full Syria trip for 10 days

Day 3 - Maaloula ​» Mar Musa ​» Hama ​»  Aleppo

• Our first stop today will be Maaloula , a small Christian town that suffered immense destruction by ISIS in 2014. Despite this, it remains one of the most scenic villages in Syria and is the only place in the world where Aramaic, the language spoken by Christ, is still actively used as a living language; in fact, it is possible to hear the Lord’s prayer being spoken using it.
• Then, we visit Mar Musa, a breathtaking 6th-century monastery perched among rugged mountains. Shaped like a towering fortress, this ancient site was founded by Mar Musa al-Habashi (Saint Moses of Abyssinia), who, according to legend, was the son of an Ethiopian king.
• We'll drive north to Hama, where we'll visit the iconic waterwheels that once played a crucial role in providing water to the surrounding land. Furthermore, these ancient structures are a symbol of the city’s rich history.
• Then, we will head to Aleppo, a flourishing metropolis since the 3rd millennium BC, Aleppo has been fighting with Damascus for the title of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited city. 
• Once we have explored more of the city, we'll enjoy dinner at Qurtuba, a renowned Syrian restaurant run by an Armenian family, known for its authentic flavors and warm atmosphere.
  
• Overnight in a 4-star hotel in the center of Aleppo City.

Day 4 - Aleppo city tour

• After breakfast, our first stop in the morning will be, of course, the famous Aleppo Castle, which stands in the middle of the city and dominates it from the height of its fifty meters. Furthermore, it has admirably designed towers and is distinguished by its entrances made with perfection to prevent any enemy intrusion, as well as its iron gates.
  
• Then, we'll stroll through the market stretching from the front of the castle to the old city. Along the way, we'll witness the contrast between the destroyed areas, the active restoration sites, and finally, the fully renovated section, which now looks absolutely stunning.
  
• Moreover, Aleppo is renowned for its spicy sausage; therefore, we’ll make a stop at Abu Hagoub Restaurant, famous for serving the best sausage sandwiches in the city.
  
• Then, we visit the Umayyad Mosque in Aleppo, which is currently in the final stages of restoration.
  
• Subsequently, we'll visit Al-Jubaili Soap Factory, the oldest in Aleppo, where you'll have the opportunity to witness the traditional process of crafting the world-famous laurel Aleppo soap, renowned for its quality and history.
  
• We will also visit a soap exhibition where you can touch the largest bar of soap in the world according to the Guinness Book of Records.
  
• We head for sunset at one of our secret spots overlooking Aleppo; subsequently, we head back to Uncle Hamido's restaurant, where you'll get the chance to taste what is often hailed as the best falafel in the world.
  
• Finally, overnight in a 4-star hotel in the center of Aleppo City.

Day 5 - ​Aleppo ​» Idlib ​​» Citadel of Salah adDin  ​» Lattakia

• We will begin our day with a visit to Idlib Governorate, which has become more accessible to other cities after its liberation. Here, you will observe a unique economic system distinct from other regions, and we will also visit the refugee camps, gaining insight into the challenges faced by displaced families.
• Then, we will visit Syria’s most breathtaking castle, majestically perched on a rocky hill, offering panoramic views of the surrounding green mountains. One of its most remarkable features is a manually excavated moat, a testament to the dedication and skill of its builders. This historic fortress has witnessed the influence of multiple civilizations, from the Phoenicians and Byzantines to the Crusaders and the era of Saladin.
• Next, we will continue our journey to the charming city of Lattakia, where the sea meets lush green mountains and a lively urban atmosphere. Upon arrival, we will explore the city and take in its unique blend of natural beauty and vibrant culture.
  
• Overnight stay at a 5-star Resort in Lattakia City, with a beautiful sea view.

