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.
You can explore the city of Damascus with your driver today. Highlights include the Ummayad Mosque, the Azem Palace and a journey through the old city`s winding streets.
In the morning you will be picked up and taken to the ancient Roman city of Bosra, with its impressive amphitheatre. This afternoon you will have time to explore Damascus under your own steam.
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. In Palmyra you'll stay for two nights, giving you plenty of time for detailed exploration.
A full day to explore and appreciate the historic, extensive ruins of Palmyra.
After breakfast, your transfer to Aleppo stops at the beautifully preserved Crusader castle of Crac Des Chevaliers. On arrival in Aleppo, you'll stay for three nights in a well 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.
On your transfer to Lattakia you will stop to take in the Crusader castle of Qalaat Saladin and the historically significant ruins at Ugarit. At the coast you`ll stay for a night in a Standard Room at the Afamia Rotana.
Today's transfer to Hama goes via the Roman site of Apamea and the impressive, often overlooked castle at Qalaat Marqab. In Hama you'll spend the night in a charming boutique accommodation.
You journey back to Damascus stops off at the picturesque town of Ma'alula and the tranquil monastery at Deir Mar Mousa Back in Damascus, you'll stay for two nights at your hotel.
A full day at leisure to explore Damascus.
An early start for the transfer to the airport and your flight home, arriving back in the UK on the same day.