Damascus (3nts) - Palmyra (1nt) - Hama (1nt) - Aleppo (2nts)
Day 1 - London/DamascusDepart London-Heathrow in the evening with British Midland for your overnight flight to Damascus. Day 2 - Damascus
Arriving early morning check into the Four Seasons Damascus located downtown and featuring extremely comfortable and spacious guest rooms and suites. Enjoy a restful morning before exploring ancient and modern Damascus. Highlights include the 8th century Omayyad Mosque, the handicraft market, the excellent National Museum and the exquisite 18th century Azem Palace. Day 3 - Damascus
Today you head south to visit the ancient Roman city of Bosra which dates from some 3,400 years ago and was once the capital of the Roman Province of Arabia. It boasts a remarkably well preserved Roman amphitheatre. Continue on to the ghost city of Philippopolis at Shahba.Day 4 - Damascus/Palmyra
Head north into the desert and arrive in Palmyra, set amidst barren desert and stark mountains. Explore Queen Zenobia’s ancient and once glorious city known as a ‘City of a Thousand Columns’. The appeal of Palmyra is enhanced by the almost complete absence of modern buildings in view and by the natural beauty of the setting. Overnight at the Palmyra Cham Palace. Day 5 - Palmyra/Hama
From Palmyra you travel to visit the impregnable Krak des Chevaliers, the finest of the Holy Land’s Crusader castles. Onwards to Hama, situated on the banks of the River Orontes and famous for water wheels, which still irrigate the surrounding fields. Overnight at the Apamea Cham Hotel.Day 6 - Hama/Aleppo
Setting off early, drive through rural Syria to Aleppo, stopping enroute to discover the Hellenisitic ruins of Apamea, where Cleopatra romanced Mark Anthony into making his fatal bid for the imperial purple. In Aleppo, explore the medieval souk, with its labyrinthine alleyways crammed with colourful stalls selling everything from leather and metalwork to exotic herbs and spices. You will spend the next two nights at the Chahba Cham Palace Hotel. Day 7 - Aleppo
Explore the sights of Aleppo, taking in the looming battlements of the medieval citadel, the museum and the Omayyad Mosque, before heading out to the haunting remains of the church dedicated to St Simeon, who spent 42 years meditating atop a tall column. Day 8 - Aleppo/London
Transfer to the airport for your early morning flight to London-Heathrow.This tour departs on a Wednesday, Friday or Sunday.
| Prices (from)Gold |
| |
| 1 Jan - 30 Apr |
£2,348 |
|
| 1 May - 31 Aug |
£2,419 |
|
| 1 Sep - 31 Dec |
£2,348 |
|
per person inclusive of international flights, bed and breakfast,
based in Standard Rooms throughout.
Departures
Wednesday, Friday, Sunday.