Syria

Day Trips

Begin your journey in the labyrinthine alleys of the Old City, sipping sweet Syrian coffee at a family-run cafe. Admire the ornate Umayyad Mosque and the ancient mosaics that glisten in the morning light. Local merchants greet you with warm smiles as they arrange vibrant spices and handicrafts.

Lunch at a traditional shawarma stand offers tender meat wrapped in freshly baked flatbread. Afterward, visit the Al-Hamidiyah Souq to haggle for spices, textiles, and handwoven carpets. The alleys buzz with life as artisans demonstrate centuries-old crafts.

As dusk falls, dine on meze platters in a courtyard lined with orange trees. Traditional music drifts through the air from a nearby teahouse where locals gather. The illuminated city walls glow softly, lending a magical ambiance to your first night in Damascus.

Set off toward the Eastern Desert to explore the famed desert castles of Qasr al-Hayr and Qasr Amra. Marvel at their intricate frescoes and Romanesque arches carved into sandstone. The desert dawn casts long shadows that accentuate every relief and column.

Stop for a picnic beneath the sprawling desert sky with olives, cheese, and flatbreads packed by your guide. Continue to Qasr al-Azraq, where black basalt walls stand stark against the arid landscape. A short hike reveals panoramic views of miles of undulating dunes.

Return to a desert camp where Bedouin hospitality awaits around a crackling fire. Savor slow-cooked lamb and sweet mint tea under a canopy of stars. Storytelling and soft music on traditional instruments complete an unforgettable night.

Arrive early at the UNESCO site of Palmyra to beat the midday heat and crowds. Wander through the grand colonnade and imagine the city’s ancient caravans passing by. The morning light highlights the weathered columns and intricate carvings.

Explore the Roman theater and climb the steps of the Temple of Bel for sweeping desert views. Learn from local archaeologists about the site’s history and recent restoration efforts. A hands-on workshop lets you try traditional mosaic-making techniques.

Settle in for dinner at a nearby guesthouse serving hearty stews and fresh salads. Share stories with fellow travelers around an outdoor hearth as the desert breeze chills the air. Palmyra’s monuments are softly lit, creating a surreal backdrop for your meal.

Drive to Homs and enjoy breakfast in its bustling old market, sampling falafel and freshly squeezed juices. Visit the Khaled ibn al-Walid Mosque, its marble courtyard gleaming in the early light. The city’s history unfolds as you stroll past Ottoman-era architecture.

Head toward the imposing Krak des Chevaliers, a Crusader fortress perched on a hilltop. Your guide narrates tales of medieval sieges as you explore guard towers and inner courtyards. The panoramic vista of the surrounding valleys is breathtaking.

Dine at a local restaurant specializing in kibbeh and muhammara, soaking up the fortress views at twilight. The walls of Krak des Chevaliers glow in golden light as night falls. Return to Homs for a peaceful evening in a boutique riad.

Arrive in Aleppo at dawn and head straight to its majestic Citadel, a hilltop fortress with layers of history. Explore winding passageways and cisterns that once served the mighty city. From the ramparts, gaze across tiled roofs to the snow-capped mountains beyond.

Descend into the vibrant al-Madina Souq, one of the oldest covered markets in the world. Sample sweet halawa and browse stalls overflowing with silks, incense, and dhows crafted by local artisans. Stop at a copper workshop to watch metalworkers hammer intricate patterns.

Enjoy dinner in a hidden courtyard restaurant where lemony kibbeh nayyeh is served fresh. Traditional Aleppine tarboosh musicians accompany your meal with lively songs. The souq’s lanterns and arches cast dancing shadows as you stroll back to your hotel.

Travel to the mountain village of Ma’loula, one of the last places where Western Aramaic is still spoken. Walk through narrow lanes lined with stone houses and visit the ancient convents carved into cliffs. The morning hush is broken only by the distant toll of church bells.

Continue to the Dead Cities region, exploring abandoned Byzantine towns hidden among olive groves. See perfectly preserved churches and mosaics that speak of a once-thriving civilization. Anastasia’s Church and Serjilla’s ruins are particularly evocative under the afternoon sun.

Return to your guesthouse in Ma’loula for a communal dinner of lamb tagine and flatbread baked in a wood-fired oven. Share stories with your hosts about their efforts to preserve this living heritage. As night deepens, candlelight flickers against ancient stone walls.

Head west to Lattakia and stroll along the vibrant seafront promenade as fishermen mend nets. Enjoy a breakfast of labneh, fresh olives, and warm pita at a cafe overlooking the Med. The gentle sea breeze mixes with the aroma of jasmine from nearby gardens.

Visit the ancient city of Ugarit to see its cuneiform tablets and harbor ruins that once facilitated trade across the Mediterranean. Explore the archaeological museum in Lattakia to view artifacts from this Bronze Age civilization. A seaside lunch of grilled fish and seasonal salad refreshes you.

Watch the sunset paint the sky in shades of gold and pink as you dine at a fishery by the port. Traditional drum rhythms and folk dances accompany your meal at a local festival. The sound of waves against the quay lulls you into a relaxed state.

Drive to Hama and admire the massive norias lining the Orontes River, their wooden wheels turning gracefully. Sample freshly baked pastries and strong tea as you watch local life unfold along the riverbank. The rhythmic creaking of the norias is hypnotic.

Take a boat ride on the Orontes, passing by lush gardens and date palm groves. Stop at the Mamluk-era Azem Palace to marvel at its elegant courtyards and tiled facades. A picnic lunch on the riverbank includes homemade cheese and fruit.

Return to the city for dinner in a historic caravanserai converted into a restaurant. Savor fattoush and shish kebab under lantern-lit arches. The norias are illuminated at night, creating a fairy-tale scene by the water.

Ascend into the rolling hills of Suweida, dotted with ancient vineyards and orchards. Visit a family-run winery to sample local wines made from indigenous grapes. The crisp mountain air carries the scent of ripening fruit.

Explore nearby Druze villages, meeting hospitable locals who share traditional flatbread and goat cheese. Learn about ancient agricultural practices passed down through generations. The panoramic views of volcanic plateaus stretch to the horizon.

Return to a hilltop guesthouse for a sunset feast featuring mezza platters and spiced lamb. Traditional Druze music fills the courtyard as elders recount folklore. Stars emerge overhead in the clear mountain sky.

Travel south to Daraa, cradle of Syria’s ancient kingdoms, and begin with a walk through its archaeological park. View the remains of Roman temples and Byzantine churches scattered among olive trees. Early morning light reveals the fine details of carved stone lintels.

Visit the small town of Busra to explore its spectacular Roman theater still hosting cultural events. Wander through its colonnaded streets and admire mosaics in the on-site museum. A local guide explains Busra’s strategic importance along ancient trade routes.

Return to Daraa for a farewell dinner in a candlelit courtyard serving spiced rice dishes and grilled vegetables. Listen to the soft strumming of an oud as you reflect on your Syrian odyssey. The gentle night breeze carries the scent of jasmine and saffron.