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Spiekermann
Tour Itinerarys...
Archaeological & Biblical Syria Itinerary
Day 01 Arrival in Damascus
Arrival in Damascus. Meet and assist upon arrival and transfer to Hotel. Enjoy
a welcome drink and overnight at the hotel.
Day 02 Damascus
After breakfast, visit of the city of Damascus, One of the worlds oldest
cities where many civilizations have left their marks over the centuries:
Armenians, Greeks, Romans, Byzantines and Arabs. Some of the most popular
sites to visit are: The National Museum, where very important pieces are
exposed from prehistoric times, the Greek-Roman Byzantine periods as well as
Arab-Islamic oriental times. Then enjoy shopping in Hamidiyah Bazaar, one of
the most wonderful covered markets in the Middle East. The Ommayad Mosque,
this magnificent monument contains the remains of the Roman Temple of Jupiter,
a Byzantine arcade, a beautiful Umayyad mosaic in the courtyard, and the
spacious prayer hall where the shrine of St. John the Baptist is located, said
to house his head. Next to the Mosque is the tomb of the legendary Saladdin
and the Straight Street (mentioned in the Bible). Then visit the Chapel of St
Ananias and St Paul window, built at the site where Paul was lowered from the
city wall in a basket. Also visit the Spice Market and enjoy a panoramic view
from Qassioun Mountain. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 03 Damascus - Maaloula (34 miles) - Krak Des Chevaliers (103
miles) - Amshta Village (6 miles)
After breakfast, drive to visit the Christian villages of Sydnaya, Maaloula -
one of the most scenic villages in Syria and is of particular interest as the
only place in the world where Aramaic; the language spoken by Christ is still
used as a living language- and Qara (ancient convent where a school for
Oriental Icons painting). Also visit the Krak des Chevaliers, the best
preserved and most admirable crusader castle in the world. Continue to Al-
Mashta Village for overnight.
Day 04 St. George Safita ( 6 miles) Tartous (21 miles)- Lattakia
(55 miles) Ugarit
After breakfast, visit the monastery of St. George located in Valley of
Christians which was consecrated to the Great Martyr St. George, also visit
Safita and Tartous (a Phoenician religious center with its Cathedral).
Continue to Lattakia for overnight.
Day 05 Saladin St. Simeon (113 miles) Aleppo (30 miles)
After breakfast, visit Ugarit and the Castle of Saladin. Then continue to the
monastery of St. Simon and on to Aleppo for overnight.
Day 06 Aleppo
After breakfast, start the sightseeing in Aleppo which includes: The Citadel,
the Grand Mosque, the Caravanserais, the 7.5 mile covered Bazaar, and the
Christian and Armenian quarter with its churches. Overnight in Aleppo.
Day 07 Aleppo Apamee (100 miles)- Hama (37 miles) Homs (30 miles)-
Palmyra (96 miles)
After breakfast, visit Apamee and Hama (the water wheels). Continue to Homs
and visit St. Elian & Mother Belt Churches. Continue to Palmyra for overnight.
Day 08 Palmyra-Damascus (150 miles)
Palmyra the capital of the Arab Emirate of Tadmor, which stretched to Egypt
and the Bosphorus strait in the 3rd century A.D. during the rule of its queen
Zenobia who challenged the Emperors of Rome. Located midway between the
Mediterranean and the Euphrates, this oasis was an essential watering place
for the many camel caravans that formerly traversed the route in the time of
the Roman Empire. After breakfast, visit its highlights: The massive Temple of
Bel, dedicated to the god that controlled the movement of the stars. The
street of Colonnades, running to the Funerary Temple, the recently restored
theater, the 2nd century agora, and the valley of the Tombs, the Arch of
triumph, and the Bath of queen Zenobia. Drive back to Damascus for dinner with
Dervish dancing show and overnight.
Day 09 Damascus
Breakfast. Enjoy the day at leisure. Overnight at the hotel.
Day 10 Departure from Damascus
Breakfast, then transfer to Damascus airport for departure. Extend to EGYPT,
JORDAN, LEBANON or IRAN
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