19-Day Ultimate Budget Backpacking Route in Syria
Syria is a destination for the truly adventurous, offering a depth of history and a level of hospitality that is unmatched anywhere else in the Middle East. This 19-day itinerary focuses on the 'Epic Journey' style, utilizing local microbuses (servis) and staying in traditional budget hostels to keep costs at an ultra-lean $10.80 per day.
From the ancient Umayyad Mosque in Damascus to the crusader heights of Krak des Chevaliers and the resilient spirit of Aleppo, you will traverse the country’s most significant landmarks. This route is designed for those who prefer street-side falafel over fancy restaurants and the hum of a crowded souk over a private tour bus.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Damascus, Syria - The Arrival
Arrival at Damascus International
Complete your visa formalities and exchange a small amount of cash at the official bank rate for the bus into the city. Use the airport shuttle bus to Reach the Baramkeh bus station.
Check into Al-Rabie Hotel
Settle into this legendary budget hostel located in a traditional Damascene house near Sarouja. It's the hub for backpackers in the city.
Al-Hamidiyah Souq Stroll
Walk through the massive vaulted marketplace. It is free to enter and offers a sensory overload of spices, textiles, and history.
Bakdash Ice Cream
Indulge in a bowl of famous booza (pounded ice cream) at Bakdash. It is an affordable local institution that has survived decades of change.
Day 2: Damascus, Syria - The Spiritual Heart
Umayyad Mosque
One of the largest and oldest mosques in the world. Visitors can enter for a small fee; remember to remove your shoes and dress modestly.
Sayyida Ruqayya Mosque
Visit this stunning example of Iranian-style architecture nearby, known for its intricate mirror work and blue tiles.
Street Food Lunch in Al-Midan
Head to the Al-Midan neighborhood for some of the best and cheapest shawarma and Syrian sweets in the country.
Bab Sharqi Exploration
Walk the Straight Street (Via Recta) and explore the Christian quarter's gates, including Bab Sharqi and Bab Touma.
Day 3: Damascus, Syria - Views and Vistas
National Museum of Damascus
View artifacts from Palmyra and Mari. It is one of the most important archaeological museums in the Middle East.
Tekkiyeh Suleimaniyeh
Explore this Ottoman-era mosque complex and its handicraft market, perfect for watching local artisans at work.
Mount Qasioun Sunset
Take a cheap local microbus up the mountain for a panoramic view of the city as the lights come on. It is a free and popular local hangout.
Sarouja Night Market
Grab cheap mana'eesh (Syrian pizza) from a local bakery for an ultra-lean dinner under $1.
Day 4: Damascus, Syria - The Hidden Courtyards
Azem Palace
An 18th-century Ottoman palace that showcases Damascene architecture with stunning courtyards and fountain works.
Khan As'ad Pasha
Visit this massive caravansary. Its architecture with nine domes is a masterpiece of the silk road era.
Maktab Anbar
A beautiful Jewish house turned cultural center. It is often quiet and offers a peaceful break from the souq's chaos.
Tea at Nofara Cafe
Sit outside the oldest cafe in Damascus and listen to the traditional storyteller (Hakawati) while sipping $0.50 tea.
Day 5: Maaloula, Syria - Ancient Tongues
Microbus to Maaloula
Catch a cheap local 'servis' from the northern garage. The 1-hour journey takes you into the Qalamoun Mountains.
Monastery of Saint Sarkis
Visit one of the oldest monasteries in the world. If you are lucky, you may hear the Lord's Prayer in Aramaic.
The Gorge of Saint Tekla
Walk through the narrow mountain split that leads to the Convent of Saint Tekla. The walk is free and spiritually significant.
Return to Damascus
Catch the last microbus back to the city to save on accommodation costs by staying in your base hostel.
Day 6: Hama, Syria - The Water Wheels
Bus to Hama
Take a Pullman bus from Damascus to Hama (approx 3 hours). This is a faster and more comfortable budget option for intercity travel.
Norias of Hama
Visit the massive wooden water wheels on the Orontes River. They are free to view and are the symbol of the city.
