A marble fountain and plants in the courtyard of the hotel

Why this trip

Experience Syria with luxury.

This trip is about being human, witnessing history, reckoning with loss, and making space for personal reflection along the way. Few places on earth can offer that kind of depth, and even fewer allow you to experience it this intimately. This 8-day experience is curated to engage the mind, body, and soul.

In partnership with the professionals at SyrianGuides, who have been hosting travelers for years, we will walk through ancient cities that have been inhabited for thousands of years, yet endured their harshest wars over the last 15. We will hear directly from people who lived it: survivors, locals, and storytellers whose perspectives can't be found in guidebooks.

You'll feel the heartbeat of Damascus while staying in a beautifully restored traditional hotel in the Old City. You'll wander ancient streets, share home-style Syrian meals, meet locals who redefine resilience, and stand in places that challenge how you see the world.

This is honest, immersive and deeply transformational travel, the kind that stays with you long after you've returned home.

Where you'll stay

A palace in Old Damascus.

In Damascus you don't stay in a normal hotel. You stay inside the Old City walls, in a restored Damascene house built around courtyards and fountains. Carved wooden ceilings, jasmine in the air, and rooftops looking out over the minarets.

The courtyard of a restored palace hotel in Old Damascus, with a chandelier and red velvet chairs

A salon in the hotel, with black and white stone walls and inlaid furniture

The hotel courtyard seen from the floor above

Photos show the style of hotel. The exact hotels are confirmed before the trip.

The route

Where we go.

Eight days, twelve guests at most. Syria at a slower pace, with 5-star stays, two fine dining evenings, private airport transfers, and unhurried days in Old Damascus.

The rough routeDay trip from Damascus

Tap a place to see what we do there and the videos I've made there.

Where you sleep

7 nights. This is the rough shape of the trip, and the order can change a little.

2nightsOld Damascus
A restored palace inside the walls, our first fine dining evening, and a day trip to Bosra.
2nightsAleppo
North by way of Maaloula, Hama and the Dead City of Serjilla.
1nightThe winery
Down the Mediterranean coast and up into the hills.
1nightDeir Mar Musa
Optional. A night at the desert monastery, after Krak des Chevaliers. Or stay in Damascus instead.
1nightOld Damascus
Back inside the walls for our last night and the second fine dining evening.

What's in the trip

The highlights.

This is what the trip holds, not a fixed schedule. The order of the days, the timings and small details can change, and our local guides set the final plan.

The Umayyad Mosque and the Old City of Damascus from above

Where we start and finish

Old Damascus

You stay in a restored palace inside the Old City walls, with unhurried time at both ends of the trip.

The Umayyad Mosque, one of the great buildings of the Islamic world
The old souks and Azem Palace
The Ananias Chapel, and the Sayyida Ruqayya Shrine with its mirrored interior
The hakawati, the traditional storyteller, at one of the oldest cafés in the city
Artisan workshops and the National Museum
Ghouta, a part of the city destroyed in the war, and a drive through the new city
Free time to wander, shop or sit in a courtyard

Orthodox Palm Sunday falls during the trip. We join the Old City for it, when the processions are held.

Day trip

Bosra

One day south across the Hauran plain, to a Roman city built from black stone.

One of the best-preserved Roman theaters in the world, wrapped inside an Arab fortress
Built in the 2nd century, with seats for about 15,000 people
Streets and temples built from black volcanic stone
A UNESCO World Heritage site, once the capital of the Roman province of Arabia
A local lunch, then back to Damascus

On the road north

Maaloula, Hama & Serjilla

Three very different stops between Damascus and Aleppo.

Maaloula, a cliffside village where Aramaic is still spoken, with its two monasteries
Hama and its giant wooden waterwheels
Serjilla, one of the Dead Cities: a Byzantine town left standing in the hills

The Mediterranean

The coast

From Aleppo down to the sea.

Latakia, and lunch by the sea
Ugarit, a Bronze Age city and the home of one of the world's first alphabets
Jableh and its Roman theater

The north

Aleppo

A city that has been trading, cooking and rebuilding for thousands of years.

The Citadel of Aleppo, rising above the Old City
The historic souks, section by section coming back to life
A traditional laurel soap factory, a craft about 800 years old
The old quarter of Jdeideh
A proper Aleppine dinner
A free evening in the city

The mountains

Krak des Chevaliers

One of the best-preserved castles in the world.

A Crusader castle on its own hilltop, with wide views from the walls
Time to explore the halls, towers and courtyards

The hills

A family winery

An evening with a family that makes wine in the hills.

