17-Day Ultimate Family-Friendly Epic Journey Through Syria
Embarking on a 17-day journey across Syria offers families a unique opportunity to witness the resilience and beauty of the Middle East. This itinerary is designed with a slower pace, prioritizing comfort and accessibility to ensure that both parents and children can immerse themselves in the deep historical roots and warm hospitality of the Syrian people.
We have carefully selected routes that minimize long travel days and focus on walkable districts, lush parks, and breathtaking historical sites that are manageable with strollers. Prepare for an epic journey through time, spice-scented souks, and serene coastal retreats.
Day 1: Damascus, Syria - Arrival & First Impressions
Arrival at Damascus International Airport
Smooth arrival and meet-and-greet with your local driver for a comfortable transfer to the city center.
Check-in at Talisman Hotel
Relax in a restored Damascene courtyard house that offers a quiet sanctuary for the family.
Tishreen Park Stroll
Let the kids run free in one of the largest green spaces in the city, perfect for a gentle introduction to Damascus.
Welcome Dinner at Naranj
Enjoy world-class Levantine cuisine in a kid-friendly, upscale environment in the heart of the Old City.
Day 2: Damascus, Syria - The Heart of the Old City
Umayyad Mosque Exploration
Visit one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world, featuring stunning gold mosaics and a spacious courtyard.
Souq Al-Hamidiyah
Walk through the covered bazaar; the main thoroughfare is wide and relatively stroller-accessible compared to the side alleys.
Bakdash Ice Cream Stop
A must-visit for kids to try the famous pounded 'Booza' ice cream topped with pistachios.
Al-Azem Palace
Explore the beautiful courtyards and dioramas showing 18th-century Damascene life.
Day 3: Damascus, Syria - History and Views
National Museum of Damascus
Discover artifacts spanning millennia, including the Dura-Europos synagogue remains.
Lunch at Al-Khawali
Enjoy traditional Syrian dishes in a beautifully decorated family-oriented restaurant.
Mount Qasioun Sunset
Take a taxi to the viewpoint for a panoramic look at the city as the lights begin to twinkle.
Bab Sharqi Walk
Explore the Christian quarter’s gate and enjoy the lively evening atmosphere.
Day 4: Damascus, Syria - Crafts and Gardens
Tekkiye Vizierial Mosque & Craft Market
Watch artisans work on glass-blowing and embroidery in this stunning Ottoman complex.
Lunch in the Dummar District
A more modern area with wider sidewalks and plenty of kid-friendly dining options.
The Chapel of Saint Paul
Visit the site where St. Paul escaped the city, located in an accessible part of the ancient wall.
Evening at leisure
Relax at the hotel or enjoy a local juice bar.
Day 5: Damascus to Maaloula - Ancient Echoes
Drive to Maaloula
A 1-hour scenic drive into the mountains to a village where Aramaic is still spoken.
Monastery of Saint Thecla
Walk through the narrow mountain gorge (canyon) leading to the monastery; it's a fun walk for children.
Monastery of Saints Sergius and Bacchus
Visit one of the oldest surviving churches in the world with incredible hilltop views.
Return to Damascus
Head back to the capital for a restful evening.
Day 6: Damascus to Homs - The Middle Corridor
Departure for Homs
A 2.5-hour drive north through the Syrian steppe.
Lunch at Al-Ahram
Enjoy local Homsi specialties like Halawet el-Jibn for dessert.
Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque
Visit this iconic Ottoman-style mosque known for its many domes and towering minarets.
Overnight in Al-Mishtaya
Drive to the nearby Valley of Christians (Wadi al-Nasara) for a cooler, greener stay.
Day 7: Al-Mishtaya, Syria - Knightly Adventures
Krak des Chevaliers
Explore the ultimate Crusader castle. The massive halls and ramparts are a playground for the imagination.
Lunch with a View
Eat at one of the restaurants overlooking the castle for a spectacular backdrop.
St. George Monastery
A nearby Byzantine monastery with a stunning carved wood iconostasis.
Family Walk in the Village
Enjoy the peaceful atmosphere of the Christian valley.
Day 8: Al-Mishtaya to Tartus - The Coastal Breeze
Drive to Tartus
A pleasant 1.5-hour drive descending toward the Mediterranean coast.
Boat Trip to Arwad Island
Take a 15-minute boat ride to Syria’s only inhabited island. Kids will love the ferry ride.
Arwad Fortress Exploration
Explore the small island’s streets and its defensive walls.
Seafood Dinner in Tartus
Fresh catch of the day at one of the many seaside restaurants on the Corniche.
Day 9: Tartus to Latakia - Coastal Discovery
Visit Amrit
See the ancient Phoenician ruins and the unique stadium located just south of Tartus.
