With its vast ruins spread out over desert sands and fairytale castles perched on hilltops Syria groans under a weight of monuments that few other countries can match. Thread your way deep into the souks where you'll feel as if the clocks stopped a few centuries back, get lost in the Old City of Damascus or wander the labyrinth streets of Aleppo where the smell of spices scent the air. Footprint's 1st edition Syria Handbook will help you get to grips with the beautiful Byzantine towns and lavish Roman ruins whilst you soak up the renowned hospitality, it's the perfect companion for anyone wishing to explore this beguiling country. Detailed listings to help you find the best meze and local hangouts Great mapping to help you get around History, culture and background section so travellers really get to know this historical heavyweight Fantastic accommodation listings

Table of Contents

1) Essentials 2) Damascus and Around 3) South of Damascus: The Hauran 4) Orontes Valley 5) The Coast and Jebel Ansariye 6) Aleppo and Around 7) Palmyra and Around 8) Euphrates River and the Jezira 9) Background

Author Biography

Since deciding that growing up and getting a proper job was highly overrated at the tender age of 18, New Zealander Jessica Lee has travelled extensively in Asia, Africa and Latin America. A small obsession with houmous and a large obsession with nomadic people led her to the Middle East in 2004 where she fell in love with the Arabic language and the incredible hospitality of the people. She has lived there full-time since 2007, working as a tour leader as well as a writer. When not on the overland trail between Cairo and Istanbul, she can usually be found among the fairy chimneys of central Anatolia where she is attempting to renovate a cave-house.