16-Day Ultimate Syria Luxury Heritage & Coastline Route
Syria is a land where history breathes through every stone, offering a depth of heritage that few places on earth can match. This 16-day journey is designed for the discerning traveler who seeks to blend the thrill of an epic archaeological expedition with the comforts of high-end boutique hospitality and private, curated experiences.
From the jasmine-scented alleys of Old Damascus to the sun-drenched ruins of Palmyra and the Mediterranean breeze of Latakia, you will navigate the country in premium private transport. Stay in restored Ottoman palaces, enjoy exclusive after-hours access to world-class monuments, and dine in the finest establishments that define modern Syrian luxury.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Damascus, Syria - Grand Arrival & Old City Charm
Luxury Airport Transfer & Check-in
Arrive at Damascus International Airport where your private chauffeur awaits. Transfer in a premium SUV to the Yasmeen Rotana or the boutique Beit Al Mamlouka in the heart of the Old City.
Straight Street & Bab Sharqi Exploration
Take a private guided walk down the 'Street Called Straight,' mentioned in the Bible. Explore the artisan workshops and the historic Roman Gate of the Sun (Bab Sharqi).
Sunset at Mount Qasioun
Drive to the summit of Mount Qasioun to witness the lights of the world's oldest continuously inhabited city flicker to life below you.
Fine Dining at Naranj
Experience the heights of Syrian gastronomy at Naranj, located in a stunningly restored courtyard, serving traditional Aleppine and Damascene specialties.
Day 2: Damascus, Syria - Umayyad Splendor & Ottoman Palaces
Umayyad Mosque Private Tour
Visit the architectural masterpiece of the Umayyad Mosque. Admire the golden mosaics and the shrine of John the Baptist with a specialized historian guide.
Al-Azem Palace
Explore the 18th-century residence of the Ottoman governor, a prime example of Damascene architecture featuring intricate stonework and lush courtyards.
Khan As'ad Pasha
Marvel at the majestic domes and black-and-white masonry of this ancient caravanserai, once a hub for Silk Road traders.
Traditional Hamam Experience
Relax at the Nur al-Din Bimaristan or a private session at a luxury spa to experience the centuries-old tradition of the Syrian bath.
Day 3: Damascus, Syria - Arts, Culture & Christian Heritage
National Museum of Damascus
View the reconstructed Synagogue of Dura-Europos and the unique Palmyrene sculptures in the company of a private curator.
Chapel of Ananias
Descend into the underground crypt where St. Paul was said to have been healed and baptized, located in the historic Christian quarter.
Textile & Brocade Workshop
Visit a private workshop to see the production of Damascus Brocade, a silk fabric so famous it was used for Queen Elizabeth II's wedding gown.
Dinner at Al-Khawali
Enjoy an evening of live Oud music and gourmet Mezze in a high-end restaurant known for its aristocratic atmosphere.
Day 4: Maaloula & Sednaya, Syria - Ancient Faiths & Mountain Air
Scenic Drive to Maaloula
Travel into the Qalamoun Mountains to the village of Maaloula, one of the last places on earth where Western Aramaic, the language of Jesus, is still spoken.
Monastery of Saint Sarkis
Visit this 4th-century monastery and listen to the Lord's Prayer chanted in Aramaic in the ancient stone chapel.
Our Lady of Sednaya
Climb to the fortress-like monastery of Sednaya, offering breathtaking views and home to a revered icon attributed to St. Luke.
Return to Damascus
Evening at leisure to enjoy the luxury amenities of your hotel or a private wine tasting of Syrian Bekaa Valley vintages.
Day 5: Homs & Krak des Chevaliers, Syria - Crusader Fortresses
Departure for Homs
Travel north through the Syrian steppe toward the 'Valley of the Christians.' Your driver will ensure a smooth journey with premium refreshments on board.
Krak des Chevaliers Tour
Explore the world's most impressive Crusader castle. A private guide will take you through the inner keep, the Gothic hall, and the chapel.
