If you’ve ever dreamed of exploring one of the world’s oldest civilisations, walking through streets that have witnessed millennia of history, and sharing warm meals with locals who embody the spirit of resilience, then this journey through Syria is for you, as Koryo Tours travels to Syria!
Probably one of the most underrated countries to travel to in the world.
Over 12 days, we’ll travel from bustling Beirut to Damascus, Aleppo, Palmyra, and beyond - as you visit the homes of locals, take part in cooking classes, explore ancient wonders and medieval castles on foot, stay in incredible traditional hotels, and end the day relaxing in Syria's only speakeasy...
Our adventure begins in Damascus, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on Earth, and our exploration takes us from the underground Ananias Church to the Roman Straight Street, to sipping tea in Al Nofara (the city’s oldest café) and listening to the legendary storyteller who still performs there.
Heading north, we pass through Maaloula, where the ancient Aramaic language still lives on, and visit its breathtaking Mar Musa Monastery, perched high in the mountains. In Hama, the great waterwheels turn as they have for centuries - before our tour to Syria arrives in Aleppo.
Once the rival of Damascus as the oldest continuously inhabited city, Aleppo is full of contrasts: historic citadels, restored markets, and the poignant scars of war. Highlights here include visiting the traditional Aleppo Soap factories (home to the world's largest soap!), and watching the sunset from a secret lookout before feasting on falafel, said to be the best in the world.
Our Syria tour then takes us west toward the coast to Lattakia. Along the way, we’ll stop at the mighty Citadel of Salah ad-Din, before continuing to Burj Islam’s rocky beaches. We also visit the ancient ruins of Ugarit (where the world’s first alphabet was discovered) and the mighty Crusader stronghold of Marqab Castle.
We then make a stop at Tartous and Syria's only island - Arwad Island.
Of course, no tour to Syria would be complete without Krak des Chevaliers, described by Lawrence of Arabia as “the most wholly admirable castle in the world.” In Homs, where we’ll see both Islamic and Christian landmarks and experience the resilience of a city that has endured so much.
And saving perhaps the most iconic site of all to last - Palmyra.
Once a key Silk Road site and home to Queen Zenobia’s short-lived empire. Unfortunately, it was largely destroyed by ISIS, but there is still plenty to explore. We wander through its great colonnades, amphitheatre, and temples. And round it all off by enjoying lunch in a Bedouin tent restaurant, hosted by a local family.
Our tour to Syria ends with a visit to Bosra al-Sham, home to the world’s best-preserved Roman theatre.
