18-Day Ultimate Syria Family Adventure: Ancient History & Coastal Calm
Syria offers a profound journey into the cradle of civilization, where ancient history meets warm Levantine hospitality. This 18-day itinerary is specifically designed for families who want to experience the grandeur of the Silk Road at a gentle pace, ensuring both parents and children remain engaged without feeling rushed.
Traveling through Syria as a family allows for unique cultural exchanges; the Syrian people are famously welcoming to children. From the sprawling parks of Damascus to the sandy shores of Latakia and the legendary Krak des Chevaliers, this route balances educational historic sites with plenty of downtime in comfortable, modern settings.
The Itinerary
Day 1: Damascus, Syria - The Grand Arrival
Airport Arrival & Private Transfer
Touch down at Damascus International Airport. Arrange a private transfer to your hotel in the historic Old City to avoid the hassle of local taxis with heavy luggage.
Settling into the Old City
Check into a restored traditional Damascene boutique hotel. These courtyard houses offer a quiet, stroller-friendly environment away from the city noise.
Al-Hamidiyah Souq Stroll
Take a gentle walk through the covered market. The wide main thoroughfare is accessible for strollers and filled with the scent of spices and jasmine.
Bakdash Ice Cream Treat
Enjoy the famous pounded Arabic ice cream with pistachios—a massive hit for kids and a Damascus institution.
Day 2: Damascus, Syria - Spiritual & Architectural Wonders
The Umayyad Mosque
Explore one of the oldest and largest mosques in the world. The vast, smooth marble courtyard is a safe, open space for children to walk freely.
Azem Palace
Visit this 18th-century Ottoman palace. The beautiful gardens and life-sized dioramas showing old Syrian life are very engaging for younger travelers.
Saint Ananias House
Descend into the underground chapel of one of the oldest churches in the world, located in the Christian Quarter (Bab Sharqi).
Straight Street Dinner
Dine at a local restaurant on the street mentioned in the Bible, offering mild and kid-friendly mezzes like hummus and fatayer.
Day 3: Damascus, Syria - Parks & Panoramas
Tishreen Park
Spend a relaxing morning in the city's largest green space. It features wide paths, playgrounds, and plenty of space for a family picnic.
Damascus National Museum
View the reconstructed facade of Qasr al-Hayr al-Gharbi. The museum gardens are quiet and offer a nice break from the midday sun.
Mount Qasioun Sunset
Take a taxi to the top of the mountain for a panoramic view of the city as the lights come on—a magical sight for all ages.
Evening at Al-Rabwah
Enjoy dinner at one of the many riverside restaurants in the Barada valley, popular with local families.
Day 4: Damascus, Syria - Artisans & Education
Tekkiyeh Suleimaniyeh
Visit this stunning mosque complex and its handicraft market. Watch glassblowers and weavers at work—a fascinating educational experience for kids.
Lunch in the Old City Courtyards
Find a hidden courtyard restaurant like Naranj for a high-quality, comfortable dining experience with impeccable service.
Beit al-Aqqad
Visit the Danish Institute in Damascus to see a beautifully restored house that showcases the heights of Syrian architecture.
Souvenir Shopping at Bab Touma
Pick up local silks and olive oil soaps in the Christian Quarter before heading to the next city tomorrow.
Day 5: Damascus to Maaloula, Syria - Into the Mountains
Intercity Scenic Drive
Depart Damascus for the mountain village of Maaloula. The 1.5-hour drive is comfortable and offers views of the rugged Qalamoun Mountains.
Saint Thecla Monastery
Explore this monastery built into the mountainside. The narrow gorge (faj) walk is easy for kids and feels like a mini-adventure.
Lunch with Mountain Views
Eat at a local terrace restaurant where the air is cool and the views of the blue-painted houses are stunning.
St. Sergius and Bacchus Monastery
Listen to the Lord's Prayer in Aramaic—the language of Jesus—which is still spoken in this village.
Day 6: Maaloula & Saidnaya, Syria - Sacred Heights
Saidnaya Monastery
A short drive from Maaloula takes you to the Convent of Our Lady of Saidnaya, a major pilgrimage site with impressive hilltop views.