Dinner in a local family's home
Wine tasting at a family winery, with music and dancing
A night at the winery guesthouse

The desert

Deir Mar Musa

A cliffside monastery in the desert mountains.

Frescoes from the 11th and 12th centuries
About 400 stone steps up to the door
Your choice for the night: stay at the monastery, or return to your hotel in Damascus

Sleeping here is simple, but it is often a favorite of the trip. Our bus brings the monastery group back to Damascus in the morning.

The group

Twelve guests at most
Hosted by me
Licensed local guides the whole way

The extras

Two fine dining evenings, at the start and at the end
Private airport transfers
5-star hotels in Old Damascus and Aleppo

Good to know

One night at the winery guesthouse, up in the hills
The monastery night is optional. Sleeping there is simple, and it is often a favorite of the trip
Bring modest clothes for mosques and shrines. Women need a scarf

The fine print, made simple

What's included?

Private airport transfersIncluding from and to Beirut, if you choose to fly there
Accommodation5-star hotels in Damascus and Aleppo. One night at the winery guesthouse, and an optional night at the desert monastery. Two to a room
TransportationAir-conditioned bus
Two fine dining eveningsAt the start of the trip and at the end
All breakfasts and lunches, some dinnersFrequent meals during the trip
Guides who know itHosted by Nick, with professional Syrian guides
Sightseeing and toursEntrance fees for the key historical sites
Visa assistanceGuidance through the visa process
Travel insuranceLocal travel insurance provided to you
Points and miles consultationTips on using points and miles to lower the cost of your flights

Optional extras

Single roomYour own room for the whole trip+ $950
Extra nightA hotel night before or after the trip, if you come early or stay longer$250

What's not included

Visa fees. Government visa fee, $0–$200, depending on your passport
Flight tickets. International flights
Personal expenses. Souvenirs, snacks, and other personal purchases
Tips. Gratuities for guides and drivers
Bad vibes. These will not be given or received :-)

About the trips

What are they saying?

“As a Lebanese woman, I grew up surrounded by narratives about Syria… What I found in Syria was not what I had been told to expect. I found warmth, kindness, generosity, and a hospitality that felt deeply familiar… In a world where so much travel has become about ticking boxes and collecting photos, Nick creates something different. He creates understanding.”

Rana Kaji · Lebanon

“Visiting Syria as a fellow Syrian (living in America) was deeply personal… I returned with a renewed sense of pride and a deeper bond to my roots. I'm so glad I faced my fear to go back despite the uncertainty… Thanks to Nick, I was able to surpass that fear with ease and comfort.”

Reema Albahri · Syria / USA

“Syria is one of the most misunderstood countries in the world… What impacted me most were the people. Syrians are some of the most welcoming, generous, and kind people I've ever met while traveling… The perfect mix of history, culture, adventure, nature, and unforgettable people.”

Dillon Ventura · USA

Good questions

FAQ

Who runs the trip?

The trip is operated by SyrianGuides, a licensed Syrian tour company, with a licensed local guide the whole way. I host the group and helped shape the route.

What makes this the luxury trip?

A smaller group of 12 at most, 5-star hotels in Damascus and Aleppo, two fine dining evenings and private airport transfers.

Is every night in a 5-star hotel?

Almost. One night is at the guesthouse of a family winery in the mountains. At Deir Mar Musa you choose: a night at the desert monastery, or your 5-star hotel in Damascus. Sleeping at the monastery is simple, but it is often a favorite of the trip.

Does this trip go to Palmyra?

Not on the current plan. This route swaps the long desert drive for the Mediterranean coast, the winery and more time in Old Damascus. Palmyra is on the May trip.

Is the route final?

These are the places and experiences on the trip. The order of the days and small details can change, and our local guides set the final plan. Street events are never promised, so we enjoy them when they are held.

How do I book?

Fill out the interest form on this page, then pay the $750 deposit. That's it. You're in. There is no application to wait on.

Does filling out the form mean I'm on the trip?

No. It is an interest form, not a booking. It tells me you are interested, and it is where you ask your questions. I read every form and reply myself. Your spot is saved when you pay the $750 deposit.

How do I pay?

The deposit is $750. You can send it by Wise, Venmo, Revolut or PayPal on the payment page. The rest is due 30 days before the trip starts.

Can I get a refund?

