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NEWS & SPOTLIGHT

Syria: NEWS & SPOTLIGHT

Hotel Spotlight: The Mansouriya Palace, Aleppo. Syria’s best character hotel?

Described by Condé Nast Traveller Magazine as “delightful”, and held by many visitors to be their favourite boutique hotel in Syria, the Mansouriya Palace is hidden behind a heavy wooden door a stone’s throw from the entrance to Aleppo’s famous covered souqs. The property is housed within a beautiful 16th century building featuring an open-air shaded courtyard with marble fountain. The 9 individually decorated and spacious suites are themed on periods of Syrian history and located around the hotel’s beautiful courtyard. A particularly stunning feature of the Mansouriya Palace, are the summer and winter sitting rooms, with their exquisite panelling, impressive ceilings, and beautiful inlayed wooden furniture. They represent Aleppine architecture at its finest. Adding a real touch of luxury and an extra layer of pleasure to a stay at the Mansouriya Palace are the on-site private Turkish bath and Jacuzzi – ideal for relaxing after a busy day. The hotel’s excellent restaurant is one of the best in the city and serves traditional Aleppine cuisine. Aleppo is one of the most authentic caravan cities to be found anywhere in the world. A walk through its ancient souqs offers the visitor a real immersion into the Middle East experience. The city is also a marked culinary centre, home to one of the finest examples of Islamic military architecture, and offers a very fine archaeological museum. Easily accessible from Aleppo are Syria’s ‘Dead Cities’: the remains of over 700 deserted Byzantine villages, towns and monastic settlements that are arguably the finest survivals from the World of Late Antiquity. The Mansouriya Palace is the ideal base for discovering the delights of Aleppo and northern Syria and is featured as an option on many of Corinthian Travel’s tailor-made Syria Holidays .

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News: Damascus listed by New York Times among world’s top destinations

Jan 2010. Damascus has been tipped by the New York Times to become one of the hottest destinations for 2010. It is not difficult to see why; as the Syrian capital is undeniably one of the most colourful, intriguing, and delightful cities in the Middle East. In 2008 it was named Arab City of Culture by UNESCO, and over the past 5 years has undergone something of a cultural renaissance without losing any of its charm. The narrow and maze-like lanes of the completely intact Old City are a joy to discover on foot, as are the wonderfully authentic covered souqs where everything from household goods to gold and exotic spices are on offer. The city is extraordinarily rich in cultural monuments, it also has numerous atmospheric cafés, a wonderful archaeological museum, and excellent restaurants offering top of the range Middle Eastern cuisine. Should shopping for exotic, locally made, handicrafts be your passion this is a pastime that can be indulged to the hilt. Not least of Damascus’ attractions is its accommodation: visitors can choose to relax in supreme comfort at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel, or for a real taste of the Middle East, can opt to stay at one of several small, and wonderfully atmospheric, converted character hotels located in the heart of the Old City. Corinthian Travel considers that a stay for at least two full days in Damascus is essential to get a proper feel for the city. Click here to see Corinthian’s recommendations for Syria Holidays .

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Corinthian Experience: Resafa the ‘Forgotten’ Desert City

Lying in the desert of northern Syria between Aleppo and Deir ez Zor the striking and isolated ruined desert city of Resafa is in many ways almost as impressive as Palmyra – Syria’s archaeological jewel. Originally founded as a frontier fortress by the Roman Emperor Diocletian in 256 A.D., during the Byzantine period the town became revered as the site of the martyrdom St Sergius and was subsequently named Sergiopolis. Resafa is surrounded by extensive walls and contains the remains of a beautiful Byzantine Basilica and extensive underground cisterns that were capable of holding enough water for the entire population for two years. Complimenting and enhancing the ruins is the dramatic empty desert that surrounds the site and extends for miles around. This is a must see site for anyone who wants to escape the beaten track, experience the solitude of the desert, and see a dramatic Roman / Byzantine city with early Christian significance. The ruins can be visited by taking an eastern loop from Palmyra to Aleppo, or when travelling between Aleppo and Deir ez Zor (or vice versa).

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News: New boutique hotel opens in Damascus

Jan 2010. In recent years the conversion of some of Damascus’ stunning old courtyard style mansions into beautiful character hotels has revolutionised the accommodation scene. These wonderfully atmospheric properties have a real sense of place and could almost be destinations in their own right. The latest character hotel to open its doors, Al Fares, is considered to be one of the city’s finest character properties. The hotel has an almost unbeatable location within the Old City of Damascus, being located opposite the famed Omayyad Mosque and within a stone’s throw of the entrance to the souqs. Al Fares offers 12 bedrooms and suites, and is housed with a 17th century courtyard house that has been has been lovingly coaxed it back to its former glory. The result of the restoration is an exquisite showcase of traditional Damascene craftsmanship and architecture, giving guests an unique insight into Syrian life during the late Ottoman period. Notable features include private terraces, a lovely sunny courtyard with playing fountain, carved stone (Ablaq), and intricate painted ceilings. Al Fares’ bedrooms have been designed using Mother of Pearl, Mosaic, or traditional hand carved wood. Each room has its own rich decorative style and is equipped with individually controlled air-conditioning, plasma televisions, and wifi access. Marble bathrooms compliment the rooms and include all the amenities and supplies to make sure your stay as comfortable as possible. The property offers an intimate and atmospheric courtyard restaurant serving both Syrian and International cuisine. During the summer months the retractable roof of the hotel’s courtyard is left open. Al Fares is representative of the very best of the character hotels of Damascus. It should be noted that all rooms have queen sized beds. To stay at Al Fares request for the hotel when discussion your tailor-made Syria holiday. For more photographs of the hotel please see Corinthian Travel’s selection of Syrian Preferred Hotels.

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