Close your eyes and imagine a land where history doesn’t sit behind glass, but breathes through the stones of ancient alleyways. Syria is not just a destination; it is an awakening. It is the scent of jasmine trailing through Damascene courtyards, the haunting echo of Aramaic prayers, and the golden glow of the sun setting over Roman colonnades. Known as the cradle of civilizations, Syria invites you to step out of the modern world and into a living storybook. This is where the Silk Road found its soul, and where you will find yours.
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
Your journey starts at the gateway of the Levant. Upon your arrival at the border or airport, our team will whisk you away to the heart of Damascus, the oldest continuously inhabited capital in the world.
The Immersion: After a traditional welcome drink, we skip the tourist buses and join the locals on public transport for an authentic pulse-check of the city.
The Wonders: Marvel at the National Museum and the architectural elegance of the old railway station.
The Old City: Walk through the monumental gates into a labyrinth of magic. From the opulence of Azem Palace to the spiritual grandeur of the Umayyad Mosque, every corner tells a tale.
The Moment: End your day at Al-Nofara, the city’s oldest café. Sip coffee infused with pungent cardamom as the shadows of the Umayyad Mosque stretch across the cobblestones.
Overnight: Damascus.
Today, we head into the heart of the Syrian Desert to meet Palmyra, the "Bride of the Desert."
The Legend: Though time and conflict have left their marks, the spirit of Queen Zenobia lingers. Walk the Great Colonnade, stand before the Tetrapylon, and explore the Roman Theater and the Royal Baths.
The Experience: Break bread with the desert’s true guardians. Enjoy an authentic Bedouin feast inside a traditional tent, tasting flavors unchanged for centuries.
Homs & The Valley: Continue to Homs to visit the Church of the Virgin’s Belt (cut into the living rock) and the grand Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque. We’ll sample the city’s legendary sweets before retreating to the lush greenery of Marmarita.
Overnight: Al-Mishtaya.
Prepare for a day of architectural marvels that defy the imagination.
Krak des Chevaliers: Step into the world’s most iconic Crusader castle. This UNESCO World Heritage site is a masterpiece of medieval military engineering, preserved in stunning detail.
Hama: Visit the city of the Norias (gigantic wooden waterwheels) that have been humming their rhythmic song on the Orontes River for centuries. Explore the Azem Palace on the riverbank and sample local delicacies in the historic alleys.
Apamea: Before reaching Aleppo, we walk the mile-long Cardo Maximus of Apamea, a Seleucid city whose sheer scale and beauty are breathtaking.
Overnight: Aleppo.
Aleppo is a city of resilience and unmatched charm.
The Citadel: Standing atop a hill, the Aleppo Citadel guards the city’s secrets. We’ll explore its gates and halls before diving into the world-famous covered Souks.
The Senses: Visit the traditional Soap Factories (Ghar soap), where the scent of laurel and olive oil fills the air. Wander through the Khan of Copper and the Khan of Soap.
The Feast: Aleppo is the food capital of the Middle East. Tonight, we indulge in a fusion of Aleppine and Armenian cuisine, a symphony of cherries, meat, and spices.
Overnight: Aleppo.
We begin our return to the capital with a stop that feels like a trip through a time portal.
Maaloula: Nestled in the mountains, this village is one of the last places on Earth where Aramaic, the language of Jesus, is still spoken. Hear the whispers of the past in its ancient monasteries.
Damascus Revisited: Back in the capital, we walk Straight Street, visit the House of Saint Ananias, and explore the historic Jewish Quarter.
The Nightlife: Breathe in the heady scent of the spice markets one last time before enjoying a drink at the oldest bar in Syria, hidden within the ancient walls.
Overnight: Damascus.
On our final day, we head south to a city carved from black volcanic stone.
Bosra al-Sham: Home to the world’s most complete and magnificent Roman Theater. Walk through the Nabatean gates, explore the Roman baths, and traverse the paved streets of this dark-stone jewel.
Southern Hospitality: Enjoy a heartfelt home-cooked meal prepared by a local family, followed by a visit to the ancient Izra Church.
The Departure: We escort you to the airport or border, leaving you with a heart full of stories and a soul forever touched by the spirit of Syria.
