Syria Route: 14 Places from Damascus to Palmyra and Tartus

This interactive route in Syria links 14 places across the country, from Damascus, Holmes Valley and Kassab to Krak des Chevaliers, Hama, Aleppo, Palmyra and Tartus. The full route covers about and takes roughly 17 hours of driving.

Mode
Places
Start
Damascus
End
Palmyra
Stops
14
Video author
travmap
Updated

Stops on this route

  1. Damascus — Capital city, described as one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities.
  2. Holmes Valley — Valley area mentioned for nightlife and summer concerts; Khaled ibn al-Walid Mosque is located in Homs.
  3. Kassab — Region near the Turkey-Syria border, called the Montenegro of Syria by locals.
  4. Samra Beach — Coastline spot near the border watchtowers where breakfast is had.
  5. Khalid ibn al-Walid Mosque — Mosque in Homs that was heavily destroyed and rebuilt.
  6. Krak des Chevaliers — Castle on top of a hill in the Holmes Valley.
  7. Hama — Location of the water wheels, reached after about an hour and a half drive.
  8. Seven Lakes — Set of lakes in the Latakia region near Mishita, also called Seba Bhar.
  9. Aleppo — City with the Aleppo Citadel and traditional soap making.
  10. Aleppo Citadel — Described as one of the most beautiful citadels in the world.
  11. Bosra — Roman ruins roughly two hours from Damascus.
  12. Tartus — Region where the Jarour winery is accessible.
  13. Maaloula — Predominantly Christian village where Western Aramaic is spoken.
  14. Palmyra — Ancient city dating back to 3000 BC, heavily destroyed during the war.

Useful for your trip

Avoid
Syria is still considered a dormant yet active war zone; some areas where fighting has paused could restart at any moment, so there is always a risk when visiting.
Transport
The creator used a licensed local guide (Ayoub, contact via Instagram) who made the process seamless; booking a guide is presented as the safest way to visit the country.
Timing
The Holmes Valley has big concerts and outdoor festivals in the summertime; the Seven Lakes are busiest in summer with boats and swimmers.
Transport
Damascus' CIA suburb is about 20 to 25 minutes from the Damascus City Center.
Transport
Hama is roughly an hour and a half drive from the main route; Bosra is about 2 hours from Damascus.
Food
Samra Beach near the Turkish border is a good spot for breakfast with local freshly made Aleppo cheese and views of the coast.
Food
Damascus is known for more cost-effective food and portion sizes, while Aleppo is known for its unique food with influences from surrounding areas; street food like shawarma and falafel are recommended.
Tip
Alcohol is available in Syria, including local beer (Aamia, 4.5%) and wine; Tartus area wineries like Jarour offer tastings and affordable bottles.
Tip
The Krak des Chevaliers castle benefits from a local guide who explains its history; it is located in the Holmes Valley on a hill with views of lakes.
Timing
Morning is the creator's favorite time to visit the Cassab region and Samra Beach.
Tip
Aleppo soap factories can be visited to learn about soap making, and parts of the old souk have been remodeled after war damage.

Video on this route

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