20-Day Ultimate Luxury Escapes Route in Syria
Syria offers a travel experience unlike any other, where the echoes of ancient empires resonate through the halls of luxury boutique hotels and bustling, jasmine-scented souks. This 20-day itinerary is designed for the discerning traveler seeking an 'Epic Journey' that balances profound historical exploration with the comfort of high-end amenities and private, exclusive access.
From the world's oldest continuously inhabited capital to the majestic ruins of Palmyra and the coastal splendor of Lattakia, you will navigate this legendary landscape via private chauffeured vehicles. Enjoy curated dining at renowned establishments like Naranj and stay in restored Ottoman-era mansions that offer a level of intimacy and opulence found nowhere else in the Levant.
Day 1: Damascus, Syria - The Grand Arrival
VIP Airport Reception
Arrive at Damascus International Airport where a private concierge handles your customs and immigration formalities before whisking you away in a premium sedan.
Check-in at Beit Al Mamlouka
Settle into a master suite at this 17th-century boutique palace, featuring original hand-painted ceilings and a tranquil jasmine-filled courtyard.
Welcome Dinner at Naranj
Experience the pinnacle of Levantine cuisine in a setting frequented by visiting dignitaries, known for its exquisite kibbeh and cherry kebab.
Night Walk in the Old City
A private evening stroll through the illuminated Bab Sharqi gate as the city's ancient stones come alive under the stars.
Day 2: Damascus, Syria - Spiritual & Architectural Marvels
Umayyad Mosque Private Tour
Explore one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world, marveling at the Byzantine-style mosaics and the shrine of John the Baptist.
Azem Palace Exploration
Step into the 18th-century residence of the Ottoman governor, showcasing the finest examples of Damascene 'ablaq' masonry.
Souk Al-Hamidiyah Shopping
A guided tour through the central bazaar, visiting the legendary Bakdash for their world-famous handmade mastic ice cream.
Dinner at Al-Khawali
Enjoy traditional Syrian dishes in a restored courtyard house that captures the essence of old-world Damascene hospitality.
Day 3: Damascus, Syria - Art and Academia
National Museum of Damascus
A private viewing of artifacts spanning 10,000 years, including the reconstructed synagogue of Dura-Europos.
Tekkiyeh Suleimaniyeh
Visit the stunning Ottoman mosque complex designed by Mimar Sinan and browse the high-quality artisan crafts in the adjacent market.
Damascene Metalwork Workshop
Witness the intricate art of Damascene engraving at a private studio, with the opportunity to commission a custom piece.
Modern Fusion Dining
Explore the contemporary side of Damascus with a tasting menu at a high-end restaurant in the affluent Abu Rummaneh district.
Day 4: Damascus, Syria - Panoramic Vistas
Mount Qasioun Summit
Take a private drive to the peak for a panoramic view of the vast city layout, identifying the ancient gates from above.
Christian Quarter Culinary Tour
Savor the unique flavors of the Bab Touma district, visiting historical bakeries and tasting locally produced wines.
Hammam Nour al-Din
Indulge in a private traditional bath and massage experience in one of the city's oldest and most prestigious public baths.
Exclusive Terrace Dining
Dine at a rooftop venue overlooking the illuminated dome of the Umayyad Mosque.
Day 5: Damascus to Maaloula, Syria - Ancient Echoes
Drive to Maaloula
A scenic 1-hour private transfer to the mountain village where Western Neo-Aramaic, the language of Jesus, is still spoken.
Monastery of Saint Tekla
Visit the sacred site built into the cliffs and walk through the narrow mountain gorge (faj) for a spiritual experience.
Lunch with a View
Dine at a local mountain-top restaurant overlooking the village's terracotta rooftops.
Sednaya Monastery
Visit the Convent of Our Lady of Sednaya, a major pilgrimage site with stunning icons and panoramic mountain views.
Day 6: Homs & Mishtaya, Syria - Valley of Christians
Transfer to the Wadi al-Nasara
A comfortable drive into the lush 'Valley of the Christians' in western Syria, known for its scenic beauty and religious heritage.
Check-in at Al Wadi Hotel
Arrive at the region's premier luxury resort, offering high-end amenities and views of the surrounding crusader architecture.
Saint George Monastery
Explore this ancient Byzantine monastery, a significant spiritual center for the Orthodox community in the region.
