Questions travelers actually ask.
Visas, safety, money, prices, transport, hotels, internet, clothing, children, booking, and the other practical details that are much nicer to discover before arrival than during it.
Start with the part currently occupying your brain.
These answers reflect Ziyara Ride’s current published policies. Visa rules, site access, road conditions, weather, exchange rates, and other time-sensitive information can change, so important details should be confirmed again close to travel.
Planning & booking
Clear answers to the questions travelers tend to ask before the luggage has even met the suitcase.
Are Ziyara Ride journeys private?
Journeys are private. Ziyara Ride does not operate large group tours or combine unrelated travelers into a shared tour.
How do I start planning a private Syria trip?
Send your travel dates, number of travelers, trip length, places you are interested in, where you will arrive and depart, accommodation preference, and anything else we should know. You do not need to have the route fully decided.
When is my booking actually confirmed?
Your reservation is confirmed once the dates, itinerary, number of travelers, pickup arrangements, and total price are agreed in writing on WhatsApp.
How far in advance should I book?
Booking earlier gives us more flexibility with dates, routes, and arrangements, but last-minute journeys may still be possible depending on availability.
Can you hold my dates while I decide?
Dates can normally be held for 48 hours while you decide. For last-minute requests, the hold may be 12–24 hours depending on availability.
Can we change the itinerary before or during the trip?
Yes. Itinerary changes are possible before or during the journey when practical. Any extra cost caused by a requested change should be agreed before it is added.
Can I build a completely custom Syria route?
Yes. Suggested routes are starting points. The final journey can be shaped around your dates, interests, pace, current access, and practical conditions.
Visa, entry & changing conditions
Clear answers to the questions travelers tend to ask before the luggage has even met the suitcase.
Can Ziyara Ride help with the Syria visa or entry process?
Ziyara Ride can explain the current practical process based on available information, but the traveler is responsible for applying and obtaining any required approval. Entry or visa approval is never guaranteed.
Read the practical travel information page and confirm time-sensitive requirements again before making firm plans.
Is Syria safe to travel?
Ziyara Ride cannot guarantee safety or that conditions will remain unchanged. Routes and access are checked during planning and can be adjusted if practical conditions change. Travelers should also review their own government's current advice.
Should I check my own government’s travel advice?
Review the latest travel advice issued by your own government and make an independent decision about whether travel to Syria is suitable for you. Ziyara Ride can explain current local practical conditions but cannot make that decision for you.
Can you guarantee that Palmyra or another site will be open?
Site access, official restrictions, road conditions, and opening arrangements can change. Ziyara Ride confirms practical information while planning, but specific access cannot always be guaranteed in advance.
Do I need travel or medical insurance for Syria?
Travel and medical insurance are recommended where available, but they are not treated as mandatory by Ziyara Ride because coverage for Syria can be difficult to obtain. Travelers should understand their own coverage and risks.
Money, payments & prices
Clear answers to the questions travelers tend to ask before the luggage has even met the suitcase.
How do I pay Ziyara Ride?
Current trip payments are in cash USD. Card and online payment are not part of the current confirmed payment policy.
When do I pay for a day trip?
For day trips, the full agreed amount is paid in cash USD at pickup or at the start of the trip.
How do payments work on a multi-day journey?
For multi-day journeys, 50% is paid at the beginning of Day 1 and the remaining 50% around the halfway point. On a 7-day journey, the second payment is normally on the morning of Day 4, with the exact timing agreed before the trip.
What kind of US dollar notes should I bring?
Bring clean, undamaged, newer-design USD banknotes. Older designs, torn, heavily marked, stained, or damaged notes may be refused in Syria even if they are valid elsewhere. A mix of denominations is useful.
Are the published day-trip prices per person?
Published day-trip prices are total trip prices for the stated group size, not per-person prices.
What do the main private day trips currently start at?
Damascus starts at $120 total per day for 1 traveler, $200 for 2, and $270 for 3. Maaloula starts at $60 total for 1 traveler, $75 for 2, and $90 for 3. Bosra starts at $250 total for 1 traveler, $300 for 2, and $350 for 3. Krak des Chevaliers starts at $310 total for 1 traveler, $370 for 2, and $430 for 3. Palmyra starts at $320 total for 1 traveler, $380 for 2, and $440 for 3. These are starting total trip prices for the standard trip described, not per-person prices.
Why do some prices say “starting from”?
The listed amounts are starting prices for the standard trip described. Optional additions, airport arrangements, overnight stays, unusual timing, or requested route changes can affect the final quote.
Vehicle, pickups & airport
Clear answers to the questions travelers tend to ask before the luggage has even met the suitcase.
How many travelers can the vehicle take?
The vehicle accommodates up to three travelers. Ziyara Ride is designed for solo travelers, couples, friends, and very small groups rather than larger families or groups.
