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How to Travel to Syria as a Tourist

Last Updated on Sep 6, 2024

Can you visit Syria as a tourist? Yes, you can! Many people get surprised when they realize that Syria used to be one of the most popular destinations in the Middle East before the war. Tourists were flocking to the country – not surprisingly, as its home to many historic treasures and incredible people.

Syria re-opened for tourists once again a few years ago. The process to get a tourist visa to Syria is similar to what it used to be before and you are still required to have a local guide. However, there are more ways to visit now, as the airport reopened.

Why Visit Syria?

When it comes to traveling to certain places like Yemen or Syria many people ask questions about the ethical aspects of traveling to Syria . These places, not so long ago were war zones and many people have been forced to escape in order to save their lives.

Some people call it “dark tourism” and instantly shame those who travel there. I think that people are so focused on places like Chernobyl, Syria, or Yemen as they happened recently, they quickly forget that technically speaking visiting the Colosseum in Rome would be a prime example of dark tourism… especially considering the fact that everyone acts like a goof there and takes cutesy photos. Just saying.

Syria is a place full of history. When you travel there respectfully, you can learn a lot about the recent crisis and the history before and after it. You won’t learn that from the news.

Considering the fact that Syria used to be a prime tourist destination, many people were forced out of their jobs because of the lack of tourists. Many Syrians are simply trying to live their lives.

My own guide was a multi-lingual educated man with years of experience in tourism. Nowadays, being a guide is a side job, because there are not many visitors so he drives a school bus. Syrians are very happy to see that tourists are coming back.

Is Syria safe now?

The capital city, Damascus is very safe as any other city in the Middle East. Damascus is a very vibrant city that didn’t get affected by the war like Aleppo or Homs. But the economy isn’t obviously good, so frequent power cuts are a problem in the winter.

I drove around the country and felt like Tartus was a quiet beach town. Aleppo was safe but you had to take precautions just in case. I haven’t spent the night in Homs, just visited during the day so I cannot speak for that. I stayed in Hama and it was completely safe. I was told, “there was no fighting there, so not an issue”.

For safety in Palmyra read the section “Visiting Palmyra”.

The fighting is practically done and people want to live their lives. You’ll see children playing football, people selling souvenirs and returning to markets while rebuilding everything, and adults enjoying themselves at cafes and restaurants… just like anywhere else in the world.

How to Get a Visa to Syria

In order to visit Syria, you will need to obtain a visa. As you cannot travel completely independently (like you can in Iran ) you will currently need a special security clearance that needs to be organized through a travel agency in Syria.

Note: You could go to Syria with an invitation letter from a local who’s not an official guide but that only applies to Damascus. Traveling anywhere else around the country is basically impossible due to the huge amounts of checkpoints, where you need to show your Ministry of Tourism documentation.

Obtaining a security clearance through your operator takes about 2 weeks, so you must plan in advance. It’s included in your tour cost. With that, you can, or should I say your guide, will obtain a visa for you at the border.

However, now (2024) you can also just get your visa at Syrian embassies and consulates. It takes about 4-6 weeks. It is only a sticker and your guide with a security clearance will welcome you at the border and then you get an actual stamp – it costs 100 EUR for Europeans now.

You cannot just show up without clearance and hope for the best. Even if you somehow got the visa at the border (but you cannot), you wouldn’t be able to drive anywhere without security clearance – you get stopped multiple times every day and your guide needs to show your paperwork.

IMPORTANT (recent changes in 2024): If you have a stamp from Sharm El Sheikh in Egipt you will not enter Syria. Syrian border officials assume you may have entered Israel by being there. Change your passport before you go. Same goes for Aqaba in Jordan naturally.

Money in Syria

When you get your visa at the border ask to exchange money immediately as it’s the easiest place to do so. In Syria, they use the  Syrian Pound (SYP) . Bring € or USD because you obviously cannot pay for anything with a card or withdraw more while in Syria.

How to Get to Syria

Your agency will inform you about possible options to get to Syria, potential border closures, and possible flights. When I was going the only reliable option was driving from Beirut.

The journey from Beirut to Damascus takes about 3-4 hours, depending on the traffic.

Nowadays you can also opt for flying directly to Damascus from Erbil, Moscow, Tehran or Cairo (with Syrian Arab Airlines). As Iraq now issues visas on arrival it’s super easy to do it from there, but most tour operators prefer to bring your from Lebanon either way.

Can You Visit Syria Independently?

Not anymore. Technically you could in the past and I know people who did that by jumping through some hoops. It’s also costly because the security clearance alone was $500+ per person.

You still need a driver to get around and that counts as a tour.

I’ll be real, just because the rules say you need a guide, it doesn’t need to be a loud tour of foreigners if you’re not into it, as it can be isolating from the actual local experience. I get it.

How to Find a Guide or Tour

I traveled to Syria solo. It was just me and my guide/driver and sometimes a few other locals (eg. in Palmyra I had to be escorted by a few soldiers).

It was as authentic as it could have been and I could still wander around Damascus on my own. That way I was able to see parts of Syria that are not possible for independent travelers, like Palmyra.

I highly recommend Golden Target Tours. The contact is Khaldoun +963 944 372700 (WhatsApp) or email address is  [email protected] . Everyone I met at the company is professional, friendly, and knowledgeable. My guide was Bilal is you would like to book the same one, but I’m sure any guide from the company will be great.

You pay for your tour in USD cash upon arrival in Damascus, as there are obviously no ATMs or card readers. You must bring extra USD to exchange at the border for your own expenses such as food, drinks, souvenirs and extras.

Internet in Syria

I was surprised that I was able to connect to wifi pretty much at every hotel I stayed. You could also buy a SIM card, but I felt like I had no need for that.

Food in Syria

Syrian food is absolutely delicious. Similar to Lebanese with local twists. Hummus, kibbeh, kabobs, salads, fresh bread – everything was very tasty.

I also got to try Syrian kanafeh when in Hama and lots of svehha in Damascus. The latter is sort of like a Syrian pizza.

Visiting Palmyra

Palmyra, a UNESCO heritage site pictured here used to be one of the most important attractions. Built in 3rd BC, it was incredibly preserved.

Many visitors skip Palmyra as it requires extra driving time, extra permit and naturally cost. Others say “Palmyra has been destroyed”. As you may have heard, sadly, Isis destroyed Palmyra but it doesn’t mean that it’s completely wiped out.

Personally, I still found it incredible so I can only imagine how impressive it was before the destruction.

Is Palmyra safe to visit?

Hotels and restaurants nearby don’t really exist anymore so the closest place to stay is Homs, and you now need to visit it with the military – until they clean up the grounds completely, so it’s not 100% safe but it’s relatively safe.

Are All Cities Destroyed?

Damascus – The city center has been intact, but a small area outside of Damascus is still off-limits.

Aleppo – Lots of people wonder about Aleppo as it was always on the news. Part of the Old Souk is completely destroyed but people are actively rebuilding it. Parts of the old town are gone, but many places are intact.

Homs – The most destroyed city in Syria out of all. Over half of it is completely gone.

Hama – Entirely intact.

Palmyra – Most things are at least damaged and functional buildings are gone, but it’s still impressive to see.

Krak de Chevaliers – Partially damaged, but as the castle is from the XIIth century it’s not fully preserved.

Tartus – Most places are intact, just a small part of town has some damage.

Useful Tips for Visting Syria

1 – my most useful tip is to try going in the summer months..

I visited in March and I surely underestimated how freezing it was. I didn’t think how cold could it be as I’ve been to neighboring Lebanon before. I was freezing the whole trip despite two sweaters and a coat.

I also had to cut my visit to Krak de Chevaliers short, because it was so windy and cold that I could barely hear my guide. The night in Damascus when the electricity and heating went out I was a frozen ice cube, so come prepared.

2 – I suggest you fly to Damascus ( Cham Wings Airlines  and  Syrian Air ) or cross the border between Beirut and Damascus.

I crossed the border above Tripoli on my way to Tartus and it was a bit of a hiccup. The guide had my security clearance, but the staff had no idea how to issue my visa, how much do I pay and I spent a long time walking from one booth to another building to figure it out.

It was extremely windy and cold, so this wasn’t the best experience.

3 – I recommend bringing a friend with you.

I don’t mind traveling entirely solo, but in places like Syria or South Suda n where you spend long hours in the car, it’s nice to have a friend to keep you company. Otherwise, it does feel a bit lonely.

4 – Don’t be disrespectful.

I cannot underline this enough, as I actually saw a blogger going to Syria and acting like he was visiting Disneyland. Don’t be that person who poses in front of the ruins.

5 – Photos are allowed everywhere minus checkpoints.

There are no restrictions on taking photos in Syria. As long as it’s not a checkpoint you can take selfies everywhere (apart from the point. 4, obviously). Locals do that too, especially at the umbrella street in Damascus or at the tomb of Zaynab – the daughter of Fatima, at Sayyidah Zaynab Mosque.

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Anna Karsten is a travel blogger, journalist and psoriasis advocate. She has been traveling the world for the last 15 years - visiting over 100 countries and living on 5 continents. Anna has been featured in The New York Times, The Daily Mail, Forbes and more.

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58 Comments

I have never suppose that current time it is possible traveling to Syria. That is really interesting article.

@Bartosz Siemiątkowski,

Hello I’m Dana a syrian tour operator since 15 years actually in Syria there is thousands of tourists and when you want to visit Im ready for any help Thanks Dana

Hello Dana, I’m a foreigner currently living in Syria but I’m interested to discover your services as i have many friends and family members interested to visit Syria.

Dana, can you please contact me?

@Dana, hello Dana …I am from Sydney australia …and would love to visit …when is the best time to travel to Damascus?

@Jacqueline edwards, Hello Mrs. Jacqueline you are welcome you can visit Damascus all the time but if you want to visit Palmyra-Aleppo-Krak des chevaliers I prefer the spring time For any further information please feel free to contact me on 00963988265319 Regards

@Jacqueline edwards, Hello Mrs. Jacqueline you are welcome you can visit Damascus all the time but if you want to visit Palmyra-Aleppo-Krak des chevaliers I prefer the spring time Regards

Send me some info

Me and my son want to visit palmyra.

@Dana, Hello Ms.Dana ,

Could you kindly help me to visit Syria? and it’s possible to contact you in the number above or may i email you ?

Thank you, Maria

@Dana, Hello, I’m visiting damascus in August. I need a tour

Hello Dana, I want to go to Latakia. I’ve been trying to find a way to go, so this blog is super useful. Now, I’m from Guatemala, and I’d be going from Turkey. What is the best way to go and find out about the visa? Do I need a guide or can just someone send me an invitation letter? Thank you in advance.

Hi This is Samer, Syrian tourist guide Since 1998, ability to drive beside guiding no more than two travellers. Glade to help , Please don’t be hesitate to contact me for any question on any steps. Now the American nationality is able to visit Syria Welcome in Syria

@Dana, Dear

wondeinrg if is November good time to visit Syria? do you have any tour?

@Samer, what is your contact number and email?

@Mari Chris, when would you like to travel and what’s your nationality

@Dana, Hi Dana. Can a Singaporean visit Syria and what ate the border crossing requirements?

Hello, I’m a dual citizen of Iran and USA. and live in USA. I would like to visit Damascus.

Which country’s passport is best to apply for visa with? And what’s the cost and document requirement?

Thanks, Alex

My What’s App number: +1 205 492 4182

@Samer, Hi,

I’m Thata, and I wanted to inquire about the possibility of visiting Syria. My daughter and I, both Filipino nationals, are planning to travel to Syria with my Syrian husband. We have our marriage contract stamped by the Syrian embassy, and the same goes for our daughter. Are there any additional requirements or steps we need to take for our travel?

I’m intending to travel to Syria via Lebanon at the end of next month. My concern is that I’m taking my 3.5 years old daughter along (plus my husband). Does this sound like a doable and safe experience?

While I’m a firm believer in taking my kids everywhere I would NOT take my 3-year-old to Syria. Not because it’s unsafe (obviously, there are risks but it’s fine at the moment), but because unless you’re just planning on going only to Damascus he wouldn’t enjoy it at all. I don’t know what itinerary you set with your travel agent, but distances between cities are long, wait times at the border can vary and he’d be super bored in the car for so long for multiple days, and let’s be real: it’s not a very exciting trip for a toddler. It’s also February… it was so cold when I went in February that I had to cut some experiences short with three sweaters underneath my coat and in Damascus, there was no heating or electricity at night for multiple hours because it’s the standard… I was so frozen I couldn’t sleep (my friend went a year later in March and said the same thing) and I cannot imagine my toddler lasting through it – it would be literally a nightmare of a trip for all of us.

@Anna Karsten, Thank you for the prompt reply. Indeed, the power supply shortage sounds like a real issue during the cold months. We decided to postpone this ”experience”. Hopefully the actual world political situation wouldn’t impact significantly the safety in this part of the Middle East.

I definitely hope so too!

Hello Philippines are allowed now to visit

@Lora, hello, did you get a chance to visit Syria. How was your experience. I am just thinking to travel to Syria and doing research at the moment. 🙂

@Ann, The Philippines citizen need a special approvals take about 3 weeks ,I guarantee you, you will get approved

Is it safe to go to cities in the northwest such as Al-Hasakah, Qamishli, Deir ez-Zur, or Raqqa?

@William Jones, Al Hasakah is in the north east of Syria and even the part of the Syrian regime is not always safe due to daesh (ISIS). Raqqa is under the Kurds and there are still some bombings so now and then. I don’t know if you have been to Syria yet, I’m only seeing this now and aI m passing on what I’ve been told by family of my friends who are living in Raqqa and one used to live in Al Hasakah.

What should women wear in Syria, please. Must we cover hair, shoulders, etc? Thanx.

