Syria has not been the most popular tourist attraction in recent years and you are unlikely to see many American tourists there since George Bush turned his attention onto the government there. Nonetheless Syria is home to some of the least spoilt architecture and monuments in the world; all the more attractive for the lack of crowds.

The main entry point into Syria is Damascus International Airport. There are no direct flights into Syria from Australia. The most obvious option is to fly with Emirates (via Dubai), Gulf Air (via Bahrain) or Qatar Airways (via Qatar). Or Royal Jordanian (via Amman/Bangkok) and Egypt Air (via Cairo) offer the most poular indirect routes.

it is crucial to note that you cannot cross the border between Israel and Syria (see also visa information below)

The currency is the Syrian Pound (Approximately 42.95 SYP to 1 Australian Dollar)

The world's oldest inhabited city: Damascus. A central feature of this cluttered and clamorous city is the Ummayyad Mosque which houses the Tomb of St John the Baptist. Tikiyeh Mosque, Al Azem Palace, Via Recta, House of Hanania and Damascus Wall are the other main sights in the capital.

Some of the oldest Islamic minarets are found in Bosra, the first city in the Syrian Arab Republic to become Muslim. Palmyra, a town set in a desert oasis, and where the legendary Queen Zenobia ruled and stood against the two great empires of the Romans and the Persians. The ruins of the Valley of Tombs, the Hypogeum of the Three Brothers, the Great Temple of Bel and the Monumental Arch, now a world UNESCO Heritage Site, are some of the fine remains found over a wide area of the city, prized as containing some of the most famous monuments to the Classical period in the Middle East.

Visit Crac des Chevaliers, the most famous crusader castle in the world. The crusader castles of Salaheddin, near Latakia, and Markab, near Banyas, also merit a visit.

Aleppo, older possibly even than Damascus, contains a massive Citadel. This UNESCO Heritage Site is one of the most magnificent examples of Islamic Arab military architecture. See the 'pearl of the Euphrates' – that great and legendary river – at Deir ez Zor, located on the right bank of the river are beautiful orchards and gardens.

Hama dates back to beyond 5000 BC. Its famous for it’s norias, gigantic wooden waterwheels. Mari's Royal Palace is popular and boasts around 300 rooms and halls.

Australian passport holders require a visa to visit Syria, a 14 day visa costs about $60. Apply to:

Syrian Embassy
41 Culgoa Circuit,

O'Malley, ACT 2606
PH: 02-6286-5235
0900-1500 MON-FRI

Entry to Syria will be refused in authorities believe that you have visited Israel. If you are backpacking around the Middle East and you have been to Israel be careful - even a youth hostel receipt might give it away!

There is no Aussie consular representation in Syria. If you need help contact the embassy in Cairo:

Australian Embassy Egypt,

World Trade Centre (11th Floor),

Corniche El Nil, Boulac (Code No. 11111),

Cairo, Egypt

Telephone +20-2 575 0444
Fax +20-2 578 1638

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