These icons of the ancient world are a highlight on new tours in Greece and Jordan, finds Katie McGonagle
Acropolis, Athens
In a nutshell
This lofty citadel is visible from almost anywhere in central Athens and is one of the most recognisable symbols of Greek antiquity.
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The Acropolis is made up of several ancient structures, mostly dating from the fifth century BC. The most impressive is the Parthenon – which has served as a temple, treasury and mosque over the years – but other temples and statues are scattered across the site in varying states of repair. A guided tour explains the stories behind each relic and the recent attempts to restore them to their former glory.
Best time to go
The Acropolis opens at 8am every day, apart from public holidays. Closing times vary depending on the time of year. Go early to avoid the crowds and the midday sunshine.
Did you know?
The Acropolis Museum has thousands of artefacts found on the slopes of the citadel. Its crowning jewel is the Parthenon Gallery, which showcases magnificent marble reliefs – including plaster copies of the so-called Elgin Marbles that remain, controversially, on display in the British Museum.
Book it: Newmarket Holidays has added the Ancient Greece Uncovered tour for 2024, combining Athens with Epidaurus, Unesco-listed Mycenae, Olympia and Delphi. Prices start at £1,368, including flights from Bristol.
newmarketholidays.co.uk
Treasury, Petra
In a nutshell
Petra puts its best foot forward with the Treasury – also known as Al Khazneh – a magnificent edifice carved out of reddish-pink sandstone.
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The Treasury is part of a large city dating from the third century BC, where tombs and palaces were half-built, half-hewn out of the rock by the Nabataean civilisation. Allow a couple of days to fully explore Petra, with rewarding walks up to the High Place of Sacrifice and the lavish Monastery among the highlights.
Best time to go
Petra is open from 6am-6pm in summer and 6am-4pm in winter, with tickets available via the visitor centre at the entrance. Every Monday to Thursday at 8.30pm, the Petra by Night show lights up the Treasury’s facade with 1,500 flickering candles (tickets cost about £19).
Did you know?
The famous memoir Married to a Bedouin recounts the story of a New Zealand-born nurse who fell in love with a man from the city of Petra, recounting a traditional way of life that no longer exists here.
Book it: Travelsphere has added capacity to its eight-day Jordan’s Ancient Wonders tour, which starts and ends in Amman, and takes in Petra, Wadi Rum and the Dead Sea. Prices start at £2,199, including fights.
travelsphere.co.uk
PICTURES: Shutterstock/Sven Hansche, Punnawti Suwattananun
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