THE WONDERS OF SYRIA
A cultural tour of Syria

There are few countries that can claim to show one a true panorama of history, Syria is one of them. This tour is an artistically designed program that will take us through the different phases of human history in this ancient land. We cover the Mesopotamian, Biblical, Christian, Islamic, Crusades and Medieval as well as "modern" ages - all in one small but extremely rich country. Our 8-day journey has been tailored to combine with our other journeys to similarly rich countries such as Iran, Lebanon and Jordan.

Day 01: Arrive Damascus
Ahlaan wa Sahlaan – the musical Arabic greeting – Welcome, welcome. We are warmly received. Our drive to our hotel in the city, which rightfully claims to be the oldest living city in the world, will be our first glimpse into this journey into human history.
Overnight: Talisman Hotel, Damascus (3 nights)

Day 02: Damascus / Bosra / Damascus
After breakfast we will be heading out for a day excursion to visit Bosra, which is famous for its Roman amphitheater dated back to the 2nd century AD, together with an ancient Islamic minaret.    (B, D)

Day 03: Damascus
We start the day to visit one of the oldest cities in the world, Damascus, to see the National Museum, Tukia Al Sulaymanieh, Suq Al Hamidiye, Ommayad Mosque, Saladdin Memorial, Azem Palace, Straight Street of Damascus, St. Ananias Chapel, St. Paul Chapel. (B, D)

Day 04: Damascus / Palmyra (Drive 217 kms / 135 miles)
This morning head for Palmyra - the capital of the female Queen Zenobia, who challenged the Roman Empire and dominated as far as Egypt. We feel the might of Queen Zeonobia and experience the Silk Road halt that Palmyra was also famous for. We visit the Museum, the Bel Temple, Tower Tombs, the Theater, the Monumental Arch, Zenobia Bath, Bel Shamin, Nebo Temple, the Street of Colonnades, Agora.
Overnight: Semiramis Hotel, Palmyra (1 night) (B, D)

Day 05: Palmyra / Krak des Chevaliers / Aleppo (Drive 211 kms / 131 miles)
Today we drive to the fascinating Krak des Chevaliers, the castle that played a vital role during the crusaders war.  Visiting this strategically built castle, we then continue onto Hama to visit the ancient water wheels before reaching Aleppo.
Overnight: Dar Zamaria Hotel, Aleppo (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 06: Aleppo / St. Simeon / Aleppo
We drive to the famous St. Simeon - a striking example of the architecture during the times of the Dead Cities that flourished for more than 400 years. From here we continue for Aleppo and visit the most dominating site of Aleppo, the Citadel. The Citadel dates back to the Fatimid  & Ayyubid eras - 11th  & 12th  Centuries AD.  Next stop is Al Wazir Caravanserai with all kinds of goods. (B, D)

Day 07: Aleppo / Maaloula / Damascus (Drive 311 kms / 193 miles)
This morning we return to Damascus with a stop to visit Maaloula, the virgin village whose native tongue is Aramaic, the language of Jesus Christ.
Overnight: Talisman Hotel, Damascus (1 night) (B, D)

Day 08: Depart Damascus
After a journey into history, we bid farewell to the land that houses some of the oldest living cities in the world.  Transfer to the airport for the departure flight. (B)

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Departure Dates
2012 English Speaking Departures Daily
Inclusions
Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include Hotels as mentioned (or similar) Any airfares & departure taxes Meals as mentioned (B=Breakfast, D=Dinner) Visa fees / Insurance Tours and transfers by private transportation Tips / gratuities Services of local English speaking driver/guide   Entrance fees
Tour Price
We accept payment in US $ (US Dollars), CA $ (Canadian Dollars) or equivalent EURO (for clients outside North America). Bestway Tours & Safaris offers conversion rate protection. Once full payment has been received, and no modification has been made to the tour itinerary, we will honour that rate. For complete payment procedures, please download Bestway_Payment_Info.pdf Note: to read this file you must have Adobe Acrobat.
Departure Double Occupancy Single Room Supplement 2012 US $ 2395 US $ 595
Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour
Canada - West Coast US $ 1300 USA - West Coast US $ 1100 Canada - East Coast US $ 1100 USA - East Coast US $ 900
Participants
This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 08 participants.
Notes
Customised Itinerary If you would like to have a tour on dates other than the above ones or with a customised itinerary, please contact us and we will be happy to work out an exclusive program for you. Foreign Language Departures Please contact us for information on French, German, Italian and Spanish speaking departures. You may e-mail us at bestway@bestway.com or call us at 604.264.7378. Residents of U.S.A./Canada may call us toll free at 1.800.663.0844.