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We (family of 4...myself, husband, and two teenagers) just returned from two weeks in Syria and Jordon...a fantastic trip! We flew Turkish Air from O'Hare, which gave us 3 days in Istanbul, Our visas for Syria were double entry; Jordon single entry..we obtained them about 6 weeks prior to departure. Stayed at a lovely guest house in the heart of Old Damascus called Maria Old House...www.mariaoldhouse.com. We were welcomed by all we met. I always felt safe except when trying to cross streets. HIred a driver from guest house who took us to Aleppo and Palmyra. Palmyra is a must see...esp at sunset. Long live Queen Zenobia! Stayed at the Heliotrope hotel; clean and moderate priced. Overland border crossing to Jordon took about 2 hours each way. Petra and Dead Sea do-able as side trip from Damascus. Also, outside Damascus, side trips to Convent of Thecla; crusader castle, and other must-sees per LP guide!

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1

Thanks for all the info. Very encouraging for our soon holiday in both countries. Would like to know how your crossed borders? Taxi, bus??

Nadja

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2

Hi, I don't think there is such a hotel name In Palmyra ( Heliotrope hotel), do you mean Heliopolis hotel?

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3

I just had a look at Maria Old House's website and watched the video. There seems to be no mention of prices. Does anyone have an idea of the cost of a double room?

Thanks.

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4

Click on the 'Rooms' tab (ie not the drop-downs, the actual tab) and you get this:

Maria Old house has four convenience rooms

The prices for the rooms are as the following:

Room one: 90 Euros

Room two: 60 Euros

Room three: 60 Euros

Room four: 65 Euros

All prices are including breakfast

Note: Special offers for long-term bookings

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5

Thank you.

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6

Yes you are correct it is the Hotel Heliopolis in Palmyra. Lovely view of ruins from the dining room at top of hotel! Go - it's amazing!

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7

We hired a very competent and capable driver from Maria Old House, Imad, with his own van. He was helpful with the border crossings, and speaks good english. The entire exit/entry process took about 2 hours each way, so allow time for that!

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