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. That’s why for many reasons we know this country better than any other company, hence why our itineraries are more unique.
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. Make the most of your visit in Lebanon and explore more of what this ancient yet contemporary country has to offer on our Lebanon Spring tour.
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 then on the other hand we see the truly harrowing effects of full scale war – destroyed hospitals, schools and houses.
From Damascus we’ll then make our way to Aleppo, once the pearl in the Middle East, going via the Christian town of Maaloula, with it historic churches now largely restored after their destruction by Islamist militants. On the journey to Aleppo you will witness the destruction the occurred in Syria throughout the journey, with it being particularly paramount in the city itself.
During our stay in Aleppo you will explore many 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 as we stop on the way at charming coffee stands where we’ll get a chance to mingle with locals while also passing destroyed villages. In Syria we often have to take the long route to avoid rebel controlled areas, but this just means seeing more of the amazing countryside.
Shrouded in a coat of destruction, we’ll then visit Palmyra, which now requires special permission to get into, but despite its tragic recent history, is still a breath-taking 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 colosseums in the world, outside Rome of course, as well as the fabulous ruins of the old town, before we return to Damascus.
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’ll 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 Middle East experience and continue your adventure on our Iran Revolutionary tour.
Thursday 22nd February – Beirut, Lebanon – Damascus, Syria
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Friday 23rd February – Damascus
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Saturday 24th February – Damascus – Aleppo
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Sunday 25th February – Aleppo
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Monday 26th February – Aleppo – Hama – Almishtaya
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Tuesday 27th February – Almishtaya – Homs – Palmyra – Damascus
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Wednesday 28th February – Damascus – Busra – Damascus
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Thursday 29th February – Damascus – Beirut, Lebanon
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During the Arab Spring of the early 2010s, the popular news consensus was that the Syrian government was on its way out. The rapid collapse of Muammar Gaddafi’s government in 2011 was a clear blueprint and the rapid rise of anti-government forces in Sy …
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