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mercedes1015:23 UTC07 Sep 2009

Hi, I have a relatively short amount of time in Syria (9 days) and have come up with the following itinerary. I'd be very grateful for your comments or feedback. Is it do-able? Am I spending the right amount of time in each place? Anything important I've missed? I'm guessing that apart from Crac de Chevaliers most of this should be easy enough to do by public transport?? We are 2 females travelling on a budget! Thanks in advance! :-)

arrive Damascus Thursday 22:00
Leave Damascus for Palmyra afternoon of Sunday
Leave Palmyra for Hama morning of Tuesday
Do a daytrip to Crac de Chevaliers on Weds
Leave Hama for Alleppo Thursday
Leave Alleppo for Damascus Saturday
Fly home from Damascus morning of Sunday

marcopoloo20:52 UTC07 Sep 2009

It is well taught and good itinerary
Day trip Wed can also include other sites in between .When in Hama check tour menu at the Riad or Cairo hotel for details.
Aleppo to Damascus can take a train instead of bus enjoyable journey.

micvan13:28 UTC08 Sep 2009

Entirely doable. Like Marco says, your driver for the day can suggest other sites on the way to the Krac, it's a nice trip. Bus system is pretty good. Too bad you can't spend more time, there is lots to see!

mercedes1009:24 UTC10 Sep 2009

Many thanks! I appreciate your feedback - and yeah, I really wish I had more time!!! :-)

rj110207:57 UTC11 Sep 2009

Yep, should be no problem. For the Palmyra to Hama leg, it's adviced to book the public bus one day in advance (your hotel in Palmyra can help you), since there are not many direct busses (i think only one each day). Alternatively you can take the mini-bus with a transfer in Homs.

For day-tours to Crac from Hama the Cairo hotel is a better option then the Riad if your on budget, because they will try to group travellers to share cost. Also good value is the 'shared half day tours to St Simon by Springflower hotel (opposite Tourist Hotel) in Aleppo, especially on Friday when the old souk is closed.

Have fun.

whiskeycreekwilly10:55 UTC12 Sep 2009

Hi
It is a good plan. Syria isn't a huge country so travel times are not a big issue. If I were to make one change, it would be to spend only one night in Palmyra (I met people who visited Palmyra from Damascus in one long day). Make sure you have an ice cream at Bakdash in the Hamidiye market (the main bazaar)!
Happy trails
Bill

Syria Itinerary - Your thoughts please! Country forums / Middle East / Syria
mercedes1015:23 UTC07 Sep 2009	Hi, I have a relatively short amount of time in Syria (9 days) and have come up with the following itinerary. I'd be very grateful for your comments or feedback. Is it do-able? Am I spending the right amount of time in each place? Anything important I've missed? I'm guessing that apart from Crac de Chevaliers most of this should be easy enough to do by public transport?? We are 2 females travelling on a budget! Thanks in advance! :-) arrive Damascus Thursday 22:00 Leave Damascus for Palmyra afternoon of Sunday Leave Palmyra for Hama morning of Tuesday Do a daytrip to Crac de Chevaliers on Weds Leave Hama for Alleppo Thursday Leave Alleppo for Damascus Saturday Fly home from Damascus morning of Sunday
marcopoloo20:52 UTC07 Sep 2009	It is well taught and good itinerary Day trip Wed can also include other sites in between .When in Hama check tour menu at the Riad or Cairo hotel for details. Aleppo to Damascus can take a train instead of bus enjoyable journey.	1
micvan13:28 UTC08 Sep 2009	Entirely doable. Like Marco says, your driver for the day can suggest other sites on the way to the Krac, it's a nice trip. Bus system is pretty good. Too bad you can't spend more time, there is lots to see!	2
mercedes1009:24 UTC10 Sep 2009	Many thanks! I appreciate your feedback - and yeah, I really wish I had more time!!! :-)	3
rj110207:57 UTC11 Sep 2009	Yep, should be no problem. For the Palmyra to Hama leg, it's adviced to book the public bus one day in advance (your hotel in Palmyra can help you), since there are not many direct busses (i think only one each day). Alternatively you can take the mini-bus with a transfer in Homs. For day-tours to Crac from Hama the Cairo hotel is a better option then the Riad if your on budget, because they will try to group travellers to share cost. Also good value is the 'shared half day tours to St Simon by Springflower hotel (opposite Tourist Hotel) in Aleppo, especially on Friday when the old souk is closed. Have fun.	4
whiskeycreekwilly10:55 UTC12 Sep 2009	Hi It is a good plan. Syria isn't a huge country so travel times are not a big issue. If I were to make one change, it would be to spend only one night in Palmyra (I met people who visited Palmyra from Damascus in one long day). Make sure you have an ice cream at Bakdash in the Hamidiye market (the main bazaar)! Happy trails Bill	5

Syria Itinerary - Your thoughts please!