16-Day Ultimate Family Epic Journey in Syria
Embarking on a 16-day journey through Syria offers families a unique opportunity to witness the layers of human history in a land famed for its hospitality. This itinerary is specifically designed to move at a gentler pace, ensuring that parents and children can soak in the atmosphere of ancient cities without the stress of rushed schedules.
We focus on the most stable and accessible regions, utilizing comfortable private transfers and highlighting spots where strollers are manageable or where wide-open spaces allow children to explore safely. From the fragrant spice markets of Damascus to the sea breezes of Latakia, this is a journey of education, flavor, and connection.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Damascus, Syria - Arrival & Old City Gateway
Arrival at Damascus International Airport
Complete your visa formalities and meet your pre-arranged driver for a smooth transfer to the city center. It is the most stress-free way to start a family trip.
Check-in at a Traditional Boutique Hotel
Settle into a restored Damascene house in the Old City. These hotels offer enclosed courtyards that are safe for kids to play in while you enjoy a coffee.
Al-Hamidiyah Souq Stroll
Walk through the iconic covered market. The high ceilings and wide main path are stroller-friendly, though side alleys can be narrow.
Bakdash Ice Cream Experience
Treat the family to the famous pounded pistachio ice cream. It is a sensory delight for children and a historic landmark in its own right.
Day 2: Damascus, Syria - Spiritual & Royal Heritage
Umayyad Mosque Exploration
Visit one of the world's most magnificent mosques. The massive white marble courtyard is perfect for children to walk around (socks only!), and the atmosphere is serene.
Azm Palace Visit
Explore the stunning 18th-century Ottoman palace. The folk museum inside features life-sized dioramas that usually fascinate younger travelers.
Lunch in a Secret Garden
Dine at a courtyard restaurant like Naranj, where the sound of fountains provides a relaxing backdrop for a multi-course Syrian feast.
Straight Street Walk
Follow the biblical 'Via Recta'. The street is paved and relatively flat, making it one of the easiest historic walks for families.
Day 3: Damascus, Syria - Panoramic Views & Parks
Tishreen Park Morning
Spend the morning in Damascus' largest green space. There are playgrounds and plenty of room for a family picnic away from the city noise.
National Museum of Damascus
View the reconstructed facade of Qasr al-Hayr al-Gharbi. The garden outside the museum is filled with statues and is a lovely spot for a rest.
Mount Qasioun Sunset
Take a taxi to the lookout point for a panoramic view of the city lighting up. It's a spectacular sight that doesn't require any hiking.
Dinner at Art House
Enjoy a meal in this converted ancient mill. It combines art galleries with fine dining in a very spacious environment.
Day 4: Damascus, Syria - Ancient Villages Excursion
Maaloula Village Visit
Drive to this picturesque village where Western Aramaic is still spoken. Kids will love the narrow walk through the 'Faj' canyon to reach the monasteries.
Monastery of Saint Tekla
Visit the cliffside monastery. The climb involves steps, so a baby carrier is recommended over a stroller for this segment.
Saydnaya Monastery
Visit the hilltop Convent of Our Lady. The views of the surrounding plains are breathtaking and the atmosphere is very peaceful.
Return to Damascus
A quiet evening back at your hotel to rest before tomorrow's journey north.
Day 5: Homs, Syria - The Gateway North
Intercity Drive to Homs
Travel north via a private air-conditioned van. The road is well-maintained, and the journey takes roughly 2.5 hours.
Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque
Visit this famous landmark known for its impressive Ottoman architecture and multiple domes.
Homs City Garden
A relaxed afternoon at a local park where kids can run around and interact with local families.
Local Mezze Dinner
Try the unique Homsi version of classic Syrian dishes at a local family-run eatery.
Day 6: Homs, Syria - Crusader Castles
Krak des Chevaliers Tour
Explore what is often called the best-preserved crusader castle in the world. Its massive halls and stables are like a giant playground for the imagination.
Lunch with a View
Eat at a restaurant overlooking the castle. The breeze in the 'Valley of Christians' is refreshing even in summer.
St. George Monastery
A short drive from the castle, this monastery features beautiful woodwork and a very old underground chapel.
Return to Homs
Evening rest at your hotel.
Day 7: Hama, Syria - The City of Waterwheels
The Norias of Hama
Watch the massive wooden waterwheels (Norias) turning in the Orontes River. The rhythmic creaking is a signature sound of the city.
Hama Public Park
The park surrounding the Norias is lush and features paved paths, making it perfect for a stroller walk.
Azm Palace (Hama)
A smaller, but equally beautiful version of the palace in Damascus, now serving as an archaeological museum.
Evening Stay in Hama
Check into a hotel with river views to hear the Norias through the night.
Day 8: Aleppo, Syria - Journey to the Northern Hub
Drive to Aleppo
Continue your journey north. This segment takes about 2 hours through the agricultural heartland of Syria.
Check-in and Lunch
Settle into your Aleppo accommodation and try the local 'Cherry Kebab', a sweet and savory specialty.
