Syria 5 Day Itinerary

Title: 5-Day Syrian Adventure: A Comprehensive Travel Itinerary

Day 1: Damascus - The Ancient Heart of Syria

  • Activities: Explore the Old City of Damascus, visit the Umayyad Mosque, and wander through the souks (markets) in the Suq Al-Hamidiya. Don’t miss the National Museum of Damascus for a deep dive into Syrian history.
  • Things to Know: Syrian Arabic is the primary language, but English is widely spoken among younger generations and in tourist areas. The currency used is the Syrian pound (SYP).
  • Visa Requirements: A visa is required for most travelers. Check the latest visa requirements here or consult with a travel agency to ensure you have all necessary documents.
  • Transportation: Taxis are widely available, but bargaining for the fare is common. The city also has a good public bus system.
  • Tips: Damascus is known for its cuisine. Try local dishes like Mansaf (lamb dish) and Kunafa (cheese pastry).

Day 2: Palmyra - Ancient City of Columns

  • Activities: Visit the stunning ancient city of Palmyra, including the Temple of Bel, the Arch of Triumph, and the funerary towers. Explore the Necropolis and the ruins of the baths, temples, and palaces.
  • Things to Know: The drive from Damascus to Palmyra is approximately 3 hours. It’s best to travel with a reputable tour operator for safety reasons.
  • Transportation: Rent a car or book a guided tour to visit Palmyra.
  • Tips: Carry enough water and sunscreen, as the desert climate can be harsh.

Day 3: Krak des Chevaliers - Knights’ Stronghold

  • Activities: Explore the magnificent Crusader castle of Krak des Chevaliers, one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the world.
  • Things to Know: The castle is located about 2 hours north of Homs. It’s recommended to visit early in the morning to avoid the heat and tourist crowds.
  • Transportation: Rent a car or book a guided tour from Damascus or Homs.
  • Tips: Bring binoculars to get a closer look at the castle details.

Day 4: Aleppo - Syria’s Largest City

  • Activities: Visit the ancient Citadel of Aleppo, stroll through the Old City’s souks, and explore the Great Mosque of Aleppo. Don’t miss the Ancient Archeological Site of Tell Atchana.
  • Things to Know: The city was heavily damaged during the Syrian conflict but is now largely restored.
  • Transportation: Taxis or rented cars are available for travel between sites in Aleppo.
  • Tips: Try local dishes like Kibbeh and Hawija at a local restaurant.

Day 5: Hama - Waterwheels & Ancient Ruins

  • Activities: Visit the ancient city of Qalaat Salah al-Din, explore the Serail Gardens, and marvel at the unique waterwheels (Norias) at the Noriah of Hama.
  • Things to Know: The Norias are best visited in the late afternoon when they are operating.
  • Transportation: Rent a car or book a guided tour from Aleppo or Damascus.
  • Tips: Carry comfortable walking shoes, as there will be plenty of exploring to do.