"Syria through the eyes of an American " a Syria Travel Page by midnight_mike

Traveling in Syria is as hassle-free as possible. There are no “danger zones” in the major cities and crimes occur at an extremely low rate. If there is a problem, police officers are posted at just about every major intersection. The only places that should be avoided are the border areas near Iraq and Israel.

Prior travel to Israel is strictly forbidden and border officials will inspect every stamp in a traveler’s passport to confirm this. (Anyone with an Israeli stamp will have to get a new passport before applying for a Syrian visa.) Relations between Syria and Israel have been tense since the Jewish state was formed in 1948. The fact that Israel has occupied Syria’s portion of the Golan Heights since 1967’s Six Day War only deepens the animosity.

To fully appreciate Syria’s rich history, eight to 10 days are recommended. Here are some of the most popular destinations:
• Palmyra: the ruins of this 2,000-year-old desert city are a testament to what was once a highly advanced civilization
• Damascus: the streets of Syria’s capital only hint at its history
• Aleppo: the capital of Islamic culture is a shopper’s paradise
• Krak Des Chevaliers: a leftover from the Crusades, this is one of the finest castles in the world