Travel north, crossing from Jordan into the fertile lands of Syria’s Nuqra Plain to Bosra, where you will visit the Roman theatre and Arabic citadel before continuing to the Syrian capital, Damascus (270 KM/approximately 7 hours including stops). Stay at the centrally located Cham Palace Hotel.

A full day of sightseeing today will include the awe-inspiring Omayyad Mosque, Anania Church and the Tomb of Saladin, one of the most pivotal figures in Arabic history.

Continue to Palmyra via the picturesque village of Maaloula, where the local population speak Aramaic, the language of Christ, and the Greek Orthodox convent at Sednaya (230KM/approximately 6 hours including stops). Stay at the wonderfully located Zenobia Cham Palace Hotel in Palmyra.

A stopping place on the caravan route between Damascus and the Euphrates, Palmyra flourished under the Assyrians and Greeks before being annexed by Rome in 217 AD. It was during the Roman period, when the city enjoyed unsurpassed wealth, that the ambitious Queen Zenobia, claiming descent from Cleopatra, launched her famous rebellion, only to be soundly defeated by the Emperor Aurelian in 271. A full day is spent at this marvellous site.

Turning west head for the magnificent remains of the Krak des Chevaliers. Built by the Knights Hospitallers in the 12th century it remains one of the most impressive examples of the Crusader fortresses that once so dominated these turbulent lands. Continue to Homs for an overnight stay at the Safir Hotel (250 KM/approximately 6 hours with sightseeing).

Return to Damascus via Hama (160 KM/approximately 3½ hours with sightseeing). Located on Orontes River, Hama is one of Syria’s most attractive towns and is famous for its centuries-old wooden norias (water wheels), built to provide water for the population of the town and for irrigation of the land. On arrival back in Damascus overnight at the Cham Palace Hotel and later this afternoon there will be an opportunity to explore the wonderful Souk.

Morning departure on Royal Jordanian via Amman (45 minutes) to London Heathrow (4 hours 30 minutes), arriving this afternoon.