Arabella of Arabia

The first thing to strike you on arrival into Syria is how courteous everyone is. I was a single (well, engaged) white female on my own and have never felt more welcome or safe.

Days were filled with cultural sites, souq shopping and delicious food like I have never experienced before. Aleppo with its labyrinthine souq feels like you have stepped back between the pages of The Arabian Nights. St Simeon's (once the largest church in the world) is magical, the Dead Cities beautifully preserved, and Crusader Krak de Chevalier the finest castle in the Middle East. One can only imagine what it must have been like coming out of the desert to behold the oasis city of Palmyra in its heyday. Damascus with its famous silks, refined palace architecture and great mosque is firmly imbedded in my memory for life. Last but nowhere near least was Bosra, the best preserved Roman theatre anywhere - stunning. But the best of it all? I had it pretty much to myself.

Next stop Jordan, and more amazing evidence of the Romans at Jerash before heading on to Amman and the extremely comfortable Four Seasons. Madaba, Mount Nebo and Krak were a delight to see on route to Wadi Rum, but seeing the sunset fall over those unique mountains was just breathtaking, and when I thought it could not get better, a full moon rose to light up the desert. Dinner under the stars and then bed under canvas at our one of OT's private camps beats the best 5 star hotel in my view. Next day we tasted more of what the desert had to offer with a tour of the national park before we headed to Petra. Our next day exploring was as amazing as the hype describes. You lose the crowds after you pass through the Siq and suddenly you are wrapped up in the history and lives of this bygone era.

Some well-earned R&R at the Dead Sea is the only way to complete the trip. The hotels lived up to expectations and though big, you lose none of the feel for personal service and attention to detail.

Either as two Big Short Breaks or a longer trip, Syria and Jordan are two of our most evocative and inspiring trips, and I can't wait to talk you through them! Arabella