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Syria and Lebanon II

Saturday departures year round!

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

Day 2 - After breakfast you will go on a city tour of Damascus, a city that is considered one of the oldest, continuously inhabited cities in the world. Visit the Ummayad Mosque, once a Roman temple, then a Byzantine Church, and now a great reminder of the times of the Caliphs. Also walk the ìStreet Called Straitî in the footsteps of St. Paul. Wander through the souk near the Ummayad Mosque to bargain for the famous damask material, perfume, gold jewelry, and spices. The tour ends with a visit to the National Museum whose front faÁade is a reconstructed fortress walls. Overnight in Damascus.

Day 3 - In the morning we will depart Damascus for the village of Maíalula. This mountainous village will take visitors back to the times of Christ. Literally, you will hear the language spoken by Jesus still in use in Maíalula. Continue on across the plain and into the desert to Queen Zenobiaís ancient city of Palmyra. This jewel of the desert was captured by the Romans and became a capital of the empire. After touring these magnificent ruins, we will continue on to Homs for the evening.

Day 4 - From Homs we will drive towards the coast and on to Beirut, Lebanon. Along the way, we will visit Tripoli, the ìnorthern capitolî and Byblos, a very important archeological site. Overnight in Beirut.

Day 5 - After breakfast today, tour the "new" ruins of Beirut, capital of Lebanon, once home to the Phoenicians, inveterate sailors of the Mediterranean. The destroyed city center is alive with architects and engineers building the city's future (90% complete), while archaeologists focus on the past. Tour the Omari Mosque, the Municipal building, the Assaf and Amir Munzer Mosques, the Parliament building Square, the Orthodox Catholic and Maronite Churches, archaeological sites, the corniche. Also take a cable car to Haris sa, site of Notre Dame du Liban sanctuary at 500M above sea level. Overnight in Beirut.

Day 6 - Depart after breakfast for your journey to the Bekaa valley. 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. Continue on to Damascus for overnight.

Day 7 - From Damascus we will head north and back towards the Mediterranean to the famous Crac Des Chevalier. Visit this crusader fortress, built in the 12th century, and later captured by the Arabs. Continue on to Hama, Apamea, Ebla, arriving in Aleppo for overnight.

Day 8 - Enjoy a full day tour of Aleppo, a city that vies with Damascus for the title of oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. Visit the miles and miles of souk at the foot of the citadel, and then go into the citadel, which sits atop a plateau in the center of the old city. Venture out of the city to the basilica of St. Simeon to see where the monk of the same name lived perched on top of a column for over 40 years. Return to Aleppo for overnight.

Day 9 - Depart Aleppo to begin making your way back to Damascus. Along the way, stop at the Crac Des Chevalier for another visit- undoubtedly the first was not enough! Continue on to Sydnaya and then to Damascus. Overnight in Damascus.

Day 10 - Transfer to the airport for final departure.

PRICES & INCLUSIONS:

Option 1 ~ 5 Star Accommodation

2 Passengers - $1945.00
3 Passengers - $1750.00
4 Passengers - $1645.00
5 Passengers - $1580.00
6 Passengers - $1535.00
Single Supplement: - $508.00.

Option 2 ~ 4 Star Accommodation

2 Passengers - $1565.00
3 Passengers - $1385.00
4 Passengers - $1290.00
5 Passengers - $1260.00
6 Passengers - $1200.00
Single Supplement: - $258.00

Full board supplement is $65.00 per person.

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 $2 or $3 for the driver and $5 for the guide-all per peson per day), etc.
Travel insurance (highly recommended-ask us for details)

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