Welcome to Syria and the start of your city stay in the nations ancient capital! Arrive Damascus, included transfer to your hotel and overnight. Overnight - Damascus

Today take a full days tour of reputedly the oldest inhabited city on earth. Lying about 80 km inland from the Mediterranean Sea, Damascus has a wealth of historical sites dating back to many different periods of the city’s history. Since the city has been built up with every passing occupation, it has become almost impossible to excavate all the ruins of Damascus that lie up to 8 feet below the modern level!

Damascus is made up of a sizeable Old City, divided into the market area, Muslim area, Christian area and the Jewish area. All three groups are still represented in Damascus, even if the Jewish community now only counts a few thousand. In the centre of the city is Martyrs Square. In the side streets just off the square, there are lots of eateries serving shawarma and falafel and pastry shops serving sweetmeats. The Old city is surrounded by what was once a Roman wall and rebuilt several times over the last 2000 years, the Old City boasts a main thoroughfare, Straight Street which has been here since Graeco-Roman times.

Just beyond the Citadel is the colourful Souk al-Hamidiyya, whilst just a stone’s throw from here is the Umayyad Mosque. Built in 705AD, the facades around the central courtyard are adorned with golden mosaics. South of the mosque is the beautiful Azem Palace, built in the 18th century, it is considered a great example of Damascene houses. We finish our tour of Damascus at Mt Qassioun, where you can soak up the incredible views. This evening, consider a traditional hamam at a Damascene bath house. Overnight - Damascus (B)

Free day to explore Damascus independently or perhaps take one of many optional day trips. You could head north to visit the ancient town of Ma'alula and Krac des Chevaliers - a crusader castle of epic proportions, that stands 650 metres above sea level and commands the strategic valley between Homs and Tripoli. Alternatively visit the incredible ruins of Palmyra which include the beautiful Temple of Bel, tombs, the baths, a theatre and museum. Or journey south to see the ancient Roman Decapolis city of Bosra, which boasts possibly the best preserved Roman theatre in the Middle East. With so many wonderful ancient sites to visit perhaps consider extending your stay! Overnight - Damascus (B)

Hotel check out and included onward transfer to airport. (B)