A curated odyssey through Syria’s dual heart: the urban magic of Damascus and the desert majesty of Palmyra. Between the ancient gates of the capital and the towering columns of the oasis, you will encounter the spirit of empires, the hospitality of the Bedouins, and the sacred silence of the mountain heights. Your seat in the caravan is ready.
A Note on Flexibility: The following itinerary is a curated prototype—a starting point for your imagination. At Syria Caravans, every journey is a bespoke creation. You may extend or shorten your stay, hand-pick your preferred accommodation style, or swap activities between our various programs. This is your caravan; we simply provide the map.
Itinerary
The Welcome: Whether you cross the horizon from Lebanon or Jordan, or land at the gates of the city, we’ll be there. Think of your hotel check-in not as a formal process, but as a homecoming. A refreshing welcome drink awaits as you meet your expert storyteller (guide) for the days ahead.
The Sacred Path: We begin at the Chapel of Saint Ananias, a humble underground sanctuary where sight was miraculously restored to the Apostle Paul.
Walking Through Time: Stroll the Straight Street, passing through the echoes of the Jewish Quarter, until the scent of spices leads you to the Azm Palace and the majestic Umayyad Mosque—a masterpiece of gold and marble.
Evening Magic: Take a seat at Al-Nofara, the city’s oldest café. Sip coffee infused with potent cardamom while the Hakawati (traditional storyteller) weaves ancient legends.
The Nightcap: We wrap up the night at Damascus’ oldest bar, tucked away in the labyrinth of the Old City, before a restful sleep in the world’s oldest capital.
The Journey East: We leave the bustle behind for the silence of the Syrian Desert. Our destination is Palmyra, an oasis of towering columns and silent majesty.
A Bedouin Feast: Lunch is served at the Bedouin Corner, where you’ll taste the rustic, authentic flavors of the desert.
The Golden Hour: Spend your afternoon wandering through the Temple of Bel and the Great Colonnade. As the sun dips, we’ll find the perfect vantage point to watch the ruins turn from gold to violet.
Under the Stars: Tonight, you sleep in Palmyra, embracing the stillness of the desert night.
Desert Breakfast: Wake up to a traditional Bedouin breakfast before we head back toward the mountains.
Mar Musa: We climb to the cliffside Monastery of Saint Moses the Abyssinian, a beacon of desert spirituality and stunning ancient frescoes.
Maaloula: Visit the town where time stands still and the locals still speak Aramaic, the language of Jesus. Explore the sacred caves and monasteries carved directly into the rock.
The Farewell: With hearts full of stories, we escort you back to the airport or the border (Lebanese or Jordanian), ensuring a smooth and safe transition as you head home.