Lunch with a View
Dine at a restaurant overlooking the castle walls, enjoying fresh mountain trout and local seasonal salads.
Check-in at Al-Mishtaya
Stay at a luxury villa or boutique hotel in the green hills surrounding the fortress for a peaceful evening.
Day 6: Palmyra, Syria - The Pearl of the Desert
Desert Expedition
Embark on a private journey deep into the Syrian Desert to the oasis city of Palmyra, the former capital of Queen Zenobia's empire.
The Great Colonnade
Walk the kilometer-long monumental street, admiring the Tetrapylon and the remarkably resilient Roman theatre.
Temple of Bel & Nebo
Survey the remains of these massive religious complexes, once the spiritual heart of the Palmyrene world.
Sunset at Fakhr-al-Din al-Ma'ani Castle
Watch the sun set over the ruins from the hilltop Arab castle, offering the most iconic view in the Middle East.
Day 7: Palmyra & Hama, Syria - Valley of Tombs to the Norias
Valley of the Tombs
Visit the unique tower tombs and underground hypogeums where Palmyra's elite were buried in elaborate stone sarcophagi.
Transit to Hama
Leave the desert behind and head toward the Orontes River and the city of Hama.
The Great Norias of Hama
Observe the giant wooden water wheels (Norias), some dating back to the 14th century, still creaking as they lift water to the city's aqueducts.
Hama Riverside Dinner
Enjoy local Hama sweets like Halawat al-Jibn at a riverside cafe as the sun sets over the Orontes.
Day 8: Aleppo, Syria - Arrival in the Northern Capital
Drive to Aleppo
Arrive in Syria's second city, a historic center of trade and culture. Check into the iconic Baron Hotel or a luxury boutique house in the Jdeideh quarter.
Aleppo Citadel Exploration
Tour the massive medieval fortress, one of the oldest and largest castles in the world, dominating the city skyline.
Baron Hotel History Tour
Have a drink at the bar where Agatha Christie wrote 'Murder on the Orient Express' and Lawrence of Arabia once stayed.
Gourmet Dinner in Jdeideh
Dine at a luxury restaurant in the Christian Quarter, known for its intricate stone carvings and fusion of Aleppine-Armenian flavors.
Day 9: Aleppo, Syria - Souqs & Silk Road Legacy
Restored Souq Al-Madina
Walk through the sections of the world's largest covered market that have been meticulously restored to their former glory.
Great Mosque of Aleppo
Visit the remains of the Great Mosque, witnessing the ongoing restoration of its famous Seljuk minaret.
Aleppo Soap Workshop
Visit a traditional factory to see how the world-famous laurel and olive oil soap is made using ancient techniques.
Museum of Aleppo
View the unique Iron Age statues from Tell Halaf and other North Syrian archaeological treasures.
Day 10: Saint Simeon, Syria - The Dead Cities & Pillars
Qal’at Sim’an (Saint Simeon)
Drive to the impressive ruins of the Basilica of St. Simeon the Stylite, built around the pillar where the saint lived for 37 years.
The Dead Cities Tour
Visit Mushabbak Basilica or Serjilla, remarkably preserved Byzantine-era villages that offer a glimpse into ancient rural life.
Picnic in the Olive Groves
Enjoy a luxury catered lunch among the ancient olive trees and limestone ruins of Northern Syria.
Return to Aleppo
Relax with a private spa session at your boutique hotel before an evening at leisure.
Day 11: Latakia, Syria - Mediterranean Coast & Ugarit
Drive to the Coast
Travel through the lush green mountains of the Lattakia Governorate toward the Mediterranean Sea.
Ugarit (Ras Shamra)
Visit the ruins where the world's first alphabet was discovered. Explore the Royal Palace and the temples of Baal.
Afamia Resort Check-in
Check into a beachside suite at the Afamia Resort or the Côte d'Azur de Cham for some coastal luxury.
