• Overall

  If you’ve ever dreamed of travelling through the lands where civilisation began - crossing from ancient Mesopotamia to the heart of the Levant – this special Iraq and Syria Christmas Tour is for you.

  Over two incredible weeks, our Iraq group tour and Syria group tour combine to bring you face to face with the region’s history, culture, and unmatched hospitality. Guided by experts who bring context, safety, and connection to every stop, you’ll celebrate Christmas in Damascus and walk ancient cities and streets, retracing the footsteps of prophets, poets, and kings.

  Iraq Tour

  Our journey begins in Iraq, the land of ancient Mesopotamia.

  From the capital Baghdad, we explore a city where tradition and modern life meet. Through book markets, riverside cafés, and the treasures of the National Museum.

  We travel south to the holy cities of Karbala and Najaf, where millions of pilgrims gather each year, and walk through the ruins of Babylon, Ur, and Uruk. The very places where writing and cities were born!

  In the far south, we glide through the Marshes of Mesopotamia, meeting families who still live in reed houses on the water, before reaching Basra, Iraq’s gateway to the Gulf.

  Lebanon & Syria

  We then go to Lebanon, where you will have a couple of days to explore and prepare to cross into Syria.

  From Beirut, we drive to Damascus, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities on Earth.

  We’ll wander along Straight Street, visit the Umayyad Mosque and Ananias Church, and share tea with locals at Al Nofara Café, where the city’s legendary storyteller still performs.

  We continue south to Bosra, home to the world’s best-preserved Roman theatre, then north through mountain landscapes to Mar Musa Monastery, Homs, and Aleppo.

  In Aleppo, we explore the grand citadel, restored souks, and the traditional soap factories the city is famous for.

  We’ll visit the mighty Krak des Chevaliers, sample local wines in the Homs countryside, and spend a night in the picturesque Christian village of Al Mishtaya.

  Our journey ends in Palmyra, once a jewel of the Silk Road and the seat of Queen Zenobia’s empire. 

  Looking for something shorter?
  Join either one of our Iraq or Syria group tours separately.

  Highlights

  • 3 Countries, 1 Tour! | Visit 3 incredible countries hassle-free, and enjoy the highlights in a short period of time, all in the company of new friends - over Christmas time!
     
  • Capitals Baghdad, Beirut, and Damascus | Three incredible, historic capital cities of 3 countries full of culture. 
     
  • Historic and Religious Sites | Uruk and Ur, Babylon, Busra, Palmyra, Karbala and Najaf. Places you read about in the history books! 

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• Itinerary

  Day 1 of 17

  1. December 14 | Saturday

     Arrival Day in Baghdad

     Arrival & airport pick-up

     • Arrive at Baghdad International Airport (BGW).

     • Meet your driver and guide and transfer to the hotel (VIP airport pick-up).

     • Rest and meet the group for a welcome dinner in the evening.

     Welcome Dinner

     • We will gather for a welcome dinner.

     Accommodation | Hotel in Baghdad

     Included Meals | Dinner

  2. December 15 | Sunday

     Baghdad City Tour

     • Mutanabi Street | Explore the old part of Baghdad. We will go to Mutanabi Street, known as the Book Street, the antique market, and the old copper market. It is named after the 10th-century poet Al-Mutanabi.
        
     • Rasheed Street | Once Baghdad’s most prestigious avenue, lined with early 20th-century architecture, shops, and cafés.
        
     • Iraqi National Museum | Visit the Iraqi National Museum to get introduced to Iraqi culture and history throughout the years. The Iraqi National Museum houses a vast collection of artefacts from Mesopotamian civilisations, including Sumerian, Akkadian, Babylonian, and Assyrian relics. It is considered one of the most important museums in the Middle East.
        
     • Abbasid Palace & Mustansiriya Madrasah | Two fine examples of Abbasid-era architecture. We will also visit Mustansiriya School, one of the oldest remaining schools in the world. The Mustansiriya Madrasa was established in the 13th century. It served as an important educational institution during the Abbasid era.
        
     • Tahrir Square & Firdus Square | See the sites associated with Iraq’s modern political history.
        
     • Abu Nawas Street | Evening stroll along the Tigris, with statues and gardens inspired by the tales of 1001 Nights.
        
     • Dinner on the Tigris River, trying Iraq’s famous dish, masgouf.
        

      

     Accommodation | Hotel in Baghdad.

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  3. December 16 | Monday

     Baghdad → Babylon → Karbala

     Babylon

     • Drive south to Babylon.

     • Ancient City of Babylon | Babylon was one of the most important cities of ancient Mesopotamia, known for its role as the capital of Hammurabi and Nebuchadnezzar II. It is associated with significant cultural achievements, including the Code of Hammurabi and the Hanging Gardens of Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World.