No need to cover hair, but I’d wear something casual.

Hi! My husband is Syrian now living in the U.K. and we are planning to go to Syria in august to see his family. Him, myself and our daughter who is 18 this year. We are planning to stay in Damascus. How safe would this be for us do you think? We want to fly to Lebanon first then drive on to Syria from there. Would we need a guide as we are a family and planning to stay with family. Thanks!

I’m not sure if there are any special visas for members of the Syrian citizens so you would need to check on that but if it’s a tourist visa you need then you’d need a guide officially. It’s safe to visit, don’t worry about that.

Hey Anna, thank you for the report I’m considering going solo as well what I’m curious about is the price of the guide and maybe of the whole week in there? Thanks!

Pricing keeps changing every year and it depends on whether you want to include Palmyra. The best is to message them for current prices, because with the inflation prices of everything naturally increase.

We are Damascus Gate Tourism Group, we provide packages for Tourism in Syria. The Package includes 7 days and 8 nights all around the Syrian Cities. Kindly note below program:

Day 1: Arrival at Beirut International Airport (Rafik Hariri Airport) From Beirut airport to Damascus by land, arriving at the Jdeidet Yabous border crossing. Old Damascus tour, overnight in Damascus

The second day: Maaloula, Saydnaya, Al-Hosn Castle, Al-Mashtabah. Overnight in the winter.

Third day: Palmyra tour, Homs tour, continue to Hama, overnight in Hama

Fourth day: visit Aleppo Citadel, Aleppo tour, overnight in Aleppo.

Fifth day: Apamea tour and return to Damascus, Damascus tour completed, Damascus overnight.

Sixth day: Bosra tour and back to Damascus, overnight in Damascus

Seventh day: Departure via Jdeidet Yabous border post, and arrive at Beirut Airport for the return.

Please let us know if you’re interested in our program, our service is always the best because we strive to create optimized experience for tourists worldwide. for further information please contact us through WhatsApp on +963 932 215 298 or by email on [email protected] .

Sincerely yours,

I lived and worked in Damascus for 4 years. Know it like my home town..even married a Syrian girl. That was 1996-2000. I used to fly back and forth 4 times a year Up to the Arab spring.. I’m desperate to get back as I loved the place and the people. I have many friends there and family.. I am an Englishman. I’m trying to plan a visit. It doesn’t look easy. Would I need a guide as I have many friends and family members there?

I am Awal Talukder living in Sweden.I would like visit with my friends Damuscu,Homs,Palmyra and Bosrah.Wishing visit Islamic places in Damascu,Homs,Bosrah,and Palmyra etc for 10 days.Pls me me your best suggetion as guide.Ex hos much pay for everything. Best regards Awal

Everything is mentioned in the post 🙂

Hi Anna, First of all that you for your article, it is really helpful !

I would have a question. I’ve read on internet that if you travel to syria it would then be impossible to get a visa to enter the USA, as a tourist at least. Do you know anything about it ? Do you know if having a syrian stamp on your passport could lead to any travel restrictions ? I’ve done some researches but i cannot find clear information anywhere.

Not quite. If you visit Syria, Yemen, Iran and a few other places (forgot which ones), then you’re not eligible for ESTA but all you need to do is to get a visa to the US through US embassy. They’ll just do an interview and you get a multiple entry visa valid for 10 years 🙂

I am syrian and hugely touched by this blog. thank you

I am American who has a close friend from Damascus. I would love to go with him when he visits home. He would be my guide. Will I be fairly safe?

Yes, don’t worry 🙂

Do you Anna, or does anyone have ANY clue when Syria will allow US citizens to travel there again? I really want to visit Damascus…Thank you!

Sadly no. So far nothing has changed 🙁

Hi Anna, I’m from Bangladesh. Recently visited your page. It’s amazing, with lots of usefull info! and inspired me a lot! I dreamt of traveling the world like you but can’t start yet. However, will follow your page regularly.

Hi Anna Is it possible to drive through from Turkey to Syria and Jordan, onwards to Saudi on my own given the current situation? Thanks Hannan

@HM Ali, the Turkish border between Turkey and Syria is closed unfortunately. I was looking to travel from Turkey myself but may go to Iraq or Lebanon first. Good luck with planning your trip.

Hi Anna, seeing your surname I wonder if you’re from the Netherlands. I’m Dutch although I live in Northern Ireland for over 15 years now. Would it be possible to just stay a week in Aleppo and have a Syrian friend join me and the tour guide? He’s living there.

I’m Polish, but I actually used to live in the Netherlands for a few years 🙂 Aleppo no I’m afraid. If your local friend isn’t a guide then you could only use the invitation to go to Damascus and Damascus only.

hola quisiera visitar siria vivo en USA pero voy en un vuelo a turquia pienso pasar un tiempo alla y luego ir en vehiculo a siria por la frontera. sabes si necesito algun permiso para el vehiculo que es placa europea.

No creo que puedes entrar a Siria en tu vehiculo de renta y mas importante sin guia local

Hi, I’m traveling to damascus next month trough beirut, I think I get visa at the border, security clearance is not necessary. Syria need tourists, they give visa at the border

Hi, I will be travelling to Syria soon, and because of my nationality i do not need a visa and i am allowed to travel independently, but do you have any tips on how to find good cheap hotels or hostels around syria ? Since it is difficult to find anything online.

There are no hostels in Syria I’m afraid. You can try couchsurfing.

Thank you for your informative contribution, currently the circumstances are improved, hopefully will be even better during the coming months. I will be glad to accompany tourists around Syria and ensure they have great arrangements for the best experience possible. You can WhatsApp me on 00963932280797 Tarif. Best of luck

Thanks for this article! I am an American spending time in Lebanon and looking to visit Syria with my partner while we are here. I have some family in Syria but the language barrier makes it hard to communicate.

Does anyone know if it is possible to start a tour in Beirut to Damascus/Syria, and then onward to Jordan (Ammann and Petra)? Then we would fly back to Beirut from Jordan.

It’s possible, just contact the guide 🙂

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Travel to Syria: The Ultimate Guide to Visiting as a Tourist

• 16th July 2022
• 10 minute read

This will be, without a doubt, one of the most difficult destination blogs to compose. On the other hand, I personally feel a duty to share the notion of travel being possible in Syria – even amidst the internal and external battles that the country still currently faces today. Depending on your travel experience, it’s common to realise that the reality of most countries can be very different to the perception that mainstream media outlets try to convey… This applies to (many areas of) Syria too.

Table of Contents

Why should you travel to syria, travelling to syria as a female, what is it like travelling syria, in my experience…, how much spending money will you need, should you tip in syria, accommodation in syria, food in syria, internet in syria, weather in syria, what to wear in syria.

Don’t have time to read this now?  Pin this blog for later .

Syria could be one of the most emotionally difficult destinations you can visit today. It is clear to see that most of the landscapes, towns and characters have been shaped by the most recent war. Personal stories will continue to break your heart on a day-to-day basis. And as a consequence, military checkpoints patrol most corners of the road network and most of what remains to be visited by tourists.

Still and all, contrary to what much of the mainstream media would have us believe, Syria has many other stories to tell, especially to those who are courageous enough to visit.

Before 2011, popular hotel rooms and tour operators would be fully booked. Tourists from all around the world would flock in numbers to explore the incredible ancient structures, such as Palmyra and Krak des Chevaliers. So, whether you believe it or not, Syria once had a booming tourism industry. This is understandable because Syria has some of the richest histories and ancient sites in the world!

This personal insight is not a suggestion that Syria is ready for mass tourism yet. After all, for any open-hearted individual who is willing to cross the Syrian border and especially for the vast population of Syria, I can only have hope and faith that they will be able to host larger numbers again someday soon. Inshallah!

Is It Safe to Travel to Syria?

During the time this blog was written (July 2022) , it would be against foreign advice to travel to Syria. It’s also near impossible to find travel insurance that will cover your visit, due to the economic sanctions that multiple nations have placed on the country.

The intention of this blog is not to inform travellers that visiting Syria is completely safe –  it’s not. In fact, there are many areas of the country that are still active conflict zones and undisputed territories. Nevertheless, the complete war zone that mainstream media outlets portray the entire country to be in, is simply misleading.

In fact, most curious locals generally point out their own personal concerns about how their country is perceived by other nations through the mainstream media. Therefore, I personally feel a duty to share their strong message of humankind, that the overwhelming majority of Syrians are not dangerous and are instead, very peaceful and loving people. By spending time with these local people from various areas of Syria, I was one thousand per cent assured by their heartwarming smiles that would grant peace to anyone with compassion that was blessed to be around them.

Of course, like in many other countries, things can change quickly. Therefore, I would urge everyone to do research and their own risk assessment before travelling. There are plenty of governments advising against travel to Syria, but similarly, a great amount of positive trip reports from western travellers on Facebook groups, forums and YouTube vlogs. All in all, it’s important that you travel to Syria with a trustworthy local contact in case the situation on the ground changes in an instant. If you are planning to travel with a reputable tour company, then keep in contact with their employees. They will be able to better advise you on the current security situation.

In all honesty, my experience in Syria as a female foreigner (with a local guide) felt very safe. From the countless welcoming encounters at the military checkpoints to the interactions with boys, guys and other women on the streets, I personally had zero threatening experiences.

Talking about what still stands in Syria today is almost unavoidable without also mentioning what has been lost, destroyed or taken over the years. It’s heartbreaking to hear and painful to see the devastation in any guide’s face whilst they tell the stories of destruction in what once stood before them. This is massively overwhelming to make sense of as a visitor.

How to Get a Tourist Visa to Enter Syria

It’s important to note that foreigners cannot explore Syria 100% independently. Visitors need to obtain a visa with security clearance beforehand. This can be organised through a travel agency within the country. Once you arrive, the travel agency will provide you with a local guide that should accompany you over the entirety of your stay.

Gaining your security clearance through a local tour company is straightforward; the process will usually take less than 2 weeks, or in my case, 10 days. Normally, all that should be required is an image of your passport, employment status and occupation. This paperwork is important as it will be shown multiple times a day as you pass the many roadside checkpoints.

At the time of writing this (July 2022) , visas are not permitted for those with an Israeli stamp on their current passport.

I, and two other Brits, were driven across the border between Lebanon and Syria by an employee of the tour company we were in contact with beforehand. Overall, the border crossing was surprisingly smooth. We did not encounter any issues and were pleasantly startled by the extremely warm welcome and plentiful smiles from both the immigration officers and military staff on guard. In addition to our payment to the tour agency for a visa, we also paid $140 at a border office to enter the country. Our driver was very organised as he ushered us around the necessary desks on foot. There were some for our passports, a check of vaccine certificates, visas and what seemed to be another for his vehicle. Before we drove away, some uniformed officers briefly, but respectfully, checked the contents of our luggage too.

Exchanging Money in Syria

The currency in Syria is the Syrian Pound (SYP). You should bring either Euros or US Dollars to exchange in the country because, due to European and American economic sanctions against Syria, you will not be able to use any card to withdraw or spend money.

It is unlikely that you will be able to exchange Syrian Pounds back to US Dollars or Euros. Therefore, you should be sure not to exchange too much during your stay.

As a point of reference, I exchanged 100 USD to spend across seven full days in Syria. This is doable if you just need to pay for dinner, and you are not including alcohol or souvenirs. However, I’d recommend exchanging about 120-150 USD to be more comfortable. The exchange rate was approximately 3400 SYP to the dollar, but this figure is extremely volatile.

Small tips are welcome in Syria, but they are by no means mandatory. If you appreciate the time any local has spent with you at sites, telling you stories or taking your photograph, then I would suggest leaving a tip or small donation to contribute towards any restoration, rebuilding or loss of income.

Places to Visit When You Travel to Syria

Syria isn’t too geographically widespread. This means that you will not have to travel far to pack plenty into your itinerary. The typical Syrian road trip route is from the south (Damascus) to the north (Aleppo) with a day trip slightly to the east (Palmyra). If you would like to deviate from this common route, then you should arrange this with your tour operator beforehand. Once you arrive, the security clearance for each location cannot be changed.

If you have any doubt about your travels to Syria, the Old City of Damascus will immediately reassure you that your venture will be worth any initial anxieties. This will likely be your first destination, and I personally, have no doubt that you will be greeted with ear-to-ear smiles and warm hospitality.

Thankfully, much of the Old City of Damascus still remains today. So as you arrive, you’ll quite naturally be eager to explore the lively and narrow cobblestoned streets that lead towards the hustle and bustle. I wouldn’t blame you! The journey is inviting, exciting and very tasty!

Krak des Chevaliers is one of the most famous castles in the world! It’s reasonably easy to visit considering the site is a 45-minute drive from the city of Homs. In English, ‘Krak des Chevaliers’ translates to ‘Castle of the Knights’ which is incredibly fitting considering that this is one of the greatest fortresses built by European crusaders. In addition, it’s almost certainly one of the better preserved too. Without the distractions of information boards, unsightly barriers, excessive lights and shuffling crowds, it’s so much easier to try visualising what life could have been like in the confines of these walls.

The population of Aleppo are bound to sing to you!… If not directly, then you’ll hear the melodic local songs as you explore the citadel and souks. They’re beautiful!

Aleppo’s Old City is one of the oldest in the world. This faced a severe amount of destruction during the conflict. For instance, the Great Mosque was completely destroyed. But fortunately, there are visible signs of the most restoration you are likely to witness in Syria. Nevertheless, a day of exploration in Aleppo can be very emotional as it will take years for the city to return to a similar condition it once was.

This historical site was once among Syria’s top attractions. Now, a visit to Palmyra comes with great sadness as considerable damage was inflicted by ISIS in 2016. The destruction is vast, though there are signs of reorganisation and restoration.

