Join the Syria Group Adventure, May 2024

Explore and help one of the least visited, and most eye-opening destinations in the world - Syria! Instead of listening to what the media says, come and learn with our Syrian guides and a small group of likeminded, curious travelers, what the country really is like - from the inside.

 

Our trip is open for participants of all ages and genders, that are adventurers at heart. Join today before spots run out. 

100% of profits donated to help the Syrian people.

FREE to apply for your visa through us. Payment only needed once approved.

 

Meet your team:

🗺 What's the itinerary?

Day 1, May 4th: Beirut to Damascus.
  • Starting with an early morning pickup in Beirut, Lebanon on Sunday, May 14th - the first day of the trip, we will cross the border into Syria overland, where you will get your visa stamped into your passport. Now, you are officially in Syria! Welcome. 
  • Our first destination in Syria will be the capital Damascus, where you will get to have a proper introduction with everyone on your new travel team over a first, traditional dinner, and perhaps a glance on the vivid nightlife of the bustling capital of this misunderstood country. But now you are just scratching the surface, more to come. 

Day 2: Damascus immersion.
  • Today, we’re getting to dive deep and learn about this country’s history and cover the most incredible sights of its Capital Damascus: Ommayad Mosque (look into the history - its’ unique in the world!), Saldin Tomb, do some shopping at the old Bazaar, Damascus’ Gates, Hanania Church, the National Museum, and more. You will always be accompanied by our local guide who you can ask all your questions - historical and political, to get an inside scoop of the country. 

Day 3: Maaloula & Sednaya to Aleppo.
  • As you make your way up north to Aleppo, we take the scenic route and get to explore Maaloula and Sednaya, and see surviving artefacts of early Christian civilisation. The highlight might be the Monastery of St. Thecla, a monastery built into the stone, were relics are kept, and many early Christians that play a role in the Bible have visited. Besides from that, the area boasts an incredible scenery of mountains found nowhere else. 
  • We will pass through the town of Homs, that suffered some of the heaviest destruction during the war. You will get to see this as you drive through the many blocks of shattered buildings, and get a chance to stop and take in the extent of it. Take this moment to appreciate our fortune, and the resilience of the people here.
  • Finish the day in Aleppo at one of Syria’s best restaurants and then rest - it was an intense day, and exploration of this famous city starts tomorrow

Day 4: Full day to explore Aleppo
Explore Aleppo while supporting its tourism and hospitality sector, and see the historical sights the city offers - looking beyond the headlines. Personally, I found Aleppo to be the most fascinating city - and it felt surreal to see this place after hearing it on the news so frequently. You will get to have a fuller picture by visiting the ancient Citadel, the local streets of the city, market, and covered Bazaar: both the destruction of what was once a battle field between ISIS and the Syrian Armed forces, to now seeing “normalcy” return by shop owners moving back into their stalls of the Bazaar. Let’s take time to talk and learn about their stories - the testament to resilience of these people is absolutely moving. 

Day 5: Drive to Saladin Citadel – Krak Des Chevalliers, and mediterranean coast.
  • Today we are experiencing a different side of Syria is we travel South-West toe see the Medieval castle of Krak Des Chevalliers - and perhaps see Syrian families enjoying the site, too. 
  • But as always, Syria is a place of contrasts, and right next to the castle are the remnants of what used to be the best hotel in the country before war began - and during the war, it was used as a headquarter for ISIS. 
  • You will end the day with a sunset over the mediterranean coast at Tartous, Syria’s main port city, and a popular vacation destinations for many Syrians.
Day 6: Palmyra:
  • We will arrange special permits for you to visit the pride of Syria’s historical sites: The desert city in Palmyra. Permits were not issued for a long time, so it is now an honour to be able to see this gem of a destination in the Syrian desert, and see the many different cultures and times come together in this complex containing Aramaic, Greek, Semitic, and Arab characteristics. This temple was nearly destroyed by ASIS, but the Syrian people have been building it back up.
  • Drive back to Damascus to enjoy a last dinner with the travel family that you have created over the last week 

Day 7, May 12th: Transfer back to Beirut. We are happy to help you with hotels and transfers in Beirut if you wish!
    May 13th: departure from Beirut back home.

     

    ✈️ What flights should I look for? 

    Flying in & out of Beirut intl. Airport (BEY).

    Arrival: we start our adventure early in the morning on May 4th, so it's best to arrive a day early (May 3rd or 2nd). We are happy to help you arrange any trips in Lebanon before or after the Syria trip if you want to see some of this country too.

    Departure: As you are crossing the border from Syria to Lebanon on the last day, we recommend you depart a day later to leave a buffer for all the border formalities. Ideally, your departure would be May 13th. Again, we are happy to set up a hotel, tours, and any transfers in Lebanon for you if you want any help! 

     

    What about my visa for Syria?

    We will take care of the visa application process for Syria for you, so you don’t need to worry about running to any embassies or gathering all the documents - we'll handle it for you. Cost of the visa processing is complementary, however the visa cost itself is to be paid upon arrival at the border once received.

    Visa price: Between 40-100$ (depending on nationality).

    Passport you are applying with must be at least 6 months valid, and must be used to enter and exit Syria (and Lebanon, as the border offices are adjacent). 

    💸 What's included in the price?

    Included not included

    Visa processing fee for Syria

    Intl. flight to & from Beirut Intl. Airport

    Pickup and drop-off in Beirut

    Travel insurance 
    Experienced and knowledgable local guides
    Personal expenses & tips
    All accommodation on a shared basis (we believe this is an essential part for people to connect throughout the trip - same gender only) Any potential visa cost for Lebanon
    All breakfasts included Most lunches and dinners for flexibility
    All entrance fees, permits and activities Visa fee to be paid at the border
    All private, acclimatised  transportation 

     

    What are Lebanon's and Syria's current covid requirements? 

      Both countries have lifted all Covid-19 related entry requirements.

       

      Any more questions?

      Feel free to message me @destinationchaser or email me hello@destinationchaser.com any time :) 

      Looking forward to have you experience this adventure!

      Andi & the team