Highlights of Syria
Syria revels in its antiquity – the kind of country where you can trip over history, be it a Hittite foundation or a Roman pathway. This seven-day private tour sees you travel from Damascus to Palmyra, following in the footsteps of Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans, Arabs and Christian crusaders.
Days 1–2
Damascus
Arrive and transfer to your hotel. Day two sees you tour the city, one of the oldest in the world. See the magnificent Umayyad Mosque, one of Islam’s greatest architectural monuments, which curiously also contains the tomb of St John the Baptist. Other highlights include the 18th century Azem Palace, the bustling covered souks and the Roman markets.
Day 3
Crac Des Chevaliers
First call at the village of Maaloula, where houses seem to hang from the rock face and the biblical language of Aramaic is still spoken. The day’s highlight is Crac des Chevaliers, the most famous crusader castle in the world, regarded as the apogee of medieval fortification. Proceed to Aleppo and transfer to your hotel.
Day 4
Aleppo
Visit the basilica of St Simeon, the founder of the Christian ascetics known as Stylites. Having found monastic life too comfortable, St Simeon climbed onto a pillar in 423 ad and remained there until his death 36 years later. Aleppo itself may even be older than Damascus. Its covered souks are certainly more chaotic. Dominating the city is a unesco-listed citadel built on the remains of a 10th century bc Hittite acropolis.
Days 5–6
Palmyra
Continue to Palmyra, which reached its heyday in the 2nd century, when its grandeur mimicked Rome. There are virtually no modern buildings, but 100 acres of ruins and monuments, including the milelong Great Colonnade, lined with over 300 standing columns.
Day 7
Departure
Transfer back to Damascus for your flight home.
Prices from: £1,371–£1,441 pp incl. meet & greet, 6 nights bb accommodation, private transport & guided excursions.
Treasures of Persia
Modern day Iran has bequeathed us a remarkable legacy of Islamic art and architecture. Yet right alongside remain the sights of antique Persia, one of the greatest empires of the ancient world. From the comparatively modern city of Tehran, you’ll embark on an eight-day tour, beginning, of course, with a tour of the capital, including a visit to see the fabulous Crown Jewels of the Shahs of Iran. You’ll then fly on to Shiraz, to see the fine Qajar period tile work at the Nasir ol-Molk Mosque and the Ali Ibn Hamzeh shrine. After this it’s on to Persepolis, the summer capital of Darius the Great, and then to the royal tombs at Nagsh-e-Rostam, where both Darius and Xerxes are thought to be buried. Finally, enjoy three days based around the beautiful city of Isfahan, packed with mosques, palaces, bazaars and bridges, before returning to Tehran.
Prices from: £2,382–£2,422 pp incl. flights, transfers, visa fees, 8 nights hb accommodation & guided excursions.
Classic Israel
Israel is a top class destination with magnificent archaeological, religious and cultural attractions. Those seeking a taste of adventure can explore stunning scenery, scuba dive in the Gulf of Eliat to see superb coral reefs, or head off on horseback along the trails in the forest of Galilee. Our eight-night itinerary begins in Tel Aviv before driving along the coastal plain to Caesarea, the old capital of Judea. Over the next days, you’ll explore Haifa, taking in breathtaking views from the summit of Mount Carmel, Safed, the centre of Jewish mysticism, Nazareth and the Sea of Galilee. Two days are taken to explore Jerusalem, firstly in the Old City, visiting the tomb of King David and later Bethlehem, and then the New City, seeing the memorial to the Holocaust and the Dead Sea Scrolls. Leaving the capital, you’ll drive through the Judean Desert to the Dead Sea and the lowest point on earth, 400 m below sea level. The last full day is spent at your own leisure in Jerusalem.
Prices from: £1,784–£2,137 pp incl. flights, transfers, 8 nights bb accommodation, 6-day guided tour & entrance fees.
Luxury Lebanon
Lebanon is one of the most enchanting countries in the Middle East, combining the ancient with the ultramodern, the clamour of the souks with the effortless cool of glitzy bars. Your five-night tour will begin in Beirut – where you’ll stay each night – visiting the city centre, archaeological sites, churches and mosques, before driving up into the mountains to explore traditional villages, palaces and Turkish baths. The following day it’s off to discover the Jeita Grottoes, the statue of the Lady of Lebanon, and Byblos, the most ancient port in the world. Journey on to Tyr the next day, to see many archaeological sites, including an aqueduct, triumphal arch and the largest – still intact – hippodrome from ancient times. On the last day of the tour you’ll see Roman treasures from Baalbek, including the largest Roman temples ever built.
Prices from: £1,031–£1,370 pp incl. meet & greet, 5 nights bb accommodation, private transport & guided excursions.
Wonders of Libya
Libya is home to a beguiling history, having had numerous cultures and empires make their mark on the country. Extraordinary monuments and remnants of Byzantine splendour are dotted throughout the country, where the Sahara meets the Mediterranean. This eight-day tour sets off from Tripoli and begins by heading for Sabratha, a World Heritage Site, to visit the ancient theatre built by Emperor Commodes and various temples. From there it’s on to Tokara, home to huge ramparts, and Ptolmais, a coastal city from the Roman era that boasts palaces, theatres and amphitheatres among its antiquities. Soussa, or Appollonia as it was known, comes next and from here you will explore Shahat and Bengazi before flying back to Tripoli for a tour of the Old Medina, famed for its markets and red castle-fortress, a labyrinth of courtyards and alleyways. On the final day, the tour takes in Leptis Magna, which flourished under the Roman Empire and now displays numerous glories for a beautiful end to your visit.
Prices from: £2,516–£2,722 pp incl. domestic & international flights, private transfers, 7 nights bb accommodation & guided excursions.
To book, call 0845 643 6562
To book this travel offer, call one of our tailor-made travel experts now, quoting reference WEX101370.
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