Weekdays: 9am - 6pm

Saturday: 10am - 2pm


Syria Holidays

Destinations > Syria

About SYRIA

The current political unrest:

In light of the on-going conflict, the foreign office has advised against all travel to the Syrian Arab Republic. We are continuing to review the situation and will provide an update as and when this advice changes.

We are contacting all affected passengers. If you wish to speak to our clients services team regarding the situation in Syria, then please call 020 8574 4000.

------------------------------------------

Syria is packed with history and with most of its major cities and sites listed on the UNESCO World Heritage List; culture vultures will not be disappointed. From the Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, the desert oasis Roman ruins of Palmyra, Krak Des Chevaliers ‘the finest crusader castle in the world’ to the vibrant souq’s of Aleppo and the ancient water wheels of Hama, there is enough to pack any itinerary.

The ancient city of Damascus, vying for the position of the oldest continually inhabited city in the world enchants visitors today just as it did when it was one of the main trading posts of the Silk Road which linked China and Europe. The lanes of the Old City are like a living museum where the Hikawati storytellers weave magical stories such as the legend of the Prophet Muhammed who on his journey from Mecca, cast his gaze from the mountainside onto Damascus but refused to enter the city because he wanted to enter paradise only once – when he died!

Aleppo is Syria’s 2nd largest city, once a key stop on the Silk Road and has undertaken clever restoration of its old building which has helped retain the feeling of an ancient bazaar city. The old city is dominated by the Citadel and Great mosque, but perhaps Aleppo’s greatest treasures are the labyrinthine souq’s. Shop and haggle in the fragrant surroundings amongst the donkey’s and horse drawn carts for olive soap, exotic spices, roasting coffee and succulent grilled shwarma.

Palmyra is a desert oasis that was once a monumental city on the caravan trade route linking Persia, India and China with the Roman Empire. The ancient Roman city of Palmyra, once known as the ‘Bride of the Desert’, was heavily influenced by Persian architecture and design.

Aleppo

Luxury Aleppo

About ALEPPO

Syria’s 2nd largest city, once a key stop on the Silk Road has undertaken clever restoration of its old building which has helped retain the feeling of an ancient bazaar city. The old city is dominated by the Citadel and Great mosque, but perhaps Aleppo’s greatest treasures are the labyrinthine souq’s. Shop and haggle in the fragrant surroundings amongst the donkey’s and horse drawn carts for olive soap, exotic spices, roasting coffee and succulent grilled shwarma. Aleppo is the perfect base to explore the abandoned towns and villages of the Dead Cities or the remains of the hilltop Byzantine cathedral, Qala’at Samaan.

Damascus

Luxury Damascus

About DAMASCUS

The ancient city of Damascus, vying for the position of the oldest continually inhabited city in the world enchants visitors today just as it did when it was one of the main trading posts of the Silk Road which linked China and Europe. The lanes of the Old City are like a living museum where the Hikawati storytellers weave magical stories such as the legend of the Prophet Muhammed who on his journey from Mecca, cast his gaze from the mountainside onto Damascus but refused to enter the city because he wanted to enter paradise only once – when he died. Visit Damascus and stay at one of the beautiful boutique hotels, enjoy the complex cuisine at the exciting restaurants, shop for oriental handicrafts and marvel at the architectural magnificence of Umayyad Mosque.

Palmyra

Luxury Palmyra

About PALMYRA

A desert oasis that was once a monumental city on the caravan trade route linking Persia, India and China with the Roman Empire. The ancient Roman city of Palmyra, once known as the ‘Bride of the Desert’, was heavily influenced by Persian architecture and design. Today the ruins which date back to the 2nd century AD are made up of colonnaded streets, temple remains and funerary towers and cover some 50 hectares. Since its discovery in the 17th and 18th centuries, the modern city of Palmyra has grown around the ruins.

SYRIA
 

  • The world's oldest alphabet is said to have originated in Ugarit in Syria.
     
  • Tell Hamoukar in Syria dates from around 3,500 BC. The first Egyptian pyramids were not built until a thousand years later.
    •  
  • Syria's City of Aleppo, famous for its citadel, is said to be five thousand years old.
    •  
  • Palmyra, the city of palm trees, has been inhabited since Neolithic times.
    •  
  • Palmyra was a place where merchants' caravans stopped to rest on the old trade routes between China, Persia and the Roman Empire.
    •  
  • Zenobia, the Queen of Palmyra, was famous for fighting against the Roman Empire.
    •  
  • Damascus has been inhabited for over four thousand years and is one of the oldest cities in the world.
    •  
  • Posidonius, the Greek stoic philosopher, was born in Apamea in Syria.
    •  
  • It is said that St. Paul was converted from Judaism to Christianity after a vision on the road to Damascus. St. Paul also set up a Christian Church in Antioch in ancient Syria.
    •  
  • Syria was conquered by the Islamic Umayyads in 636.
    •  
  • Bath houses or hammams, were built in Syria during the Ottoman rule and are still popular today, particularly among older men.
    •  
  • T. E. Lawrence started work as an archaeologist in Syria.
    •  
  • Syria gained independence from France on 17 April 1946.

