Full dayFull-Day Tour
Old Damascus: Mosque, Souq & Courtyards
The Umayyad Mosque, the buzzing length of Al-Hamidiyah Souq, Azm Palace, the Straight Street and the city's legendary ice cream.
Damascus
From $35 USD pp
Tour-Only Package · 4 days
The Castles & Coast — 4 Days, Tour-Only
Fortresses, sea air and Roman stone
Duration
4 days
Experience type
Tour-Only Package · Private
Activity level
Moderate — daily walking and long drives
Live guide languages
Arabic, English
Group size
2–8
Overview
Four guided days across the west of the country: the great crusader castle, the Mediterranean coast and island of Arwad, the norias and Apamea, and the old city of Homs.
Highlights
- Four days of private guiding
- Boat transfer to Arwad included
- All entrance fees included
Itinerary
Day 1
Damascus to the Valley of Christians
Depart Damascus, visit Krak des Chevaliers and settle into the Valley of Christians.
Meals: Breakfast · Accommodation: Homs / Valley of Christians · Transport: Private vehicle
Day 2
Coast and Tartus
Drive to the coast for Tartus, the cathedral museum and the island of Arwad.
Meals: Breakfast · Accommodation: Tartus coast · Transport: Private vehicle and boat
Day 3
Crusader coast to Damascus
Coastal castles and villages before returning inland to Damascus.
Meals: Breakfast · Accommodation: Damascus · Transport: Private vehicle
Day 4
Damascus and departure
Old City highlights and free time before your onward transfer.
Meals: Breakfast · Transport: Private vehicle
What's included
- 4 days guiding and vehicle
- All entrance fees
- Boat transfer
- Bottled water
Exclusions
- Hotels
- Meals
- Tips
Please note
- Modest dress is required at religious sites
- women should carry a scarf
- Comfortable closed shoes are recommended for archaeological ground
- Site access and routing can change at short notice and the guide may reorder the day
- Itineraries are operated privately unless a small-group departure is agreed
- Entrance permits for restricted sites are arranged by Murex in advance
Cancellation policy
- Free cancellation up to 14 days before the start date
- 50% of the journey cost is retained between 14 and 7 days before departure
- 100% is retained within 7 days of departure or for no-shows
- If Murex cancels for safety or access reasons you receive a full refund or a rebooked date
More info
- days
- 4
- basis
- Tour-only
- meeting point
- Your hotel lobby — hotel pick-up and drop-off included
- Best season
- March–May and September–November
- Accommodation
- Boutique and heritage hotels, B&B basis
- Booking in advance
- 14 days before travel
- Pricing basis
- per person sharing
Route
Krak des Chevaliers · Tartus & Arwad Island · Hama & Apamea
CastlesCoast
Good to know
Is payment taken online?
No. We confirm availability, final pricing and inclusions by email first. Payment is arranged directly with our office once you approve the proposal.
Is hotel pick-up included?
Yes. Pick-up and drop-off at your hotel is included for all journeys in the listed base city.
Do I need a visa or permit?
Most nationalities require a visa for Syria. Our team sends you the current requirements and the supporting documents you need after your enquiry.
Can this journey be run privately?
Yes. All Murex journeys default to private operation with your own guide and vehicle; small-group departures can be arranged on request.
How far in advance should I book?
We ask for at least 14 days notice so that guides, vehicles and any site permits can be secured.
Are children welcome?
Yes. Tell us the ages of your children in the enquiry and we adapt the pace, transport seating and site choices accordingly.
From $240 USD pp
Per person: 2 pax $390 · 3–4 pax $300 · 5–8 pax $240. Hotels not included.
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Krak des Chevaliers & the Valley of Christians
Two hours inside the finest preserved crusader castle on earth, then lunch in the green Valley of Christians.
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