Tour to Syria

November 6-15, 2026 (9 days)

Group confirmed — this trip is guaranteed to run!
Register now

FACTS ABOUT THE TOUR

  • €1835 + flights
    Estimated travel expenses (excluding flights and food). Details below.
  • 9 days
    8 days in Syria + flights
  • Simple trip
    An easy trip. Climbing of 350 steps may be required.
  • Up to 12 travellers in a group.
    We keep groups small for the best experience!
  • Adventure, cultural, experiential.
    Type of the tour.
  • Damascus
    Start and end points of the tour.
    You may also join the tour in Istanbul.

About the Syrian Tour

November 6-15, 2026 – I invite you to explore Syria together! We will travel only to the areas that are safe for tourists at that time.


What makes Syria so special – what we'll see and experience:

  • We'll walk through some of the oldest cities in the world — Damascus and Aleppo
  • Share a traditional dinner with a local family in Aleppo
  • Visit Krak des Chevaliers — one of the most impressive Crusader castles in the world
  • Marvel at the mysterious ruins of Palmyra, echoing the glory of the Silk Road and the Roman Empire
  • Spend the night in an active 6th-century Christian monastery — St. Moses (Mar Musa) Monastery, hidden in the mountains
  • Relax by the Mediterranean at the coastal city of Latakia
  • Walk through the best-preserved Roman amphitheater in the world, in the basalt town of Bosra
  • Indulge in relaxation at a traditional hammam in Aleppo.

Why should you choose this tour?

  • Heritage
    During the journey, we visit everything a first-time traveler would want to see: Damascus, Palmyra, Aleppo, nature.
  • Small Group
    We travel with a small group, which makes us flexible and fast. This way, we see and experience more than when traveling with a large group.
  • Price
    As far as we know, this is the best price you can find. Also we will fly directly to Damascus and start tour there and not in neighbouring country.

ITINERARY OF THE TOUR
(Itinerary is still under improvement)

