Tailor Made Holidays in Syria: Introduction

Culturally and historically Syria is probably the richest country in the Middle East and is a must-see destination for anyone with an interest in the past and present of this fascinating region.

Continuously inhabited since the Neolithic period, all the great Mediterranean cultures have held sway here. Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arab caliphates and crusaders have all left their mark in extensive remains and archaeological sites. Palmyra is one of the greatest archaeological highlights of the region, fully justifying a visit to Syria in its own right.

Great cities like Damascus and Aleppo trace their origins back into darkest antiquity and today are intoxicating blends of ancient citadels, Roman streets and exotic souqs overlaid by a bustling modernity. Traders peddle their wares against a backdrop that would be instantly recognisable to their ancestors from past centuries. Visitors returning from Syria always talk about the people, invariably friendly, always ready with a smile and unwaveringly hospitable.

Whilst it is slowly developing as a destination, there are still precious few visitors to Syria and for the most part they are on group coach tours.

Travelling more independently gives you every chance of having important sites like Palmyra and Crac des Chevaliers practically to yourself.

Selected Highlights

Our specialists have travelled the length and breadth of the country to research the best places to stay and things to do. Here they list a few of their favourite “unmissables”.

Crac des Chevaliers

Crac des Chevaliers represents the zenith of crusader military architecture. Occupying a bluff overlooking a strategic pass between the coast and the...  [more]

San Simeon

A Christian holy man of the 5th century AD, Simeon had tried all manner of mortification to get closer to God, including spiked girdles and burial...  [more]