Syria is a country full of ancient cities and fascinating historical ruins. There are many cities which house relics, mosques and monuments that date over 5,000 years. The ancient cities of Damascus and Aleppo are two of the most popular destinations, although trips to other hidden towns will open your eyes to an abundance of ancient ruins.

Aleppo
This city is possibly even older than Damascus and houses a massive citadel that stands on the site of an ancient acropolis. It is a UNESCO World Heritage site and is one of the most magnificent examples of Islamic Arab military architecture in the country. The city is also home to an incredible number of mosques.

Bosra
This was the first city in Syria to become Muslim and is home to some of the oldest minarets in the whole of Islam. It was once a stopover on the pilgrimage route to Mecca and was incredibly prosperous. In the 17th century, the region began to be unsafe to travel through and the route detoured another way, leaving the city to decline. The Mosque of Omar in the centre of the town used to be a pagan temple and is now the only mosque that still stands from the early-Islamic period.

Crac des Chevaliers
This castle is one of the most famous crusader castles in the world. It was once a fortress belonging to the Hospitallers during the Latin Kingdom of Jerusalem (1100 to 1290) and later became the barracks of several thousand soldiers during peacetime. The castle was protected by watchtowers and supplied with food from the surrounding fertile countryside.

Damascus
This is one of the world's oldest inhabited cities, dating back to 5000 BC. It is a cluttered and rowdy city whose focal point is the Ummayyad Mosque. This impressive religious site can be found behind the Al-Hamidiyah Bazaar and has a fascinating story attached to it. It was built on the site of a temple which had formerly been used by the Romans and then knocked down by the Byzantines. It was replaced with the Cathedral of John the Baptist, which was consequently turned into a mosque by the Arabs in 636 AD. The mosque still houses the tomb of St John the Baptist and is a must-see on a visit to Damascus.

Other worthy sights in Damascus include the Tikiyeh Mosque, which was built in the mid-16th century; the 18th century Al Azem Palace, which is now a national museum and the House of Hanania, where St Paul hid and used the underground chapel for worship. The church in the Damascus Wall, from where St Paul escaped in a basket, still stands. The Sayyida Zainab Shrine, the Tomb of Saladin and the outskirts of Damascus are also notable, while Ghota, the fruit orchard area surrounding Damascus, is stunning when the trees are in bloom.

Palmyra
This town is set in the desert and is where the legendary Queen Zenobia once ruled and stood against the two great empires of the Romans and the Persians. Zenobia was taken captive in 272 AD. The ruins of the Valley of Tombs, the Three Brothers, the great Temple of Bel and the Monumental Arch are some of the most famous monuments dating back to the Classical period in the Middle East.

Royal Palace, Mari
This palace was built by Zimrilim, who ruled the city over 2,000 years ago. The palace boasts 300 rooms and halls, and was rediscovered in the course of excavations during the 1930s. Mari itself was built at a strategic point on the route from Syria to Mesopotamia over 5,000 years ago.

Attend the Annual Silk Road Festival
Cities across the country come to life during this festival, which celebrates the country’s colourful past. It is a great time to be in Syria as you will undoubtedly get to see a number of cultural performances, street processions and local traditions.

Browse Around the Souks
Souks can be found all over the country and sell a wide variety of items, ranging from clothing and jewellery to furniture and carpets. Many of the local markets also sell fresh food. One of the most popular souks can be found in Aleppo and is made up of 16kms of winding corridors which are lined with shops and bustling with life. Damascus' Long Souk is also notable and worthwhile visiting if you are in the city.

Get Musical in Bosra
A bi-annual music festival is held every year in Bosra’s Roman amphitheatre. It is a chance to see local artists perform a number of their own tracks as well as national artists performing well known songs. There is also the opportunity to discover local and traditional music which is unique to Syria. Classical concerts are held at different locations across the city.

Indulge in a Back Rub
Syria is home to a number of very well-preserved hammams, also known as public baths. Massages and back rubs are a perfect way to unwind after a long day trawling the sights. It is a unique experience unlike anything found in many western countries and is certainly worth a try.

Soak Up the Sun
Relaxing on Syria’s Mediterranean coast is a great way to unwind. Latakia is a major resort on the coast and offers an abundance of activites to partake in as well as golden beaches, clear warm waters and a whole host of restaurants. The city is located at the foot of a chain of mountains which overlook the coast on one side and the 'Cradle of Civilisation' on the other. There are a number of archaeological finds including the ruined Temple of Bacchus and a triumphal arch. Tartus also boasts some beautiful beaches. Most of the Mediterranean resorts offer a number of water sports such as canoeing, jet-skiing and scuba diving.