Four ways to discover Damascus
Damascus Discovery
Two days to uncover Syria’s historic capital
Experience the authentic flavors of Damascus and its surroundings, immerse yourself in its vibrant culture and heritage, and engage with the locals, each one eager to share their unique stories: how they have adapted over the years, and what they envision for the future.
Beirut to Damascus, and the old city
Pick-up in Beirut. Your journey begins with a pick-up from your city-center accommodation.
A café stop. Refreshments at a street café before the Lebanese-Syrian border crossing.
Into Damascus. After the entry visa formalities, continue to a capital of rich religious, ethnic and cultural heritage.
Bab Touma. Arrive at the north-eastern gate associated with the old city’s Christian neighbourhood, and stroll the ancient roadway to a boutique hotel in the heart of old Damascus to meet your guide.
The Chapel of St. Ananias, an ancient church that embodies the essence of early Christianity.
Straight Street, a captivating thoroughfare of shops, cafés and bustling markets.
Azem Palace, a gem of Damascene craftsmanship, now home to the Museum of Popular Traditions.
Khan Assad Pasha, an impressive caravanserai and testament to the region’s rich trading heritage.
The Umayyad Mosque, a great cultural and spiritual center, housing the Shrine of John the Baptist.
Souq al-Hamidiyeh, the ancient covered bazaar where local culture thrives.
Al Noufarah coffeehouse. Coffee and tea as Damascene life unfolds around you.
Al-Seida Raqiyeh Mosque, an important Shia pilgrimage site and a window onto Syria’s religious diversity.
Evening. A stroll along the ancient roadway to your hotel for the night.
Damascus at your own pace, then back to Beirut
A free morning. Explore local markets beyond Souq al-Hamidiyeh, and stumble upon charming cafés and traditional workshops in the winding alleys.
A traditional hammam. Indulge in the rejuvenating rituals of a historic Damascene bathhouse.
Or venture further. Make the most of your time with a day excursion to discover the hidden gems of Syria.
Return to Beirut. In the afternoon, travel back to your accommodation in Beirut.
Damascus Delights
Two days to uncover Syria’s historic and cultural capital
Experience the authentic flavors of Damascus and its surroundings, immerse yourself in its vibrant culture and heritage, and engage with the locals, each one eager to share their unique stories: how they have adapted over the years, and what they envision for the future.
Beirut to Damascus, and the old city
Pick-up in Beirut. Your journey begins with a pick-up from your city-center accommodation.
A café stop. Refreshments at a street café before the Lebanese-Syrian border crossing.
Into Damascus. After the entry visa formalities, continue to a capital of rich religious, ethnic and cultural heritage.
Bab Touma. Arrive at the north-eastern gate associated with the old city’s Christian neighbourhood, and stroll the ancient roadway to a boutique hotel in the heart of old Damascus to meet your guide.
The Chapel of St. Ananias, an ancient church that embodies the essence of early Christianity.
Straight Street, a captivating thoroughfare of shops, cafés and bustling markets.
Azem Palace, a gem of Damascene craftsmanship, now home to the Museum of Popular Traditions.
Khan Assad Pasha, an impressive caravanserai and testament to the region’s rich trading heritage.
The Umayyad Mosque, a great cultural and spiritual center, housing the Shrine of John the Baptist.
Souq al-Hamidiyeh, the ancient covered bazaar where local culture thrives.
Al Noufarah coffeehouse. Coffee and tea as Damascene life unfolds around you.
Al-Seida Raqiyeh Mosque, an important Shia pilgrimage site and a window onto Syria’s religious diversity.
Evening. A stroll along the ancient roadway to your hotel for the night.
A second city tour, then back to Beirut
The Jewish Quarter. The winding alleys of Harat al-Yahud, whose synagogues, shops and homes were integral to the city’s social and cultural fabric.
The gallery of Mustafa Ali, the esteemed Syrian sculptor whose monumental works reflect on the fragility of humanity.
Maktab Anbar, a mid-19th-century house of ornate stonework and a charming courtyard, blending Ottoman, Levantine and European influences.
Beit al-Aqad, a meticulously restored merchant’s house, today home to the Danish Institute.
Return to Beirut. In the afternoon, travel back to your accommodation in Beirut.
Damascus in Contrast
Two days exploring living heritage, daily life and the impact of war
Experience the authentic flavors of Damascus and its surroundings, immerse yourself in its vibrant culture and heritage, and engage with the locals, each one eager to share their unique stories: how they have adapted over the years, and what they envision for the future.
