"Welcome to Syria" Top 5 Page for this destination Syria by TheWanderingCamel

Syria Travel Guide: 4,888 reviews and 10,118 photos

Although you hear it everywhere in the Middle East, in Syria the word "Welcome" takes on a whole new meaning. Whether it's the family inviting you to join their picnic; the tired man, pushing a heavy barrow of cabbages home at the end of the day who puts it down carefully so he can shake your hand; the old man in his immaculate white robe who served with the Australians during WW2; the newly ordained young priest; the woman and her daughters in the icecream parlour; from whomever and wherever you hear it, these words and the warmth of that welcome are the memory that will stay with you long after you arrive home.

Come on my Syrian journey

al Bara, where it all began

took me first to Syria?
I wanted to see Serjilla and Al Bara, the Dead Cities that William Dalrymple wrote of so evocatively in his book "From the Holy Mountain". I made it, on my birthday in 1998, and by the end of that first trip, I was hooked.

I've been to Syria four times now and have to say the country and its people really do occupy a special place in my heart.

2004 saw me fulfill a promise to myself and some friends to return and take them with me. 12 of us set off on what turned out to be a wonderful journey of discovery, friendship and real fun together. We had a month, 8 days in Jordan, 16 in Syria and, finally 5 in Lebanon, but this will just be Syria.

Rather than break the journey up into cities and towns, all on different pages, I'm going to try to keep it all together with tips following the route we took as we explored this fantastic country. There are separate pages for Damascus and Aleppo - fabulous cities -they warrant their own entries.

Let's be off, starting with Bosra - our first stop after crossing the Jordanian border.

leyle

Heartbreak

My heart is bleeding for Syria.

Pros and Cons

Pros:Wonderful people, wonderful country , safe, easy to travel in - just fabulous
Cons:None to my mind that are worth worrying about
In a nutshell:Go and fall in love with the place and its people

Last visit to Syria: May 2004
Intro Updated May 9, 2012
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Reviews (87)

Time for tea Local Customs (5)

Being offered tea is a ritual in Syria. Don't hesitate to accept - it is expected. It's the way it's done here - not... more travel advice

Picnic time Local Customs (5)

Syrians love to picnic and to get out and about. Come any fine Friday and off they go -whole families - grandparents,... more travel advice

Traditional women's dress Local Customs (5)

You still see older Bedouin women wearing beautifully embroidered dresses in Syria, though they are rarely as elaborate... more travel advice

The heir Local Customs (5)

Bashir al-Assad was never meant to be the President of Syria. His brother, Basel, was being groomed for that job by his... more travel advice

Shopping (1)
Keffiyehs
Things to Do (37)
See All Hama to Damascus
Off The Beaten Path (16)
See All Qasr ibn Wardan - Outpost of Empire
Restaurants (13)
See All Do you have a sweet tooth?
Transportation (2)
See All Hama's old cars

Hotels (7)
See All Hama's best hotel
Warnings Or Dangers (2)
See All Bosra - The hostel is closed
Tourist Traps (1)
Apamea "antiquities"
Favorites (2)
See All Before you go
What to Pack (1)
Cool and comfortable

Travelogues (1)

Written May 11, 2005

8 photos

The faces of Syria

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Comments (46)

Jim_Eliason Jun 12, 2011 at 8:24 PM Report Abuse

Great tips!
tjnomadi Mar 15, 2011 at 6:11 AM Report Abuse

yo mr camel,how many budget guesthouses are around for around $10 AUD a night??
doninha Nov 18, 2010 at 2:44 PM Report Abuse

some pics from Bosra http://viajerosworld.blogspot.com/2010/11/bosra.html
Arkeolog Jun 23, 2010 at 3:23 AM Report Abuse

Great page! Ill be in Syria in Sept. Your page is very useful.
Pete.Gibson Mar 15, 2010 at 2:05 AM Report Abuse

Hi Leyle Hope you are well, I'm going to be in Jordan (Amman ) on buisness in May, and was planning to visit Damascus and Beiruit, any advise on Visa's and Bus /taxis Thanks, Pete
christine.j Feb 9, 2010 at 9:18 AM Report Abuse

"Syria is sweet tooth heaven. " I can second this! I have neighbours from Syria and have got a lot of good Syrian sweets.
sweedy1 Oct 8, 2009 at 7:51 AM Report Abuse

Thats amazing - I am going to Syria in October- From Holy Mountain has inspired me to travel to Syria, Jordan and Egypt. It really is a wonderful book !!! I am very excited about my trip and hope it will be everything I imagine !
kyoub Aug 9, 2009 at 5:06 AM Report Abuse

An excellent glimpse into life in Syria and its people. My hubby's grandfather came from there. I would visit just for the food alone.
junecorlett Jun 2, 2009 at 7:51 AM Report Abuse

Syria is not on our travel list, but thanks for the virtual tour.
kokoryko Apr 21, 2009 at 1:47 PM Report Abuse

I knew there was a bit more than the Krak and Palmyra, but you show us there is much more in Syria, Leyle; your off beaten paths tips are wonderful; I enjoyed a lot my visit here with you and this makes me think of new destinations. . . .