November 6 (Friday) – Flight to Damascus
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 at 00:30 AM on Saturday, November 7.
November 7 (Saturday) – Arrival in Damascus and Old City Walk
Our journey begins with arrival at Damascus International Airport (DAM) at 00:30 AM. We head directly to our boutique hotel nestled in the heart of the Old City to sleep.
In the morning we start by walking through the historic Bab Touma quarter, then continue along the legendary Straight Street, stopping at Ananias Church. From there, we head toward Bab Sharqi (Eastern Gate). Passing through the gate, we follow the ancient eastern wall of the city to Bab Keisan and Saint Paul's Chapel.
Next, we wander through the narrow alleys of the Old City to the vibrant Souk al-Bzouriyeh. We then visit the magnificent Khan As'ad Pasha — a stunning Ottoman caravanserai — and the beautifully preserved 18th-century Qasr al-Azm palace.
We continue to the majestic Umayyad Mosque, one of the oldest and grandest in the Islamic world, and pay our respects at the Mausoleum of Saladin. The day concludes with a walk through the famous Souk al-Hamidiyeh, where we'll enjoy the legendary Bakdash ice cream. Dinner and overnight stay in Damascus.
November 8 (Sunday) – Saidnaya, Maaloula & Overnight in Mar Musa Monastery
We depart Damascus at 8:00 AM and begin with a scenic drive to a viewpoint overlooking the Saidnaya Prison — a site with a complex and somber history. From there, we continue to the Monastery of Our Lady of Saidnaya, an important pilgrimage site known for its deep spiritual atmosphere and ancient icons.
Our journey then takes us to the extraordinary village of Maaloula, where the ancient Aramaic language — once spoken by Jesus — is still alive. We explore the Monastery of Saints Sergius and Bacchus, where we may hear the Lord's Prayer in Aramaic and, if fortunate, meet nuns who survived captivity — powerful living witnesses of faith and resilience. We also walk through the dramatic Maaloula canyon, which has become a sacred path of devotion.
In the afternoon, we continue to the remote and breathtaking Mar Musa Monastery, nestled into the mountainside. We aim to arrive around 2:30 PM, when the monastery welcomes visitors. Reaching the monastery requires climbing approximately 350 stone steps — a symbolic ascent into silence and simplicity.
This active 6th-century monastic site invites us to disconnect from the outside world and reconnect inwardly. Surrounded by ancient frescoes, we'll learn about the community's resource-conscious way of life, including sustainable water use. There will also be time for hiking and quiet contemplation in the serene mountain surroundings.
Shortly after arriving, we join the monastic community for a shared lunch. Overnight stay in the monastery.
November 9 (Monday) – Homs, Krak des Chevaliers & Almishtaya
After a peaceful overnight at Mar Musa Monastery, we depart at 8:30 AM and descend from its tranquil heights, continuing our journey to the city of Homs. Here we visit the striking Mosque of Khalid ibn al-Walid, dedicated to one of the most prominent military leaders in early Islamic history, before taking a walk through the Homs city centre, which also gives us a direct look at the scars left by recent conflicts.
In the afternoon, we explore one of the crown jewels of Syria's medieval architecture — the mighty Krak des Chevaliers (Qal'at al-Hisn). Considered one of the best-preserved Crusader castles in the world and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, this fortress still impresses with its massive walls, towers, and sweeping hilltop views.
We conclude the day in the charming Christian village of Almishtaya, nestled in the hills, arriving around 3:30 PM. Here, we enjoy a peaceful evening, have dinner, and rest for the night surrounded by the quiet beauty of the countryside.
Overnight stay in Almishtaya.
November 10 (Tuesday) – Latakia, the Citadel of Saladin & Hama
We leave Almishtaya at 8:00 AM, driving along the Homs–Tartus motorway toward the coast (roughly 145 km, about 2 hours). Around 10:00 AM, we stop at the Latakia seafront, Syria's largest port city and its main gateway to the Mediterranean, where we take in a different, more relaxed rhythm of Syrian life over lunch and a leisurely walk along the shore.
Around noon, a short drive of about 35 km (around 1 hour) takes us to the Citadel of Saladin (Qal'at Salah ad-Din), a mountain-top fortress every bit as dramatic as Krak des Chevaliers. Built up through Byzantine, Crusader, and Ayyubid periods, the castle is best known as the site of one of Saladin's decisive victories in 1188. We spend roughly two hours exploring its walls, towers and sweeping views.
In the afternoon, around 3:00 PM, we continue to Hama (about 90 km, around 2 hours), arriving at our hotel by 5:00 PM, before dark.
In the evening, we take a short walk to see Hama's famous water wheels (Norias) illuminated after dark, gently turning on the Orontes River as they have for centuries. Overnight stay in Hama.
November 11 (Wednesday) – Hama, Apamea, Serjilla & Aleppo
We spend the morning in Hama, strolling through the old town and visiting the Qasr al-Azm palace, now a museum dedicated to local heritage and folk traditions, before departing at 8:30 AM for the ancient site of Apamea, a significant Hellenistic city founded around 300 BCE. Famous for its impressive colonnaded street, stretching nearly 2 kilometers, it stands as a silent witness to its former grandeur as a hub on the Silk Road.
We then continue to the haunting ruins of Serjilla, a remarkably preserved example of the so-called Dead Cities of northwest Syria — abandoned stone villages dating back to the 5th century that offer a fascinating glimpse into early Byzantine rural life. Time and conditions permitting, we may also stop at Al-Bara, another of these remarkable Dead Cities.
In the afternoon, we continue to Aleppo, arriving around 4:30 PM.
Overnight stay in Aleppo.
November 12 (Thursday) – A Full Day in Aleppo
A full day dedicated to discovering Aleppo, one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities. We start with a visit to the iconic Aleppo Citadel, towering above the city center with panoramic views and centuries of history. Next, we enter the vibrant Aleppo Souks — a maze of covered markets among the largest and oldest in the Middle East — and visit a traditional Laurel Soap workshop, where artisans continue an 800-year-old craft.
We continue with the restorative ritual of a traditional hammam, a historic bathhouse hidden within the souk, offering a deep scrub, massage, and steam in an ancient Aleppine tradition.
In the evening, we are welcomed into the home of a local Aleppian family for a shared dinner — a warm and memorable cultural exchange, filled with conversation, storytelling and genuine hospitality.
Overnight stay in Aleppo.
November 13 (Friday) – Southern Aleppo's Mud-Domed Villages & Palmyra's Grandeur
We depart at 8:00 AM and drive to southern Aleppo to visit a community of Beehive Houses — centuries-old mud-brick domed dwellings known for their natural insulation and unique architecture. A local guide with ancestral roots in the region shares personal insights into their construction, sustainability, and cultural significance.
We then continue our journey across the semi-desert toward the legendary ruins of Palmyra, often called the "Pearl of the Semi-Desert," arriving between 1:30 and 2:00 PM. The rest of the day is ours to explore the vast archaeological site with a local guide, beginning with the haunting remains of the once-iconic Temple of Bel, where surviving gateway columns still stand as solemn witnesses to the cultural loss suffered in 2015. We continue to the Arch of Triumph, the underground tombs, the Zenobia Bath, the Roman Amphitheater, the majestic Colonnaded Street, and the ancient Agora.
In the late afternoon, we gather to watch the sunset from the Palmyra Citadel, a breathtaking finale to the day.
Overnight stay in Palmyra.
November 14 (Saturday) – Bosra's Ancient Wonders & Return to Damascus
We leave Palmyra at 8:00 AM for Bosra, a journey of around 5 hours along the road toward Damascus. We arrive in Bosra between 1:00 and 1:30 PM, in the rarely visited southern reaches of Syria, known for its striking dark basalt architecture, a legacy of its volcanic history.
Over the next two hours, with lunch included, we explore the stunning Bosra Colosseum, renowned as the most complete Roman amphitheater in the world, and walk through the old Roman town and its basalt streets.
Around 3:30 PM, we set off on the return leg toward Damascus (about 2–2.5 hours), arriving in the city between 5:30 and 6:00 PM. The remaining hours are flexible — an opportunity for final exploration, relaxed reflection, or browsing the souks for last-minute souvenirs. We gather for a final dinner together, sharing impressions and memories of the extraordinary journey through Syria.
Overnight stay in Damascus.
November 15 (Sunday) – Return home from Damascus
We transfer to Damascus International Airport for our departure flight at 12:05 PM.
All timings given throughout this itinerary are approximate, as road conditions and checkpoints may affect the schedule.

