Set out on four unforgettable day trips from Damascus to explore Syria’s diverse cultural and natural heritage. These journeys take you beyond the capital, offering a deeper look into the country’s history, breathtaking landscapes, and timeless traditions.
From ancient ruins and vibrant souks to majestic castles and scenic countryside, each trip is carefully crafted to showcase the richness and resilience of Syria. Along the way, you’ll be welcomed by locals eager to share their stories, revealing how communities have endured, adapted, and continue to hope for a brighter future.
Step into their world, listen to their voices, and let their warmth and hospitality transform your journey into an experience of connection, discovery, and lasting impact.
Getaway 1: Damascus – Palmyra – Krak des Chevaliers – Homs – Hama – Aleppo – St. Simeon – Maalula – Sednaya – Damascus
Day 01: Damascus – Palmyra – Krak des Chevaliers
- Pick-up from your accommodation in Damascus and travel to the remarkable city of Palmyra, nestled amidst the Syrian desert.
- Once a thriving cultural hub of ancient times, Palmyra is renowned for its impressive ruins that bear witness to its historical significance.
- During the war, Palmyra fell under the control of Islamic militants, resulting in significant damage to its architectural marvels.
- Among the losses were the magnificent Temple of Bel, the striking Temple of Baal-Shamin, and several Roman-era tombs, all tragically destroyed. The ancient Theater and the grand Monumental Arch also suffered partial demolition, while underground tombs were looted, with many relief carvings and statues stolen.
- Despite these devastating events, there is hope. Many of the valuable artifacts from the city’s museum were carefully relocated to safe locations, ensuring their preservation for future generations.
- While the scars of the past remain, visiting Palmyra offers a unique opportunity to witness both the enduring ruins and the resilience of a city that continues to captivate with its rich history.
- Continue your drive to Wadi al-Nasara, also known as the “Valley of Christians.” This picturesque mountain region offers a serene atmosphere, dotted with Christian villages, each with its own distinctive charm. Enjoy the scenic views, explore quaint communities, and engage with the warm and hospitable locals.
Day 02: Krak des Chevaliers – Homs – Hama – Aleppo
- Begin your day with a visit to Krak des Chevaliers, a magnificent medieval castle that stands as a testament to Syria’s layered history. Perched on a hilltop above the Homs Gap, this fortress was originally built by the Knights Hospitaller in the 12th century. Explore its well-preserved towers, walls, and courtyards, imagining the knights who once guarded its halls.
- Continue to Homs, where the impact of past conflict meets the spirit of recovery. Witness the city’s ongoing reconstruction efforts and the resilience of its people as they work to restore their homes and livelihoods.
- Proceed to Hama, a city along the banks of the Orontes River, known for its iconic Norias—giant wooden waterwheels that once irrigated its lands and symbolize its historical ingenuity.
- Conclude the day in Aleppo, one of the world’s oldest cities. Located at the crossroads of ancient trade routes, Aleppo boasts a rich cultural legacy. Tragically, it suffered severe devastation during the war and remains one of Syria’s most affected cities.
Day 03: Aleppo City Tour & St. Simeon
- Begin with a morning visit to the Monastery of Saint Simeon Stylites, located near Aleppo. This important historical and religious site is associated with St. Simeon, a 5th-century Christian ascetic famous for living atop a pillar for decades.
- Return to Aleppo to explore the awe-inspiring Aleppo Citadel, one of the Middle East’s most impressive fortresses. Fortunately, it remained largely intact during the war. This monumental stronghold dominates the city’s skyline and reflects layers of ancient civilizations.
- Wander through the historic souks, a network of covered markets dating back to the 14th century. Though parts of the bazaar were heavily damaged—around one-third destroyed—ongoing restoration efforts aim to revive this vital cultural and economic heart of the city.
- Visit the Al Jbili Soap Factory, famous for its traditional Aleppo soap. Made from olive oil, lye, and laurel oil, this natural product is a symbol of Aleppo’s artisanal heritage.
