17-Day Syria Luxury Heritage & Epic Landscapes Journey
Syria is a land where history breathes through every stone, offering a depth of culture that few places on earth can rival. On this 17-day luxury escape, you will traverse the country in comfort, staying in exquisitely restored Ottoman-era mansions and modern five-star hubs while exploring the footprints of the Umayyads, Romans, and Crusaders.
This itinerary is designed for the discerning traveler who seeks an epic journey without compromising on quality. From private guided access to the world-renowned Citadel of Aleppo to sunset dinners overlooking the desert ruins of Palmyra, you will experience the Syrian spirit of hospitality at its most refined level.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Damascus, Syria - The Gateway to Antiquity
VIP Airport Arrival & Transfer
Arrive at Damascus International Airport where your private chauffeur awaits to whisk you away in a premium SUV to your boutique hotel in the Old City.
Check-in at Beit Al-Wali
Settle into one of the most prestigious boutique hotels in the world, a restored 18th-century Damascene mansion featuring intricate woodwork and marble courtyards.
Private Sunset Tour of the Old City
Begin your exploration with a walk through the Straight Street, visiting the Ananias Chapel and the ancient city gates.
Fine Dining at Naranj
Indulge in a multi-course Syrian feast at Naranj, widely considered the pinnacle of Levantine high-end dining.
Day 2: Damascus, Syria - The Umayyad Splendor
Umayyad Mosque Private Access
Explore the architectural masterpiece of the Umayyad Mosque with a specialized historian to guide you through its mosaics and history.
Artisan Souk Al-Hamidiyah
Walk through the legendary covered market, visiting exclusive silk and damask textile shops catering to luxury clientele.
National Museum of Damascus
Discover the Dura-Europos synagogue and the extensive collection of artifacts from the Palmyra region.
Bakdash Ice Cream Experience
Enjoy the famous pounded pistachio ice cream in a reserved seating area of this historic establishment.
Day 3: Damascus, Syria - Mount Qasioun & Arts
Art Gallery Crawl
Visit the Mustafa Ali Gallery and other contemporary art spaces in the Jewish Quarter, showcasing Syria's modern creative elite.
Lunch at Al-Khawali
Enjoy traditional Damascene fattah in a high-end, garden-like setting within the historic district.
Mount Qasioun Panoramic View
Drive to the summit of Mount Qasioun for a private tea service as the sun sets over the sprawling city lights.
Hammam Al-Malik al-Zahir
Experience a private luxury spa treatment in one of the oldest functioning bathhouses in the city.
Day 4: Maaloula & Saidnaya, Syria - Spiritual Heights
Scenic Drive to Saidnaya
Travel north into the mountains to visit the Convent of Our Lady of Saidnaya, a major pilgrimage site with stunning views.
Maaloula Village Exploration
Visit the village where Aramaic is still spoken. Explore the Monastery of Saint Sergius and Bacchus.
Monastic Lunch
Dine on locally sourced organic produce and mountain honey prepared by the local community.
Return to Damascus
Enjoy a relaxed evening with a private wine tasting featuring Syrian Bekaa Valley vintages.
Day 5: Homs & Krak des Chevaliers, Syria - Crusader Might
Transfer to Wadi al-Nasara
Depart Damascus for the Valley of Christians, a lush green region home to the world's most famous Crusader castle.
Krak des Chevaliers Tour
Enjoy a private, in-depth tour of the castle, exploring the inner keep, the stables, and the Gothic hall.
Lunch with a View
Dine at a restaurant overlooking the fortress, enjoying local 'Kibbeh' specialties.
St. George Monastery
Visit the nearby Byzantine-era monastery before checking into a luxury resort in the valley.
Day 6: Palmyra, Syria - The Bride of the Desert
Desert Expedition
Embark on a private journey across the Syrian Steppe toward the legendary oasis city of Palmyra.
Temple of Bel & Colonnade
Walk through the monumental ruins of the Roman era, guided by an archaeologist familiar with the site's restoration.
Valley of the Tombs
Explore the unique tower tombs and the funerary art that made Palmyra famous in antiquity.
Sunset at Fakhr-al-Din al-Ma'ani Castle
Watch the desert turn gold from the hilltop castle overlooking the entire Palmyra site.
Day 7: Palmyra to Hama, Syria - Rivers & Norias
Palmyra Gardens Walk
Enjoy a peaceful morning walk through the date palm groves of the Palmyra oasis.
Transit to Hama
Drive west toward the Orontes River, arriving in the city of Hama by lunchtime.
The Great Norias
Observe the giant wooden waterwheels, some dating back to the 14th century, which are symbols of the city.
Azem Palace Hama
Visit the beautifully decorated 18th-century palace, now a museum of local traditions.
Day 8: Apamea & Transfer to Aleppo, Syria
Apamea Ancient City
Visit the ruins of Apamea, home to the longest Cardo Maximus (colonnaded street) in the Roman world.
Rustic Lunch in Mudiq
Enjoy a simple but delicious lunch near the Apamea citadel before continuing north.
Arrival in Aleppo
Check into the Sheraton Aleppo or a boutique mansion in the Jdeideh quarter.
Dinner at Baron Hotel
Visit the historic Baron Hotel for a drink where Agatha Christie and T.E. Lawrence once stayed.
Day 9: Aleppo, Syria - The Northern Jewel
Citadel of Aleppo
Spend the morning exploring this UNESCO World Heritage site, one of the oldest and largest castles in the world.
The Great Mosque of Aleppo
Visit the restoration site of the Umayyad Mosque of Aleppo and witness the revival of the city's heritage.
