Syria Tours: How to Choose the Right Program and the Best Tour for You?

Syria tours in 2026 have once again become a real option for travelers who enjoy combining historical cities, coastal atmospheres, and old markets that still preserve their original spirit.

With the variety of options—short trips, multi-day programs, and Tourist tours in Syria—travelers need a clear picture of the types of trips available, the difference between group tours and private tours, and how to choose a tour program in Syria that fits their time and budget.

This guide gives you a practical overview of tour styles and programs, so you can clearly decide which type of trip suits you best.

Types of Syria Tours: What Style of Trip Do You Prefer?

The diversity of Syrian cities and landmarks means that each traveler experiences the country differently. Some prefer historic cities, others like to combine nature and archaeology, while some enjoy calm and relaxed tours. Below are the main tour types on which Syria tours can be built:

1) Historical City Tours

This type is ideal for travelers who love old cities and traditional markets. It usually includes:

Damascus: Umayyad Mosque, Citadel of Damascus, Al-Hamidiyah Souq, Medhat Pasha Souq, Al-Buzuriyah Souq, Azem Palace, old neighborhoods.
Aleppo: Aleppo Citadel, covered souqs, Khan Al-Shouna, Old Aleppo.

To learn more about the wonders of Old Aleppo, read our dedicated article.

2) Archaeological Tours

Perfect for those interested in places shaped by successive civilizations:

• Palmyra: Famous columns, Temple of Bel, Roman Theater
• Bosra: Massive Roman theater, remarkably preserved old city
• Krak des Chevaliers (Qal’at al-Hosn): One of the world’s most important medieval castles
• Other sites such as Ebla, Ugarit, Apamea, Amrit, Mari, and Dura-Europos appeal to lovers of ancient civilizations and less-crowded archaeological locations.

These tours usually last a full day or more due to the large areas covered.

3) Nature & Relaxation Tours

For travelers who prefer calm environments and natural scenery:

• Wadi Al-Oyoun, Slenfeh, Mashqita, Kasab, Salma, Al-Qadmous, Al-Farnlaq forests (mountains and forests)
• Latakia & Tartous: Coastal atmosphere, corniche walks, seaside restaurants
• Hama Waterwheels: Orontes River and the iconic sound of the norias

These trips are ideal for families and for those who want to escape city crowds.

4) Religious & Spiritual Tours

Syria is home to a wide range of religious sites:

• Maaloula: Rock-carved houses, ancient monasteries such as Saint Thecla Monastery, and the Aramaic language
• Saidnaya: Historic monasteries and pilgrimage sites
• Damascus: Umayyad Mosque, Al-Takiyya Al-Sulaymaniyya, Sayyida Zaynab Shrine, and historic churches in Bab Sharqi and Bab Touma, such as the House of Saint Ananias
• Tours connected to mosques and shrines in Damascus, such as the Umayyad Mosque, Al-Takiyya Al-Sulaymaniyah, the Shrine of Sayyida Zaynab, and the historic churches in Bab Sharqi and Bab Touma, including the House of Ananias. Or in Aleppo, notable sites include the Shrine of Prophet Ibrahim, the old monasteries in the Al-Jdeideh area, and the Monastery of St. Simeon Stylites

Group Tours vs. Private Tours in Syria

When planning tourist tours in Syria, you generally have two main options:

Group Tours

Suitable if:

You have a limited budget

You prefer traveling with a group and a fixed, pre-planned itinerary

Full control over timing is not a priority

Private Tours (Car with Driver/Guide)

Suitable if:

You’re traveling with family, children, or elderly companions

You want to visit multiple cities or sites such as Palmyra, Bosra, Krak des Chevaliers, Maaloula, or the Hama waterwheels

You prefer flexibility: spending more time in an old market, shortening a visit, or adding stops along the way

Sample 7-Day Tour Program in Syria

Day 1 – Arrival in Damascus

• Airport reception and transfer to the hotel.
• Light evening walk in Al-Hamidiyah Souq
• Brief visit to the exterior of the Umayyad Mosque to experience Old Damascus at night

Day 2 – Full Old Damascus Tour

• Visit the Umayyad Mosque from the inside
• Explore Al-Azem Palace and the Damascene architecture
• Shopping in Al-Buzuriyah Souq (spices, soaps, sweets)
• Lunch at a traditional restaurant in the old quarters
• Exterior visit to the Citadel + free time in Medhat Pasha Souq

Day 3 – Full-Day Trip to Maaloula & Saidnaya

Head to Maaloula:

• Visit Saint Thecla Monastery
• Walk through the rock gorge
• See houses clinging to the mountains
• Continue to Saidnaya and visit its famous monasteries

Day 4 – Travel to Aleppo & Evening Tour

• Morning transfer to Aleppo
• Hotel check-in and rest
• Evening walk through the covered souqs and Khan Al-Shouna

Day 5 – Full Day in Aleppo

• Visit Aleppo Citadel (a must-see)
• Explore Al-Saqqatiyah Souq and old shops
• Visit the Umayyad Mosque of Aleppo
• Taste Aleppine cuisine (kebab, lahm bi ajin, sfiha)
• Free time walking in the old city

Day 6 – Krak des Chevaliers & Wadi Al-Nasara

• Depart from Aleppo toward Krak des Chevaliers
• Guided tour inside the castle: towers, walls, panoramic views
• Lunch in Wadi Al-Nasara (Mashqita, Marmarita, Kfaroun)
• Return to Damascus in the evening

Day 7 – Light Shopping & Departure

• Short visit to Al-Hamra Street or Al-Shaalan for last-minute shopping
• Buy souvenirs (Aleppo soap, spices, dried fruits)
• Transfer to the airport and departure

Frequently Asked Questions About Syria Tours

1. Can I customize the tour program?
   Yes, Syria tour programs can be adjusted in terms of days, cities, and tour types (historical, nature, shopping).
2. Do prices differ between summer and winter?
   Yes, summer and holiday seasons are usually higher than the rest of the year.
3. Is it easy to travel between Syrian cities?
   Yes, distances are reasonable: Damascus–Aleppo حوالي 4.5 hours, Damascus–Latakia about 3.5 hours.
4. Is it safe to book Syria tours in 2026?
   Generally, conditions in main tourist cities are much better than in previous years. Daily life has gradually returned to markets, restaurants, and hotels. We organize tours only in known, safe, and open tourist areas, with local drivers familiar with current routes and conditions.
5. Are private tours the best option in Syria?
   In most cases, yes. Private tours are safer and more flexible, especially for short trips where you want to see as much as possible. If budget is your priority and your itinerary is simple within one city, a group tour is sufficient.

Final Note

In 2026, Syria tours are clearer and more feasible than ever before. You have options that combine Damascus, Aleppo, Homs, coastal cities, and peaceful villages in one complete program.

If you’d like to start planning your trip, contact us and we’ll design a customized itinerary based on your available days, the cities you want to visit, and the type of journey you’re looking for—family-friendly, luxury, or relaxed tours through old markets.

Send us your expected travel details and leave the rest to our team.