# 5 Days Syria Tour: Syria Link

5-day tour covering Damascus, Palmyra, Krak des Chevaliers, and Aleppo. Crusader castles, desert ruins, the longest covered souqs, and Syrian cuisine.

- **Duration**: 5 Days
- **Route**: Damascus - Palmyra - Homs - Aleppo - Damascus
- **Start**: Damascus
- **End**: Damascus
- **Type**: Private & Group
- **Price**: From $695 per person

## Best For

- Cultural travelers
- photographers
- first-time visitors seeking a broad overview

## Highlights

- Damascus Old City tour with local expert guides
- Palmyra desert ruins and sunset from the Arab castle
- Krak des Chevaliers, one of the best-preserved Crusader castles
- Aleppo Citadel and the historic covered souqs
- Syrian cuisine: Damascus, Homs, and Aleppo food traditions

## Day-by-Day Itinerary

### Day 1: Arrival & Damascus Old City

Arrive in Damascus. Meet your guide and driver. Walking tour of the Old City: Umayyad Mosque, Al-Hamidiyah Souq, Azem Palace, Straight Street, and the historic khans. Traditional Damascene lunch. Afternoon optional visit to the National Museum. Evening free to explore Bab Touma and enjoy dinner at a courtyard restaurant. Overnight in Damascus.

**Meals**: Lunch, Dinner

### Day 2: Palmyra Expedition

Early departure to Palmyra (3 hours). Full exploration of the ancient city: Temple of Bel, Great Colonnade, theater, agora, and Valley of Tombs. Lunch in Palmyra town. Afternoon visit to the museum and climb the Arab castle for sunset views over the ruins. Overnight in Palmyra or return to Damascus.

**Meals**: Breakfast, Lunch

### Day 3: Homs & Krak des Chevaliers

Morning drive to Homs. Visit the historic Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque and the old city area. Continue to Krak des Chevaliers, the magnificent Crusader fortress and UNESCO World Heritage site. Guided tour of the castle. Lunch with a view. Afternoon drive to Aleppo (approx. 2 hours). Overnight in Aleppo.

**Meals**: Breakfast, Lunch

### Day 4: Aleppo: The Northern Capital

Full day exploring Aleppo. Morning visit to the Aleppo Citadel dominating the city skyline. Walk through the covered souqs, one of the longest in the world. Visit the Great Mosque of Aleppo, Aleppo Museum (if open), and the historic khans. Traditional Aleppine lunch including local specialties. Afternoon explore the Christian quarter and Jdeideh district. Overnight in Aleppo.

**Meals**: Breakfast, Lunch

### Day 5: Return to Damascus & Departure

Morning drive back to Damascus (approx. 4.5 hours) via the highway. Stop at the Dead Cities or Maarat al-Numan for a brief visit (time permitting). Lunch en route. Arrive in Damascus for departure transfer or optional extension night.

**Meals**: Breakfast, Lunch

## Included

- Private air-conditioned vehicle with driver for all days
- English-speaking local guide throughout
- Airport/pickup and drop-off transfers
- 4 nights accommodation (Damascus, Palmyra/Homs, Aleppo)
- Meals as listed in itinerary
- Entry fees to all sites
- Bottled water in the vehicle

## Not Included

- International flights
- Syria entry visa and clearance (guidance letters provided)
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses, drinks, and tips
- Optional activities not in the itinerary

## Travel Notes

### Visa & Clearance

We provide a visa assistance letter and local clearance support. Visas are issued by Syrian embassies abroad. Processing time is typically 1-4 weeks depending on nationality.
### Transfers

Available from Damascus Airport, Beirut Airport (with transfer), Amman Airport (with border crossing), and land borders.
### Accommodation

Standard is 4-star hotels. 5-star options available in Damascus and Aleppo. Historic boutique hotels in Damascus Old City available on request.

## Frequently Asked Questions

**How much driving is involved?**

The longest drive is Damascus to Aleppo (approx. 4.5 hours on the highway). Each day includes manageable drives with regular stops. The total driving distance is approximately 1,100 km over 5 days.
**Can I start from Aleppo instead?**

Yes. The itinerary can be reversed to start in Aleppo and end in Damascus. Let us know your preference when you inquire.
**Is it safe to visit Aleppo?**

Yes. Aleppo has been stable and open for tourism. We only operate where conditions allow and our local guides monitor the situation continuously.

## Hotels on this route

- [Aleppo Palace Hotel](https://syrialink.net/hotels/aleppo-palace.md): Aleppo, 4-star
- [Arman Hotel](https://syrialink.net/hotels/arman.md): Aleppo, 4-star
- [Dama Rose Hotel](https://syrialink.net/hotels/dama-rose.md): Damascus, 5-star
- [Dar Al Noor Hotel](https://syrialink.net/hotels/dar-al-noor.md): Damascus, 4-star
- [Sheraton Aleppo Hotel](https://syrialink.net/hotels/sheraton-aleppo.md): Aleppo, 5-star
- [Sheraton Damascus Hotel](https://syrialink.net/hotels/sheraton-damascus.md): Damascus, 5-star
- [Talisman Hotel](https://syrialink.net/hotels/talisman.md): Damascus, Boutique
- [Villa Rosa Hotel](https://syrialink.net/hotels/villa-rosa.md): Damascus, 4-star

[View this tour online](https://syrialink.net/tours/5-days-syria/)

[Request this itinerary](https://syrialink.net/contact/)