Maaloula is an ancient Christain town, hidden in the mountains of Syria. It’s one of the few places remaining in the world where Aramaic, the language of Jesus, has survived as a spoken dialect. The entire language is being kept alive by the parents of Maaloula who continue to use the language around their children every day.

Hama is a popular place to stretch off the car journey between Damascus and Aleppo. Plus, the numerous waterwheels in Hama are famous in Syria. Fortunately, they have managed to remain intact.

Bosra is approximately a 2-hour drive from Damascus. The area is an anomaly to the other cities as there aren’t constant photographs of the president scattered around the streets. Instead, you’ll find green Syrian flags draped across the ruins or painted on walls. Needless to say, there is still no visible animosity from either side in the area, and tourists are able to visit with the appropriate paperwork.

Bosra was once a major stopover along the ancient caravan route to Mecca. Now, it’s a major archaeological site that includes monuments, churches, mosques and a magnificent Roman theatre. Fortunately, the theatre escaped too much damage from the recent conflicts. In fact, just before the war, events were still being held inside.

There are many amazing hotels in Syria; some that could even tell a thousand stories! It is likely that you’ll begin your Syrian adventure at the Beit Al Wali Hotel in Damascus. Three traditional 18th-century houses were renovated and combined to create a grand space with a warm atmosphere for visitors to relax after exploring the nearby chaos of Damascus’ Old City.

The Laures Hotel is another example of accommodation in Syria.

You may want to consider visiting Syria for the food alone! Syrian cuisine is fresh, healthy and extremely tasty. You aren’t going to want to skip any meal here, no matter where you are in the country.

Syria is also an easy destination for vegetarians or vegans as there are always plenty of salads, bread, falafel and hummus. Popular dishes include tabouleh, fatoush, shwarma and baklava.

Syrians typically eat a variety of foods for breakfast. This was clear to see during the very colourful spreads we would be presented with every morning. Platters normally include pitas, a variety of cheeses, eggs, olives, hummus, vegetables and labneh. The food would come accompanied by either coffee or tea (and even a shisha – if you’d prefer) .

Most hotels, restaurants, coffee shops and bars in Syria have free wifi. The connection may not be the fastest, but it’s certainly enough to check your socials and emails or to message home.

If you require a constant connection, ask your tour operator for a local SIM card. They tend to have a reasonably reliable connection and signal strength.

The most ideal time to visit Syria would be between March and May when the temperature is around 20°C. Similarly, but without as many blossoming flowers, between September and October is also a reasonable period to visit Syria.

Summer temperatures can reach 45°C whilst winter can be wet, cold and with the possibility of snowfall. Yes, snow!.. It might be hard to imagine, with Syria being in the Middle East, but snow can cause the road between Beirut and Damascus to be closed from time to time.

It is recommended that women dress modestly in Syria. Loose-fitting clothes would ideally cover your shoulders and knees. However, it is also likely that you’ll notice local Syrians not following this custom, especially in Damascus.

You could also take a scarf to cover your hair or body parts in any mosque, but alternatives are often provided upon entering. Hence the cloak that can be pictured below…

Let’s go! @katie.maree

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Hello, i want to go to Syria which company you chose? I am in a tight budget. Please tell me, i go in January!!

Really interesting post, would you recommend the tour agency you went with? If so would you be able to share their name please?

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Visiting Syria – Useful Tips for an Unforgettable Experience

Last Updated on January 25, 2024 by Wandering Beyond

Embarking on a trip to Syria started questions from doubters: ‘Did you travel to the third most dangerous country in the world of Syria through an ongoing conflict? Are you crazy to risk terrorist attacks in the Middle East?’ So many questions, but we still wanted to visit Syria!

Coming from a small island in the Mediterranean Sea, mentioning our journey to a country during war often raises concern.

Unfortunately, the general narrative revolves around conflicts in the Middle East . This missed opportunity arises as our Syrian journey reveals a breathtaking side overshadowed by war complexities. 

Join us as we challenge preconceptions and uncover the hidden beauty of Syria amidst the ongoing conflict.

This blog post will guide you with all you need to know, such as where to go, what to see and more – ensuring you have the most amazing time in this remarkable country.

Our Experience

Our trip to Syria, which made it to one of the national newspapers , was a remarkable experience that we will never forget. Despite warnings from social media and news portals about terrorist attacks and the Syrian conflict, Syria is a destination offering the most authentic experiences for adventurous travellers. 

Whether exploring the city centre or north-east Syria, don’t let fear discourage you—conduct thorough research before your journey.

Thanks to the guidance of our local guides, we not only had the time of our lives but also encountered incredible people and discovered outstanding places.

What about Safety in Syria?

We have a deep love for the Middle East, and the excitement was above and beyond when we decided to travel to the Syrian country. Upon arrival, that special feeling was evident! 

While it’s true that Syria has faced years of conflict with terrorist groups and military action, it’s essential to keep a few key factors in mind. Checking travel advisories before your trip to Syria and sticking to local laws help concerns.

Damascus emerged unscathed by the war, showcasing resilience despite economic challenges. Syrians, like everyone else, aspire to lead everyday lives. Several cities were untouched by conflict, while others, though affected, remained safe with a commitment to established rules.

The scene is vibrant in many parts of Syria—children playing, locals earning a living, bustling markets, and people enjoying time with friends. Syria is a country much like any other worldwide, and there’s no need for fear to go to Syria, as it stands as a safe country.

How to Get to Syria

Our journey to Syria began from Beirut in Lebanon, a roughly 2-hour drive to the Masnaa Lebanon, Syria border crossing.

Besides Lebanon , alternative entry points exist, such as from Jordan, Erbil, Tehran, or Cairo to Damascus International Airport.

We highly recommend the best and easiest travel option from Lebanon. Our tour guide from Golden Team picked us up from Hamra, Lebanon, and made our entrance as smooth as possible.

Discovering Syria Independently: Navigating the Traveller’s Dilemma

To enter Syria is more complicated than it once was. Unlike in the past, you cannot enter on your own. Securing a guide is necessary to facilitate entry and travel within Syria. Additionally, specific areas require a dedicated driver for exploration.

For those considering a visit, understanding the arrival process, obtaining a tourist visa, adapting to local customs, and staying informed about the security situation is essential to guarantee a smooth and enjoyable experience in Syria, starting from the border in Beirut.

Arrival and immigration tips for Syria

We want to help you make the immigration process easier, so here are some useful tips:

Don’t break a sweat over visas! Roll with a tour guide when planning your grand Syrian adventure. 

They’re your golden ticket to hassle-free travel, sorting out that visa business along with your booking. It’s like a two-for-one deal minus the stress.

Stamp of Approval (Not from Israel, Though)

Heads up—keep those passport pages looking fresh. If you’ve got stamps from Israel, prepare for a U-turn! Having the Israeli ink might get you banned from Syria.

This rule isn’t just for our Israeli pals; even travellers with a hint of Israel on their passports are in for a detour.

Cash Rules Everything Around Syria (Money)

Make sure you pack EUR or USD cash. Exchange your money because, in Syria, it’s all about the Syrian pounds.

Your dollars and euros are like VIP passes for a smooth entrance into this fantastic country. Let the adventure begin!

Getting Around Syria – Tour or Local Guide

Before you visit, you must check the latest travel advisories, but don’t overdo it. Since the independent approach to this destination country is restricted, booking with a tour or a guide becomes crucial, particularly for managing visas and accommodations in advance.

With a range of options, including group and private tours, our standout recommendation, based on our wonderful experience, is the outstanding Golden Team Syria .

This team is the real deal—absolute pros who transformed our journey into an unforgettable one. They covered us from crossing the border to the very last minute bound for Beirut. Need conversion to Syrian pounds? No problem. Are you concerned about navigating the local laws of the Syrian government and high-risk areas? They’ve got it all under control. 

The Golden Team ensured our Syrian journey was nothing short of epic, making it the best experience ever. When unravelling the magic of Syria, they’re the people you can trust!

How to Get a Visa

One must get a visa in Syria as you can not travel alone like in Jordan . You must inform your travel agency about arranging your documents and, ideally, combining them into your tour cost, making it hassle-free. 

We recommend sorting out the above at least two to three weeks before your trip. There is no need to browse consular services on the government website when your local guide seamlessly handles everything.

While Damascus allows some independent travel, venturing beyond can be challenging, if not impossible, without a guide. The quantity of checkpoints throughout the country requires constant document verification, including the tourist visa. 

Ensure a smooth journey by letting your guide navigate these frontiers and handle the intricacies of travel in this magnificent country.

Crossing Check Points

When you travel to Syria, you’ll quickly observe the majority of checkpoints as you cross from one place to another. The security situation is well managed, featuring armed groups of border officers tasked with ensuring safety and compliance. 

It’s crucial to be respectful and follow the rules and orders issued by your guide throughout your travels here, navigating the barriers and borders seamlessly.

Currency Exchange

Upon arrival in Damascus, settling your tour cost is a straightforward process—you’ll need to pay in notes, with both USD and Euro accepted. However, it’s advisable to bring extra notes in USD in exchange for the Syrian pound currency at the border to cover additional expenses, such as food. 

While Euro is acceptable for settling your tour bill, bringing USD is preferable. Remember that there are no ATMs or card readers in Syria, stressing the importance of carrying enough money in dollars for your entire trip, including visas and other costs at the border.

Where to Stay?

When we shared our plan to visit Syria, the reactions were overwhelming, with most people expressing massive concern about our accommodations. Many assumed that Syria, still recovering from the impact of conflict, lacked suitable places to stay. 

Contrary to this misconception, our experience was quite the opposite! In Syria, we enjoyed staying in some of the most beautiful hotels, exceeding all expectations in comfort and amenities.

To our delight, the Golden Team had meticulously planned and booked all our accommodations well in advance, ensuring a smooth experience. Each hotel we stayed at not only met but exceeded our needs. Moreover, they all offered delectable Syrian breakfasts, adding a delightful culinary touch to our stay.

Accommodation

For those considering a trip to Syria and opting for a guide instead of a tour, we highly recommend booking the same hotels that made our stay truly special:

• Hotel Talsman
• Dar Al Mamlouka

Al Misthaya

• Villa Rosa Hotel
• Laurus Hotel

Trust us, you won’t be disappointed!

Must See Places

Undoubtedly one of the most beautiful countries, Syria promises to be an unforgettable destination. Bursting with a wealth of history, culture, and natural marvels, here are some of the must-see places:

Damascus is one of the major cities that fascinates most people and boasts an impressive blend of history and modernity. At its heart lies the iconic Umayyad Mosque, a symbol of Syria’s rich cultural heritage. With its energetic city centre, the ancient city of Damascus invites exploration that promises awe-inspiring experiences.

Bosra is an ancient city in Syria that offers a captivating journey through time. With its rich historical significance, this well-preserved site invites exploration and promises a unique glimpse into the past.

When your travels bring you to Syria, Maaloula is an absolute must-see. Half a day is dedicated to exploring this beautiful destination. During our exploration, we encountered the poignant remains of a hotel, bearing witness to the ravages of war. In Maaloula, a unique experience awaits as you interact with locals who still speak Aramaic, the language of Jesus. Wandering through these ancient sites is truly a fantastic journey back in time.

Krak Des Chevaliers (Al-Husn)

When you find yourself in Syria, prepare to be mesmerised by the sheer magic of Krak Des Chevaliers. This iconic fortress is a must-see and a key highlight in guided tours. Once a stronghold for the Knights Hospitaller, the Krak Des Chevaliers boasts an awe-inspiring medieval architecture that transports you to a bygone era.

Ensure your camera is handy, as you will be able to capture the captivating details and breathtaking views this historical marvel offers. At least we did. The fortress stands as a testament to centuries of history. It is a living storybook ready to be explored, leaving visitors wondering about its grandeur and the tales it holds within its walls.

Al-Mishtaya

Al-Mishtaya, a hidden gem in Syria, invites travellers to discover its unique charm. This picturesque destination fascinates with its serene beauty and rich cultural heritage. Whether strolling through its historic streets, savouring local cuisine, or engaging with the welcoming community, Al-Mishtaya promises an authentic and memorable experience off the beaten path in Syria.

Hama, nestled in the heart of Syria with a storied history, extends a warm invitation to visitors, blending ancient allure with a dynamic modern spirit. Renowned for its iconic Norias, or water wheels, lining the Orontes River, this place unfolds an exciting journey through time. Delve into the remnants of its ancient past, from the Roman-era aqueduct to the historic citadel, immersing yourself in the city’s lively atmosphere.

The residents here, accustomed to rarely seeing tourists, expressed genuine excitement upon encountering new faces during our visit. Eager to connect, everyone wanted to capture moments together, and we were overwhelmed by the joy reflected in their happy faces.

Hama effortlessly blends tradition and modernity, creating a captivating stop for those enthusiastic about exploring Syria’s rich cultural fabric. Discover the hidden gems and experience the warm hospitality that makes this location a uniquely distinct and memorable destination

Apamea, another gem in Syria’s historical crown, is near Hama. Strolling through its collonaded streets, one can almost hear the echoes of ancient civilisations that once thrived in this city. The site offers a captivating window into the history and culture of this ancient land.

During our visit to Apamea, we had the privilege of meeting locals engaged in the traditional practice of olive cutting. Children, with bright smiles, were actively participating in this age-old process, transforming olives into medicinal treasures. 

This immersive encounter with the local community added a deep layer to our exploration, providing a glimpse into the daily lives and traditions that endure in such historical marvels.

Exploring this archaeological gem not only unveils the architectural splendours of the past but also connects visitors with the resilient spirit of the present-day community, making Apamea a truly enriching destination to travel for those seeking a profound journey through time.

