Damascus

Damascus is where you'll find the 'Arabia' of your childhood dreams. Most destinations in the Middle East make the same claim, but they aren't as authentic as the Syrian capital.Damascus has existed in a virtual time warp, incubated by a socialist regime that stumped attempts to modernize the city. Although the regime has denied Syrians the luxury of large-scale development, it has preserved the capital's old-world charm.

In Damascus, you can peruse the old city's narrow, winding streets; marvel at the intricate wooden balconies; enjoy an afternoon at a traditional hammam; and meditate in the city's sprawling, historical mosques.Best of all, however, you can enjoy cups of sweet tea in shabby cafés on busy street corners, where old men tell stories about Syrian heroes and villains.