You travel out from London to Damascus today with British Midland. Upon arrival you will be met by your driver for a transfer to your hotel, where you`ll stay for three nights.
In the morning you will be picked up for a guided tour of the ancient Roman city of Bosra, with its impressive amphitheatre. This afternoon you will have time to explore Damascus under your own steam.
A day at leisure, which in this fascinating city is usually a chance to revisit some of the sights you have already seen, or to explore further on your own.
After breakfast you`ll be driven to Palmyra, a journey of around four hours. The Roman ruins at Palmyra are accessible at any time without a guide, so this evening you can see them by moonlight, a truly breathtaking experience.
Day 5Palmyra - Deir Ezzor
An early start and a busy day, beginning with a guided tour of the historic ruins of Palmyra. For your transfer to Deir Ezzor, you will stop en route at the crumbling desert palaces of Qasr al-Hayr and al-Sharqi. On arrival in Deir Ezzor you`ll stay for two nights at your hotel.
Day 6Deir Ezzor
A fascinating full day excursion to visit two contrasting ancient cities. Your first stop is the extensive, well preserved Greek site of Dura Europos. After lunch it's on to the Mesopotamian era city of Mari.
Day 7Deir Ezzor - Aleppo
You set off early this morning to Aleppo, stopping on the way to explore the Byzantine sites of Halibiyeh and Rasafeh, and the medieval castle of Qalaat Ja'abar. In Aleppo you'll spend three nights at a centrally located hotel.
This morning you head out to visit the basilica of St Simeon, where you can see what remains of the pillar on which the stylite spent over 30 years, which is set scenically on a cedar-strewn hill. You have the afternoon free to explore Aleppo.
A full day to explore Aleppo - the citadel is a wonderful sight, the old town a fascinating maze of narrow streets, and the souqs are lively and colourful.
For your transfer back to Damascus, you will stop en route for a guided tour of the beautifully preserved Crusader castle of Crac Des Chevaliers. In Damascus you'll stay for one more night.
An early start for the transfer to the airport and your flight home, arriving back in the UK this afternoon.