Syria-3-day-itinerary

August 4, 2024

Day 1: Damascus

8:00 AM: Arrive at Damascus International Airport
9:00 AM: Visit the Umayyad Mosque, one of the oldest and most important mosques in the world (free admission)
10:30 AM: Explore the adjacent Souk Al-Hamidiyah, a historic marketplace filled with shops, cafes, and vendors selling local handicrafts (free admission)

1:00 PM: Enjoy lunch at a traditional Syrian restaurant, such as Al-Shawarma or Abu Bakr
2:30 PM: Visit the National Museum of Damascus, which houses a vast collection of artifacts from Syria’s rich history (entry fee: 200 SYP / $1 USD)
4:00 PM: Take a stroll through the picturesque Al-Mazza neighborhood, known for its charming streets, historic buildings, and vibrant street life

7:00 PM: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant, such as Sana or Damascus
9:00 PM: Explore the lively nightlife of Damascus, with options ranging from traditional coffeehouses to modern bars and clubs ( prices vary)

Day 2: Palmyra

8:00 AM: Depart from Damascus to Palmyra (approx. 3 hours by car)
11:00 AM: Visit the ancient city of Palmyra, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (entry fee: 1,500 SYP / $7 USD)
12:30 PM: Explore the ruins of the Roman and Byzantine eras, including the famous Temple of Bel and the Theatre of Palmyra

2:00 PM: Visit the Palmyra Museum, which houses a collection of artifacts from the site (entry fee: 500 SYP / $2.50 USD)
4:00 PM: Explore the nearby Esh-Shuhda valley, known for its natural beauty and archaeological sites

Day 3: Aleppo

8:00 AM: Depart from Palmyra to Aleppo (approx. 4 hours by car)
12:00 PM: Visit the ancient city of Aleppo, a UNESCO World Heritage Site (entry fee: 1,500 SYP / $7 USD)
1:30 PM: Explore the medieval souk and marketplaces of Medina Halab, which date back to the Ottoman era

3:00 PM: Visit the famous Al-Jdaydeh Market (free admission), one of the largest markets in the Middle East
5:00 PM: Explore the ancient city’s historic architecture, including the Umayyad Mosque and the Citadel of Aleppo

Things to Know:

Language: Arabic is the official language, but many locals speak English.
Currency: Syrian Pound (SYP) 1 USD 48 SYP
Weather: Warm and sunny during summer months (June-August), mild and pleasant in spring and autumn (March-May and September-November)
Safety: Syria is currently experiencing a civil war, so travelers should exercise extreme caution. Avoid traveling to conflict zones and areas controlled by armed groups.
Visa requirements:
- Citizens of the United States, Canada, European Union countries, Australia, and other nations are eligible for an electronic visa (e-visa) on arrival at Damascus International Airport.
- Other nationalities should apply in advance through the Syrian Embassy or Consulate General.

Flights: Fly into Damascus International Airport (DAM)
Car rental: Rent a car from Damascus International Airport or hire a private driver for the duration of your stay
Public transportation: Use local buses and taxis to travel within cities and towns

Cuisine: Enjoy traditional Syrian cuisine, which includes dishes such as kebabs, falafel, shawarma, and baklava.
Shopping: Visit the souks (markets) in Damascus, Palmyra, and Aleppo to find unique handicrafts and souvenirs.
Nature: Explore the natural beauty of Syria’s mountains, valleys, and lakes.