Aleppo, a city in northern Syria celebrated for its culinary scene, stands resilient despite war’s challenges. Though scarred, the bustling markets testify to the city’s enduring spirit. 

During the day of exploring Aleppo, we found ourselves captivated not only by its diverse and flavorful dishes but also by the unwavering resilience of its residents, offering a narrative of strength. Post-conflict, locals eagerly pursue normality, breathing life back into their city amid the scars of conflict. 

From markets to neighbourhoods, Aleppo experiences a collective effort to rebuild and revive, transforming into a symbol of rebirth. The indomitable spirit of its residents shines, determined to reclaim lives in the face of adversity, each step towards normalcy a testament to Aleppo’s enduring strength.

Visit Homs, Syria, and discover a city steeped in history and cultural richness, where ancient landmarks tell tales of a captivating past.

In Homs, we were welcomed into the home of a Syrian family, which, with open arms and warm hospitality, awaited us. Beyond the delightful lunch, our hearts warmed as we spent precious moments playing with local kids , turning our journey into an extremely heartwarming experience. Check out this video full of love from the kids of Homs.

@norbertbezzina 🇸🇾 These are the kids of Syria, and we are in Homs, and these beautiful kids are amazing, not just the kids; everyone is amazing. When you see these faces, you can’t be any happier ❤️ #maltatravel #maltatiktok #tiktokmalta #fypmalta #maltatiktoker #maltatiktok🇲🇹 #maltatiktok🖤 #maltatok #maltese🇲🇹 #maltesepeople #maltesetiktoker #maltesetiktok #maltesetraveller🇲🇹 #maltesetraveller #maltesetravellers #maltafyp #maltafyp🇲🇹 #maltatiktokers🇲🇹 #maltatiktokers #malta🇲🇹_tiktokers #tiktokersmalta #tiktokermalta #maltafyp2023 #fypmalta2023 #maltesefyp2023 #syria🤍 #syria_love #fypcute #beautifulkids #sobeautiful❤️ @Norbert Bezzina @Norbert Bezzina @Norbert Bezzina ♬ original sound - Norbert Bezzina

@norbertbezzina 🇸🇾 The beautiful kids of Homs, Syria ❤️ We love you 🤍 #maltatravel #maltatiktok #tiktokmalta #fypmalta #maltatiktoker #maltatiktok🇲🇹 #maltatiktok🖤 #maltatok #maltese🇲🇹 #maltesepeople #maltesetiktoker #maltesetiktok #maltesetraveller🇲🇹 #maltesetraveller #maltesetravellers #maltafyp #maltafyp🇲🇹 #maltatiktokers🇲🇹 #maltatiktokers #malta🇲🇹_tiktokers #tiktokersmalta #tiktokermalta #maltafyp2023 #fypmalta2023 #maltesefyp2023 #syria #syria🇸🇾 #fypcute #beautifulkids #sobeautiful❤️ ♬ original sound - Norbert Bezzina

Do Not Miss What We Missed

We highly recommend visiting Palmyra and including it in your journey . Isis destroyed Palmyra, but despite its unfortunate history, exploring this ancient city is worth exploring. There is a significant part of understanding Syria’s rich heritage and the resilience of its historical treasures.

Moses Al-Abyssinian Monastery (Al Nabk)

In Al Nabk, this Monastery beckons with its serene spirituality and architectural elegance and is worth visiting.

Traditional Food

You can only be in Syria by exploring the delightful flavours of traditional Syrian cuisine. Do not miss the below:

• Kibbeh Bil Sanieh
• Samaka Harra

For those with a sweet tooth, don’t miss the Syrian Booza—an ice cream with a unique twist! Make sure to indulge in this treat when in Damascus.

Internet access in Syria is minimal, much like the situation in Beirut. It’s essential to be mindful of the connectivity challenges that may occur when you travel to Syria. 

We experienced this firsthand, disrupting our usual workflow due to the constrained connection. Fortunately, with a flexible content writing schedule, we were less impacted and could work anytime. 

When crossing the border, anticipate a substantial decrease in wifi availability, potentially slowing your ability to stay connected during your travels in Syria. 

Electricity

Electricity availability in Syria can also be unpredictable, with occasional power outages, so be prepared for potential disruptions.

Recommendations for Visiting Syria

Planning to enter syria make it easier with these helpful tips:.

• Consider Golden Team as your tour guide for the best experience.
• Get a Visa to ensure hassle-free entry taken care of by the agency.
• Bring currencies like USD or EUR to exchange for the Syrian pound.
• Travel insurance is extremely limited to Syria; however, TrueTraveller is available.
• Consider exploring other countries, like we did with Lebanon , to take advantage of Syria’s central location.
• Stay updated on travel advisories during your days in Syria.

What to Wear when You Travel to Syria

Clothes advice.

• Men: Normal clothes are suitable, but avoid sleeveless shirts in mosques.
• Women: Dress freely, but carry trousers and a scarf. Avoid shorts or short skirts in Hama and Aleppo, especially in mosques.

Taking Photos and Videos

During your trip to Syria, you can capture photos and videos anywhere except at the borders. Exercise caution in high-risk areas, especially checkpoints, where little or no warning may be given. 

People of Syria

Syrians are undoubtedly some of the most warm-hearted and kind individuals we’ve ever encountered. Despite living in challenging circumstances and often facing poverty, their generosity knows no bounds. 

Whether offering food or heartfelt gifts, they naturally desire to share what they have with visitors.

This genuine kindness touched our hearts deeply, and we are incredibly grateful, mainly as we were with Golden Team Syria, which provided us with unique insights into Syrian life from the locals’ perspective.

Best Time to Visit Syria

The optimal times to visit Syria are spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November) when the weather is cool and pleasant.

In June, the heat is intense, as experienced with Norbert suffering heatstroke during our visit. Take precautions if planning this beautiful country during hotter months.

Have You Got any Questions or Concerns? We can Help You!

Please get in touch with us if you’re interested in planning your Syrian adventure or have any questions about travelling to this unique destination. We’ll gladly provide insights, information, and assistance to ensure you have a safe and enjoyable experience in Syria.

Drop your questions below, and let the journey begin!

Disclosure: Please note that some of the links in our content are affiliate links. If you book your accommodation or buy anything through our links, we earn a small commission at NO extra cost to you. We only recommend links to services we truly trust. Thank you for your support!

Wandering Beyond

We're Norbert and Steff, a couple from the tiny island of Malta. Our love story began in 2012, and our shared aspiration has always been to embark on adventures and uncover new horizons. With a passion for backpacking and a desire to immerse ourselves in diverse cultures, we continue to create unforgettable experiences. Our dream has reached a new level today since we are full-time digital nomads living our dream, travelling the world one country at a time.

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The Ultimate Solo Traveler's Guide to Exploring Syria Safely

Updated: May 23

A country that is the very heart of civilization - think the longest-inhabited cities, the first musical note, the first alphabet. This solo trip is right up there with Afghanistan as one of the most difficult and emotionally challenging destinations I have visited to date. The destruction is everywhere… unlike anything I have ever seen. That said, contrary to what is shared in the media, Syria is more than its past, more than collapsed buildings and rubble blocks.

Would you expect a warm welcome? Would you expect to be embraced? You should… if you visit, you will get exactly that, time and time again, over and over, until it’s almost overwhelming. Everyone wants to say hello. Everyone wants to make sure you’re having a good time. They’re surprised any traveler would take a punt on their country, that they’d come to see if the reality matches the headlines. It’s a nation of overwhelmingly decent people who just want to live their lives in peace and with dignity.

This travel guide to syria is a way for you to explore the country safely , alone or with a small group. Planning a trip to Syria doesn't have to be complicated - you just have to exert common sense and keep an open mind.

THINGS TO DO IN SYRIA

Land in Beirut, cross the border to Syria

Drive to Maaloula

Drive to Krak De Chevaliers

Drive to Hama

Drive to Allepo, stay two nights

Drive to Palmyra

Drive back to Damascus

Back to Beirut, Lebanon

TABLE OF CONTENTS

Where I stayed

Guide + Getting Around

Solo Travel + Safety

Vegan + Vegetarian Food

Highlights Maaloula Krak de Chevaliers Hama Aleppo Palymra Damascus

Final Thoughts

FLIGHTS + VISA

The best and most reliable way to get to Syria is through Lebanon . So fly into Beirut and then cross the border by road.

Irrespective of what passport you hold, you will need to have a security clearance to visit Syria. This process can take anywhere from four to six weeks. You can enter the country with this clerance, and get your visa stamped at the border. The cost for the visa is $52 per person for a single entry.

As you would expect, Arabic is the main language spoken. You won't find a lot of people speaking English, so if you plan to travel without a guide, be aware of this, use a translator.

BEST TIME TO VISIT

Early November to March is always the best time to go to any part of the Middle East.

Best to carry local currency called Syrian Pound - dollar is not accepted in Syria.

HOW LONG TO SPEND IN SYRIA

The country is huge, there are no restrictions per-se but there are some areas that are still tricky. It is best to avoid those areas. I spent a week exploring the country but you can easily spend 10 days or more by the adding coastal areas of Syria.

WHERE I STAYED

Most of the places I stayed was an old house converted to a hotel. Every place was 4* and had wifi as well as clean toilets. Perfect for a night or two.

GUIDE + GETTING AROUND

You cannot do a trip to Syria on your own. You need either a local contact or an agency to apply for your security clearance. Once you are in the country, I still recommend having an agency with you to explain the subtle cultural nuances, as well as shed light on the history, and the current situation.

SOLO TRAVEL + SAFETY

Syrians are one of the most hospitable people in the world. Even without a guide, you will be treated with respect as a solo female traveler. Due to the complicated political situation, I always recommend having local support. I did feel safe on the ground the whole time I was there.

VEGAN + VEGETARIAN FOOD

Middle Eastern food is generally very vegetarian-friendly. Since this is the kind of food I eat at home in Dubai, I knew what I liked and stuck to that. If this is your introduction to Middle eastern food, try Falafel, Fatteh, Fattoush, spicy Batata Harra.

My trip started in this tiny settlement hidden deep behind the mountains that separate Lebanon and Syria. In this little corner of the world, people still speak the Syrian dialect called Western Aramaic, which is the longest continuously spoken and written language in the Middle East.

Would you believe if I said this was a Christian village? Home to two beautiful monasteries which you can climb up to. I could only imagine what once was - bells ringing, people flocking to pray, a huge statue of Jesus… now, this village is deserted. Completely destroyed by the war, people have abandoned their homes. I saw just a handful of people and few kids the whole time I was there. THIS is the reality of Syria.

Inspite of all this pain, the locals people are incredible - always offering me chai, feeding me and giving me big smiles. Like this young lady who I met in the Church. After exchanging causalities I asked her if she could speak for me in Aramaic, she offered to pray instead.

KRAK DE CHEVALIERS

The history of the world is a tale of nations, people, and their structures. One such structure that has stood the test of time is this impressive fortress crowning a hill in Western Syria. One of the most important medieval castles in the world.

The strategic location, the near impenetrable nature of the castle along with the architectural genius make this place a must-see. Over the years it has changed hands so many times, from Crusaders to Mamluk Sultan, and you can see those traces throughout the castle. You can also see bullet holes from the war and cracked walls from the earthquake last year. That said, I was amazed by how much of the castle is still in such phenomenal shape.

The most moving part for me was my encounter was with a security guard who was kidnapped during the war. He stayed in the castle of 3 months. He still works here. He spoke good English and still had a smile on his face while welcoming me to Syria. What strength!

Another town that has been constaly inhabited for over five millenia. The city has giant wooden wheels called noria, which were once used to distribute water through the city. T here are over 18 of these.

Due to its strategic location along the silk road, it once thrived as Syria’s crown jewel. The old town of Aleppo city is one of the oldest in the world. To see something with so much history completely destroyed due to conflict is not going to be easy to witness.

Seconds after I clicked these pictures, I heard a loud g** firing. I instantly froze, but it turned out to be a practice round by the military. This photo of the three boys is my favorite because I have a similar photo from Afghanistan of three small boys. Brothers? Friends? Bonding over their love for soccer or the loss none of us can comprehend? It is impossible not to get sentimental in Syria.

Restoration of the monuments is underway, slowly but surely. Some people who left back then have returned too… in the souqs, old life is back. Amidst all this destruction, I still saw small signs of continuity.. people chatting, having chai, haggling with shopkeepers.

From the bustling Al Madina Souq, to cobbled alleyways, intricately designed caravanserais, spice shops, UNESCO WH sites like the Aleppo Citadel, this city is filled with immense beauty.

As I walked past the most beautiful kids offering me an innocent smile, my heart clenched. HOPE, for their future. That’s all any of us could ask for!

Quite simply the most iconic of all touristy spots in Syria, a whole lot of Palmyra was destroyed during the war. Known as the “Pearl of the desert”, the site boasts massive Roman and Byzantine ruins.

You will need extra permits to visit this place, also get ready for a long drive - but it will be worth it. Spanning an area of more than 100 hectares, the place is famous for its colonnaded streets and majestic pillars adorned with Greek influences like the palm leaves.

Standing tall against the eerie grey sky, the massive Roman theatre reminded me so much of my time in North Africa last December. One site you cannot visit is the Palmyra fort, which is now protected by the military.

If this is your first visit to a roman ruin outside of Italy, prepared for your mind to be blown. It wasn’t my first and I still spent hours exploring this place. Pages of history, nearly lost - but a place that still deserves SO much adoration!

Welcome to the OLDEST continuously inhabited city in the world & one of my new all time favorites.

