Syria Ancient Wonders
From the backstreets of Damascus to the desert monuments of Palmyra, explore Syria’s extraordinary layers of history with a local guide.
Seven days of ancient cities, mountain monasteries, living crafts and welcoming people, tailored to your pace and interests.
Plan your private journeySee the route
Syria, beyond the monuments
Ancient Wonders connects archaeological sites and historic buildings with today’s cities and communities. From monastery frescoes and the bustling souqs of Aleppo to the arches of Apamea and the remarkable desert setting of Palmyra, each experience is brought alive by local storytelling. We leave room for coffee, food, workshop encounters and unexpected discoveries.
Seven-day private itinerary
Visits are tailored to your dates and preferences. Monastery and archaeological-site access, especially Apamea and individual monuments, is reconfirmed before your final itinerary.
Damascus welcomes you
Meet your guide, check in and enjoy an easy first walk through Damascus’s living Old City. If arrival times allow, discover the Via Recta, atmospheric lanes and a courtyard café. The evening is intentionally relaxed after your journey.
The layers of Damascus
Spend a full day exploring the Umayyad Mosque, Souq al-Hamidiyya, Azm Palace and old caravanserais. Depending on opening times, add the National Museum and a craft studio. Enjoy Syrian food, local conversation and an evening view over the city.
Maaloula, Mar Musa and Homs
Visit Maaloula and its ancient mountain monasteries before continuing toward the extraordinary Mar Musa Monastery. The climb involves many steps, and monastery access must be reconfirmed. Time permitting, visit Homs and the Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque en route north. For a less demanding day, add an intermediate overnight.
Aleppo: citadel, souqs and crafts
Walk through the extraordinary city of Aleppo: its Citadel, historic souqs, old neighbourhoods, and workshops where longstanding craft traditions survive. See traditional Aleppo soap-making where possible, share a local meal and take time for conversations that reveal the city’s everyday character.
Apamea, Hama and Krak des Chevaliers
When access and routing permit, explore Apamea’s monumental columns before stopping in Hama to see the norias on the Orontes. Continue to Krak des Chevaliers for its historic halls and fortifications. A countryside overnight gives this ambitious day greater flexibility. Site visits and road access are confirmed for your dates.
Palmyra: the desert crossroads
Travel to Palmyra and explore what survives of its ancient streets, monumental architecture and Temple of Bel precinct. Hear the story of Queen Zenobia, desert trade networks and the damage and conservation efforts of recent years. Where available, pause for Bedouin hospitality before returning to Damascus.
Final Damascus morning and departure
Enjoy breakfast and free time for a final café visit, a market walk or handmade souvenirs. Your private driver takes you to Damascus Airport or your agreed land transfer. We can add an extra night if you prefer to end at a gentler pace.
Personal travel, thoughtfully arranged
Local guidance
A knowledgeable Syrian guide accompanies your journey, linking monuments to living history and local stories.
Private travel & hotels
We arrange suitable transport and discuss your preferred hotel category and room setup before quoting.
Room for flexibility
Choose slower days, extra nights, artisan encounters or a greater focus on architecture, spirituality or food.
Questions before you go
Is the seven-day route very busy?
It covers a lot of ground. The Maaloula–Mar Musa–Homs–Aleppo day and the Apamea–Hama–Krak day are particularly full. We can slow them down with an additional night or rearrange the stops.
Can every monument be visited?
No visit to a specific restricted, closed or weather-affected monument is guaranteed until checked for your dates. We propose suitable alternatives when access is unavailable.
Can we arrive through Beirut or Amman?
Yes, depending on your nationality and entry arrangements. Tell us your arrival and departure points so we can include the correct transfers in the quotation.
Will we visit an archaeological expert?
Standard guiding is provided by an experienced local guide. Specialist archaeological or scholarly interpretation may be requested separately, subject to availability.
Your journey through Syria begins here
Tell us your travel dates, party size, nationality, arrival route and what you most want to discover. We’ll design a personalised itinerary and clear quotation.
Request a personalised quotationContact Syrian Guides