Syria Panoramic
From the souqs of Damascus to the citadel of Aleppo, the desert city of Palmyra, and the sea around Arwad: discover Syria in all its contrasts.
Ten days of archaeology, living traditions, local encounters and unforgettable landscapes—designed with your own Syrian guide.
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Ten days. Many worlds to discover.
This tour is for travellers who want to understand Syria beyond one city or one historical period. You will encounter the living streets of Damascus, the architecture and foods of Aleppo, the medieval castles of the western mountains, Palmyra’s desert setting and the maritime culture of Ugarit and Arwad. Our local guides connect these places to their communities and contemporary stories.
It is an active route with several substantial driving days. The programme can be slowed down, extended or adjusted to suit your interests and preferred hotel category.
From ancient cities to the Mediterranean
Follow the route through Syria’s cities, monasteries, castles, archaeological sites and coast. Each place has its own atmosphere, stories and encounters. We confirm the final order and site access for your dates.
Damascus
Old souqs, houses & the Umayyad Mosque
Palmyra
Desert archaeology & Queen Zenobia
Homs
Historic mosques & city traditions
Krak des Chevaliers
Medieval halls & fortifications
Hama
Norias beside the Orontes
Aleppo
Citadel, historic souqs & crafts
Saladin Castle
Dramatic ridge-top fortress
Latakia
Mediterranean life & cuisine
Ugarit
Bronze Age history of writing
Arwad Island
Seafaring lanes & boatbuilders
Mar Musa
Remote monastery & frescoes
Maaloula
Mountain monasteries & Aramaic heritage
Bosra
Roman theatre & basalt streets
Your journey, day by day
Damascus welcomes you
Arrive via Damascus Airport or your agreed transfer from Lebanon or Jordan, and receive a warm welcome from your local driver. Check into your chosen hotel before meeting your guide for an easy first walk through Old Damascus if your arrival time allows. The neighbourhoods around Straight Street, historic churches and small markets offer a gentle introduction to the capital’s layered history.
Enjoy time in a traditional café or courtyard restaurant and tell your guide what interests you most: architecture, food, crafts, archaeology or the lives of local people. Rather than overloading the first day with sightseeing, we keep it adaptable to your journey so that your holiday begins comfortably.
Damascus: markets, faith and living architecture
Follow your local guide through the monumental heart of Damascus, from the vaulted Souq al-Hamidiyya to the Umayyad Mosque. Discover how an ancient city has been shaped by religious communities, commerce and craftsmanship across centuries. Visit Azm Palace, explore a traditional khan and find quiet corners among bustling lanes and ornate old houses.
The day is designed for people as much as monuments. Pause for Syrian food, speak with a merchant or visit a craftsperson when available, and hear first-hand stories of the city’s everyday life. Depending on your interests, add the National Museum, Via Recta or another historic neighbourhood. End with an atmospheric café or rooftop view.
Palmyra, Homs and the Valley of Christians
Leave the city for Palmyra, a magnificent ancient oasis settlement whose surviving columns and architectural remnants rise out of the desert. Walk through the accessible archaeological area and learn about its caravan trade, Queen Zenobia, and the cultural crossroads linking the Mediterranean to the east. Your guide also explains the destruction the site has suffered and ongoing conservation challenges.
Continue toward Homs, where a visit to a mosque or historic centre may be possible depending on travel times. Then reach Wadi al-Nasara, the green Valley of Christians, for a peaceful countryside overnight. A local dinner or winery tasting can be arranged separately, subject to availability. This is a substantial road day, so breaks are included.
Krak des Chevaliers and the norias of Hama
Begin at the powerful medieval fortress of Krak des Chevaliers. Walk through its vaulted chambers, courtyards and defensive passages while your guide explains its strategic role and the layers of Crusader and later history. From the walls, take in the surrounding countryside and the dramatic architecture that makes this UNESCO-listed fortress so memorable.
Continue toward Hama for a visit to the historic wooden norias on the Orontes River. Stop for lunch or a drink along the riverfront and, where timing permits, enjoy a short walk through old streets. The route then heads to Aleppo, where you settle into your hotel for two nights and have the evening free to discover the city at your own pace.
Aleppo: a city that lives through its people
Spend a full day discovering the Ancient City of Aleppo. Begin near its monumental Citadel and wander through surviving market streets, meeting artisans and shopkeepers and learning about the generations of merchants who made this city a crossroads of ideas and goods. Explore the historic Jdeideh district where access permits, with time to appreciate architecture, sacred places and the city’s remarkable resilience.
Aleppo is also one of Syria’s greatest culinary destinations. Taste Aleppine dishes at lunch, stop for local sweets, and visit a traditional maker—such as a soap workshop—if arranged. Your guide can shape the afternoon around photography, food, architecture or spontaneous local encounters. Keep the evening relaxed for a second night in the city.
