NomadMania is proud to announce an unforgettable 9-10 day tour through the heart of Syria with our incredible partners, Golden Team Syria, which will take place from 8 – 17 September 2024. Immerse yourself in the rich history, stunning landscapes, and vibrant culture of this ancient land.
Here’s a glimpse of what awaits travellers:
Day 1: Arrival in Tartus and Arwad Island
After crossing the borders, we will have lunch together in a place with an amazing nature view, then to the hotel in Tartus to give you time to refresh, followed by a quick tour in the city of Tartus. Afterwards, we travel to Arwad to see the island and the ruins there. Back to Tartus to enjoy the time at the rocky beach, have dinner, and the night at the hotel.
Day 2: Tartus to Baniyas, Wadi Al-Molouk, and Wadi Qandil
After breakfast, we’ll have a free morning time to enjoy the beach in Tartus, we will back our luggage and head to Baniyas with its beautiful nature where we will try the Zipline there, have a delicious lunch, and next will be the castle of Baniyas (Al-Marqab Castle) which was a Crusader fortress and one of the major strongholds of the Knights Hospitaller.
After, we head to Wadi Al-Molouk in Jableh with its spectacular nature where we will have our dinner and enjoy a walk there. Later, we will head to Wadi Qandil in Latakia for the night.
Day 3: Kesab and Wadi Qandil
Today, we will not have our breakfast in the hotel. Instead we will head to a marvelous place to try the delicious village breakfast. Now it’s time to drive to Al-Samra village in Kesab (the Syrian – Turkish borders), which is considered one of the most beautiful coastal areas in Syria, to visit the picturesque villages there, have lunch, and visit one of the laurel soap workshops there.
Back to Wadi Qandil to enjoy our time at the beach, have dinner, and the night at the hotel.
Day 4: Salah Al-Din Castle, Ma’arat Al-Nu’man, and Aleppo
After breakfast, we will visit the Castle of Salah al-Din, which was acknowledged as a UNESCO’s World Heritage site and is an amazing example of medieval architecture. We will have lunch, then we will drive to Ma’arat Al-Nu’man to see the beautiful mosaic museum. Later we go to Aleppo, have dinner, and spend the night at the hotel.
Day 5: Exploring Aleppo
Today, we will discover Aleppo, visit the mighty Citadel of Aleppo, the ancient Souks around it, a tour in the city, and a visit to the soap factory to know how the famous Aleppo soap is made. After Lunch, we will have time to rest at the hotel, to go later to enjoy an evening with Circassians folklore, and a delicious dinner. Back to the hotel for the night.
Day 6: Hama, Homs, Maaloula, and Damascus
Today after breakfast, we have an early departure to Hama to see the seventeen large Norias that Syria is famous for. Then, to Homs city where we will stop at Doom Café, have a quick tour in the city of Homs, and lunch at a local family’s home.
After we’ll head to Maaloula where Aramaic, the language of Christ is still spoken. We will visit the famous monastery of Saint Thecla, the famous mountain path that holds her name, and the monastery of Saints Sergius and Bacchus. We will attend its famous festival, the Cross festival. Maaloula is very famous for the rituals for this celebration. We’ll enjoy our time with the locals and a delicious meal for dinner. Finally, we’ll move to Damascus for the night.
Day 7: Damascus
After breakfast, we will sit to discover the old city of Damascus: the pearl of Damascus the Grand Umayyad Mosque (A place for worship since the first millennium B.C.E.). The tour will also include a stroll in the Old Souks to enjoy the oriental fragrances, Al-Azem palace, Khan As’ad Pasha, and for lunch we’ll try delicious Damascene dishes.
We will join the Brothers and Beetle in Syria club for a tour in the streets of Damascus. After a brief rest at the hotel, we will then have our dinner before heading to enjoy the night in a Karaoke bar. Finally, we’ll head back to the hotel for the night.
Day 8: Al-Qunaitra and Damascus
After breakfast, we’ll visit the city of Al-Quneitra, a Syrian governorate characterized by its beautiful nature. The tour here will include a visit to the natural forests in the governorate, as well as a visit to the Ain al-Tineh site, which overlooks the occupied Golan. We will have our lunch in Al-Quneitra. Back to Damascus to visit one of the oldest ice cream shops (Bakdash). We will take some time to ret at the hotel, then Gala dinner for our last night in Damascus. Finally, back to the hotel for the night.
Day 9: Departure from Bosra
After breakfast, we’ll visit the city of Bosra, the city that was once the capital of the Roman province of Arabia and was an important stopover on the ancient caravan route to Mecca. A magnificent 2nd century Roman theatre, early Christian ruins and several mosques are found within its great walls too, and we will have lunch there. Finally, to the border for departure.
Optional Day 10: Palmyra and Departure
After breakfast, a very early departure to Palmyra where the remains of the biggest temple in the world are located. The ruins date back to the 2nd century BC and lay among ancient cemeteries in the valley of tombs. Then, to Homs city to have lunch, finally the departure from the borders.
Previous Trip Report
See our recent similar trip report with testimonials here.
Pricing:
- 1585 USD – single accommodation
- 1370 USD – twin accommodation
The booking deposit of 320 USD is due to be paid as a reservation.
Cancelation Policy:
- > 30 Days: Deposit is held as cancellation
- 30 – 15 Days: 50% of the tour price is held as cancellation
- 14 – 0 Days: 100% of the tour price is held as cancellation
Accommodation details:
- 3 Nights – Talisman – Damascus
- 1 Night – Royal Inn – Tartus
- 2 Nights – Laurus – Aleppo
- 2 Nights – Xbeach – Wadi Qandil
Other Details:
Inclusions:
- Transfer from and to Beirut
- All transportation during the tour
- Accommodation with breakfast
- Lunch/dinner with soft drinks
- Water
- Entrance fees
- Guided tours
- Security clearance.
Exclusions:
- Special requests
- Tips
- Alcoholic drinks
- Visa fee at the borders.
Important Notes:
- Provide a copy of your passport and job title for security clearance.
- Bring sufficient cash as ATMs and credit cards are not available in Syria.
- Feel free to take photos, except at military checkpoints.
- The tour will be run by our NomadMania Award-Winning Fixer, Fadi Assi, who won the Most Trusted Local Fixer award at our NomadMania 2023 Travel Awards
How to Join
Join this remarkable tour for an unforgettable exploration of Syria’s historical wonders and living traditions.
To show interest or for more information, contact us at harry@nomadmania.com