Dating back to medieval times, the old city of Damascus was founded in the 3rd millennium B.C. and is encircled by a five kilometers of a strong defensive wall. The old city is absolutely spectacular, a maze of narrow streets & alleys. A large part of the heritage of the city consists of huge palaces, houses and mosques built during the Ottoman conquest.

MUST-SEE PLACES

📌 Straight street - the Roman street that runs across the city, where I found intriguing remnants of Roman, Christian and Islamic periods

📌 Chapel of Saint Ananias in the Christian Quarter

📌 A bustling Al Hamidiyah Souq with shops over a hundred years old!

📌 Umayyad Mosque - a magnificent mosque and one of the oldest in the region. It is a true wonder of traditional Islamic architecture as well as coptic, Persian & Byzantine influences. All three minarets are of a different style, and the courtyard is HUGE.

📌 Al Azem Palace - a masterpiece of Damascusian architecture!

📌 pick up street food for less than a dollar 🫶🏽

Damascus is truly a living museum with so many places to see and things to do, you can spend two days in this gorgeous city. This was easily the most gorgeous part of my trip!

FINAL THOUGHTS

Whenever I tell people where I’m traveling next, the immediate question is often “why do you travel to such places”? As a deeply curious traveler, I strongly believe that seeing a place for myself is the best way to mitigate everyone’s fears and bust the myths surrounding it.

When you only read about these places in the news, you begin to form an opinion of them as scary, as being the enemy, as being the sort of places you would want to avoid. But travel has taught me that the opposite is true. That there’s so much to gain from taking a chance on a ‘no-go zone’.

The travel experience is at its best when it surprises you, when it forces you to question your “assumed” knowledge, when it changes your world view for the better. And sometimes going to these ‘danger zones’ will do just that. It’s the genuinely good nature of the citizens of even the most troubled lands that makes you glad you made the effort to discover it for yourself. Afghanistan, Iran, Syria, Congo are all cases in point. There’s a feeling of being welcomed that I often don’t get in even the safest destinations. I wasn’t fortunate enough to visit this country before the war tore it apart BUT I made a point to visit now and see the reality. This trip was my homage to Syria, posted here wholeheartedly in the hope that peace will be restored, cities will rebuilt and the people will have happier stories to weave.

Thanks for reading. Leave your questions and comments below.

Lots of love,

Loved this? Then be sure to check out other off-beat destinations in Asia!

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Travel to Damascus in Syria – What Is It Really Like?

As we began approaching Damascus, I must admit that it caught me by surprise.

Travel to Damascus and the entire country has been off-limits for the past eight years due to a brutal war. 

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From the images I had seen in the media, I expected Damascus to be a much quieter city, lacking energy and colour.

Instead, as we drove through the city on our way to reach the old town, the streets were busy with people and traffic, it was bustling with life. Above all, it felt similar to any other Middle Eastern city around the world.

We passed many shops, shawarma stalls with the familiar meat roasting and turning on the grill, the aroma of fresh bread faintly passes by.

The sweet aroma of cardamom coffee fills the air and the streets are full of men and women going about their day. There are no present signs of war going on here except for some soldiers manning the few checkpoints we passed on our arrival into the Old Town.

Table of Contents

What is it really like to travel to Damascus in Syria?

Here are our impressions of this fascinating city.

The Old Town Damascus in Syria

As we walked to our hotel through the narrow cobblestoned streets in the Old Town, it felt like we had arrived in Istanbul or Fez. Most importantly, the positive vibe I immediately felt in those first few minutes was warming. A good indication of how my entire experience was to be in Damascus in Syria over the next few days.

As we reached our hotel, we were greeted with smiles and warm hospitality. After sipping on our first strong Syrian coffee and checking into our beautiful room, we hit the streets with our local guide so we could get a better insight into Damascus.

If we had any doubts about our travel to Damascus in Syria, stepping into this place and chatting to our guide has put us at ease.

How to dress in Damascus

We’d researched this question before our travel to Damascus, yet we weren’t entirely sure how conservative we should be dressed here. We came prepared with some long loose tops, in case we were required to wear them here, but soon found it wasn’t expected.

Damascus is very liberal in terms of the dress code for women. We saw some women with headscarves, abaya (cloak), and very conservative clothing. Yet other women dressed modestly in long trousers and t-shirts with different hairstyles and make-up. We wore long loose pants and loose t-shirts here.

As Damascus has a large Christian community, this is reflected in the dress code. Our guide explained that some other areas of Syria are a little more conservative, however, we are dressed respectfully as we were, so it was ok.

Can you take photos in Damascus in Syria?

Yes. With so many beautiful buildings, historical places of interest, and colourful street life; taking photos or video here was fine. However, it’s forbidden to take photos of military or government buildings (which is common in many countries).

But many visitors in the city (we assume, mostly from other Arabic countries) had cameras and iPhones out at all times to capture photos of the daily life in Damascus. I’ve lost count of the times that locals would approach us and ask if they could take a selfie with us.

Travelling to a country with a different currency? Avoid ATM transaction fees and pay in local currency with a Wise Card . We love this card; it has saved us so much in fees.

The vibe of the city

Syria is made up of a few different religions, mainly Islam, Christianity, and Judaism. The people live in harmony with each other and respect whichever faith or beliefs each has. As a result, this city is kind of special. You have churches built next to or across from mosques.

The Old Town is where you’ll most likely want to explore and where much of the fascinating history, and architecture is found.

Established between 10,000 to 8,000 BC, Damascus is known to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world.

Is it safe to walk around on your own in Damascus?

We spent three days in total exploring Damascus. We discovered much of Damascus with our local guide, however, we spent a lot of time walking around on our own both during the day and in the evenings in the Old Town.

Street Food in Damascus in Syria

Inside the Old Town walls of Damascus, I was thrilled to see that street food is everywhere and locals love it! It’s super affordable and always fresh. In the evenings, it’s especially busy. You’ll find trays of cheesy pizza being expertly cut and dished out on paper plates for about 0.40 cents per piece.

Walk a little further down the road and the baker is selling huge chocolate-filled croissants straight from the oven. It’s not hard to choose where to eat as you can follow the locals. They will always lead you to the best places for street food. We follow this rule in every new country we travel to.

These are our  7 Tips for how to find the best food when travelling.

As usual, you can find shawarma shops almost everywhere in Damascus Syria and felafel shops are common too. This is a cheap and filling meal for around $0.60 – $1.00 each. You’ll also see many small bakeries that sell small pastries and bites slathered with zaatar, meat, or filled with cheese.

Restaurants in Damascus Syria

Some of the best cafes and restaurants here can be found in the Old Town. If you’d like to eat some fantastic Syrian cuisine (and you should try as much as you possibly can), you can wander along and check a few restaurant menus. Just enter each restaurant and ask for it.

Nowadays, you will find that many menus don’t list prices (as it fluctuates too much), so make sure you ask the waiter the prices before you order or if you choose to dine somewhere without any prices mentioned.

This is best if you want to avoid a surprisingly large bill at the end. Either way, be prepared that your travel to Damascus in Syria will involve some amazing Syrian food. Here are the 9 Syrian dishes you should try.

Make sure you get Travel Insurance before hitting the road. We recommend Heymondo & SafetyWing

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How much does food cost in Damascus?

Syrian food is very affordable. The main dish, such as kebab – served with bread and salad costs around 2000 – 2500 Syrian Pound (about $3-4). After that, appetizers such as hummus or baba-ganouj are usually eaten. They will set you back around 0.80 cents per plate.

Tabbouleh salad or fattoush salad costs around 700 SYP or $1.40. Everything is served with flatbread. We ate dinner a few times at a wonderful restaurant (with menu prices) called Jabri House.

This place is located in the Old Town and it used to be a hotel but has now been converted to a stunning restaurant, complete with a fountain in the middle. The staff were wonderful and told us they were very happy to see western tourists back in their restaurant.

Places you shouldn’t miss in Damascus in Syria

Most of the places you will want to visit below are located within the Old City walls and they are reachable on foot. There are still signs posted on small streets to help navigate you to the main points of interest in Damascus.

Al-Hamidiyah Souq

Located inside the old walled city of Damascus, this feels like the busiest place in town. The souq is about 600 metres long and the entrance is covered by a tall stone arch, the remains of a Roman temple. A huge Syrian flag is strung flat across the roof.

The atmosphere is lively, full of energy and people. You can find almost anything here including clothing, carpets, trinkets, perfume, spices, and small food shops.

Best ice cream in Syria

Don’t miss the best ice cream shop in Syria called Bakdash. It’s hard to miss as it seems that everyone in town is standing outside enjoying bowls of the stuff as they continue strolling around the souk. Or they enter the shop which has three massive rooms with seating for what looks like hundreds of people.

This is a must-visit place for all who travel to Damascus in Syria.

It’s famous for its pistachio-covered ice cream with an elastic texture. This shop has operated since 1885 and this is the only thing they do and they do it very well.

How to Travel to Syria in 2024 – Everything You Need To Know

How to get a Syrian Visa – A Helpful Guide

Christian quarter.

This is the area where alcohol flows freely, and music and dancing are found in the early hours of the morning. The nightlife in Damascus is fantastic! If you have any energy left from exploring during the day, head here for a few drinks. You can also find some great roof-top restaurants and cafes to relax and take in more Syrian hospitality.

Umayyad Mosque

The Umayyad Mosque, also known as the Great Mosque of Banu Umayya is one of the largest and holiest mosques in the world. It is the 4th holiest place in Islam, the first three being the Grand Mosque, (in Mecca); the Prophet’s Mosque, (in Medina), and Al-Aqsa Mosque in Jerusalem.

Both the interior and exterior of the mosque are beautiful. It’s quite unique as it stands on the site of the 1st-century temple to Jupiter and later as a church of St. John the Baptist.

The National Museum of Damascus

This museum covers the entire range of Syrian history and displays artifacts from Syria’s most important archaeological sites.  It houses the first alphabet in history, inscribed on a clay tablet. We admired elaborate tombs, 2nd-century murals, and frescoes here too.

You could easily spend hours here learning about the ancient history of Syria. Each piece has information in English/Arabic language.

Is Damascus ready for visitors again?

To sum up, our experience of our travel to Damascus in Syria in 2019 was very positive and memorable. As I mentioned before, this city feels similar to Istanbul or cities in Morocco. The city is definitely ready and waiting to welcome visitors again.

We felt safe and welcomed here at all times. We never felt threatened, nor did we encounter any problems during our visit. Overall, the people here were so happy to finally see tourists returning to their country.

Are you considering travelling to Damascus in Syria in the future? Check out our post below:

This post is about how to visit Syria, and everything you need to know  – it will be helpful for you to plan. This post may also helpful for you –  How to get a Syrian visa.

If you do travel to Syria, we recommend that you also spend some time in Lebanon. We visited Baalbek Roman Ruins in the city of Baalbek and it was such an amazing experience.

You can book a day trip to reach Baalbek or you can get there on your own. Here are the steps for how to get from Beirut to Baalbek by Public Transport.

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We have many travel guides and tips for Asia— a fascinating continent!

Delicious cuisine can be enjoyed across Asia, and our food map of Asia will inspire your food journey.

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Our Southeast Asia packing list will be helpful if you’re travelling here.

Furthermore, if you plan to travel long-term (or at least until the money runs out), these 21 cheapest countries to visit will help you make your hard-earned dollars stretch a bit further.

Not surprisingly, our top 10 best countries for food lovers include a few Asian countries.

You’ll need to stay connected while travelling in Asia. We recommend eSIM. It’s easy, reliable and affordable. View eSIMs for individual Asian countries , or consider a regional eSIM for Asia (which covers 18 countries).

If your travels in Asia are part of a much larger global adventure, then a Global eSIM may be the answer. It connects you in 124 countries , offering data-only eSIM and data/call/text eSIM . The Global eSIM has been a game-changer; we couldn’t imagine travelling without it now.

If you want to travel with like-minded travellers, consider joining a group tour. Check out our Group Tours first for any upcoming departures in Asia, or view Tourradar for great deals on tours in Asia .

Check out our best-ever travel tips compiled from more than twenty years of experience.

Travel Planning Resources

✈️ Flights : We use Skyscanner to book cheap flights worldwide.

🏨 Accommodation :  Booking.com is our preferred platform for booking hotels and accommodation. We use Vrbo to book apartments and long-term stays.

🏥 Travel Insurance : We recommend Heymondo ( Get 5% off Heymondo)  & SafetyWing

🚌 Transportation : Trainline is the best website to reserve trains. We use Omio to book transport worldwide. For travel in Asia, we use 12Go.  

🚘 Car Rental : We use DiscoverCars to book rental cars worldwide.

👫 Group Tours : We now offer Group Trips; check them out here . Alternatively, we recommend G Adventures OR Tourradar .

📸 Day Tours & Trips :  GetYourGuide  & Viator are the only two platforms you need.

📚 Lonely Planet: The Best Range of Travel Guides & Ebooks , and FREE Shipping! (use code RACHELDAVEY10 for a 10% discount)

🎒 Luggage :  Osprey Farpoint 40L Backpack  or  Samsonite Luggage Range.

🛄 What to Pack:  Don’t forget your Universal charger and a good  power bank .  To help you pack the essentials, here is our ULTIMATE Packing List for all Travellers .

🐶 Become a House Sitter:  Join Trusted Housesitters and enjoy FREE accommodation worldwide. Use our invite to receive 25% off your new membership.

💰 Send Money Anywhere: WISE  &  Revolut  are the best online accounts that let you send money, get paid, and spend money internationally. Both are so easy to use and way cheaper than any bank transfer.

📶  Stay Connected: Airalo eSIM allows you to get connected the moment you land at your destination, and you can avoid those expensive data roaming charges. We LOVE this product! Use promo code NOMAD15 for 15% off ALL eSIMs (new Airalo users only) OR use NOMAD10 for 10% off ALL eSIMs (for existing Airalo users)

✅ Check out our Travel Gear  and  Travel Resources for more valuable tips to save you money!

