The Can't-Lose Cruise

Q: Peter, do you have any suggestions about travel to Syria? Travel groups? Travel agencies to use? Should Syria be avoided all together?

–Alice, Richmond, Va.



A: I’ve been to Syria, and I find it not only fascinating, but safe. Having said that, I must remind you that the United States government has a long-standing travel warning concerning Syria—mainly because of its alleged support of terrorist organizations. Again, however, thousands of Western tourists are welcomed into Syria every year and visit without incident. In fact, in 2009, the country has received an unprecedented surge in tourism, from Western and Middle Eastern visitors.



Syria was rather authoritarian and undeveloped under the former president, Hafez al-Assad; but his son, Bashar al-Assad, has made modest strides in modernizing and reforming Syria. The tourism infrastructure is still not up to Western standards, but it’s getting there. And despite the reforms, the country still has authoritarian tendencies and is quite conservative socially. So don’t talk about politics in public, and dress appropriately.



Spring is the best time to visit, as summer can be extremely hot and winter is cool and rainy. The air is also clearer in spring, allowing better viewing of the marvelous archaeological sites, such as Palmyra and Ebla, or the crusader castle of Krak des Chevaliers. Other notable points of interest are the ancient cities of Aleppo and Damascus, the citadel of Bosra, and the “Dead Cities.” The Syrian people are extremely warm and friendly, and the food is outstanding.



Most visitors enter Syria on organized tours, but some travel independently. Jasmin Tours is a well-known, Syria-based operator that has been around for decades. This company offers eight-day tours of all the country’s highlights for as little as $850 (not including airfare). Other reputable tour providers include Nawafir Tours and Arabesk Tours. Whether you choose to travel on a tour or independently, before your trip, you must obtain a visa from the Syrian consulate in the United States. … Back to Article