Seafood Dinner by the Sea
Enjoy the catch of the day at a high-end restaurant overlooking the Mediterranean sunset.
Day 12: Latakia & Tartus, Syria - Island Life & Castles
Latakia Marina Walk
Enjoy a morning coffee at the luxury marina before driving south toward the port city of Tartus.
Arwad Island Excursion
Take a private boat to Arwad, Syria's only inhabited island. Explore the Phoenician walls and enjoy a local lunch.
Cathedral of Our Lady of Tartus
Visit this stunning example of Crusader architecture, which now houses the Tartus Museum.
Evening in Tartus
Stroll the Corniche and enjoy the relaxed coastal atmosphere of Syria's second-largest port.
Day 13: Safita & Misyaf, Syria - Mountain Citadels
White Tower of Safita
Visit the massive keep of the Knights Templar, which still functions as a church in this picturesque mountain town.
Misyaf Castle
Explore the headquarters of the Ismaili sect (the 'Assassins'), dramatically perched on a rocky outcrop.
Mountain Scenic Route
Drive through the winding roads of the Coastal Range, offering spectacular views of the Mediterranean and the interior plains.
Stay at a Mountain Lodge
Enjoy a night at a boutique eco-lodge or upscale guesthouse in the Syrian mountains.
Day 14: Return to Damascus, Syria - Southbound Journey
Leisurely Drive South
Begin the return journey to the capital, stopping at roadside fruit stalls for fresh mountain produce.
Arrive in Damascus
Check back into your favorite boutique hotel in the Old City for your final days of the trip.
Souq Al-Hamidiyah Shopping
Do some final high-end shopping for carpets, marquetry boxes, and spices in the city's most famous souq.
Farewell Dinner
Celebrate your journey at a rooftop restaurant with views of the illuminated Umayyad Mosque.
Day 15: Damascus, Syria - Art & Modernity
Modern Art Gallery Visit
Visit some of Damascus's contemporary art galleries to see the vibrant modern cultural scene.
Lunch in Dummar
Experience the modern side of Damascus with lunch in the upscale Dummar district, known for its trendy cafes.
Private Cooking Class
Learn the secrets of Syrian cuisine from a master chef in a private home or restaurant kitchen.
Final Evening Walk
One last stroll through the jasmine-scented streets of the Old City as the night air cools.
Day 16: Damascus, Syria - Final Farewells
Breakfast at the Palace
Enjoy a final traditional Damascene breakfast of Fatteh and Mamouniyeh in the courtyard of your hotel.
Last Minute Souvenirs
Visit the Tekkiyeh Sulaymaniyah craft market for high-quality handmade gifts and jewelry.
Departure Transfer
Your private chauffeur transfers you to Damascus International Airport for your flight home.
Flight Departure
Board your flight, taking with you the memories of a truly epic Syrian journey.
Best Time to Visit Syria
The best time to visit Syria is during the spring (April to June) and autumn (September to November). During these periods, the weather is mild and pleasant, ideal for exploring the desert ruins of Palmyra and the mountain fortresses without the intense heat of summer or the chilly, rainy winters of the coast and mountains. Spring also brings beautiful blooms to the Syrian countryside.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Syrian Pound (SYP). Due to the economic situation, credit cards are rarely accepted, and most transactions are done in cash. It is essential to bring USD or EUR in cash to exchange at official exchange bureaus or hotels. Tipping is expected in luxury settings; a 10-15% tip at high-end restaurants and for private guides is standard and appreciated.
Getting Around Syria
For a luxury traveler, private chauffeured transport is the only recommended way to navigate Syria. Domestic flights between Damascus, Aleppo, and Latakia via Syrian Air or Cham Wings are available but schedules can be irregular. Trains are currently limited, so a private SUV with an experienced driver-guide offers the most flexibility, safety, and comfort for intercity travel.
