Unfortunately Syria has also received negative press for its role in Middle East events, however travellers are usually impressed by the charm of the people, the modernness of the nation, a fair smattering of historical sights such as ancient Damascus and the usual cacophony of sounds, tastes and experiences in the souq.
Syria is arid and hot and summers are best avoided. Winters are mild although in higher parts snow does fall. Spring is the best time to visit. Busy periods include Easter, July, August, October and Islamic holidays.
Open land borders exist with Iraq, Jordan, Turkey and Lebanon and buses or service taxis operate across the borders. There are three airports in Damascus, Aleppo and Lattakia with domestic and international services. You can get around within the country on buses, minibuses and microbuses. There’s even a train service although buses are still the prime mode of travel. Damascus is the hub of transport services.
Damascus
Ancient Damascus was the seat of the Umayyad empire. Today it’s one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities and as a result architecture and culture has accumulated over the centuries. The Old City is the best example of this with bazaars, mosques, street vendors, cafes and exotic foods. Other sights include the Umayyad Mosque, the many old houses, Azem Palace, Damascus Walls, Damascus Citadel and Straight Street with its covered market and many shops.
Aleppo and Bosra
Both UNESCO listed towns containing real treasures of ancient Syria.
Palmyra
Contains the fascinating ruins of a city dating from the second century AD with ruined towers, columns and tombs.
