Introducing Syria

Travel warning: The UK Foreign and Commonwealth Office is advising against all travel to Syria and for those in the country to leave by commercial means. Please check with your relevant government for more information.

Syria has more than its fair share of significant historical sites. The ancient cities of Damascus, Aleppo and Bosra are all listed on Unesco's World Heritage list, as is the sensationally beautiful ruined city of Palmyra. Mighty Crusader castles, labyrinthine medieval souqs, jewel-like Damascene houses and sacred Umayyad mosques are only some of the treats on offer; there are plenty more for those who are keen to search them out. Best of all is the fact that these monuments are often woven into the fabric of daily life - the locals worship in the mosques, shop in the souqs, drink tea in the houses and picnic in the ruins. And they're happy for travellers to join them.

Talking about picnics brings us to the pièce de résistance when it comes to a Syrian so-journ - the food. The national cuisine is simply superb, so come with a big appetite. You're bound to be replete in so many ways when you finally tear yourself away.