SYRIA
  • Damascus Old City, Citadel & Umayyad Mosque
  • Ancient ruins of Palmyra
  • Krak Des Chevaliers, ‘the finest crusader castle in the world’


SYRIA
  • The Roman ruins of Apamea
  • The norias (water wheels) of Hama
  • The Souqs of Aleppo


SYRIA
  • Biking around Palmyra
  • Camel trek of the ‘Dead Cities’
  • Hikes in the valley of Afrin
SYRIA

  • When visiting Umayyad Mosque in Damascus, you can be provided with a hooded cloak. It is a good idea to keep a scarf handy and dress conservatively.
     
  • Naranj Restaurant has some of the best cuisine in Syria, with home-cooked dishes you won't find elsewhere; next to the Roman Arch in old Damascus. Signature dish - Aleppo-style cherry kebab.
     
  • Check out the chic Ayyam Gallery in Damascus for works by exciting Syrian artists.
  • For one-off fashion creations, drop into Anat Design Centre beside Bab Sharqi, in old Damascus.
  • For some great shopping with a wide range of local wares, head to Straight Street in Damascus Old City.
     
  • If you want to visit the Norias (water wheels) of Hama, best go in summer when the river's flowing and the Norias are turning, making their distinctive croaking sound.
     
  • When visiting Souk Al-Hamidiye in Damascus, the most fascinating and fragrant part is the Souk Al-Buzuriya or "Seeds Market'. Stalls are piled high with spices, herbs & perfumes.
     
  • Aleppo's finest food is served at Bazar Al-Sharq in historic vaulted cellars. If you have a strong stomach, try the legendary 'kibbeh nayeh' - raw lamb's meat with spices. It’s delicious!
     
  • In the evening, head to Al-Nawfara in Damascus to listen to Abu Shady, the last of the hakawati (professional storytellers). He tells his version of fables and folk stories in Arabic.
     
  • Visit the old coffee houses, where you will find old men playing chess and sipping Turkish coffee. Be aware that some are ‘men only’ environments and may be a little intimidating.

Getting There SYRIA


bmi
Three times a week service from London Heathrow to Damascus (Mon, Thu, Sun) during a winter season and daily service during a summer season. There are a range of pre-departure facilities such as online check-in, choose your seat and print your boarding card.

General Facilities include:
  • A choice of fine international cuisine; soft and alcoholic drinks
  • Newspaper (outbound only)
  • Children's amenity kits for ages 3+, 6+ and 9+
  • bmi Gold, Silver Diamond Club and Star Alliance Gold members can carry an additional checked bag up to 20kgs.
Travel Classes:
Economy Class - seat pitch approx. 31-32”; luggage allowance 20kgs.

Business Class - seat pitch approx. 60”; luggage allowance 30kgs. Business benefits: premium check-in area, access to departure and arrival lounge, seats that recline into fully flat beds (seat recline depends on individual aircraft check with us before booking), personal TV screens, choice of excellent cuisine and fine wines.
SYRIA


Language: The official language of Syria is Arabic, followed by French and English. Kurdish is spoken by a small minority.

Currency: The official currency is the Syrian Pound (symbol S£).

Time Difference: +2 hrs GMT and +3 hrs GMT in summer

Flying Time: 5 hours

Tourist Board: http://www.syriatourism.org/

Visa Requirements: An entry visa or transit visa issued by the Syrian embassy or consulate in the original country of the tourist or a place of residence. Entry or transit visas are granted by Emigration and Passport Department at the border, for the subjects of foreign countries which have no diplomatic representation in Syria. Embassy of Syria in London – Tel. +44207 245 9012.

Passport: A valid passport is required with a minimum 6 months remaining on your passport from the date of return to the UK and an available empty page (does not carry an Israeli visa).

Security: For the latest information visit the foreign office website at www.fco.gov.uk and select ‘Country Advice’.

Voltage: 220v, European-style two-pin plugs.

Religion: Islam is the main religion in Syria, however there are also Christian (mostly Orthodox and Catholic) groups and Jewish minorities.

Health: Hepatitis A / Tetanus / Diphtheria vaccinations are recommended before arriving in Syria. Check with your Doctor for latest information.

Water: Bottled water is recommended.

2012 Public Holidays:
1 Jan - New Year's Day
4 Feb - Mouloud (Birth of the Prophet)
8 Mar - Revolution Day
8 Apr – Easter
15 Apr - Orthodox Easter
17 Apr - Independence Day
1 May - Labour Day / 6 May - Martyrs' Day
19 Aug - Eid al-Fitr (End of Ramadan)
6 Oct - Liberation War
26 Oct - Eid al-Adha (Feast of the Sacrifice)
15 Nov - Islamic New Year
25 Dec - Christmas Day

During the lunar month of Ramadan that precedes Eid al-Fitr, Muslims fast during the day and feast at night and normal business patterns may be interrupted. Many restaurants are closed during the day and there may be restrictions on smoking and drinking. Some disruption may continue into Eid al-Fitr itself. Eid al-Fitr and Eid al-Adha may last anything from two to 10 days, depending on the region.