|
|
Spiekermann
Tour Itinerarys...
Highlights of Syria Itinerary
Day 01 Arrival in Damascus
Arrival in Damascus, meeting and assistance then transfer to your hotel.
Day 02 Damascus
After breakfast, visit of the city of Damascus, One of the world’s 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) - Homs – Aleppo
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 Homs
visiting St. Elian & Mother Belt Churches, then continue to Aleppo for
overnight.
Day 04 Aleppo
. A morning tour will take you near the Turkish border to visit the ruins of
the 4th century Monastery of St. Simeon, then upon your return to Aleppo, you
will have the rest of the day to tour its sites starting with its famous
archeology museum, followed by the Citadel of Aleppo. Stop at the historic
Baron Hotel, where Lawrence of Arabia stayed early last century. You will be
given time to stroll in the extensive labyrinth of the largest bazaar of the
East. Aleppo’s souq is a treat that should not be missed. Overnight at your
hotel in Aleppo.
Day 05 Aleppo – Ebla - Apamee (100 miles)- Hama (37 miles) – Palmyra
(96 miles)
Head West to Palmyra today with stops on the way. First stop at Ebla to see
palace archives and other ruins. Excavations here are still ongoing. Then onto
Sergilla, one of the many “dead cities” – cities that were suddenly and
inexplicable deserted in the 7th century AD. Travel to Apamea, one of the four
cities founded by Seleucus Nicator in the 3rd century BC, it has the longest
colonnaded street in the world. Pass through the city of Hama to see the
famous ancient Norias (Water Wheels) before continuing to Palmyra for
overnight.
Day 06 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 07 Damascus/Baalbeck (Lebanon)/Damascus
Breakfast. Early departure for Lebanon. Visit the famous Roman site of Baalbek
with its magnificent ruins. Lunch (on own) at a picturesque local restaurant
in the mountain city of Zahle, followed by a visit to Anjar, one of the royal
hunting palaces of the Umayyad rulers. Back to Damascus for overnight at your
hotel.
Day 08 Departure from Damascus
Breakfast, then transfer to Damascus airport for departure. Extend to EGYPT,
JORDAN, or LEBANON.
|
|
