Syria 3 Day Itinerary

Day 1: Damascus

  • Morning: Arrival at Damascus International Airport. After immigration formalities, transfer to your hotel. Check-in and freshen up.

  • Lunch: Traditional Syrian lunch at Al-Hajj Ahmad Ummayyad. Try popular dishes like Mansaf (lamb dish), Kibbeh (meatballs), and Fatayer (stuffed pastries).

  • Afternoon: Visit the Old City of Damascus, including the Umayyad Mosque, the Street of the Tanners, and the Souk Al-Hamidiya. Don’t forget to explore the Azem Palace and the National Museum of Damascus.

  • Evening: Stroll around the picturesque neighborhoods of Bab Touma (The Mesopotamia Street) and the Jewish Quarter (Judaida). Have dinner at a local restaurant.

Things to Know:

  1. Syria is generally safe for tourists, but it’s always a good idea to stay aware of your surroundings.
  2. The official language is Arabic, but English is widely spoken among younger generations.
  3. Syrian currency is the Syrian Pound (SYP). It’s recommended to exchange some money at the airport or a local bank.
  4. Taxis are affordable and readily available.

Day 2: Palmyra and Tadmur

  • Morning: Early start for a day trip to Palmyra (Tadmor). Travel by car, which takes around 3 hours.

  • Afternoon: Explore the ancient city of Palmyra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Visit the Temple of Bel, the Amphitheater, and the funerary towers known as the “Temple of Baal Shamim.”

  • Evening: Return to Damascus. If you have energy left, visit the Al-Abbasiby Mosque or explore the Al-Qadam neighborhood.

Day 3: Hama and Apamea

  • Morning: Head out for a day trip to Hama (approximately 2 hours drive from Damascus).

  • Afternoon: Visit the ancient city of Apamea, known for its grand Greco-Roman architecture. Explore the Roman theater, colonnaded street, and the baths.

  • Evening: Spend the rest of the day in Hama. Relax by the unique waterwheels (Norias) at the Norias Park. Try some local dishes like Hummus al-Qalii or Fish Kebab from one of the riverside restaurants.

Visa Requirements:

  1. Check your eligibility and requirements for a Syrian visa on the official Syrian Embassy website or contact a travel agency that specializes in Syria travel.
  2. Prepare all necessary documents, including a valid passport, application form, photographs, and proof of sufficient funds.
  3. Submit your application to the Syrian embassy in your home country. Allow enough time for processing as it may take several weeks.

Transportation:

  1. Taxis are the most common means of transportation within cities in Syria. Fares are affordable but agree on a price before starting your journey.
  2. For intercity travel, there are buses and shared taxis (service cars). Check with your hotel or local tour operators for schedules and fares.
  3. Renting a car is also an option, but driving in Syria can be challenging due to traffic and road conditions. It’s recommended to hire a local driver if you plan to drive yourself.