This is a journey through one of the great civilisations of ancient times encompassing major biblical, Roman and medieval sights whilst staying in some boutique hotels and unique locations. The perfect choice for a first time visitor seeking to experience this fascinating country.

DAY 1 bmi flight from Heathrow to Damascus. On arrival transfer to the Shahbandar Palace hotel (four star) or The Talisman hotel (five star) for three nights.

DAY 2 A morning visit to the Damascus National Museum before you proceed to the street called Straight and the Chapel House of Ananias. After lunch (payable locally) visit the Umayyad Mosque, Salah Al Din’s Tomb and the Hamidiyeh souk.

DAY 3 This morning drive to the Roman City of Bosra and the Basilica of St George near Ezra. Bosra, with its well-preserved ruins, was once the capital of the Roman province of Arabia and contains a magnificent second Century Roman theatre. Return to Damascus in the late afternoon. Complete the day with a panoramic view of Damascus from Mount Qassioun.

DAY 4 Depart early for Palmyra and the Hotel Dedeman (five star) or Zenobia Hotel (four star). Later visit the Valley of the Tombs and Necropolis. Continue on to the Temple of Baal and a walking tour of Palmyra exploring the site. Later drive up to the Arab Castle to watch the sunset overlooking the ruins.

DAY 5 This morning further exploration of the ruins at Palmyra before continuing on the desert road towards Crac Des Chevaliers. Check into the Mashta Al Helu Resort (four star, both tours) near Crac for one night. In the afternoon visit the Monastery of St George located in Wadi An Nassara.

DAY 6 Morning drive to the coastal town of Lattakia and visit the Phoenician city of Ugarit. Next travel to Salah Al Din’s castle, which he took by storm in the year 1187 and built a palace, a mosque and a minaret inside the castle.Our agents in Syria are conservation architects and have restored and conserved the Islamic complex in the citadel and created a visitor centre which you will view. Next travel eastwards through the mountains to the Ghab Valley. Check into the Beit Zamaria (four star) or Mansouriya Hotel (five star) in Aleppo for four nights.

DAY 7 Morning visit to Aleppo and the fascinating Citadel and the National Museum. Stroll in the surrounding pedestrian area and then enjoy a relaxing afternoon exploring the medina souks on your own.

DAY 8 Today visit the 5th Century church of St Simeon, famous as a ‘pillar hermit’. Continue to the Dead Cities with their extensive Roman and Byzantine remains of churches, villas and mausoleums. In the evening visit our agent’s architect’s office located in a traditional house in the Jdaideh quarter of Old Aleppo.

DAY 9 A day to explore Aleppo at leisure.

DAY 10 Transfer to Aleppo airport for you bmi flight back to Heathrow arriving the same day.

Accommodation: Four and five star accommodation as mentioned above. If for any reason the mentioned hotels are unable to accommodate you we will use hotels of a similar grade.

Note: This tour operates subject to minimum numbers, ask for details. Palmyra and most other sites are open and cover extensive areas and will therefore require a certain amount of walking, some of which is over uneven ground. You are advised to bring a sunhat and sunglasses, as well as a wrap or light jacket as it can be quite cool at night. As it gets quite cold in winter (Dec-March) we recommend a heavy jacket and an umbrella.