Everyone in Ancient History was here!

This exciting tour studies the immensely rich history and spectacular archaeological sites of this gateway to Asia, Arabia and Africa. From the remains of the Stone Age through to the magnificence of the Ottoman Empire, Syria and Jordan have experienced the dramatic ebb and flow of Near Eastern history - Babylonia, Assyria, Persia, the Hellenistic Age, Rome, the Nabatean Arabs, Parthia, the Byzantines, the Ummayads, Abbasids, Crusaders and Ayyubids.

Earliest Civilization

Syria is one of the most pleasant countries of the Middle East, with hospitable people and excellent food and wines. Being a rich agricultural country , Syria has featured widely in the history of civilisation, from the empires of the Euphrates to the Cote d’Azur of the Mediterranean shore, haunt of the Crusader knights. Jordan too has witnessed a long history, from mud-brick villages over eight thousand years ago to the Kingdom of the Ammonites in Biblical times, to the domination of Hellenism and Imperial Rome

Classical reminiscences & Crusader Knights

The sites of Apamea, Bosra  and Palmyra in Syria are among the finest remains in the classical world, as are the Hellenistic city of Jerash and the Nabatean capital at Petra in Jordan. Magnificent castles like Krak des Chevaliers indicate the presence of the forces of Christendom here. Combining these makes the tour a fascinating kaleidoscope of Near Eastern history.

Accompanying lecturer

Dr David Price-Williams took his first degree in ancient Near Eastern languages and a PhD in Near Eastern archaeology. He taught Archaeology for 20 years at London University and has led many successful alumni tours to Syria and Jordan.

Tour Cost