Syria 4 Day Itinerary

4-Day Itinerary for Traveling in Syria

Day 1: Damascus (الدمشق - Al-Dimashq)

Places to Go:

  1. Old City of Damascus (حرم الصلاة - Umayyad Mosque, Souk Al-Hamidiya, Bab Touma)
  2. The Museum of Time (Museum of Time and Archaeology)
  3. National Museum of Damascus (Museum of Islamic Art)
  4. Situ Al-Jazzar Mosque
  5. Barzeh Palace
  6. Al-Azem Palace

Activities:

  1. Experience traditional Syrian cuisine at local restaurants, such as Mayadin, Damascus City, or Al-Hanano.
  2. Explore the bustling markets and souks for unique handicrafts, textiles, spices, and antiques.
  3. Take a guided tour to learn about the rich history and culture of Syria, especially focusing on the Ottoman and Umayyad periods.
  4. Attend evening prayers at the Umayyad Mosque or visit the mosque’s rooftop for panoramic views of the city.

Things to Know:

  1. Dress modestly when visiting religious sites or places where locals may be present.
  2. Syrian currency is the Syrian Pound (SYP). It is recommended to exchange money at official banks rather than street vendors to avoid scams.
  3. Internet and mobile connectivity can be unreliable, so it’s a good idea to have an offline map or download essential information beforehand.
  4. Taxis are readily available in Damascus, but negotiate prices before getting into the vehicle.
  5. Syrian Arabic (Syria dialect) is spoken widely, with many people also understanding Modern Standard Arabic and English, particularly in touristic areas.
  6. Showing respect to President al-Assad’s image or mentioning political issues may be considered sensitive, so it’s best to avoid these topics during conversations with locals.

Visa Requirements:

  1. Tourist visas are required for most nationalities and can be obtained from Syrian embassies abroad. The visa application process typically involves providing a passport, completed application form, travel itinerary, and proof of sufficient funds for your stay.
  2. It is recommended to check the latest updates on the Syrian Embassy’s website or contact them directly regarding any changes in visa requirements.
  3. Keep in mind that travel advisories from your country may advise against traveling to Syria, so it’s essential to consult with relevant authorities and research current safety conditions before planning your trip.

Day 2: Palmyra (تدمر - Tadmur)

Places to Go:

  1. Ruins of Palmyra (Temple of Baalshamin, Temple of Bel, Arch of Triumph)
  2. Qasr al-Hayr al-Gharbi
  3. Castle of Qalaat al-Merdas
  4. Palmyra Museum

Activities:

  1. Explore the ancient ruins and learn about the history of Palmyra, an important caravan city along the Silk Road.
  2. Visit the museum to gain a deeper understanding of the archaeological finds from the site.
  3. Take a camel ride through the desert for an authentic experience.
  4. Enjoy local Syrian food at restaurants in Tadmur.

Transportation:

  1. Buses operate daily between Damascus and Palmyra, with journeys taking approximately 6-7 hours.
  2. Private cars can also be arranged from travel agencies or through your accommodation in Damascus.
  3. Be aware that road conditions may vary and travel times can sometimes be unpredictable due to checkpoints or other factors.

Day 3: Homs (الحمص - Al-Hims)

Places to Go:

  1. Kalaa of Saladin (قلعة الناصرين - Krak des Chevaliers)
  2. Al-Khawabi Mosque
  3. The Arch of Triumph in Apamea
  4. Sergius Baths in Apamea
  5. The Great Mosque and the Souk in Homs

Activities:

  1. Explore the ancient Crusader castle, Kalaa of Saladin, a UNESCO World Heritage Site.
  2. Visit the historic city of Apamea and its archaeological site, including the Arch of Triumph and Sergius Baths.
  3. Wander through the bustling souk in Homs, one of Syria’s largest cities, and try local dishes like kibbeh or shawarma.
  4. Learn about the recent history of Homs during the Syrian Civil War at the National Reconciliation Museum.

Transportation:

  1. Buses run daily between Damascus and Homs, with journeys taking approximately 3-4 hours.
  2. Private cars can also be arranged from travel agencies or through your accommodation in Damascus.

Day 4: Krak des Chevaliers (قلعة الناصرين - Qal’at al-Nasrani) and Aleppo (حلب - Halab)

Places to Go:

  1. Krak des Chevaliers (Qal’at al-Nasrani)
  2. Citadel of Salahuddin in Aleppo
  3. The Old City of Aleppo (Souk Al-Madaris, Great Mosque of Aleppo, Citadel of Aleppo)
  4. The Ancient City of Aleppo (Aleppo Archaeological Museum)

Activities:

  1. Spend the morning exploring Krak des Chevaliers, another UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the best-preserved Crusader castles in the Middle East.
  2. Visit the Citadel of Salahuddin in Aleppo, which offers panoramic views of the city.
  3. Wander through the ancient streets of Aleppo’s Old City, learning about its rich history and taking in the beautiful architecture.
  4. Explore the archaeological museum to discover more about the city’s past.
  5. Taste delicious Syrian cuisine at local restaurants in Aleppo before your departure.

Transportation:

  1. Buses run daily between Homs and Krak des Chevaliers, with journeys taking approximately 2 hours. From there, you can take a taxi or hire a car to visit the castle.
  2. To reach Aleppo, take a bus from Krak des Chevaliers (or Homs if you choose not to visit Krak), which takes about 3-4 hours.