SYRIA - Ancient Ruins & Medieval Souqs of Syria
25 October - 04 November 2008

Syria is one of those fascinating and little known countries that we want to enthuse about before the rest of the world realises what a gem they are missing. Through a combination of ignorance and slight apprehension it remains one of the best kept secrets in travel.

In keeping with our philosophy of going to places unfrequented by mass tourism, we have been routinely visiting Syria for years, with five of us having been there since 2003. We have consequently built up a wealth of knowledge but more importantly some wonderful friendships. Bashar Al Ash, who runs Syriana the agency we use on the ground, and Jade Mamarbachi, who owns Al Mamlouka, being just two of many. As you might expect this constant contact keeps us right up to date with what is happening and new places to see and visit.

The following itinerary incorporates the highlights of Syria in just eleven days. You will see Old Damascus, the souq at Aleppo, the magnificent crusader castle of Krak des Chevaliers and, of course, the unforgettable majesty of the oasis city of Palmyra.

"I'm fairly sure that Syria was not in the top 10 options for your next holiday but it really should be. Time after time, day after day, you come across places that put anything you've ever seen before in the shade. The most extraordinary thing is that you have these places all to yourself...I have never been to a more friendly country." (Dom Jolly, Sunday Times 6th November 2006)


Below is an outline itinerary, for more details please call us on 01285 651010 and speak with KateB

Day 1 (Sat) Fly to Aleppo with British Midlands (14:35 - 22:40). You will be met on arrival and transferred to Beit Wakil or similar where you will overnight
Day 2 Full day sightseeing in Aleppo. Overnight Beit Wakil or similar
Day 3 Full day sightseeing Aleppo. Overnight Beit Wakil or similar
Day 4 Drive to Hama via Apamea and the dead cities. Overnight Apamea Cham Palace
Day 5 Visit Hama & Krak de Chevalier and drive to Palmyra. Overnight Semiramis Palmyra
Day 6 Full day sightseeing Palmyra. Overnight Semiramis Palmyra
Day 7 Drive to Damascus and overnight Damascus Cham Palace
Day 8 Full day sightseeing Damascus. Overnight Damascus Cham Palace
Day 9 Full day sightseeing to Bosra. Overnight Damascus Cham Palace
Day 10 Full day in Damascus with some time at leisure. Overnight Damascus Cham Palace
Day 11 Transfer to airport and fly to London (09:20 - 13:05)

Cost per person: from £1,625 based on ten people travelling together on a twin share basis

Single supplement: from £250

Cost includes: international economy flights with British Midlands, all transfers and transportation in a private air-conditioned vehicle, English speaking guide throughout, all accommodation, all meals & some drinks, all sightseeing and entrance fees, Syrian visas

Cost excludes: travel insurance, departure taxes, gratuities, items of a personal nature

To read a first-hand account of travelling in Syria please click through to Kate B's On Location report