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
Package with Hotels · 5 days · 4 nights
Castles, Coast & Mountains — 5 Days / 4 Nights
Fortress, sea and old city, all arranged
Duration
5 days · 4 nights
Experience type
Package with Hotels · Private
Activity level
Moderate — daily walking and long drives
Live guide languages
Arabic, English
Group size
1–8
Overview
Four nights across the Valley of Christians, the Tartus coast and Damascus, with all transfers, inter-city transport, private guiding, entrances and most meals included.
Highlights
- Hotels on the coast and in Damascus
- Boat transfer to Arwad
- Most meals included
Itinerary
Day 1
Damascus to Krak des Chevaliers
Depart Damascus for the great Crusader castle and the Valley of Christians.
Meals: Breakfast · Accommodation: Homs / Valley of Christians · Transport: Private vehicle
Day 2
Tartus and Arwad
The coastal city of Tartus and a boat crossing to Arwad island.
Meals: Breakfast · Accommodation: Tartus coast · Transport: Private vehicle and boat
Day 3
Mountain villages to Damascus
Coastal mountain villages and monasteries, then the drive to Damascus.
Meals: Breakfast · Accommodation: Damascus · Transport: Private vehicle
Day 4
Old Damascus
Umayyad Mosque, Azem Palace, the souqs and a courtyard lunch.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch · Accommodation: Damascus · Transport: Walking
Day 5
Departure
Free morning and onward transfer.
Meals: Breakfast · Transport: Private vehicle
What's included
- 4 nights hotels
- All transfers and inter-city transport
- Private guide and vehicle
- All entrances
- Boat transfer
- Daily breakfast and most lunches/dinners
- Bottled water
Exclusions
- Flights
- Visa
- Tips
- Drinks
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
- hotels
- Homs/Valley of Christians (1) · Tartus coast (1) · Damascus (2)
- nights
- 4
- meeting point
- Your hotel lobby — hotel pick-up and drop-off included
- single supplement
- $260
- 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 · Damascus
CastlesCoastMountains
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 $1,150 USD pp
Per person sharing twin: $1,150. Single supplement $260. Includes 4 nights hotels.
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Maaloula & Saidnaya: Mountains of the Faiths
Cliffside Maaloula, the monasteries of St. Sergius and St. Thecla, the convent of Saidnaya, and mountain views on the drive back.
Maaloula & Saidnaya
From $38 USD pp
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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.
Krak des Chevaliers
From $48 USD pp