Syria Ancient Walks
Walk the streets of Damascus and Aleppo, meet the people who keep their heritage alive, and follow the road through mountain villages and medieval castles.
A personal six-day introduction to Syria’s rich past and present—with time for stories, shared meals and the character of every place.
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Ancient stones. Living cities. Real encounters.
This itinerary is designed to give travellers the best of both worlds: the celebrated monuments of Syria and the quieter experiences that make them meaningful. You might hear about Aramaic in Maaloula, watch a craftsman at work in Aleppo, compare the houses of Damascus with a fortified castle, or sit beside Hama’s giant wooden waterwheels. Your local guide can adjust the walking pace, visits and downtime as you travel.
Your journey, day by day
Welcome to Damascus
Arrive via Damascus or an arranged land transfer and meet your local guide. Depending on your arrival time, step through the Old City’s gates for a gentle introduction: atmospheric lanes, the historic Christian and Jewish quarters, and a first taste of Damascene hospitality. Keep your first evening flexible after travel.
Damascus, Street by Street
Spend a full day with the people and living heritage of Damascus. Walk through Souq al-Hamidiyya, discover the Umayyad Mosque and Azm Palace when open, and trace the city’s layered history through the Via Recta, Ananias Chapel and surrounding neighbourhoods. Pause at Nofara Café for tea and, if scheduled, the city’s traditional storytelling ritual. Add craft workshops or a local lunch to suit your interests.
Maaloula and Homs, then North to Aleppo
Leave the capital for Maaloula, framed by limestone cliffs and centuries-old monasteries. Walk through the narrow rock passage and learn about the village’s Aramaic linguistic heritage. Continue to Homs for the Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque, historic churches or a brief city walk according to accessibility and timing, then travel north to Aleppo.
The Living Heritage of Aleppo
Explore Aleppo on foot with your guide: its commanding Citadel, historic souqs and artisans rebuilding workshop traditions. Look for soap-making, metalwork and old city architecture, with time for the cuisine that makes Aleppo distinctive. A visit to a local maker or cultural figure may be arranged in advance, subject to availability; this is as much about people as monuments.
Hama and Krak des Chevaliers
Travel south, pausing in Hama to see the great wooden norias on the Orontes and, where available, the city’s Azm Palace and old streets. Continue to Krak des Chevaliers to explore the imposing fortifications and vaulted halls, then return to Damascus for your last overnight stay. The day’s pace depends on your preferred stops and road conditions.
A Final Damascus Morning and Departure
Enjoy a final breakfast and, if your departure schedule allows, a relaxed morning for coffee, a favourite market, or handicraft shopping. Your driver then takes you to Damascus Airport or the agreed land-transfer point. We can add an extra night if you would rather finish more slowly.
What makes the journey yours?
Local guiding
Travel with a knowledgeable local guide who brings context, stories and introductions, and keeps the schedule responsive to your interests.
Comfortable private travel
A suitable private vehicle and your choice of hotels, from well-located budget options to characterful heritage stays, depending on availability.
Room to explore
Choose extra time at a monument, a food experience, a workshop or a relaxed coffee stop. The day-by-day plan is a starting point, not a rigid script.
Frequently asked questions
Can this tour start in Beirut or Damascus?
Yes. Tell us your arrival point and departure plans. We can quote the appropriate transfers and adjust the first and last day’s timing.
Can we spend more time in Aleppo?
Certainly. We can add an overnight stay, include more old neighbourhoods and make space for arranged craft or culinary encounters.
How active is the walking?
Expect historic lanes, steps and uneven paving in parts of the old cities and at Krak des Chevaliers. Tell us about mobility needs in advance and we will adapt the programme where possible.
Do I need a visa or prior approval?
Entry conditions depend on your nationality and route. We check the relevant requirements with you before confirming the booking; do not rely on old processing-time estimates.
Can we customise the hotels and meals?
Yes. Tell us your hotel category, room arrangements and food preferences. Your quotation lists exactly what is included.
Discover Syria on foot, one story at a time
Share your preferred dates, party size, nationality, entry route and interests. We’ll prepare a personalised six-day proposal with a clear price and practical arrangements.
Request your itinerary & priceContact Syrian Guides