Introduction
I didn't go to Deir-Ez-Zor myself, so the info you find here is only second hand info I got from other people.
Apparently the reports I read are a bit mixed: some people like it, others say it's not really worth the trip.
In October-November you might be in a sandstorm. Better to avoid this period.
Getting to Deir-Ez-Zor
Coming from Aleppo, you can get there by train or by bus. By bus 135 S£ (10/97).
The train station is 3 km out of town. you can get to the center of town by minibus or by drezina (50 S£).
Buses arrive in the centre of town.
Accommodation
The
Hotel Damas, mentioned in the LP guide got bad reports. They charge 200 S£ p.p. in a shared room and 300-375 S£ for a double, there's an extra for a hot shower.
Hotel Raghdan, also in the LP guide costs 700 S£ and got good reports.
More expensive is the
Hotel Mari, the rooms are better, but the owners are not trustworthy and will try to rip you off for drinks etc... Rooms are 1500 S£ for a double.
Practicalities
The commercial bank of Syria is the only b
ank in Deir-Ez-Zor that will change money, and then only US$, no DM or VISA.
What to do
The 500 meter suspension bridge over the Euphrates is definitely worth a look, don't mistake it for the small canal in the center.
There's a new museum with items from excavations in Northern Syria. Along with interesting artifacts, including an ancient mousetrap with instructions, there are many informative panels with info in a number of languages. Entrance is 300 S£, but it's worth it.
In the morning there's a market along the Euphrates.
The main reason to come here is to visit the places south from Deir-Ez-Zor. You need to arrange a taxi for this, count on 1500 to 2000 S£ for the day trip. First stop will be
Qala'at ar Rahba, a ruined castle. The castle itself is nothing special, but the views from above are good. If you want to enter the lower rooms of the castle, you need to bring a flashlight. Second stop will be
Tell Ashara where excavations are going on now. It's supposed to be the religious center of Mari. Third stop is Douro Europos. The site itself is nothing special, only the walls still stand, inside are ruins. The views are good though, entrance is 150 S£. Final stop is
Mari, but the reports I got were mixed.
Go to Damascus
