In Syria, history isn’t just something you read about in books; it’s alive and breathing all around you. You can feel it in the narrow stone alleys, smell it in the warm aroma of fresh-baked bread, and hear it in the call to prayer ringing out from centuries-old minarets. After years away from the spotlight, Syria is steadily returning to the travel map and quietly inviting travelers back to experience its ancient streets, stunning ruins, and lively souqs. Whether you dream of exploring Damascus, following the historic Silk Road in Aleppo, or standing in awe of the magnificent temples in Palmyra, there’s never been a better time to discover the country with the following travel guide to Syria.
After years of change, Syria is reopening its doors to travelers seeking history, culture, and authentic hospitality. Historic cities such as Damascus and Aleppo, along with Syria’s UNESCO World Heritage Sites like Palmyra and Krak des Chevaliers, are once again accessible through well-organized and safe tours.
Syria is home to some of the world’s most remarkable historical and cultural landmarks.These top tourist attractions showcase the country’s rich heritage, breathtaking architecture, and timeless charm.Syria Scope Travel will take you to experience these top attractions and discover the best of Syria.First on the list is: Old Damascus, Syria: Explore the Umayyad Mosque, Al-Hamidiyah Souq, and traditional Damascene houses. Aleppo, Syria: Discover the Aleppo Citadel, historic souqs, and traditional restaurants like the famous Armenian Qurtuba Restaurant.Palmyra, Syria: An ancient archaeological city listed by UNESCO. Krak des Chevaliers & Salah al-Din Castle: Stunning medieval fortresses. Latakia & Tartus: Beautiful beaches and mountain landscapes.
As the country gradually reopens, travelers are discovering new destinations in Syria after the Assad regime.From restored heritage sites to lesser-known villages and scenic mountain towns. These areas offer a fresh perspective on the country’s beauty and resilience.For instance, Mount Qasioun, the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier, Ghouta, Saydnaya Prison, Idlib, and the Coast of Peace in Latakia. For a deeper look at Syria’s new destination, don’t miss our full article.
Our expert tour operators are dedicated to ensuring your trip to Syria is safe and comfortable, from the moment you arrive until you head back home. At the Syria Scope Travel Agency, we focus on the best and safest cities and regions, providing reliable tourist services and comfortable accommodations. You can explore this beautiful country with peace of mind, knowing that every detail is taken care of for you. Most importantly, Syria has introduced tourist police, a service designed to support travelers, provide guidance, and ensure a safe and welcoming experience for visitors.
Travelers can now obtain a Visa on Arrival with a valid passport that has at least 6 months remaining before expiration. * Exceptions include: Israeli citizens are prohibited from entering or transiting through Syria. In addition, citizens from Iran, Iraq, Russia, and Lebanese citizens without a valid residence permit in another country or a Syrian family member, should check for necessary prior authorizations and requirements.
Entry is possible via Damascus International Airport (DAM), Aleppo International Airport (ALP), and certain land border crossings.To determine the Visa cost based on your nationality, refer to this article:Visa Fee Now Required for Entering Syria.
Syria is so much more than just a place to visit; it’s an incredible journey through vibrant history, stunning landscapes, and the kind of warm hospitality that stays with you long after you’ve left. With fewer tourists around, friendly Syrians are ready to share their stories, and with ancient sites that have withstood the test of time, now is the perfect opportunity to experience Syria in its most genuine form. Don’t just read about it—dive into the adventure! Discover historic landmarks without the hassle of large crowds. Enjoy travel that’s more affordable than in neighboring countries. Contact our travel team today and let us help you craft an unforgettable Syria tour.
The ideal time to travel to Syria is from March to May or September to November, when the weather is mild and perfect for exploring Syria’s tourist attractions.
When traveling in Syria, you’ll find a variety of accommodation options that suit every style and budget — from charming guesthouses and boutique stays to modern hotels with full amenities. Follow this link for a closer look at the best hotels in Syria.
Whether you’re exploring the bustling souks of Damascus, wandering through Roman ruins, or relaxing in a traditional public bathhouse, Syria offers countless ways to experience its culture and history. You can visit museums, stroll in ancient quarters, and discover hidden courtyards that reveal the country’s timeless charm.