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12 Comments . Leave new

Really enjoyed your blog very informative made me feel I was there walking around the streets of Damascus… Keep up the good work

Thanks, Paula 😉

In short words, all mentioned above is true. I awas born in Syria, I am living in Croatia from 1982.

Hello Rach, My name is Sandie and i have just followed your walk through Syria… How very interesting and vey informative. I loved it, every bit of it. Can I ask you what drew you to go there. I see you love travelling but there is just some thing that draws me to Syria.

I have travelled to India Twice and I loved every minute of it and would love to go back again… Seeing Syria drew me just like the day I was going to India. If it is ok with you I would love to give you my email address as it would be such a positive outcome for me to hear from you. Warm Regards, Sandie.

Hi Sandie, Thank you for your message and I’m happy to hear you enjoyed reading my post. The history, culture and food is what drew me most to visit Syria. Also, because I’m on an adventure to visit every country in the world, of course this meant I had to visit Syria too. I do hope you get to visit one day.

Very much taken in with your Walk and information…. through Syria

hi – thank you so much for your blog – really very good. Can you please provide some details on how you chose your guide and booking your hotel room in damascus?

I will be Lebanon next month for a week and after reading your blog, I definitely want to spend at least 2 nights in Damascus!

We used the services of a local tour agency to secure our visa and also book our hotel in Damascus and tour around Syria. The name of the agency is ‘Golden Target’, they may be able to help you with any arrangements.

how much is for tour agancy?i only want this for the visa,i dond want to booka full tour with others. can you recommend something or you must book a full tour?and if yes,if a book two days one night tour,can i stay longer in damaskus because i read the visa is 15 days valid

We suggest that you ask all of these questions to the agency – they will have more accurate information for you.

Hi Rach, How long did you guys spend in Syria?

Hello, We spent around one week exploring Syria.

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Syria Tours

Join one of our tours in syria.

After nearly a decade of unfortunate conflict, some areas of Syria are finally gaining certain safety and stability, allowing intrepid adventurers to discover its many Christian monasteries, bustling souks, and ancient Roman ruins.

From Palmyra to Bosra, Krak de Chevaliers, Aleppo, and more, our tours focus on Syria’s highlights but what makes us truly unique is that we put a lot of attention to the human side of Syria. This means that we will interact and get to know kind-hearted Syrians, while witnessing their struggle and desire to return to normality.

We already have a large experience in running tours in Syria and we only work with the best local team, the reason why this is our top-selling destination.

We have many, many scheduled group expeditions for Syria all year long, plus we can also organize any sort of private, tailored adventure.

why join a Syria tour with Against the Compass

Here’s what makes our expeditions to Syria are so unique.

what travelers say about us

Need to know for your Syria travel tour

How to get a visa.

In order to join a tour in Syria, you must first obtain a security clearance (Letter of Invitation). We will take care of that, so you don’t need to visit the embassy.

Is it safe?

As of today, the areas which are controlled by the Government (the ones we visit) are relatively safe. However, you need to be aware of all the risks involved by reading the travel advice from your Government, something like the FCDO advice. 

Which nationalities can join our Syria tours?

We can apply for pretty much any nationality worldwide, including US citizens (2024).

Our scheduled group tours for Syria

We have two types of scheduled Syria tour packages:

On the one hand, we have our classic 8-day trips , typically composed of 12 people, always led by a tour leader, either myself (Joan Torres) or someone from my team, besides a Syrian tour guide.

On the other hand, we also schedule shorter, budget versions of 5 days . The main difference versus the 8-day expeditions is that they are obviously cheaper, and the Western tour leader will not attend.

Upcoming Syria Tours

These are all our upcoming tours in Syria

Full Syria in 13 days

From Latakia to Golan Heights, Palmyra and Aleppo, this is the most complete itinerary for Syria.

Syria in October

Our classic 8-day itinerary during the best month of the year

Syria Classic Itinerary for Christmas

Our classic itinerary during Christmas time!

Syria during Ramadan

Our classic itinerary during the holiest month of the year in Syria

Syria for Easter (in Spanish)

Our classic itinerary during the magic of Easter

Syria for Christmas 2025

All our syria group tours include.

Transfer to and from Beirut

Accommodation

Security clearance (needed for the visa)

Private transportation and driver around Syria

Breakfast and lunch (in 8-day expeditions, otherwise, just breakfast)

Special permit for Palmyra & Bosra

English-speaking Syria tour guide

Western Tour leader (in 8-day expeditions)

Entrance fees to the places listed in the itinerary

Private, tailored trips for Syria

Do you want to travel solo, or with a group of friends?

From 1-day trips to Damascus (from Beirut or Amman) to compelling multi-day itineraries, we are able to design any sort of adventure based on your needs, 365 days a year.

If you can’t afford a private, solo trip, we can also help you find other partners to travel with.

Tell us your dates

When do you want to travel to Syria

Which places do you want to visit

We will design the perfect itinerary based on your needs

Where do you want to start from

Beirut, Amman or Damascus?

Sample itinerary for our Syria vacations tours

Here’s the standard 8-day tour we offer on most of our expeditions.

Day 1 – Beirut and Damascus

• Starting in Beirut at 8am, from where we will drive towards the Syrian border and Damascus.
• Check-in at the hotel in Damascus, followed by a traditional welcoming lunch
• Strolling around the old city, beginning to assimilate that we are truly in Syria
• Night out. The Christian district is particularly vibrant, filled with bars and restaurants.

Day 2 – Full day in Damascus

• With more than 5000 years of history, Damascus might easily be the oldest capital in the world, a city absolutely packed with historical sites, as well as lively souks and bazaars.
• We will visit all highlights, including Umayyad Mosque (where Yahya is buried, John the Baptist for Christians), Sayyidah Ruqayya Mosque, the bazaars and more.

Day 3 – Maaloula, Mar Musa, and Aleppo

• Drive towards Aleppo, stopping in Maaloula, one of the most important Christian towns in the Middle East, and one of the very few places in the world where people still speak Aramaic, the language of Jesus.
• Maaloula was occupied by Al-Nusra, and it was largely destroyed due to the recent war, but its most important churches and monasteries have been rebuilt
• Visiting two of its most important churches, where we will get the chance to meet nuns who were kidnapped and held as hostages for three months.
• Then, visit to Mar Musa, a mind-blowing, skyscraper-shaped, 6th-century monastery raised in the middle of rocky mountains.
• Overnight in Aleppo.

Day 4 – Aleppo

• Once the most populated city in Syria, Aleppo was one of the most affected cities by the Syrian war.
• Life, however, is coming back to Aleppo, visible in the ongoing reconstruction and all the people who are slowly returning to their beautiful home city.
• Among other things, we will visit the Citadel of Aleppo – the last Syrian Army stronghold – as well as the historical souk and vibrant Christian district, which remained pretty untouched from the war, and is today filled with absolutely delicious restaurants serving Lebanese wine.

Day 5 – Hama, Krak de Chevalier, Al Mishtaya

• On the way to Krak, stop in Hama, a pretty photogenic town, famous for its water wheels, all over the city.
• Then, we will head for Krak des Chevaliers, once described by Lawrence of Arabia as the most wholly admirable castle in the world , absolutely gorgeous and surrounded by lush green hills.
• Lunch in a restaurant with stunning castle views
• Evening and overnight in Al Mishtaya, a lovely Christian town with a pretty nice evening atmosphere.

Day 6 – Palmyra and Homs

• Palmyra is rich in both ancient and contemporary history, since the archaeological site was taken by ISIS on two separate occasions during the war.
• ISIS blew up the most important temple, but the site is huge and most of its structures are still standing.
• We will visit the ancient place escorted by a member from the Syrian Army
• After a picnic lunch inside the ruins, we will head back to Damascus and, on the way, we will stop in Homs.
• Overnight in Damascus

Day 7 – Bosra

• Day trip to Bosra, an ancient city home to one of the most admirable Roman amphitheaters in the whole world, as well as other important monuments.
• In Bosra, the local Syrians are culturally different, similar to Bedouins.
• We will have lunch in a traditional Bedouin tent, with locals from Bosra.
• Overnight in Damascus.
• Day 8 – New Damascus and goodbye
• Visiting the new part of Damascus, including the National Museum and the handicraft market
• Strolling around the souks, for shopping, buying souvenirs, etc.
• After lunch, back to Beirut, around 8pm.

Join a tour in Syria: FAQ

What makes against the compass different from other companies.

Show, not tell. You can check our latest documentary below.

In order to come to Syria , you must first obtain a security clearance (Letter of Invitation). We will take care of that, so you don’t need to visit the embassy.

How much does the visa cost?

These are the latest visa fees updated in 2024.

Price varies depending on nationality:

• European passport holders: 75 USD
• Canadian passports: 100 USD
• British, Australian, and Argentinian passports: 150 USD
• US passport holders: 200 USD

The visa fee is paid at the border, to the respective authorities.

Which nationalities can join this tour?

All nationalities, and that includes US passport holders. 

Syria started issuing visas for Americans in March 2023, so US citizens are welcome to join too. 

Are there ATMs in Syria?

Your credit card can’t be used in Syria. You must bring all your money in cash.

Which currencies do they accept?

Mostly US dollars ($) but € can be exchanged too.

If I want to join a Syria tour, where does it usually start?

Our scheduled group tours into Syria generally start in Beirut. It’s just easier, since flights into Damascus get canceled often and Amman is further.

However, for a private Syria tour, you can start from anywhere you like, including Beirut, Amman, and Damascus International Airport.

Do you recommend a specific travel insurance?

Either you are joining one of our trips, or you are traveling by yourself, you might want to look for proper travel insurance. Against the Compass has been a partner with IATI for several years already, recommending it to all readers, as well as covering all Joan Torres’ personal trips.

We like it because It covers all the countries where the FCDO advises against all travel, it offers budget plans and covers all sorts of adventure activities.

Against the Compass readers can benefit from a 5% discount .

Get a quote here to claim your discount

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15 Best Things To Do In Syria in 2024

When I decided to travel to Syria the first thing everyone said was of course: ‘are you crazy!?’. An understandable reaction but it didn’t change my mind. I realized that for me it was safe to visit Syria and their outstanding tourist attractions were on my bucketlist for a very long time.

For many years this country was topping the bucketlist of many travelers and no wonder because there are so many amazing things to do and places to visit in Syria. But when the Syrian war in 2011 started, everything changed...

First I will list the best things to do in Syria before I tell you more about my trip, about the safety issues traveling to Syria in 2024 and also give you some more Syria travel tips and an ultimate Syria itinerary to start planning your own trip to Syria.

Apart from Palmyra and Latakia, all the Syria attractions and tourist destinations listed below I was able to visit myself on a 1-week Syria itinerary. At the end of this blog I will also show you my Syria itinerary and tell you more how I traveled around and got passed all the checkpoints.

For many years this was the most iconic Syria tourist attraction, but unfortunately it suffered heavily during the Syrian War and a lot of this historical site got destroyed. This archeological site and the most popular tourist attraction in Syria was built in 200 AD by the Romans. The ruins of this city are so iconic that I remember them from one of the first travel books I once got when I was a kid. Palmyra was one of the reasons I badly wanted to visit Syria.

In 2024 you are able to visit Palmyra again, but unfortunately I did not get a permit to travel to Palmyra in 2019. Yes, you needed a special permit, which can be arranged by the travel agency. This has nothing to do with your visa, this permit has to be personally approved by the high officials in the military.

Recently several tourists have been lucky enough to get a permit to visit Palmyra (at no extra costs, just safety measures). For me it is another reason to travel to Syria again in the future.

2. Krak des Chevaliers

One of the most preserved medieval castles in the world can be found in Syria on a hill not too far from the city of Homs. It was built in the 11th century and its size is truly impressive. It endured the Syrian war pretty damn well, but looking at its majestic size I am pretty sure it will still be there another thousand years from now. Krak des Chevalier was one of my Syria highlights.

When I caught the first glimpse of Krak de Chevalier I was in awe and after taking many photos from outside we toured for almost 2 hours inside the castle. Our guide was telling one interesting story after the other.

There are many hidden rooms and the view from the top is amazing. Read more about it in my Krak des Chevalier blog .

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When we sat down for a tea after visiting Bosra we heard that we were the first European tourists in 9 years! I couldn’t believe my eyes, because when you travel to Syria make sure to include this in your itinerary if possible! The Bosra amphitheater and the ruins of the old city are one of the best things to do in Syria in 2024 for sure.

Sorry Italians, but the massive amphitheater in Bosra is much more impressive than the Colosseum in Rome. This place blew my mind and writing about this place to visit in Syria makes me smile again. On the other hand it also makes me a little sad knowing that this unique tourist attraction has been unable to visit for so many years. Bosra is located in the south of Syria on the Jordan border, about 1,5 hours drive from Damascus.

Behind the Amphitheater you will find the ruins of the old city of Bosra dating back to 200 AD. Incredible to walk through as well and even our guide had not been in 9 years time. He was just as much a tourists as me. According to his words most of this Syria attraction has endured the war pretty well.

For videos about visiting Bora click here to see my Instagram stories .

4. Damascus

Now that I first told you my 3 favorite things to do in Syria I can start with the capital. Being one of the oldest capitals in the world, Damascus obviously is a meltpot of cultures and a piece of ancient history can be found on every street corner. Small doors opening to amazing courtyards, hidden underground churches, the big Damascus souk and of course the the most impressive Umayyad Mosque, one of the best things to do in Damascus. Also don’t forget to get lost in the narrow streets in the Christian quarter and for a good rooftop restaurant with views over the city go to Naranj.

