Damascus Syria 6 Day Itinerary

Damascus, Syria: 6-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploration of Old City

  • Morning: Arrive at Damascus International Airport. Transfer to your hotel in the city center.
  • Afternoon: Visit the ancient Souk Al-Hamidiyah, one of the oldest and most famous souks (markets) in the Middle East. Explore the narrow alleys and browse local handicrafts, spices, and souvenirs.
  • Evening: Enjoy traditional Syrian cuisine at a local restaurant, such as Al-Shabaki Restaurant. Try their famous kebabs and shawarma.

Day 2: Ancient History and Culture

  • Morning: Visit the Umayyad Mosque (Friday Mosque), one of the oldest and most important mosques in Islam. Explore the ancient city, including the Roman Agora and the Temple of Jupiter.
  • Afternoon: Stop by the National Museum of Damascus to learn about the country’s rich history and culture.
  • Evening: Visit the Moumena Restaurant, which serves traditional Syrian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.

Day 3: Palmyra and Qassioun Mountain

  • Morning: Take a day trip to Palmyra (approximately 2 hours from Damascus). Explore the ancient city, including the Temple of Bel and the Palace of Zenobia.
  • Afternoon: Return to Damascus and visit Qassioun Mountain, which offers panoramic views of the city. Stop by the shrine of Sayyida Zainab, a revered site for Shia Muslims.
  • Evening: Enjoy a sunset dinner at Al-Shami Restaurant, which serves traditional Syrian cuisine with a modern twist.

Day 4: Modern Damascus

  • Morning: Visit the Damascus Museum of History, which tells the story of the city’s modern history.
  • Afternoon: Explore the modern parts of the city, including the Mezzah Quarter, a trendy area with shops, cafes, and restaurants.
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at CafĂ© Cairo, which serves traditional Middle Eastern cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.

Day 5: Christian Heritage

  • Morning: Visit the Monastery of St. George, one of the oldest Christian churches in Syria.
  • Afternoon: Stop by the St. Ananias Church, which is believed to be the site where Saint Ananias healed the blind man (Acts 9:10-17).
  • Evening: Enjoy dinner at Al-Shami Restaurant, which serves traditional Syrian cuisine with a modern twist.

Day 6: Last Day in Damascus

  • Morning: Visit the Bab Sharqi (Eastern Gate), one of the oldest and most famous gates in the Old City.
  • Afternoon: Explore the local markets and shops, or visit any sites you missed earlier in the trip.
  • Evening: Enjoy a farewell dinner at Moumena Restaurant, which serves traditional Syrian cuisine in a cozy atmosphere.

Things to Know:

  • Damascus is a conservative city, so dress modestly and respect local customs.
  • Be prepared for crowded streets and markets.
  • Try to learn some basic Arabic phrases, such as “marhaba” (hello) and “shukraan” (thank you).
  • Be respectful of the country’s complex history and politics.

Transportation:

  • The city has a reliable bus system, but taxis are also widely available.
  • You can hire a driver for the day to take you on tours or to visit sites outside the city.

Tips:

  • Bargain when shopping in markets or from street vendors.
  • Try local specialties, such as kebabs and falafel.
  • Don’t drink tap water, but bottled water is widely available.
  • Be prepared for power outages and internet connectivity issues.

Accommodation:

  • Damascus has a range of hotels to suit all budgets, from luxury options like the Four Seasons to budget-friendly choices like the Damascus Inn.
  • Consider staying in the city center for easy access to most sites.

Getting Around:

  • The city has a reliable bus system, but taxis are also widely available.
  • You can hire a driver for the day to take you on tours or to visit sites outside the city.