The $750 deposit is fully refundable for 48 hours after you pay it. After that it is non-refundable. The rest of the price is due 30 days before the trip starts, and from that point there are no refunds. If we have to cancel the trip, you get a full refund, including the deposit. Read the full cancellation and refund policy.

Can I have my own room?

Rooms are shared, two to a room. A single room is an extra $950 for the whole trip. At the monastery, rooms are simple and shared.

Can I come early or stay longer?

Yes. An extra hotel night before or after the trip is $250. Tell me your dates when you book.

Is the airport transfer included?

Yes. Private airport transfers are included, also from and to Beirut if you choose to fly there.

Is it safe to travel to Syria?

Travel is conducted through carefully planned routes and trusted local partners. The itinerary focuses on stable areas, with security considerations built into every part of the trip. No trip is free of risk, and many governments, including the United States, currently advise against travel to Syria. Please read your own government's travel advice before you book.

Do I need my own travel insurance?

Local travel insurance is included with the trip. Many regular travel insurance plans do not cover Syria, so check your own policy before you travel. I recommend also carrying your own medical and evacuation cover that is valid in Syria.

How can I obtain a visa for Syria?

Visa assistance is provided as part of the trip. You'll receive guidance on required documents and the application process ahead of time.

How long does it take to get a visa to Syria?

Visa processing times vary by nationality, but typically take a few weeks. We recommend starting the process well in advance.

How much does a visa to Syria cost?

Visa fees depend on nationality and are paid separately. They range from $0 to $200. Exact costs will be confirmed during the application process.

Can I use credit cards in Syria?

Credit cards are generally not accepted. Cash is used for most transactions, and guidance on handling money will be provided.

What is the currency exchange rate in Syria?

The Syrian Pound is used locally. Currency exchange is handled on the ground, and guidance will be provided before arrival.

Any dress code for women in religious sites?

Modest dress is required in religious sites. Women should bring a scarf and wear clothing that covers their shoulders and knees.

Are vegan options available in Syrian restaurants?

Yes. Syrian cuisine includes many vegetarian-friendly dishes, and dietary preferences can usually be accommodated.

What vaccinations do I need to travel to Syria?

No specific vaccinations are required for most travelers, but it's recommended to be up to date on routine vaccinations. Consult your healthcare provider before travel.

What are the best places to buy souvenirs in Syria?

Local markets, traditional souks, and artisan workshops are the best places to find handcrafted goods, textiles, and local products.

In which cases can't I visit Syria?

Entry restrictions depend on nationality, travel history, and visa eligibility. If there are any concerns, they will be reviewed during the visa assistance process.

How to book

Fill out the interest form. Pay the deposit. You're in.

01

Fill out the interest form

It is right below. It is not a booking: it tells me you are interested, and it is where you ask your questions.

02

Pay the $750 deposit

This is what saves your spot. That's it. You're in. Send it by Wise, Venmo, Revolut or PayPal on the payment page.

03

Get ready

Visa guidance, a packing list and a briefing call. Bring your questions.

04

Pay the rest

Due 30 days before the trip starts. After that there are no refunds.

Start here · no commitment

Interested? Fill out the interest form.

Fill it out and I'll contact you ASAP. It is not a booking and it costs nothing. It tells me you are interested, and it is the place to ask me anything. Your spot is only saved when you pay the deposit.

Fill it out and I'll contact you ASAP. Not a booking. Costs nothing.

Fill out the interest form ↓

Cancellation and refunds, in plain words

Your $750 depositFull refund if you cancel within 48 hours of paying it. After 48 hours it is non-refundable.
The rest of the priceDue 30 days before the trip starts.
The last 30 daysNo refunds once the trip is 30 days away or less.
If the trip is cancelled by usYou get everything back, deposit included.

Read the full cancellation and refund policy →

Only 12 travelers · Apr 19–26, 2027

Step 1: the interest form.

This is not a booking yet. Spots are limited, and yours is saved when you pay the $750 deposit.

This is not a bookingSending the form does not put you on the trip, and it costs nothing. It only tells me you are interested.
What happens nextI reply myself, by WhatsApp or email. Got questions? Ask them in the form.
Step 2: pay the $750 depositThis is what saves your spot. By Wise, Venmo, Revolut or PayPal on the payment page. That's it. You're in.
RefundsThe deposit is refundable for 48 hours, then non-refundable. See the cancellation and refund policy.
Your detailsOnly used to reply to you and to plan your trip. They are shared with SyrianGuides, the licensed company that runs the trip, when you book. See the Privacy Policy.

Email me to save your spot →

LuxurySyria.