knowledge middle east
ttglive.com
Operators offer both tours and independent travel in Lebanon
LEBANON. Key attractions: Despite being a relatively small country, Lebanon is extremely diverse, offering ancient culture, modern sophistica- tion, Mediterranean beaches, vineyards and even skiing at six mountain resorts. Beirut had long been considered one of the most cosmopolitan cities in the Middle East, until the civil war and 1980s hostage crises. Its many sights of historical interest include Baalbeck, one of the greatest Roman ruins with the Temple of Bacchus. The city has seen a wave of openings by luxury hotels, including Four Seasons, Le Gray and a third Rotana property. The Grand Hyatt Beirut is due to open next year, while the Phoenicia InterContinental is celebrating its 50th anniversary with a major revamp. Flight routes: British Midland International and Middle East Airlines fly from Heathrow to Beirut. Indirect carriers include Air France, Alitalia and Cyprus Airways. Safety: Most of Lebanon is considered safe, except near the border with Israel and refugee camps. However, a new period of political instability started in January – keep up to date with Foreign Office advice. UK operators: Lebanon is well served by operators including Cox & Kings, Kirker, Explore, Bales Worldwide, The Adventure Company and Abercrombie & Kent. Some offer independent travel as well as tours. Explore’s eight-day “Lure of the Lebanon” tour costs from £549, not including flights. ■
explore.co.uk
Explore runs tours taking in Syria’s various ancient ruins SYRIA.
Key attractions: Syria is keen to develop tourism but is a mainly undiscovered desti- nation where it is still possible to have an adventurous holiday in great comfort. Many civilisations have left their mark here, including the Phoenicians, Romans and Arabs. Palmyra is an oasis city and one of the most historic centres, where Queen Zenobia fought off the Egyptians and Romans. Aleppo is one of the most traditional Arabic cities, and there is also the option of visiting Crusader castles. Recent new boutique hotels include Al Mamlouka in Damascus (a 17th- century building) and Al Mansouriya in Aleppo (a 16th-century palace). Flight routes: British Midland International and Syrian Arab Airlines fly from Heathrow to Damascus. Indirect carriers include Austrian Airlines and Turkish Airlines. Safety: Despite being demonised by some western powers, Syria is considered safe and welcoming – but possibly better avoided at times of regional tension. UK operators: An increasing number are involved, including Bales Worldwide, Cox & Kings, Kirker, Kuoni, Explore, The Adventure Company, Page & Moy and Abercrombie & Kent. Cox & Kings’ 10-day “Journey to Palmyra” tour costs from £1,695. ■
coxandkings.co.uk
Iran’s mosques are picturesque, but many operators still avoid the country IRAN.
Key attractions: Formerly called Persia, one of the world’s great civilisations, Iran’s highlight attraction is Isfahan’s mosques and palaces. Shiraz, known as “the city of poets, roses and nightingales”, has the Narenjestan Gardens and numerous shrines. Persepolis is a magnificent collection of ruins dating from 500BC – the centre of a once-mighty empire. Tehran has national institutions including Golestan Palace. Note however that Iran has few hotels of international standard. Flight routes: British Midland International and IranAir fly from Heathrow to Tehran. Indirect carriers include Air France, KLM, Lufthansa, Emirates and Qatar Airways. Safety: It may be regarded as a pariah state, but operators report a welcoming atmosphere. There have been recent terrorist attacks – as ever, keep an eye on Foreign Office advice. UK operators: Iran is still considered off- limits by most operators, but Explore and The Adventure Company offer escorted tours. “Journey to Persia”, a 10-day tour by The Adventure Company, costs from £1,069 without flights or £1,699 with flights. Regent Holidays has reintroduced Tehran city breaks, from £830 for four nights. ■
adventurecompany.co.uk ■
regent-holidays.co.uk
Iraq’s architecture may eventually make it a tourist destination Lebanon is generally a safe destination – reflected by the raft of operators running tours in the country 46
18.02.2011
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