12-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes Route in Syria
Syria is a land where ancient history meets sophisticated hospitality. This luxury route is designed for the discerning traveler who seeks to uncover the layers of the Silk Road while enjoying private chauffeured transfers, stays in restored Ottoman palaces, and exclusive access to archaeological wonders.
From the jasmine-scented courtyards of the Old City of Damascus to the Mediterranean breezes of Lattakia, this 12-day itinerary balances cultural immersion with high-end comforts. You will dine at some of the Middle East's most renowned restaurants and navigate the country's historic routes in premium, climate-controlled transport.
Day 1: Damascus - Arrival & Palace Living
Arrival at Damascus International Airport
Complete your visa formalities with a pre-arranged VIP meet-and-greet service. Your private chauffeur will transfer you to the city center in a premium sedan.
Check-in at Beit Al Wali
Experience the pinnacle of Damascene luxury in this meticulously restored 18th-century boutique hotel. Enjoy a traditional welcome with bitter coffee and dates in the fountain courtyard.
Private Tour of the Umayyad Mosque
Visit one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world with a specialist historian. Marvel at the golden mosaics and the shrine of John the Baptist before the evening prayer.
Gourmet Dining at Naranj
Indulge in a multi-course Syrian feast at the world-famous Naranj Restaurant. Try the cherry meatballs (Kebab Karaz), a signature dish of the region's elite.
Day 2: Damascus - The Silk Road Legacy
Al-Hamidiyah Souq Exploration
Walk through the monumental iron-roofed souq with a private guide who can facilitate introductions to master artisans of silk weaving and marquetry.
Azem Palace Private Viewing
Explore the stunning 18th-century residence of the Ottoman governor. The intricate stone-work and citrus-filled gardens represent the height of Levantine architectural luxury.
The Street Called Straight
Walk the biblical road that bisects the Old City, visiting the Chapel of Ananias and high-end antique galleries specializing in Damascene steel and mosaics.
Sunset Cocktails at Mount Qasioun
Enjoy panoramic views of the illuminated city from a private terrace. Watch the 'City of Jasmine' come alive under the stars with a chilled glass of local Arak.
Day 3: Damascus - Contemporary Culture & Spa
National Museum of Damascus
Take a guided tour focusing on the reconstructed facade of Qasr al-Hayr al-Gharbi and the unique Dura-Europos synagogue murals.
Lunch at Art House
Dine at this converted old mill that now serves as a contemporary art gallery and luxury hotel. It is a hub for the city’s creative elite.
Traditional Hammam Experience
Relax at Hammam Nur al-Din, a bathhouse dating back to the 12th century. Opt for a private scrub and massage session in an atmosphere of ancient indulgence.
Dinner at Elissar
Enjoy refined Levantine cuisine in a modern setting, featuring live traditional music (Oud) in a stunning courtyard garden.
Day 4: Maaloula & Sednaya - The Mountain Sanctuary
Chauffeur Transfer to Maaloula
Depart Damascus for the Qalamoun Mountains. Visit the village where Aramaic, the language of Jesus, is still spoken by the local Christian community.
Monastery of Saint Thecla
Explore this ancient site built into a mountain cleft, followed by a private blessing and viewing of the historic icons.
Our Lady of Sednaya Monastery
Visit the mountaintop pilgrimage site known for its miraculous icon. The views from the terrace overlook the vast Syrian plains.
Arrival in Homs
Check-in at a premier city-center hotel. Homs serves as the perfect luxury base for exploring the central desert and castles.
Day 5: Krak des Chevaliers - The Ultimate Fortress
Private Tour of Krak des Chevaliers
Stand atop the world's best-preserved crusader castle. A specialist guide will walk you through the inner stables, the gothic hall, and the chapel.
Lunch Overlooking the Valley
Dine at a restaurant situated on the hill opposite the castle, offering the best photographic angles while you enjoy local grilled specialties.
Monastery of St. George
Visit the nearby historic monastery, famous for its wooden iconostasis, before heading toward the Mediterranean coast.
Evening Arrival in Lattakia
Arrive at the coastal city of Lattakia and check into the Afamia Resort for a seaside luxury experience.
Day 6: Lattakia - Mediterranean Relaxation
Resort Leisure Morning
Enjoy the private beach and infinity pools of the Afamia Resort. Rejuvenate with a spa treatment overlooking the Mediterranean Sea.
Seafood Lunch at the Marina
Dine on the freshest catch-of-the-day at a high-end seafood restaurant at the Lattakia Marina, accompanied by local white wines.
Ugarit (Ras Shamra) Excursion
Visit the ruins of the royal palace where the world's first alphabet was discovered. This archaeological site offers a peaceful, exclusive atmosphere.
Fine Dining in Lattakia
Experience the fusion of French and Syrian coastal cuisine at one of the city's top-rated boutique eateries.