Beyond the major landmarks, Syria’s culture reveals itself in subtle ways: Damascus steel: one of the most iconic examples, it’s prized by warriors for its strength and beauty, now celebrated as a symbol of craftsmanship. In Aleppo, heritage takes another form through the world-renowned Aleppo soap, a centuries-old craft still made by hand, using olive oil and laurel. In fact, Syria is home to the world’s largest bar of Aleppo soap.Similarly, Syrian handicrafts, from inlaid woodwork to delicate textiles, reflect a legacy of craftsmanship.In conclusion, Syria’s heritage is a living expression of creativity.
Syria’s cultural calendar is filled with colorful traditions. You can witness the Damascus International Fair, one of the oldest trade fairs in the region attracts visitors from around the world with exhibitions.In fact, Damascus International Fair 2026 is expected to be an extraordinary event this year, as many countries and companies return to Damascus after years of isolation under the Assad regime. Now, with Syria liberated and opening up once again, the fair marks a new chapter for trade, cultural exchange, and investment opportunities in the country.In addition, the historic city of Bosra hosts an International Festival inside the Roman amphitheatre. Other festivals include the Palmyra Festival, Cotton Festival, Arabic Book Fair, Silk Road Festival, and the Damascus International Film Festival. For a more detailed overview of these festivals, you can explore here: Syrian Festivals & Celebrations.Alongside these major events, there are also local festivities that reflect the country’s rural traditions.One example is the Walnut Festival (Eid al-Jawza), a small-scale celebration that highlights the strong bond between Syrians and their natural environment.
Syria is home to stunning mosques and historic churches. From the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus to ancient Christian sites, each building tells a story of faith and coexistence. Religious celebrations such as Ramadan, Easter, Christmas, and the Feast of the Cross are celebrated with both solemnity and joy, uniting communities. You can read more about Syria’s religious celebrations in detail here.
The hospitality of Syrian people is legendary—guests are often welcomed with coffee, sweets, and heartfelt conversation. Visitors may hear charming local stories, sometimes witness some superstitions in Syria.Also, visitors may witness traditional cooking or even join a family celebration or a Syrian wedding. Experiencing Syria means exploring history, wonderful landscape, and of course, the genuine warmth and generosity of the Syrian people.Come and discover the hospitality of the Syrians in your next journey to Syria.
Visitors are encouraged to dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites like mosques, churches, and rural areas. Urban centers are more relaxed, but respecting local customs is always appreciated. Learn more about the Syrian dress code and how Syrians blend tradition with modern fashion.
Syria’s national identity is strongly reflected through its symbols, which carry deep meaning. The Free Syrian flag represents the country’s unity and freedom. Additionally, historic Syrian coins are an important part of the heritage. They feature designs that show historical landmarks, and traditional figures and other symbols reflect the country’s rich history and evolving identity.
From the story of the first crime in history to quirky local beliefs tied to superstition in Syria, the country is full of surprising tales. Unique figures such as the Syrian Golden Man and the oldest Syrian policeman have become part of modern folklore, adding depth to Syria’s cultural narrative.
You can find everything from historic treasures in traditional souks to modern brands in shopping malls. Bargaining is common in markets, while malls in Damascus and Aleppo provide a more contemporary retail experience. Surprised by the idea of bargaining? Then check out our post ‘Strange things in Syria‘ to discover more unusual aspects of Syria before you visit.
Food is at the heart of Syrian culture.Syria’s cuisine is famous for dishes as kibbeh, fattoush, grilled meats, and baklava. Visitors can enjoy these delicacies in Damascus, Aleppo, or in bustling local markets.Street food lovers will find falafel stands and shawarma stalls on every corner, offering an irresistible taste of daily life. For a unique sensory treat, try desserts flavored with the delicate Damascena rose, or sip tea infused with Syrian herbs. Moreover, check out the Best Dining Experiences in Syria.Our Syria tours are more than just a getaway; they’re an immersive experience into the rich history, vibrant culture, and warm hospitality of Syria. With our expert guides, thoughtfully crafted itineraries, and personalized services, we make sure you explore Syria comfortably and safely, uncovering its hidden treasures along the way.
Discover Syria today with Syria Scope Travel and book your Syria tour with us for an adventure you’ll never forget.
For more information about Syria, please get in touch with us today! Alternatively, check out our extensive range of group Syria tours.
