16-Day Epic Budget Backpacking Journey Across Syria
Syria is a destination for the truly adventurous traveler, offering a profound journey through the cradle of civilization. This 16-day itinerary is designed for the budget-conscious backpacker who values authenticity over luxury, focusing on the incredible hospitality of the Syrian people, ancient ruins, and the world's most flavorful street food.
Traveling on just $10.80 a day in Syria is possible by utilizing the network of 'Service' (micro-buses), staying in basic city pensions, and indulging in local staples like falafel, shawarma, and fatteh. This route takes you from the bustling souqs of Damascus to the resilient streets of Aleppo and the serene Mediterranean coastline.
Day 1: Damascus, Syria - Arrival and Old City Immersion
Arrival at Damascus International Airport
Clear immigration and take the local airport shuttle bus or a shared taxi to the city center. It is the most economical way to reach the Baramkeh transport hub.
Check-in at Al-Rabie Hotel
Located in a traditional courtyard house, this is a legendary spot for backpackers. Secure a dormitory bed or a basic room to keep costs low.
Walk through Souq Al-Hamidiyah
Wander the central bazaar under the vaulted tin roof. It's free to explore, and the atmosphere is electric. Don't forget to grab a famous Bakdash booza (ice cream).
Dinner at a Falafel Stall
Enjoy a fresh falafel sandwich from a street vendor near the Citadel for less than a dollar.
Day 2: Damascus, Syria - Spiritual and Ancient Landmarks
Umayyad Mosque
Visit one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world. The stunning mosaics and vast courtyard are a testament to Islamic architecture.
Mausoleum of Saladin
Located just outside the mosque, this site holds the remains of the famous Ayyubid Sultan. Entry is very affordable for tourists.
Straight Street (Via Recta)
Walk the Roman-era road that bisects the Old City, visiting the Roman Arch and the historic Christian Quarter (Bab Sharqi).
Street Food Feast in Bab Touma
Try 'Fatteh'—a delicious mix of chickpeas, yogurt, and fried bread—at a local eatery where residents gather.
Day 3: Damascus, Syria - Panoramic Views and Local Life
National Museum of Damascus
Explore artifacts from Palmyra and Ugarit. It is an essential stop to understand the depth of Syrian history before heading into the provinces.
Picnic at Tekkiyeh Suleymaniyeh
Visit this stunning Ottoman mosque complex and its handicraft market. Buy some local bread and cheese for a cheap picnic lunch in the courtyard.
Mount Qasioun Sunset
Take a shared micro-bus to the slopes of Mount Qasioun. Watching the lights of Damascus flicker on as the sun sets is a free and unforgettable experience.
Tea at a Local Qahwa
Join the locals for a glass of sweetened mint tea at a traditional coffee house in the Sarouja district.
Day 4: Damascus to Maaloula, Syria - Ancient History Day Trip
Bus to Maaloula
Catch a 'Service' minibus from the Zablatani station. It’s a cheap 1-hour ride to this village where Aramaic is still spoken.
Monastery of Saint Sarkis
Climb to this ancient monastery for stunning views of the village below and to see some of the world's oldest icons.
Walk the Gorge
Walk through the narrow rock split (Faj) that leads to the Monastery of Saint Thecla. It’s a beautiful, free natural attraction.
Return to Damascus
Take the late afternoon return bus. Enjoy a cheap shawarma dinner back in the capital.
Day 5: Damascus to Homs, Syria - Heading North
Pullman Bus to Homs
Head to the Harasta bus station. The Pullman coach services are reliable and very affordable for the 2.5-hour journey north.
Check-in at Homs City Center
Find a budget-friendly hotel near the clock tower. Homs is the gateway to Syria's central region.
Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque
Visit this iconic mosque, known for its Ottoman architectural style and impressive domes, which has been significantly restored.
Explore Homs Souq
Witness the reconstruction of the city's heart and enjoy some 'Homsi' sweets like Halawet el-Jibn from a street stall.
Day 6: Homs to Krak des Chevaliers, Syria - Crusader Fortresses
Micro-bus to Al-Hosn
Take a shared bus from the Homs northern terminal to the village of Al-Hosn, located at the foot of the castle.
Krak des Chevaliers Tour
Spend hours exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site. It is arguably the best-preserved crusader castle in the world.
Lunch with a View
Eat a simple packed lunch on the castle walls or visit a small café in the village for a cheap mana’eesh (flatbread).
Return to Homs
Catch the last micro-bus back to Homs for a quiet evening and a budget meal of lentil soup.
Day 7: Homs to Tartus, Syria - The Mediterranean Coast
Bus to Tartus
Travel by bus toward the coast. The change in landscape to lush greenery and sea views is a highlight of the trip.
Tartus Old City
Walk through the lived-in old town of Tartus, built within the walls of a former Crusader fortress. Entry to the Cathedral of Our Lady of Tartus is a must.
Tartus Promenade (Corniche)
Join the locals for a walk along the sea. It’s free, breezy, and perfect for people-watching.
Budget Seafood Dinner
Look for small fry-shops near the port that serve fresh catch-of-the-day in sandwiches for a fraction of restaurant prices.
Day 8: Tartus & Arwad Island, Syria - Island Life
Ferry to Arwad Island
Take the small local boat (ferry) from the Tartus port. The ride is short and extremely cheap.
Arwad Exploration
Wander the car-free streets of Syria's only inhabited island. Visit the small fort and watch the traditional boat builders at work.
Swimming in the Mediterranean
Find a rocky outcrop on the back of the island for a free swim in the clear blue waters.