Day 7: Tartus & Amrit - The Phoenician Coast
Drive to Tartus
Take a scenic coastal drive to the city of Tartus. Visit the Cathedral of Our Lady of Tartus, now a museum housing ancient Phoenician artifacts.
Boat Trip to Arwad Island
Take a private boat to the only inhabited island in Syria. Explore the fortress and watch traditional shipbuilders at work.
Ruins of Amrit
Explore this unique Phoenician site featuring a rare stadium and a temple surrounded by water, largely untouched by mass tourism.
Return to Lattakia
Enjoy a relaxed evening at the resort lounge with premium shisha and Mediterranean mezze.
Day 8: Hama - The Ancient Norias
Transfer to Hama
Leave the coast for the interior city of Hama, famous for its massive wooden water wheels (Norias) lining the Orontes River.
The Great Norias Tour
Walk the riverbanks to see the 20-meter high wheels. Lunch at a riverfront restaurant where the sound of the creaking wood provides a historic soundtrack.
Azem Palace of Hama
Visit the sister palace to the one in Damascus, offering a more intimate look at Ottoman-era aristocratic life.
Dinner at the Orontes River
Enjoy a traditional Hama meal, featuring the city's famous 'Saliq' and sweet 'Halawet el-Jibn' cheese rolls for dessert.
Day 9: Aleppo - The Citadel's Majesty
VIP Transfer to Aleppo
Travel north to the historic commercial capital of Syria. Your guide will provide a briefing on the city's ongoing restoration efforts.
Citadel of Aleppo Private Access
Ascend the massive limestone entrance to the citadel. Explore the throne room and the recently restored royal hammams.
Baron Hotel Tea Service
Visit the legendary Baron Hotel, where Agatha Christie wrote 'Murder on the Orient Express'. Enjoy high tea in the same lounge as Lawrence of Arabia.
Dinner at Beit Sissi
Dine at one of Aleppo's most prestigious restaurants, located in a restored mansion in the Christian quarter (Jdeideh).
Day 10: Aleppo - Souks & Artisans
Al-Madina Souq Walking Tour
Walk through the world's longest covered market. See the ongoing restoration and visit soap-making workshops where the famous Aleppo laurel soap is produced.
The Great Mosque of Aleppo
Witness the meticulous restoration of the Seljuk minaret and the courtyard of this iconic religious landmark.
Maronite & Melkite Churches
Explore the stunning architecture of the Jdeideh district, visiting the historic churches that serve as cultural hubs for the community.
Aleppine Culinary Experience
Enjoy a specialized tasting menu featuring 'Muhammara' and 'Kebbe', dishes that have made Aleppo a UNESCO Creative City of Gastronomy.
Day 11: The Steppe Drive - Returning South
Scenic Drive to Damascus
Enjoy a comfortable long-distance transfer back to the capital. Observe the changing landscapes from the northern fertile plains to the southern semi-desert.
Roadside Gourmet Stop
Stop for a luxury picnic prepared by your hotel, featuring local cheeses, fresh flatbread, and seasonal fruits in a scenic rest area.
Check-in at Talisman Hotel
For your final nights, stay in the Talisman, another stunning example of Damascene luxury architecture in the Jewish Quarter.
Farewell Dinner at Haretna
A lively final dinner featuring traditional Levantine music and the very best of Syrian hospitality.
Day 12: Damascus - Final Souvenirs & Departure
Private Shopping Session
Visit high-end boutiques for fine Syrian textiles, damask silk, and intricate woodwork. Your guide can help arrange international shipping for large items.
Leisurely Brunch
Enjoy a slow brunch in the hotel courtyard, savoring the tranquility before your flight.
Transfer to Airport
Your chauffeur will ensure you arrive at Damascus International Airport with plenty of time for duty-free shopping and VIP lounge access.
Departure
Depart Syria with unforgettable memories of its ancient history and warm, luxury-standard hospitality.
Best Time to Visit Syria
The ideal time for a luxury tour of Syria is during the spring (April to June) or autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm, making it perfect for exploring archaeological sites without the intense summer heat or the chilly winters of the mountains. Spring is particularly beautiful as the jasmine and citrus trees in Damascus are in full bloom.
Currency & Money
The official currency is the Syrian Pound (SYP). However, for luxury travelers, most high-end services, including hotels and private tours, are quoted in USD or Euros. Due to international sanctions, international credit and debit cards generally do not work in Syria. It is essential to carry sufficient cash (USD or Euro) to cover all expenses and exchange money at official exchange offices or high-end hotels. Tipping is customary and highly appreciated in the service industry.
Getting Around Syria
For a luxury experience, the best way to travel between cities is via private chauffeured vehicles. These provide comfort, climate control, and flexibility. While domestic flights via Cham Wings connect Damascus with Lattakia and Aleppo, they can be infrequent, so many travelers prefer the scenic and well-maintained highways. There are no functioning passenger trains for these routes currently, making private luxury road transport the gold standard for intercity movement.