One of my best Damascus travel tips is to go on a guided city tour and I can recommend you the following guide: Ghassan +963 933 334 416. This amazingly friendly and patient guide was a legend, so kind and calm. He is a Christian living in Damascus all his life, who can tell you the hidden corners in the Christian quarter as well as in the Muslim areas.

On top of that one of my Syria travel tips is to go out at night! Yes go party in the Christian Quarter in Damascus, there are many bars and even some rooftops. It is totally safe in Damascus to walk around on your own at night. At least that was my experience!

See here the videos on my Instagram story about Damascus here including the party, sleeping in a mosque, the churches and getting lost in the narrow streets.

The second biggest city and a major Syria tourist attraction before the war. Not that long ago it reopened its doors to international tourists and when you are visiting Syria try to add this to your Syria itinerary. Unfortunately two of the best things to do in Aleppo got completely destroyed during the war: the Aleppo Great Mosque and the Aleppo Souk. The mosque is closed for visitors as it is one big construction site, but the souk is open, although only reconstructed for about 10% at the moment.

So why bother going you might ask yourself when it is almost completely destroyed in the Syrian War? Right now the Aleppo great Mosque is under construction and they are rebuilding it from the ground. The Aleppo souk was in total 12 kilometers long and is a living history. Here I met several people, sat down and had tea with them while listening to their stories about the past, the war and the future. Strolling through the remains of the Aleppo souk was one of my Syria highlights, an emotional experience.

Aside from the destruction there is the Aleppo citadel, a castle on top of a hill. The Aleppo castle is survived the war and is an amazing place to visit in Aleppo. You can climb all the way to the top of one of the watch towers which will give you a 360 view over this massive city.

At night the area around the citadel is extremely lively and the walk around the castle walls is like a boulevard with tea houses and restaurants dotted along the way. We went out partying, see my Instagram stories . Visiting Aleppo on you trip to Syria will be totally worth it and don’t forget to eat traditional Aleppo Kebab.

6. Beehive Houses at Al Jaboul Lake

Because of the ongoing war in the Northwest of Syria the highway between Hama and Aleppo is closed. To visit Aleppo you have to make a detour through the desert, but that will bring you to the  remains of the famous Beehive Villages. These mud houses were designed for life in the desert but deserted already for a long time. These deserted villages now became one of the Syria tourist attractions. You can find them around the Al Jaboul Lake.

7. Salt Lake (Al Jaboul Lake)

Syria has its own salt lake worth adding to your list of things to do in Syria. It is located just an hour Southeast of Aleppo and perfect to add to your itinerary together with the Beehive villages. The highway towards Aleppo follows along the Salt Lake for a bit and you can’t miss it. The friendly workers will surely invite you for a tea when you stop here.

Personally I was not a really big fan of Hama. Not saying it is not worth visiting, but it is not topping my list of best things to do in Syria. Hama is famous for its impressive waterwheels and historical irrigation system. The wooden water wheels can reach lengths up to 30 meters in diagonal. The city is dotted with a lot of them.

The narrow streets in the old city are also worth strolling through and there you will find a restaurant hidden in an amazing courtyard. It reminded me a bit about my trip to Iran where I found loads of these kind of places. The name of the restaurant is Aspasia. When visiting Hama definitely go here for dinner or lunch, see the videos on my Instagram Stories 2.

At night the streets of Hama were like one big night market, almost like Thailand style. It also was the most conservative place I have ever been after Iran.

Unfortunately Homs is one fo the places that suffered a lot in the Syrian War and many Syria tourist attractions got destroyed. I definitely don’t encourage you to visit remains of a war zone, but what I saw in Homs was unreal. Strolling through the endless destruction in Homs, made me rethink about a lot of things in life. The sad reality of what people do to each other…

In the middle of the destruction in Homs there is a beautiful restored mosque. It was one of the most impressive things to do in Syria. While sitting inside a beautiful restored mosque in the heart of the most worst destructive area in Syria I simply lost it. Visiting Homs will be emotional, though worth it on your trip to Syria!

10. Sednaya

Visiting Sednaya was put on my Syria itinerary instead of going to Palmyra. Looking back Sednaya was a great place to visit in Syria. This mountain village located 1,500 meter above sea level is most famous for its Greek Orthodox Monastary on top of a hill. According to the legends of the Christians AND the Muslims Holy Virgin Mary appeared here at the Our Lady of Saidnaya Monastery. Climb up to the top of the monastery for amazing views over this mountain village.

Sednaya is located only 30 kilometers north of Damascus and easy to visit on a day trip from Damascus.

11. Maaloula

According to many Syria travel guides similar to Sednaya, but to me visiting Maaloula was even more interesting. To me visiting Maaloula felt like a fresh wind. Most places to visit in Syria are Muslim orientated, but Maaloula is more about the history of Jesus Christ. Maaloula is one of the only 3 remaining villages where they still speak the Aramaic, the language of Jesus Christ.

There are several things to do in Maaloula, like visiting the Saint Sarkis Monastery, the Saint Thecla Monastery, the statue of Virgin Maria, a walk through a narrow canyon and the taking in the view over this beautiful mountain village from one of the viewpoints.

All these amazing places to visit in Maaloula made it one of the best things to do in Syria for me! It is about 30 minutes north of Sednaya, fairly close to Damascus as well.

The religious music that was coming from the speaker of the Saint Sarkis Monastery on top of the hill and blasting over this mountain village literally gave me goosebumps. You should see my Instagram Story about Maaloula . Another amazing moment was a lady that came came to pray in Aramaic inside the church. So many magical moments, I really loved visiting Maaloula!

12. Latakia

Because of the way our Syria itinerary was created we had to skip Latakia and I got a lot of ‘shit’ for it from Syrians. Just for fun of course, but according to many of my followers this is one of the best places to visit in Syria. Fancy some days at the Mediterranean Sea then visit Latakia. The 4th biggest city in the country houses several historical buildings in the city center, but is more famous for its beautiful bays, beaches and delicious seafood.

The city of Tartus was my first stop in Syria, regarded the safest city during the Syrian War. This Mediterranean coastal city is your base for visiting Amrit, the best preserved temple in the world of the Phoenacians dating back more than 4,000 years ago. Our guide himself did not visit this famous archeological site in more than 9 years. You can also find several tombs here in the countryside close to Tartus. Read more about visiting this Syria tourist attraction in my Tartus travel blog .

Unfortunately some amazing things to do in Syria are not safe to go at the time of writing this article.

14. Qalaat Al Madiq

In Qalaat Al Madiq you would be able to find amazing Roman ruins of an old city that has a similar feel to Palmyra. There is also a castle on top of a hill worth visiting. Only in May 2019 the Syrian Armed Forces retook this town from the rebels. Tourists have been back visiting Qalaat Al Madiq. It is one my list of places to visit in Syria when I return.

Unfortunately due to time restrictions I had no time to visit Daraa on my trip to Syria. But if you after all the dusty desert towns also want a slice of green nature then make your way South to Daraa. Here you will find canyons, green hills, waterfalls and more spectacular nature just 10 kilometer from the Jordan border.

Just like Busra it has not been visited by foreign tourists for many years. Im not saying it is safe to visit at the moment, I would leave that up to your Syria travel agency to decide. Daraa is where the Syrian conflict got sparked with the arrest of 15 youngsters when they painted anti-government slogans on buildings.

In case you get a chance and you feel it is safe to visit I would add this highlight to your Syria itinerary.

Is it safe to travel to Syria?

Of course that is the first question I would like to discuss. Obviously I didn’t wanna risk my life to see all the Syria attractions so I did a little research. Mainstream media are not the places to do your research. When you are ready to travel to Syria in 2024, Im pretty sure you are aware of that already.

I reached out to people that lately took a trip to Syria. How? Social media, blogs, etc. These are the people that can really tell you if it is safe to travel to Syria. Instagram is a good source, but you have already found my Syria travel blog and I can tell you I did NOT feel uncomfortable or whatsoever on my week long trip to Syria.

Syria travel advice

Yes there is a negative travel advice for Syria and that is because officially there is still a war ongoing. Well, let me tell you that is not where you want to go and you won’t even be able to of course. All the things to do in Syria that I am showing you are safe to visit. My advice is to go travel to Syria with a reputable local travel company.

The company I used to travel to Syria with Golden Target Tours. The company is run for more than 30 years by a Syrian man called Khaldoun Alamy . If you contact him tell him you are referred by Traveltomtom and he will have a nice offer for you!

My trip to Syria

This Syria travel blog is written based on MY OWN experiences on my trip to Syria at the end of 2019. It was MY OWN idea to travel to Syria, no one has forced me to go, nor did anyone force me to write travel blogs about Syria.

To date it is the most expensive trip I have ever done in 7 years around the world as a full time traveler. My tour was arranged with an independent Syria travel agency running Syria tours for more than 30 years.

All my videos about my trip to Syria can be found in my Instagram Stories highlights , I recommend you to have a look to see the good, the bad and the ugly about traveling to Syria in 2019. There are 3 different stories on my Instagram @traveltomtom : Syria 1, Syria 2 and Syria 3.

The reason I wanted to visit Syria was not only to see all the fabulous places to see in Syria, but also to get in touch with the amazingly friendly Syrian people and show the world that NOT everything about Syria is negative!

Yes I feel deeply saddened for those Syrians that had to run for their lives and are not able to go back to their homeland. But let me assure you that I travel to learn, to become a better person from all that I experience on the road. The only people I wanted to support with my trip to Syria are those Syrians I met on the street, the locals.

Best itinerary for Syria in 2024

To tick off all the above mentioned safe things to do in Syria I recommend you travel to Syria for at least 1 week. At the moment almost all trips to Syria start from Beirut, Lebanon.

Day 1: Beirut to Tartus/Latakia - (A,B)

Day 2: krak des chevalier - homs - salt lake (c,d,e), day 3: aleppo (f), day 4: hama - palmyra (g,h), day 5: sednaya - maaloula (i,j), day 6: damascus (l), day 7: busra - daara (k), syria travel blogs.

I hope all my Syria travel tips, places to visit and things to do were helpful for your upcoming trip to Syria. I also wrote a couple more personal Syria travel blogs about my first days. In my blog about Tartous you can read about my first impressions of Syria and the border crossing from Lebanon to Syria. In my Krak des Chevalier blog you can read all about my visit to one of my favorite things to do in Syria.

Curious with which Syria travel agency I arranged my trip or any other questions about my trip to Syria then please send me a message on my Instagram @traveltomtom and I am happy to help you out sending you my contact and help in any way I can planning your trip to Syria.

My Instagram is also where you can find more about my journey to visit every country in the world . As of January 2024 I have visited more than 155 countries!

Enjoy your trip to Syria!

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We will provide you with all the information needed for  your tour, the papers required starting from the moment you cross the Syrian border until you step out of it, the special permets and the approvals needed in order to visit most places and archaeological sites  In Syria.

In short, Syrian Vibes can add a true Syrian experience and memories to your life.

Syria has 6 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ancient archaeological hills millions of years old, and monuments from the dawn of History not to mention beatiful rsorts and tradional hotels for your holiday and ofcource delicious food. you can choose your tour from one day tour to more than twenty days there would be always more to see and new places to visit.

Syria. God’s heaven on earth. It’s the best place to visit if you’re thinking about having an epic breath-taking experience. If you adore the old Roman culture then you have to visit Bosra; It’s an ancient Roman city that has an amazing Roman theatre. Or if you’re feeling like enjoying mind-blowing landscapes, then Kasab is your next destination; with it’s beautiful nature and kind people, you will certainly be amazed. There are many more interesting sites and activities to do.

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Al-Mishtaya is a town and resort in northwestern Syria, it is in the middle between Tartus and Homs, and therefore it has many sites for

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What You Should Know Before You Travel to Syria

1.      is syria safe.

Put simply, Syria is still technically at war, but much of the country is safe and has been for a while now. While official government advice is not to travel to Syria, normal life is resuming across much of the country and things are opening up again – which is great news. Is Syria Safe?

2.      How do tours ensure safety?

Rocky Road Travel liaises with certified, government-approved agencies on the ground. You will receive a full security clearance, as will your guides and driver. Thankfully, the situation on the ground has been a lot more stable since 2018, with fighting being located in one main area – which we cannot and do not go to. 

3.      What should I wear?

Syria is a lot more relaxed than some other Islamic countries, and you’ll be either given fair warning or have an alternative dress provided when it’s required. For men, regular clothing is fine. Women should cover their shoulders and knees in holy places and hair in one or two mosques. Of course, anything with explicit or inflammatory wording must be avoided.  

Travel to   Syria!

4.      is there much tourism in syria currently.

Before 2010, Syria was one of the most visited countries in the region with as many as 10 million visitors annually. Today, for obvious reasons, it’s the least visited. But still, numbers are increasing as normal life begins to resume. 

According to Syrian Tourism Minister Mohammed Rami Martini, Syria saw “ 750,000 visitors in the first half of 2022 compared to 570,000 visitors for the entire year of 2021”. He expects the total number of visitors in 2023 to exceed one million for the first time since the beginning of the conflict. 

Since 2018, all travellers to Syria are required to travel with a licensed tour operator in order to obtain a Syrian visa. Group tours are typically the lowest in price and therefore a popular option. It’s not unusual to bump into other tourists in Syria, particularly in the more prominent sites and especially during spring and autumn when the weather is best for travelling. 

Tourist overcrowding is currently far from being a problem, and guides liaise with each other to ensure groups avoid going to certain places at the same time. 

5.      How long does the visa process take?

It’s not actually the visa itself that the tour operator applies for, but the security clearance (background check). This takes up to two weeks to process, and once we let you know it’s been approved, you can start making travel arrangements. 

