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 Singles
Special Tour...
6 days from £1132 per person - call us now on
0845 003 2211 or 01543 258631
Choose from the following departure dates:
- 2nd May 2010, from £1132 per person
- 19th September 2010, from £1152 per person
(a deposit of £150 per person is required. Vis charge is £20 per person)
Introduction...
Discover Syria’s fascinating history, which stretches back into the mists of
time. Our journey begins in the city of Damascus, the site of St. Paul’s famous
conversion, before continuing to the oasis city of Palmyra, visiting the
country’s ancient sites, religious monuments and imposing crusader forts along
the way.
As an important link on the trade route between
east and west, Syria has long been a meeting point of cultures and societies.
You’ll find beautiful architecture, spectacular Roman ruins and stunning
churches and mosques in the towns and cities you visit.
Holiday Highlights...
- 4 nights’ half board and 1 nights’ bed & breakfast accommodation in your
own room
- Visit the oasis city of Palmyra with its fascinating architecture
- Stay in Damascus, the site of St. Paul's famous conversion
- Visit the Crusader castle of Krak des Chevaliers
- Included Excursions
- Tours of Damascus and Palmyra
Also Included...
- The services of an experienced Tour Manager
- Use of an executive airport lounge on day 1
- Hotel porterage
- Welcome drink reception
- Farewell get-together
- Transfers & transportation as detailed
Itinerary...
DAY 1 - UK/Damascus
Meet your travelling companions in the executive lounge prior to your scheduled
flight to Damascus.
DAY 2 - Damascus
Arriving in Damascus in the early hours of the morning, we transfer to our hotel
for a three night stay. Damascus is said to be the oldest continuously inhabited
city in the world, with archaeological digs producing artefacts dating back to
the 3rd century BC.
After breakfast, our sightseeing tour of the city takes us to visit to the
Umayyad Mosque, built in the 8th century AD by Umayyad on an ancient site of
worship. Just outside the mosque, we see Saladin’s Tomb, and to the south of the
mosque, we visit Azem Palace. Built in the mid-18th century by the Ottoman
governor of Damascus, the palace now houses a museum. We also visit the Chapel
of St. Paul, where it is said St. Paul was lowered out of a window in order to
make his escape from the city. This afternoon we visit the National Museum and
return to the hotel in time to relax before a welcome drink and dinner tonight.
DAY 3 - Shahba & Bosra
Today you are at leisure in Damascus, or join our optional excursion to Shahba,
where we will see the well preserved Roman ruins. We continue to Bosra, home to
what is allegedly the best preserved Roman amphitheatre in the world and some
stunning black basalt architecture. It’s the setting for the annual Borsa Arts
Festival, which attracts both Arab and international performers.
DAY 4 - Seydnaya
This morning we drive to Seydnaya, located at almost a mile above sea level.
Here we visit the fortress-like Convent of Our Lady, a place of pilgrimage for
both Christians and Muslims, which is found at the top of the hill in the town,
before continuing to Ma’loula, where the extraordinary houses are built on top
of each other like a honeycomb. It is also one of the last places Aramaic is
still spoken. The next stop on our tour is the impressive Krak des Chevaliers –
the Castle of the Knights, the greatest of all medieval crusader fortresses.
Built in 1110 AD, it is a perfect vantage point from which to view the
surrounding lowlands. Finally we travel on to the Palmyra for an overnight stay.
DAY 5 - Palmyra & Damascus
Palmyra is an oasis in the heart of the Syrian Desert and a former trading post
along the Silk Route. Our morning sightseeing tour will take us to see the
highlights including the magnificent sites of the Temple of Bel, the Arch of
Triumph and the Zenobia Bath, which tells stories of the reign of Queen Zenobia.
This afternoon we return to Damascus for an overnight stay and a farewell
gettogether and dinner.
DAY 6 - Damascus/UK
Transfer to the airport for your return flight to the UK, arriving later the
same day.
Hotels...
You will stay in the Carlton Hotel or similar in Damascus, the Heliopolis Hotel
in Palmyra or similar. There is a restaurant and bar in each hotel. All rooms
have private facilities, TV and telephone.
How to book.
Call us on 0845 003 2211 or 01543 258631.
If you have specific questions about Syria please ask to speak to Dave, our
Middle East specialist.
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