Syria and Lebanon I

10 Day land tour

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Day 1 - Arrive in Damascus where you will be met and assisted by our representative. Transfer to your hotel for overnight.

Day 2 - Depart early in the morning for Palmyra for a tour of this ancient city, once the home of the legendary Queen Zenobia. Overnight in Palmyra.

Day 3 - Depart Palmyra for Hama, where you will see and hear the famous waterwheels, or norias. These ancient structures still turn as the river flows by them, and you can hear the creaking and groaning of the wood as you get closer to the park where visitors can get up close. After a short visit in Hama, we will continue on to Apamea, a Bronze age military garrison and city, and then on to Ebla, best known for the cuniform tablets discovered there. After visiting the ruins continue on to Aleppo. Overnight in Aleppo.

Day 4 - Enjoy a full day tour of Aleppo, including the citadel, which sits guarding the center of the city from atop a plateau. Continue to the mosque then explore the myriad covered streets of one of the oldest markets (souk) in the world. Last stop today is Aleppoís museum. Overnight in Aleppo.

Day 5 - Depart Aleppo and drive to the basilica of St. Simeon. Here you will see the site of a column that once served as the home of St. Simeon, a stylite monk, who lived atop for over forty years. The basilica is on a hilltop overlooking the countryside to the north where you can look out over fields of grain that stretch for miles. Afterward, continue on to Sahyun and Ugarit, another site that justifies Syriaís claim as the cradle of civilization. After visiting this ancient center of trade and power, continue on to the coastal city of Lattakia for overnight.

Day 6 - This morning head south along the coast to Tartus and the Crak De Chevaliers. This fortress was built by the crusaders then taken by the Arabs. It played a key role in the defence of interior Syria. Imagine the feasts being prepared in the kitchens and then served in the great hall. Visit the stables and walk the ramparts to see the surrounding hills and territory guarded by this wonderful example of crusader and Arab architecture. Afterward, visit Homs and Maíalula, where Aramaic, the language of Jesus, is still spoken. Continue on to Damascus for overnight.

Day 7 - Today you will be able to explore the old city on a full day tour of Damascus. Visit the museum, whose front doors are the restored gates of a desert fortress. Housed in the museum is an incredible collection of artifacts attesting to the immense wealth of human history of the region. You will also visit the Ommayad Mosque, a structure that began as a pagan temple, then a Byzantine church, and finally a mosque. Walk the ìStreet Called Straitî in the footsteps of St. Paul, then do some shopping in the souk. Overnight in Damascus.

Day 8 - Venture out of Damascus to Shahba, founded by Philip the Arabian (Roman Emperor 232-237). Shahba is famous for its Mosaics and monuments from the 3rd century AD. You will also visit Sweida, and Bosra, two black basalt cities. Bosra is also home to the largest Roman amphitheater in the world. It became one of the leading Nabate an cities before becoming the capital of the Roman province of Arabia in 106 AD. Return to Damascus for overnight.

Day 9 - Depart after breakfast for your journey to the Bekaa valley in Lebanon. Your journey takes you to Anjar at the foot of the Anti-Lebanon mountains, the only remaining Umayyad and walled city in Lebanon. Continue to Baalbeck, formerly Heliopolis, city of the sun. The Romans built many magnificent temples here including those to Jupiter, Baccus and Venus. Return to Damascus for overnight.

Day 10 - Transfer to the airport for your final departure.

TERMS & CONDITIONS:

Includes:

All transfers and sightseeing excursions by air conditioned cars or minivans
Accommodation in half twins on half-board basis (breakfast and dinner)
Entrance fees to all sites listed
Local guides

Not included:

Airfare Items of a personal nature such as souvenirs, room service, fax, Tips for guide and driver (we usually recommend $3-$4 for the driver and $5-$7 for the guide-all per peson per day), etc.
Travel insurance (Highly recommended-ask us for details)

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