     • Saddam’s Palace | Pay a visit to Saddam’s Palace and see the last remnant from his regime.  From here, enjoy a great view of the ancient city.

     Karbala

     • Continue to Karbala.
        
     • Karbala is a holy city for Shia Muslims and the site of the shrine of Imam Hussein. It is the focal point of the Arbaeen pilgrimage, one of the largest religious gatherings in the world.
        

     Accommodation | Hotel in Karbala

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  4. December 17 | Tuesday

     Najaf 

     Najaf City Tour

     • Old City | Explore Najaf and Najaf’s Old City, one of the most important cities in the Shia Muslim world.
        
     • Wadi al Salam | We pay a visit to the largest cemetery in the world - Wadi al Salam. Meaning "Valley of Peace," it is located in Najaf and is the largest cemetery in the world. It has been a burial site for over 1,400 years.
        
     • We then take a trip to the market where we can buy local clothes and Abayas, as well as lots of other souvenirs. You'll need this local attire to enter the shrine. 
        
     • Imam Ali Shrine | The Imam Ali Shrine in Najaf is the burial site of Imam Ali, the cousin and son-in-law of the Prophet Muhammad and the first Imam in Shia Islam. The shrine is one of the most important pilgrimage sites for Shia Muslims. The golden dome of the Imam Ali Shrine draws pilgrims from across the globe. We will take a look inside the separated female/male sections, and you'll truly be astounded by the colours, lights, and decorations from this fantastic piece of architecture. 

     Accommodation | Hotel in Najaf

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  5. December 18 | Wednesday

     Najaf → Uruk → Ur (Nasiriyah)

     Uruk

     • Drive south to Uruk, the world’s first great city, associated with the invention of writing and the Epic of Gilgamesh.

     Ur

     • Continue to Ur to see the Ziggurat of Ur, a 4,000-year-old stepped temple.

     Nasiriyah

     • Visit Nasiriyah city in the evening.

     Accommodation | Hotel in Nasiriyah

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  6. December 19 | Thursday

     Marshes of Southern Iraq → Basra

     Mesopotamia Marshes

     • Travel to the Marshes, where we will have a late lunch of Masquf, the Sumerian local fish (vegetarian option available).

     • Marshes | A UNESCO-listed wetland where life has changed little over millennia. The Marsh Arabs still live in traditional reed houses and travel by narrow boats along the waterways.

     • Boat Trip in the Marshes | We take a boat trip to take a tour of the marshes and see what wildlife we can spot! 

     Basra

     • Basra | This is the main southern city and its largest port. It has long been a gateway for trade, culture, and ideas. Basra is also known for its canals lined with date palms!

     Accommodation | Hotel in Basra

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  7. December 20 | Friday

     Basra → Baghdad

     Basra City Tour

     • Basra Museum | A look into the history of Basra and the surrounding areas. It used to be Saddam’s Palace.
        
     • Stroll through the old city and antique museum.

     Baghdad

     • Martyrs Monument | Go for sunset to the Martyrs Monument. The Martyrs Monument in Baghdad is a large blue-domed structure built in the 1980s to commemorate Iraqis who died in past wars. It is a symbol of national remembrance.

     Accommodation | Hotel in Baghdad

     Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  8. December 21 | Saturday

     Departure from Iraq - Lebanon 

     Flight Departures from Baghdad Airport & Continue to Lebanon for the Syria part of the trip. 

     • You will be transferred to Baghdad International Airport.
        
     • Departure from Baghdad International Airport (BGW). Arrive in Lebanon in the afternoon/evening. Flights are not included. You must book your own Baghdad - Lebanon flight, but we will give you guidance and let you know which flight we suggest. 
        
     • Arrival into Lebanon and free time to explore. Ask your tour leader for suggestions for food and activities based on your preferences! 

     Accommodation | Crowne Plaza Hotel, Hamra, Beirut, Lebanon 

     Included Meals | Breakfast

  9. December 22 | Sunday

     Beirut, Lebanon 

     Free day to explore Beirut city at your own leisure 

     • Relax and see the highlights of Beirut at your own leisure. We will be staying in a central district with lots to do just around the corner! 
        
     • Ask your tour leader for suggestions for food and activities based on your preferences!

     Welcome Evening Meal

     • [Optional] For those who wish to join, we will have a welcome meal together in the evening for those who are just joining for the Syria part of the trip at a local restaurant. 

     Accommodation | Crowne Plaza Hotel, Hamra, Beirut, Lebanon 

     Included Meals | Breakfast

  10. December 23 | Wednesday

      Into Syria

      Beirut to Damascus Scenic Drive

      • We will leave early from the Lebanese capital on a scenic drive to the Syrian border, and onward to Damascus. This is a ca. 4-hour-long drive, including formalities at the Lebanon-Syria border.
         
