- VISA on ARRIVAL: For your trip to Syria, you'll need a security clearance, issued through cooperation between the Ministry of Tourism, Immigration, and Passports, which allows you to enter the country. It's included in your trip cost and takes about 3 days (4-6 weeks for Americans).
- Conditions include using tourist guide facilities, staying in a hotel, and transportation, so you can't travel independently
- Once cleared, you can travel within 3 months. At the border, you'll get your tourist visa, costing $20 to $250, depending on your nationality.
- To process your VISA, simply send us a scanned copy of the first page of your passport and your job title.
INFORMATIONS
- In government-protected areas, Syria is safe, far from conflict zones
- You'll experience a sense of safety as soon as you arrive
- You will have to cross many army check-points, and our guides will ensure everything goes smoothly without wasting your travel time
- Always follow your guide's safety instructions
- No drones allowed in Syria
- Take photos, but avoid military checkpoints
- Due to sanctions, there are limited ATMs so bring cash on you for your presonal expenses (lunch, dinner, restaurant/fast-food, shopping, souvenirs)
- In Lebanon, cash is crucial due to financial issues; bring cash before flying
- You can exchange money at the border or in Damascus
Safety in Syria
- Transportation with our vehicles (with AC) accompanied by our driver and tourist guide
- Visa support
- Security clearance plus all local taxes
- Shared accommodation (options for single supplements at an extra cost) for each night on the itinerary, including breakfast at 4*/5* hotels
- Transportation between the specified locations
- Knowledgeable English-speaking guides
- Entrance fees to all mentioned sites
- Syrian departure tax
- Special authorization to visit Palmyra and Busra
- Hamam experience
Tour Price Includes
- On-arrival visa fee at the border
- Single supplement for those preferring individual rooms (250 Euros)
- Travel insurance
- Tipping guides / drivers, etc.
- Lunch, dinner
- Special or extra requests
Not Included
- The most common way of entering Syria is via Lebanon. The journey is anywhere between 2 to 4 hours from Beirut, including the border crossing.
- Direct flights to Damascus are available from Dubai and Abu Dhabi, but an additional 100 Euros are required for transportation (a car with a driver) from Damascus airport to the city.
- You can purchase a local SIM card at the border or in Damascus for reliable internet access.
- You must have good insurance covering health, emergencies, cancellations, and more for yourself and any travel companions. If anything happens, contact your insurer.
Extra Details
DAMASCUS
Damascus, situated in southwestern Syria, offers a unique blend of ancient history and modern significance. This city, perched on a plateau 680 meters above sea level, experiences an arid climate due to the rain shadow effect.
As one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, with its origins dating back to the 3rd millennium BC, Damascus holds a rich historical tapestry. It was once the prestigious capital of the Umayyad Caliphate from 661 to 750, before the Islamic seat of power shifted to Baghdad under the Abbasid dynasty. Over the centuries, Damascus regained prominence during the Ayyubid and Mamluk periods.
Today, Damascus stands as the seat of Syria's central government, preserving its historical heritage while embracing modernity. It's important to acknowledge the difficulties it has confronted while capturing the intricate essence of this ancient city. Explore Damascus to uncover its rich past and complex present.
BOSRA
Bosra was built 1700 years ago during the Roman Empire when the old city had a population of 80,000 inhabitants. It was once a major city of the powerful Nabatean Kingdom, whose abandoned capital, Petra, is world-famous. Early in the 2nd century AD, it was conquered by the Roman Emperor Trajan.
Bosra is believed to have been constructed in the early years of Roman rule, during Trajan's reign. Under Roman governance, the city thrived and became the capital of the Syrian province. It also served as a crucial stopover on the ancient caravan route to Mecca.
Within its grand walls, you can find a magnificent 2nd-century Roman theatre, early Christian ruins, and several mosques. This site reflects the influences of Roman, Byzantine, and Muslim civilizations and is recognized as a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
The settlement's history dates back to the 14th century BC, as it is mentioned in the documents of Thutmose III and Akhenaten. Bosra became the first Nabataean city in the 2nd century BC.
