Damascus, the castles, Aleppo, and the coast. The trip most first-time visitors take, built entirely from areas currently open and worth the driving time.
Ten days is the sweet spot for a first trip to Syria. Five feels rushed once you’ve factored in arrival and departure; two weeks lets you add Palmyra and the Dead Cities without hurrying. This route covers the two great cities, the best-preserved Crusader castle in the world, and the Mediterranean coast, with a pace that leaves room for the long lunches you’ll inevitably be invited to.
One assumption: this itinerary is built around arriving in Damascus, whether by air or overland from Beirut, and departing the same way. Flying into one city and out of another is not currently practical.
Distances are approximate and driving times assume normal checkpoint delays.
Settle in, walk into the Old City for the evening, and eat somewhere in the lanes near Bab Touma. Don't plan anything demanding.
The Umayyad Mosque, Souq al-Hamidiyah, Azem Palace, Straight Street, and the Chapel of Saint Paul. A full day on foot with a guide.
The National Museum in the morning, then Mount Qasioun for the view over the city at sunset.
Day trip north: the cliffside monasteries of the last Aramaic-speaking town, and one of the oldest monasteries in the Christian world.
Drive north, stopping at Krak des Chevaliers, the finest surviving Crusader castle anywhere. Overnight in Homs or push on.
Continue north. Arrive in the afternoon and start with the citadel, best seen in late light.
The restored covered souq, the Great Mosque, the khans, and the soap workshops. The most moving day of most people's trips.
Day trip west: Saint Simeon's basilica and the abandoned Byzantine towns of the limestone massif.
Drive west over the mountains to Latakia. Swim, eat fish, and see the least war-touched part of the country.
The coastal road south and inland, with a stop at Tartus or the Krak turnoff if time allows. Depart that evening or the next morning.
Based on two people traveling together with a shared guide and driver. Cash, in USD.
The largest single cost, and the one worth paying properly for. Usually quoted per day for the vehicle and guide together.
From simple guesthouses to restored Old City boutique hotels. Considerably cheaper than the region's average.
Very low. Site entry fees are modest and meals are inexpensive even at good restaurants. We don't publish specific prices: the exchange rate moves too fast for a number to stay honest.