19-Day Ultimate Family Travel Guides Route in Syria
Syria offers a profound journey through the cradle of civilization, making it a surprisingly educational and enriching destination for families. This 19-day itinerary is designed with a 'slow travel' philosophy, ensuring that children can enjoy the vast public parks and historic sites without the fatigue of a rushed schedule.
Traveling through Syria requires patience and a love for hospitality. You will find that local residents go out of their way to welcome families, often offering treats to children and sharing stories. From the ancient souqs to the breezy Mediterranean coast, this route covers the nation's most iconic landmarks while maintaining a budget-friendly profile.
Day 1: Damascus, Syria - Arrival & Old City Welcome
Airport Arrival & Transfer
Touch down at Damascus International Airport. After clearing customs, meet your pre-arranged driver for a comfortable 30-minute ride into the heart of the city.
Check-in at a Boutique Damascene House
Settle into a traditional courtyard hotel in the Old City. These houses are stroller-friendly on the ground floor and offer a peaceful escape from the street noise.
Walk through Straight Street
Take a gentle stroll along 'Via Recta,' the ancient Roman road that bisects the Old City. It is wide enough for strollers and lined with small shops.
Welcome Dinner in the Old City
Enjoy your first taste of Syrian Mezze in a garden setting, where the kids can try fresh hummus and flatbreads.
Day 2: Damascus, Syria - The Umayyad Legacy
Umayyad Mosque Exploration
Visit one of the world's largest and oldest mosques. The massive courtyard is perfect for kids to walk around (socks only), and the mosaics are breathtaking.
Al-Hamidiyah Souq
Walk through the covered market. The high ceilings keep it cool, and the sights of spices and textiles are mesmerizing for all ages.
Bakdash Ice Cream
Stop for the famous 'Booza' (pounded ice cream) covered in pistachios. It’s a highlight for children and a Damascus institution.
Sayyida Ruqayya Mosque
A short walk from the Umayyad Mosque, this site features stunning Iranian-style mirror work that fascinates younger travelers.
Day 3: Damascus, Syria - Palaces and Parks
Azem Palace
Explore the 18th-century Ottoman palace. The courtyards are tranquil, and the wax figures showcasing traditional life help kids visualize history.
Lunch near Bab Sharqi
Dine at a restaurant near the Eastern Gate, an area known for its relaxed atmosphere and historical significance.
Tishreen Park
A massive green space in the modern city. It is fully stroller-accessible and features playgrounds where local children play.
Family Relaxation
Return to the hotel for a quiet evening. Traditional hotels often have central fountains that provide a soothing ambiance.
Day 4: Damascus, Syria - Views and Arts
National Museum of Damascus
Discover artifacts from across Syria. The gardens outside are lovely and offer a quiet place for children to rest between galleries.
Khan As'ad Pasha
Visit this architecturally stunning caravanserai. The dome structure and light play are a photographer's dream and very spacious.
Mount Qasioun Sunset
Take a taxi to the viewpoint for a panoramic look at the city. It's a popular family spot to watch the lights come on across Damascus.
Modern City Dinner
Explore the Abu Rummaneh district for contemporary dining options that cater to international tastes.
Day 5: Maaloula & Sednaya, Syria - Ancient Echoes
Travel to Sednaya
A 45-minute drive north to the Monastery of Our Lady of Sednaya, a major pilgrimage site with incredible views of the mountains.
Maaloula Village
Continue to the village where Aramaic is still spoken. Kids will enjoy the narrow gorge walk (Faj) leading to the Monastery of Saint Thecla.
Monastery of Mar Sarkis
Visit the ancient church and enjoy a quiet lunch with local bread and honey in the village square.
Return to Damascus
A smooth drive back to the capital for a final night in the city before heading north.
Day 6: Homs, Syria - The City of Black Stone
Intercity Drive to Homs
A 2.5-hour drive on the main highway. The road is well-paved, making for a comfortable journey for the family.
St. Mary Church of the Holy Belt
Visit this historic Syriac Orthodox cathedral. The underground chapel is atmospheric and historical.
Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque
Admire the stunning Ottoman-style architecture and the unique black-and-white stone patterns typical of Homs.
Homs Public Garden
Relax in the city's central green space, a popular spot for local families to gather in the evenings.
Day 7: Homs, Syria - The Knight's Fortress
Day Trip to Krak des Chevaliers
A short drive to one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the world. The outer walls are massive and offer plenty of space for exploration.
Castle Picnic
Enjoy lunch at a restaurant overlooking the fortress. The views are spectacular and provide a great backdrop for family photos.
Exploring the Valley of Christians
Drive through the lush green valley surrounding the castle, visiting small villages like Al-Mishtaya.
Return to Homs
Spend the evening enjoying local Homsi sweets, like Halawet el-Jibn.
Day 8: Hama, Syria - The Giant Norias
Travel to Hama
A 1-hour drive north to Hama, famous for its wooden water wheels along the Orontes River.
Noria Tour
See the giant wheels in action. The groaning sound of the wood is a unique sensory experience for children.
Azem Palace Hama
Similar to its counterpart in Damascus but smaller and more intimate, located right on the riverbank.
Riverside Walk
The Orontes riverfront is well-lit and full of families in the evening, perfect for a stroller-friendly walk.
Day 9: Hama, Syria - Relaxed Discovery
The Great Mosque of Hama
Explore this ancient site which shows layers of history from Roman temple to Byzantine church to Mosque.
Family Lunch in the Park
Visit the public gardens near the main norias for a relaxed lunch while the kids play.
Exploring the Old Quarter
Walk through the narrow streets of the old city, which is significantly quieter and more compact than Damascus.
Local Gastronomy
Try the local Hama-style Sfiha (meat pies), a favorite for children due to their manageable size and savory flavor.
Day 10: Aleppo, Syria - The Northern Jewel
Journey to Aleppo
A 2-hour drive through the central plains. You’ll see the changing landscape as you approach Syria’s largest city.
Arrival and Check-in
Settle into your hotel in the Al-Jdeideh or modern district. The city is bustling and full of energy.
Aleppo Public Park (Al-Sabil)
Start with a low-key afternoon at the city's favorite park. It’s a great place for kids to stretch their legs after the drive.
First Aleppo Dinner
Aleppo is the food capital of the Middle East. Try the Cherry Kebab, a sweet and savory dish kids usually love.
Day 11: Aleppo, Syria - The Citadel
The Citadel of Aleppo
Spend several hours exploring this massive fortress. The climb is manageable, and the views from the top are the best in the city.
Lunch Overlooking the Citadel
There are several cafes directly across from the Citadel entrance that offer great views and kid-friendly snacks.
Exploring the Perimeter
Walk around the moat of the Citadel. The area has been refurbished and is wide and stroller-friendly.
Traditional Music Evening
If available, catch a performance of traditional Aleppine song (Muwashshah) in a cultural center.
Day 12: Aleppo, Syria - The Historic Souqs
Al-Madina Souq
The reconstruction of the famous covered souqs is a sight to behold. It’s less crowded than it used to be, making it easier for families to navigate.
Baron Hotel Visit
Have tea at the legendary Baron Hotel. While it’s a bit faded, the history (Agatha Christie stayed here!) is fascinating for older kids.
Al-Jdeideh Quarter
Walk through the Christian quarter with its beautiful narrow streets and historic churches.
Street Food Tour
Sample Za'atar manakish and fresh juices from street vendors in the modern city areas.
Day 13: Aleppo, Syria - Relaxed City Life
Beit Ghazaleh & Beit Achiqbash
Visit these historic houses in the Jdeideh district which serve as museums of Aleppine art and lifestyle.
Long Lunch in a Courtyard
Enjoy a slow afternoon meal in a converted house, letting the kids play in the safe, enclosed courtyard.
Local Shopping
Pick up famous Aleppo laurel soap (Ghar) as souvenirs. It's gentle for kids and a piece of history you can take home.
Farewell Aleppo Dinner
One last feast of Aleppine specialties before heading to the coast.