Budget of the Tour

Visa – acquired at Damascus airport. Price depends on your passport. Around 150 USD (approx €135)
Accommodation, local transport, entrance tickets, guides, stay in a monastery with lunch and breakfast, 3 h long pleasure in hammam of Alepo, dinner with local family – 1500 USD (approx. €1300), paid in Syria – no prepayment required.
Organizational fee – €400 (paid upon registration).
TOTAL: approx. €1835 + flights.
Meals and other personal expenses are not included, except breakfasts, one lunch and one dinner.
Estimated food prices: shawarma sandwich – €3, falafel – €1.5, lunch or dinner – €15–25.
Accommodation is in 3-star twin rooms with air conditioning, private bathroom and shower. A/C may not work all the time in Damascus hotel, because of electricity shortages. Breakfast is always included.
If you’d like to join the group, please fill out the registration form. Also follow SpaceTravel on Facebook.
To confirm your spot, I will ask you to transfer a €400 advance payment (organizational fee). Please note that this fee is non-refundable in case of cancellation.

NEXT STEPS
  1. Fill out the registration form
  2. Within 1 day you’ll receive a confirmation email and payment details for the €400 advance
  3. Transfer the €400 organizational fee
  4. I’ll confirm once the payment is received. I will then send the exact dates and times for flight booking, once the group is formed and it’s time to buy tickets
  5. You purchase your flight tickets
Register now

Vladas Sapranavičius

The Organizer and Leader of the Tour
Syria is one of the cradles of the world’s oldest civilizations—a land where every stone tells a story thousands of years old, and every street breathes history. For a long time, the country was closed to the world, but now it is quietly, gracefully, and cautiously reopening—only to those who travel not just to see, but to truly feel.
This is not just a trip—it is a journey to the origins of humanity, to cities once walked by prophets, kings, and poets. Damascus, Aleppo, Maaloula, Palmyra—these are not just names from textbooks; they are living, breathing worlds where light and shadow still exist side by side.
I created this route with deep respect for the country, its people, and its destiny. Every encounter with locals, every dinner in the old town, every prayer or song becomes a key to Syria’s soul—a soul that is strong, gentle, and incredibly hospitable.
This is a journey of contrasts: of architecture rising from ashes, of deserts and green valleys, of mosques and ancient Christian monasteries. And at the same time, it is a journey into stillness, into a meeting with something within ourselves that has yet to be discovered.
Syria does not stay in photos. It stays in the heart. I invite you to take this step with me—while this rare window of opportunity remains open. I will ensure your safety, comfort, and that this journey becomes one of the most meaningful stories of your life.
About Vladas Sapranavičius' Experience in the Middle East
Vladas has been traveling in the Middle East since 1999. He has visited Iran, Iraq, Syria, Jordan, UAE, Yemen and Egypt. Vladas has led around 20 traveler groups through Iran, Yemen and Iraq.
Advantages of Traveling with Vladas:
  • The trips are enriched with unique experiences (visits to local artisans, home visits with locals, etc.).
  • The journeys introduce local customs and provide insight into the real life and mindset of the people.
  • There is always a Plan B, C, and beyond, which is especially important in such a dynamic region as the Middle East.
Vladas Sapranavičius is not a travel organizer who sells travel packages and takes any responsibility for flights, accommodations, or anything like that. He is a trip leader who gathers a group of like-minded individuals for the journey. Tickets are purchased independently, and payment for hotels and transportation is made on-site during the trip. Vladas does not insure travelers during the trip. All travelers assume all possible risks themselves and can purchase the desired insurance for the duration of the trip.
Nevertheless, Vladas will assist you with all these matters.
REGISTER TO THE TOUR
Fill separate form for every person registering
Agreement

Frequently Asked Questions

Check our other tours
A 7-day journey through Yemen’s hidden heart — from mudbrick skyscrapers to sacred valleys.
Traveling with a small group, guided by locals, with all logistics handled for a seamless and safe experience.
Find more
Contact me
Vladas Sapranavičius
Tour Organizer and Leader
Phone: +370 650 77378
Email: vladas@spacetravel.lt