Cherubim Monastery
Visit the highest point in the region for incredible 360-degree views. The large statue of Christ is a notable landmark here.
Village Exploration
Walk through the quiet streets of Saidnaya, interacting with locals and enjoying the slower pace of life.
Mountain Dinner
Enjoy local specialties like 'Kibbeh' in a family-run mountain eatery before retiring for the night.
Day 7: Maaloula to Homs, Syria - The Central Hub
Travel to Homs
Drive north towards Homs (approx. 2 hours). The roads are well-maintained, allowing for a smooth transition for the kids.
Al-Nouri Grand Mosque
Visit the historic mosque of Homs, known for its distinct black and white stone architecture.
Orontes River Walk
A relaxed afternoon stroll near the Orontes River, where many local families gather in the evenings.
Homsi Sweets Tasting
Homs is famous for its 'Halawet el-Jibn' (sweet cheese rolls). Visit a local patisserie for a fresh tasting session.
Day 8: Homs, Syria - Crusader Legend
Krak des Chevaliers
Spend the morning at the world's best-preserved Crusader castle. Its massive halls and tunnels are an absolute playground for children's imaginations.
Lunch at the Castle Viewpoint
Several restaurants sit on the hill opposite the castle, offering a perfect backdrop for a family photo and a relaxed lunch.
Deir Mar Georges
Visit the nearby St. George Monastery, a beautiful Byzantine site located in the 'Valley of the Christians'.
Return to Homs
Relax at the hotel and enjoy the pool facilities after a day of climbing castle stairs.
Day 9: Homs, Syria - Hidden Fortresses
Masyaf Castle Day Trip
Drive to the Ismaili castle of Masyaf. It is smaller and more manageable for younger children to explore compared to Krak.
Picnic in the Valley
The area around Masyaf is lush and green, perfect for an outdoor lunch away from the city crowds.
Old Homs Clock Tower
Return to Homs city center to see the iconic clock tower, a symbol of the city's resilience.
Family Dinner at a Traditional Grill
Try the local Homsi 'Shish Tawook' (garlic chicken skewers), a staple that kids usually love.
Day 10: Homs to Tartous, Syria - The Mediterranean Gate
Drive to the Coast
A pleasant 1.5-hour drive takes you from the plains of Homs to the Mediterranean city of Tartous.
Tartous Old City & Cathedral
Explore the Crusader-era Old City and the Cathedral of Our Lady of Tortosa, which now serves as a museum.
Corniche Walk
The Tartous Corniche is wide and paved, perfect for strollers. Kids can watch the fishing boats while parents enjoy the sea breeze.
Fresh Seafood Dinner
Dine at one of the waterfront restaurants serving the day's catch—Tartous is famous for its fresh fish.
Day 11: Tartous, Syria - Island Adventure
Ferry to Arwad Island
Take a short, 20-minute boat ride to Syria's only inhabited island. The boat trip itself is a highlight for children.
Exploring Arwad Fortress
Walk the car-free streets of Arwad, visit the small fortress, and watch local craftsmen building traditional wooden boats.
Seaside Snack
Try the local Arwad 'Sfiha' (meat pies) while sitting right by the water's edge.
Return Ferry
Head back to the mainland for a quiet evening at the hotel.
Day 12: Tartous, Syria - Ancient Phoenicia
Amrit Ruins
Visit the nearby site of Amrit, an ancient Phoenician port. The site is spread out and grassy, making it a great place for kids to run around.
Beach Club Lunch
Visit a local beach club south of the city for a comfortable lunch with access to sandy shores and clean facilities.
Relaxed Shopping
Tartous has many modern shops and pharmacies, making it easy to restock on any family travel essentials.
Evening Gelato
Enjoy a final evening walk on the Corniche with some local gelato.
Day 13: Tartous to Latakia, Syria - Blue Beaches
Coastal Road Drive
Travel north to Latakia (approx. 1 hour). The drive is scenic with the Mediterranean on one side and citrus groves on the other.
