10 day itinerary for Damascus

Itinerary

A 10-day adventure in Damascus sounds fantastic! This city is rich in history, culture, and delicious food. Let’s dive into an itinerary that balances exploration, relaxation, and a taste of local life.

## Day 1: Arrival in Damascus

• Morning: Arrive in Damascus and check into your hotel. Take some time to freshen up and relax after your journey.
• Afternoon: Head to the Old City. Start with a leisurely stroll through the Umayyad Mosque, one of the largest and oldest mosques in the world.
• Evening: Enjoy dinner at a local restaurant. Try some traditional dishes like kebabs or tabbouleh.

## Day 2: Historical Exploration

• Morning: Visit the National Museum of Damascus to get a sense of Syria’s rich history.
• Afternoon: Explore the Azem Palace, a beautiful example of traditional Damascene architecture.
• Evening: Wander through the Souq al-Hamidiyah, a bustling market where you can shop for souvenirs and enjoy some street food.

## Day 3: Cultural Immersion

• Morning: Take a cooking class to learn how to make traditional Syrian dishes.
• Afternoon: Visit the Tomb of Saladin and the Suleiman Mosque nearby.
• Evening: Enjoy your culinary creations for dinner!

## Day 4: Day Trip to Palmyra

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to Palmyra, an ancient city with stunning ruins. Explore the Temple of Bel, the Roman Theater, and the colonnades.
• Evening: Return to Damascus and relax at your hotel.

## Day 5: Nature and Relaxation

• Morning: Head to Mount Qasioun for a hike. The views of the city from the top are breathtaking!
• Afternoon: Visit the Barada River area for a peaceful afternoon by the water.
• Evening: Have dinner at a restaurant with a view of the city.

## Day 6: Art and Culture

• Morning: Visit the Damascus Opera House and check if there are any performances or exhibitions.
• Afternoon: Explore the Christian Quarter and visit the Hanging Church.
• Evening: Enjoy a cultural show or music performance if available.

## Day 7: Local Life

• Morning: Visit a local market to experience daily life in Damascus. Try some fresh fruits and local snacks.
• Afternoon: Take a leisurely walk through the Al-Muqaam area, known for its beautiful architecture.
• Evening: Dine at a local eatery and try fatteh or mujadara.

## Day 8: Historical Sites

• Morning: Visit the Khan As'ad Pasha, a historical caravanserai.
• Afternoon: Explore the Great Mosque of the Umayyads again, perhaps focusing on areas you missed on ## Day 1.
• Evening: Enjoy a quiet dinner at a café, sipping on some mint tea.

## Day 9: Day Trip to Maaloula

• All ## Day: Take a day trip to Maaloula, a picturesque village where Aramaic is still spoken. Visit the Monastery of St. Sergius and Bacchus and enjoy the stunning scenery.
• Evening: Return to Damascus and have a relaxing dinner.

## Day 10: Departure

• Morning: Spend your last morning shopping for any last-minute souvenirs or enjoying a leisurely breakfast.
• Afternoon: Depending on your flight time, you might have a chance to visit any spots you missed or revisit your favorite places.
• Evening: Depart from Damascus, taking with you wonderful memories of this enchanting city!

Feel free to adjust any of the days based on your interests or energy levels. Enjoy your trip to Damascus! It’s a city that will surely capture your heart. Safe travels! 🌍✈️