Day 6 - ​​Lattakia ​» Burj Islam ​» Ugarit ​» Marqab Castle ​» Tartous   

• After breakfast, we will depart for Burj Islam, an area renowned for its stunning rocky beaches and crystal-clear blue waters. This picturesque coastal spot also features a breathtaking sea cave, offering a unique and serene natural escape.
• Next, we will continue our journey to Ugarit, a historic coastal town north of Lattakia. Ugarit gained fame with the discovery of clay tablets bearing the world’s oldest known consonantal alphabet. The earliest settlement, a large fortified village, dates back to the 8th millennium BC. Later, two immense palaces were constructed, containing archives and literary texts that reveal an astonishing diversity of languages and five distinct writing systems, including the Ugaritic script from the 14th century BC.
• Following that, we will visit Marqab Castle, also known as Margat, is a historic Crusader fortress near Baniyas, Syria. As one of the major strongholds of the Knights Hospitaller—who also controlled Krak des Chevaliers—the two castles communicated via smoke signals or mirrors through Chastel-Blanc (Safita), a smaller intermediary fortress. Perched on a hilltop, Marqab Castle offers breathtaking views of the coastline.
• Next, we will arrive in the coastal city of Tartous, where the vibrant atmosphere blends seamlessly with the sea. Tartous is renowned for its lively seafront, lined with dozens of cafés and restaurants offering stunning views and a relaxing ambiance.
• Overnight stay at a 4-star hotel in the heart of Tartous City, offering a beautiful sea view.

Day 7 - ​​​Tartous ​» Arwad ​» Amrit ​» Krak Des Chevaliers ​» Homs

• After breakfast at the hotel, 
  
•  we will visit Arwad Island, the only island in Syria, known for its charming narrow alleys and small houses enclosed within ancient walls. Measuring approximately 800 meters in length and 500 meters in width, the Phoenicians settled the island in the early second millennium BC. Today, Arwad is renowned for its handmade shipbuilding and thriving fishing industry.
• Next we head to Amrit, ​this Phoenician temple, located in Tartous Governorate, dates back to the third millennium BC. Its unique design features a central altar accessible only by boat, as it is surrounded by water within the temple grounds. The site reflects the grandeur of the Phoenician civilization along the Syrian coast. Notably, an Olympic stadium is situated nearby.
• After that, we'll continue our journey to Krak des Chevaliers, which is described by Lawrence of Arabia as "the most wholly admirable castle in the world."  In addition, this medieval crusader fortress is one of the most significant and well-preserved castles from that era, offering a fascinating glimpse into Syrian History.
• Following this, we’ll head to Homs, the most affected city by the war, during our visit, we'll explore the Khaled Ibn Al-Walid Shrine and the St. Mary Church of the Holy Belt, two significant landmarks of the city, afterward, we will have Lunch in Homs City.
• Overnight in a 4-star hotel in the center of Homs City.

Day 8 - ​Homs ​» ​Palmyra ​» Damascus

• Breakfast at the hotel, early departure to Palmyra.
  
• Firstly, we will visit the ancient city of Palmyra, Syria's most iconic tourist destination. Notably, once a key city on the Silk Road, Palmyra briefly ruled its own empire in the 3rd century, stretching from Turkey to Egypt. However, despite being well-preserved, much of the city was sadly destroyed during the ISIS occupation in 2015.
  
• During our tour we will explore what remains, including the Arch of Triumph, Fakhr ad-Din al-Maani Castle, the Sulphur Spring, the Great Columns, the Theater, the Agora, and the Tombs.
  
• Furthermore, we’ll enjoy a delicious lunch in a traditional Bedouin tent restaurant, run by a local family. This is, indeed, a perfect opportunity to savor authentic Syrian cuisine while experiencing the warm hospitality of the region.
  
• Afterward, we will drive back to Damascus, arriving just in time to enjoy a relaxing dinner in the city.
  
• Finally, overnight in Damascus.

Day 9 - ​​​Shrine of Sayyida Zaynab » Busra Al Sham » Damascus

• After breakfast at the hotel, we will visit the Shrine of Sayyida Zaynab, an important Mosque for Shiaa followers.
• After that, we'll continue our journey south through the lush, fertile plains to the ancient city of Bosra al-Sham, which is certainly, home to the best-preserved Roman amphitheater in the world. 
  
• Subsequently, We'll explore the city’s rich Roman heritage, including its baths and captivating historical tales. Meanwhile, while in the region, we’ll also have the chance to enjoy the renowned Malihi dish, a local specialty. 
  
• Afterward, we'll drive back to Damascus, where, ultimately, we'll wrap up the journey with a memorable final night out.
  
• In conclusion, dinner and overnight in Damascus, will indeed, provide a perfect ending to our day.

Day 10 - ​​​​Damascus » ​Beirut or Dam Airport

• After breakfast, we'll visit the remaining tourist attractions in Damascus, including the modern districts, and enjoy some free time for shopping.
  
• We'll then drive back to Beirut (or Damascus Airport), aiming to arrive by early evening, around 6 pm.