Check-in & Pool Time
Allow the kids to burn off energy in the resort pool while you enjoy the Mediterranean view.
Tishreen University Park
Visit this large green space in Latakia city, a popular spot for local students and families.
Latakia Port Dinner
Dine near the commercial port to watch the large ships coming in and out—a fascinating sight for kids.
Day 14: Latakia, Syria - The First Alphabet
Ugarit (Ras Shamra)
Visit the ruins where the first alphabet was discovered. The site is relatively flat and easy to navigate with children.
Lunch in Ras al-Bassit
Drive further north to this beautiful bay for a lunch featuring local mountain herbs and fresh bread.
Blue Beach Relaxation
Spend the afternoon at the 'Cote d'Azur' of Syria, known for its clear water and family-friendly atmosphere.
Coastal Mezze Night
Try 'Moutabal' and 'Tabouleh' at a beachfront cafe as the sun sets over the sea.
Day 15: Latakia, Syria - Forested Fortresses
Salah Ed-Din Castle
Drive into the mountains to visit this UNESCO site. The castle is surrounded by lush forests and features a dramatic deep-cut moat.
Forest Picnic
The pine forests surrounding the castle are cool and refreshing, perfect for a family picnic.
Latakia Archeology Museum
A smaller museum located in a beautiful former Ottoman governor's palace, manageable for a quick family visit.
Downtown Latakia Stroll
Explore the modern city center with its vibrant cafes and bustling evening life.
Day 16: Latakia, Syria - Leisure & Sun
Resort Day
A full day of relaxation. Use the resort's private beach facilities, sandcastle building, and swimming.
Long Lunch
Enjoy a slow, multi-course Syrian lunch at the resort's restaurant.
Last Beach Walk
Collect shells and enjoy the Mediterranean waves before the journey back to Damascus tomorrow.
Farewell Coastal Dinner
Choose your favorite local dish for one last seaside meal.
Day 17: Latakia to Damascus, Syria - The Final Stretch
Return Drive to Damascus
The 4.5-hour drive back to the capital is the longest transit. Plan for a mid-way break in Homs for snacks and stretching.
Revisiting the Souk
Head back to Al-Hamidiyah for any last-minute gifts or spices you may have missed on Day 1.
Jasmine Garden Tea
Relax in a quiet courtyard with traditional Syrian tea and sweets.
Grand Farewell Dinner
Dine at a premier Old City restaurant like 'Elissar' for a final celebration of Syrian gastronomy.
Day 18: Damascus, Syria - Final Farewells
Leisurely Breakfast
Enjoy a final traditional breakfast of fava beans (ful), labneh, and fresh olives in the hotel courtyard.
Handicraft Final Look
A quick walk to the Tekkiyeh Suleimaniyeh for any last-minute artisan purchases.
Airport Transfer
Take your pre-arranged private transfer back to Damascus International Airport for your flight home.
Departure
End of an epic 18-day family journey through the heart of the Levant.
Best Time to Visit Syria
The best time to visit Syria for families is during the spring (April to June) or autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is pleasantly warm but not scorching, making it ideal for walking through ancient ruins and city souks with children. Winters can be surprisingly cold, especially in Damascus and the mountains, while summer temperatures (July and August) can exceed 35°C (95°F), which may be taxing for younger travelers.
Currency & Money
The local currency is the Syrian Pound (SYP). Due to international sanctions, international credit and debit cards (Visa/Mastercard) generally do not work in Syria, and there are no international ATMs. Travelers must bring sufficient cash in US Dollars or Euros to exchange locally at official exchange offices or banks. Tipping is common and appreciated; a 10% tip at restaurants is standard for good service.
Getting Around Syria
The most comfortable way for families to travel between cities is via private car and driver, which can be arranged through local travel agencies or hotels. While there are public buses (Pullman) that are affordable and connect major hubs like Damascus, Homs, and Latakia, a private vehicle offers the flexibility needed for stroller storage and unscheduled kid-friendly breaks. Domestic flights between Damascus and Latakia are occasionally available but infrequent; road travel remains the most reliable method for this itinerary.
