13-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes Route in Syria
Syria is a land where history breathes through every stone, offering a depth of culture that few places on earth can match. This 13-day itinerary is designed for the discerning traveler who seeks to uncover the secrets of the Silk Road while enjoying the finest hospitality the Levant has to offer, from restored Ottoman palaces to private Mediterranean excursions.
We focus on a sophisticated pace, utilizing private chauffeured transfers and exclusive guided access to UNESCO World Heritage sites. You will dine in world-renowned restaurants like Naranj and stay in boutique masterpieces like Beit Al Wali, ensuring your journey is as comfortable as it is culturally enriching.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Damascus, Syria - The Grand Arrival
VIP Airport Reception
Arrive at Damascus International Airport where a private concierge handles your customs clearance and luggage before a luxury transfer to the city center.
Check-in at Four Seasons Damascus
Settling into the city's premier luxury hotel, offering panoramic views of Mount Qasioun and world-class amenities.
Garden Tea at the Hotel
Enjoy a traditional Syrian tea service in the lush hotel gardens to unwind after your flight.
Fine Dining at Naranj
Experience an exquisite introductory dinner at Naranj, widely considered one of the best restaurants in the Middle East, located in the Old City.
Day 2: Damascus, Syria - Old City Immersion
Umayyad Mosque Private Tour
Explore one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world with a private historian to explain its layers of Byzantine and Islamic architecture.
Al-Hamidiyah Souq Exploration
Walk through the historic vaulted marketplace, visiting the famous Bakdash ice cream parlor for a taste of traditional booza.
Lunch at Al-Khawali
Enjoy traditional Damascene cuisine in a stunningly restored 18th-century courtyard house.
Azm Palace Visit
Discover the 18th-century residence of the Ottoman governor, showcasing the height of Damascene architectural luxury.
Day 3: Damascus, Syria - Art and Panoramic Views
National Museum of Damascus
View the Dura-Europos synagogue and the world's first alphabet from Ugarit with a specialized archaeological guide.
Artisan Workshop Tour
Visit private workshops in the Christian Quarter to see the creation of intricate damask silk and inlaid wood furniture.
Mount Qasioun Sunset
Take a private drive to the summit of Mount Qasioun for a breathtaking sunset view over the sprawling city lights.
Dinner at Beit Al Mamlouka
Dine in one of the first boutique hotels in the Old City, known for its intimate atmosphere and gourmet Levant fusion.
Day 4: Maaloula & Sednaya, Syria - Ancient Echoes
Transfer to Maaloula
A private luxury SUV transfer to the village where Western Neo-Aramaic, the language of Jesus, is still spoken.
Monastery of Saint Thecla
Explore the dramatic mountain gorge and the ancient cave monastery carved directly into the cliffs.
Convent of Our Lady of Saidnaya
Visit this significant pilgrimage site perched high on a hill, offering stunning views and a miraculous history.
Return to Damascus
Relax on the scenic drive back to the capital for a quiet evening at the hotel spa.
Day 5: Homs & Krak des Chevaliers, Syria - Crusader Glory
Drive to Wadi al-Nasara
A 2.5-hour private transfer through the fertile plains toward the "Valley of the Christians."
Krak des Chevaliers Tour
Spend the afternoon exploring the world's most iconic Crusader castle with a private expert in medieval fortification.
Lunch with a View
Dine at a restaurant overlooking the castle walls, enjoying fresh mountain air and local Mezze.
St. George Monastery
Visit the historic Greek Orthodox monastery nearby, known for its beautiful iconostasis and ancient underground chapel.
Day 6: Hama & Apamea, Syria - The Giant Norias
The Norias of Hama
See the massive 14th-century wooden water wheels along the Orontes River, a marvel of medieval engineering.
Apamea Ancient City
Walk the 2km-long Cardo Maximus, the longest Roman colonnaded street in the world, in near total privacy.
Coffee in Hama's Old Quarter
Relax in a traditional café by the river before continuing your journey north.
Arrival in Aleppo
Check into the historic Baron Hotel or a luxury boutique guest house in the Jdeideh quarter.
Day 7: Aleppo, Syria - The Northern Jewel
Citadel of Aleppo
Explore the massive medieval fortified palace that dominates the city skyline, a symbol of Aleppo's resilience.
Great Mosque of Aleppo
Witness the ongoing restoration of this architectural masterpiece, showing the city's commitment to its heritage.