Saladin Castle and the Mediterranean
Travel west through the Syrian countryside toward the remarkable Saladin Castle, set above steep wooded valleys. Its great rock-cut moat, stone towers and inner passages reveal centuries of changing rule. Discover why the site shares a UNESCO World Heritage inscription with Krak des Chevaliers, despite their very different settings and architectural character.
An optional stop at Apamea can be discussed for archaeology enthusiasts if the road conditions and current site access allow it; adding it may require changing the day’s schedule. Continue toward Latakia and the Mediterranean, where the atmosphere shifts to seafood restaurants, sea air and an evening by the waterfront. Settle into a coastal hotel.
Ugarit, Tartus and island traditions
Explore ancient Ugarit at Ras Shamra, one of the Bronze Age’s most important Mediterranean trading cities. Walk through the archaeological remains while learning about its palace, royal archives and pioneering alphabetic cuneiform writing. Ugarit is not among Syria’s six inscribed UNESCO World Heritage properties, but its historical significance makes it an essential stop for travellers interested in the ancient world.
Continue south to Tartus and, when boats and sea conditions permit, cross to Arwad Island. Here, maritime traditions are woven into narrow streets, stone-built homes and workshops that build and repair wooden boats. Enjoy seafood or a harbour walk before returning to the mainland, then drive inland for a countryside overnight. Alternative coastal visits can replace Arwad if boats are unavailable.
Mar Musa, Maaloula and the road to Damascus
Return inland through landscapes that change from Mediterranean hills to the rocky escarpments closer to Damascus. Where access and your group’s mobility permit, climb to Mar Musa Monastery, a remote spiritual centre celebrated for its frescoes, library and dialogue across faiths. The steps are demanding, so a relaxed alternative is always possible.
Continue to Maaloula, where Christian traditions, ancient monasteries and the heritage of Western Aramaic meet a dramatic cliffside setting. Explore Saint Thecla Convent or the village’s historic rock passage as time and access permit. Return to Damascus in the evening. This is another substantial travel day, and we can simplify it to prioritise what matters most to you.
Bosra: the theatre and basalt city
Travel south through the fertile Hauran region to Bosra, whose black-basalt architecture creates an unforgettable contrast to Damascus. At the centre stands the magnificent Roman theatre, one of the best-known surviving monuments in Syria. Discover its architectural ingenuity, the surrounding fortress and the layers of history that have shaped this UNESCO World Heritage town.
Walk selected historic lanes with your guide to learn about Roman, Christian and Islamic Bosra, with time for photographs, local conversation and lunch. Return to Damascus for the final overnight and enjoy a last evening at a restaurant or favourite café. Travellers who prefer less driving can discuss a different full-day experience in Damascus instead.
A final Damascus morning and departure
Enjoy breakfast and make the most of the time before your return flight or transfer. If your schedule permits, revisit a favourite café, walk through a market for last-minute gifts or choose a short craft visit. Your guide can recommend handmade items and places you may have missed earlier in the journey.
Your private driver will take you to Damascus Airport or the agreed border-transfer point, with timings planned around your itinerary and entry arrangements. If you would like another day for museums, food or a quieter final evening, the programme can easily be extended. Departure day is kept flexible so that the journey ends without unnecessary stress.
Faces, flavours and moments along the way
Beyond the great monuments, Syria is defined by local food, people, workshops and quieter places. Explore the experiences your guide can shape around your interests.
Travel with the freedom of a private guide
Local expertise
Explore with a Syrian guide who shares history, insight into everyday life and the stories of the places you visit.
Comfortable logistics
We plan your private transport, accommodation and transfers together, discussing hotel categories and room preferences before confirming.
Personal encounters
Make space for food experiences, craft visits, local hosts, photography or monastery visits, depending on your interests and availability.
Before you book
Can the route be made more relaxed?
Yes. Add one or more nights to enjoy longer stays in Aleppo or on the coast, reduce driving or include more encounters with local people.
Can I see all six UNESCO World Heritage properties?
We can discuss a longer route that also includes the Ancient Villages of Northern Syria, provided access can be confirmed.
Is the boat trip to Arwad guaranteed?
No. Boat operations depend on weather and local services. We check these for your dates and plan alternatives when necessary.
Can I arrange airport or Beirut transfers?
Yes. We can coordinate travel through Damascus, Beirut or another workable entry point and quote the appropriate transfer for your group and nationality.
Make Syria your next great journey
Tell us your preferred dates, group size, nationality, arrival point and interests. We’ll put together a personalised ten-day proposal with clear arrangements and pricing.
Request your itinerary & quotationContact Syrian Guides