8-Day Syria Liberation Day Tour: Damascus, Aleppo, Palmyra & Historic Moments

Tour Overview

Experience the historic moments of Syria on this 8-day liberation day tour, exploring the ancient cities of Damascus, Aleppo, and Palmyra as they emerge from years of conflict. Witness the resilience of the Syrian people, visit historic sites being restored, and experience the rich culture, cuisine, and hospitality of this ancient land.

Itinerary Highlights

Day 1: Arrival in Damascus

Arrive at Damascus International Airport. Transfer to your hotel in the historic old city. Explore Damascus, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Visit the Umayyad Mosque (Grand Mosque of Damascus), one of the oldest and holiest mosques in the Islamic world, built in 705 AD. Visit the historic Al-Hamidiyah Souq and the Straight Street (Via Recta). Evening welcome dinner with traditional Syrian cuisine. Overnight in Damascus.

Day 2: Damascus Exploration

Full day exploring Damascus. Visit the National Museum of Damascus with its world-class collection of artifacts from Syrian history. Visit the Azem Palace, a beautiful 18th-century Ottoman palace. Visit the Saladin Mausoleum, the Damascus Citadel, and the many historic mosques, madrasas, hammams, and khans. Visit the Christian quarter of Bab Touma with its historic churches including the Chapel of Saint Paul and the House of Ananias. After lunch, visit Mount Qasioun for panoramic views. Evening explore the old city markets. Overnight in Damascus.

Day 3: Liberation Day Commemoration in Damascus

Participate in Liberation Day commemorations in Damascus (if traveling during the holiday period). Visit the Martyrs Memorial and the Tomb of the Unknown Soldier. Attend official ceremonies and celebrations marking the liberation of Syrian territory. Visit the Damascus Garden and Tishreen Park. After lunch, visit the old city for special Liberation Day events and celebrations. Evening enjoy a special dinner with Syrian cuisine and music. Overnight in Damascus.

Day 4: Krak des Chevaliers & Homs

Morning drive to Krak des Chevaliers (Qal’at al-Hosn), one of the most important and best-preserved Crusader castles in the world, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by the Knights Hospitaller in the 12th and 13th centuries, the castle is a masterpiece of medieval military architecture. Explore the castle’s many chambers, halls, chapels, and ramparts. After lunch, continue to Homs, the third-largest city in Syria, and visit the historic city center, the Al-Nouri Mosque, and the Homs Museum. Visit the nearby ancient city of Emesa. Return to Damascus. Overnight in Damascus.

Day 5: Palmyra

Full day excursion to Palmyra (Tadmor), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the most magnificent ancient cities in the world. Located in the Syrian Desert, Palmyra was a wealthy caravan city and major trading hub on the Silk Road, reaching its peak in the 1st to 3rd centuries AD under Queen Zenobia. Explore the stunning ruins including the Great Colonnade, the Temple of Bel (being restored after ISIS destruction), the Theater, the Agora, the Senate, the Baths of Diocletian, the Valley of the Tombs, and the Palmyrene Museum. Visit the nearby Qasr al-Hayr al-Sharqi, an Umayyad desert palace. Return to Damascus. Overnight in Damascus.

Day 6: Damascus to Aleppo

Morning drive or fly to Aleppo, the largest city in Syria and one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Upon arrival, visit the Aleppo Citadel, a massive medieval fortress perched on a hill. Visit the Great Mosque of Aleppo (Umayyad Mosque, being restored after war damage). Explore the old city of Aleppo, which is undergoing reconstruction, including the historic Al-Madina Souq, the Khan al-Shouneh, the Khan al-Wazir, and the many historic madrasas and hammams. Visit the Aleppo National Museum. Overnight in Aleppo.

Day 7: Aleppo – Dead Cities & St. Simeon

Morning visit the Church of St. Simeon Stylites (Qal’at Sem’an), a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of the oldest surviving church complexes in the world, built in the 5th century AD on the site where St. Simeon Stylites lived on top of a pillar for 37 years. The massive octagonal church complex is one of the most important architectural landmarks of early Christianity. After lunch, visit the Dead Cities (abandoned Byzantine-era villages), including the well-preserved villages of Serjilla, al-Bara, and Kafr Nabl, with their ancient churches, villas, olive presses, and cisterns. Return to Aleppo. Evening enjoy traditional Aleppine dinner featuring the famous Aleppo cuisine (kibbeh, kebab, muhammara, baklava). Overnight in Aleppo.

Day 8: Aleppo to Damascus & Departure

Morning free for last-minute exploration of Aleppo or shopping for Syrian handicrafts including Aleppo soap, textiles, carpets, and traditional crafts. Fly or drive to Damascus. Upon arrival, depending on your international flight schedule, visit the old city for final sightseeing and shopping. Transfer to Damascus International Airport for your departure flight, concluding your historic 8-day Syria liberation day tour.

What’s Included

• Air-conditioned vehicle
• Driver
• Fuel Cost, Parking Fee, Toll Fee
• Accommodation in selected hotels
• Daily breakfast

What’s Not Included

• Entrance fees to attractions
• Tour Guide
• Meal (lunch and dinner)
• International flights
• Travel insurance
• Personal expenses