Middle East Travel Forum

If you had 3-4 days to visit either Israel (Jerusalem), Syria (Damascus/Aleppo), or Jordan (Petra & another spot), which would you choose?

For what it's worth, the only places I've been in the region are Dubai and Morocco (which I realize isn't really the Middle East). I'll be flying from Dubai.

You can't really combine any of these countries on only 3-4 days, so choose one.
Even though Israel is woprth a visit, I'd give it a miss if your flying in from Dubai as the hassle with connecting flights and the stamp problem are too much hassle that a 3-4 day trip is worth.
Syria really needs more than 3-4 days, so unless this is your last chance to see Syria I'd go with Jordan : 1 day Amman/Jerrash and 3 days Petra (including one day driving down via the Dead Sea and the Kings Highway)

I meant Duiabi and Israel, which is not really a stamp hassle either for tourist, but if you are reliant on a residence permit I'd still want to avoid any Israeli stamps.

RTFQ.
My choice is Syria

Thanks for all the responses! I think I may be able to take 5 days, in which case I'm wondering if I can combine Damascus and Petra. Does that seem doable? If not, I'll probably just focus on Syria for my first trip, and try to do a follow-up trip to Jerusalem, the Dead Sea and Petra.

You could, but you'd only have one day in Damascus (two days driving to/from Petra, plus two days there). If you have 5 days, you could better combine Dmascus with Palmyra or Aleppo.

And maybe do Krak des Chevaliers or the waterwheels in (I think) Homs in between?