Ride The Road To Damascus: Cycling in Syria

Cycle the highlights of Syria including Damascus and Aleppo

Known for being one of the most hospitable countries in the world, Syria not only offers a warm welcome but also a stunning landscape to be explored by bike. On this trip we will discover the best of this magical Middle Eastern country including the dramatic ruins of Palmyra, the Crusader castle of Krak des Chevaliers and the mediaeval waterwheels of Hama. For ease we will start and end each day by private bus transfer, allowing us to pedal through the smaller villages and quieter roads and gain an insight into the traditional Syrian way of life. We will also have time to visit the two biggest cities, Aleppo and Damascus, with their souks and mosques giving the itinerary the perfect balance between superb cycling and cultural exploration. One night will be spent sleeping in a traditional Bedouin camp allowing us to relax and unwind under the Syrian stars.

Current situation in Syria

Unfortunately the political situation is volatile and at this moment in time, current Foreign and Commonwealth Office (FCO) advice is against all travel to Syria. We continue to monitor the situation and will resume travel as soon as it is possible. The dates and prices when they appear should be treated as a guide only.

Exodus staff member writes...

Cycling through the ancient ruins of Palmyra as the sun was setting across the desert in such vivid colours was an incredible experience, the sunrise with the site to ourselves just topped of a superb stay in this desert oasis.

Andrew Appleyard - Exodus staff

Itinerary

[detailed itinerary...]

Countries visited: Syria

Day 1

Fly to Damascus.

Day 2

Head to Deir Attieh to visit the dramatic cliff top monastery before cycling through picturesque scenery until Qaryatayn. Transfer to the the famous ruins of Palmyra.

Day 3

Cycle through the grassy steppes to Al-Khachabiyah. Cross desert by bus to reach the Euphrates; night in Bedouin style camp under the stars.

Day 4

Ride to Jaabar citadel on the shores of Lake Assad; continue by bus to the beautiful city of Aleppo.

Day 5

Cycle from the outskirts of Aleppo to the Basilica of St Simeon; transfer to Aleppo by bus. Afternoon visit to the historic Citadel and the Armenian quarter.

Day 6

Head by bus to the Dead Cities where we cycle to see these astonishing villages abandoned in the seventh century. Transfer to Apamea, a dramatic Roman site before moving on to Hama, famous for its large wooden waterwheels.

Day 7

Cycle through fertile valleys to the Convent of Saybet el Jabal; continue to the crusader castle of Krak de Chevaliers. Bus transfer back to Damascus.

Day 8

A full day to explore Damascus, the oldest continually inhabited city in the world.

Day 9

Fly to London.

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Images from RIDE THE ROAD TO DAMASCUS

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Cyclists at Qalaat Jaabar Citadel, Assad Reservoir

$Waterwheels of Hama\r\r$

Panorama detail with mosque in Aleppo, Syria

Cyclists and Qalaat Jaabar Citadel