17-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Syria
Syria is a destination for the truly adventurous, offering a profound journey through the cradle of civilization at a fraction of the cost of neighboring countries. By utilizing the network of local 'servees' (microbuses) and feasting on world-class street food like falafel and fateh, budget travelers can immerse themselves in thousands of years of history while maintaining an ultra-lean daily spend.
This itinerary focuses on the 'Epic Journey' theme, crossing the country from the capital to the northern heights and the Mediterranean coast. It prioritizes free walking tours, historic religious sites with minimal entry fees, and staying in budget-friendly guesthouses or traditional hotels that offer a glimpse into the legendary Syrian hospitality.
Day 1: Damascus, Syria - The Ancient Gateway
Arrival at Damascus International
Clear immigration and navigate the arrival hall. Take the official airport shuttle bus to the Baramkeh bus station in the city center to avoid high taxi fares.
Al-Hamidiyah Souq
Walk through the historic covered market. It is free to explore and offers the cheapest street snacks like Booza (Syrian ice cream) at Bakdash.
Umayyad Mosque
Visit one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world. The entrance fee is minimal for foreigners, and the architectural scale is breathtaking.
Straight Street (Via Recta)
Stroll along the ancient Roman road that bisects the Old City, leading past numerous historic gates and churches.
Day 2: Damascus, Syria - Christian Quarter & History
Azem Palace
Explore this 18th-century Ottoman palace. It serves as a museum of popular arts and traditions with beautiful courtyard gardens.
Chapel of Saint Ananias
Descend into the underground ancient structure where Saul of Tarsus (St. Paul) was said to have been healed of his blindness.
Bab Sharqi Walking Tour
Walk through the Eastern Gate (the only Roman gate still standing in its original form) and explore the surrounding artisan workshops.
Al-Nawfara Fountain
Relax at the oldest cafe in Damascus near the Umayyad Mosque. For the price of a tea, you can often hear traditional storytellers (Hakawati).
Day 3: Damascus, Syria - Panoramic Views
National Museum of Damascus
Spend a few hours viewing artifacts from Palmyra and Mari. It is considered one of the most important museums in the Middle East.
Tekiyeh Suleiman Mosque
Visit this stunning Ottoman-era complex designed by Mimar Sinan, which now houses a small handicraft market.
Mount Qasioun Sunset
Take a shared servee up the mountain for a panoramic view of the city. Watching the lights of Damascus flicker on is a completely free experience.
Dinner in Sarouja
Eat in the 'Little Istanbul' of Damascus, known for its affordable and authentic Damascene cuisine.
Day 4: Maaloula & Saidnaya, Syria - Mountain Pilgrimage
Servee to Maaloula
Catch a morning microbus from the northern station. Travel through the Qalamoun Mountains to this ancient Aramaic-speaking village.
Monastery of Saint Thecla
Walk through the narrow mountain gorge to reach this Greek Orthodox monastery built into the cliffside.
Saidnaya Monastery
Transfer to the nearby town of Saidnaya to visit the Convent of Our Lady, a major pilgrimage site with stunning valley views.
Return to Damascus
Take the evening servee back to the capital to save on rural accommodation costs.
Day 5: Homs, Syria - The Central Hub
Bus to Homs
Depart from Damascus via the Pullman bus station. The 2-hour journey is affordable and offers views of the Syrian steppe.
Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque
Visit this iconic mosque known for its Ottoman architectural style and nine domes, recently restored to its former glory.
Saint Mary Church of the Holy Belt
Visit this ancient Syriac Orthodox church which, according to tradition, houses the belt of the Virgin Mary.
Homs City Center Walk
Observe the rebuilding efforts and enjoy a 'Homsi' meal, known for being particularly affordable and filling.
Day 6: Krak des Chevaliers, Syria - Crusader Might
Journey to Al-Hosn
Take a local microbus from Homs toward the village of Al-Hosn. The castle is visible from miles away on its hilltop perch.
