Syria & Jordan

Days 1-2: Damascus

Discover Syria's captivating city of Damascus. Walk through the narrow, winding streets of the Old City, where people have lived and worked for centuries. Admire the ornate architecture of the beautiful Umayyad Mosque and stroll through souqs full of trinkets and treasures. Perhaps haggle for a handcrafted souvenir or authentic gift to take back home.

Day 3: Krak des Chevaliers

Admire the views over the valley from this perfect model of medieval fortification - Krak des Chevaliers is regarded as one of the greatest castles in the world.

Days 4-5: Aleppo

Walk Aleppo's ancient streets filled with some of the most intriguing mosques, churches and houses in Syria. Travel to one of the city's open-air bars or cafes in the evening and perhaps indulge in some flavoursome Middle Eastern meze, topped off with some delicious sweet baklava and a strong coffee.

Day 6: Palmyra

Travel into Syria's desert to the crumbling ruins of Palmyra. Spend time exploring this archaeological site which features impressive monuments, temples, theatres and well-preserved funerary art.

Day 7: Damascus

Drive back to the ancient city of Damascus and use free time to explore Syria's hypnotic capital a little further. Tuck into traditional gastronomic delights by sipping a local brew in a coffee house, dining on Middle Eastern cuisine in a restaurant or sampling some local delicacies from a street cart. Visit Damascus' shops, indulge in a hamam or take in panoramic views from Mt Qasioun before bidding Syria a fond farewell.

Day 8: Amman

Travel to Jordan's modern capital, the starting point of this exciting trip. Those arriving early should head to the Roman Theatre or the Citadel for superb views of the sophisticated city of Amman.

Day 9: Wadi Rum

Head out on an exciting safari to camp under the stars with welcoming Bedouin hosts. Along the way, take in Wadi Rum's stark desert scenery, full of unique rock formations featuring inscriptions carved by people in prehistoric times.

Days 10-11: Petra

Travel to Petra, Jordan's ancient city of enigmatic wonder, carved from rose-coloured stone. Tour Petra's temples, tombs, amphitheatres and monasteries and admire its timeless beauty.

Day 12: Dana Nature Reserve

Trek through the stunning scenery of the Dana Nature Reserve, watching out for ibex, mountain gazelles, wolves and lizards along the way.

Day 13: Madaba/Jerash

Today we travel to the historic crusader castle of Kerak. We take time here to explore the evocative ruins and to discover the legends of the 12th century battles between the Crusader's and the Muslim armies led by the Arab hero Saladin.

From here we continue to the fascinating Dead Sea. The Dead Sea float is a must do of any trip to Jordan. Here at the lowest point on Earth (420 m/1,378 ft below sea level) the water is 7 times saltier than a normal ocean at 30% salinity - making it the 2nd saltiest lake in the world. This means that you are extremely buoyant and seem to float on top of the water rather than in it. Stretching 67 kilometres long and 18 kilometres wide at its widest point, the Dead Sea it lies in the Jordan Rift Valley and forms part of the border with Israel. The mud here is supposed to have healing properties and many visitors like to cover themselves from head to toe for a beauty mud bath. We stop at a private beach. Towels are available for hire. Dont forget to pack your swimwear for today.

Next we make a stop at Mt Nebo of where the prophet Moses is said to have seen the promised land and is supposedly buried. We have time to explore this sanctuary and view the remarkable mosaics of the 4th century church. If you are visiting in winter, the views from Mt Nebo over the Dead Sea to Jericho, the River Jordan and Jerusalem are spectacular.

Next we continue the short distance to Madaba. This historical town is famous for its Ottoman-style houses and beautiful Byzantine-era mosaics, including the famous 6th century mosaic map of Jerusalem and the Holy Land. Other mosaic masterpieces found within the church of the Virgin and the Apostles and in the Archaeological Museum depict a rampant profusion of flowers and plants, birds and fish, animals and exotic beasts, as well as scenes from mythology and everyday pursuits such as hunting, fishing and farming. If these interest you, you'll be delighted to know that literally hundreds of other mosaics from the 5th to 7th centuries are scattered throughout Madaba's churches and homes.

Days 14-15: Amman

Visit an ancient crusader castle then take a dip in the salty waters of the iconic Dead Sea - the mineral-rich waters are thought to have therapeutic properties. Stop by legendary Mt Nebo, one of the most revered holy sites in Jordan, before exploring the well-preserved Roman ruins of Jerash. Look around urbane Amman and use free time to relax in cosmopolitan cafes, socialise in wine bars, admire modern art galleries or shop for clothes in boutiques. Then take a rest and soak up the village-feel of Madaba.