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The Soul of Iraq – From Babylon to Kurdistan 10-19.10.2026
Location
Duration
Next trip: 10-19.10.2026
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In a nutshell
- Duration:11 days 10 nights
- Travelers:6 - 12 guests
- Tour Type:Group tour
- Language:English, Polish
Syria is a land where history, faith, and human resilience intertwine — a country that has witnessed the rise and fall of great civilizations, yet continues to captivate with its timeless beauty. Still largely undiscovered by modern travelers, it offers an authentic Middle Eastern experience filled with warmth, culture, and stories that echo through the centuries.
Our journey begins in Damascus, one of the world’s oldest living cities, where the scent of jasmine drifts through narrow lanes and ancient courtyards. We’ll explore the Crusader fortress of Krak des Chevaliers, the Aramaic-speaking village of Maaloula, and sail to Arwad Island, once a proud Phoenician city-state. In Aleppo, we’ll walk through the legendary souk and admire the strength of a city reborn. Finally, we’ll stand before the ruins of Palmyra, the “Bride of the Desert,” glowing under the first rays of dawn.
This journey is more than sightseeing — it’s an immersion into the spirit of Syria: a mosaic of history, faith, and hospitality that continues to inspire all who walk its ancient paths.
Our journey begins in Damascus, one of the world’s oldest living cities, where the scent of jasmine drifts through narrow lanes and ancient courtyards. We’ll explore the Crusader fortress of Krak des Chevaliers, the Aramaic-speaking village of Maaloula, and sail to Arwad Island, once a proud Phoenician city-state. In Aleppo, we’ll walk through the legendary souk and admire the strength of a city reborn. Finally, we’ll stand before the ruins of Palmyra, the “Bride of the Desert,” glowing under the first rays of dawn.
This journey is more than sightseeing — it’s an immersion into the spirit of Syria: a mosaic of history, faith, and hospitality that continues to inspire all who walk its ancient paths.
Highlights
- Discover Damascus, the world’s oldest living city — a maze of souks, mosques, and hidden courtyards.
- Follow the Crusaders’ trail through Krak des Chevaliers and the timeless village of Maaloula.
- Sail to Arwad Island and meet the people of Syria’s only inhabited island.
- Witness sunrise over Palmyra, the legendary “Bride of the Desert.”
- Explore Aleppo and Bosra — cities where ancient empires left their mark.
Price includes / Price excludes
- transportation and transfers to/from Beirut airport
- accommodation in 4★ hotels & guesthouses, Bedouin tents in Palmyra (with access to toilets/shower)
- daily breakfasts
- assistance of a Polish-speaking tour leader
- services of a Syrian guide during travel in Syria
- additional local guides at selected sites
- entrance fees to all attractions
- travel insurance (medical expenses and personal accident coverage)
- mandatory contributions to the Tourist Guarantee Fund and the Tourist Assistance Fund
- international flight ticket — we will suggest the best connections. Please book flights only after the minimum group size has been confirmed
- Syrian visa (approx. USD 75) + entrance fee for returning to Lebanon (12 USD)
- personal expenses
- costs of additional meals beyond breakfasts
- winery visit
- optional camel ride
- tips
- possible single-room supplement (if available; if you wish, we can pair participants to share rooms)
Itinerary
Day 1
Evening flight to Beirut. Overnight flight.
Day 2 – Damascus
Early morning arrival in Beirut and transfer across the border to Damascus.
After breakfast, start a half-day tour of the Syrian capital: visit the magnificent Umayyad Mosque, stroll through the Al-Azem Palace with its rich Ottoman heritage, and wander the Old City souk, tasting local sweets and the famous “elastic ice cream.”
In the afternoon, optional relaxation in a traditional hammam with massage.
Dinner in an atmospheric Damascene restaurant.
Overnight in Damascus.
Day 3 – Damascus
Full-day exploration of Damascus, one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities.
Discover its hidden courtyards, mosques, and craft workshops, ending the day with a sunset panorama from Mount Qasioun, overlooking the entire city.
Overnight in Damascus.
Day 4 – Maaloula – Krak des Chevaliers – Al Wadi
After breakfast, drive to Maaloula, a village where the ancient Aramaic language is still spoken. Walk through its picturesque canyon and visit cliffside monasteries.
Continue to the legendary Krak des Chevaliers, one of the best-preserved Crusader castles in the world.
Optional winery visit in the evening.
Overnight near the castle.
Day 5 – Arwad Island – Lattakia
Morning drive to Tartous, followed by a boat trip to Arwad Island – the only inhabited island in Syria and once a powerful Phoenician city-state.
Stroll through its narrow alleys, meet local fishermen, and see the Crusader Citadel at the heart of the island.
Continue to Lattakia, check in to the hotel, and enjoy free time – perhaps a swim in the Mediterranean Sea.
Overnight in Lattakia.
Day 6 – Saladin’s Citadel – Dead Cities – Aleppo
Morning at leisure in Lattakia – time for a walk on the beach or a quick swim.
Then, visit the Citadel of Saladin, a stunning fortress nestled among green hills.
Continue to the Dead Cities of Serjilla and Al-Bara, ancient Byzantine settlements with remarkably preserved houses and churches.
Evening arrival in Aleppo, dinner and overnight stay.
Day 7 – Aleppo
Explore the legendary city of Aleppo – once a vibrant trading hub on the Silk Road.
Visit the monumental Citadel, walk through the covered souk filled with aromas of spices and soap, and tour a traditional Aleppo soap factory.
Pass by the historic Baron Hotel, where Agatha Christie wrote Murder on the Orient Express.
Afternoon free time for shopping or coffee in one of the restored courtyards.
Overnight in Aleppo.
Day 8 – Hama - Palmyra
Depart for Hama to see the famous wooden waterwheels (norias) along the Orontes River.
Continue through the desert to Palmyra, once known as the “Bride of the Desert.”
Explore its colonnaded avenues, Roman theatre, and temples, silent witnesses of ancient glory.
Overnight in Bedouin tents near the ruins.
Day 9 – Palmyra – Desert – Damascus
Experience sunrise over Palmyra’s ruins – an unforgettable sight as the first light touches the ancient stones.
Optional camel ride across the desert dunes on the way back to Damascus.
Evening at leisure.
Overnight in Damascus.
Day 10 – Bosra – Return to Beirut
Visit Bosra, home to the best-preserved Roman theatre in the Middle East.
Enjoy a last walk among ancient ruins before returning to Damascus for a short stroll and final shopping.
Evening transfer to Beirut Airport for departure.
Day 11 – Departure from Beirut
Night departures from Beirut. End of tour.
from2,300.00 $ /person
Have a question before booking? Message us to learn more.
FAQ
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from2,300.00 $ /person
Have a question before booking? Message us to learn more.
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