10 days through ancient syria
Hosted By @NickMaddockGlobal
In Partnership With @SyrianGuides
May 1st to 10th, 2027
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.
Yes. You can decide on the add-on later even after coming to Syria for the booked trip.
Priority Interest List
There is a limited number of spots and honestly I expect this thing to fill up pretty quick. So I will go in order of those who submit this form.
After seven years of traveling to over 125 countries, this will be the first trip I ever hosted. And you better believe I am determined to make it special and show you this beautiful country I have to come love so much. I look forward to you being the first to join me on this journey.
A Classic Ancient Syria Tour with Option for 3-Day Coastal Adventure
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.
This trip is about being human, witnessing history, reckoning with loss, and making space for personal reflection along the way. Few places on earth can offer that kind of depth, and even fewer allow you to experience it this intimately. This 7 to 10-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 Tour Details - INCLUDED FOR EVERYONE
Duration
7 Days
Timeline
May 1 - 7
Group Size
20
Price
$1,950
Secondary Tour Details - OPTIONAL ADD-ON
Duration
+ 3 Days
Timeline
May 7 - 10
Group Size
20
Price
+ $500
What Are They Saying
About The Trips
Rana Kaji
Lebnano
As a Lebanese woman, I grew up surrounded by narratives about Syria… What I found in Syria was not what I had been told to expect. I found warmth, kindness, generosity, and a hospitality that felt deeply familiar… Somewhere between Damascus, Maaloula, Bosra, Aleppo, and the countless conversations along the way, I stopped seeing Syria through the lens of history, politics, or other people's opinions. I simply saw Syrians… In a world where so much travel has become about ticking boxes and collecting photos, Nick creates something different. He creates understanding.
Reema Albahri
Syria / USA
Visiting Syria as a fellow Syrian (living in America) was deeply personal… from the bustling streets of Damascus to the ancient ruins of Palmyra & Bosra to the beautiful beaches of Latakia & Jableh to adventures in the stunning mountains of Tartus… I returned with a renewed sense of pride and a deeper bond to my roots. I'm so glad I faced my fear to go back despite the uncertainty… Thanks to Nick, I was able to surpass that fear with ease and comfort.
Dillon Ventura
USA
Syria is one of the most misunderstood countries in the world… From ancient cities and Roman streets to Phoenician ruins, Ottoman architecture, and villages where Aramaic — the language of Jesus — is still spoken, Syria feels like walking through thousands of years of history all at once… What impacted me most were the people. Syrians are some of the most welcoming, generous, and kind people I've ever met while traveling… The perfect mix of history, culture, adventure, nature, and unforgettable people.
Day 01
ARRIVAL & FIRST STEPS IN DAMASCUS
We arrive in Damascus and settle into a beautifully restored traditional hotel in the Old City "LIKE THIS"
a place that immediately grounds us in the rhythm of Syria.
After settling in, we head out on foot:
• Walk through the Christian and Jewish quarters
• Visit Ananias Chapel
• Wander narrow alleys and historic homes
• Stop at Nofara Café, one of the oldest cafés in the city
• Sunset from a rooftop overlooking the Old City
This first night is about orientation, easing into the country, the culture, and each other.
Day 02
DAMASCUS: ANCIENT, LIVING, LAYERED
Today, we dive deeper into Damascus, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world.
• Visit the Umayyad Mosque and Al-Hamidiyah Souq
• Explore old houses, caravanserais, and hidden corners of the city
• Share a local lunch
• Time to wander, observe, and absorb
We end the day slowly, with space for reflection and conversation.
Day 03
MAALOULA → HOMS → ALEPPO
We head north, watching the landscape shift as the story of Syria unfolds.
• Visit Maaloula, where Aramaic, the language of Jesus, is spoken
• Walk among homes carved into the mountainside
• Continue to Homs, visiting key religious and historical sites
• Wander the old market
• Evening arrival in Aleppo, where we’ll spend the next two nights
Day 04
ALEPPO: RESILIENCE & REBUILDING
Aleppo is one of the most emotionally powerful stops on the journey.
• Explore the Citadel of Aleppo
• Walk through the old city and historic souks
• Visit an 800-year-old soap factory
• See neighborhoods that tell stories of destruction and rebuilding
• Meet locals and hear firsthand perspectives
• Sunset overlooking the city and citadel
This is a day that stays with you.
Day 05
DEAD CITIES → HAMA → KRAK DES CHEVALIERS
A day of contrast, forgotten cities, living traditions, and medieval grandeur.
• Visit the Dead Cities of Serjilla and Bara
• Stop in Hama to see the iconic waterwheels
• Explore Krak des Chevaliers, one of the best-preserved castles in the world
• Evening in the village of Mishtaya
• Overnight near the Christian village of Marmarita
Day 06
PALMYRA → RETURN TO DAMASCUS
We travel into the desert to one of the ancient world’s most legendary cities.
• Explore Palmyra and its monumental ruins
• Learn about its rise, significance, and near-destruction in 2015
• Lunch and rest at a Bedouin tent
• Scenic drive back to Damascus
This day invites reflection on loss, memory, and what endures.
Day 07
DAMASCUS: CRAFT, FAITH & FREE TIME
Our final full day is intentionally lighter.
• Visit Sayyida Ruqiyah Shrine
• Explore artisan workshops and traditional crafts
• Free time to wander, journal, shop, or simply sit and observe
Optional moments for reflection, meditation, or light group movement for those who want it.
THE MAIN TOUR
Trip Itinerary
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 OPTIONAL TOUR
Day 08
ALEPPO: RESILIENCE & REBUILDING
Aleppo is one of the most emotionally powerful stops on the journey.
• Explore the Citadel of Aleppo
• Walk through the old city and historic souks
• Visit an 800-year-old soap factory
• See neighborhoods that tell stories of destruction and rebuilding
• Meet locals and hear firsthand perspectives
• Sunset overlooking the city and citadel
This is a day that stays with you.
Day 09
DEAD CITIES → HAMA → KRAK DES CHEVALIERS
A day of contrast, forgotten cities, living traditions, and medieval grandeur.
• Visit the Dead Cities of Serjilla and Bara
• Stop in Hama to see the iconic waterwheels
• Explore Krak des Chevaliers, one of the best-preserved castles in the world
• Evening in the village of Mishtaya
• Overnight near the Christian village of Marmarita
Day 10
PALMYRA → RETURN TO DAMASCUS
We travel into the desert to one of the ancient world’s most legendary cities.
• Explore Palmyra and its monumental ruins
• Learn about its rise, significance, and near-destruction in 2015
• Lunch and rest at a Bedouin tent
• Scenic drive back to Damascus
This day invites reflection on loss, memory, and what endures.
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
-
Extra $400 for single supplement
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 :-)