Azem Palace Hama
A smaller but equally beautiful version of the Damascus palace, now housing a folk museum.
Hama Riverfront Dinner
Eat a Hama-style 'Sfiha' (meat pie) at a local riverside stall for a few dollars while listening to the creak of the Norias.
Day 7: Hama, Syria - Crusader Heights
Day Trip to Krak des Chevaliers
Hire a shared taxi or microbus via Homs to reach the world's most famous crusader castle. It’s an essential 'Epic Journey' stop.
Exploring the Citadel
Spend hours getting lost in the tunnels, stables, and ramparts of this UNESCO World Heritage site.
Lunch in Al-Hosn Village
Eat a simple village lunch with views of the castle. Prices here are much lower than in major cities.
Return to Hama
Catch the evening microbus back to Hama to prepare for your move to the coast.
Day 8: Tartus, Syria - The Mediterranean Gate
Travel to Tartus
Take a microbus from Hama to Tartus (approx 2 hours). The scenery changes from plains to lush mountains and sea.
Old City of Tartus
Explore the crusader-era ruins that people still live in today. The Cathedral of Our Lady of Tortosa is a highlight.
Tartus Corniche
Walk the long seaside promenade. It is free, breezy, and perfect for people-watching with a $0.20 coffee from a van.
Seafood Street Food
Try a fried fish sandwich from the small stalls near the port. It is the cheapest way to eat fresh Mediterranean seafood.
Day 9: Tartus, Syria - Arwad Island
Boat to Arwad
Take a small local ferry to Syria's only inhabited island. The ride costs less than a dollar and takes 15 minutes.
Arwad Fortress
Explore the small island fortress and watch traditional boat builders at work on the shore.
Island Wandering
There are no cars on Arwad. Walk the narrow alleys and enjoy the slower pace of life.
Return to Tartus
Head back to the mainland for your final night in Tartus before heading north.
Day 10: Latakia, Syria - Coastal Vibes
Microbus to Latakia
A short 1.5-hour journey north along the coast to Syria's main port city.
Tishreen Park
A large public park perfect for a budget picnic. Join local students and families on the grass.
Latakia Museum
Located in an old Ottoman khan, it houses artifacts from the surrounding coastal archaeological sites.
Cote d'Azur District
Walk the beach area. While the resorts are expensive, the public beach access is free for a sunset swim.
Day 11: Latakia, Syria - The Alphabet City
Ugarit (Ras Shamra)
Take a local microbus to the ruins of Ugarit, where the first alphabet was discovered. It is an essential site for history buffs.
Blue Beach Relax
Spend the afternoon at one of the rocky inlets north of the city. Bring your own snacks to avoid 'tourist' prices.
Saladin's Castle Day Trip
If time permits, take a servis to Qala'at Salah al-Din, a castle dramatically set in a mountain ravine.
Downtown Latakia
Enjoy 'Fatteh' at a local eatery, a hearty dish of chickpeas and yogurt that is filling and very cheap.
Day 12: Aleppo, Syria - The Journey North
The Road to Aleppo
Prepare for a 4-5 hour journey. This route shows the changing landscape of Syria as you head toward the historic northern capital.
Arrival & Aleppo Clock Tower
Orient yourself at the Bab al-Faraj Clock Tower, a major landmark in the city center.
Public Park (Al-Hadika al-Amma)
Relax in the city's main park after the long journey. It’s a great place to meet locals who are eager to practice English.
Aleppo Kibbeh Dinner
Aleppo is famous for its food. Find a small 'hole-in-the-wall' shop for Kibbeh, the city's signature dish.
Day 13: Aleppo, Syria - The Citadel
Citadel of Aleppo
Dominating the skyline, this is one of the oldest and largest castles in the world. The entrance fee is a bargain for the scale of the site.
The Great Mosque of Aleppo
Observe the ongoing restoration of this historic site, which suffered during the conflict but remains the city's soul.
Old Souks Exploration
Walk through the ancient covered markets. While many are being rebuilt, the Al-Madina Souq still offers a glimpse of medieval trade.
Tea with a View
Find a rooftop cafe overlooking the Citadel for a cheap sunset tea or coffee.