Exploring Krak des Chevaliers
Spend hours wandering through the most famous Crusader castle in the world. Its inner and outer walls are masterpieces of medieval military architecture.
Lunch with a View
Eat a packed lunch or find a small local stall in Al-Hosn village overlooking the fortress to save on 'tourist' restaurant prices.
Return to Homs
Navigate the local servee network back to Homs for your final night in the central region.
Day 7: Hama, Syria - City of Waterwheels
Transfer to Hama
A short 45-minute bus ride north brings you to Hama, one of Syria's most picturesque and traditional cities.
The Norias of Hama
Walk along the Orontes River to see the giant wooden waterwheels. They are free to view and are the symbol of the city.
Hama Old Town
Explore the traditional stone houses and narrow alleys that are significantly more quiet and conservative than Damascus.
Riverside Dining
Enjoy a meal near the river. Hama is famous for its sweets, particularly 'Halawat al-Jibn' (sweet cheese rolls).
Day 8: Hama, Syria - Apamea Excursion
Travel to Apamea
Hire a shared taxi or find a servee heading toward Afamia. This site is home to one of the longest Roman colonnaded streets in existence.
The Great Colonnade
Walk the 2km length of the ancient Roman street. The site is often empty, offering a serene and free-roaming experience.
Qalaat al-Madiq
Visit the medieval citadel located right next to the Apamea ruins, which is still partially inhabited by locals.
Return to Hama
Head back to Hama to prepare for the longer journey north to Aleppo the following morning.
Day 9: Aleppo, Syria - The Northern Capital
Bus to Aleppo
Take the Pullman bus from Hama. The route north enters the cultural and industrial heart of Syria.
Aleppo Public Park
Relax in this large green space in the modern part of the city, a great place to people-watch and eat cheap street food.
Baron Hotel (Exterior)
Walk by the historic hotel where Agatha Christie and T.E. Lawrence once stayed. It represents a bygone era of luxury travel.
Al-Jadida District
Explore the historic Christian quarter of Aleppo, known for its beautiful narrow streets and renovated courtyards.
Day 10: Aleppo, Syria - The Citadel & Souqs
Aleppo Citadel
Explore this massive medieval fortified palace. It is one of the oldest and largest castles in the world and offers views over the entire city.
Al-Madina Souq
Enter the UNESCO-listed covered markets. While some parts are still under restoration, many sections are bustling with spice and textile merchants.
Great Mosque of Aleppo
Visit the site of the Great Mosque (currently under restoration) to see the progress of rebuilding this masterpiece of Seljuk architecture.
Aleppo Soap Shopping
Visit a traditional soap factory to see how the world-famous Laurel soap is made. It's a great, cheap souvenir.
Day 11: Aleppo, Syria - Dead Cities Day Trip
St. Simeon Stylites
Travel to the ruins of the Basilica of St. Simeon. This was once the largest church in the world, built around the pillar of the famous ascetic saint.
Qalb Lozeh
Visit this incredibly well-preserved 5th-century Byzantine church, which is said to have influenced the design of Notre Dame in Paris.
Mushabbak Basilica
Stop at this lonely but beautiful ruin on the way back to Aleppo. It is free to enter and usually completely solitary.
Kabab Karaz Dinner
Treat yourself to Aleppo's signature dish: Cherry Kebabs. Look for local eateries away from the main tourist squares for the best prices.
Day 12: Aleppo, Syria - Daily Life & Relaxation
Aleppo National Museum
View the extensive collection of Iron Age and Bronze Age artifacts from northern Syrian archaeological sites.
Local Hammam Experience
Visit a traditional Aleppo bathhouse. It is an affordable way to relax and experience a centuries-old social tradition.
Liberty Square (Saahat al-Hurriya)
Spend your evening in this lively area, enjoying cheap snacks and watching the vibrant street life of Aleppo's youth.
