SYRIA - Jane Digby's Syria
24 April - 06 May 2009 - COMPLETED

FUTURE DATES TO BE CONFIRMED

Jane Digby was an adventurous Victorian aristocrat who ended an eventful romantic career in Syria, married to a Bedouin sheikh. Many aspects of Syrian life remain unchanged since her death there in 1881 and our intention is for you to see this extraordinary country as Jane might have done.

The trip will be led by Mary S Lovell who has researched Jane's story since the early 1990s and was given exclusive access to Jane's personal diaries. The result of this was the best-selling biography A Scandalous Life. Drawing on this background, Marys regular visits to Syria ever since, her knowledge of the country and numerous contacts there, Mary S Lovell will aim to show the group not only the prime sites of interest in this fascinating country, but also a side of Syria that few tourists get to experience.

Though a land of stunning geographical variety, much of Syria's fascination still lies in its history. Known as 'the cradle of civilisation' it was given to Cleopatra by Marc Antony as a wedding present and its archaeological treasures range from Bronze Age and Roman sites, from Crusader castles to gems of Islamic architecture.

Your journey begins in Aleppo, dominated by the Arab citadel and the largest souq in the Middle East. Your journey from there will include the Crusader castle of Krak des Chevaliers, the 2nd-3rd millennia BC remains of Ebla and of course the hauntingly beautiful Palmyra. It was here, in and around the ruins of the ancient desert city that Jane Digby spent much of her time as matriarch of the Mesrab tribe of Bedouins.

During the hot summer months Jane would return to her villa in Damascus. There, the tour ends with an insider's look at this unique city with its ancient buildings, labyrinthine souqs and shady courtyard restaurants.

Below is the outline itinerary for the 2009 trip.

To register your interest for 2010, please call us on 01285 651010 and speak with KateB or email kateb@steppestravel.co.uk.

Day 1 (Fri) Fly to Aleppo from London Heathrow with British Midlands, flying overnight (18:00 - 02:55 +1).
Day 2 You will be met on arrival and transferred to your hotel. Full day sightseeing to St Simeon & Ein Dara. Overnight at the Sheraton Aleppo
Day 3 Full day sightseeing of Aleppo city. Overnight at the Sheraton Aleppo
Day 4 Drive to Hama via the dead cities & Ebla. Overnight at the Apamea Cham Palace
Day 5 Visit Hama & Krak de Chevalier. Overnight in Homs at the Hotel Safir
Day 6 Drive to Palmyra & begin your sightseeing. Overnight at the Palmyra Hotel
Day 7 Full days sightseeing of Palmyra. Overnight at the Palmyra Hotel
Day 8 Desert day! Transfer to Maaloula. Overnight at Maaloula Hotel
Day 9 Drive to Damascus. Overnight at the Talisman
Day 10 Full day sightseeing of Damascus city. Overnight at the Talisman
Day 11 Full days sightseeing of 'Jane Digby's Damascus'. Overnight at the Talisman
Day 12 Full day at leisure OR optional visit to Bosra. Overnight at the Talisman
Day 13 Transfer to the airport and fly to London Heathrow (10:25 - 14:00)

The group will travel with a maximum of 16 people plus Mary Lovell and your Syrian guide.

Cost will include: international economy flights with British Midlands, all transfers and transportation in a private air-conditioned vehicle, English speaking guide throughout, all accommodation, meals on half board basis, all sightseeing and entrance fees, Syrian visas

Cost will exclude: travel insurance, airport departure taxes, gratuities, additional meals, drinks & snacks, items of a personal nature.