Valley Sunset Dinner
A private dinner featuring the fresh produce and mezze for which the Homs countryside is famous.
Day 7: Homs, Syria - The Fortress of Faith
Krak des Chevaliers Private Tour
Detailed exploration of the world's most iconic Crusader castle with an expert historian, visiting the inner keep and stables.
Lunch at Castle Bastion
Enjoy a lunch set within view of the castle's massive fortifications.
Marmarita Village Walk
A leisurely afternoon exploring the charming streets of Marmarita, the social hub of the valley.
Evening Wine Tasting
Sample local wines from the nearby vineyards in a private setting at your hotel.
Day 8: Homs, Syria - The City of Black Stones
Saint Mary Church of the Holy Belt
Visit one of the oldest churches in the world, which reportedly holds a relic of the Virgin Mary's belt.
Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque
Admire the stunning Ottoman-style architecture and the nine domes of this historic landmark.
Old Homs Souks
Witness the restoration of the historic market and interact with local craftsmen specializing in basalt stone work.
Gourmet Homsi Cuisine
Dine on local specialties like Halawet el-Jibn (cheese sweets) in their city of origin.
Day 9: Palmyra, Syria - The Desert Queen
Desert Expedition to Palmyra
A private, secure transfer deep into the Syrian Desert to the legendary oasis city of Queen Zenobia.
Great Colonnade & Arch of Triumph
Walk the grand avenue of columns that once linked the Temple of Bel to the rest of the Roman city.
Palmyra Theater
Visit the remarkably preserved Roman theater, a masterpiece of ancient desert engineering.
Sunset at Qala'at Shirkuh
Climb to the Arab Castle for a breathtaking sunset view over the sprawling ruins and the palm groves.
Day 10: Palmyra to Hama, Syria - Transit to the Orontes
Valley of the Tombs
Explore the unique Palmyrene funerary towers before departing the desert region.
Drive to Hama
Travel westward through the changing landscapes toward the city of the waterwheels.
The Great Norias
Listen to the rhythmic groaning of the massive wooden waterwheels (Norias) that have lined the Orontes River for centuries.
Riverfront Dining
Enjoy a luxury dinner at a restaurant overlooking the illuminated Norias.
Day 11: Hama, Syria - Ottoman Elegance
Azem Palace of Hama
Visit the Hama branch of the Azem family residences, now an archaeological museum with beautiful courtyards.
Great Mosque of Hama
Explore this ancient site which has served as a temple, church, and mosque over several millennia.
Old Town Walk
Wander through the narrow lanes of the historic district, famous for its distinctive architecture.
Hama Sweet Tasting
Visit a master confectioner to sample Hama's unique take on Syrian pastries.
Day 12: Apamea, Syria - The Golden Colonnade
Excursion to Apamea
A short drive to one of the most impressive Roman sites in Syria, featuring a 2km-long main street with twisted columns.
The Great Colonnade Walk
A private guided walk through the expansive ruins, far more tranquil and exclusive than most Mediterranean Roman sites.
Al-Mudiq Citadel
Visit the fortress overlooking the ruins, which still houses a local community within its walls.
Return to Hama
Relaxation at your hotel before a private garden dinner.
Day 13: Aleppo, Syria - The Northern Jewel
Drive to Aleppo
Travel north to Syria's industrial and culinary heart, once a vital stop on the Silk Road.
Check-in at Riga Palace
Arrive at one of the city's top-tier luxury hotels, blending modern comfort with classic Aleppine style.
Baron Hotel Coffee
Enjoy a coffee at the legendary Baron Hotel, where Agatha Christie and T.E. Lawrence once stayed.
Aleppine Feast
Aleppo is world-famous for its food; enjoy a meal featuring 'Muhammara' and pit-roasted meats.
Day 14: Aleppo, Syria - Citadel & Souks
Aleppo Citadel Private Tour
Explore the massive medieval fortified palace, widely considered one of the most powerful fortresses on earth.
Souk al-Madina
Walk through the UNESCO-listed covered markets, observing the intricate restoration of the Silk Road stalls.
Great Mosque of Aleppo
Visit the site of the historic mosque and witness the ongoing precision restoration of its legendary minaret.
