Syria is often referred to as the “Cradle of civilizations” because there is no civilization in the east and west throughout the world history that didn’t pass through Syria and leave a mark.

Syria has been the focal point of ancient civilizations. It was the crossroad between the Caspian Sea, the Indian Ocean, the Black Sea, and the Nile River. For thousand of years it controlled the silk route. In Damascus, Hama, and Aleppo the silk weavers still work at the same sort of wooden handlooms that their ancestors before them did.

Shielded from the outside world by the late President for so many years, it has only recently dropped its veil, and travel to Syria still has an exciting edge lacking in many other Arab countries.

When touring Syria one should included Damascus and Aleppo, the two great caravan cities of the Middle Ages; the fabulous desert oasis of Palmyra, one of the most impressive classical sites in the world; and a sampling of the great Arab and Crusader castles, such as Crac des Chevaliers, guarding the country’s western flank. But there is more to discover of this beautiful country, such as the semi-wild settings of its many other classical sites, or life in cities such as Hama.

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