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UNCOVERING LEBANON AND SYRIA
Day 1 London to Beirut
Fly from London Heathrow with BMI to Beirut where you will be met
upon arrival and transferred to the Movenpick Hotel or the Albergo
Hotel for the next four nights. Beirut, ‘Paris of the East’,
is a beautiful, historic city far from the images the world witnessed
twenty years ago.
Day 2 Beirut – visit Byblos
Today explore Beirut with your guide. Places of interest include the
National Museum, the beautifully restored Ottoman and French Mandate
buildings, Pigeon Rocks and the city centre – once split by
the infamous Green Line. In the afternoon drive to the pretty medieval
town of Byblos which is known for its harbour, Crusader castle and
atmospheric cobbled lanes. (B/L)
Day 3 Beirut – visit Tyre, Sidon and Echmoun
This morning begin a full day visit to the cities south of the capital.
Visit Tyre, one of the great ancient trade cities of the Roman world
before continuing onto the harbour town of Sidon spending plenty of
time in the warren of souks and at the Crusader castle. Later in the
afternoon return to Beirut stopping en-route at the Phoenician temple
of Eshmoun. (B/L)
Day 4 Beirut – visit Baalbeck, Aanjar and Ksara
Today, after breakfast, it is a wonderful drive east over the mountains
and into the Bekaa Valley to the outstanding Roman ruins of Baalbek.
A UNESCO World Heritage Site, the ruins at Baalbek are some of the
finest in the region and remain impressively well preserved. In the
afternoon return to Beirut stopping en-route to visit the Umayyad
palace at Aanjar and Ksara, the oldest centre of wine-making in the
country. (B/L)
Day 5 Beirut to Latakia
via Tripoli and Marqab
This morning leave Beirut and drive north to the city of Tripoli –
a place famed for, and dominated by, the Crusader citadel of Raymond
Saint-Gilles. Below the castle, much of the medieval city remains
with the Mameluke and Ottoman period souks, khans and madrassas a
particular highlight. From Tripoli drive across the border into Syria
and continue onto Latakia stopping en-route at the Crusader castle
at Marqab. On your arrival in Latakia continue onto the Afamia Rotana
Resort where you will stay overnight. (B/L)
Day 6 Latakia to Aleppo
via Ugarit, Saladin’s Castle and St Simeon’s Monastery
After breakfast visit Ugarit, one of the most important Bronze Age
sites in the Middle East, before continuing onto Saladin’s Castle.
From here continue towards Aleppo stopping en-route to visit the monastic
Church of St Simeon the Stylite where St Simeon lived, chained to
a stone column, for forty-two years. Later continue onto Aleppo and
the Mansouriya Palace Hotel where you will stay for the next two nights.
(B/L)
Day 7 Aleppo
Dominated by a huge citadel, today you will have the chance to fully
explore Aleppo with your guide. Places of interest include the city’s
museum, the citadel itself and the beautiful Grand Mosque. Later explore
what is considered to be a highlight of any visit to Aleppo –
the great covered souks. A jumble of twisting lanes, the souks have
changed little over the centuries and remain not only atmospheric
but also authentic. (B/L/D)
Day 8 Aleppo to Palmyra
via Apamea and Hama
This morning leave Aleppo and drive to the ruined Roman city of Apamea
before continuing onto Hama which is famed for ancient water wheels.
In the afternoon 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
via Crac des Chevaliers
Today leave Palmyra and drive west 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.
In the afternoon leave Crac des Chevaliers and drive onto Damascus
and the Talisman Hotel where you will stay for the next three nights.
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 – visit Bosra
This morning leave Damascus for the visit to the Roman city of Bosra.
Located close to the Jordanian border, Bosra remains very well preserved
with a particular highlight being the impressive Roman theatre. Later
return to Damascus and your hotel where the rest of your day will
be at leisure. (B/L)
Day 13 Damascus to London
Today leave your hotel and transfer to Damascus Airport for your return
BMI flight to London Heathrow. (B)
STAYING ON
Extend your stay and continue from Bosra on into Jordan. From Amman it is only a short series of drives to the Dead Sea, Lawrence of Arabia’s Wadi Rum and the world famous ‘Rose-Red City’ of Petra.
Egypt can easily be combined with Syria. With daily direct flights between Damascus and Cairo, why not visit the pyramids of Giza, the Valley of the Kings at Luxor or relax after your tour with a cruise down the River Nile.
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 – UNCOVERING LEBANON AND SYRIA
Prices vary according to selected airlines, hotels and season, however, an indication to the current cost of this itinerary is from £3,750. 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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