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.
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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.
Last updated: Apr 23, 2012
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Thorn Tree forum discussion
Recent posts
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RE: Massacre In Syria....
by leela3000 27 May 2012
Billy. you make no sense. You've taken a single soundbite and put your own interpretation on it. The man's right. It +is+ unacceptable.…
Hotels & Hostels
Top cities in Syria
Browse more cities in SyriaFeatured property
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Balkiss Hotel
Damascus
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Syria
Things to do
- All things to do (291)
- Activities (1)
- Entertainment (37)
- Restaurants (65)
- Shopping (34)
- Sights (146)
- Tours (8)
Make it happen
Our Top Picks For Syria
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1 Aleppo
Get lost in the labyrinthine souq and dine on Syria's best mezze
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2 Dead Cities
Tiptoe around the eerie remains of abandoned Byzantine towns, which remain empty, unexplored and largely undocumented
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3 Bosra
Take a seat in this extraordinary Roman theatre, cocooned by an Arab Fortress
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4 Damascus
Put down that map and just wander the Old City, discovering wonderful old Damascene houses and hidden restaurants
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5 Apamea
Stroll down the colonnaded main street of these impressive Roman ruins in a picturesque setting
Fast Facts about Syria
- Money
Syrian pound (also known as the lira; S£); US$1 = S£51.91; €1 = S£61.30
- Official name
Syrian Arab Republic
- Area
185, 180 sq km
- Population
20 million
- Country code
963
- Language
Arabic
- Capital
Our favourite Syria Blogs (beta)
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My Adventures Teaching English Abroad and How You Can Teach English Abroad
Blog: Backpacking on the Cheap - 26 May 2012
I first got interested in teaching English overseas when I got sick of my 9-5 job in Australia, and wanted something more from life. I didn’t want to waste away behind a desk doing stuff which didn’t feel meaningful at all. I did some research and found a good, cheap online TEFL school. (If you [...]
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Syria
Blog: Leave Me Here - 15 March 2012
Looking back. I’ve been watching alot of the youtube vids on Syria lately, the uprising and the conflict. The footage is just wild, I can’t believe it’s the same place I was based only 18 months ago. I remember hanging out at the main bus terminal in Homs, trying to organize a driver to take [...]
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Syria: Thinking of You
Blog: Roving Gastronome - 16 August 2011
Oh, Syria, I hope you’re OK. Specifically, Syrians, I hope you’re OK. Every one of you I’ve met has been charming and kind and gracious…and sometimes a bit of a ham. Much love to a beautiful country, and beautiful people.
