste of the local dessert Halawat Al-Jobn, a delicate sweet made from cheese and semolina.
By late afternoon, we’ll arrive in Aleppo, Syria’s second-largest city. After checking in at our centrally located hotel, we’ll enjoy dinner at a local eatery offering authentic Aleppian falafel and kebabs. In the evening, there will be time for a brief exploration of the city—perhaps visiting a local exhibition, meeting artists, or simply strolling through Aleppo’s heart.
Overnight in Aleppo.

After breakfast, we’ll delve deeper into the spirit of Aleppo. Our first stop of the day is the magnificent Aleppo Citadel, one of the oldest and largest medieval fortresses in the world. We’ll spend about two hours exploring this history-rich site—from its defensive gates to towers and hidden passages. If we're lucky, our guide may even lead us through one of the secret underground tunnels—a rare and thrilling experience.
We’ll enjoy lunch at a restaurant near the citadel, offering great views of local life unfolding nearby. Afterward, we’ll head into the historic souks of Aleppo—a maze of arched alleyways and market stalls, once among the most beautiful and extensive in the Middle East. Though parts of the souks were damaged during the war, walking through them today reveals not only their former grandeur but also the determination of the people to rebuild their city.
We’ll visit a traditional Aleppo laurel soap artisan, where we’ll witness an 800-year-old soap-making process still performed by hand. There will be an opportunity to purchase authentic, natural soap as souvenirs.
In the afternoon, we plan to visit the Aleppo National Museum. Although it was closed following the 2023 earthquake, we hope it will be reopened by the time of our visit. The museum houses some of Northern Syria’s most significant archaeological artifacts.
Later, we’ll stop at the legendary Baron Hotel, once a symbol of elegance and luxury, having hosted famous figures such as Lawrence of Arabia and Agatha Christie. Though the hotel is currently non-operational, we’ll have the chance to explore its historic interior and hear stories from the hotel manager about its notable guests and the challenges faced during the war.
We’ll end the day by watching the sunset from a scenic viewpoint overlooking the city, followed by dinner near the citadel at a restaurant known for its finest Aleppian cuisine.
Overnight in Aleppo.

After breakfast in Aleppo, we’ll head north to one of Syria’s most mysterious archaeological sites – the Church of Saint Simeon Stylites. This impressive early Christian complex was built on the site where the ascetic Saint Simeon is believed to have spent decades living atop a pillar in devotion.
On the way, we’ll pass through the region of the so-called Dead Cities – dozens of abandoned ancient settlements that once flourished with trade, agriculture, and thriving Christian communities. These sites have only recently become accessible to travelers again, offering a rare glimpse into untouched historical remnants far from mainstream tourism.
In the afternoon, we’ll return to Aleppo for lunch. Later, we’ll embark on a special cultural experience – a journey to villages in Southern Aleppo, where people still live in traditional mudbrick “beehive” houses. A local guide, originally from this region, will introduce us to the construction techniques, sustainability, and everyday life within these ancient dwellings. It’s a living link to traditions that have endured for millennia.
We’ll enjoy dinner in Aleppo, sharing impressions from the day and preparing for the next stage of our journey.
Overnight in Aleppo.

Today is dedicated to several diverse yet equally impressive locations. After a light breakfast in Aleppo, we’ll head toward Apamea – once a powerful Hellenistic city founded around 300 BC. We’ll walk along its grand colonnaded street, lined with thousands of stone columns, and imagine the city’s past as a major military and trade hub.
Continuing our journey, we’ll reach the city of Hama, famous for its iconic ancient norias (water wheels). These architectural marvels are not only visually striking but also illustrate how ancient civilizations addressed irrigation needs. We’ll have lunch by the river – a scenic and peaceful spot, perfect for a short rest.
In the afternoon, we’ll visit one of the tour’s highlights – Krak des Chevaliers, one of the best-preserved Crusader castles in the world. Perched on a hill above the valley, this fortress offers both a deep dive into medieval military architecture and breathtaking panoramic views.
We’ll spend the evening in the Christian village of Almishtaya, where we’ll check in at a local hotel. Dinner at the Le Monde restaurant will introduce us to another regional flavor of Syria. If we have energy left, we may enjoy a quiet evening stroll through the peaceful village.
Overnight in Almishtaya.

After breakfast in Almishtaya, we’ll set off on an unforgettable journey to Palmyra – the ancient city that once served as one of the most important trading hubs along the Silk Road. The three-hour drive through the semi-desert will feel like a gradual passage into the grandeur of the past.
In Palmyra, a local guide will lead us on a comprehensive tour of the remaining structures from this once-glorious city of temples, squares, and theaters. Among the highlights: the former site of the Temple of Bel, the Arch of Triumph, the Three Brothers underground tombs, Zenobia’s Baths, the Roman Amphitheater, the grand Colonnaded Street, the Agora, and more—each bringing to life the spirit of Roman and Syrian civilizations.
Though much of Palmyra was tragically destroyed in 2015, the ruins that remain still bear witness to its immense cultural, political, and spiritual significance. Our guide will not only explain the archaeological aspects but will also share moving stories of the events that unfolded there in recent decades.
For lunch, we plan to stop along the way—if possible, at a traditional Bedouin tent, where we’ll have the chance to experience nomadic hospitality and cuisine.
After a full and emotionally rich day in Palmyra, we’ll return to Damascus. The drive back takes approximately three hours, and in the evening, we’ll enjoy dinner and rest at our familiar hotel in the heart of the Old City.

Our final day begins with an early breakfast, followed by a journey to the rarely visited yet historically rich southern region of Syria, heading toward the city of Bosra. On the way to the Jordanian border, we’ll pass near the Golan Heights, where the dark, volcanic landscape offers a striking visual contrast.
Upon arrival in Bosra, we’ll visit one of the most important monuments of the Roman world – the Bosra Amphitheater. Widely considered the best-preserved Roman theater in the world, it once held up to 15,000 spectators and still boasts remarkable acoustics. As we walk through its arched corridors and sit on its ancient stone seats, we’ll feel transported to the days of classical antiquity.
We’ll then explore the rest of Bosra’s old town, which includes the oldest mosque in Syria and a church tied to a key episode in the Prophet Muhammad’s youth – it is believed that in this very place, the monk Bahira foresaw the boy’s extraordinary future.
Lunch will be served at a local Bosra restaurant, where we’ll enjoy traditional dishes. Afterwards, we’ll have some time for last-minute souvenir shopping and photos. If possible, we’ll make a quick stop at the Presidential Palace on the outskirts of Damascus for a final photo opportunity.
Our journey will conclude with a crossing of the Syria–Jordan border and a return to Amman, marking the end of this unforgettable adventure.

In the morning, you either fly home or stay for 5 more days to continue exploring the Middle East in Jordan. Detailed information about the tour will be added later, but it will definitely include Jerash, Amman, Petra, and the Dead Sea.