Budding photographers now have the chance to hone their shutter skills in the up-and-coming Middle Eastern hotspot of Syria, with a new photography holiday offered by Frui. From perfectly preserved Crusader castles to hidden boutique hotels, Syria boasts a myriad of hidden attractions just longing to be discovered by the photographer’s eye.

With daily flights from the UK, Syria is now more accessible than ever before. The seven-night intermediate photography holiday offers a host of truly magical experiences, as guests visit the Unesco World Heritage Cities of Damascus, Aleppo and Bosra.

As Syria is still untouched by mass tourism, Frui guests can be assured of having the country’s dazzling array of archaeological sites to themselves. Highlights of the holiday, which begins in Damascus, include:

• Sampling the legendary Syrian cuisine in off-the-beaten-track restaurants, boutique hotels and underground caves

• Exploring Damascus old town, visiting the tomb of St John the Baptist in the spectacular Umayyud Mosque and lunching in the city’s Christian Quarter

• Watching the sunset over the famous 1000 standing pillars of the ancient Roman city oasis of Palmyra, one of the world’s great archaeological wonders and dinner among the ruins, something arranged exclusively for Frui

• Tea with bedouin family in their desert tents

• Visiting one of the largest castles ever built, Krak Des Chevaliers, built by the Knights Hospitaliers during the Holy Crusades in the 12th Century AD

• Three days exploring the charming city of Aleppo, discovering the citadel and the Great Mosque and exotic souk

Frui co-founder Henry Carroll says: “We’re really excited about offering Syria as our newest photography destination. Our clients are always looking for the next place to go, and the now accessible Middle East affords so many unique experiences that just can’t be matched elsewhere. Boutique hotels and archaeological wonders don’t usually go hand-in-hand, but those visiting Syria with us will not be disappointed.

“Whilst the ‘staycationing’ trend for many British holidaymakers has been strong this year, we believe that those planning their 2010 breaks will be looking for something totally different and Syria fits the bill on so many levels.”

Accommodation throughout the holiday ranges from 17th century boutique hotels to more quintessentially Syrian hotels, many offering exceptional views of the archaeological sites. As with all Frui creative holidays, Frui’s tuition encourages guests to open up creatively and teaches them to see the world through more artistic eyes. As all Frui’s tutors come from fine art backgrounds, rather than purely photographic, guests are pushed to think more conceptually and are encouraged to develop their ‘photographic voice’.

As well as this, guests will be able to experiment with:

• The art of night photography
• Advanced landscaping techniques
• The advanced rules of composition
• Learning a history of photography and the work of some old masters

The seven-night holiday costs £1575, which includes half-board accommodation (lunch with wine), all transfers, photography tuition and local guides throughout. Flights are not included.

The first Frui photography holiday to Syria in 2010 takes place Sunday 28 March to Sunday 4 April*.

To book, please visit www.frui.co.uk or call 020 7241 5006.