Description
Overview
From Damascus, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world, explore its labyrinthine souks, ancient mosques, and beautiful churches. Onward to Aleppo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its centuries-old citadel, traditional bazaar, and a glimpse into the country’s storied ancient and recent past.
Venture east to the desert city of Palmyra, once a thriving trade hub of the Roman Empire, where the ruins of temples, colonnades, and a grand theater stand as echoes of its glorious history. A coastal detour brings you to Arwad Island, Syria’s only inhabited island, known for its ancient fortresses, and maritime traditions.
Itinerary
Damascus
Day 1
Welcome to Damascus!
On arrival in Damascus, we will check in to our hotel, followed by lunch in the city.
In the afternoon and evening, we will explore the life and culture of Damascus.
Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Damascus
Day 2:
After breakfast at the hotel, we will get out and see more of what Damascus has to offer including visits to the national museum to learn about the history of Syria and the stunning Ummyyaad Mosque.
In the afternoon, we will take time to explore historic sites such as Azm Palace and have some time to shop in the old souqs of Damascus.
Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Maaloula | Mar Musa | Homs | Aleppo
Day 3
Departing Damascus today, we head to the rugged mountainside town of Maaloula, a place where the ancient Aramaic language is still spoken, where we will visit two of its famous monasteries.
Moving on to Mar Musa, we will have the chance to walk up to the Monastery of Saint Moses the Abyssinian, where we will have the chance to have lunch.
In the afternoon we will continue to the city of Homs, before finishing our journey in Aleppo for the night.
Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Aleppo
Day 4
Today, we will have a full day to explore the highlights of Aleppo. This will include a visit to the famous Aleppo Citadel, wandering Aleppo’s sprawling souqs, and a stop at one of Aleppo’s most prized soap factories.
Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Apamea | Salaladin Castle | Latakia
Day 5
Departing Aleppo in the morning, we first stop to explore the ancient Greek and Roman city of Apamea, taking time to see its impressive colonnade.
From Apamea, we drive up into Syria’s mountains, stopping for a delicious roadside tandur lunch en route to Salaladin Castle, with epic views down to Syria’s Mediterranean Coast.
In the late afternoon, we will plan to arrive to the seaside city of Latakia.
Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Dinner
Ugarit | Arwad | Amrit | Tartus
Day 6
In the morning, explore the ancient city of Ugarit, estimated to date back 7000 BC before we continue to the coastal city of Tartus to board a boat to Arwad Island.
Arwad Island is Syria’s only inhabited island. It’s possible to see the ruins of the ancient Phoenician walls built around the island and see traditional boats that are still handmade on Arwad to this day.
Continuing back to Tartus in the afternoon, we will head to the ancient site of Amrit, dating back to 3000 BC.
Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Krak des Chevaliers | Baeet | Mishtaya
Day 7
Heading back inland to the Valley of Christians, we will visit the Crusader Castle known as Krak des Chevaliers.
In the afternoon, we will get to experience Syria’s wine-making tradition with a wine tasting at Jarjour Winery.
Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Palmyra | Damascus
Day 8
In the early morning, we will begin our journey eastward to visit the ancient Roman city of Palmyra, spending the day exploring the remains of the city.
In the afternoon, we will get to experience Syria’s wine-making tradition with a wine tasting at Jarjour Winery.
Included
Breakfast
Lunch
Busra | Damacus
Day 9
In the morning, we will depart Damascus, bound for the ancient Roman amphitheater of Busra before returning to Damascus.
After lunch, the expedition concludes. Those who will continue to Lebanon with us will head for the Lebanese border.
Included
Breakfast
Lunch
What's included
What's Included
- Meals as noted on itinerary
- Camping equipment (tent, blanket, sleeping mat)
- Yemeni visa fee
- 4WD transport
- English-speaking local guide
- Entry fees
- Abu Dhabi-Socotra-Abu Dhabi Airfare
What's Not Included
- UAE visa fees (if applicable)
- Travel insurance
- Personal spending
- Discretionary tips for local staff
Extras & Options
Single Supplement
Want your own room?
FROM $300.00/pp
This add-on will be available at checkout to add to your order.
View available Dates
FAQs
The security situation in Syria has improved from 2013-2018. Of course, there are risks involved with traveling in Syria, but we work with an experienced team who carefully mitigates the risks of travel in Syria.
This 9 day Syria expedition is slated to begin from and end in Damascus, Syria. It is possible to utilize land borders coming from Jordan or Lebanon as well. If interested, we can help make arrangements for overland transfer for an additional fee.
Many nationalities are eligible for an e-visa to Syria which we will supply information for submitting after booking. Visa fees range from $75-200 USD, depending on nationality. Passport holders from most EU states will pay $75 USD and Canadians will pay $100. More expensive are those from the UK and Australia who pay $150, and finally the US at $200 for a visa.
Do note that Israeli passport holders are barred from entry to Syria, as well as anyone with evidence of visiting Israel in their passport.
To join any Safar Expeditions departure you will need to carry an active travel insurance plan. It is recommended to select an insurance plan that covers both medical care and evacuation/repatriation.
We recommend using IATI travel insurance for coverage.
Officially, the Syrian Pound is the currency. Cash is still the method of payment for everything in Syria, so plan to bring in any money you plan to spend for souvenirs, etc.
While it is possible to exchange money in Syria, we have found the best exchange rates in Beirut and Amman, so we advise exchanging what you think you will spend before entry.
Yes, we will provide a recommended packing list.
Syria is a foodie paradise with a delicious and flavorful cuisine. Accommodating dietary restrictions is no problem, just let us know in advance.
Syrian dress is liberal for a country in the Middle East. In the cities you will see people wearing the latest fashions popular in Europe as well as people wearing conservative, religious attire.
Plan to bring outfits that are comfortable to sightsee all day in. In late April, temperatures are warming up but still comfortable. Loose and breathable fabrics are generally the best. Evenings can get a little cool, so a jumper or jacket would be wise.
We do visit some mosques as part of the itinerary, so for female travelers having a scarf handy is wise.
Yes, most of our accommodations provide wi-fi. It is also possible to get a SIM card in Syria.
Syria forbids all Israeli nationals, people born in Israel, and any traveler with proof of travel to Israel in their passports (including border stamps from Egypt and Jordan) from entering the country.
Yes, a minimum of 4 passengers will need to be on this expedition in order to run. If the minimum isn’t reached, we will contact you about the potential to still operate the trip but at an additional charge or you will be given the option to cancel and your deposit/payment can either be returned to you or applied toward a different expedition of your choosing.