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The Middle East & Egypt
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Journeys in Syria
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Syria Information
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Syria Highlights

Some of the greatest past civilizations cross the borders of Syria during the last 5,000 years, due to this has a wealth of historic sites and places of interest. Krak des Chevaliers is one of the best preserved of all Crusader castles and Palmyra is one of the most impressive of all the ancient sites of the Middle East.

Journeys in Syria

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Know Before you go

Syria Tours

On 12th April 2011 the Foreign Office advised against all non essential travel to Syria.

If you have any further queries and would like to contact us, our Service Team can be contacted on 0845 057 5657.

Things to do and see

PALMYRA – THE CITY OF QUEEN ZENOBIA

PALMYRA – THE CITY OF QUEEN ZENOBIA

Palmyra is one of the most impressive and best preserved of all the ancient sites of the Middle East. An oasis on the route between Damascus and the Euphrates, Palmyra flourished under the Assyrians and Greeks before being annexed by Rome in 217 A.D. It was during the Roman period,when the city enjoyed unsurpassed wealth, that the ambitious Queen Zenobia, claiming descent from Cleopatra, launched her famous rebellion, only to be soundly defeated by the Emperor Aurelian in 271.....

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ALEPPO

ALEPPO

One of Syria’s great trading cities, Aleppo sits on an arid plateau to the north of the Great Plains. At heart the very essence of a traditional Arab city, this bustling enclave of covered souks and khans has thrived since the 3rd century BC. Dominated by its magnificent Citadel and the ornate elegance of the Umayyad Mosque, Aleppo today continues to attract an eclectic mix of cultural diversity to its vibrant streets and markets.....

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DAMASCUS

DAMASCUS

The Syrian capital lays claim to being the oldest continually inhabited city in the world. It’s the perfect introduction to the country and offers some wonderful sightseeing opportunities. The Great Mosque is a place of beauty and calm in the centre of the old city, and the huge bazaar area that surrounds it gives you the authentic atmosphere of the orient, with its lively narrow alleys and the rich aroma of spices. The national Museum is well worth a visit, and don’t miss the delightful Azem Palace, built for an Ottoman governor of Damascus in the 18th century, with its charming courtyards and fountains.....

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BAALBECK

BAALBECK

The wonderful ruins of Baalbeck, across the border in Lebanon, amaze visitors by the sheer scale of the monuments – the Temple of Jupiter is the largest temple ever built by the Romans,while the ‘smaller’ Temple of Bacchus is larger than the Parthenon. The Temple of Bacchus is perhaps the most intact temple to have survived from classical times, and its rich decoration caused the 19th century artist David Roberts to describe it as “the most elaborate work, as well as the most exquisite in detail, of anything of its kind in the world”. In July and August each year, Baalbeck hosts a famous festival of music and theatre that attracts visitors from all over the world.....

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SYRIA’S BOUTIQUE HOTELS

SYRIA’S BOUTIQUE HOTELS

Syria is a country rich in a myriad of cultural traditions that stretch back across the centuries, a legacy that is delightfully reflected in some of its elegant heritage hotels. The once great trading cities of Aleppo and Damascus can boast some of the finest boutique hotels in the country, including the Ottoman splendour of the Beit El Wakil and the oriental delights of the luxurious Diwan Rasmy, both within easy reach of Aleppo’s khans and bazaars. In Damascus the 17th century Al Mamlouka provides an oasis of tiled courtyards and Damascene frescoes, whilst the sumptuous elegance of the Dar Zamaria in the heart of Aleppo’s old Jedaideh district provides its guests with the captivating ambience of a traditional Allepine courtyard house.....

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Palmyra Cham Palace

Palmyra Cham Palace

The hotel is located close to the famous archaeological site, and has 250 rooms with 2 restaurants, an outdoor pool and tennis courts. Palmyra is one of the most extensive and best preserved of all the ancient sites of the Middle east. Palmyra flourished under the Assyrians and Greeks before being annexed by Rome in 217 A.D. It was during the Roman period, when the city enjoyed unsurpassed wealth, that the ambitious Queen Zenobia, claiming descent from Cleopatra, launched her famous rebellion, only to be soundly defeated by the Emperor Aurelian in 271.....

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THE BEIT EL-WAKIL ALEPPO

THE BEIT EL-WAKIL ALEPPO

A former Ottoman townhouse located in the historic Armenian quarter of the city. The rooms at the Beit el-Wakil are fairly small and the hotel is therefore ideal for those looking for atmosphere and ambience rather than luxury. The restaurants offer a choice of local, western and oriental cuisine.....

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Places to stay

Al Mamlouka

Al Mamlouka

Mamlouka was built in the 17th century and this spectacular 8 room boutique hotel offers a sumptuous oasis within walking distance of the souks and monuments of the old town. Set around a central tiled courtyard, the hotel retains much of its original frescoes and with a roof terrace and suites that offer unashamed luxury, it offers the perfect ‘Damascene’ haven.....