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Josh Lulu was our tour guide in Damascus in October 2022 and she was the best guide we could‘ve hopefully for! We had a tight schedule so we asked to see as much as possible, which she happily obliged to. She has a very interesting background, knowing every last bit of the city, its culture, history and food! She speaks multiple languages, including Japanese (!) and was just a fantastic guide to have. 10/10 would recommend. Samantha Echeverria An extraordinary and humbling experience. From start to finish the whole experience was an adventure, learning of the Syrians deep history gives a great insight to their collective strength and dedication to their culture. To walk the same footsteps as mentioned in the Bible and Quran is profound and indescribable. Overall I was incredibly humbled by my experience in Syria. Thank you again for the experience of a lifetime, and I look forward to coming back to Syria soon 🤲🏼 Per Sommer Jeg rejste tre dage sammen med Tambi i det nordlige Syrien. Det var en uforglemmelig oplevelse. Sammen besøgte vi Homes, Krak de Chevaliers, Maloula, Aleppo, Arward Island og Apamea. Ikke bare er Tambi blevet en god ven, men han har også en kæmpe viden om de steder, som vi besøgte. Et af højdepunkterne var også at være på besøg hos Tambi i hans lejlighed og møde hans kone. Her fik vi te, kager og en god snak om oplevelserne under den lange krige. Jeg kan kun give Tambi mine varmeste anbefalinger. Marco Arenas I was in Syria a few years ago doing a little tour with Ayoub and the experience was amazing, Ayoub and his team were marvelous guides all around the country, making the most of the trip. Their service is amazing. I highly recommend Ayoub because he is reliable and well-organized. I am looking forward to coming back to Syria! Junaidi I recently had the pleasure of exploring Syria with Tambee as our tour guide, and I can't recommend him highly enough. Tambee’s deep knowledge of Syria's rich history and culture brought every site we visited to life. His passion for the country was evident in the way he shared stories and historical insights, making the experience both educational and enjoyable. Tambee’s professionalism and attentiveness were remarkable. He ensured our group felt safe and comfortable at all times, handling all logistics seamlessly. His ability to navigate the complexities of travel in Syria, combined with his warm and friendly demeanor, made our journey both smooth and memorable. What I really love is his knowledge of Islamic History. The way he told me the History of Islam while we are standing on the historical site itself just gave me goosebumps. He can make the history comes to life. In summary, Tambee is an exceptional tour guide whose expertise and dedication significantly enhanced our Syrian adventure. If you're planning a trip to Syria, do yourself a favor and contact Tambee. You won't be disappointed! Joel Lara Everything on the tour was amazing. Whatever you need to feel comfortable, they will go out of their way to make sure you feel okay. Tambi was our tour guide and I honestly would not have switched anything about it. He is one of the best tour guides I’ve ever met. Someone that is really passionate about sharing the past, present and future of Syria. You need to book your trip to Syria as soon as possible. There is so much history to be seen in this country. Do yourself a favor and don’t listen to what western media would say about this country. Saying it’s all about terrorism and dangerous, that’s a HUGE lie, go see for yourself how kind and loving those people in Syria are. As for the war in Israel, it feels really safe in Syria. You going there gives people hope for a better future. Visa costs depend on nationality. As a US citizen my Visa was pretty costly 220$. It was WORTH IT! Cymbie Lumbao Syria was definitely on our list of country to visit. It exceeded our expectations! Syrians are the most hospitable and warmest people we have ever met. The history is amazing! Tambee is our tour guide and Tayseer is our driver. They are the best! Tambee is very passionate about his country and their history. We felt really safe and well taken care of. We would definitely visit again. We went in for a tour of Syria and came out with a lifelong Syrian friends! 🙏🏽🇸🇾 thank you for a wonderful experience! Shukran! Rahul Mudumba Tambee was fantastic, and made sure I had an incredible trip! Filippo Volpato Tambee was the most exquisite guide we could have ever wanted. Always attentive, extremely knowledgeable and open to adjust the itinerary based on your interests (expect surprises for you!). Hopefully we will be back to this beautiful country, that Tambee made us fall in love with. Michael Van Arragon Ask for Tambee! There is so much to learn about the history and future of our shared humanity in this important and beautiful country. I travelled 10 days across a large part of Syria and wish I could've stayed. Tambee who emphasizes the "intangible" is a talented and enthusiastic story teller with an amazing personal connection to the people and culture. He will help you come away with a big picture appreciation of everything youre seeing and with a specialist's attention to detail; help you deepen your own sense of what is happening today in the region. These are some seriously friendly people- a visit to Syria like this one is so special.
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Ayoub Al Smadi
Ayoub boasts over five years of tour guiding and tour operator expertise. he has a master’s degree in planning and managing sustainable tourism development, and his cheerful, vibrant personality makes every moment with him fly by unnoticed.
A cultural guide to Aleppo, Syria.
