Syria has one of the highest concentrations of historic monuments in the world and this is one of the major attractions for most people. A typical itinerary of the "Best of Syria" highlights will usually include the following destinations:

Damascus, the natural starting and ending point for any visitor to Syria, is the oldest continually inhabited city in the world, bearing the indelible marks of a long succession of ancient civilizations. Marking the divide between the fertile Anti-Lebanon range from which the waters flow that feed Damascus, and the harsh Syrian desert, Damascus is a rich oasis that once served as a natural hub for trade on the silk route.

A must-see is the Umayyad Mosque, named for Islam’s first ruling dynasty, it is one of the great monuments to the ingenuity of early Islam. The walls of Damascus’ old city also contain a myriad of other points of interest: the legendary Street Called Straight mentioned in the Bible, which spans the old city’s length from East to West; the Azem Palace, the luxurious home of the Ottoman governor; the Chapel of St. Ananias and St. Paul’s Window, from which Paul the evangelist was lowered to escape the Romans; Souq Al Hamidiyeh, the bustling covered bazaar that fills the senses with colours and life; the Mausoleum of Saladin, the great leader who liberated Jerusalem from the Crusaders and Bab Touma, the Christian quarter with its charming alleyways and handicraft shops.

At night, from the summit of Jebel Qassioun a spectacular view of Damascus spreads itself out before you. The twinkling green minarets of its mosques trail towards the horizon in the direction of Mekka, a reminder of this city’s significance in Islam.

Palmyra, often called the bird of the desert, is one of the largest, most complete archaeological sites in the Middle East, with a unique blend of Classical and regional influences that makes it a premier attraction. Its ruins have more charm and splendour than the visitor ever imagines. The numerous great monuments have a touch of magic and art that continues to survive the centuries.  

Aleppo, Syria’s second largest city, looks back on an impressive history of nearly 8000 years, competing with Damascus for the claim to fame as the oldest continually inhabited city in the world.  Due to its key location connecting the Eastern and Western worlds, Aleppo has a reputation as a city of savvy traders and merchants.  With its more than twelve kilometers of vaulted stone passageways, Aleppo’ s souqs are the largest and most beautiful in the entire Middle East.  The Aleppo citadel, an impregnable fortress and the finest example of Arab architecture in the Middle East, stands high above the city on a hill, which conceals layers of civilization dating as far back as the Hittites.  Ottoman-era houses in the Christian quarters of Al Jdeideh have been transformed to accommodate guests in luxurious rooms and sumptuous restaurants, serving some of the most delicious cuisine in all of Syria.  Other points of interest include the National Museum of Aleppo, and the Grand Umayyad Mosque.

Krak des Chevaliers is the most spectacular but least known medieval castle in the world. Designated a Unesco World Heritage site, it has unbelievable architecture and occupies a strategic location overlooking the Christian Valley (Wadi al-Nasarah). Krak Des Chevaliers is truly one of the unrivaled wonders of the world. This Crusader’s Castle of the knights - or Qalaat al Hosn as it is known in Arabic - is an unforgettable sight of grandeur. Any person approaching it cannot help but forget that they are living in the 20th century.

Lattakia, a resort and port city, has a lively, cosmopolitan, free-spirited feel to it.  Built in the 2nd century B.C. by the Seleucids, Lattakia once welcomed St. Peter and Marc Antony to its shores.  Today it serves as Syria's main port city on the Mediterranean and the starting point for excursions to beachside summer resorts, medieval castles such as Saladin's castle and archaeological sites such as Ugarit.  Stroll along Lattakia's corniche, or stop at one of Lattakia's excellent seaside restaurants where you can feast on freshly caught fish and delicious Syrian Mezze. This is the perfect area to wind down for a couple of days and reminisce on your journey through another world.