Dar Zamaria Hotel

Dar Zamaria Hotel

Originally a 17th century palace in the heart of the old city of Aleppo, Dar Zamaria Hotel is a beautiful Islamic courtyard house converted into a hotel and open for business in 1997. 50 rooms including 6 suites feature private bathroom, satellite television, telephone and central air conditioning. For dining there is Al-Housh, the courtyard restaurant and La Terrace, a restaurant on the roof of the hotel with a magnificent view of the citadel. Western cuisine is also served. Alcohol is available in the restaurants and Le Bar.....

Zenobia Cham Palace Hotel

Zenobia Cham Palace Hotel

The Zenobia Cham Palace Hotel in Palmyra is named after the Palmyran queen and some of the rooms overlook the Temple of Bel-Shamin. The terrace has an amazing setting next to the ruins and your drink will be put on a table made of second century Corinthian capitals. All 29 rooms have recently been refurbished and the Oriental Restaurant serves local dishes as well as western cuisine.....

The Carlton Citadel

The Carlton Citadel

The Carlton Citadel hotel is situated in the heart of Aleppo (the second capital of Syria), one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. The hotel is a landmark by itself and is surrounded by the most famous historical sites in Syria. Located directly opposite the Citadel, 150 meters from the Grand Omayyad Mosque and 3 minutes walk from al-Medina Bazaar. There are 68 rooms and suites to choose from with Air conditioning, mini bars, and televisions with satellite channels provided in each room.....

Safir Hotel

Safir Hotel

The Safir Hotel is centrally situated in a residential area of the city and 5 minutes from the shopping district. The hotel consists of 92 well appointed rooms and suites. Hotel facilities include a health spa, tennis courts, outdoor swimming pool and gift shops.....

The Dedeman

The Dedeman

The Dedeman in Palmyra is located approximately 2 KMS from the town centre but close to the famous archaeological site. The hotel has 250 rooms with 2 restaurants, an outdoor pool and tennis courts as well as an ancient “cave pool” with healing sulphuric waters.....

Cham Palace Hotel

Cham Palace Hotel

Located in downtown Damascus, in the heart of the city, the Cham Palace Hotel is a modern hotel with 400 rooms. There is a choice of 5 restaurants, a bar and café. Leisure facilities include a swimming pool and fitness centre with massage, hamman and Thalgo treatments.....

Chahba Cham Palace Hotel

Chahba Cham Palace Hotel

The Chahba Cham Palace Hotel is set in gardens away from the city with 250 rooms and a good range of restaurants. Facilities include a large outdoor swimming pool, tennis courts and a fitness centre with a turkish bath.....

Furat Cham Hotel

Furat Cham Hotel

The Furat Cham Hotel is conveniently located. Each of the 200 rooms and suites have air conditioning, television, mini-bar and telephone. Hotel facilities include 2 restaurants, a snack bar, lobby bar, tennis courts, outdoors swimming pool, sauna and fitness centre.....

The Bosra Hotel

The Bosra Hotel

The Bosra Cham Hotel is a first class hotel located in the centre of town. It offers 70 ensuite rooms and facilities include two restaurants, a lobby bar, swimming pool and tennis courts and business centre. ....

Apamea Cham Hotel.

Apamea Cham Hotel.

In the centre of Hama, overlooking the Orontes River is the Apamea Cham Hotel. The property has 200 rooms and suites, two restaurants, a bar and an oriental style lobby bar. Other facilities include an outdoor swimming pool and tennis courts.....

The Beit El Wakil

The Beit El Wakil

Located in the heart of Aleppo the Beit El Wakil is a good example of 16th. century Aleppine architecture. Once a palace and now a medium grade hotel, the rooms at the Beit El Wakil do vary in size (with some being rather small) and so therefore the property will be more appealing to those looking for a great location as well as atmosphere and ambience over luxury. All rooms have en suite facilities as well as central air conditioning, minibar and satellite Television. The restaurant has an excellent reputation and offers a choice of local, western and oriental cuisine. ....

Staff Favourites

Strategically situated between the Mediterranean and the Euphrates, Syria has been since ancient times the meeting place of East and West.  The great civilisations of the world have bequeathed a wealth of outstanding monuments, including the breathtaking ruins of Palmyra and the massive Crusader Castle of Krak des Chevaliers. 

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Damascus

The oldest inhabited city in the world dating back to around 5000 BC.The city walls date back to the Romans as does the Biblical Straight Street. Explore the labyrinthine streets and alleys of Old Damascus and marvel at the beauty of the Umayyad Mosque.

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Palmyra

The history of Palmyra goes back to at least the second millennium BC. An oasis town, it was an important staging post both on the Silk Road and between the Mediterranean and the Gulf. The city was finally destroyed by an earthquake in 1089 and largely covered over by sand.Today, Palmyra rises defiantly from the sands and surrounding palms, from which the city derives its name. The ruins are dominated by the gargantuan temple of Baal, an incredible feat of engineering by any standards. The great colonnade is the spine of ancient Palmyra.

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Aleppo

One of Syria’s great trading cities, Aleppo sits on an arid plateau to the north of the Great Plains.  This bustling enclave of covered souks and khans is dominated by its magnificent citadel.

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