Damascus

Damascus is one of the longest continuously inhabited cities in the world, full of charm and energy, and nobody fails to be enticed by it.

One of the highlights is the bustling old city, a UNESCO World Heritage site, where we visit the Umayyad Mosque, which is the fourth holiest mosque in Islam, and home to the head of St John the Baptist, as well as being the resting place of Saladin.

We also spend time wandering the narrow, cobbled streets of Damascus’ captivating souqs, taking in the colourful sights and smells of the spice markets.

Our Syria tours also usually include:

a visit to the Tekiyye Mosque, which was designed by the famous Turkish architect, Sinan.
a visit to the National Museum, which provides an excellent introduction to Syrian history.
a visit to the Azem Palace, which is an impressive Ottoman-era palatial complex which used to belong to one of the most powerful Damascene families.

Some of the traditional old Damascus courtyard houses have now been sympathetically renovated and converted into restaurants, serving delicious Syrian dishes, and sampling these is a highlight for everyone. Most restaurants serve decent local beer and wine, as well as delicious freshly squeezed juices.

Click here to see our Syria tours

Other places of interest in Syria:

Qasr Al Heer Ash Sharqi

Shahba

St Simeon & the Dead Cities

Ugarit