10 days through ancient syria
+ Maaloula’s holy cross day festival + the Mediterranean coast
Hosted By @NickMaddockGlobal
In Partnership With @SyrianGuides
September 12-21, 2026
Where We Will Go
A thoughtfully paced journey through Syria’s most iconic cities and cultural landmarks, balancing guided exploration with time to experience daily life, history, and local connection. The exact itinerary and schedule will be set at a later date but all the places below are included.
DAMASCUS
Arrival in Damascus and introduction to the city. Begin exploring the ancient Old City, with time to walk through historic streets, local markets, and key landmarks such as the Umayyad Mosque, one of the most important Islamic sites in the world.
MAALOULA
A historic mountain town known for its Aramaic heritage and deep spiritual roots. Each September, during the Feast of the Cross, Maaloula comes alive with bonfires on the surrounding hills, candlelit processions, and hymns echoing through its streets — a powerful celebration of faith, history, and living tradition.
ALEPPO
exploring Aleppo, including the historic Aleppo Citadel, walks through old neighborhoods and traditional souks, and a visit to a traditional Aleppo soap factory, where the city’s centuries-old soap-making craft is still practiced.
Krak des Chevaliers
one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the world. Continue to the countryside near Almishtaya, with a relaxed lunch and wine tasting at a local winery
PALMYRA
Visit the iconic desert city of Palmyra, where vast ruins, colonnaded streets, and ancient temples rise from the surrounding landscape, offering a powerful sense of history and scale in the heart of the Syrian desert.
The Syrian Coast
Travel west toward the Mediterranean, passing through the Idlib region and visiting Saladin Castle, a dramatic hilltop fortress surrounded by forested landscapes. Continue to the coast to explore Latakia and its surroundings, including the mountain town of Kassab and the coastal area of Samra, where green hills meet the sea.
The journey continues south to the ancient site of Ugarit and Arwad Island, Syria’s only inhabited island, before arriving in Tartus, offering a slower coastal pace shaped by history, nature, and seaside life.
Hama & Homs
Mar Musa Monastery, set dramatically in the desert mountains. Continue through Homs and Hama, gaining insight into central Syrian life and architecture, with time to see Hama’s famous water wheels (Norias), one of the city’s most iconic landmarks.
What's Included?
Every aspect of the trip that is included in what you pay for.
Two-Way Transfer
From & to Beirut, if you choose to fly there
Accommodation
4-5 Star traditional hotels, 2 to a room. Single extra
Transportation
Air-conditioned bus
All Brekky/Lunch, Some Dinners
Frequent meals during the trip
Knowledge-Based Guidance
Led by Nick and professional Syrian guides
Sightseeing & Tours
key historical sites entrance fees.
Visa Assisstance
guidance through the visa process
Local Travel Insurance provided to you
Points/Miles Consultation
Guidance for getting free flights for the trip
What's Excluded?
Every aspect of the trip you need to take care of.
Visa Fees
Government visa fees are not included. $20-$200
Personal Expenses
Souvenirs, snacks, and other personal purchases.
Flight Tickets
International flights are not included.
Tips
Gratuities for guides and drivers.
Bad Vibes
These will not be given or received :-)
FAQ
Travel is conducted through carefully planned routes and trusted local partners. The itinerary focuses on stable areas, with security considerations built into every part of the trip
Visa assistance is provided as part of the trip. You’ll receive guidance on required documents and the application process ahead of time.
Visa processing times vary by nationality, but typically take a few weeks. We recommend starting the process well in advance.
Visa fees depend on nationality and are paid separately. Exact costs will be confirmed during the application process.
The Syrian Pound is used locally. Currency exchange is handled on the ground, and guidance will be provided before arrival.
Modest dress is required in religious sites. Women should bring a scarf and wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees.
Local markets, traditional souks, and artisan workshops are the best places to find handcrafted goods, textiles, and local products.
No specific vaccinations are required for most travelers, but it’s recommended to be up to date on routine vaccinations. Consult your healthcare provider before travel.
Credit cards are generally not accepted. Cash is used for most transactions, and guidance on handling money will be provided.
Yes. Syrian cuisine includes many vegetarian-friendly dishes, and dietary preferences can usually be accommodated.
Entry restrictions depend on nationality, travel history, and visa eligibility. If there are any concerns, they will be reviewed during the visa assistance process.
Your Once-In-A-Lifetime Syrian Journey Begins Here
This isn’t your typical tour. Yes, we’ll explore some of the world’s most powerful ancient sites that cover every inch of Syria, but it’s much more than that. But in addition to the April tour, we will visit the beautiful Syrian Mediterranean coast as well as be in the ancient village of Maaloula for their annual Holy Cross Day Festival, one of Syria's biggest celebrations.
This trip is about being human, witnessing history, reckoning with loss, and making space for personal reflection along the way. Few places on earth offer can that kind of depth, and even fewer allow you to experience it this intimately. This 8-day experience is curated to engage the mind, body, and soul.
In partnership with the professionals at SyrianGuides who have been hosting travelers for years, we will walk through ancient cities that have been inhabited for thousands of years, yet endured their harshest wars over the last 15. We will hear directly from people who lived it, survivors, locals, and storytellers whose perspectives can’t be found in guidebooks. We’ll see a lot, have some fun, but also slow down when needed, creating space for reflection and quiet meditation in places that carry deep historical and emotional weight.
You’ll feel the heartbeat of Damascus while staying in a beautifully restored traditional hotel in the old city. You’ll wander ancient streets, share home-style Syrian meals, meet locals who redefine resilience, and stand in places that challenge how you see the world.
This is honest, immersive, safe, and deeply transformational travel, the kind that stays with you long after you’ve returned home.
Main Details
Duration
10 Days
Timeline
September 12th to 21st
Group Size
16
Price
$ 2,950