What vehicle does Ziyara Ride use?
Journeys use a black Peugeot 407 with air conditioning.
How much luggage fits on a multi-day trip?
For multi-day journeys, two travelers with suitcases are the most comfortable arrangement. Three travelers are possible when luggage is limited to compact backpacks or small bags. Tell us what luggage you are bringing before booking.
Does the vehicle have air conditioning, internet, and phone charging?
Yes. Journeys use a black Peugeot 407 with air conditioning. A large power bank is available for phone charging. In-car internet may be available where mobile coverage allows, but continuous service cannot be guaranteed, especially in remote areas. Bottled water is included during journeys.
Where can you pick me up in Damascus?
Pickup is available from Damascus hotels or accommodations that are accessible by car. In pedestrian-only areas, the meeting point will be the nearest practical place a vehicle can reach.
Do you offer standalone Damascus Airport transfers?
Standalone airport transfers are not offered.
Can Damascus Airport pickup or drop-off be included in a multi-day journey?
Damascus Airport pickup or drop-off may be included in a multi-day journey when arranged in advance and included in the confirmed itinerary.
Hotels, meals & practical needs
Clear answers to the questions travelers tend to ask before the luggage has even met the suitcase.
Is accommodation included in the trip price?
Accommodation is normally paid separately unless it has specifically been included in your custom quote.
Can Ziyara Ride arrange hotels or desert camps?
Yes. Ziyara Ride can recommend and arrange hotels or desert camps based on your budget and preferences. Travelers usually pay the accommodation provider directly, or it can be included in a custom quote when requested.
Can I book my own accommodation?
You can book your own accommodation. Ziyara Ride can also recommend or arrange options if you prefer.
Are meals included?
Meals are normally separate unless specifically included in a custom quote. Bottled water is included, and Ziyara Ride can recommend local restaurants and meal stops.
Can you help with dietary needs or food allergies?
Tell Ziyara Ride about dietary needs and allergies before the trip. We can help identify options and communicate with restaurants, but availability varies. Travelers with severe allergies should carry their medication and confirm ingredients directly when needed.
Women, clothing, children & accessibility
Clear answers to the questions travelers tend to ask before the luggage has even met the suitcase.
Can a solo woman travel with Ziyara Ride?
Solo travelers are welcome. A female assistant may also join by prior arrangement if that would make you more comfortable. Safety and current conditions should still be considered independently and discussed before booking.
Can a female assistant join the journey?
A female assistant may join by prior arrangement when travelers would feel more comfortable with a woman present. Please mention this while planning so availability can be confirmed.
Are children and infants welcome?
Children and infants are welcome, but every child counts toward the vehicle's passenger capacity. Families must bring an appropriate child car seat or booster seat and tell Ziyara Ride in advance how many children are traveling and their ages.
What should I wear in Syria, and do women need a headscarf?
Modest clothing is useful in many settings, especially at religious sites. Requirements vary by place, so follow posted rules and local guidance. A light scarf is useful because some religious sites may require women to cover their hair. Hair covering is not presented as a universal requirement everywhere.
What if I have limited mobility?
Some historic sites include uneven paths, stairs, cobblestones, and longer walks. Share mobility needs before booking so Ziyara Ride can suggest the best route, pace, and meeting points. Step-free access cannot be guaranteed.
Internet, photography & everyday travel
Clear answers to the questions travelers tend to ask before the luggage has even met the suitcase.
Can I get a SIM card and reliable internet in Syria?
Bring an unlocked phone. Local SIM availability, registration requirements, providers, prices, and data packages can change, so confirm the current options shortly before arrival. Mobile coverage and Wi-Fi quality vary by location. In-car internet may work where coverage allows, but continuous service cannot be guaranteed, especially in remote areas.
What should I know about taking photographs?
Do not photograph checkpoints, government or military facilities, restricted areas, or anything prohibited by signs or staff. At religious and archaeological sites, follow local rules and ask when uncertain. Drone use is not covered by the current published policy and must be checked separately.
What weather should I expect and what should I pack?
Conditions vary by season, elevation, desert, city, and coast. Summers can be hot and dry in many inland areas; winters can be cold and wet, with colder conditions at elevation. Check current weather close to your trip. Bring your passport and required travel documents, clean newer-design USD banknotes, comfortable walking shoes, modest clothing for religious sites, sun protection, layers for the season, personal medication and toiletries, and a small day bag.
Does Ziyara Ride have real traveler reviews?
Yes. Ziyara Ride has real traveler reviews on Tripadvisor, and selected excerpts may also appear on the website. The website links back to Tripadvisor so visitors can read the original reviews.
Ask about your specific Syria journey.
Send your dates, number of travelers, and what you are trying to figure out. We’ll answer what can be confirmed and tell you plainly when something still depends on current conditions.
No account creation, no ticket number, and no ceremonial offering to a support queue.