Beirut to Damascus, and the old city
Pick-up in Beirut. Your journey begins with a pick-up from your city-center accommodation.
A café stop. Refreshments at a street café before the Lebanese-Syrian border crossing.
Into Damascus. After the entry visa formalities, continue to a capital of rich religious, ethnic and cultural heritage.
Bab Touma. Arrive at the north-eastern gate associated with the old city’s Christian neighbourhood, and stroll the ancient roadway to a boutique hotel in the heart of old Damascus to meet your guide.
The Chapel of St. Ananias, an ancient church that embodies the essence of early Christianity.
The Jewish Quarter. The winding alleys of Harat al-Yahud, whose synagogues, shops and homes were integral to the city’s social and cultural fabric.
Straight Street, a captivating thoroughfare of shops, cafés and bustling markets.
Azem Palace, a gem of Damascene craftsmanship, now home to the Museum of Popular Traditions.
Khan Assad Pasha, an impressive caravanserai and testament to the region’s rich trading heritage.
The Umayyad Mosque, a great cultural and spiritual center, housing the Shrine of John the Baptist.
Souq al-Hamidiyeh, the ancient covered bazaar where local culture thrives.
Al Noufarah coffeehouse. Coffee and tea as Damascene life unfolds around you.
Al-Seida Raqiyeh Mosque, an important Shia pilgrimage site and a window onto Syria’s religious diversity.
Evening. A stroll along the ancient roadway to your hotel for the night.
A different Damascus, then back to Beirut
Yarmouk Camp, once a vibrant district and historically the largest Palestinian refugee camp in Syria, now a powerful symbol of the impact of conflict.
Jobar, a historic district just northeast of the Old City that witnessed some of the heaviest fighting.
The Unknown Soldier Statue. A sweeping panoramic view of Damascus, while Mount Qassioun is closed for rehabilitation.
Return to Beirut. In the afternoon, travel back to your accommodation in Beirut.
Damascus Spirituality
Two days to uncover Syria’s historic and religious capital
Experience the authentic flavors of Damascus and its surroundings, immerse yourself in its vibrant culture and heritage, and engage with the locals, each one eager to share their unique stories: how they have adapted over the years, and what they envision for the future.
Beirut to Damascus, and the old city
Pick-up in Beirut. Your journey begins with a pick-up from your city-center accommodation.
A café stop. Refreshments at a street café before the Lebanese-Syrian border crossing.
Into Damascus. After the entry visa formalities, continue to a capital of rich religious, ethnic and cultural heritage.
Bab Touma. Arrive at the north-eastern gate associated with the old city’s Christian neighbourhood, and stroll the ancient roadway to a boutique hotel in the heart of old Damascus to meet your guide.
The Chapel of St. Ananias, an ancient church that embodies the essence of early Christianity.
Straight Street, a captivating thoroughfare of shops, cafés and bustling markets.
Azem Palace, a gem of Damascene craftsmanship, now home to the Museum of Popular Traditions.
Khan Assad Pasha, an impressive caravanserai and testament to the region’s rich trading heritage.
The Umayyad Mosque, a great cultural and spiritual center, housing the Shrine of John the Baptist.
Souq al-Hamidiyeh, the ancient covered bazaar where local culture thrives.
Al Noufarah coffeehouse. Coffee and tea as Damascene life unfolds around you.
Al-Seida Raqiyeh Mosque, an important Shia pilgrimage site and a window onto Syria’s religious diversity.
Evening. A stroll along the ancient roadway to your hotel for the night.
Sayyidah Zaynab and Bab al-Saghir, then back to Beirut
Sayyidah Zaynab, a revered pilgrimage shrine on the southern outskirts of Damascus, dedicated to the granddaughter of the Prophet Muhammad.
Bab al-Saghir, the ancient cemetery within the walls of Old Damascus, resting place of scholars, members of the Prophet’s family and companions.
Return to Beirut. In the afternoon, travel back to your accommodation in Beirut.
Included
- Private round-trip transfer
- Syrian land border security clearance
- Syrian tourist visa reference code (entry visa approval)
- Overnight at a boutique hotel in the old town, with breakfast
- Professional English-speaking guide
- Portage at the hotel
Not included
- Entry visa fees to Syria
- Meals and drinks
- Tipping
- Insurance of any kind
- Entrance fees
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