Travelling around Syria

Syria is quite easy to travel around. Rental cars start from around $40 per day and it is quite possible to driver around yourself. If you want to rely on public transport you will have to hire taxis occationally to get to the more remote places such as the Dead Cities.
2 weeks is ample time to see most of Syria's sights

I'd argue that Syria is much better seen independently.

Travel links everywhere are good, privately hiring a taxi for the day is quite cheap, and on the whole, Syrians are incredibly friendly, honest and helpful. I'd be surprised if anyone came back from Syria having enjoyed its historical sites more than its people, so I'd take the option which gave you the most exposure to Syrians, which is of course travelling independently.

Although you could spend months in Syria and not see everything, two weeks is plenty to see all of its more famous sites at a reasonably leisurely pace.

Yes, there's no reason to take a group tour around Syria, and lots of reasons to go independently.

I would suggest hiring a driver as well as a car if your budget will allow -- and you might be surprised how little this luxury costs, by western standards. A good driver can serve as a translator and informal guide, too. A good place to find one is through a western-oriented hotel/hostel.

I'd be surprised if anyone came back from Syria having enjoyed its historical sites more than its people

I enjoyed the historical sites more than its people! :-)

Not to say that Syrians weren't friendly! They stand out even among Muslims and Arabs for being some of the most hospitable and friendly people in the world. But I wouldn't travel to a country only because the people are friendly and I usually enjoy historicals sights more than people anywhere in the world.(No need to remind me, that I'm strange! :-)

you will have to hire taxis occationally to get to the more remote places such as the Dead Cities

There are some really remote places deep in the desert or mountains, but you can get to the Dead Cities easily by bus, service taxi, and a little hitchhiking. Hitchhiking is easy in Syria!

I would suggest hiring a driver as well as a car if your budget will allow -- and you might be surprised how little this luxury costs, by western standards. A good driver can serve as a translator and informal guide, too. A good place to find one is through a western-oriented hotel/hostel.

What kind of money are we talking here? I did this in India and found it a great way of getting around.

I traveled around Syria independently. As a woman traveling solo, I wouldn't recommend it. I wouldn't do it again alone. If you are traveling with a male, it would be so much easier. Less harassment. Now when I travel with my husband in Syria, no problems at all.

Agreed that it is rather easy to get around Syria. It helps if you know a little Arabic. The Syrian people are great -- they are very hospitable, but watch out for the hustling salemen in the souks!

Irene I had been in Jordan last May and I loved my trip, do not miss Jordan.

I also want to go to Syria but in next November and would also like to know how and where to rent a car with driver. The hotel in Damascus that consulted informed me the price - 100 euros per day minimum 4 days. I think its too much.

100 Euros per day is way too steep! You need to negotiate hard. Try finding an English speaking driver outside of the hotel because I'm sure the hotel staff takes a commission from this.

Depending upon where you're going, I'm sure you could get someone locally for about $50 USD per day.

But why do you bother with an expensive car and driver?

It's very easy and cheap to travel by public transport in Syria, you don't really need a car.