Both Lebanon and Syria are nothing if not the cradles of human history. They are countries as old as civilizations and contain cities that rightly claim to be the oldest living ones in the world. Every step we take in this magnificent region, we are treading on history and historical relics. The culture, as fascinating now as it was in the past, still exhibits traces of ancient rituals and values in everyday life. This 9-day artistically tailored itinerary takes us step by step through the history of mankind making for an unforgettable journey.
Your Itinerary
Day 1:
Day 01 Saturday: Arrive Beirut
Ahlaan wa Sahlaan! We are warmly welcomed at Beirut Airport and subsequently transferred to our hotel. Beirut is fast returning to its heyday after the end of the civil war and we see a lot of new and old as we are driven to our centrally located hotel.
Overnight: Le Cavalier Hotel, Beirut (3 nights) (D)
Day 2:
Day 02 Sunday: Beirut / Harissa / Byblos / Beirut
We depart this morning to visit the city center of Beirut and the National Museum. Continue to visit Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa, by cable car, and then proceed to the city of Byblos where we visit the Citadel, St. John Crusader Church and the old port. We continue the 2nd largest city of Lebanon after Beirut, Tripoli. Visit St. Giles castle, the Mosque and the Hammams. Late this afternoon we return to Beirut. The bazaars of Beirut are open to late and this will be a good day to apply your bargaining skills. (B, D)
(B) (D)
Day 3:
Day 03 Monday: Beirut / Beiteddine / Tyre / Sidon / Beirut
This morning we take a scenic drive for the Chouf Mountains. We visit Emir Bechir Palace of Beiteddine then proceed to the south. We then visit Tyre an ancient Phoenician city and now a World Heritage Site; the Hippodrome, the Arch of Triumph and the Colonnades, continue to visit the Sea Castle of Sidon. After an enlightening day of antiquity, we return to Beirut late afternoon. (B, D)
(B) (D)
Day 4:
Day 04 Tuesday: Beirut / Baalbeck / Anjar / Damascus
Our journey today is another highlight as we head for the Bequaa Valley to explore the magnificent World Heritage Site of Baalbeck. Baalbeck is famous for its glorious Roman Temples of Jupiter and Bacchus. Following this we visit to yet another World Heritage Site of a much later period - the famous Ommayad city of Anjar. After a detailed visit we proceed to the border then continue to Damascus. The border formalities are very swift and by early evening we should be in Damascus - the oldest living city in the world.
Overnight: Plaza Hotel, Damascus (1 night) (B, D)
(B) (D)
Day 5:
Day 05 Wednesday: Damascus / Krak des Chevaliers / Hama / St. Simeon / Aleppo
Syria is famous for the crusade era and today we visit Krak des Chevaliers, the castle that played a vital role in the crusaders war and the well-preserved castle reveals the history of the period. We then continue for our visit of the Norias of Hama before visiting the majestic and well-preserved site of St. Simeon. A short drive from St Simeon is our overnight in Aleppo - a treasure chest for any fan of archaeology. Aleppo hosted the 2001 Aga Khan Architecture Award and is a World Heritage Site.
Overnight: Amir Palace Hotel, Aleppo (1 night) (B, D)
(B) (D)
Day 6:
Day 06 Thursday: Aleppo / Palmyra
Morning tour of Aleppo starts with the fabulous Archaeology Museum, followed by the magnificent Citadel of Aleppo. Our next stop is the exquisite 8th Century Ummayad Mosque. Afternoon, we depart for Palmyra - the capital of Queen Zenobia who challenged the Roman Empire and dominated as far as Egypt. Depending on the time of the year, Palmyra offers excellent sunset and sunrise views and photography.
Overnight: Villa Palmyra, Palmyra (1 night) (B, D)
(B) (D)
Day 7:
Day 07 Friday: Palmyra / Maaloula / Damascus
Our morning tour of the World Heritage City of Palmyra includes the Bell and Baal Shamen Temples, Monumental Arch, Strait St., Agora. Afternoon we depart for Maaloula, where the local people still speak the Aramean, the language of Jesus Christ. We visit the famous and historical convent of St. Takla before continuing to Damascus.
Overnight: Plaza Hotel, Damascus (2 nights) (B, D)
(B) (D)
Day 8:
Day 08 Saturday: Damascus
All roads lead to Damascus. The old city, which is a World Heritage Site, has been mentioned in Biblical records. We start with the magnificent Ummayad Mosque, tomb of John the Baptist, Azem Palace, Hanania's house, Old bazaar, the street called Straight, Via Recta and the famous and well-stocked National Museum. Time permitting we visit the old souq. This will be an experience into antiquity and medieval history. (B, D)
(B) (D)
Day 9:
Day 09 Sunday: Depart Damascus
After our journey into history, antiquity and culture, we bid farewell with a transfer to Damascus Airport for our flight back home. (B)
(B)
Notes:
Airfare is not included in the tour price.
Prices may vary.
Also see tour packages in:
Middle East
Syria
Lebanon
History Whiz
Archeology/History
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