15-Day Epic Syria Family Travel Guide: History & Coastal Charm
Syria offers a profound journey into the cradle of civilization, where every stone tells a story of millennia-old history. This 15-day itinerary is specifically designed for families, prioritizing a relaxed pace, accessible sites, and the legendary hospitality of the Syrian people.
From the bustling, aromatic lanes of the Old City in Damascus to the breezy, child-friendly corniche of Lattakia, this route ensures you see the country’s highlights without the rush. We focus on comfortable intercity transport and locations that provide both educational value for children and ease of movement for parents with strollers.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Damascus, Syria - Arrival and Introduction
Arrival at Damascus International Airport
Complete your entry formalities and meet your pre-arranged private transfer. The drive into the city center is approximately 30 minutes, offering your first glimpses of the Syrian capital.
Hotel Check-in & Lunch
Check into a family-friendly boutique hotel in the Old City. Enjoy a traditional lunch of Hummus and Fattoush at a courtyard restaurant, where the sound of fountains provides a calming atmosphere for the kids.
Stroll through Al-Hamidiyah Souq
Take a slow walk through this covered market. It is wide and relatively stroller-accessible. Introduce the children to the sights and smells of spices, textiles, and local sweets.
Bakdash Ice Cream Experience
Stop at the world-famous Bakdash for their signature pounded 'Booza' ice cream. The kids will love watching the traditional preparation method.
Day 2: Damascus, Syria - Spiritual and Secular History
Umayyad Mosque Exploration
Visit one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world. The vast, polished marble courtyard is a great, safe space for children to walk around while you admire the stunning mosaics.
Al-Azem Palace
Located near the mosque, this 18th-century Ottoman palace features beautiful courtyards and dioramas of traditional Syrian life that are engaging for all ages.
Straight Street (Via Recta)
Walk the historic Roman road that bisects the Old City. It is a straight, easy-to-navigate path leading through the Christian and Jewish quarters.
Dinner in the Christian Quarter
Enjoy a relaxed meal in Bab Sharqi, known for its vibrant evening atmosphere and family-friendly dining options.
Day 3: Damascus, Syria - Museums and Green Spaces
National Museum of Damascus
Explore the vast collection of artifacts, including the Dura-Europos synagogue and early alphabets. The garden outside is a peaceful spot for a mid-morning break.
Tishreen Park
This is the largest park in Damascus. It is exceptionally stroller-friendly with wide paved paths, play areas for children, and plenty of space for a family picnic.
Tekkiye Suleymaniye Mosque & Craft Market
Visit this beautiful Ottoman-era complex. The adjacent craft market is less crowded than the main souq, making it easier to browse with a family.
Relaxed Evening at the Hotel
Take advantage of your hotel's courtyard to unwind while the kids play safely in the enclosed space.
Day 4: Damascus, Syria - Panoramic Views
Mount Qasioun Drive
Take a taxi or private car to the summit of Mount Qasioun for a breathtaking panoramic view of the entire city. It is a great spot for family photos.
Lunch in Salihiyah
Dine at the base of the mountain in the historic Salihiyah district, known for its beautiful architecture and local neighborhood feel.
Local Sweet Shopping
Visit a traditional sweet shop like Ghraoui to pick up some Syrian chocolates and delicacies for the road trip ahead.
Early Night Packing
Prepare your bags for the move north tomorrow, ensuring kids have their travel essentials ready.
Day 5: Damascus to Maaloula, Syria - Ancient Echoes
Travel to Maaloula
Depart Damascus for the scenic 1-hour drive to Maaloula, one of the few places where Aramaic, the language of Jesus, is still spoken.
Monastery of Saint Sarkis
Visit this high-perched monastery. The views are incredible, and the atmosphere is serene. The site is accessible via a paved road.
Walking the Narrow Gorge
Walk through the natural rock split that leads to the Monastery of Saint Thecla. It’s a flat walk that kids find adventurous but safe.
Maaloula Village Exploration
Wander through the blue-painted houses of the village before heading to your local guesthouse for the night.
Day 6: Maaloula to Homs, Syria - The Gateway North
Drive to Homs
A comfortable 1.5-hour drive through the Syrian steppe takes you to the city of Homs, a central hub for exploring the country's interior.
St. Mary Church of the Holy Belt
Visit this historic church known for housing a relic of the Virgin Mary. The courtyard is quiet and stroller-friendly.
Khaled ibn al-Walid Mosque
Admire the striking Ottoman-style architecture of this famous mosque, recently restored and featuring large open plazas.
Family Dinner in Homs
Homs is famous for its 'Homsi' hospitality. Try some local kebabs at a restaurant near the city center.
Day 7: Homs to Krak des Chevaliers, Syria - Knight's Tale
Day Trip to Krak des Chevaliers
A 1-hour drive from Homs leads to the finest Crusader castle in the world. It’s a literal playground for the imagination for children.
Exploring the Inner Walls
Navigate the massive stables and the great hall. Note: Some areas have stairs, so a baby carrier is better than a stroller inside the castle itself.
Lunch with a View
Dine at one of the hilltop restaurants overlooking the castle. The view is spectacular and the air is fresh.
Return to Homs
Head back to your hotel in Homs to rest after a day of climbing and exploring.
