Syria, home to one of the world's oldest civilizations, offers extraordinary historical treasures from ancient Damascus and Aleppo to the spectacular Roman ruins of Palmyra. Despite recent challenges, the country's rich cultural heritage, warm hospitality, and diverse landscapes continue to captivate adventurous travelers.
Top day trips
Handpicked excursions within easy reach.
Maaloula
Highlights: Living Aramaic-speaking Christian community · Convent of St. Thecla carved into cliff face · Monastery of Mar Sarkis (St. Sergius) · Narrow gorge passage through the village
Palmyra (Tadmur)
Highlights: Temple of Bel ruins · Colonnaded Street · Valley of Tombs · Arab Castle (Qal'at Ibn Maan) overlooking ruins
Bosra Al-Sham
Highlights: Best-preserved Roman theatre in the world (capacity 15,000) · Nabataean and Roman city ruins · Byzantine churches · Crusader citadel encasing the theatre
Krak des Chevaliers
Highlights: UNESCO World Heritage Crusader castle · T.E. Lawrence called it the finest castle in the world · Panoramic views over Homs gap and valley · Original chapel, great hall, and water cisterns intact
Zabadani Valley
Highlights: Alpine valley and orchards - apricots and cherries in season · Historic summer resort town · Barada river gorge · Cooler temperatures in summer
Seidnaya Convent
Highlights: One of the holiest Christian sites in the Middle East · Convent of Our Lady of Seidnaya atop dramatic cliff · Icon of Virgin Mary said to be painted by St. Luke · Panoramic views over Damascus plain
Trips by distance
How far you can go in a day.
Getting there
Transport options for day trips.
- Tours
- Organized day tours through Damascus hotels or tour operators from $60-150 including guide and transport - safest option, especially for Palmyra
- Private
- Private driver hire from $40-120/day depending on distance - arrange through hotel for vetted reliable drivers
- Public
- Buses from Harasta station serve Homs, Hama, Aleppo; shared taxis from Al-Abbassiyeen for Maaloula and Seidnaya; cheaper but less flexible
- Rental
- Car rental from $30-60/day but intercity driving involves checkpoints requiring experience with local conditions
Day trip tips
Make the most of your excursions.
Leave for Palmyra by 5-6 AM from Damascus to arrive for morning light and beat midday heat at the ruins
Always check current road safety conditions with hotel and tour operators before traveling between cities
Keep passport and all copies accessible at all times - military checkpoints are common on intercity routes
Palmyra and Bosra are full-day commitments - bring substantial food, water (3+ liters), sunscreen, and sun hat
The Seidnaya and Maaloula combination makes an excellent half-day or full-day trip north of Damascus