michele

My husband and I are interested in travelling to Syria next April for about two weeks. We loved our travels in Turkey and were told by more than one person that Syria is the place to go before it becomes the next jet set place. <BR> <BR>Does anyone know of any tours? especially University ones? <BR>Is being an American and Jewish a problem? <BR>I have been told it is not, but would like opinions. Any information on hotels, places etc is appreciated. Thanks <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR> <BR>

Timur

It is defenitely worth a visit, and two and three. I loved it both times. <BR>Although I am not sure about travelling there and being Jewish (American seems to be more or less O.K.). <BR>I'd suggest the route I took last August: Aleppo -&gt; Hama -&gt; Homs -&gt; Palmyra -&gt; Cras de Chevaliers -&gt; Damascuss <BR>and other minor spots. <BR>Feel free to ask me any questions, but <BR>first I recommend "Jordan & Syria", Lonely Planet. It's more than enough. <BR> <BR>Bye.

michele

Thanks for the information. I will browse through the Lonely Planet guide. <BR> <BR>How did you survive the heat in August? <BR>(Although, that's when we were in Turkey, but I nearly passed out a few times).

Timur

Hi, Michele. <BR> <BR>Probably it wasn't the hottest summer. Not more than 40 C. <BR>Although my first visit to Syria had been in August too. And once in Southern Turkey in August as well. <BR>The hottest place was Palmyra. Mornings and evenings were quite O.K., but for day time heat I hid at the hotel with bottles of beer. <BR>Seriously: shorts and T-shirt, sandals, <BR>cold drinks, no fat, not very old age - and I survived. <BR> <BR>Bye, <BR>Timur.

Nicole

Just got back from 2 weeks in Syria. Very hot, wonderful people, food and sights. I would highly reccommend a trip there. Easily drove through the countryside to many sites. Damascus, driving is probably not advised. Prices are very reasonable. Enjoy!

dave

You ask whether being an American and Jewish would be a problem. If that is your situaion, I would want more than an opinion; I would want to know the absolute reality. <BR>My guess is that if your American passport shows a prior entry in to Israel, then you would in fact have a problem. That being the case, even if your passport doesn't show that, then personally, if it was me, I would also conclude that I would have a problem under these circumstances. Regardless, it comes back to knowing the truth of the situation...I doubt that I would rely on the opinions of strangers,albeit well meaning.

Heather Burles

Hi. Syria is a wonderful place. The people are very friendly. I met a Canadian Jewish woman who lived in Syria in 1982 with no problems. I lived in Damascus in 1995 and travelled around Syria. I recently published a book, "Smouldering Incense, Hammered Brass: A Syrian Interlude", about my experiences. The publisher's web site is: <BR>http://www.turnstonepress.com/new_books/incense.html <BR>