Day 14: Latakia, Syria - To the Mediterranean
Drive to Latakia
A 3-hour scenic drive across the mountains to the coastal city of Latakia. The air gets noticeably fresher as you descend toward the sea.
Seaside Lunch
Enjoy fresh Mediterranean fish at a restaurant along the corniche. Seafood is a healthy and fresh option for the whole family.
Beachfront Relaxation
Check into a resort on the Cote d'Azur area. Spend the afternoon by the water or the pool.
Corniche Stroll
Join the locals for an evening walk along the Latakia Corniche as the sun sets over the Mediterranean.
Day 15: Latakia, Syria - Ancient Ugarit
Ugarit Ruins (Ras Shamra)
Visit the site where the world's first alphabet was discovered. The ruins are flat and easy for kids to walk through.
Picnic at Blue Beach
Pack a lunch and head to one of the quieter beaches north of the city for some family swimming time.
Tishreen University Botanical Garden
A quiet, well-maintained green space that is perfect for a relaxed afternoon stroller walk.
Downtown Latakia Exploration
Explore the city center’s shops and cafes, which have a distinct, laid-back Mediterranean feel.
Day 16: Latakia, Syria - Castle in the Clouds
Qal'at Salah al-Din (Saladin's Castle)
A 45-minute drive into the mountains. This UNESCO site is famous for its massive pillar carved out of rock. The pine forests surrounding it are beautiful.
Mountain Lunch
Eat at a local mountain restaurant near the castle, serving fresh bread and mountain herbs.
Return to Latakia
Enjoy a final afternoon at the resort pool or the beach.
Quiet Family Evening
Relax at the resort, making use of the family-friendly amenities and dining options.
Day 17: Tartus & Arwad, Syria - Island Life
Travel to Tartus
A 1.5-hour drive south along the coast to the port city of Tartus.
Boat to Arwad Island
Take a short, 15-minute boat ride to Syria's only inhabited island. Kids will love the boat trip and the car-free streets of the island.
Island Seafood Lunch
Dine right at the water's edge on Arwad, watching the boats go by.
Tartus Old City
Explore the Crusader-era old town of Tartus, which is surprisingly well-integrated into the modern city.
Day 18: Safita, Syria - The White Tower
Day Trip to Safita
A 45-minute drive into the hills to see the Safita Tower (Chastel Blanc). The tower houses a church that is still in use.
Safita Village Walk
The village is clean, breezy, and very family-friendly, known for its white stone houses.
Return to Tartus
Last chance for beach time or a walk along the Tartus Corniche.
Farewell Coastal Dinner
Enjoy the local hospitality one last time before returning to the capital.
Day 19: Damascus, Syria - Final Souvenirs & Departure
Drive to Damascus
A 3-hour drive back to the capital. Ensure you leave early to allow for any traffic or stops.
Final Souvenir Shopping
Head back to the Old City for any last-minute gifts: silk scarves, brass work, or Damascene sweets.
Farewell Syrian Lunch
One last meal of Fatteh and grilled meats in the city that started your journey.
Transfer to Airport
Your driver will take you back to Damascus International Airport for your evening flight home.
Best Time to Visit Syria
The best times to visit Syria are during the spring (March to May) and autumn (September to November). During these months, the weather is mild and pleasant, ideal for walking through the old cities and exploring ruins with children. Summers can be extremely hot, especially in the interior cities like Damascus and Aleppo, while winters can be surprisingly cold and rainy.
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 due to sanctions. Travelers must bring enough cash (USD or Euros) to exchange locally. Tipping is customary in restaurants and for guides/drivers; about 10% is standard.
Getting Around Syria
Intercity travel is best done via private car or 'Pullman' buses, which are large, comfortable coaches connecting major cities like Damascus, Homs, and Aleppo. For families, hiring a private car with a driver is the most flexible and comfortable option, allowing for stops and a pace that suits children. Within cities, yellow taxis are everywhere and very affordable, though you should agree on the fare beforehand or ensure the meter is used.