This is Bosra's fascinating history, where each stone tells a story of centuries past.
SEDNAYAH
The St. Mary Church of the Holy Belt, where the Vrgin Mary's Belt was kept until shortly before the war. Fortunately the belt was already removed before the church was looted and all the icons and artwork were burnt or stolen.
MAALOULA
Today, Maaloula stands as a unique place where Western Aramaic, the language once spoken by Jesus, is still in use. This ancient tongue remains the native language of the town, firmly rooted in its Christian traditions. Most of Maaloula's residents are Greek-Catholic and maintain a dialect of Syriac within their spoken language.
The name "Maaloula" is thought to originate from Aramaic, signifying its historical significance as an "entrance" to the rich Christian heritage it proudly preserves.
Al-MISHTAYEH
The village's history is closely tied to the migration of Lebanese Christians from the northern villages of Lebanon. This movement to the Syrian valley began in the mid-19th century, driven by the Mount Lebanon Civil War, and has left a lasting imprint on the community of Al-Mishtaya.
Key Attractions Nearby: Krak des Chevaliers, located near Homs in Syria, is celebrated as the ultimate example of a Crusader castle. Described by T.E. Lawrence as "maybe the world's best-preserved and most utterly impressive castle," this hidden treasure is distinguished by its stunning setting and impeccable preservation.
HAMA
Hama, situated on the banks of the Orontes River in west-central Syria, stands 213 km north of Damascus and ranks as Syria's fourth-largest city, following Damascus, Aleppo, and Homs.
One of Hama's most renowned features is its seventeen ancient norias, which have been used for watering gardens and are claimed to have origins dating back to 1100 BC. While originally designed for irrigation, these norias now serve as a captivating testament to tradition and aesthetics.
The history of Hama, also known as Hamath in biblical references, spans from the early Neolithic period to the Iron Age.
In the Bible, Hamath holds a significant place, appearing in various passages such as Genesis and 2 Kings. It was a Canaanite kingdom, and its ruler congratulated King David after his victory over King Hadadezer of Zobah. Hamath marked the northern border of the Promised Land to the children of Israel in Canaan during Moses' time. King Solomon expanded his dominion to include Hamath and its surroundings, constructing storage cities. References to Hamath appear during the dedication of the first temple in Jerusalem, noting it as Israel's northern border. While Hamath was later conquered by the Syrians, it was reclaimed by Jeroboam II of Israel, expanding Israel's territory. The prophet Isaiah lamented the Assyrian conquest of Hamath, and the city earned the title "Hamath the Great" in the words of the prophet Amos.
No Alcohol in Hama.
HOMS
Homs, once a thriving industrial hub in Syria, held a diverse population and was home to Sunni and Alawite Muslims, as well as Christians. The city boasted historic mosques and churches and was close to the UNESCO World Heritage Site, Krak des Chevaliers castle.
Its history dates back to the 1st century BC, during the time of the Seleucids, and it served as a significant center during the Byzantine and Islamic eras. Homs also played a crucial role during the French Mandate and later as a hub of Baathist resistance after Syria's independence.
While the Syrian civil war brought devastation, efforts to rebuild started in 2018, showcasing Homs' enduring spirit.
PALMYRA
Palmyra thrived as a wealthy trading city along the Silk Road, celebrated for its merchants who conducted business across the vast Roman Empire. This affluence enabled ambitious projects like the Great Colonnade, the Temple of Bel, and the distinctive tower tombs that grace the city. The Palmyrenes were a diverse blend of Amorites, Arameans, and Arabs, with a social structure rooted in kinship. They communicated in Palmyrene Aramaic for daily life and used Koine Greek for commerce and diplomacy. The cultural influences of the Hellenistic period gave rise to unique art and architecture in Palmyra.