Pack for the Coast
Prepare your bags for a long bus journey tomorrow toward the Mediterranean sea.
Day 13: Latakia, Syria - Mediterranean Breeze
Bus to Latakia
Take a Pullman bus from Aleppo to Latakia. The route winds through the scenic coastal mountains and green forests.
Latakia Port & Promenade
Walk along the corniche. The sea breeze is a welcome change from the dry heat of the interior cities.
Tishreen Park
Visit the city's largest park for a relaxing afternoon. Entry is free and it's a popular spot for local families.
Seafood Dinner
Latakia is the best place for fresh fish. Head to the smaller docks for 'catch of the day' sandwiches at budget prices.
Day 14: Latakia, Syria - Ancient Ugarit
Ugarit (Ras Shamra)
Take a short servee ride to the ruins of Ugarit, where the world's first alphabet was discovered. The site includes a royal palace and temples.
Blue Beach (Shatt al-Azraq)
Spend the afternoon at one of Syria's most famous beaches. While some parts are private, there are public stretches for a free swim.
Cote d'Azur Promenade
Walk the resort area for great views of the Mediterranean at sunset.
Latakia Night Market
Browse the local markets for cheap clothing and snacks before heading to Tartus tomorrow.
Day 15: Tartus & Arwad, Syria - The Island Life
Microbus to Tartus
A quick 1-hour trip south along the coast brings you to the port city of Tartus.
Cathedral of Our Lady of Tortosa
Visit this exceptionally well-preserved Crusader church which now serves as the city's National Museum.
Arwad Island Ferry
Take a small wooden boat (very cheap) to Arwad, Syria's only inhabited island. Explore the narrow fortress-like streets and watch boat builders at work.
Tartus Old City
Explore the Crusader-era residential district built within the walls of the old fortress.
Day 16: Return to Damascus, Syria - Final Souvenirs
Long Bus to Damascus
Board the return bus to the capital. Use this 4-hour journey to reflect on the diverse regions you've visited.
Last Minute Souqs
Return to the Al-Hamidiyah souq to pick up spices, sweets (Barazek), or textiles you might have missed.
Sayyidah Zaynab Shrine
Take a microbus to the outskirts to see this stunning gold-domed shrine, a major site of pilgrimage with incredible mirror-work interiors.
Farewell Dinner
Eat at a local 'Fattet' spot in the Old City for a final, hearty, and cheap Syrian feast.
Day 17: Damascus, Syria - Departure
Final Breakfast
Enjoy a traditional breakfast of hummus, labneh, and fresh bread from a street vendor one last time.
Tekiyeh Suleiman Crafts
Do a final walk-through of the craft market for any high-quality handmade gifts.
Airport Shuttle
Head to the Baramkeh station to catch the shuttle back to Damascus International Airport.
Flight Departure
Ensure you have all your documents ready for exit procedures at the airport.
Best Time to Visit Syria
The best time to visit Syria is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, perfect for walking through ancient ruins and city streets. Summers can be extremely hot, especially in the interior desert areas, while winters can be surprisingly cold and rainy, particularly in the coastal mountains and Aleppo.
Currency & Money
The currency is the Syrian Pound (SYP). Due to economic sanctions and fluctuations, the official exchange rate and the market rate can differ significantly. It is a strictly cash-based economy for travelers; international credit and debit cards generally do not work at ATMs or in shops. You should bring enough USD or Euros in crisp, new bills to exchange locally. Tipping is appreciated in small amounts for service in cafes and for guides.
Getting Around Syria
Getting around Syria on a budget is best done via 'servees'—white microbuses that follow set routes within and between cities. They are incredibly cheap and a great way to meet locals. For longer distances between major cities like Damascus, Homs, and Aleppo, the 'Pullman' buses are a more comfortable and still very affordable option. While there were once extensive train networks, many are currently limited or under repair, so buses remain the primary mode of transport for backpackers.