Drive to Latakia
A 1-hour drive along the scenic coastal highway.
Latakia Port & Corniche
A flat, stroller-friendly walk where you can watch the shipping traffic and enjoy the sea air.
Check-in at Afamia Resort
A family-friendly resort with pool facilities for the children.
Day 10: Latakia, Syria - Ancient Alphabets
Ugarit (Ras Shamra)
Explore the ruins where the world’s first alphabet was discovered. The site is open and airy.
Lunch in Blue Beach
Relax by the Mediterranean with some fresh Mezze.
October Park (Al-Basel)
A large public park in Latakia with play areas for children.
Leisurely Shopping
Visit the local boutiques in the city center for coastal crafts.
Day 11: Latakia to Aleppo - Toward the North
Travel to Aleppo
A longer travel day (approx. 3-4 hours). We recommend a comfortable private van with stops.
Arrival and Lunch in Aleppo
Try the famous Aleppine Kebabs at a local family restaurant.
Aleppo Public Park
The largest park in the city, providing a great space for kids to stretch their legs after the drive.
Check-in at Rigatoni Hotel
A comfortable and well-reviewed hotel in the Azizieh district.
Day 12: Aleppo, Syria - The Great Citadel
Citadel of Aleppo
A massive medieval palace-fortress. The ramp at the entrance is impressive and manageable for older kids.
Lunch Overlooking the Citadel
There are several cafes with terraces directly facing the main gate.
Old City Rebirth
Walk through parts of the UNESCO-listed Old Souq that are currently being restored.
Baron Hotel Visit
Have a drink at the legendary hotel where Agatha Christie once stayed.
Day 13: Aleppo, Syria - Museums and Neighborhoods
National Museum of Aleppo
Home to incredible Iron Age statues from Tell Halaf.
Lunch in Al-Jadideh
The old Christian quarter with beautiful narrow streets and boutique restaurants.
Beit Ghazaleh & Beit Achiqbash
Exquisite examples of Ottoman-era houses with intricate stonework.
Saffron Shopping
Pick up some of Aleppo's world-famous laurel soap (Ghar) as souvenirs.
Day 14: Aleppo to Hama - The Waterwheels
Drive to Hama
A 2.5-hour drive south towards the Orontes River.
The Norias of Hama
See the giant ancient wooden waterwheels. The sound and scale are fascinating for children.
Lunch by the River
Eat at a riverside café and watch the Norias turn.
Azem Palace Hama
A smaller, very intimate palace with a lovely museum of local folklore.
Day 15: Hama to Damascus - Returning South
Travel to Damascus
A 3-hour journey back to the capital city.
Check-in and Rest
Return to a favorite hotel for a relaxed afternoon.
Shopping at Souq Saroujah
Explore this historic district known for its traditional sweets and crafts.
Farewell Dinner
A final grand Syrian meal to celebrate the journey.
Day 16: Damascus, Syria - Final Treasures
Sayyidah Ruqayya Mosque
Visit this stunning shrine with intricate mirror work that mesmerizes visitors of all ages.
Lunch at a Courtyard Café
Enjoy a slow lunch under the jasmine vines.
Handicraft Union Building
The last chance to buy authentic Damascene wood inlay and silk brocade.
Relax in the Hamam
Experience a traditional bath (many have family or women-only hours) for ultimate relaxation.
Day 17: Damascus, Syria - Departure
Leisurely Breakfast
Enjoy a final spread of Labneh, Olives, and Maamoul.
Last Minute Souvenirs
A quick walk to the local bakery for travel snacks.
Airport Transfer
A private vehicle takes you back to Damascus International Airport for your flight home.
Departure
Safe travels home with a lifetime of family memories.
Best Time to Visit Syria
The best time to visit Syria is during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm but not scorching, making it ideal for exploring archaeological sites and walking through city souks with children. Summers can be extremely hot, especially in the interior cities like Homs and Aleppo, while winters can be surprisingly chilly with occasional rain.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Syrian Pound (SYP). Due to international sanctions, international credit and debit cards generally do not work in Syria. You must bring enough cash (USD or EUR are preferred) to exchange locally. Tipping is common and appreciated in restaurants and for drivers. Always carry small bills for markets. Currency exchange should only be done at official exchange offices or banks.
Getting Around Syria
For a family trip, the most comfortable way to get around is by hiring a private car with a professional driver. This allows for flexible stops and ensures you have air conditioning and space for a stroller. While intercity buses (Pulman) are available and affordable, they follow strict schedules. Domestic flights between Damascus and Latakia or Aleppo are available via Syrian Air or Cham Wings and can save significant travel time.
