Damascus Syria 6 Day Itinerary

July 13, 2024

Damascus: A 6-Day Journey Through History

This itinerary is designed to give you a taste of Damascus’s rich history and vibrant culture. Please remember this is just a starting point - you can customize it based on your interests and time availability.

Important: Due to the ongoing conflict and instability in Syria, it is currently not safe or advisable to travel to Damascus. This itinerary is for informational purposes only and assumes a future time when tourism is possible again.

Day 1: Exploring Old Damascus

Morning: Arrive in Damascus (depending on safety and travel availability) and check into your hotel in the heart of the Old City.
Afternoon: Immerse yourself in history with a visit to the historic souks, the bustling marketplaces that are a must-see for any traveler to Damascus.
- Activity: Wander through the labyrinthine alleys, explore the vibrant stalls, and soak in the atmosphere of the Souk al-Hamidiyeh, the oldest and most famous market in Damascus.
Evening: Enjoy a traditional Syrian dinner at Al-Khazneh, known for its delicious cuisine and stunning ambiance.

Day 2: Ancient Sites and Architecture

Morning: Begin your day with a visit to the Umayyad Mosque, marveling at its impressive architecture, including the historical minaret and the golden dome.
Afternoon: Explore the Roman ruins in the city, like the Temple of Jupiter or the Damascus Citadel, which offer fascinating insights into the city’s ancient history.

Day 3: A Taste of Culture

Morning: Visit the National Museum of Damascus to learn about the ancient civilizations that have inhabited and shaped this region for centuries.
Afternoon: Take a cooking class at a local Syrian restaurant, learning to prepare traditional dishes like kibbeh, hummus, and fattoush.
Evening: Indulge in an evening of Syrian music and dance at a cultural center or cafe.

Day 4: Exploring History’s Layers

Morning: Wander through the historic Old City and explore its hidden alleyways, charming cafes, and bustling markets.
Afternoon: Visit the Al-Azhar Mosque, a historical mosque known for its beautiful courtyard and intricate mosaics.

Day 5: Stepping Back in Time

Morning: Explore the Roman Temple of Jupiter, a well-preserved historical site that offers a glimpse into ancient Roman architecture and religious practices.
Afternoon: Relax and enjoy the historical atmosphere of the Old City.

Day 6: Departure

Morning:

Say goodbye to Damascus with a final meal at a rooftop restaurant overlooking the cityscape, while reflecting on your experiences from the past week.

Afternoon: Enjoy a leisurely walk through the Old Town’s picturesque alleys, taking in the sights and sounds of this ancient city.
Evening: Depart from Damascus (depending on travel conditions).

Where to Stay:

This itinerary assumes you can stay in Damascus, which may not be possible depending on your travel situation.

For a traditional experience:

Al-Sham Hotel: Offers comfortable rooms and a charming courtyard.

For a modern stay:

Damascus Gate Hotel: A stylish hotel with panoramic views of the city (depending on the availability of hotels).

Where to Stay (Alternative):

Beit Al-Jazira: A boutique hotel in a restored 19th-century Ottoman mansion.
Al-Muazzin Hotel: A modern, comfortable option for those wanting a more western experience.

Food and Drink:

Traditional Restaurants: Enjoy the authentic flavors of Syrian cuisine at:
- Al-Fayrouz Restaurant: Located in the heart of the Old City, known for its delicious traditional Syrian dishes (e.g., kibbeh, falafel).
- Beit Sitti: Offers a range of Middle Eastern dishes and is a popular choice for locals and tourists alike.
Modern Restaurants:
- Souk al-Khazhaz: Enjoy modern takes on Syrian cuisine with a vibrant atmosphere.
- The Levant: A popular restaurant in the city center known for its innovative Syrian fusion dishes and stunning views (assuming it’s relevant to your chosen hotel location).

Day 4: Explore the historic alleyways of the Old City, stopping at:

The Spice Market: Experience the sights, smells, and flavors of traditional Syrian spices.
The Souk al-Madina: Immerse yourself in the bustling atmosphere of this historic market while enjoying a delicious lunch at one of the many food stalls.

Transportation:

Public Transportation: Damascus has an extensive bus network and taxi service.
Walking: The Old City is best explored on foot, allowing you to discover hidden gems along its winding streets.
Souk Tours: Consider joining a guided tour of the souks for a deeper understanding of their history and cultural significance.
Walking: For navigating the city’s historic center, walking tours led by local experts are often available.

