Before You Go
- Confirm passport validity and entry requirements.
- Check whether a tourist visa is required.
- Keep digital copies of important documents.
- Consider purchasing travel insurance.
Damascus
Syrian Pound (SYP)
Arabic
Apr–May and Sep–Oct
AST (UTC+3)
Welcome to Syria, a country holding some of the oldest continuously inhabited cities and richest ancient history in the world. Damascus, considered one of the oldest cities on Earth, holds centuries of Islamic, Roman, and Byzantine history within its ancient walls. The ruins of Palmyra, though damaged by conflict, once stood among the most spectacular ancient sites in the Middle East. Aleppo's historic old city and citadel reflect centuries of trade along the ancient Silk Road. Syria's rich culinary traditions, blending Levantine flavors and spices, reflect centuries of cultural crossroads. Traditional souks throughout the country's historic cities once bustled with textiles, spices, and centuries-old craftsmanship. Syria's deep history reflects a civilization that shaped much of the ancient world. Syria invites travelers to discover the profound historical roots of the Middle East.
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Helpful information to consider before and during your visit.
Discover some of Syria's most popular flavors, traditional dishes and memorable local treats during your visit.
Kibbeh is a well-known part of Syria's cuisine and offers visitors a flavorful introduction to the country's food traditions.
Fatteh is a well-known part of Syria's cuisine and offers visitors a flavorful introduction to the country's food traditions.
Shish Barak is a well-known part of Syria's cuisine and offers visitors a flavorful introduction to the country's food traditions.
Muhammara is a well-known part of Syria's cuisine and offers visitors a flavorful introduction to the country's food traditions.
Yalanji is a well-known part of Syria's cuisine and offers visitors a flavorful introduction to the country's food traditions.
Shawarma is a well-known part of Syria's cuisine and offers visitors a flavorful introduction to the country's food traditions.
Kebab Halabi is a well-known part of Syria's cuisine and offers visitors a flavorful introduction to the country's food traditions.
Ma'amoul is a well-known part of Syria's cuisine and offers visitors a flavorful introduction to the country's food traditions.
Halawet el Jibn is a well-known part of Syria's cuisine and offers visitors a flavorful introduction to the country's food traditions.
Tajikistan is one of the most mountainous countries in the world, with the Pamir Mountains, sometimes called the "Roof of the World," covering roughly half of the country's total territory, and several peaks rising above 20,000 feet. The country is home to the Wakhan Corridor, a narrow strip of land that separates Tajikistan from Pakistan and historically served as a buffer zone between the British and Russian empires during the 19th-century geopolitical rivalry known as the Great Game.
Tajikistan contains Lake Sarez, a deep mountain lake formed suddenly in 1911 after a massive earthquake triggered a landslide that dammed the Murghab River, and the natural dam holding it back remains a subject of ongoing scientific monitoring due to concerns about potential catastrophic flooding downstream if it were ever to fail. The country was part of the ancient Silk Road trade network, and its mountainous terrain historically made certain valleys and passes critically important chokepoints for merchants traveling between China, Persia, and the Mediterranean.
Tajikistan is also home to the Nurek Dam, once the tallest dam in the world upon its completion, an engineering feat built to harness the country's abundant hydroelectric potential from its extensive mountain river systems.
Another little-known fact is that Albanians have a unique cultural tradition called "Besa," meaning "to keep one's promise." This centuries-old code of honor became internationally recognized during World War II when Albania was one of the few European countries where the Jewish population actually increased because local families risked their lives to shelter refugees. Albania also boasts the stunning Blue Eye (Syri i Kaltër), a natural spring with crystal-clear turquoise water whose exact depth remains unknown despite multiple explorations.
Finally, Albania enjoys more than 300 sunny days each year, rivaling many Mediterranean destinations. The country is also famous for its "sworn virgins"—a centuries-old tradition in remote mountain villages where women could legally assume male social roles by taking a lifelong vow of celibacy, preserving family inheritance and leadership in the absence of male heirs.
