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Lebanon & Syria (11 Days) - Small Group Tour | Forward Travel | Forward Travel

Lebanon and Syria

Image of Downtown Beirut Lebanon Middle East

Travel Map

Beirut, Lebanon → Beirut, Lebanon

Country: Lebanon, Syria
Start: Beirut, Lebanon
End: Beirut, Lebanon
Date: Flexible
Duration: 11 days
Theme: Culture, Discovery, History
Physical rating: Moderate
Meals: 10 breakfasts
Transport: Private vehicle, 4WD, hiking, walking
Price: On Request

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Trip Highlights

Explore Beirut’s National Museum and reconstructed Beirut Souks.
Walk through the limestone chambers of Jeita Grotto.
Visit the Roman temples of Baalbek, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
Cross from Lebanon into Syria overland.
Wander through Souq al-Hamidiyeh in Damascus.
Visit the Umayyad Mosque and Azem Palace in Damascus.
Experience a traditional Damascus hammam.
Explore Bosra’s 2nd-century Roman theatre.
Discover the ruins of Palmyra in the Syrian desert.
Visit Krak des Chevaliers, one of the best-preserved Crusader castles.
Walk through Aleppo’s restored covered souqs.
Learn the craft of Aleppo laurel soap production.
See Hama’s historic wooden norias on the Orontes River.
Visit Maaloula, where Western Aramaic is still spoken.
Explore monasteries carved into the mountains of Maaloula.

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Itinerary

Must Know

Inclusions

Arrival airport transfer from Beirut International Airport
All transportation and overland transfers, including fuel, driver accommodation, meals, and border taxes
Tours and excursions as per itinerary
Lebanon entry visa for eligible Australian and New Zealand passport holders
Syrian land border security clearance
Syria tourist visa reference code and entry approval documentation
Professional licensed English-speaking guide throughout the tour
Accommodation throughout the itinerary
Meals as specified in the itinerary
Admission fees to museums, monuments, archaeological sites, and attractions listed in the itinerary
Special entry permission for Palmyra
Portage services at hotels
Syrian land border departure tax
Traditional public bathhouse experience in Damascus
Bottled drinking water during excursions
VAT and local taxes

Exclusions

Syria visa fees payable at the border
Lunches and dinners unless specified in the itinerary
Drinks and beverages
Optional wine tasting at Ksara Winery (approx. US$10 per person)
Tips and gratuities
Travel insurance
Personal expenses
Items not specifically listed in the inclusions or itinerary

Notes

An Israeli visa, entry stamp, or evidence of travel to Israel or the Palestinian Territories may result in refusal of entry into Syria and Lebanon.
A visa or stamp from Sharm El Sheikh, Marsa Alam, or Hurghada may result in refusal of entry into Syria.
Passports must be valid for at least six months beyond the date of travel.
Following the February 2023 earthquake, Aleppo Citadel may only be viewed externally depending on local conditions.
The Umayyad Mosque in Aleppo remains under renovation and may be closed during your visit.

Will This Trip Suit You?

Enjoy archaeology, ancient civilisations, and UNESCO World Heritage Sites.
Interested in Middle Eastern history, religion, and culture.
Prefer overland journeys that connect multiple countries.
Enjoy walking through historic districts, souqs, and ruins.
Appreciate lesser-visited destinations with strong cultural depth.
Comfortable with long travel days and border crossings.
Want insight into post-conflict recovery and living heritage sites.
Enjoy small-group cultural touring rather than resort-style holidays.
Prefer luxury-focused or beach-style holidays.
Uncomfortable with political complexity or post-conflict destinations.
Have limited mobility or difficulty walking on uneven terrain and stairs.
Prefer shorter driving days and slower-paced itineraries.
Seeking nightlife-focused or highly contemporary travel experiences.
Prefer destinations with extensive tourism infrastructure.
Uncomfortable with changing regional regulations or border procedures.

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Lebanon and Syria

Trip Highlights

Itinerary

Day 1: Beirut

Day 2: Beirut – Jeita

Day 3: Beirut – Baalbek – Damascus

Day 4: Damascus

Day 5: Damascus

Day 6: Damascus – Ezra’a – Bosra – Damascus

Day 7: Damascus – Palmyra – Krak des Chevaliers

Day 8: Krak des Chevaliers – Homs – Aleppo

Day 9: Aleppo

Day 10: Aleppo – Hama – Maaloula – Damascus

Day 11: Departure