Damascus, Syria 7 Day Itinerary

Damascus, Syria 7-Day Itinerary

Day 1: Arrival and Exploring Old Damascus

  • Arrival: Arrive at Damascus International Airport. Take a taxi (approx. 1,500 SYP) or bus (approx. 100 SYP) to your hotel.
  • Hotel: Stay at the Hamidiyah Hotel or similar in the heart of Old Damascus.
  • Breakfast: Enjoy traditional Syrian breakfast at Café Traditions (approx. 500 SYP).
  • Old Damascus: Explore the ancient streets, visit the Umayyad Mosque, and stroll through the bustling souks (markets).
  • Lunch: Try Syrian cuisine at Al-Khawali Restaurant (approx. 1,500 SYP).
  • Afternoon: Visit the National Museum of Damascus to learn about Syria’s rich history.
  • Dinner: Enjoy a traditional Syrian dinner at Beit Sitti Restaurant (approx. 2,500 SYP).

Day 2: Palaces and Gardens

  • Breakfast: Visit Café Al-Kawal for a delicious breakfast (approx. 500 SYP).
  • Azem Palace: Explore the beautiful Azem Palace, a stunning example of Ottoman architecture.
  • Garden of the Palace of the Governor: Stroll through this tranquil oasis in the heart of the city.
  • Lunch: Enjoy a light meal at Café Arabica (approx. 1,000 SYP).
  • Afternoon: Visit the Damascus Citadel, a historic fortress with breathtaking views.
  • Dinner: Try some delicious shawarma at Shawarma Abu Ahmad (approx. 500 SYP).

Day 3: Maaloula and the Countryside

  • Breakfast: Enjoy a traditional breakfast at Café Al-Maktaba (approx. 500 SYP).
  • Maaloula: Take a day trip to the picturesque town of Maaloula, famous for its ancient Christian monasteries and stunning scenery.
  • Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Syrian lunch at a local restaurant in Maaloula (approx. 1,500 SYP).
  • Afternoon: Explore the Saidnaya Monastery, a beautiful Orthodox monastery.
  • Dinner: Return to Damascus and enjoy dinner at Al-Jawhari Restaurant (approx. 2,500 SYP).

Day 4: Souks and Shopping

  • Breakfast: Visit Café Al-Baik for a delicious breakfast (approx. 500 SYP).
  • Souk al-Hamidiyah: Explore this bustling market, one of the oldest and largest in Damascus.
  • Lunch: Try some traditional Syrian street food at Shawarma Al-Taj (approx. 500 SYP).
  • Afternoon: Visit the Souk al-Buzuriyah, a historic market specializing in spices and sweets.
  • Dinner: Enjoy dinner at Restaurant Damascene (approx. 2,500 SYP).

Day 5: Mount Qasioun

  • Breakfast: Enjoy a traditional breakfast at Café Al-Maktaba (approx. 500 SYP).
  • Mount Qasioun: Take a day trip to Mount Qasioun, offering stunning views of Damascus and the surrounding countryside.
  • Lunch: Enjoy a picnic lunch on the mountain or at a local restaurant (approx. 1,500 SYP).
  • Afternoon: Explore the Tomb of Saladin, a historic monument dedicated to the famous Muslim leader.
  • Dinner: Return to Damascus and enjoy dinner at Al-Khawali Restaurant (approx. 2,500 SYP).

Day 6: Bosra and the Roman Ruins

  • Breakfast: Visit Café Al-Baik for a delicious breakfast (approx. 500 SYP).
  • Bosra: Take a day trip to Bosra, a historic city famous for its Roman ruins and ancient architecture.
  • Lunch: Enjoy a traditional Syrian lunch at a local restaurant in Bosra (approx. 1,500 SYP).
  • Afternoon: Explore the Roman Theatre of Bosra, one of the best-preserved Roman theatres in the world.
  • Dinner: Return to Damascus and enjoy dinner at Beit Sitti Restaurant (approx. 2,500 SYP).

Day 7: Departure

  • Breakfast: Enjoy a traditional breakfast at your hotel or a local café.
  • Departure: Take a taxi or bus back to Damascus International Airport for your departure flight.

Things to Know

  • Visa: Check the Syrian government’s website for visa requirements and regulations.
  • Currency: The Syrian pound (SYP) is the local currency. You can exchange money at banks, currency exchange offices, or use ATMs.
  • Language: Arabic is the official language, but many people speak English, especially in tourist areas.
  • Dress Code: Respect local customs and dress modestly when visiting mosques and other religious sites.
  • Safety: Take necessary precautions to ensure your safety, and stay informed about local conditions.

Transportation

  • Taxis: Taxis are widely available, but agree on the fare before you start your journey.
  • Buses: Public buses connect Damascus to surrounding towns and cities.
  • Private Cars: Rent a car with a driver for day trips or longer journeys.

Tips

  • Haggle: Bargain when shopping at souks (markets) to get the best prices.
  • Respect Local Customs: Remove your shoes when entering mosques, and dress modestly.
  • Learn Some Arabic: Greet locals with “As-salamu alaykum” (peace be upon you), and respond with “Wa alaykum as-salam” (and peace be upon you too).

Budget Breakdown

  • Accommodation: 50,000 SYP (approx. $100 USD) per night for a mid-range hotel.
  • Food: 5,000 SYP (approx. $10 USD) per meal for mid-range restaurants.
  • Transportation: 1,500 SYP (approx. $30 USD) per day for taxis and buses.
  • Attractions: 2,000 SYP (approx. $40 USD) per person for entrance fees to attractions.

Note: Prices are approximate and may vary depending on the current exchange rate and other factors.