      • Check in and a short recharge at our hotel in Damascus.

      The Historic Old Town of Damascus

      • Ananias Church | The oldest underground structure of Damascus and the presumed remains of Ananias of Damascus' home, where Saul was baptised, who is known today as Paul the Apostle.
         
      • Straight Street | Also known by its Latin name, Via Recta, is the Roman street that runs from East to West in Damascus' Old Town. The street has several sites dating back to the Roman, Christian, and Islamic periods, and according to the Book of Acts, St. Paul also visited here.
         
      • Al Nofara | The oldest café in Damascus, where we will listen to the famous storyteller.
         
      • Dinner will be at Naerj, the best restaurant in Damascus Old Town, where you are guaranteed to have one of the best meals of your life.
         
      • Optional evening scrub at a historic Hamam.

      Accommodation | Mamluka Hotel 5* or similar, Damascus.

      Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  11. December 24 | Thursday

      Damascus - Busra - Damascus

      • National Museum | Here, we will gain an overview of the civilisations that have thrived on Syrian soil. It exhibits statues, seals, jewellery, masks, mosaics, tablets, and weavings from the most important sites in the country.
         
      • Souk Al-Hamidiye | The most beautiful souk of Damascus. Its shops display a wide range of goods, including clothes, fabrics, pastries, and handicrafts.
         
      • Umayyad Mosque | A historic site of worship, dating back to the first millennium BCE, it was once a church and is now one of the most important mosques in the World.

      Drive to Busra

      • In the afternoon, we head south through the lush, fertile plains to the ancient city of Bosra al-Sham (also Busra / Busra al-sham).
         
      • Bosra is certainly home to the best-preserved Roman amphitheatre in the world.
         
      • We'll explore the city’s rich Roman heritage, including its baths and captivating historical tales. 

      Drive back to Damascus

      • Arada Show in front of the Damascus Hotel.
         
      • Cooking class and Dinner with a Syrian family.

      Accommodation | Mamluka Hotel 5* or similar, Damascus

      Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  12. December 25 | Friday

      Damascus to Aleppo

      Mar Musa

      • Our second stop along the road will be Mar Musa, a breathtaking 6^th-century monastery perched among rugged mountains.
         
      • Shaped like a towering fortress, this ancient site was founded by Mar Musa al-Habashi (Saint Moses of Abyssinia), who, according to legend, was the son of an Ethiopian king.

      Homs

      • Following this, we’ll head to Homs, the most affected city by the war. During our visit, we'll explore the Khaled Ibn Al-Walid Shrine and the St. Mary Church of the Holy Belt, two significant landmarks of the city.
         
      • Lunch in Homs City.

      Aleppo

      • Aleppo has been a flourishing metropolis since the 3^rd millennium BCE. The city has been fighting with Damascus for the title of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited city.
         
      • After some exploring of the city, we'll enjoy dinner at Qurtuba, a renowned Syrian restaurant run by an Armenian family, known for its authentic flavours and warm atmosphere.

      Accommodation | Rigga Hotel 4* or similar, Aleppo

      Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  13. December 26 | Saturday

      Aleppo

      • Aleppo Castle | Located in the middle of the city, the castle dominates Aleppo from a height of fifty meters. Its admirably designed towers, along with its iron gates, are distinguished by their entrances made with perfection to prevent any enemy intrusion.
         
      • Aleppo Market | Stretching from the front of the castle to the old city, we'll witness the contrast between the destroyed areas, the active restoration sites, and the fully renovated section, which now looks stunning.
         
      • Abu Hagoub Restaurant | As Aleppo is renowned for its spicy sausage, we will have lunch at this famous restaurant to sample the best sausage sandwiches in the city.
         
      • Umayyad Mosque | The largest and one of the oldest mosques in the city, which is currently in the final stages of restoration.
         
      • Al-Jubaili Soap Factory | The oldest soap factory in Aleppo, where you'll have the opportunity to witness the traditional process of crafting the world-famous laurel Aleppo soap, renowned for its quality and history. We will also visit a soap exhibition where you can touch the largest bar of soap in the world, according to the Guinness World Records Book.
         
      • For sunset, we will visit one of our secret spots overlooking Aleppo.
         
      • Uncle Hamido's Restaurant | For dinner, we will get the chance to taste what is often hailed as the best falafel in the World.

      Accommodation | Rigga Hotel 4*, Aleppo

      Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  14. December 27 | Sunday

      Aleppo - Idlib - Hama - Krak Des Chaveliers - Homs Countryside

      Idlib

      • Idlib Governorate | Here, we can observe a unique economic system distinct from other regions, and we will also visit the refugee camps, gaining insight into the challenges faced by displaced families.