The visa itself is paid for and picked up when you cross the border into Syria. This process can be anything from a few minutes to over an hour depending on how busy the border is that day. See more info about the Syrian visa process here. 

6.      Can I contact home when I am in Syria?

You will be staying at a hotel every night in Syria, and all of the hotels have internet. The reliability of the internet is generally very good – particularly if you’ve been staying in Beirut for the days leading up to the trip. It is possible to ask your guide to arrange for a local sim card for when you’re out and about. 

7.      What do I need to bring?

You don’t need to bring anything specific for a tour to Syria. A camera, extra batteries, a travel adapter (if needed), and any other personal effects you can’t do without for a week. The hotels have shampoo and towels, so unless your tour involves some time at the beach, you won’t need to bring a towel. Suitable walking shoes are beneficial, particularly for when exploring the ruins of Palmyra, but aside from that, you only need to bring the typical things you would do to any country with the climate of Syria: 

For summer months:

• A cover-up in case you get sunburned

For winter months:

• Warmer jackets and fleeces as temperatures can regularly drop below 10C in some parts of the country.8.      How much cash should I take?

Syria is cheap by western standards. Do keep in mind that on our tours to Syria, only breakfast is provided, so you will need to pay for lunch and dinner, as well as any drinks. Small lunches go for around 1-4 USD and dinners maybe 10-15USD. If you enjoy drinking in bars, bring extra (beers are a few dollars each, cocktails will be more). 

Recommended tips per person are 100USD which is split between the driver and the guide. It would be great if you also tipped the Rocky Road tour guide, but how much is of course discretionary. Souvenirs can be cheap or expensive depending on what you buy. For example, a small (150 x 60cm) handwoven rug is around the 25-30 USD mark (September 2022), although it is possible to find cheaper ones. Haggling is not uncommon in Syria, but do keep in mind that prices are already low and that these artisans are supporting their families in a difficult economy. 

8.      How do I get there?

Getting to Syria is very straightforward. We pick you up! Simply get yourself to Beirut before the tour and meet at the pickup point. Your driver will meet you there and take you all the way to Damascus. The drive is around two hours in total, but you will need to get off around three-quarters of the way there to go through Syrian immigration. This is a straightforward process and usually doesn’t take more than an hour. Then, before you know it, you’ll be meeting your Syria tour guide in Damascus, ready to start exploring. 

Got any more questions? Feel free to browse through our articles , or better yet, get in touch and we’ll be happy to answer your questions personally. 

Or, ready to take the leap? Browse our tours to Syria here

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• Syria - Damascus - 2010 We take a 3 hour (big and nice) bus to Damascus, get here by lunchtime and check into an awful pretentious little shitty get-me-outta-here backpackers hos Posted by Pauluiza in Paul and Luiza's World Adventures | Sep 9, 2010
• Syria - Palmyra - 2010 Obviously, the bus becomes a (really) mini-van, and here we go, squeezing in and slowly melting with 13 other people, all staring at us “very discreetly”, Posted by Pauluiza in Paul and Luiza's World Adventures | Sep 10, 2010
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• Exploring Ottoman Syria- A Digital Travel Journal Traveling is more than just visiting new places; it’s about immersing oneself in the history, culture, and stories of those places. Today, I invite you to join me on a digital travel journal, an adventure that takes us back in Posted by hamoudmalmousa in project-hist | Nov 3, 2023
• Introduction One of the most fascinating adventures is traveling. The story on exploring historical Syria’s cultural accomplishments is complex but interesting. As such, this digital travel journal sets off on a journey into a past land whose contributions are signifi Posted by hamoudmalmousa in project-hist | Nov 3, 2023
• Aleppo Enjoying the nice view of the Syrian landscape, kilometers are passing. Slowly in the desert landscape changes into inhabited area. We are approaching Aleppo. When we entered the city, we saw immediately that this is not one of the countries Posted by sadikdeger in Mesopotamia | Jan 4, 2023
• Crossing the border with Syria From Gaziantep to Syria are many organized trips. As we wanted to go 'last minute' we had to find our own way to arrive to Syria. Most logical way is to go to the border city Kilis. The cheapest way Posted by sadikdeger in Mesopotamia | Jan 4, 2023
• tpg.com hey there , unfortunately the tourism in Syria stopped until 19th May because of the COVID_19 . all the tours stopped and the security clearance work hold , it's depends on the situation . if you look for visiting Syria you should Posted by Ayoub smadi in tpg.com | Mar 22, 2020
• Sapporo Today i landed in sapporo Posted by Binjaninja in Japan trip | Sep 13, 2019
• Syria, July 2019 We’ve just come back from a brilliant trip to Syria with Golden Target (sandwiched by time in both Lebanon and Cyprus). Khaldoun, the owner, arranged both the visas and the itinerary and we were assigned Assadi as a guide Posted by Borisborough in Syria - July 2019 | Jul 30, 2019
• Syria - Ancient Wonders and Welcoming People The Valley of Tombs, near Palmyra, Syria There are moments when traveling, I feel, that what you are experiencing is so dramatic, so inspiring, that you know their mem Posted by world_wide_mike in Worldwidemike | Jun 19, 2019
• Aleppo, Syria Please find my trip report here: [[https://luxuryrogue.wordpress.com/2019/05/16/aleppo-battlefield-bazaar-baron-hotel/|Aleppo (Syria): perfidious ISIS-Battlefield, secret NATO-Bunker, destroyed Grand Bazaar + famous Baron Hotel]] [img=https://photos Posted by LuxuryRogue in Gentleman Adventurer | May 23, 2019
• Crossing into Syria Four Norias (water wheels) in Hama. Kids and adults ride up and jump off the top of the stone wall. Those who chicken out ride down on the wheel too. Tasty Start I started the da Posted by alexchan in 2010 Colombo, Lebanon, Syria & Aceh | Jul 6, 2010
• Day of Three Castles Musyaf Citadel. Today is the reason I came back to Syria (apart from the fact that I had expiring Emirates Skywards miles to use up). I wanted to re-visit Crac de Chevalier, whic Posted by alexchan in 2010 Colombo, Lebanon, Syria & Aceh | Jul 7, 2010
• Day off! Much of old Hama was destroyed in the 1982 shelling to dampen a religious rebellion. There's a few old buildings left. I feel like I need a day off. I had the option of going to Posted by alexchan in 2010 Colombo, Lebanon, Syria & Aceh | Jul 8, 2010
• Heading towards Iraq Ashmamis citadel. So, after talking to my hotelier Abdullah yesterday, I traded my trip to Lattakia and Aleppo for a town near the south-east border crossing into Iraq! He (along Posted by alexchan in 2010 Colombo, Lebanon, Syria & Aceh | Jul 9, 2010
• Ruins near Iraq Mari under protective cover. Today we explored two ruins (Mari and Dura Europos) near the Iraq border. If we were able to cross into Iraq we would probably find plenty more rui Posted by alexchan in 2010 Colombo, Lebanon, Syria & Aceh | Jul 10, 2010
• Palmyra in time for Sunset Palmyra ... sunset behind the Baal Shamin and Arab Castle. Deir Al-Zur Museum We heard reports that the local museum is the best in Syria. However unlikely that sounded, it did Posted by alexchan in 2010 Colombo, Lebanon, Syria & Aceh | Jul 11, 2010
• Spectacular Palmyra at Sunrise ... and Sunset again Pre-dawn ... wind-swept morning at Palmyra. Sunrise at Palmyra [Palmyra-travel-guide-1308235] We decided to wake before 5am so we could catch sunrise at the ruins. The wind had Posted by alexchan in 2010 Colombo, Lebanon, Syria & Aceh | Jul 12, 2010
• On the road to Damascus Iraq ... that's the 2nd country beginning with "I" that I won't be going to ... the first one shall not be named while in the region! Getting to Damascus [Damascus-travel-guide-1 Posted by alexchan in 2010 Colombo, Lebanon, Syria & Aceh | Jul 13, 2010
• Black Brooding Bosra I had a whole day free so decided to head down close to the Jordanian border and visit Bosra. This is an old Roman theatre from the 2nd Century AD, but appended with an Arab citadel from the 1100s. All Posted by alexchan in 2010 Colombo, Lebanon, Syria & Aceh | Jul 14, 2010
• From Hama to Aleppo Noria (water wheel) in Hama. Hama is a great base for exploring many of Syria's historical treasures. Please note that links to external sites were correct when this blog was wr Posted by alexchan in 2004 Lebanon, Syria, Jordan & Egypt | Oct 17, 2004
• Aleppo's boutique hotels and more Posted by alexchan in 2004 Lebanon, Syria, Jordan & Egypt | Oct 18, 2004
• Say Hello to John (the Baptist) Please note that links to external sites were correct when this blog was written. However, they may no longer be valid. We met up with Kim's parents again in Damascus [Damascus-travel-guide-1184988] where we showed them the Umayyad mosque where Prophet Posted by alexchan in 2004 Lebanon, Syria, Jordan & Egypt | Oct 20, 2004
• Into Syria So, we sadly moved on from Lebanon to Syria three days ago using a shared taxi. The vehicle was a 1950's Mercedes Benz, packed with six of us (including driver). All went smoothly at the Syrian check-point with no payment Posted by alexchan in 2002 Russia & Europe via Lebanon & Syria | Apr 14, 2002

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7 bloggers who’ll take you across Russia (PHOTOS)

1. Ksenia Minerva

Ksenia, 25, still lived in St.Petersburg in early 2021, working as a motion designer who daydreamed of adventure. She bought a mobile home in June, took her dog Busty along for the ride and the pair began travelling Russia.

She uses a gas cooker to prepare food, sleeps in the mobile home and a tent, replenishes her water supplies at gas stations, charges her equipment using solar batteries and even manages to use a hair straightener with the aid of a small power generator. 

She travels the taiga, the Far North, as well as southern Russia and likes to stop overnight in the mountains, woods and even desert islands. All of this beauty is, of course, shared with her followers. She also does streams to talk about the difficulties of living in the wilderness.

More here: Instagram , TikTok

3. Anna Korob

In 2018, Anna accidentally came across an old silver ruble from the time of Nicholas II’s reign. This led to an obsession with numismatics, followed by history and Russian architecture. She began collecting coins, studying the past, visiting old mansions and churches across the country and documenting it all in her blog.

“Each trip is like a little lifetime of its own. Thousands of kilometers by car through swamps, fields or highland serpentines, morning coffee at gas stations, misty dawns, interesting new acquaintances and stories told by locals, as well as chance encounters with wild animals and so much more…” Anna writes. 

With her blog, she seeks to draw attention to disappearing architectural monuments, claiming that there are thousands to explore - from Kaliningrad to Vladivostok. 

5. Artem Ray

Given that international travel was temporarily halted during the pandemic, Artem set about traversing Russia. 

Half a year ago, he began showing interesting Moscow and regional spots on his Instagram account. As a result, his blog turned into a mixture of the coziest and most atmospheric locations with wooden ‘izbas’, French-style castles, lighthouses and the most beautiful mansions across Russia.

“This life with its daily grind sucks you in like quicksand. You’re constantly solving issues related to work, studies and accommodation and, at some point, you begin to realize that you’re living the same scenario over and over again, while new experiences are reduced to a minimum… Traveling across Russia and blogging about it, therefore, are a source of inspiration, motivation and of sense of purpose, as well as a source of pleasure,” Artem writes. 

Syria's Bashar al Assad makes surprise visit to meet Putin - after report Russian leader could play peacemaker role

The Syrian leader is the latest in a string of global strongmen to meet the Russian president, which will likely be a cause for concern among Western diplomats.

Moscow correspondent @IvorBennett

Thursday 25 July 2024 13:55, UK

Vladimir Putin has met Bashar al Assad in Moscow, after a surprise visit from the Syrian president that was announced by the Kremlin on Thursday morning.

Footage shared on Telegram by the Russian president's press service showed the two leaders smiling and shaking hands, before sitting down and chatting through their respective interpreters.

"I am very glad to see you," President Putin can be heard gushing to his guest.

Referring to the Middle East, he adds: "I am very interested in your opinion on how the situation in the region as a whole is developing.

"Unfortunately, there is a tendency towards escalation, we can see that. This also applied directly to Syria."

Ukraine war latest: US intercepts Russian and Chinese bombers

Russia has been a key ally for President Assad during the Syrian civil war, helping him regain control over the country following an uprising that began in 2011.

But why is he in Moscow now?

President Assad said the visit marked the anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic relations between Moscow and Damascus. But it feels like there is more to it.

Earlier this week, there was a report in a Turkish newspaper that Moscow could act as host and mediator for a meeting between President Assad and Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan in August.

Turkey backs the Syrian leader's opponents in the Syrian war and still protects some rebels in the northwest of the country.

Keep up with all the latest news from the UK and around the world by following Sky News

Putin the peacemaker?

Nothing is confirmed, but it would be a coup for the Kremlin if the meeting happened.

"Considering all the events that are taking place in the world as a whole and in the Eurasian region today, our meeting seems very important to discuss all the details of the development of these events, to discuss possible prospects and scenarios," President Assad told the Russian leader.

Before Mr Assad, President Putin's most recent guests in the Kremlin were Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi and Hungary's Viktor Orban , who both visited earlier this month.

Read more from Sky News: 'Car bomb attack' investigated in Moscow Typhoon kills dozens in Asia

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At the start of July, Russia's leader met President Erdogan on the sidelines of the Shanghai Cooperation Organisation summit in Kazakhstan, as well as President Xi Jinping of China.

Before that, he was in North Korea and Vietnam.

Despite the West's efforts to isolate Vladimir Putin, Russia's leader still appears to have plenty of friends.

Related Topics

• Bashar al Assad
• Vladimir Putin