What springs to mind when you think of Syria?

Camels, deserts and sandstorms? Or ancient civilisations, vibrant cities and a buzzing nightlife?

More often than not the first three are what first comes to mind. That isn't surprising. You may be disappointed to hear that in three years living between Damascus and Beirut I never encountered a camel, except at tourist attractions. In fact, much of my time was spent in bustling cities or in the lush green landscape of the Mediterranean coast. There is certainly more to Syria than its dramatic desert-scape!

A Land of Contrasts

From desert to rolling green hills, ancient civilisations to modern living, crisp cold winters to blazing summer sun, Syria is a land of contrasts. This all adds to its unique charm.

Tourism is really taking off as travellers fall for this enchanting country. I've asked British journalist and travel writer Sasa what keeps him going back year after year.

"It's the cultural heart of the Arab world, there's something happening every night. And everyone is friends with everyone else. Damascus is a village of 6 million people" says Sasa, who regularly writes about Syria on his blog News from Syria.

5 Things not to Miss in Syria

Sasa agreed to share his insider knowledge of Syria and give us tips on the five places that shouldn't be missed on a trip to Syria. He came up with the following list and I have to say, I wholeheartedly agree!

Souq Al-Bouzariah, Damascus (a.k.a. the Spice Souq), the most aromatic place in the country, full of people, sound and colour.

Khan Asad Pasha, Damascus. Step out of the Spice Souq and into this former hotel and trading-post for the caravans of the silk route. Asad Pasha is the most beautifully restored of the dozens of Damascene khans, with layers of black and white stone and a fountain in the centre that shoots up two storeys.

The Souqs (markets) of Aleppo. One of the busiest and oldest markets in the region, packed into tiny alleyways right next to the awesome raised citadel.

The Golan Heights, where you can walk right up to the UN-controlled border fence to see the Israeli army on the other side.

Mar Musa Monastery is perched on the edge of the Qalamoon Mountains and was refounded by an Italian monk. With no electricity or mobile phone coverage, you can come and spend a night here with free food and board. Just make sure you help out with the cooking!

A Perfect Day in Damascus

Most trips start in the buzzing capital city, Damascus so Sasa has shared his idea of an ideal day out in the capital, best visited in spring when "the winter rain has turned the mountain green, the jasmine is starting to fill the air and the blue skies are returning". Sounds tempting, doesn't it?!

Waking up in Art House in western Damascus, an incredibly serene and isolated hotel outside the bustle of central Damascus, with views of the mountains from the rooftop bar, followed by a pre-dawn trip up Mount Qasioun, to witness sunrise over Damascus, old and new.

A welcome morning pitstop at the real jewel in Damascus' crown: Abu Shaker's juice shop, near the Muhafaza which makes the best cocktails you will taste anywhere in the world. Perfect for an indulgent yet healthy breakfast before hitting the Old City.

A further pitstop from touring the city at Albal Cafe, in the Old City. Albal is a tiny, peaceful courtyard with Lebanese singer Fairouz on loop. It feels a world away from the souq outside, and not as commercial as other converted courtyard houses.

Finishing off a jam packed day at Naranj Restaurant, Straight Street, in the Old City, with delicious food cooked according to local traditions from all across Syria. What more could you ask for?

Our Favourite Syrian Products

We know we can't take you all to Syria, but we can bring our favourite Syrian products to you!

We particularly love the range of embroidered woolen shawls, designed and produced by Anat, a collective set up to empower women in central Syria. These are perfect for British summer evenings, when the temperatures dip slightly.

We've also sourced some fantastic silk scarves from a small factory on a rooftop in the middle of the souqs of Aleppo. Versatile and light weight, these fit easily in your handbag.

And finally - glassware from our favourite glass factory in Damascus. This small factory, that used to sit just outside the gates of the Old City, is famous for its range of recycled glass. We love that fact that the mustard/brown and green lanterns, vases and glasses used to be bottles of Lebanese and Syrian beer. The lanterns are beautiful in themselves, but we love to think about the history of the glass!

For more information and photos of our suppliers why not check out our Flickr feed.

Watch This Space...

In September this year our very own Lemonlu London Olive Oil Soap will go into production in a small soap factory in Aleppo, made exclusively for us. Can't wait!

Featured Discoveries