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Sample itinerary
Four Seasons is pleased to help customise itineraries for your group or party in the oldest inhabited city in the world. Known as the cradle of civilization, Damascus is a testament to the many civilizations and religions that have made the city home since 5000 BC. The following is a sample group itinerary. We invite you to discuss your needs with us.
Day 1
Arrival at Hotel
Four Seasons staff will meet your group at the airport and assist with transfer to the Hotel. Upon arrival, relax, refresh and unwind with welcome amenities.
Evening
Begin with a welcome drink at XO followed by dinner at Al Halabi, where you will experience the best of the Aleppo cuisine of Northern Syria, with specialties that combine European culinary sophistication with Eastern spices.
Day 2
Day
After breakfast, tour the Old City of Damascus:
- Visit highlights including the Azem Palace, the Umayyad Mosque, the house of St. Anania, the gates in the old city wall and the Straight Street, which was the main street of Damascus during Roman times.
- Explore the city's most popular souks, including Souk al-Bzouriyeh for its spice and soap shops and for the 12th-century al-Nouri bath, Souk al-Hamidiyeh for handicrafts, women's clothing and jewellery, Souk al-Harir for everything from embroidered cloths to cloaks, capes and shawls and Souk Midhat Pasha for clothing.
- Enjoy lunch at Narenj restaurant, where you will be served traditional Syrian cuisine.
- Take an artistic tour in Al Amin Street and meet with Syrian artists such as renowned sculptor Mustapha Ali.
Evening
Dine on the expansive outdoor terrace of the Hotel's Il Circo, serving the best Italian cuisine in town.
Day 3
Day
Breakfast in the Hotel as a group or at leisure. Daytime activities include the following:
- See the Tekkiye Mosque and bazaar complex, within a five-minute walk of the Hotel, and take in the finest example of Ottoman architecture in Damascus.
- Visit the spectacular village of Maloula, 60 kilometres (37 miles) to the north of Damascus, where the locals still speak Aramaic.
- Explore the village of Sednaya, where you are can visit the Convent of Virgin Mary, the second most popular pilgrimage site after Jerusalem.
- Lunch outdoors in the gardens of Janet Sednaya, the most famous restaurant in Sednaya
- Enjoy the Hotel's Spa, which offers ancient local treatments and authentic Asian massages.
Evening
- Have a drink and shisha at Mount Kassioun, which offers marvellous sunset and city views from the cafés and restaurants at its summit.
- Dine at Art House hotel and view some of Syria's most striking artistic works. Northwest of Damascus, on the bank of the legendary Barada River, Art House stands on a 400-year-old mill.
Day 4
Day
After breakfast, tour the southern region of Syria:
- Visit Shahba, the birthplace of Emperor Philip the Arab, which is located in the heart of the Jabal al-Arab region and combines beautiful vineyards with impressive archaeological ruins.
- Explore the ancient city of Bosra, which is famous for its impressive and beautiful Roman theatre, and have lunch at the Bosra Al Cham hotel.
- Visit Izraa, home of the oldest continually used church in Syria, which dates from the sixth-century.
- Or spend the entire day visiting Palmyra. Within a three-hour drive of the Hotel, Palmyra is one the best preserved ruins of a Roman city, and Syria's most famous attraction. A full day is required to explore this magnificent site, including the sanctuary of Bel and the archaeological museum.
Evening
Enjoy a farewell party at Z-Bar, where your group can dance on the glamorous terrace overlooking Mount Kassioun and the city lights.
Day 5
Departure
Enjoy a farewell breakfast in the Hotel before departure.
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