FROM PALMYRA TO BAALBECK
A cultural tour of Syria & Lebanon

This is where we it all began. Both Syria & Lebanon are the cradles of our history. These 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.

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: Venezia Hotel, Damascus (2 nights) (D)

Day 02: Damascus
Visit 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: The Omayyad Mosque, Al-Azem Palace, the Chapel of St. Ananias, St. Paul’s Window, the National Museum, Hamidiye Bazaar, Saladin Mausoleum and the legendary Straight Street of Damascus. (B, D)

Day 03: Damascus / Maaloula / Palmyra (Drive)
Drive to Maaloula, one of the most beautiful and picturesque villages in the region (60km from Damascus) and 1300 meters above sea level. It is said to be the first monastery in Christianity, and the unique thing is that the inhabitants still speak Aramaic (the language in which Christ preached and addressed his pupils). Proceed to Palmyra.
Overnight: Villa Palmyra Hotel, Palmyra (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 04: Palmyra
Palmyra was the capital of the Arab Emirate of Tadmor, which stretched to Egypt and the Bosphorus strait in the third century A.D. During the rule of its queen Zenobia who challenged the Emperors of Rome. Visit its highlights: Bel Temple, Bel Shamin Temple, Nebo Temple, the Street of Colonnade’s, the Theater, the Forum, the tombs, and the Museum. (B, D)

Day 05: Palmyra / Krac des Chevaliers / Hama / Aleppo (Drive)
This morning depart for Krak des Chevaliers, the castle that played a vital role during the crusaders war. Visiting this strategically built castle, we then continue onto Hama, a historical city located on the Orontes River, to visit the ancient water wheels (the norias). Arrive Aleppo, the second Capital of Syria.
Overnight: Mirage Palace Hotel, Aleppo (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 06: Aleppo / St. Simeon / Aleppo
Today’s tour starts out with a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Aleppo. Then onto visit the most dominating site of Aleppo, the Citadel, which was dates back to the Fatimid & Ayyubid eras - 11th & 12th centuries AD. Next stop is the Grand Mosque and Al Wazir Caravanserai with all kinds of goods. We then continue for St. Simeon - a striking example of the architecture during the times of the Dead Cities that flourished for more than 400 years. (B, D)

Day 07: Aleppo / Baalbeck / Beirut (Drive)
Drive early morning towards the border, cross into Lebanon, meet & assist with entry formalities and proceed to visit Lebanon’s greatest Roman treasure, Baalbeck, counted among the wonders of the ancient world. The site includes the temples of Jupiter, Bacchus & Venus, with the remarkable Great Court and the Hexagonal Forecourt. Drive then through Beqaa Plain and Visit Ksara Winery, a large producer, famous for using the Roman caves as wine natural cellars, producing many varieties of wines of which 50% are red. After wine tasting, cross Mount Lebanon range and descent to Beirut.
Overnight: Lancaster Hotel, Beirut (2 nights) (B, D)

Day 08: Beirut / Dog River / Byblos (Drive)
Visit the National Museum and drive to the downtown district to see the huge reconstruction project-taking place to create a new commercial and residential district of the 21st century. This project has actually discovered that the capital is standing on the site of a very ancient settlement going back at least 5,000 years. Recent excavations have uncovered important archaeological sites from Canaanite, Phoenician, and Persian, Roman, Byzantine, Omayyad, Abbassid, Crusader, Mamluke and Ottoman eras. The 1.80 sq. meters reconstruction project includes new buildings but constructed in the traditional style, besides hundreds of old structures that have been restored and renovated to its original shapes, including Beirut’s souks and historical mosques and churches. Drive 20km along the highway north of Beirut to visit the Dog River, for its commemorative inscriptions that have been left behind by conquering armies between 2nd millenium BC. and 1949 AD. Then proceed north to discover a town that goes back 7,000 years; and the worlds oldest continuously inhabited. Located 37km north of Beirut, Byblos is a quite charming small town of great history. Visit its ancient sites, and then explore the old part of the town on foot, starting from fishermen’s harbor, leading uphill towards the Church of St. John the Baptist and souks. Return to Beirut. (B, D)

Day 09: Depart Beirut
After a journey into history, antiquity and culture, we bid farewell with a transfer to the airport for our flight back home. (B)

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Departure Dates

2008 English Speaking Departures Jan 06 & 20, Feb 03 & 17, Mar 02 & 16, Apr 06 & 20, May 04 & 18, Jun 08 & 22, Jul 06 & 20, Aug 03 & 17, Sep 07 & 21, Oct 05 & 19, Nov 02 & 16, Dec 07

Inclusions

Tour Price Includes Tour Price Does Not Include Hotel Accommodation as mentioned or similar International Airfare & Departure Taxes Meal Plan as mentioned (B=Breakfast, D=Dinner) Travel Insurances Tours and transfers by private transportation Visa Fees Entrance Fees to Museums and Sites Drinks/Beverages with meals Services of local English speaking driver/guide Tips/Gratuities to Drivers & Guides

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 2008 US $ 1395 • CA $ 1395 US $ 325 • CA $ 325

Estimated International Airfare - International airfare is NOT included in this tour

Canada - West Coast CA $ 1600 USA - West Coast US $ 1400 Canada - East Coast CA $ 1400 USA - East Coast US $ 1200

Participants

This tour operates on a minimum of 02 and a maximum of 15 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.