Return to Tartus
Return to the mainland and enjoy a cheap evening coffee at a seaside stall.
Day 9: Tartus to Latakia, Syria - Port City Vibes
Micro-bus to Latakia
A short journey north along the coast brings you to Latakia, Syria's main port city.
Tishreen Square
Check into a budget hotel near the city center and walk to the bustling Tishreen Square to get your bearings.
Latakia Archaeological Museum
Housed in an Ottoman-era khan, this museum offers insights into the region's Phoenician and Roman past.
Evening at the Port
Watch the massive cargo ships come in while snacking on roasted nuts from a street vendor.
Day 10: Latakia to Ugarit, Syria - The First Alphabet
Taxi to Ras Shamra (Ugarit)
Negotiate a cheap fare for the short drive to the ruins of Ugarit, where the world's first alphabet was discovered.
Explore Ugarit Ruins
Walk through the Royal Palace and the residential quarters of this once-mighty Bronze Age city-state.
Blue Coast (Shatti al-Azraq)
Visit the nearby public beaches for a relaxing afternoon. Avoid the private resorts to keep costs at zero.
Return to Latakia
Enjoy a final coastal dinner—try the spicy 'Sujuk' sandwiches popular in the region.
Day 11: Latakia to Aleppo, Syria - Journey to the North
Kadmous Bus to Aleppo
Board a Kadmous bus for the scenic but long journey to Aleppo. This is a major transit day.
Arrival in Aleppo
Check into a budget hotel in the Al-Jdeideh quarter or near the Clock Tower. Aleppo's energy is unique despite its recent history.
Public Park (Al-Hadiqa al-Amma)
Rest after your journey in the city's largest public park, a popular and free spot for families.
Aleppo Street Food
Taste the legendary Aleppo kibbeh from a local stall—it's some of the best in the Middle East.
Day 12: Aleppo, Syria - The Citadel and Ancient Souqs
Aleppo Citadel
Explore this massive medieval fortified palace. The view from the top gives you a 360-degree perspective of the city's recovery.
Al-Madina Souq
Wander the covered markets. While some parts are under restoration, the spirit of trade is very much alive.
Great Mosque of Aleppo
Witness the painstaking restoration of this historic mosque. Even from the outside, its significance is palpable.
Al-Jdeideh Quarter
Explore the historic Christian quarter with its beautiful narrow alleys and carved stone facades.
Day 13: Aleppo, Syria - St. Simeon and Dead Cities
Day Trip to St. Simeon
Hire a shared taxi to visit the Church of Saint Simeon Stylites, a magnificent 5th-century ruin north of the city.
Explore the Ruins
Marvel at the remains of the huge basilica built around the pillar where the hermit monk Simeon lived for 37 years.
Dead Cities Overview
The area is dotted with ancient Byzantine villages known as the 'Dead Cities.' Many are free to view from the roadside.
Return to Aleppo
Spend your final evening in Aleppo enjoying 'Zaatar' flatbreads for a cheap and filling dinner.
Day 14: Aleppo to Hama, Syria - The Waterwheels
Bus to Hama
Take a morning bus south to Hama, a city famous for its ancient wooden waterwheels (Norias).
The Norias of Hama
Walk along the Orontes River to see these giant wooden wheels. Several are located in public parks and are free to visit.
Azem Palace (Hama)
Visit this beautiful 18th-century Ottoman palace, which now serves as a museum showing local folk traditions.
Hama Sweets
Hama is famous for its 'Siahib'—a unique local sweet. They are cheap and sold at almost every street corner.
Day 15: Hama to Damascus, Syria - Final Return
Final Pullman Journey
Return to Damascus for your final day. The 3-hour ride is a good time to organize your photos and travel notes.
Last-Minute Souvenirs
Head back to the Old City to buy small, budget-friendly gifts like Aleppo soap or local spices.
Visit the Sayyidah Ruqayya Mosque
A stunning example of Iranian-style mosaic work in the heart of Damascus. It is free to enter and very peaceful.
Farewell Dinner
Splurge slightly on a full 'Fatteh' or 'Mansaf' meal to celebrate the end of your epic journey.
Day 16: Damascus, Syria - Departure
Final Syrian Breakfast
Enjoy a final breakfast of fresh bread, olives, and labneh at your hotel or a local bakery.
Airport Transfer
Take the airport shuttle from the Baramkeh station. Ensure you arrive at least 3 hours before your flight.
Last Look at Damascus
Take a moment to appreciate the resilience and history of the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world.
Departure
Safe travels home or to your next backpacking destination!
Best Time to Visit Syria
The best time to visit Syria is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, perfect for walking through ancient ruins and city souqs. Summers can be extremely hot, especially in the desert and inland cities like Hama, while winters can be surprisingly cold and rainy, particularly in Damascus and Aleppo.
Currency & Money
The official currency is the Syrian Pound (SYP). Syria is almost entirely a cash-based economy; international credit and debit cards do not work at local ATMs or shops due to sanctions. You must bring enough USD or Euros in cash to exchange locally. Tipping (baksheesh) is common and appreciated for small services. Always check the latest unofficial exchange rates, as they fluctuate significantly compared to the official bank rate.
Getting Around Syria
Intercity travel is best done via 'Pullman' buses, which are large, comfortable coaches connecting major cities like Damascus, Homs, and Aleppo. For shorter distances or more frequent departures, 'Service' (shared minibuses) are the backpacker's best friend—they are very cheap and depart as soon as they are full. Within cities, walking is the best way to explore historic centers, while micro-buses and yellow taxis (negotiate the price beforehand) cover longer urban distances.
