"A Christmas sojourn in the lands where St Paul experienced his conversion and where so many religious and historical epic events have been played out, from the early invention of the alphabet, through the age of Roman Empire to the gallant tales of the Crusaders. Syria has a range of offerings like nowhere else - the past is alive, ubiquitous and omnipresent. This tour covers an ever-changing landscape of mountain, desert, oases and waterways together with superb museum collections, and unmissable sites like Palmyra and Krak des Chevaliers. On this trip we also offer the opportunity to join the special Christmas blessing at Mar Sarkis Monastery, one of the oldest in Syria."