In the 3rd century, Palmyra reached its zenith under the rule of King Odaenathus and Queen Zenobia, who briefly established the Palmyrene Empire. However, in 273 AD, Roman Emperor Aurelian laid siege to the city, resulting in its destruction. Subsequently, Palmyra was partially reconstructed under Diocletian's rule.
Over time, the people of Palmyra embraced Christianity and later Islam, adopting Arabic as their primary language.
Before 273 AD, Palmyra enjoyed a degree of autonomy within the Roman sphere, resembling a Greek city-state model. Afterward, it became a Roman colony and later a monarchy. Following its destruction, Palmyra's importance waned as it came under the dominion of various empires.
Sadly, in 2015, Palmyra fell victim to ISIS, which inflicted significant damage upon its historic structures. Nevertheless, the city's rich history continues to captivate the world.
APAMEIA
Founded around 300 BC, Apamea thrived until its abandonment in the 13th century.
Apamea, an ancient city with Greek and Roman origins, served as the capital of Apamene during the Macedonian era and later became the capital and Metropolitan Archbishopric of the late Roman province of Syria Secunda. It played a significant role even during the crusader period.
Hellenistic era: Following Alexander the Great's conquest of the region, a city called Pella was established around 320 BC. Pella was strategically situated at a crossroads for Eastern trade and eventually became one of the four cities of the Syrian tetrapolis.
This city, initially a Macedonian military camp, was founded shortly after the Treaty of Triparadeisos (320 BC) by Antipater and Cassander.
Pella's transformation was notable as it received the status of a polis (city) and was fortified by Seleucus. He named it after his Bactrian wife, Apama, daughter of the Sogdian warlord Spitamenes. Additionally, Seleucus turned Pella into a significant military base, housing 500 elephants and establishing an equestrian stud with 30,000 mares and 300 stallions.
This remarkable site boasts impressive ancient remnants, including the Great Colonnade, which stretched for nearly 2 km, ranking among the longest in the Roman world.
ALEPPO
Aleppo stands as one of the world's oldest continuously inhabited cities, potentially dating back to the sixth millennium BC. Its historical significance is underscored by mentions in cuneiform tablets from Ebla and Mesopotamia, owed in large part to its strategic role as a trade hub connecting the Mediterranean Sea and Mesopotamia.
For centuries, Aleppo reigned as the largest city in the Syrian region and was the Ottoman Empire's third-largest city, trailing only Constantinople (now Istanbul) and Cairo. Its claim to fame in history rested on being a key point along the Silk Road, facilitating trade routes stretching from Central Asia to Mesopotamia. However, the opening of the Suez Canal in 1869 redirected trade to the sea, marking the start of Aleppo's gradual decline.
After World War I and the fall of the Ottoman Empire, Aleppo lost its northern territories to modern Turkey. Paradoxically, this decline might have contributed to the preservation of the city's old quarters, medieval architecture, and cultural heritage. In recognition of its rich history, Aleppo earned the title of Islamic Capital of Culture in 2006 and underwent successful restoration efforts on its historic landmarks.
The Battle of Aleppo (2012–2016) during the Syrian Civil War inflicted extensive damage on the city, particularly its ancient parts. Today, ongoing reconstruction efforts are breathing new life into these affected areas.
The story of Aleppo dates back as far as 5000 BC. It emerges in historical records long before its Syrian counterpart, Damascus, with mentions found in the third millennium BC Ebla tablets.
Throughout the ages, Aleppo witnessed conquerors such as Alexander the Great in 333 BC, who was followed by Seleucus who established a Hellenic settlement named Beroea between 301 and 286 BC, inspired by Beroea in Macedon.
During the early years of the 1st millennium BC, Aleppo became part of the Aramean realm, with its capital located in Arpad. Subsequently, the city came under Assyrian rule in the 8th century BC before passing through the hands of the Neo-Babylonians and the Achaemenid Persians. Throughout these eras, the region retained its identity as Aramea and Eber Nari.
- WWW.SYRIATRIPS.COM