A Small-Group Journey Through My Homeland
Damascus and beyond
Not a conventional tour. An invitation to experience the country with me: its streets, food, people, history and everyday life.
Apply to JoinThis isn't a conventional tour of Syria. It's an invitation to experience the country with me, through its streets, food, people, history and everyday life.
I'm Syrian, but I've spent much of my life living abroad. This November, I'm returning home, and I'm inviting a very small group of adventurous travelers to come with me.
We'll explore Damascus together, venture into the mountains to Maaloula, eat where locals eat, meet people, hear stories, and experience a side of Syria that's difficult to understand from the outside.
Not through headlines. Not from a tour bus. But from within.
Watch
I filmed this short documentary on a recent visit home. It says more about the place than any brochure ever could.
Who is this for?
Syria From Within is designed for curious, experienced and open-minded travelers. People who aren't simply trying to check another country off a list.
You don't need to know anything about Syria before coming. You do need curiosity, flexibility and respect for the country and its people.
Intentionally small · maximum 6 to 8 guests
The experience
Arrival and private transfer. Check into our selected hotel and meet the group.
In the evening, our first dinner together and an introductory walk through Damascus. No rushing into sightseeing: the first evening is about arriving, meeting one another and beginning to understand the city.
A full day exploring the historic heart of Damascus: ancient streets, souqs, historic houses, religious and cultural landmarks, food, coffee and conversations.
We'll visit the important landmarks, but I'll also introduce you to the Damascus I know beyond the checklist.
This is where we go deeper. Rather than moving between monuments, we spend time understanding everyday Syrian life: local businesses, craftsmanship, food, neighborhoods and conversations with people.
And, where possible, personal experiences and introductions that wouldn't normally be part of a conventional itinerary.
We leave Damascus for a day in Maaloula, a historic mountain town known for its dramatic landscape, monasteries and ancient Christian heritage.
We explore, eat together and return to Damascus in the evening.
This day is intentionally different. Depending on local conditions and what's possible at the time, I'll curate an experience around hospitality, food and human connection.
Rather than simply seeing Syria, I want you to feel what it is to be welcomed into it. We finish with our final dinner together in Damascus.
A slow morning in Damascus. Coffee, a last walk, and time for anything you want to revisit. Then departures and transfers.
Glimpses of Damascus
What's included
Most of all: a deliberately small group and a personally curated experience of my home country.
You'll receive a clear pre-departure guide, so there are no surprises.
Investment
A private-room supplement may apply depending on room configuration and final hotel selection. A deposit secures your place after your application is approved.
Why application only?
I'm deliberately not making this a normal "book now" tour. Syria isn't for everyone, and because we'll travel together as a very small group, who is in the room matters.
Everyone interested completes a short application. We then have a short conversation before confirming your place.
I'm looking for travelers who are curious, respectful, flexible and open-minded, comfortable traveling somewhere unconventional, and genuinely interested in understanding Syria rather than collecting another passport stamp.
Important to know
Travel to Syria involves risks and requires significantly more preparation than a conventional tourism destination. Security conditions and entry requirements can change.
Some governments currently advise their citizens against all travel to Syria, which can also affect the availability or validity of travel insurance. Before accepting a booking, we review the applicant's nationality and current entry requirements.
The itinerary may need to change based on conditions on the ground. Every participant is responsible for reviewing their government's travel advice and making their own informed decision about whether to travel.
Syria beyond the headlines
For years, much of what the world has seen of Syria has been through news reports. But a country is more than that.
That's the Syria I want to introduce you to. Not a polished version. Not a political version.
My Syria.
Apply to join Syria From Within, November 2026. If your application feels like a good fit, we'll invite you for a short conversation before confirming your place.
6 to 8 places only
APPLICATION