Mark Twain declared that the Indian city of Varanasi was older than history, tradition and legend. He was, of course, wrong. So which exactly is the world’s most ancient continuously inhabited city?
November 2010
Letter from
Syria: love affair with a humble carpet
It's hard not to fall for the colourful, crazy weaving of the Syrian kilims, and the stories that lie behind them
January 2010
Syria's mysterious Dead Cities
These abandoned Byzantine towns are architectural treasures
December 2009
The world's greatest train trips
The editor of Great Train Journeys of the World lists his favourite five
October 2009
Syria's crusade for tourism
Our Middle East editor reports on an ambitious campaign to double visitor numbers to Syria by 2012
April 2009
Ask Tom
Ask Tom
Tom Hall of Lonely Planet answers your questions about worldwide travel. This week, holidays in Central and South America and tips on what to eat in Damascus
December 2008
Souk it and see
Shopping-phobic Nick Maes is converted by Damascus' bazaars - as well as its cuisine, art and first boutique hotel
November 2008
The best of Damascus
"This is a region of great conflict but also of great history," said David Miliband in Damascus last week. Caitlin Fitzsimmons soaks up the ancient capital's history
City guide: Places to stay
From the Lux Pod in London to Home in Buenos Aires, here's a round-up of some of the best hotels and B&Bs
City guide: Exotic
Tantalising tastes and smells, dazzling architecture and cultural surprises, soak it all up and feel a million miles from home at one of these cities
August 2008
The foodie road to Damascus
Syria is known for its deserts and ancient ruins, but now its cuisine is starting to draw visitors too. Matthew Teller is a delighted convert
July 2008
Great journeys
Great journeys: Palmyra to Damascus by coach
In the final part of her adventure, Vicky Frost takes the coach into the heat of Syria's capital and explores its architecture and bustling souq
January 2008
Dam good bargains
Why bother with all your Christmas woolies when you could warm up in Damascus instead?
January 2006
Withstanding winds of change
Historian Hywel Williams explores the many ages of Damascus, a bustling oasis surrounded by deserts and turmoil.
December 2005
Road to Damascus
Just in time for Christmas, Four Seasons has decided to open the Four Seasons Hotel Damascus. How seasonal is that?
July 2005
A stylish conversion in the heart of Damascus
A chic new hotel will put Syria on the map for those in search of an exotic long weekend. Geoff Dyer immerses himself in 'barbaric luxury'.