Day 14: Aleppo, Syria - Resilience and Craft
Aleppo Soap Factory
Visit a traditional factory to see how the world-famous laurel soap is made. It makes for a cheap and lightweight souvenir.
Jdeydeh Christian Quarter
Walk through the narrow streets of Jdeydeh. Many of the historic courtyards here have been restored into beautiful spaces.
Baron Hotel External View
See the hotel where Agatha Christie and T.E. Lawrence once stayed. It’s a piece of living history on the edge of the modern city.
Budget Street Feast
Grab 'Zaatar' man'ouché from a corner bakery for less than $0.50 for a quick and authentic dinner.
Day 15: Aleppo, Syria - The Modern Pulse
Museum of Aleppo
Spend the morning viewing one of the most important archaeological collections in the world, focused on northern Syrian sites.
Aziziyeh Neighborhood
Explore the modern side of Aleppo with its boutiques and cafes. It offers a different perspective on Syrian life.
Shahba Mall Area
Visit the areas surrounding the major malls to see the city's rapid commercial recovery.
Local Coffee Culture
Join the youth in a local 'Ahwa' (coffee house) for a game of backgammon and local gossip.
Day 16: Aleppo, Syria - Hidden Gems
Bimaristan Arghun al-Kamili
Visit this medieval psychiatric hospital, a fascinating example of early Islamic science and medicine.
Beit Ghazaleh
One of the finest examples of a 17th-century Aleppine house. Check if it is open for visitors during its restoration.
Al-Shibani School
Explore this former school and church which now serves as a cultural center for the city.
Sunset Walk on the Walls
Find the remaining sections of the city walls for a final elevated view of the sprawling northern metropolis.
Day 17: Homs, Syria - The Crossroads City
Bus to Homs
Take the 3-hour journey south. Homs is the central hub of Syria and provides a great base for the desert regions.
Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque
Visit this famous mosque known for its unique Ottoman architecture and black-and-white stone patterns.
Homs Old Market
While smaller than Damascus or Aleppo, the Homs market is very cheap and offers local produce and textiles.
Homsi Sweets
Try the famous Homsi 'Halawet el-Jibn' (sweet cheese rolls). They are legendary and best eaten fresh in this city.
Day 18: Palmyra, Syria - The Desert Queen
Journey to Palmyra
Arrange for a local permit and transport (usually via a local shared taxi or tour for security) to the desert oasis.
The Temple of Bel & Colonnade
Witness the haunting beauty of the ruins. Even with the damage of recent years, the scale of Palmyra remains breathtaking.
Roman Theatre
Stand in the center of the well-preserved theatre where Zenobia once ruled.
Return to Homs
Head back across the desert as the sun sets, casting long shadows over the sand dunes.
Day 19: Damascus, Syria - The Final Farewell
Return to Damascus
Take the final 2-hour bus ride back to the capital for your last-minute needs.
Last Minute Souvenirs
Head back to the Souq for spices, coffee with cardamom, or Damascene silk to take home.
Final Falafel Feast
Eat one last $0.50 falafel wrap on the street—the quintessential taste of a budget Syria trip.
Airport Shuttle
Catch the bus from Baramkeh back to the airport for your evening flight home.
Best Time to Visit Syria
The best time to visit Syria is during the shoulder seasons: Spring (March to May) and Autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is pleasant for walking through ruins and cities without the scorching heat of the summer or the surprisingly cold and rainy winters. Spring also brings green landscapes to the typically arid regions.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Syrian Pound (SYP). Due to economic fluctuations, it is vital to bring enough cash in USD or Euros to last your entire trip, as international ATMs do not work. Money should be exchanged at official banks or exchange offices. Tipping is appreciated in small amounts at restaurants, but not mandatory.
Getting Around Syria
Intercity travel is best done via 'Pullman' buses (large, air-conditioned coaches) or 'microbuses' (white vans known as servis). Microbuses are the cheapest and most frequent way to travel between smaller towns. Within cities, walking is the best way to see the Old Districts, while microbuses cover the modern suburbs for pennies.