Lunch at Beit Sissi
Enjoy Aleppine specialties like Cherry Kebab in one of the most elegant courtyards in the Jdeideh Quarter.
Baron Hotel Tea Service
Follow in the footsteps of Agatha Christie and Lawrence of Arabia by having tea at this legendary hotel bar.
Day 8: Aleppo, Syria - Markets & Caravanserais
Al-Madina Souq
Explore parts of the 13km-long UNESCO-listed market, focusing on the newly restored sections and traditional soap makers.
Khan al-Wazir
Visit this majestic Ottoman-era caravanserai, once a hub for Silk Road traders from around the globe.
Public Hammam Experience
Indulge in a private luxury session at a historic bathhouse like Hammam al-Nahhasin.
Dinner at Kan Zaman
A high-end dining experience featuring traditional music and the best of Northern Syrian culinary arts.
Day 9: Aleppo, Syria - Dead Cities & Saints
Saint Simeon Stylites
A private excursion to the ruins of the 5th-century church built around the pillar of the famous ascetic saint.
Mushabbak Basilica
Explore this exceptionally well-preserved Byzantine church located in the rolling hills of the Aleppo countryside.
Countryside Picnic
Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch prepared by your hotel amidst the ancient ruins of the "Dead Cities."
Evening Leisure
Return to Aleppo for an evening of relaxation or a visit to a local gallery featuring contemporary Syrian art.
Day 10: Latakia, Syria - Mediterranean Serenity
Drive to the Coast
Leave the northern hills for the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean on a 3-hour private transfer.
Ugarit (Ras Shamra)
Visit the ruins of the royal palace where the first alphabet was discovered, overlooking the sea.
Check-in at Afamia Resort
Settle into a luxury sea-view suite at Latakia's premier coastal resort.
Seafood Dinner by the Sea
Dine on fresh Mediterranean catch at a high-end restaurant on the Latakia corniche.
Day 11: Latakia, Syria - Yachting & Blue Beach
Private Yacht Charter
Spend the morning cruising the coastline, swimming in secluded coves accessible only by boat.
Lunch Onboard
A catered lunch of local mezze and chilled drinks served on the deck of your private boat.
Blue Beach Relaxation
Spend a lazy afternoon on the white sands of the resort's private beach club.
Resort Farewell Party
Enjoy live music and a Mediterranean buffet at the resort's signature restaurant.
Day 12: Tartus & Arwad, Syria - Island Heritage
Transfer to Tartus
A short drive south to the port city of Tartus, home to a stunning Crusader cathedral.
Arwad Island Crossing
Take a private motorboat to the only inhabited island in Syria, famous for its ancient walls and boat-building traditions.
Tartus Old City Walk
Explore the winding alleys of the old fortress before starting your return journey to Damascus.
Final Night in Damascus
Return to the capital and check back into the Four Seasons for your final night.
Day 13: Damascus, Syria - Final Souvenirs & Departure
Leisurely Breakfast
Enjoy a final Syrian breakfast spread with fresh honeycomb, labneh, and flatbreads.
Last-Minute Shopping
A final visit to the Tekkiyeh Sulaymaniyah craft market for high-quality copperware and textiles.
Private Airport Transfer
Your chauffeur will ensure you arrive at the airport with ample time for your departing flight.
Departure
Board your flight, carrying the memories of a journey through the cradle of civilization.
Best Time to Visit Syria
The ideal time for a luxury tour of Syria is during the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm, making it perfect for exploring ancient ruins and walking through the old cities. Summers can be extremely hot, especially in the interior, while winters can be surprisingly cold and rainy, particularly in Damascus and the coastal regions.
Currency & Money
The official currency is the Syrian Pound (SYP). However, due to international sanctions, international credit and debit cards do not work at ATMs or in shops. It is essential to bring enough cash (USD or Euros) for your entire trip. Exchange money at official exchange bureaus or hotels. Tipping is a significant part of the culture; 10-15% at high-end restaurants and small tips for drivers and guides are standard and highly appreciated.
Getting Around Syria
For a luxury experience, private chauffeured cars are the only recommended way to travel between cities. While there are public buses and occasional trains, they do not meet luxury standards. Domestic flights between Damascus, Aleppo, and Latakia are available via Cham Wings and Syrian Air, providing a quick way to cover long distances, though private road transfers offer the best views of the diverse Syrian landscape.
