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THE ROAD TO DAMASCUS
Day 1 London to Amman
Fly from London Heathrow with BMI to Amman where you will be met upon arrival
and transferred to the Marriott Amman Hotel for your overnight stay. (N)
Day 2 Amman to Petra – 315kms
Leave with your driver and guide and proceed south along the ancient Kings’
Highway, with stops at the Byzantine Church of Mount Nebo with its spectacular
views over the Jordan Valley, Jericho and the Judean Hills. It was from here
that Moses is said to have seen the ‘Promised Land’. Proceed to
Madaba where you will see a unique 6th Century mosaic map which portrays the
Holy Land. Finally visit Kerak to see the famous 12th century crusader castle,
before arriving in Petra for a three night stay at the Movenpick Petra Hotel.
(B/D)
Day 3 Petra
A full day exploring the ‘Rose-Red City’ of Petra with your guide.
Hewn from solid rock Petra was founded by the Nabateans and influenced by
the Romans and Crusaders, before being abandoned in the 6th century AD. Enter
the city by foot through the Siq canyon, a 1km long fissure through the towering
cliffs, with a narrow winding path that dramatically opens up to expose the
awesome facade of the Treasury. This historic site includes temples, baths,
houses, paved streets, public buildings, theatres, reservoirs and cisterns.
(B/D)
Day 4 Petra to Amman – 425kms
This morning head south to see the desert lunar landscapes of Wadi Rum, made
famous by Lawrence of Arabia, and take an exhilarating 4-wheel drive across
the dunes. Then continue north via the Desert Highway to Amman and stay overnight
the Marriott Amman Hotel. (B/D)
Day 5 Amman to Damascus – 280kms
After breakfast, visit the ancient Roman city of Jerash before heading to
the border and entering Syria. Proceed to the magnificent Roman amphitheatre
at Bosra before continuing to Damascus where you will stay overnight at the
Hotel Talisman. (B/D)
Day 6 Damascus to Aleppo – 355kms
This morning drive to the formidable Crac des Chevaliers, the greatest crusader
castle of all. With its dramatic setting overlooking the mountains the citadel
stands as a bold reminder of the holy crusades. Later continue onto Hama with
its ancient water wheels and then to Aleppo for your two night stay at the
Mansouriya Palace Hotel. (B/D)
Day 7 Aleppo
Today leave your hotel and drive out of the city to visit the monastic Church
of St Simeon the Stylite where St Simeon lived, chained to a stone column,
for forty-two years. Later return to Aleppo and tour this beautiful city which
is dominated by a huge citadel. (B/D)
Day 8 Aleppo to Palmyra – 350kms
Leave Aleppo and continue through the desert to Palmyra, one of the world’s
most famous caravan cities, ancient Roman centre and a major link in the old
Silk Road from China linking the east to Damascus and Rome. Stay for two nights
at the Palmyra Zenobia Cham Palace Hotel. (B/D)
Day 9 Palmyra
Spend the day exploring the extensively excavated, and beautifully restored,
ruins of the 2nd Century AD Roman city with your guide. Palmyra is undoubtedly
one of the world’s great historical sites and today you will have the
opportunity to explore it in its entirety. (B/D)
Day 10 Palmyra to Damascus – 245kms
This morning leave Palmyra and head west to Damascus via Maalula, where Aramaic,
the language spoken by Jesus, is still in use. On your arrival in Damascus
continue onto the Hotel Talisman where you will stay for the next two nights.
(B/D)
Day 11 Damascus
One of the most evocative and exotic cities of the world, ancient Damascus
is a fascinating place of covered souks, great mosques and vibrant street
life. Today, with your guide, you will have the opportunity to tour the city.
Places of interest include the Azem Palace, the inspiring Umayyad Mosque,
the National Museum and the numerous cavernous souks. (B/D)
Day 12 Damascus to London
Today leave your hotel and transfer to Damascus Airport for your return BMI
flight to London Heathrow. (B)
STAYING ON
Relax on Syria’s little known Mediterranean coast. Historic Tartus, or the resorts of Lattakia, offer the opportunity of a coastal route north to Aleppo from Damascus as well as the chance to unwind midway through your tour.
Experience the Dead Sea in Jordan – the lowest point on earth. Easily added to this itinerary with an overnight stay on the return to Amman, this is an excellent opportunity to experience its famous curative powers and buoyant waters.
Evocative, the desert at sunrise is an experience to behold so extend your time to include an overnight tented stay in Wadi Rum. Famous for its links to Lawrence of Arabia, Wadi Rum is an awe-inspiring place of ever-changing desert and towering rocky outcrops.
Planning your journey: We can design a unique journey to suit you as our tours are totally tailor made. By combining your own ideas with our knowledge and experience we can help you to create your own journey tailored exactly to your requirements Once you have formulated your ideas, or if you require some general or specific advice, please call us on 01892 515966 or simply send your ideas to pettitts@btconnect.com. On receipt of your enquiry we will provide you with a full written quotation together with our suggestions and recommendations.
A Guide to Price – THE ROAD TO DAMASCUS
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is from £2,990. All prices are per person and are based on a minimum of TWO persons travelling together and sharing a twin bedded room with meals as indicated. If you wish to travel alone we will be pleased to assist you with your arrangements and can provide a proposal on request.
Note: Meal Basis (N) = No Meal; (B) = Breakfast; (L) = Lunch; (D) = Dinner
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