Duration

9 Days 8 Nights

Country

Syrian Arab Republic

NOWRUZ Syria Group Tour

NOWRUZ SYRIA TOUR MARCH 2026 DATES:

16th March 2026 until 24th March 2026

This is one of the most unique tours that we have ever run! Nowruz, a centuries-old celebration of Kurdish culture, will be the focus of this trip. However, we will also explore other areas of Syria, making sure that you get an all-round experience.

Highlights:

Experience Nowruz, the epitome of Kurdish culture, in a unique part of Syria which almost no tourists visit!
Learn about life under Assad regime and see how the new government is dealing with Syrian society (with its religious and cultural plurality), as well as areas under the control of the SDF.
Visit major Syrian cities and tourist sites.

Gallery

Itinerary

Day 1 - BEIRUT TO DAMASCUS
16th March
- Wake up early before gathering at 7am at a predetermined location. We will leave Beirut for Damascus at 7:15 am, provided that all of our group members are present. (*NOTE*: those that would like to fly into Damascus airport or cross from Jordan also have the option of doing so. Message us for more details!)
- The drive will take between 3 and 5 hours including border formalities. On the way to the border, we’ll stop for a Lebanese breakfast and also to exchange our money into Syrian Pounds.
- Check into a boutique hotel in old Damascus (such as Via Recta), where you’ll have a short break to relax and unpack.
- Today, we’ll go to Ananias Church, Souq Medhat Pasha, Khan As’ad Pasha, Qasr El Azm Palace, Beit Jebri Restaurant, The Ummayad Mosque, Salaheddine’s mausoleum, Al Hamidiyah Market, Al Nawfara Coffee Shop and some traditional Damascene houses in the old city.
- After our daily tour is done, we will return back to Damascus, and, for those who wish, we will have a traditional Hamam experience in one of the city’s oldest Hamams (highly recommended!).
- In the evening, for those that wish, you can enjoy the Damascus nightlife in the neighbourhood of Bab Touma and Bab Sharqi (next to the hotel) - we will show you all of the best spots.
Day 2 - SAYDNAYA -> MAALOULA -> KRAK DES CHEVALIERS
17th March
- Leave Damascus in the early morning to visit the Monastery of Saydnaya
- If possible, we will also visit Saydnaya prison, a famous prison which, under the Assad regime, tortured and murdered many political prisoners. Here, you will learn about some atrocities commited under the Assad regime. If you would prefer not to visit, then you have the opportunity to visit a nearby restaurant or church.
- Then, we will visit Maaloula, a Christian town where many residents speak Aramaic, the language of Jesus. We’ll explore the town’s churches and streets, and hopefully meet some local residents. It’s one of the most beautiful villages in Syria.
- After that, we will drive directly to the crusader citadel of Krak Des Chevaliers. We will spend a couple of hours wandering around this magnificent historical site.
- Then, we’ll head to the city of Homs, where we will go for dinner together and spend the night.
Day 3 - HOMS -> TABQA -> JAABAR CASTLE -> RAQQA
18th March
- Today, we will have an early start, driving to the city of Homs. This city was extremely affected by the war. We’ll visit Um Al Zenar Church and Khalid Ibn Al Waleed Mosque. Be aware that you will see destruction at close range. Please be sensitive to this.
- Then, we will drive North East, crossing into territory controlled by the SDF. Our first stop will be Tabqa, situated on a beautiful lake with views of crystal blue water.
- We will then drive on to Jaabar castle. This ancient castle is on an island in the lake, with beautiful views of the lake surrounding it.
- Finally, we will end the day in Raqqa, where we will spend the night.
Day 4 - RAQQA -> KOBANE -> RAQQA
19th March
- After breakfast, we will explore the city of Raqqa, which used to be the capital of ISIS. We'll visit the city's historical sites as well as a museum about life during ISIS rule. We will then drive to Kobane (around 2 hours) to visit a Kurdish city with a brutal recent history, but strong culture.
- After having a tour of Kobane, we will return to Raqqa. Overnight in Raqqa.
Day 5 - RAQQA -> QAMISHLI (NOWRUZ!)
20th March
- We will drive around 4 hours to Qamishli, making sure to be there before sunset. On the way, we will stop for lunch in Hasakah. Today will be a BIG day. Sunset marks the beginning of Nowruz celebrations, which is the most important day of the year for the Kurds of Syria. Expect a lot of lighting fires and traditional dancing.
- Overnight in Qamishli
Day 6 - NOWRUZ FULL DAY -> HASAKAH
21st March
- Today we will spend the full day enjoying Kurdish culture and Nowruz celebrations, not only in Qamishli but also in neighbouring Kurdish villages. It will be a truly unique day filled with colours and action. You will learn how to dance traditional Kurdish dancing!
- It is also expected to be the end of Ramadan, the Muslim month of fasting. Hence, you can expect even bigger celebrations as a result of this.
- After sunset, celebrations will be dying down a little. We will then drive to the city of Hasakah, where we will spend the night.
Day 7 - HASAKAH -> ALEPPO
22nd March
- We will have a very early start, in preparation for a long drive (6 hours or more) to Aleppo, the culinary capital of Syria. Upon arrival, we will have a tour of the ancient marketplaces and the icon of the city - the citadel! We will enjoy panoramic views from above, before going for dinner and tasting the famous Aleppo cherry kebab!
- Overnight in Aleppo.
Day 8 - ALEPPO -> HAMA -> MAR MUS
23rd March
- After breakfast, we will drive to the city of Hama. This city is famous for its ancient waterwheels, and also a massacre commited by the hands of the Assad regime in the 1980s. It’s old town is spectacular, and we will visit the famous Qasr Al Azm (one of our favourite buildings in Syria).
- After lunch, we will drive south, to the ancient monastery of Mar Mousa. It is built into a rock face and it is one of the most beautiful Christian sites in the country! It’s also a testament to Christian - Muslim coexistence, with Islamic prayer mats for Muslims to pray, and Islamic calligraphy present. The people here are very unique. We will spend the night in the monastery.
Day 9 - DEPARTURE TO BEIRUT
24th March
- Final breakfast together at the monastery, enjoying the mountain views.
- We’ll then drive back to the border with Lebanon. You will then be dropped back in Beirut. Those who wish to be let out in Anjar (some of Lebanon’s most interesting ruins), or anywhere else on the way to Beirut may do so. Everyone else will be dropped off in central Beirut.
- ***If you would prefer a transfer to Jordan (or to take public transport), this can be arranged for an additional cost. International buses cost around 30 USD from Damascus to Amman, so it is affordable, but the border can take a LONG time. Contact us for more details***
- ***Also, if you would like to extend the tour, please contact us for more details***