Day 04: Aleppo – Maalula – Sednaya – Damascus
- Travel to Maalula, a charming Christian town nestled in the mountains. Known for its blue-painted houses and dramatic cliffs, Maalula is one of the few places where Aramaic—the language spoken by Jesus—is still used today. Explore its historic monasteries and engage with a community proud of its ancient heritage.
- Continue to Sednaya, a scenic mountain town and revered Christian pilgrimage site north of Damascus. Visit its revered monastery and churches, known for their intricate architecture and religious icons. From the rooftop, enjoy breathtaking views over the surrounding mountains and valleys.
- Return to Damascus and drop off at your city center hotel.
Included:
- Private transportation services (start in Damascus and end in Damascus).
- One overnight at a mid-range standard hotel near Krak des Chevaliers.
- Two overnights at a mid-range standard hotel in Aleppo.
- Meal Plan: Breakfasts at the hotels.
- Professional English-speaking guide.
- Portage at the hotels.
Excluded:
- Any meals and drinks.
- Any tipping.
- Entrance fees.
Offer Validity: End of March 2026.
Rate per person in single room, on the basis of a single traveler:
1 Person | US$ 1755 |
Rate per person in sharing Double/Twin room, on the basis of:
2 Persons | US$ 915 |
3 Persons | US$ 700 |
4 Persons | US$ 575 |
SGL Supplement | US$ 120 |
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Getaway 2: Damascus – Palmyra – Krak des Chevaliers – Tartous – Lattakia – Saladin – Hama – Hama – Maalula – Sednaya – Damascus
Day 01: Damascus – Palmyra – Krac des Chevaliers
- Pick-up from your accommodation in Damascus and travel the remarkable city of Palmyra, nestled amidst the Syrian desert.
- Once a thriving cultural hub of ancient times, Palmyra is renowned for its impressive ruins that bear witness to its historical significance.
- During the war, Palmyra fell under the control of Islamic militants, resulting in significant damage to its architectural marvels.
- Among the casualties of this destructive period were the magnificent Temple of Bel, the striking Temple of Baal-Shamin, and the remarkable Roman-era tombs, all of which were tragically destroyed. The ancient Theater and the grand Monumental Arch also suffered partial demolition, further adding to the loss. Additionally, several underground tombs had their relief carvings and statues stolen, further eroding the cultural heritage of Palmyra.
- Despite these devastating events, there is a glimmer of hope. Many of the valuable artefacts from the city’s museum have been carefully relocated to safe locations, ensuring their preservation for future generations to appreciate and learn from.
- While the scars of the past remain, visiting Palmyra provides a unique opportunity to witness both the impressive ruins that have survived and the resilience of a city that continues to endure and captivate visitors with its rich history.
- Continue your drive towards Wadi al-Nasara, also known as the “Valley of Christians.” This picturesque mountain resort region is nestled amidst breathtaking landscapes and offers a serene and peaceful atmosphere. The valley is home to numerous Christian villages, each with its own distinctive charm and character. Take in the beauty of the surrounding mountains, explore the quaint villages, and interact with the warm and hospitable local people.
Day 02: Krak des Chevaliers – Tartous – Arwad – Lattakia
- Drive to Tartous, situated on Syria’s Mediterranean coast, the second largest city in the region and a provincial capital, boasting a significant seaport. While Tartous is most renowned for its role during the Crusades, when it was referred to as Tortosa, its historical roots can be traced back to the Phoenician era. The remnants of its rich history include the old town, nestled within the former Crusader castle, as well as a cathedral from the same period that now serves as the city museum.
- Visit Arwad Island, nestled amidst the azure waters of the eastern Mediterranean Sea. Also known as Ruad Island, this small yet significant island, located just off the coast of Tartous, offers a glimpse into the region’s maritime past, architectural wonders, and enduring cultural traditions (Boat excursion to Arwad Island is subject to favorable weather conditions).
- Continue your drive towards Latakia, a major port city located on the Mediterranean coast of northwestern Syria. Latakia has a long history dating back to the Phoenician era and is known for its Mediterranean climate, lush coastal scenery, and historic sites such as the Saladin Castle, which offers panoramic views of the city and the sea.
