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© SAIGA Tours
Start
Dec 6, 2026
Beirut
Beirut
2026-12-06
End
Dec 9, 2026
Beirut
Beirut
2026-12-09
Duration
4 days
Price
US$895.00
If you like the look of this tour but the dates don't work for you, or you'd like to do part of the tour, please get in touch and let us know. All our tours are able to be split into smaller sections, we're always scheduling new tours and your dates might work for one of them, or we can always organise an independent tour.
Itinerary
Day 1Sun Dec 6
Beirut, Damascus
- Meet in Beirut at 8:00. Meeting point to be advised closer to the time.
- Begin the drive to the Syrian border, which will take about two hours. We’ll stop on the way for a quick breakfast and to buy any Lebanese snacks you might want.
- Cross the border, with a stop at Duty Free in No Man’s Land, for some of the cheapest alcohol you’ve ever experienced.
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The whole border crossing will take around 1.5 hours.
- After clearing Syrian Customs and Immigration, we’ll continue our drive to Damascus, another hour.
- Arriving in the old town, you’ll immediately be intoxicated by the buzz of the old town as we walk towards our hotel. We’ll be staying in a beautifully renovated old Damascene house, complete with a tranquil courtyard surrounding a bubbling fountain, and the distinctive black and white stonework of this part of Syria.
- In the afternoon we’ll explore Damascus’ old town, bazaar, shopping areas and bar/restaurant street. You might like to try some local ice-cream or have a shawarma, and shisha is available just about everywhere.
- We’ll also visit Ananias Church, Damascus’ oldest church which happens to be underground, and Omayad Mosque, the main mosque in the centre of the city.
- Free time in the evening to enjoy Damascus’ vibrant night-life.
Day 2Mon Dec 7
Damascus
- Leaving the centre of town, we’ll drive to the outskirts of the city and you’ll get your first glimpses of the destruction caused by the recent conflict.
- We will hopefully be able to head out to the infamous Sednaya Prison, once used as a site by the Assad regime for torture of political prisoners. A stark reminder of the recent dark past of Syria. However, getting permits for this is very unpredictable and whilst we will always try and get access, please come prepared for the fact that we may not be able to do this.
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Returning to the centre of town we’ll visit the National Museum in the afternoon, followed by the Souk Al-Hamidiye and El-Azem Palace.
- One of the staples of any Middle Eastern destination, it’s time to experience a hammam. Anyone who doesn’t want to join in can either hang out with a shisha or a cup of tea inside the hammam’s “albrani”, translated into English as the “outside section”, which is the first room of the hammam.
- For sunset we will head to the top of Mount Qasioun, the highest peak over Damascus which offers panoramic views of the city. Previously under the Assad regime, this area was off limits as it was considered a ‘military zone’. Now people can come back here and enjoy this spectacular view.
Day 3Tue Dec 8
The Second Anniversary of the Fall of Assad
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Today we will still be in Damascus, but this day is what we’re here for!
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Of course, after the first anniversary , we will get a much better idea of what will happen on this day, however we are expecting celebrations today either official or unofficial to commemorate the fall of the Assad regime, and knowing Syria and Syrians, there should certainly be some fun to be had!
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Today’s plan will be based around what we hear is happening and our plans will be very flexible.
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In between events we will continue seeing sites in Damascus and eating amazing Syrian food, playing the day by ear, and just being available to take in whatever there is to take in.
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Celebrations will hopefully continue into the evening, and we intend to go with the flow for what is set to be the most special anniversary of this occasion!
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Overnight in Damascus.
Day 4Wed Dec 9
Damascus, Beirut, End of Tour
- This morning those doing the longer The Fall of Assad Second Anniversary Tour will head out of Damascus to begin exploring the rest of the country.
- For those ending the tour here, sadly this brings the end of your time in Syria and you will head back to the Lebanese border and onto Beirut.
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