Our story

It all started shortly after the Velvet Revolution (1989) when we began to question wheter our lives are on the right path. At the time we were professional journalists but something kept attracting us to traveling. Hassan knew the Orient probably like one one else in the then Czechoslovakia and I (Helena) wanted to try something new... and so we establised a travel agency. The idea that kept us going wass to open the imaginary gates of Orient to to Czech and Slovak travelers. In fact this idea has been encoded in our slogan until today. 

First months and years ressembled atmosphere of any start-up you see today. Our office and "HQ" was in our living room in Prague's downtown and we still can't stop smiling when we recall the numerous times we invited our customers t to dine with us whilst our kids were sitting on our laps. It was a truly family service we delivered. Personal approach, sincerity and unmatched knowledge paid off and so demand for our services began to grow at unexpected rate. At that moment we understood this is the path. Let's go!

We had walked a good chunk of way since since our first coach tours to Syria and much has changed since then. In 1994 flight ticket prices finally became affordable for greater public, thus we started selling first flights to the Middle-East (we keep giggling when we recall customers probing whether the Emirates Airlines have any safe planes...) At the same time we published the first-ever Czech guide to Syria and we started organizing first exploration tours and leisure luxury vacations in the region. We had advantages others didn't like knowledge of the local mentality and language, reliable local contacts, personally proven business partners and last but not least my husband Hassan. He came to the Czechoslovakia in the late 70's where he earned his PhD in journalism at the renowned Charles University. His understanding of both cultures - the Arab and the Czech was truly unique and our clients could definitely tell when they heard him speak as a guide on our tours in the region. It also gave them a feeling of safety and comfort - factors our customers take into consideration even today.

In the early 90's prices of flight tickets were literally astronomic and unafforadble for 99% of the Czechoslovak population so we made a decision so start the longest coach route from the Prague to Syria's capital Damascus and onwards to Jordan's Amman. The word spread quickly and everyone was talking about it as it was the only route of its kind. Typically it was the educated and curious part of Czechslovak society that yearned most to explore Syria but we should also not forget the expats and business traveleres who filled a good proportion of the seats. The route took 3 days of non-stop drive and at almost every border crossing we faced challenges we had to overcome. The experiences and lessons-learnt turned out to be priceless as they have been helping us until today. In Syria we greatly benefited from the help of Hassan's family so I dare saying once again that our service was truly a family one. Could you imagine traveling like this today? :) 

We have always prided ourselves for being pioneers the traveling industry. That's why in 2001 we were the first Czech travel agency to organize a tour to Iraq. The demand for this tour was surprisingly huge and our clients have been sending us gratitude ever since because it later turned out they were the last Czechs to witness the majestic beauty of Babylon - also called the cradle of civilization. The US invasion of Iraq couple years later changed everything and apart from the desctruction of Babylon the country fell into deep chaos that doesn't seem to be nearing end almost two decades later. What did we learn from this? We must be quick a ready to prepare new tours to more yet unexplored destinations before it's too late. That's why in the following years we marked a few more "premieres" throughout the Orient. 

In 2008 embarked on a journey to Saudi Arabia - a kingdom absolutely unexplored by the Czechs. Our loyal customers whom we would rather call friends by then experienced marvelous places like the southern seat of the ancient Nabatean Kingdom. Still until today no other travel agency in the Czech Republic had the courage, knowledge and ability to organize a tour to Saudi Arabia whilst most of them keep asking us how on earth did we do it.. Well as we like to say - we can simply achieve things others can't.

In 2009 we marked yet another achievement as we were the first to organize a tour to the land of black Pharaohs with a high degree of service and amenities you wouldn't find in more developed countries. Safety, comfort and high standard of accommodation is one of many factors that set us apart from ordinary tour operators. We don't want our clients to think about anything but the atmosphere of the Orient hence it is fair to say our tours are quite luxurious even in the most remote places of the Earth. Should you be considering an individual tour in Sudan don't hesitate to let us know as we can prepare a comfortable guided trip around the country with our reliable local partner.

It seems like there isn't much more to explore in the islamic world and while fierce competition is arising on the Czech market our customers are asking for more, especially in the leisure segment that is becoming increasingly important in terms of revenue. We had analyzed the options and on the outset of 2010 we decided to offer new destinations to our clients - namely the Maldives, Mauritius and Seychelles. All three of these countries offer the finest level of service required by our clients and they also have a historical link to our beloved home in Middle-East. It didn't take long before we gained confidence it was the right decision. While customers quickly jumped after this addition to our portfolio the whole MENA region was set ablaze during the so-called Arab Spring. In the West it sparked general uncertainty and destroyed tourism to many of the region's countries. If anything we were glad we could offset this tremendous loss by the new destinations in the Indian Ocean.

Nothing lasts forever and the same applies to our retro office that resembles an accountant's desk rather than a place where leaders of the Czech outbound tourism market invite their guests. That's why we decided to team up with respected designers and after many months of hard work we were able to welcome our customers in stuninngly refurbished offices. The new image and lay-out eased our work around the office and created one of a kind place with atmosphere you would only find in the Middle-East. The visual ambience, the Oriental aroma of amber, the authentic Arabic coffee with a pinch of far eastern spices.. it all carries the one imporant message: once you enter Palmyra Tour you are one step away from your bespoke luxurious vacation in the Orient. Will you stop by for a cup of coffee?

The last few years starting from 2014 weren't the easiest as we had offset consequences of the Arab Spring, fight increasingly aggresive competitors and meet new regulations. It took a lot of effort, patience and innovation nonetheless we dare saying we overcame it all. The fact we are now seeing double digit increase in revenue every year suggests we can be confident with what we do. Clients, Czech institutions and local partners perceive us as traditional and experienced experts in bespoke luxury traveling and our destination portfolio keeps on growing. With Palmyra Tour you can now explore exotic places in Middl-East & North Africa, Indian Ocean, Sub-Saharan Africa and even South East Asia. We have always worked hard to cater for whatever wish you may have and we are immensely grateful for having you as clients. You are the energy that gives us strength to keep doing this for yet another quarter of a century. Thank you!