Old Souks Exploration
Navigate the labyrinthine markets, stopping to buy authentic Aleppo soap and rare spices.
Traditional Aleppine Musical Evening
Attend a private performance of 'Muwashshahat' music in a traditional courtyard house.
Day 10: Aleppo, Syria - Dead Cities & St. Simeon
Church of Saint Simeon Stylites
Travel to the magnificent ruins of the 5th-century church built around the pillar of the famous ascetic saint.
The Dead Cities Tour
Explore the ghost towns of the Byzantine era, such as Mushabbak or Serjilla, showcasing ancient villa life.
Picnic in the Olive Groves
Enjoy a gourmet picnic lunch prepared by your hotel amidst the ancient ruins.
Evening in Aleppo City
Enjoy leisure time to revisit your favorite spots in the Old City for photography.
Day 11: Aleppo to Latakia, Syria - Coastward Bound
Drive to the Mediterranean
Depart Aleppo for the coastal city of Latakia, passing through the scenic Alawite mountains.
Seafood Lunch at the Port
Enjoy fresh Mediterranean fish at a premium restaurant along the Latakia corniche.
Check-in at Afamia Resort
Experience Syria's premier coastal luxury at a five-star resort with private beach access.
Latakia Corniche Walk
Stroll along the Mediterranean as the locals do, enjoying the vibrant evening atmosphere.
Day 12: Latakia, Syria - Ugarit & The Alphabet
Ugarit Archaeological Site
Visit Ras Shamra, the site of the ancient city of Ugarit, where the world's first alphabet was discovered.
Resort Relaxation
Spend the afternoon enjoying the amenities of your luxury resort, including the spa and infinity pools.
Cote d'Azur Beach Club
Enjoy a sunset cocktail at one of the exclusive beach clubs along the Blue Beach.
Private Beach Dinner
Arrange for a private, torch-lit dinner on the sand featuring Levantine-Mediterranean fusion.
Day 13: Tartus & Arwad Island, Syria
Drive to Tartus
Travel south along the coast to the historic port city of Tartus.
Arwad Island Boat Trip
Take a private boat to Arwad, Syria's only inhabited island, known for its fortress and shipbuilding.
Island Seafood Lunch
Dine on the island's famous grilled calamari and shrimp right at the water's edge.
Old Tartus Cathedral
Visit the 12th-century cathedral, now a museum, which reflects the city's Crusader heritage.
Day 14: Misyaf & Alawite Mountains, Syria
Misyaf Citadel
Head inland to the mountains to see the famous Assassin's castle at Misyaf, perfectly preserved.
Mountain Orchard Lunch
Eat at a local farmhouse in the mountains, sampling figs, olives, and fresh mountain bread.
Safita White Tower
Visit the massive Crusader tower in the town of Safita, which offers 360-degree views of the countryside.
Evening in Safita
Stay overnight in a charming mountain lodge with views of the valley below.
Day 15: Returning to the Capital, Syria
Scenic Drive to Damascus
Enjoy the final long-distance drive of the trip as you head back to Damascus for your final nights.
Check-in at Talisman Hotel
Switch to a different luxury boutique mansion in the Old City to experience another side of Damascene design.
Last-Minute Shopping
Visit the high-end boutiques in the Rawda district for modern Syrian fashion and luxury goods.
Farewell Dinner at Al-Dar
Celebrate your journey at Al-Dar, one of the most elegant restaurants in the city, located in a stunning courtyard.
Day 16: Damascus - Leisure & Culture
The Hejaz Railway Station
Visit the iconic Ottoman-era train station, famous for its stained glass and intricate ceiling.
Lunch at the Tishreen Park
Enjoy a relaxed lunch in one of the city's largest green spaces, a favorite for local families.
Sayyidah Zaynab Shrine
Visit the spectacular gold-domed shrine in the outskirts of the city, a masterpiece of modern Persian-style architecture.
Rooftop Lounge Evening
Enjoy a final drink at a high-end rooftop lounge overlooking the city skyline.
Day 17: Damascus, Syria - Final Departures
Breakfast in the Courtyard
Savor a traditional Damascene breakfast of labneh, olives, and fresh fatayer one last time.
Last Walk Through Bab Touma
Take a final stroll through the Christian Quarter, picking up small souvenirs like inlaid wood boxes.
VIP Transfer to Airport
Your private driver will ensure you arrive at the airport with plenty of time for your departure.
Departure
Board your flight, taking home memories of Syria's incredible resilience and ancient beauty.
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 periods, the weather is mild and pleasant, perfect for exploring outdoor archaeological sites and walking through the old cities. Summers can be intensely hot, especially in the desert regions like Palmyra, while winters can be surprisingly cold and rainy in Damascus and Aleppo.
Currency & Money
The official currency is the Syrian Pound (SYP). However, the economy is complex; while the pound is used for daily transactions, prices for luxury services and hotels are often quoted in USD or Euros. Credit cards are rarely accepted due to international sanctions, so it is essential to carry enough cash (USD or EUR) to exchange locally or pay for high-end services. Tipping is a common and appreciated practice in the service industry, especially for private guides and drivers.
Getting Around Syria
For a luxury itinerary, the best way to get around Syria is by private, air-conditioned SUV with a professional driver. There are no high-speed trains currently operational for tourism, and domestic flights are limited. Premium bus services like Kadmous offer reliable intercity transport between major hubs like Damascus, Homs, and Latakia. Within cities, walking is the best way to see the historic quarters, while private cars are best for modern districts.
