Grand Syria
Fourteen days from the south to cities and coast.
Damascus · Bosra · Maaloula · Palmyra / Tadmur · Homs
✦ Six World Heritage properties in context✦ Cities, desert and coast
Price on requestView journey →
Damascus
A living old city of monumental architecture, souqs, courtyard houses and everyday Damascene life.
WHY GO
A living old city of monumental architecture, souqs, courtyard houses and everyday Damascene life.
Damascus is a living historic city rather than an archaeological site. The Umayyad Mosque is its visual and cultural anchor, linked through old-city lanes to Souq al-Hamidiyah, Straight Street and Bab Sharqi, Azem Palace, khans, courtyard houses and traditional crafts. Its appeal lies in monumental history continuing alongside ordinary daily life.
What to see
- The Umayyad Mosque and courtyard as the heart of the old city.
- Souq al-Hamidiyah, Straight Street and Bab Sharqi.
- Azem Palace, khans and historic courtyard houses where accessible.
What to experience
- Walk between souqs and residential quarters to experience monuments and daily life together.
- Discover Damascene craft traditions without assuming specific workshops or shops.
Food
Mezze, sweets, coffee and market eating chosen locally.
How long to stay
Two to four nights.
SUGGESTED JOURNEYS
Place it within a route.
Sacred Syria
Eight days of layered religious and cultural heritage.
Damascus · Saidnaya · Maaloula · Deir Mar Musa al-Habashi · Bosra
✦ Sacred Damascus and its historic quarters✦ Saidnaya and Maaloula subject to access
Price on requestView journey →
Syria Essentials
Seven days linking capital, desert and castle.
Damascus · Maaloula · Palmyra / Tadmur · Homs · Krak des Chevaliers
✦ Old Damascus in the morning✦ Mountain Maaloula
Price on requestView journey →
SIGNATURE EXPERIENCES
A Day as a Syrian
Leave the itinerary behind for a few hours. Start with breakfast, shop in a neighbourhood market, meet a craftsperson, linger over lunch and experience Damascus at the pace of everyday life.
Live the day →