Syria

In the southwestern corner of Syria, Damascus is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities. It’s sometimes called the ‘pearl of the East’ due to the ancient beauty of its architecture, and the lush nut orchards and olive groves that surround it. The heart of Damascus’s walled Old City dates back to the Roman and late Byzantine period, with the Umayyad Mosque – one of the largest and oldest in the world – being a must-visit attraction. Explore the labyrinth of souqs filled with spices, textiles and gold set the scene for people-watching, before taking a walk down Straight Street – an old Roman road that runs from east to west through the Old City.

Built by the Hospitaller Order of Saint John of Jerusalem in the 12th century, this is one of the best-preserved medieval castles in the world. Krak des Chevaliers was one of the most important military bases during the Crusades of the 11th to 13th centuries, and its architectural features describe the history of the castle’s construction – from its Byzantine beginnings to Frankish renovations in the late 12th century, and added Ayyubid dynasty fortifications in the mid-13th century. On visiting the fort today, you’ll spend lots of time exploring and taking in the commanding views from the top.

Aleppo was once Syria’s largest city, and the country’s key trading centre. Like Damascus, it’s one of the world’s oldest continually inhabited cities, having been mentioned in texts dating from the 20th century BCE. The old city and ancient souq were damaged during the battle for Aleppo in 2012, but the covered bazaar has since been restored. Visiting Aleppo, you’ll spend a full day exploring the remains of the Citadel, the bazaar and the large, medieval palace that offers panoramic views of the metropolis – stopping at a typical Syrian café along the way

The city of Latakia is set on a low-lying peninsula that juts out into the Mediterranean Sea. In the 3rd and 2nd centuries BCE, this was one of the most important trade hubs in northern Syria. Still today, it’s the country’s principal port, linked by road to Aleppo, Tripoli and Beirut. Untamed Borders tours to Syria explore the surrounding coastal region, from the colonnaded temples of the Amrit archaeological site to Arwad Island, if the weather is good – before finishing in Latakia.

Hama, on the banks of the Orontes River, is the fourth-largest city in Syria and famous for its 17 ‘Norias’: large, wooden water wheels that irrigate the famous city gardens. Visitors can walk through the old City alongside the Orontes River, listening to the creaks and groans of the water wheels while continuing to wander through the cobbled streets past the ancient Azem Palace and hidden Hammams.