Aleppo Public Park
One of the largest and most beautiful parks in the country, featuring statues and wide avenues for the kids.
View of the Citadel
Walk around the perimeter of the massive Aleppo Citadel as the floodlights come on.
Day 9: Aleppo, Syria - The Ancient Citadel
Inside the Citadel of Aleppo
Climb the grand entrance bridge. Inside, explore the throne room and the ancient amphitheater. The site is vast, so take your time.
Old City Souqs
Though partially damaged, many parts of the historic markets are thriving. It's a great place to buy famous Aleppo laurel soap.
The Great Mosque of Aleppo
Observe the restoration efforts at this historic site, which is slowly being returned to its former glory.
Dinner at Al-Hatab Square
Enjoy a meal in the heart of the Jdeideh quarter, known for its beautiful Christian heritage and stone architecture.
Day 10: Aleppo, Syria - Museum & Local Life
National Museum of Aleppo
View the statues from Tel Halaf and other ancient civilizations. It’s an educational morning for school-aged children.
Baron Hotel Visit
Have a drink at the hotel where Agatha Christie once stayed. It's a living time capsule of early 20th-century travel.
Sabil Park
Another great neighborhood park where you can see the daily lives of Aleppines.
Farewell Aleppo Dinner
A final feast of Aleppine appetizers like Muhammera and Kibbeh.
Day 11: Latakia, Syria - To the Mediterranean Coast
Drive to Latakia
Leave the inland heat for the Mediterranean coast. The drive takes you through scenic mountain passes.
Blue Beach Relaxation
Check into a beach resort. Spend the afternoon by the water, allowing the kids some playtime in the sand.
Latakia Corniche Walk
Join the locals for a sunset stroll along the sea. This is a very popular family activity and the path is wide and paved.
Seafood Dinner
Enjoy fresh Mediterranean fish at one of the many seaside restaurants.
Day 12: Latakia, Syria - Ancient Ugarit
Ugarit (Ras Shamra)
Visit the ruins where the first alphabet was discovered. It is a sprawling site that is easy to navigate on foot.
Lunch in the Mountains
Drive into the nearby Alawite Mountains for a traditional lunch in a cooler climate.
Latakia Museum
A small but well-curated museum located in a former Ottoman khan near the seafront.
Resort Evening
Enjoy the amenities of your hotel, including pools and kid-friendly entertainment.
Day 13: Tartus, Syria - Island Adventures
Drive to Tartus
A short 1-hour drive south along the coast brings you to the port city of Tartus.
Arwad Island Boat Trip
Take a small local ferry to Syria's only inhabited island. The boat ride itself is a major highlight for children.
Island Seafood Lunch
Eat right at the water's edge on Arwad, watching the boat builders at work.
Old City of Tartus
Explore the crusader-era streets of the old town, which are still very much a lived-in neighborhood.
Day 14: Tartus, Syria - Fortress on the Hill
Marqab Castle
Visit this formidable black basalt castle perched on a hill. The views of the sea are unparalleled.
Amrit Archaeological Site
Visit the ancient Phoenician stadium and temple ruins just south of Tartus.
Tartus Promenade
A final evening on the coast. Let the kids enjoy the small amusement rides often found near the corniche.
Dinner in the Old Cathedral
Dine near the Cathedral of Our Lady of Tortosa, now a museum, which dominates the city skyline.
Day 15: Damascus, Syria - The Return Journey
Drive back to Damascus
The long drive back takes about 3.5 to 4 hours. Plan for a stop at a highway rest area for snacks.
Late Lunch in Damascus
Return to your favorite spot in the Old City for a familiar and comforting meal.
Last-minute Souvenir Shopping
Pick up silk scarves, spices, or inlaid wooden boxes in the Souq al-Hamidiyah.
Farewell Syrian Feast
A grand final dinner to celebrate the end of an epic 16-day family journey.
Day 16: Damascus, Syria - Departure
Leisurely Breakfast
Enjoy a final spread of labneh, olives, and fresh bread in the hotel courtyard.
Airport Transfer
Head back to Damascus International Airport for your flight home.
Check-in & Duty Free
Complete your exit formalities and browse the local sweets in the departure lounge.
Flight Departure
Depart Syria with memories of ancient history and legendary hospitality.
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, making it ideal for walking through ancient sites with children. Summer can be extremely hot, especially in the inland cities like Damascus and Aleppo, while winter can be surprisingly cold and rainy.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Syrian Pound (SYP). Syria is primarily a cash-based economy, and international credit or debit cards generally do not work at local ATMs or shops due to sanctions. It is essential to bring enough USD or EUR in cash to exchange locally. Tipping is appreciated in restaurants and for drivers, usually around 10% of the bill.
Getting Around Syria
For families, the most comfortable and safest way to get around is by hiring a private car and driver through a reputable travel agency. This allows for flexible stops and helps navigate checkpoints more smoothly. Intercity buses like Al-Karnak and Kadmous offer reliable and affordable travel between major cities like Damascus, Homs, and Aleppo, though they are less flexible than private transport.
