Lebanon, Syria, and Jordan are among the historically richest countries in the world. This land is a pivotal point between the East and the West, a link between three continents, the cradle of the most ancient civilizations. The prodigious epic of human culture undoubtedly originated here, as evidenced in the region’s many treasures and in the remains of ancient cities that rise up like mirages from the shifting sands.

Over the course of time, many great leaders such as Solomon, Alexander the Great, Pompey, Constantine, and Timurlane, vied for control of this region. In Damascus, glorious capital of the Omeyades, at one time the center of the extensive and powerful Arab empire, traces of civilizations dating back thousands of years have been discovered. The Saint Paul Gate, one of the oldest churches in Christendom; the Roman ramparts; the Byzantine chapels; the Great Mosque, where the tomb of St. John the Baptist is venerated; the bustling souqs and traditional shops ... all of these delight the eye and stimulate the imagination. Here, too, is Azem Palace, an exquisite jewel that has been lovingly maintained, and the impressive museum containing extensive riches dating from all eras.

Lebanon yields up an awe-inspiring wealth of historical wonders, including Baalbek, Sun City of the ancient world, its three monumental temples making it one of the most important Roman sites in the entire Middle East; the picturesque ruins of Anjar, unique testimony to eighth century Omeyad city-planning, its gigantic stones predating even those of Baalbek; Beirut, renowned center of law and learning, the astounding formations of its cavernous Jaitta Grotto glowing in an incredible range of pastel colors; the historical districts of Byblos, providing their unique chronicles of the Lebanese past clear back to the Stone Age; and the massive crusader castles and cathedrals of Tripoli, telling their tragic tale of religious persecution.

In central Syria, rising from the desert sands like phantoms from another era, is the Krak des Chevaliers, probably looking much as it did 800 years ago when inhabited by Knights, and the fabulous ruins of Palmyra, with its marble and granite buildings haunted by the ghost of the legendary Queen Zenobia. Visit the picturesque town of Hama on the banks of the Orontes; Aleppo, its tall citadel, a reminder of Saladin, overlooking a flourishing oriental township with the most colorful souqs in the Arab world; the spectacular excavations at Ebla in Tell Mardikh; the Byzantine cathedral of St. Simeon Stylites; and a host of other historically important sites.

A journey through Jordan is a breathtaking adventure. Ride through the cool shadows of a narrow mountain passageway to discover the incomparably lovely site of Petra’s Treasury, carved in rose-red rock; marvel at Madaba’s sixth-century map of the Holy Land; and stroll through the Roman provincial city of Jerash.

Take this opportunity to enjoy the warm hospitality of a people gifted with extraordinary artistic skills while you discover these unspoiled lands, immortalized by Lawrence of Arabia. Join me on a journey that will evoke memories of wonder and awe for years to come.