ricktp

After a three week tour of Turkey, I have 7 extra days and I am thinking of adding Syria, Jordan and Israel to my traveling history. Hillman Wonders has Petra, Damascus and Jerusalem in the top 60. Any comments or suggestions would be appreciated.

sandi

They are all excellent choices. Haven't been to Damascus, but can tell you that Jerusalem and Petra are amazing.

Personally, I believe once in Israel, you have more choices of sights to visit and getting from place-to-place in Israel is relatively easy... day-trips, good transport, etc. You can cover all the religions, old and new, cities (Tel Aviv, Jerusalem, Haifa, etc.) and beach resorts, lots and lots of history.

First, though, check with the airlines to determine which of these cities is easiest to fly to from Istanbul.

Then, toss a coin as I don't go wrong with any of these destinations.

maxwell

Although I think all three of those places are great, my vote is for Syria (although Israel would be a close second, and I agree w/Sandi about it being easy to do day trips from Jerusalem). Damascus is probably my favorite city in the middle east. Transportation in Syria is dirt cheap (e.g., you could fly north to Aleppo from Damascus - a r/t ticket is only about 60 bucks, and comfortable, clean buses run all over the country for just a few bucks if you are on a tight budget as I was), and the local folk are the friendliest people I have met anywhere. Also, depending upon what the situation in Lebanon is when you are there, you can take a shared taxi over to Beirut for about 12 bucks if you were interested in going there for a few days.

mebanese

Note that if Syria sees any evidence of your travel - or planned travel - to Israel (on the visa application it's refered to as 'occupied Palestine'), you won't be allowed entry.

bombasticlife

I loved Jordan, both the Dead Sea and Petra - I would go back to both in a heartbeat. I have reviews and pictures on my site http://www.bombasticlife.com

Not been to Syria or Jerusalem yet so I can't give a comparison.