Full dayFull-Day Tour
Maaloula & Saidnaya: Mountains of the Faiths
Cliffside Maaloula, the monasteries of St. Sergius and St. Thecla, the convent of Saidnaya, and mountain views on the drive back.
Maaloula & Saidnaya
From $38 USD pp
Full-Day Tour · Full day
Old Damascus: Mosque, Souq & Courtyards
Real Damascus, in a single day
Duration
Full day
Experience type
Full-Day Tour · Private · Small group
Activity level
Easy — light walking at a relaxed pace
Live guide languages
Arabic, English
Group size
1–8
Overview
The Umayyad Mosque, one of the oldest and grandest in the world; the full length of Al-Hamidiyah Souq; Azm Palace and the hidden Damascene courtyard houses; the Straight Street and old Christian quarter; a traditional lunch and the city's legendary ice cream.
Highlights
- Licensed Damascene guide
- Entrance fees included
- Around 7–8 hours at a human pace
What's included
- Licensed guide
- Private A/C vehicle and driver
- All entrance fees
- Bottled water
Exclusions
- Lunch (approx. $8–15)
- Tips
Please note
- Modest dress is required at religious sites
- women should carry a scarf
- Comfortable closed shoes are recommended for archaeological ground
- Site access and routing can change at short notice and the guide may reorder the day
- Itineraries are operated privately unless a small-group departure is agreed
- Entrance permits for restricted sites are arranged by Murex in advance
Cancellation policy
- Free cancellation up to 14 days before the start date
- 50% of the journey cost is retained between 14 and 7 days before departure
- 100% is retained within 7 days of departure or for no-shows
- If Murex cancels for safety or access reasons you receive a full refund or a rebooked date
More info
- base
- Damascus
- duration
- ~7–8 hrs
- meeting point
- Damascus — hotel pick-up and drop-off included
- Best season
- March–May and September–November
- Booking in advance
- 14 days before travel
- Pricing basis
- per group
Route
Damascus
HeritageCity & CraftFood
Good to know
Is payment taken online?
No. We confirm availability, final pricing and inclusions by email first. Payment is arranged directly with our office once you approve the proposal.
Is hotel pick-up included?
Yes. Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel is included for all journeys in the listed base city.
Do I need a visa or permit?
Most nationalities require a visa for Syria. Our team sends you the current requirements and the supporting documents you need after your enquiry.
Can this journey be run privately?
Yes. All Murex journeys default to private operation with your own guide and vehicle; small-group departures can be arranged on request.
How far in advance should I book?
We ask for at least 14 days notice so that guides, vehicles and any site permits can be secured.
Are children welcome?
Yes. Tell us the ages of your children in the enquiry and we adapt the pace, transport seating and site choices accordingly.
From $35 USD pp
Private, per person: 1 pax $95 · 2 pax $60 · 3–4 pax $45 · 5–8 pax $35
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Krak des Chevaliers & the Valley of Christians
Two hours inside the finest preserved crusader castle on earth, then lunch in the green Valley of Christians.
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From $48 USD pp
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Aleppo: Citadel, Souks & a Famous Lunch
The mighty citadel, the reviving covered souks and khans, the old city's craftsmen, and a rooftop sunset.
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From $45 USD pp