Destination: Syria

LONELY PLANET'S OFFICIAL ITINERARY INFORMATION

Itinerary: Syrian Sojourn

TWO WEEKS / SYRIA

Your Syrian Sojourn is a busy but satisfying two-week trip that covers the best that Syria has to offer. Starting off in Damascus – a city that slowly reveals its personality – the trip moves on through captivating sights and ends with two of the best in the Middle East – Krak des Chevaliers and Palmyra.



Spend at least three full days in ancient Damascus, visiting its endlessly fascinating Old City to see the Umayyad Mosque, to shop through its exotic souqs, and to visit its historic houses. Be sure to visit the National Museum – it is excellent preparation for visiting Syria’s archaeological sites. Do day trips to the beautiful village of Maalula, the convent at Seidnayya and the monastery at Mar Musa. Bosra is also a must, with its magnificent Roman theatre.

From Damascus, take a flight to Aleppo. Allow at least two days to explore Aleppo’s citadel, its Al-Jdeida quarter and to get lost in the dark alleyways of its souqs. With Aleppo as your base, take a couple of day trips: to the ruined basilica of Qala’at Samaan on one day, and the Dead Cities of Jerada, Ruweiha, Serjilla and Al-Bara the next. Move on to Hama to see its pretty norias (wooden waterwheels), basing yourself there for a couple of days to visit Apamea, Qasr ibn Wardan and the curious beehive villages of Sarouj and Twalid Dabaghein. You can head to the coast to Tartus and Arwad island, and, if you have time, visit Lattakia.

Return inland (via Tartus) to see the immense Krak des Chevaliers and stay overnight in Homs. Saving the best till last, move on to Palmyra, allowing a full day or two for the magical ruins (they’re at their best at first light), before returning to Damascus.