Evening at a Traditional Khan
Dine in a restored merchant's inn (Khan) to experience the true atmosphere of the Silk Road.
Day 15: Aleppo, Syria - The Dead Cities
Saint Simeon Citadel
A private excursion to Qal'at Sim'an, the remains of the world's largest church in the 5th century, built around the pillar of a hermit saint.
Explore 'The Dead Cities'
Visit the nearby abandoned Byzantine settlements that offer a hauntingly beautiful look at ancient rural life.
Aleppo Soap Workshop
Visit a traditional factory to see how the world-famous laurel and olive oil soap is made using centuries-old methods.
Final Aleppo Dinner
Experience a private home-cooked meal arranged through your concierge for an authentic culinary exchange.
Day 16: Lattakia, Syria - Mediterranean Relaxation
Drive to the Coast
A scenic transition through the mountains to the Mediterranean port city of Lattakia.
Check-in at Afamia Resort
Settle into a beachfront luxury resort, featuring private pools and Mediterranean sea views.
Ugarit (Ras Shamra)
Visit the ruins where the world's first alphabet was discovered, overlooking the blue waters.
Seafood Dinner by the Sea
Enjoy freshly caught Mediterranean fish at a premium restaurant on the Lattakia Corniche.
Day 17: Lattakia, Syria - Coastal Fortresses
Saladin’s Castle (Qal’at Salah al-Din)
A private tour of this UNESCO site, carved partly out of solid rock and surrounded by deep ravines.
Blue Coast Lunch
Dine at a luxury seaside establishment known for its Levantine-Mediterranean fusion.
Resort Spa Afternoon
Indulge in a signature Mediterranean seaweed wrap or massage at your resort's world-class spa.
Lattakia Nightlife
Explore the upscale cafes and lounges of the city's modern districts.
Day 18: Tartus & Arwad, Syria - Island Life
Drive to Tartus
Travel south along the coast to the second major port city of Syria.
Arwad Island Boat Trip
Take a private boat to Syria's only inhabited island, a former Phoenician stronghold with narrow alleys and boat-building yards.
Tartus Cathedral
Visit the remarkably well-preserved Crusader cathedral, now a city museum.
Check-in at Porto Tartous
Relax at another premium waterfront development before your final leg of the journey.
Day 19: Tartus to Damascus, Syria - The Final Return
Leisurely Return Drive
The final long-distance private transfer back to the capital, Damascus.
Final Souvenir Shopping
A last chance to visit the artisans of Tekkiyeh Suleimaniyeh for fine silks and woodwork.
Art House Visit
Visit a contemporary Syrian art gallery to see the vibrant modern culture of the country.
Grand Farewell Dinner
A celebratory final meal at a high-end restaurant in the Old City, reflecting on 20 days of discovery.
Day 20: Damascus, Syria - Departure
Gourmet Breakfast
Enjoy a final spread of Damascene olives, cheeses, and honey in the hotel courtyard.
Private Airport Transfer
Your chauffeur provides a comfortable ride back to Damascus International Airport.
VIP Lounge Access
Relax in the airport lounge before your flight out of the Levant.
Final Departure
Board your flight with a lifetime of memories from the heart of the Middle East.
Best Time to Visit Syria
The ideal time for a luxury tour of Syria is during the spring (April to June) or autumn (September to November). During these windows, the weather is pleasantly warm without the searing desert heat of summer or the biting cold of winter. Spring is particularly beautiful as the Syrian steppe turns green and wildflowers bloom around sites like Krak des Chevaliers and Apamea.
Currency & Money
The official currency is the Syrian Pound (SYP). In the luxury sector, many high-end services are quoted in USD but must be paid in local currency as per law. Credit cards are rarely accepted due to international sanctions; therefore, it is essential to carry sufficient cash (USD or Euros) to exchange upon arrival. Tipping is a deeply ingrained part of the culture (Baksheesh), and 10-15% is standard at high-end restaurants and for private guides.
Getting Around Syria
For a luxury traveler, the only recommended method of intercity transport is a private chauffeured vehicle. Domestic flights between Damascus, Aleppo, and Lattakia are available via Cham Wings or Syrian Air and can save time, though the infrastructure is currently limited. There is no luxury train service currently operational. A private SUV with a professional driver-guide provides the highest level of security, comfort, and flexibility for exploring remote sites.
