This Expedition is currently closed for applications.
Trip dates: TBD 2021. Total of 8 days / 7 nights.
Before you start, you need to know that currently, Syria is not open to visitors and that our group trip is a very rare exception during this pandemic. It’s an incredible opportunity to explore Syria like never before and to make new travel friends that share your same mindset and passion!
Itinerary
Day 1: Damascus
Meet and assist with private vehicle pick-up from Beirut Airport.
Old Damascus city tour. We’ll discover the finest gems this ancient city has to offer like Azem Palace, the gorgeous Omayyad Mosque, the Church of St. Ananias, the straight street, Asaad Basha Khan, as well as explore Hamidiah Bazaar.
Overnight in Beit Alwali, a five-star hotel, and the most beautiful place to stay in Damascus.
Day 2: Busra
After breakfast, we’ll visit the city of Busra, the once capital of the Roman province of Arabia, and important stopover in the ancient caravan route to Mecca. A magnificent 2nd-century Roman theatre, early Christian ruins, and several mosques are found within its walls to this day.
Overnight in the village of Mishtaya, near Homs.
Day 3: Palmyra & Homs
Morning departure to Palmyra; an oasis in the Syrian desert, north-east of Damascus, Palmyra contains the monumental ruins of a great city that was one of the most important cultural centres of the ancient world, and to and witness the effect ISIS left in the beautiful city.
Later we’ll move to Homs city, you’ll be invited by a local family to try traditional Syrian meals! Then, we will visit the Saint Mary Church of the Holy Belt, and witness the destruction that happened in the city.
Return to Mishtaya village, overnight in Alwadi Hotel.
Day 4: Krak des Chevaliers, Hama & Aleppo.
After breakfast, we will depart to the magnificent crusader castle (Krak des Chevaliers) that dates back to the 11th century, and we can have lunch accompanied by an amazing view.
Then, we’ll head to the city of Hama to see the famous waterwheels (Norias) and have lunch there.
We’ll continue to Aleppo city for dinner, and overnight in Aleppo Palace Hotel.
Day 5: Aleppo.
After breakfast, we will go to explore the beautiful oriental flavored city of Aleppo, and visit its famous citadel, that is considered to be one of the oldest and largest castles in the world, and have a walk through the old city.
Dinner, and overnight in Aleppo Palace hotel.
Day 6: Saydnay, Maaloula & Damascus
After breakfast, head to the village of Maaloula, where Aramaic, the language of Christ is still spoken to visit the famous monastery of Saint Thecla and the famous mountain path that holds her name and the monastery of Saints Sergius and Bacchus.
After that, we head to Saydnaya to visit All-Holy Virgin Monastery, return to Damascus, overnight in Beit Alwali Hotel.
Day 7: Damascus
We will continue our tour in Damascus, visit the National Museum (10 000 years of culture) handicraft market (the best handmade crafts of the Middle East, and Tekkyieh Mosque.
Afterwards, we’ll take the train to Have lunch in (Rabweh), and enjoy the beautiful nature.
Dinner, and overnight in Beit Alwali Hotel, and for our last night, we’ll go to a party in the old city!
Day 8: Damascus to Beirut.
Last morning. Free time to buy some souvenirs and head back to Beirut at noon.
The trip includes:
Transfer to and from Beirut: in a private vehicle and assistance at the borders (entry and exit).
Local Transport: all transportation on the tour in Syria.
Accommodation: 7 nights in single occupancy. 3 nights in a 5-star hotel in Damascus and 4 nights in 3/4-star hotels in Mishtaya and Aleppo.
Meals included: Breakfast and one lunch at a local family home.
Guiding & Entrance fees: We’ll be guided at all times and entrance tickets are paid covered.
Security clearance: an essential permit to be able to visit the country.
The trip doesn’t include:
Insurance: Chances are your usual travel insurance won’t cover you in Syria, hence you will need to cover your risks with special insurance for this trip.
Flights to Lebanon: International flights to Beirut aren’t included.
Visa: with the security clearance, it will be issued at the border on arrival (NO NEED TO APPLY AT AN EMBASSY). European citizens usually pay 80 euros. US citizens pay $160.
Meals not included: lunches and dinners are not included so that everyone has the flexibility to eat according to their needs and preferences. The goal is to eat together, a light lunch and a feast for dinner, to maximize our exploration time, but we rather not be strict when it comes to meals.
PCR tests: You will likely be requested a PCR upon departure. The cost is around $100.
Discretional purchases: Your personal expenses, snacks, drinks, souvenirs, or other exceptional purchases are not included.
IMPORTANT! If you want to be one of the fortunate travelers selected for the Syria Expedition be sure to:
- Understand the destination and the risks involved.
- Make sure the dates work for you! You need 100% assurance that you can take off on those dates.
- Send us your travel resume and your background (nationality of your passport, city you are based in, age, previous travel experience, usual travel style…) on the contact email as we’ll carry out a selection process.
- A negative COVID test will be required for everyone’s safety prior to visiting.
- This is a one time opportunity, but make sure you’re responsible enough to understand what it entails. If you have any doubts, just email us on the contact below.