Day 6 (Departure):

Hotel Taxi Service: Many hotels in Damascus offer taxi services.
Private Car: You can hire a private car for transportation to and from your destination.

Things to note:

This itinerary is just a suggestion, and you can tailor it to your interests by adding or removing activities.
Safety: It’s important to research the current safety situation in Damascus before planning your trip.
Transportation: (Depending on the context of your travel)

Day 4:

Enjoy a traditional Syrian meal at the “Al-Sham Restaurant”.

Day 5:

Transportation: Experience the city’s bustling atmosphere by taking public transportation or exploring the souks on foot.

Travel to Damascus, Syria: (If you are in a safe location)

Safety and Security Considerations:

Always be aware of your surroundings and avoid displaying valuables in public.

Day 6:

Transportation: Consider visiting the “Souk al-Hamidiyeh”, a historic marketplace in Damascus, for a unique culinary experience (assuming you are creating a safe and accessible itinerary)

Dining Tips:

Respect Local Customs: When dining in Damascus, remember to respect local customs. Men and women typically dine separately.
Dress Modestly: Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites.

Day 4-6:

Dress Appropriately:
- For a traditional Syrian meal, consider dressing conservatively. This can help you feel more comfortable and respectful of the local culture.

Enjoy!

This itinerary is designed to be followed by tourists who are interested in exploring the history and culture of Damascus.

Remember to research the current political climate and safety conditions in Damascus before booking your trip.

Dress Modestly:
- Dress modestly, especially when visiting religious sites or interacting with locals.
Cover Up: In some areas, it’s customary for women to cover their heads and arms while in public.
Learn Some Arabic Phrases: Knowing a few basic phrases like “hello” (marhabaan), “thank you” (shukran) and “please” (min fadlik) can go a long way when interacting with locals who may not speak English.

Day 4:

Respecting Local Culture: It’s important to remember that Syria is an Arab country with its own customs, traditions and social norms. While not all tourists are expected to conform to these standards, understanding them can enhance your experience and help you avoid any unintentional faux pas.

Day 4-6:

Respect Boundaries:

While the city center is a highlight for visitors, it’s crucial to respect local customs and cultural sensitivities. Research the expectations for interactions with locals and dress code in public spaces.

Dress Appropriately:
- When visiting religious sites:

Respecting Local Culture:

(Add a few sentences about the significance of the Old City and what it offers).

Traditional Syrian Cuisine:
- Immerse yourself in the local culture by trying traditional dishes, but be sure to be mindful of food safety during your travels.

Travel Safety Tips:

Always carry bottled water with you and drink only from sealed bottles.
Use a travel guidebook or website for advice on safe areas and practices.
Food Hygiene:

Be cautious about eating raw fruits and vegetables, as they may not have been properly washed.

Dining Safety:

For delicious and safe dining options, I recommend:

“Eating local” is a great way to experience the culture of a place, but it’s important to do it safely.
Stick to Cooked Foods:

If you are in Damascus (depending on the availability of safe travel options)

Consider sticking to cooked food as it is less likely to be contaminated than raw food.
Try a local restaurant:

Experiencing the cuisine at the heart of the city’s bustling souks is a great way to connect with the local culture and enjoy a meal with a sense of place.

“Travel” to the area of the Old City you wish to visit, for example, the historic Umayyad Mosque, and experience the vibrant culture of the Old City

while visiting.

Carry a travel guide:

Always carry a reliable travel guide or app to help you navigate and find safe places to eat and drink.

“Try a local delicacy like knafeh (a sweet cheese pastry)
Be cautious with food and water:

Enjoy the vibrant atmosphere of the souks while traveling in the city.

“This is a great way to experience the local culture” and meet people from all walks of life.

(Add information about the historical significance of the Old City, the types of food available, and the best times to visit for a safe and enjoyable culinary experience).

Be open to trying new things:

Embrace the unique flavors and experiences that Damascus has to offer.

Consider visiting a local bakery

for delicious pastries.

**(Include the following information in a future trip)

Respect Local Customs:

It’s crucial to be aware of and respect local customs when traveling, especially in traditional markets.

“You’ll find incredible hospitality”

and the opportunity to sample fresh, local food, including fruits, vegetables, cheeses, olives, spices and more.

Try a variety of traditional dishes while you are visiting local restaurants
Learn about the history of the dish:

For example, try the local market-fresh cheese and enjoy its flavour in a pita bread.

“The Old City”

is a great place to start for a taste of authentic Syrian cuisine.

Stay safe:

Remember to check travel advisories before you go and consider purchasing travel insurance that covers the region.