Classic Oriental Tours is offering its first ever itineraries to Syria, Jordan, Iraq and Iran, inviting travellers to experience the �Cradle of Civilisation� in 2001.

All tours will have a strong archaeological and historic basis and will be guided by experts in the ancient culture of the Babylonian, Sumerian and Assyrian civilisations, Iraq alone boasting more than 10,000 archaeological sites for travellers to explore.

Classic Oriental Tours is the sole representative in Australia of respected Iraqi tour operator Al Teeb, and will unveil its new range of Middle Eastern holidays in its 2001 Classic Oriental Tours' brochure to be launched next month (February).

Classic Oriental Tours� managing director Trevor Lake says the recent isolation of Iraq and its surrounding ancient lands ensures that travellers will enjoy a unique holiday experience in a destination free of commercialisation.

�In the process of regaining its place in the world, Iraq has realised the value of tourism and is reaching out to tourists to witness its real beauty and history,� says Mr Lake.

�In association with local tour operators, we are inviting tourists into the Middle East to visit and wander freely through its ancient cities so that they can better judge the region, its countries and its people for themselves.

�Classic Oriental will be organising several small group tours to Iraq by way of Jordan this year to explore the land and legends between the two rivers � the Tigris and the Euphrates � offering more than 8,000 years of culture.

�Our tours will include visits to Babylon where the mythical walls and hanging gardens are currently being restored and Baghdad to see fascinating local bazaars and the recently reopened Iraqi National Museum which has been closed to the public for ten years.�

Travellers who journey to the Middle East with Classic Oriental Tours will also witness important religious sites, historic castles, churches and mosques.

Classic Oriental�s Highlights of Babylon tour is a seven-day experience that journeys from Amman to Baghdad. Priced from $2,895, the tour takes in beautiful 19th century buildings and churches, 4th century monasteries and visits one of Iraq�s best preserved ancient cities, Nimrud.

A 13-day Ancient Babylon tour is also available from $4,360 offering an extensive itinerary that includes visits to Kerbala � one of the most important Islamic pilgrimage centres - and Uruk, a major city of Sumeria founded 5,000 years ago.

Classic Oriental Tours is renowned for its ability to provide luxury holidays in some of the world�s most demanding and exotic destinations, with many exciting tours available in 2001 throughout Asia and India.

ENDS FOR MORE INFORMATION PLEASE CONTACT � REBECCA FREESTUN - PUBLIC RELATIONS COORDINATOR � ON 02 9028 5037