“The Northern & Central Odyssey,” is designed to immerse you in the deep layers of Syrian history, from the Bronze Age to the medieval grandeur of the Crusaders and the desert empires.
To visit the North and Central regions of Syria is to walk through the “Cradle of Civilization.” The North, anchored by the legendary Aleppo and the rolling hills of Idlib, is a landscape of limestone and olive groves where the first alphabets were formed and early Christianity found its voice in the “Dead Cities.”
As you travel toward the Center, the terrain transforms into the lush Orontes Valley and the majestic mountains of the Homs Gap. This is the agricultural and engineering heart of the country, where ancient waterwheels still sing and the greatest crusader fortresses guard the mountain passes. From the bustling silk-road markets of the north to the golden, palm-fringed ruins of the Palmyrene desert, this region offers a sensory journey through the very foundations of human heritage.
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 Experience: We begin in the "Gray City," famous for its white limestone and world-class cuisine.
Arrival & The Citadel: After meeting at the airport, we head to the Aleppo Citadel. This is one of the most significant castles in the world, featuring a massive moat and a monumental gateway. Inside, we explore the Ayyubid Palace and the Throne Hall.
The Old City & Gates: We walk through the historic Gates of Aleppo (such as Bab al-Faraj and Bab Qinnesrin), which have stood as guardians of the city for centuries.
The Souks & Soap Factories: We dive into the vaulted Old Souks to visit a traditional Soap Factory, witnessing how the world-famous Aleppo Laurel (Ghar) soap is handmade. We conclude at Khan al-Saboun, a beautifully restored caravanserai dedicated to aromatic oils and soaps.
Dinner: An authentic Aleppine feast featuring Kebab Karaz (cherry kebab) and Muhammara.
The Experience: A journey through the "Dead Cities" and the grandeur of Rome.
Saint Simeon Citadel (Qala'at Sama’an): Located in the Idlib countryside, this is the remains of the world’s largest church in the 5th century, built around the pillar of the hermit monk St. Simeon Stylites.
The Dead Cities: We explore the Byzantine ruins of Al-Bara and Serjilla, abandoned cities that remain remarkably intact, offering a glimpse into ancient Syrian village life.
Apamea (Afamia): We walk the Cardo Maximus, a nearly 2km-long Roman street famous for its unique spiraled columns and the panoramic views of the Ghab Valley.
Hama Arrival: We head to Hama for an evening dinner featuring the city's signature smoky flavors.
The Experience: From the rhythmic song of the waterwheels to the pinnacle of medieval warfare.
The Norias of Hama: We stand before these massive, 14th-century wooden waterwheels. These "singing" machines are a testament to ancient hydraulic engineering.
Azem Palace & Khan Rustum Pasha: We visit the Azem Palace, a jewel of Ottoman architecture on the Orontes riverbank, followed by a tour of Khan Rustum Pasha, now a vibrant hub for traditional Syrian handicrafts.
Krak des Chevaliers: We drive to this UNESCO World Heritage site, the most perfectly preserved Crusader castle in existence. We explore its double-walled defenses, Gothic halls, and stables.
Overnight in Al-Mishtaya: A peaceful night in the green mountains of the Valley of Christians.
The Experience: A deep dive into the golden sands of the Syrian Steppe.
The Ruins of Palmyra: We walk the Straight Street (Colonnade) to the Roman Theater and the Agora (the ancient marketplace).
The Temple of Bel: We pay our respects at the site of the Temple of Bel, witnessing the resilience of the stones that remain after its tragic destruction.
The Arc de Triomphe: We pass through the Arch of Triumph, once the gateway to the city’s heart.
The Bedouin Corner: We spend a traditional afternoon in a Bedouin Tent, enjoying "Mansaf" (lamb and rice) and cardamom coffee while learning about desert hospitality.
Homs Arrival: We return to the city of Homs for the night.
The Experience: A morning of spirituality and the world's best sweets.
Church of the Virgin’s Belt (Um al-Zennar): We visit this ancient subterranean church, home to a sacred relic of Mary’s belt and a site of deep local devotion.
Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque: An architectural masterpiece of Homs, famous for its nine white domes and Mamluk-inspired grandeur.
The Sweets of Homs: No trip is complete without tasting Halawat al-Jibn (sweet cheese rolls) directly from the masters of the craft.
Departure: We escort you to either Aleppo Airport or Damascus for your final departure.