Cost Info

Price includes

Visa Approval (from Ministry of Tourism) which allows you to get the visa on arrival in Syria.
Entry permission to SDF-controlled areas.
Accommodation in top hotels or homestays if mentioned (twin-sharing)
Local Syrian Tour Guide
Professional English and Arabic-speaking Tour Leader
All museum entry fees
Breakfast
Transportation throughout Syria
Transportation from Beirut, Lebanon at the start and end of tour.

Price excludes

Actual visa fee on the Syrian border (different fee depending on your nationality)
Flights to and from Beirut
Lunch and dinner
Souvenirs
Optional tip to guide/s and driver
Single supplement if you want a private room (350 USD extra)

FAQ

Do I need a visa for Syria?
We will arrange something called "Security Clearance" which will allow all of our group members to get the Syrian visa on arrival at the border.
Do I need a visa for Lebanon?
That depends on your nationality. Most European, Arab, and Latin American nationalities, as well as the US and Canada, do not require a visa for Lebanon.

If you do require one, we can help you arrange it. Another option is to enter Syria by flight or through Jordan, if you don't want to get a Lebanese visa.
Can I extend the tour?
Yes, of course, tour extensions are possible. You can extend the tour to stay some additional days in Damascus, or, for an additional cost, we can arrange trips for you to visit other places, such as Bosra Al Sham or Bloudan.

Price = $1,570.00

Enquiry Form

Full Name* :

Email* :

Nationality :

WhatsApp/Telegram Number :

How many people? :

Enter discount code if available :

Message :

Travelling The Unknown.

Syria & Iraq tours, vlogs, travel and more.

NOWRUZ Syria Group Tour

Gallery

Itinerary

Day 1 - BEIRUT TO DAMASCUS

16th March

Day 2 - SAYDNAYA -> MAALOULA -> KRAK DES CHEVALIERS

17th March

Day 3 - HOMS -> TABQA -> JAABAR CASTLE -> RAQQA

18th March

Day 4 - RAQQA -> KOBANE -> RAQQA

19th March

Day 5 - RAQQA -> QAMISHLI (NOWRUZ!)

20th March

Day 6 - NOWRUZ FULL DAY -> HASAKAH

21st March

Day 7 - HASAKAH -> ALEPPO

22nd March

Day 8 - ALEPPO -> HAMA -> MAR MUS

23rd March

Day 9 - DEPARTURE TO BEIRUT

24th March

Cost Info

Price includes

Price excludes

FAQ

Do I need a visa for Syria?

Do I need a visa for Lebanon?

Can I extend the tour?