Day 03: Lattakia – Ugarit – Saladin Castle – Hama
- Drive to visit Ugarit, an ancient port city near modern-day Latakia, Syria, was a major hub of commerce and culture in the second millennium BCE. It is famed for the discovery of the Ugaritic alphabet, one of the earliest known writing systems. The city’s ruins reveal a rich blend of Canaanite, Hittite, and Egyptian influences, highlighting its role in early Mediterranean civilization.
- Continue your journey towards Saladin Castle, also known as Qalaat Salah al-Din, is a stunning medieval fortress perched atop a rocky ridge in Syria’s coastal mountains. Surrounded by deep gorges and dense forests, it boasts impressive Crusader and Islamic architectural features. The castle, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, played a strategic defensive role and offers panoramic views of the surrounding countryside.
- Drive to Hama, a city located on the banks of the Orontes River in Syria. Hama is renowned for its distinctive architectural marvel, the colossal wooden waterwheels known as Norias.
Day 04: Hama – Homs – Maalula – Sednaya – Damascus
- Travel to Homs, where the echoes of conflict are intertwined with the ongoing efforts of reconstruction. Bear witness to the profound impact of past adversities, while observing the resilient spirit of the local community as they tirelessly work towards rebuilding their city. Gain a deeper understanding of their determination and be inspired by their unwavering resolve to restore Homs to its former glory.
- Drive to Maalula, a historic Christian town renowned for its charming painted houses, picturesque setting, and intriguing caves. What makes Maalula truly unique is its Aramaic-speaking population, who still preserve the ancient language spoken by Jesus Christ. Immerse yourself in the town’s rich cultural heritage, visit its historic monasteries, and witness the traditions and way of life of the local community.
- Continue to Sednaya, a picturesque mountain town located north of Damascus. Sednaya holds great significance as a Christian pilgrimage site, drawing visitors from near and far. Immerse yourself in the town’s rich religious heritage as you explore the local church, shrine, and monastery. Marvel at the intricate architecture and sacred artwork within these sacred spaces. As you ascend to the rooftop, be rewarded with panoramic views that showcase the breathtaking surrounding mountains, the town itself, and the valley below. This vantage point offers a serene and awe-inspiring experience.
- Return to Damascus and drop off at your city center hotel.
Included:
- Private transportation services (start in Damascus end in Damascus).
- One overnight at a mid-range standard hotel near Krak des Chevaliers.
- One overnight at a mid-range standard hotel in Lattakia.
- One overnight at a mid-range standard hotel in Hama.
- Meal Plan: Breakfasts at the hotels.
- Professional English-speaking guide.
- Portage at the hotels.
Excluded:
- Any meals and drinks.
- Any tipping.
- Entrance fees.
Offer Validity: End of March 2026.
Rate per person in single room, on the basis of a single traveler:
1 Person | US$ 1815 |
Rate per person in sharing Double/Twin room, on the basis of:
2 Persons | US$ 950 |
3 Persons | US$ 737 |
4 Persons | US$ 610 |
SGL Supplement | US$ 145 |
Discover the Beauty of Syria
Syria offers many amazing experiences for travelers. It has a rich history, vibrant cultures, bustling markets, beautiful places of worship, ancient cities, grand castles, stunning landscapes, delicious food, and friendly people.
Explore the lively marketplaces, where the air is filled with the aroma of spices and fresh bread.
Marvel at the impressive religious sites, which blend the past and present.
Uncover the secrets of historic cities that have stood the test of time. Admire the majestic splendor of centuries-old castles.
Feast your eyes on breathtaking mountains and deserts. And savor the delectable flavors of Syria’s renowned cuisine.
Most of all, it is the warm, welcoming spirit of the Syrian people that makes this Syria so special.
Discover the beauty of Syria – it will leave a lasting impression on you.
Book Your Trip Today and Experience it First-hand!
- E-Mail: discover@nawafir-tours.com
- WhatsApp: +963 94 435 15 98
