Syria joins the line-up in specialist itineraries

Syria

New territory: operators are expecting gradual growth in visitor levels to Syria

Syria joins the line-up in specialist itineraries

Operators prepare for steady growth

Several operators feature Syria combined with other Middle Eastern destinations as part of tailor-made and escorted tours.

Distant Dreams has introduced Syria to its Middle Eastern tour collection for 2001, with three or five nights in the country being added to its Discover Jordan tour.

To prepare clients for what to expect, agents should find out if their customers have visited other countries in the area and then offer some comparisons, suggested Abercrombie and Kent head of planning Stuart Douglass-Lee. Operators also advise that it is important for travellers to respect the Syrian culture, to dress sensitively and to ask permission when taking photos.

Bridge Travel is making its debut into Syria next year and the operator’s director of Middle East projects Tony Schultz said: “Syria has been neglected in the past but more people are looking further afield. We are not expecting hugenumbers, but we think the destination will grow gradually.”

Bridge said it plans to feature one-week coach tours of Syria’s key sights, priced from around £700 half-board with flights, as well as a combination of a week’s tour of Jordan with two nights in Syria.

Bales Worldwide features the Syrian Journey, an 11-day escorted tour that costs from £1,499. It includes flights, private transport, guides, entrance to sights, first-class accommodation, 10 breakfasts, four lunches and nine evening meals. Damascus, Malula, Crac des Chevaliers, Aleppo and Palmyra are among destinations visited.

Luxury hotels in the Middle East

Al maha, dubai: Al Maha is an idyllic exclusive oasis set within a 16 square mile desert conservation reserve, around 30 miles from Dubai. The resort has 27 bedouin suites, designed in bedouin tent style. Luxury is what it’s all about here, with three staff per guest and every whim catered to. How does an early-morning desert horse ride followed by a champagne breakfast sound? Otheron-site activities include falconry, archery and guided nature walks.

oberoi sahl hasheesh resort, red sea, egypt: a luxurious property opened this year on the Red Sea just 20 minutes from Hurghada Airport. Located on 24 acres of private beach, the hotel is designed in Islamic style, combining domes, arches and columns.

doha: Ritz-Carlton Doha is located by the beach, 10 minutes from downtown, and has a private Marina Club overlooking the Arabian Gulf. The376-room hotel has 61 suites and a comprehensive health club andseven-acre Leisure Island water park.

ritz-carlton, sharm el sheikh: set on a beautiful beach, this newly opened hotel boasts four swimming pools, sailing and water-skiing facilities and a luxury spa.There is good snorkelling and diving nearby.

old cataract hotel, aswan, egypt: on the banks of the Nile overlooking Elephantine Island, the Old Cataract was built in 1889. It was here that Agatha Christie penned part of Death on the Nile. The hotel features in the film.

beit wakil, aleppo, syria: charming, small, characterful hotel in the old quarter of Aleppo. Situated on a narrow, winding street, the Beit Wakil is a very atmospheric converted house complete with traditional courtyards and simple Syrian décor.

mövenpick resort and spa, dead sea, jordan: a luxuryresort in traditional Jordanian style on the northeast coast of the Dead Sea.It boasts the Sanctuary Zara Spaoffering a wide range of treatmentsand hydro pools. Floating in themineral-rich Dead Sea is a must. There is also a Mövenpick Resort at Petra and Aqaba.

four seasons hotel cairo, egypt: situated on the West Bank of the Nile with views over the ancient botanical gardens and the distant Pyramids, this elegant 273-bedroom hotel features an extensive spa and a first-class Mediterranean restaurant overlooking the river.

Ritz-Carlton, Sharm el Sheikh

Oberoi Sahl Hasheesh resort

Mövenpick Hotel

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Steppes east has introduced Syria for 2001. A suggested tailor-made 14-day itinerary costs from £1,970 including five-star accommodation with breakfast, guided sightseeing programme, entrance fees and transport, for two sharing.

cox and kings features a nine-day Highlights of Syria tour in its Middle East and Central Asia 2001 brochure. The trip covers Damascus, Bosra, Crac des Chevaliers, Saladin’s Castle, Aleppo and Palmyra. It costs from £1,095 per person, based on two sharing, including flights and half-board accommodation. A four-day visit to Jordan can be added.

distant dreams features Syria combined with Jordan in its Worldwide Holidays brochure, valid until December 2001. The Scenic Syria and Discover Jordan tour features one night in Amman, five nights in Syria and seven nights in Jordan, taking in all the key sights. It costs from £1,499 based on two sharing, including flights, transfers and most meals.

Hayes and jarvis features a combined tour of seven nights in Jordan and six nights in Syria visiting Bosra, Palmyra, Aleppo and Damascus. Prices are from £1,469 twin share with breakfast and three evening meals in Jordan and half-board in Syria.