Syria road trip: Qalamoun Mountains to Aleppo City
This 735 km route through Syria connects key locations from the Qalamoun Mountains through Maaloula Town to Aleppo City, passing Syria Entry and Al Rastan Bridge. The journey showcases the diverse landscapes and historical sites across central Syria, including ancient monasteries and mountain terrain that characterize the region.
- Mode
- Places
- Start
- Qalamoun Mountains
- End
- Aleppo City
- Stops
- 5
- Video author
- travmap
- Updated
Stops on this route
- Qalamoun Mountains — Orange and reddish-pink mountain range en route to Maaloula
- Syria Entry — Arrival in Syria three weeks after fall of Assad regime
- Maaloula Town — Ancient Christian town, entered during journey
- Al Rastan Bridge — Damaged infrastructure crossed en route to Aleppo, damaged by past Russian airstrikes
- Aleppo City — Major destination to meet locals and learn about post-war life
Useful for your trip
- Transport
- The Al-Rastan Bridge is damaged from Russian airstrikes and is very dangerous - it can collapse at any time. Cross quickly and with caution.
- Where to stay
- Dar Halabia is a charming small hotel in Aleppo's old city run by Abdul, a former tourism professor. Features antiques, rugs, and traditional Liwan (summer salon).
- Tip
- Visit Sergius and Bacchus Monastery in Maaloula - a 1700-year-old site with small doorways designed for protection. Local artists have replicated unique icons that were removed.
- Tip
- Maaloula town is located between two mountains and is known for its incredible landscape and Christian heritage. Many houses remain destroyed from 2013 occupation.
- Food
- Try Cakety Cake, a Syrian snack with vanilla and chocolate filling - a local sweet treat.
- Timing
- Tourism has not yet returned to Syria post-Assad. Expect very few tourists and empty accommodations in Maaloula and Aleppo.
- Tip
- Qalamoun Mountains near Maaloula are distinctive orange-reddish-pink coloured formations that locals say resemble pencils at the top.
- Save money
- The Syrian pound has improved since Assad's fall. Prices have become more affordable - used cars that cost over $20,000 now cost around $10,000.
Video on this route
How SAFE Is SYRIA? I Travelled To ALEPPO To Find Out! 🇸🇾