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 · 6 days
Grand Syria Highlights — 6 Days, Tour-Only
The whole arc of the country
Duration
6 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
Six guided days covering the essential arc of Syria, with inter-city transport included. A Palmyra add-on is possible if permits allow.
Highlights
- Six days, six regions
- Inter-city transport included
- Palmyra add-on if permits allow
Itinerary
Day 1
Arrival and Old Damascus
Transfer, briefing and first walk through the Old City.
Meals: Breakfast · Accommodation: Damascus · Transport: Private vehicle
Day 2
Maaloula and Krak des Chevaliers
Mountains of the faiths, then the Crusader castle and the Valley of Christians.
Meals: Breakfast · Accommodation: Homs / Valley of Christians · Transport: Private vehicle
Day 3
Hama, Apamea and Aleppo
The norias of Hama and the colonnade of Apamea en route to Aleppo.
Meals: Breakfast · Accommodation: Aleppo · Transport: Private vehicle
Day 4
Aleppo citadel and souqs
The citadel, restored souqs and the famous Aleppine lunch table.
Meals: Breakfast, Lunch · Accommodation: Aleppo · Transport: Walking
Day 5
Dead Cities and return south
Serjilla, St Simeon and the limestone massif before the drive to Damascus.
Meals: Breakfast · Accommodation: Damascus · Transport: Private vehicle
Day 6
Damascus and departure
Remaining Damascus highlights, free time and onward transfer.
Meals: Breakfast · Transport: Private vehicle
What's included
- 6 days guiding and vehicle
- All entrance fees
- Inter-city transport
- 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
- 6
- 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
Damascus · Maaloula & Saidnaya · Krak des Chevaliers · Hama & Apamea · Aleppo · The Dead Cities
HeritageArchaeology
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 $370 USD pp
Per person: 2 pax $620 · 3–4 pax $470 · 5–8 pax $370. Hotels not included. Palmyra add-on if permits allow.
Other journeys
All journeysFull day
Full dayFull-Day Tour
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
Full dayFull-Day Tour
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