The Chronicle of Five Millennia

This isn’t just a tour; it is a Chronicle of Five Millennia. We have structured this program to transition from the intimacy of ancient neighborhoods to the vastness of empires, ensuring every day offers a distinct emotional and visual landscape.

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

Cost

FAQs

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Day 01 :

The Jasmine Immersion (Damascus)

Upon your arrival at the Syrian gateway (Border or Airport), your transition into antiquity begins.

The Scent of Memory: After a warm welcome at your boutique hotel, we step directly into the labyrinth of Old Damascus. You won’t just see the city; you’ll smell it—the legendary Damascene Jasmine climbing over stone walls and the deep, earthy aromas of the Spice Souks.

The Sacred & The Secular: We visit the House of Saint Ananias, a subterranean link to the dawn of Christianity, followed by the opulent Azm Palace and the towering Umayyad Mosque.

The Evening Tale: We walk the Straight Street to arrive at Al-Nofara. Here, under the spell of strong cardamom coffee, you will witness the Hakawati (Storyteller) keeping an oral tradition alive.

Overnight: Damascus.

Day 02 :

The Basalt Legacy (The South)

Theme: Stones of the Nabataeans & Romans

The Black Pearl: We travel south to Bosra, a city unique for its dark basalt architecture. You will stand center-stage in the Great Roman Theatre, the world’s most intact Roman amphitheater.

Imperial Ruins: Explore the Nabataean Gate, the Winter Market, and the ancient Roman Baths.

The Soul of the South: We pause for a traditional home-cooked meal

Spiritual Anchors: On our return, we visit the historic Ezra’a Church and the majestic Sayyida Zeinab Shrine, a masterpiece of mirror-work and devotion.

Overnight: Damascus.

Day 03 :

From Golden Sands to Homsi Sweets (Central Syria)

Theme: The Silk Road & The Orontes

The Desert Queen: We journey to Palmyra, the "Bride of the Desert." Wander through the monumental colonnades of Queen Zenobia’s empire and enjoy a rugged Bedouin lunch in the heart of the oasis.

The Spirit of Homs: In the afternoon, we head to Homs to visit the Church of the Virgin’s Girdle (Umm al-Zunnar) and the underground rock-hewn chapel.

The Marketplace: Visit the grand Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque and dive into the local markets to taste the famous Homsi sweets, renowned across the Middle East.

Overnight: Al-Mishtaya (The scenic valley of Christians).

Day 04 :

Fortress of Knights & Sacred Echoes (The Mountains)

Theme: Medieval Might & Aramaic Whispers

The Crusader Giant: We start at Krak des Chevaliers (Qal’at al-Hosn), the world’s definitive medieval castle, perched high above the valley.

The Holy Path: We descend into Maaloula, one of the few places on Earth where Aramaic (the language of Christ) is still spoken. We will visit the monasteries of St. Sergius and Bacchus and walk through the "Sacred Gorge" to reach the Monastery of St. Tekla.

Overnight: Return to the evening lights of Damascus.

Day 05 :

The Jewish Quarter & The Final Farewell

Theme: Reflections of Diversity

Hidden Courtyards: Our final morning explores the Jewish Quarter, known for its distinct architecture and tranquil vibe.

The Quiet Pause: We take a moment of reflection at Al-Qishleh Café, tucked away in the old city’s narrowest bends.

Safe Passage: One last walk through the "Harrat" (alleys) before we escort you with honors to the airport or the border for your departure.

FAQs

Expand all

With only five days, we transition from the spiritual silence of Maaloula to the bustling markets of Homs on the same day (Day 4). How do we process such a sharp cultural shift?

This is what we call “The Levantine Contrast.” We have specifically timed this transition so that you experience the “Ancient Peace” of the Aramaic mountains in the morning when the air is cool and the monasteries are quiet. By the time we reach Homs in the afternoon, the energy of the popular markets is at its peak. This “energy curve” is designed to keep you invigorated rather than exhausted.

On Day 3, we visit both the Umayyad Mosque and the National Museum. Which 'era' should I focus on to not feel overwhelmed?

Think of Day 3 as “The Story of the Alphabet and the Arch.” At the National Museum, focus on the Ugaritic Alphabet (the first in the world). Later, at the Umayyad Mosque, look for the Greek and Roman columns that were repurposed into the Islamic structure. By focusing on these two specific “technical” threads, the vast history of Damascus becomes a clear, logical story.

The 'Public Transport' experience on Day 3 mentions the Hejaz Railway Station. Is the train still running?

The station itself is an architectural jewel of the Ottoman-Baroque style, but it currently serves as a beautiful historical landmark rather than a transit hub. We visit it for the stained-glass ceilings and the vintage atmosphere, providing a perfect visual bridge before we dive back into the ancient stone walls of the Old City.

Why is 'Al-Mishtaya' chosen for the overnight stay on Day 4 instead of a major city?

Al-Mishtaya is the “Green Lung” of Syria. After four days of intense history and desert heat, the Valley of Christians offers a Mediterranean climate and a serene, forest-like environment. It is the only place in the itinerary where you can fall asleep to the sound of wind in the trees rather than city echoes, preparing you for the final climb to the Krak des Chevaliers.

In Homs (Day 4), is the 'Church of the Virgin’s Girdle' accessible to non-Orthodox visitors?

Yes, with a specific etiquette. It is one of the oldest active Christian sites in the world. While it is open to all, we visit during “non-liturgical” hours to allow you to see the rock-carved foundations and the sacred relic without interrupting local prayers. It offers a rare look at “Living Archaeology”.

The program ends with the Jewish Quarter and Al-Qishleh (Day 5). Is this a 'quieter' end to the trip?

Deliberately, yes. Most tours end in the loud, crowded souks. We choose the Jewish Quarter for your final morning because its architecture is more residential and intimate. It allows for a “reflective farewell”—giving you space to process your journey over a quiet tea at Al-Qishleh Café before your departure.

In Palmyra (Day 3), we eat in a 'Bedouin Tent.' Should I bring a specific gift for the hosts?

While not required, the Bedouin culture values reciprocity. If you wish to bring something small from your home country (like a postcard, a small sweet, or a localized trinket), it is a wonderful gesture. However, your presence and appreciation of their “Mansaf” (traditional rice and lamb) is considered the highest form of respect.

I see the 'Hakawati' is on the first night. What if I don't understand the Arabic storytelling?

The Hakawati (Day 1) is a performance of “Emotional Literacy.” Even without knowing the words, the rhythm of his voice, the banging of his sword on the table, and the reactions of the local crowd tell the story. Your guide will provide a brief “summary of the legend” beforehand, so you can focus on the theatrical energy of the oldest café in Damascus.

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Itinerary

Includes/Excludes

Cost Includes

Cost Excludes

FAQs

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Destinations

Activities

Trip Types

Itinerary

Cost

FAQs

Itinerary

Includes/Excludes

Cost Includes

Cost Excludes

FAQs

You can send your enquiry via the form below.

Related Trips

The Ultimate Syrian Heritage Loop: Seven Days, Seven Millennia

“Syrian Echoes & Aromas” expedition

The Jasmine Gateway: 48 Hours in Ancient Damascus