Damascus: Arab Capital of Culture 2008

Cox & Kings has already announced a surge in Middle East bookings for the year ahead, and Syria is one of the fastest growing destinations for the company, with bookings for 2008 up 500% on this time last year. The Syrian capital, Damascus, is one of the world’s oldest continuously inhabited cities, having been occupied since around 800 AD. Visits centre around the walled old city, with the spectacular Umayyad Mosque at its heart.

Highlights include the Great Mosque, Azem Palace, the largest and grandest of Ottoman residences in the old city, and the tiny chapel of Ananias. Of course no visit to the Middle East would be complete without experiencing the hustle and bustle of the local souqs and the sheer scale of Damascus’ Souk al-Hamadiye is unparalleled anywhere else in the Arab world.

For 2008 Cox & Kings has launched a new programme of short breaks in the Middle East, including two breaks to Damascus, which has recently been pronounced the Arab Capital of Culture for 2008. Middle East Product Manager Mark Stacey says: “Damascus has so much to offer visitors, particularly those interested in the history and culture of Syria. As well as being one of the highlights of any trip to Syria, it also makes an ideal weekend break destination, only five hours’ flight from the UK.”

Cox & Kings tailor-makes travel throughout Syria. A four-night break at the luxurious Four Seasons Hotel in Damascus costs from just £1,045 per person, including flights with British Airways, via Ankara, private transfers, and four nights at the Four Seasons with breakfast.

Alternatively, spend two nights in Damascus on the company’s eight-night Journey to Palmyra group tour, which also takes in Crac des Chevaliers, Aleppo and Palmyra, from £1,095 per person.