8 Days in Syria

Monday Departures year round

DAY 1 - Arrive in Damascus where you will be met and assisted to your hotel for dinner and overnight.

DAY 2 - Venture out of Damascus to Ezraa and Shahba, founded by Philip the Arabian (Roman Emperor 232-237). Shahba is famous for its Mosaics and monuments from the 3rd century AD. Also visit Qanawat, with its impressive Roman ruins, particularly the temple of Zeus (2nd century), and some early Christian buildings. You will also visit Sweida, and Bosra, black basalt cities. Bosra is home to the largest Roman amphitheater in the world. It became one of the leading Nabatean cities before becoming the capital of the Roman province of Arabia in 106 AD. Return to Damascus for overnight.

DAY 3 - Full day tour of Damascus, the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. Visit the Omayyad Mosque, the "Street Called Straight", Azzam Palace, the souq, and the National Museum. Overnight in Damascus.

DAY 4 - Depart early for Palmyra. Enjoy a full day exploring the city of Queen Zenobia (267-272AD). This oasis, rising up out of the desert, is one of the most graceful and splendid ancient sites in the east. Its glory and greatness are still evident after 2,000 years. Spend the night in Palmyra.

DAY 5 - In the morning, watch the sun rise over the magnificent ruins of Palmyra, then depart for the Crac De Chevaliers, a 12th century fortress which was occupied by the crusaders in 1110BC. After exploring this mountaintop castle, continue to Aleppo (Haleb). Established over 10,000 years ago, Aleppo vies with Damascus for the title of the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. On the way, visit the Bronze Age city of Ebla (Tel Mardika) and the Crusader castle of Sahyun. Overnight in Aleppo.

DAY 6 - Tour Aleppo, famous for its souks housed in miles of labyrinthine passageways at the foot of the Aleppo Citadel. These are some of the oldest markets in the world! Spend time visiting the Citadel, dominating the Aleppo skyline atop a plateau in the center of the city. You will also visit the old quarter and the Museum. Visit St. Simeon's basilica, where the famous Stylite lived for over 40 years atop a pillar, surrounded by pilgrims. You will marvel at the ingenuity that went into constructing the pillar to accommodate a person's basic needs for four decades! Return to Aleppo for overnight.

DAY 7 - Travel to Apamea, which was a major Seleucid city and military garrison, with magnificent Roman and Byzantine ruins. It was a powerful city in the early Bronze Age after 1800 BC. Also visit Ma'aloula, the only place left where the inhabitants still speak Aramaic, the language of Christ. Continue on to Damascus for overnight.

DAY 8 - Free time for last-minute shopping, departure and your onward journey.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS:

Included:

Accommodations at 4 Star hotels, sharing double room on half-board basis (breakfast and dinner).
Air conditioned motor coach with microphone.
A fully licensed English speaking guide.
All applicable entrance fees for tours and sites on the itenerary.

Not Included:

Personal Expenses such as room service, mini bar charges, telephone/fax calls, laundry, dry cleaning, etc.
Optional tours or entrance fees not shown on the intinerary.
Refreshments, alcoholic beverages, snacks, etc., en route or during meals, Tips for guide and driver(we usually recommend $2 or $3 for the driver and $5 for the guide-all per peson per day)..

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