Day 8: Homs to Tartus, Syria - Reaching the Coast
Drive to Tartus
Leave the plains behind and head toward the Mediterranean coast. This 1.5-hour drive offers lush scenery as you approach the sea.
Check-in at a Beach Resort
Select a resort with a pool and direct beach access. This provides a much-needed "vacation within a vacation" for the kids.
Tartus Corniche Walk
The corniche is perfectly paved and flat, ideal for a long stroller walk while watching the sunset over the Mediterranean.
Seafood Dinner
Enjoy fresh Mediterranean fish at a family restaurant by the harbor.
Day 9: Tartus, Syria - Arwad Island Adventure
Ferry to Arwad Island
Take a short, 20-minute boat ride to the only inhabited island in Syria. The boat trip itself is a huge highlight for children.
Exploring Arwad Souks
The island is car-free and its narrow streets are fascinating. Watch the traditional boat builders at work on the shore.
Island Seafood Lunch
Eat at a restaurant right on the water's edge, where you can watch the waves while you dine.
Return to Mainland
Take the ferry back and spend the rest of the evening at the resort pool.
Day 10: Tartus, Syria - Ancient Amrit
Amrit Archaeological Site
Visit the nearby Phoenician site of Amrit. It features an ancient stadium and a unique water temple that are easy to walk around.
Old City of Tartus
Explore the fortified Old City of Tartus and its Cathedral (now a museum), which dates back to the Crusader period.
Beach Time
Return to the hotel for a relaxed afternoon of sandcastles and swimming.
Outdoor Dining
Many Tartus restaurants have large outdoor terraces that are perfect for families with active children.
Day 11: Tartus to Lattakia, Syria - Coastal Drive
Drive to Lattakia
Continue north along the coast for about 1 hour to reach Lattakia, Syria's principal port city and a popular summer destination.
Blue Beach Check-in
Check into your hotel in the "Cote d'Azur" area, known for its clean beaches and family-friendly atmosphere.
Lattakia City Center
Explore the city's modern shops and squares. Lattakia has a more liberal, laid-back vibe than the inland cities.
Evening at the Corniche
The Lattakia corniche is wide, bright, and filled with families. There are many small amusement rides for kids.
Day 12: Lattakia, Syria - Ancient Ugarit
Ugarit (Ras Shamra) Visit
Visit the site where the world's first alphabet was discovered. The ruins are spread out and offer plenty of space for kids to run around safely.
Picnic at Ras el-Basit
Drive slightly north to Ras el-Basit, a beautiful bay with black volcanic sand. It’s a perfect spot for a family picnic and a swim.
Relaxed Coastal Drive
Return to Lattakia, enjoying the views of the pine-covered mountains meeting the sea.
Resort Dinner
Enjoy a buffet dinner at your hotel, offering both local and international choices for picky eaters.
Day 13: Lattakia, Syria - Salah Ed-Din Castle
Castle of Salah Ed-Din
Drive into the mountains to visit this stunning fortress. The bridge over the massive hand-cut ravine is an architectural marvel.
Mountain Lunch
Eat at a local restaurant in the mountains near the castle, where the temperature is significantly cooler than the coast.
Return to Lattakia
Spend your final afternoon on the coast relaxing by the Mediterranean.
Souvenir Shopping
Visit the local Lattakia markets for olive oil soap and local handicrafts.
Day 14: Lattakia to Damascus, Syria - Southbound
The Long Drive Back
The drive back to Damascus takes about 4.5 to 5 hours. Ensure you have plenty of snacks and entertainment for the children.
Final Check-in in Damascus
Return to your favorite hotel in the capital for your final night.
Bab Touma Stroll
Take one last walk through the Christian quarter's narrow streets, perhaps picking up some last-minute gifts.
Farewell Dinner
Celebrate your journey at Naranj, one of the most famous and beautiful restaurants in the Old City.
Day 15: Damascus, Syria - Farewell
Last Breakfast in the Courtyard
Enjoy a final spread of Syrian cheeses, olives, and fresh bread in the morning sun.
Airport Transfer
Your private transfer will take you back to Damascus International Airport for your departing flight.
Departure
Fly home with incredible memories of Syrian history and hospitality.
Arrival Home
Review your photos and start planning your next family adventure!
Best Time to Visit Syria
The best time to visit Syria is during the spring (March to May) or autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm and sunny, perfect for exploring ruins and walking through cities without the intense heat of the summer or the chilly, rainy days of winter. Spring is particularly beautiful as the countryside turns vibrant green and wildflowers bloom around sites like Krak des Chevaliers.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Syrian Pound (SYP). Due to the economic situation, Syria is primarily a cash-based society. International credit and debit cards generally do not work at ATMs or in shops. You should bring enough cash (USD or Euros) for your entire trip and exchange it at official exchange offices or banks upon arrival. Tipping is common and appreciated in restaurants and for drivers/guides; 10-15% is a standard gesture of thanks.
Getting Around Syria
For families, the most comfortable and reliable way to get around Syria is by hiring a private car and driver through a reputable travel agency. This provides door-to-door service, flexibility with schedules, and a safe environment for children. While there are intercity buses (such as Kadmous) that are affordable and reasonably comfortable, they may not offer the flexibility a family needs. Trains are currently limited in their routes. Within cities, taxis are plentiful and inexpensive, though you should agree on the fare beforehand or ensure the meter is used.
