Aleppo, Syria 7 Day Itinerary

Title: 7-Day Itinerary for Exploring Aleppo, Syria

Day 1: Arrival & Orientation

  • Arrival: Aleppo International Airport (ALP) is the main gateway. Make sure to have a valid visa for Syria.
  • Check-in: Hotels in Aleppo include the Crowne Plaza, the Grand Aleppo and Hotel St. George. These offer comfortable stays and are centrally located.
  • Lunch: Al-Madina Restaurant offers traditional Syrian dishes like Kebabs and Mansaf.
  • Afternoon: Rest and acclimatize. Later, stroll around the Old City to familiarize yourself with its layout.
  • Evening: Visit the Citadel of Aleppo for a panoramic view of the city at sunset.

Day 2: Exploring the Ancient City

  • Morning: Start your day exploring the Old City. Visit the Souk al-Madina, one of the oldest and largest bazaars in the world. Don’t forget to haggle!
  • Lunch: Try local street food at Al-Khamis Mosque or near the Great Mosque of Aleppo.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Great Mosque of Aleppo, the Umayyad Mosque and the ancient Caravanserai Khan al-Shuyukh.
  • Evening: Enjoy a traditional Syrian dinner at Al-Halab Restaurant.

Day 3: Historical Sites & Museums

  • Morning: Visit the National Museum of Aleppo to learn about the city’s history and archaeology.
  • Afternoon: Explore the Archaeological Park, home to the Column of Zebeide, the Roman Theater, and the Church of St. Philoxenos.
  • Evening: Relax at a local cafĂ© like Al-Abbas or enjoy a shisha at one of the many hookah lounges in the city.

Day 4: Day Trip to Krak des Chevaliers

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Krak des Chevaliers, one of the best-preserved Crusader castles in the world.
  • Lunch: Enjoy a packed lunch at the castle or have a meal at a local restaurant near the site.
  • Afternoon: Return to Aleppo and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
  • Evening: Dine at Al-Halab Restaurant if you missed it on Day 2.

Day 5: Modern Aleppo & Soumaya Museum

  • Morning: Visit the modern districts of Mansoura and Azizieh to see a different side of Aleppo.
  • Lunch: Try modern Syrian cuisine at Al-Khaizarani or Al-Jazira Restaurant.
  • Afternoon: Visit the Soumaya Museum, which houses a vast collection of artifacts from the ancient world to the present day.
  • Evening: Enjoy a relaxing dinner and traditional music at Al-Abbas Cave.

Day 6: Day Trip to Apamea

  • Morning: Take a day trip to the ancient city of Apamea, home to stunning Roman ruins.
  • Lunch: Enjoy a packed lunch or have a meal at a local restaurant near the site.
  • Afternoon: Return to Aleppo and spend the rest of the day at leisure.
  • Evening: Have a farewell dinner at Al-Madina Restaurant.

Day 7: Departure

  • Morning/Afternoon: Check out from your hotel, depending on your departure time.
  • Departure: Head to Aleppo International Airport (ALP) for your flight home.

Transportation: Taxis are the primary mode of transport in Aleppo. Always agree on a price before starting your journey. For day trips, consider joining organized tours for convenience and safety.

Tips & Things to Know

  • Syrian currency is the Syrian Pound (SYP). It’s recommended to have some cash on hand.
  • Credit cards are not widely accepted, so it’s best to carry enough cash.
  • Always be respectful of local customs and dress modestly.
  • English is not widely spoken, so learning a few Arabic phrases can be helpful.
  • Travel insurance is highly recommended due to the current political situation in Syria.