      Hama

      • Drive south to Hama. Here, we'll visit the iconic waterwheels that once played a crucial role in providing water to the surrounding land. 

      Krak des Chevaliers

      • Krak des Chevaliers | After that, we'll continue our journey to Krak des Chevaliers, which is described by Lawrence of Arabia as "the most wholly admirable castle in the world."
         
      • In addition, this medieval crusader fortress is one of the most significant and well-preserved castles from that era, offering a fascinating glimpse into Syrian History.

      Jarjour winery

      • Jarjour Winery | We'll drive through the picturesque rural villages of the Homs Valley, heading to the renowned Jarjour winery, which is famous for its unique blue wine.
         
      • Here, we'll enjoy a wine and cheese tasting, immersing ourselves in the flavours of the region.

      Almishtaya

      • Afterwards, we take a short drive to the Christian village of Almishtaya, known for its vibrant nightlife. Indeed, you can experience the lively atmosphere and enjoy the evening in one of Syria's most charming villages.

      Overnight in Homs Countryside

      • Finally, we have an overnight stay in a 4-star hotel in Al Mishtaya-Homs countryside.

      Accommodation | Hotel in Homs Countryside

      Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  15. December 28 | Monday

      Al Mishtaya - Palmyra - Damascus

      • Syria's most iconic tourist destination. Notably, once a key city on the Silk Road, Palmyra briefly ruled its own empire in the 3rd century, stretching from Turkey to Egypt.
         
      • However, despite being well-preserved, much of the city was sadly destroyed during the ISIS occupation in 2015.
         
      • During our tour, we will explore what remains, including the Arch of Triumph, Fakhr ad-Din al-Maani Castle, the Sulphur Spring, the Great Columns, the Theatre, the Agora, and the Tombs.
         
      • We’ll enjoy a delicious lunch in a traditional Bedouin tent restaurant, run by a local family. This is, indeed, a perfect opportunity to savour authentic Syrian cuisine while experiencing the warm hospitality of the region.

      • Return to Damascus

      • We will drive back to Damascus, arriving just in time to enjoy a relaxing dinner in the city.

      Accommodation | Traditional Hotel in Damascus Old Town

      Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

  16. December 29 | Tuesday

      Return to Beirut

      • In the morning, we will cover the remaining attractions in Damascus that might have been left out during the busy previous days.
         
      • We will also have some time for some last-minute shopping.
         
      • Drive back to Beirut. The estimated arrival time in Beirut is 18:00.

      Accommodation | Crowne Plaza Hotel, 5* hotel located in Central Hamra, Beirut  

      Included Meals | Breakfast, Lunch

  17. December 30 | Wednesday

      Departure Day

      • Departure from Beirut-Rafic Hariri International Airport (BEY) throughout the day to European or Middle Eastern destinations offering connections to the rest of the World.

      Included Meals | Breakfast

• Extras

  • Upgrade to your own room (Iraq-Syria Combo)

    The default rooming option for this tour is a shared hotel room. Each hotel room on tour has two separate beds. If you'd like a room to yourself, then you can upgrade for an extra USD 50 per night. This includes accommodation in Beirut in-between the two countries.

• What is / is not included?

  INCLUDED

  • All accommodation in Iraq, Syria, and Beirut
  • Iraq visa support.
  • Local tour guides in Iraq and Syria.
  • Expert Koryo Tours tour leader throughout the trip. 
  • All transportation within Iraq and Syria. 
  • Airport pick up & drop off
  • All entrance tickets and activities listed.
  • All meals listed. 
  • Water throughout the day. 

  NOT INCLUDED

  • Travel to Iraq.
  • Iraq & Syria visa.
  • Travel insurance (mandatory).
  • Tips for local guides. 
  • Souvenirs.
  • Extra drinks/snacks. 
  • Single supplement rooming (55 USD per night)
  • Flights from Baghdad - Lebanon (around 200 - 350 USD). 
  • Airport pick-up and drop-off in Lebanon. 

• Notes

  The Iraq visa is an e-visa application. We will provide supporting documents and help you make the visa application. The visa (including for VOA) ranges from $160-190 USD. 

  The Syria visa is a visa on arrival. 

  For Lebanon, most countries can enter visa-free. Check your visa requirements before travel. 

  On both of the trips, we aim to see as much as possible in a very short amount of time. Iraq has a lot of history on offer, so of course we want to make the most out of this trip. Because of that, the days may be long and it involves a lot of driving as we make our way from south to north. 

   

Please apply by 30th November, 2026.