Damascus has claim to being the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world, capital of a land that is filled with monuments from throughout the ages. It also offers the flavours of distinctive Near Eastern cuisine and the hustle and bustle of the street bazaars and the exotic entertainment of traditional local nightspots. It is the ideal base for exploring two of Syria's landmark sites, Palmyra and Krak des Chevaliers, whilst offering an array of silks, handcrafts, glass and spices from the colourful local markets.