As soon as it became possible in 2018 for tourism to resume after years of civil war, Young Pioneer Tours were the first to take you there. Now that life is returning to relative normal again and travel is back on the cards, we’re excited to continue taking you to Syria, a country that we fell in love with and know like that backs of our hands.
Beginning and ending in Lebanon’s vibrant capital, Beirut, this tour is your opportunity to see Syria at a unique point in its history. Until the recent war, the only thing most people knew about Syria was Palmyra, and now Syria’s famous but for all the wrong reasons. Our tour takes in all the major spots of the country, such as Palmyra and Aleppo, but our pace also leaves enough time to talk to people and learn what living in contemporary Syria is really like compared to what is portrayed in Western media – highlighting both the good and the bad and speaking to people candidly.
From Beirut, we’ll drive two hours to Damascus, the capital of Syria. Travelling in Syria is truly a surreal experience. On one hand, you’ll get to experience the famous cosmopolitan nightlife that has returned to the capital where the streets are lined with bars, cafes, young locals smoking shishas and drinking cocktails, and on the other hand you’ll see the truly harrowing effects of full scale war: destroyed hospitals, schools and houses.
From Damascus, we’ll make our way to Aleppo, once the pearl of the Middle East. But before that, we’ll stop at the Christian town of Maaloula, with it historic churches now largely restored after their destruction by Islamist militants. We’ll join Syrian Christians in the historic town of Maaloula for the Feast of the Cross, a festival to celebrate the cross used in the crucifixion of Jesus. As part of the celebration, people climb to the highest point of Maaloula’s mountain to erect a cross and light a fire, before letting fireworks off just after sunset.
On the journey to Aleppo you will witness the destruction that occurred in Syria throughout the war, with it being particularly paramount in the city itself. During our stay in Aleppo, you will explore sites other travel groups cannot visit, as well more obvious ones such as the Presidential Park and the Aleppo Soap factory – the oldest company in the world.
Driving around Syria is an experience itself. We often have to take the long route to avoid rebel controlled areas, but this just means seeing more of the amazing countryside and getting more chances to see charming coffee stands where we’ll get a chance to mingle with locals while also passing destroyed village.
One day will be dedicated to Palmyra, shrouded in a coat of destruction, which now requires special permission to get ito get into. Despite its tragic recent history, it is still a breathtaking site.
We’ll then make a special visit to the rebel held town of Busra. While not at war with the government, Busra acts on its own, and you will not see banners or large posters of Bashar al-Assad. Here you’ll explore one of the best kept Roman theatre in the world as well as the fabulous ruins of the old town. This is a place you will get a very different viewpoint on how things are run in Syria, before we head back to the capital.
Before your tour concludes we’ll visit the very the best restaurants and bars the capital has to offer for a farewell celebration with our local guides. You may also have the chance to speak to a Professor who famously guided Jimmy Carter, Brad Pitt and Angelina Jolie on their visit to Syria.
Aside from what we offer, there are multiple chances to meet, eat, drink and converse with Syrians about their everyday lives. You will be very surprised by how direct and open locals are with their views.
Make the most of your visit in Lebanon and explore more of what this ancient yet contemporary country has to offer on our Ultimate Lebanon tour.
Friday September 12th – Beirut, Lebanon – Damascus, Syria
Afternoon
Saturday September 13th – Damascus
Afternoon
Sunday September 14th – Damascus – Aleppo
Afternoon
Monday September 15th – Aleppo
Afternoon
Tuesday September 16th – Aleppo – Hama – Almishtaya
Afternoon
Wednesday September 17th – Almishtaya – Homs – Palmyra – Damascus
Afternoon
Thursday September 18th – Damascus – Busra – Damascus
Afternoon
Friday September 19th – Damascus – Beirut, Lebanon
Want to extend your YPT adventure? Join one of our great tour extensions
We have expert guides ready to help answer any questions you may have.
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