Jordan and Syria contain some of the finest classical sites, greatest crusader castles and most vibrant souks in the Middle East. Syria was influenced by the classical Mediterranean world, as seen at Palmyra, whereas Jordan’s greatest legacy is Petra, built by the Nabataeans. This tour also explores the region’s religious heritage, visiting the crusader castles of Kerak and Crac des Chevaliers.

Day 1 To Damascus: Fly from London to Damascus with bmi. Transfer to the Turquoise Hotel for 2 nights.

Day 2 – Damascus: Today is spent exploring Syria’s capital city, visiting the Umayyad mosque, Azem Palace, the tiny Chapel of Ananias and the labyrinth of covered souks.

Day 3 – To Palmyra: Morning drive to Palmyra, followed by an afternoon tour of the city’s vast ruins. Stay overnight at the Dedeman Hotel, Palmyra or similar.

Day 4 – To Aleppo via Hama & Apamea: Complete your sightseeing of Palmyra before driving to Aleppo, stopping en route at the Graeco-Roman site of Apamea and Hama. Stay at the Beit Salahieh, Aleppo for 2 nights.

Day 5 – St Simeon & Aleppo: Morning drive to the Church of St Simeon, where the saint purportedly lived, chained to the top of a stone column for 42 years. Return to Aleppo to tour this beautiful city, dominated by the huge citadel, and explore the souks.

Day 6 – To Damascus via Crac des Chevaliers Morning drive to the castle of Crac des Chevaliers. Continue to the village of Maalula where Aramaic, the language spoken by Jesus, is still used. Stay for 1 night at the Damascus Airport Hotel.

Day 7 – Bosra, Jerash & Amman: Morning departure for Bosra, famous for its Roman theatre. Continue into Jordan, visiting the well preserved Graeco-Roman city of Jerash. Stay at the Amman Marriott Hotel for 1 night.

Day 8 – To Petra: Morning departure along the ancient King’s Way to Petra, via Madaba, Mount Nebo and Kerak. Stay 2 nights at the Petra Marriott Hotel.

Day 9 – Petra: Full-day visit to Petra. This ancient Nabataean city has been carved out of pink sandstone cliffs and dates back more than 2,000 years.

Day 10 – Wadi Rum & Amman: Morning drive to Wadi Rum for an exploration of the desert by 4x4. Later this afternoon, drive to Amman and stay overnight at the Amman Marriott Hotel.

Day 11 – To London: Morning transfer to the airport. Fly from Amman to London with bmi.

Note: This tour involves some long drives, walking over rough terrain. At Petra, visiting the Monastery and Place of Sacrifice requires a steep climb. Accommodation in Damascus and Aleppo is in traditonal styled hotels. In other Syrian cities accomodation should be considered 4-star.