Secrets of Syria

Syria offers an astonishing variety of historic, cultural and gastronomic experiences, located on the crossroads of the caravanserai trade routes from the Mediterranean to the Gulf it offers a snapshot of the birth and passing of most ancient civilisations including the Crusades. This itinerary takes you on a journey through these civilisations. Explore then ancient cities of Palmyra, Apamea  and Ugarit, gaze in awe at the crusader castles of Richard the lionheart and Saladin, wonder the cobblestones and labyrinth streets of Damascus and Aleppo making discoveries at each turn and  travel along age old highways and  learn of the culture, cuisines and heritage of this eclectic country with your personal driver and guide.

Arrival at Damascus, meet & assist by our representative, transfer to Damascus Hotel.
(Ancient Kingdoms Warm Welcome and Visa  - $85.00)

After Breakfast, city tour of Syria's capital city. Damascus is widely reputed to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. The old city is surrounded by the original Roman city wall in which are built seven main gates.   The tour includes; the beautiful Umayyad Mosque that has been consecrated for worship for thousand of years, here interaction among the various religious in the Middle East took place; The mid-eighteenth century Azem Palace, which was originally built for the Governor of Damascus and now houses the Museum of Arts. Also  wander through the bustling covered Souqs, the other attractive feature of Damascus, The markets of the Roman period were uncovered and lined on both sides with colonnades, full of fragrant scents, spices and colourful merchandise - ideal shopping for souvenirs. Then visit the tiny and ancient underground church of St. Anania, one of Jesus' disciples, built on the site of the house where St. Paul hid from the Jews and was lowered down the wall in a basket. (B)

Drive to one of the finest Crusader Castles in the world Crack des Chevaliers, this castle is considered as model of perfection in medieval fortification as it was never taken by storm.   Then drive through the ‘fertile crescent’  to coastal town of Latakia, visit the remains of Ugarit,  the kingdom that had a golden past in administration, education, diplomacy and gave humanity the first alphabet in the world . (B,D)

After Breakfast, drive to visit Saladine castle which was described as the most impregnable Crusader fortress, it stands on a rocky spur whose vertical walls rise above the junction of two fast flowing streams, it was impossible to reach it except on foot or on horseback by a difficult climb.  Drive through the limestone hills to visit Apamea built in the fourth century B.C. by Seleucus Necator, a perfect mixture of the Greek civilisation and the local Syrian civilisation which was creative in every corner and place, then continue to Sagrila and the dead cities onto Aleppo. (B,D)

After Breakfast, Visit Syria's second largest city from Roman times, an important trading centre between the countries of Asia and the Mediterranean. It is a fascinating mixture of cultures where the wide tree lined avenues create a very European feel, in comparison to the many covered Souqs and caravanserais.  A large proportion of Aleppo's inhabitants are Christian Armenian refugees from Turkey, and many of the shop signs and notices are written in Armenian.  The covered Souqs of Aleppo are even more chaotic than those of Damascus, and open out unexpectedly into many small ancient caravanserais which still thrive today.  The most important landmark in Aleppo is the citadel which dominates the whole city and is built on the site of a 10th century BC temple, surrounded by a 12th century moat, 20 metres deep and 30 metres wide. The fortress is entered by a huge 12th century gate followed by 3 sets of solid steel plated doors.  Visit the Grand mosque which founded early in the 8^th century, and Aleppo museum which contains collections of antiquities unearthed from the Mediterranean to the middle Euphrates and Assyrian palaces.  In the afternoon visit The basilica of St. Simeon which was built in the memory of one of Syria's most unusual early Christians of the 5th century.  Simeon was a farmer and had a revelation which led him to join a monastery; however he found monastery life too comfortable, and retreated to the hills where he lived on top of a pillar for 36 years. (B,D)

Morning departure from Aleppo, driving through the fertile crescent past pistachio fields and countless Tals to Hama.  View the huge wooden water wheels and the remains of this amazing viaduct and irrigation system before continuing on to Palmyra. (B,D)

Today in Palmyra awaken and stand silent against a backdrop of history. The history of Zenobia permeates the area intensifying the dramatic landscape. Visit the great Temple of Bell, then walk across the city along the Great Colonnade, the most captivating architectural feature of Palmyra. Continue to the underground tombs which contains some four hundred niches and whose walls are covered with frescoes in a remark able state of preservation. Travel back to Damascus. (B)

Departure transfer and airport assistance.
Option to transfer to the Lebanese or Jordanian border to continue your programme

Damascus Museum closed Tuesdays.
Souks closed Fridays.
King’s Highway touring with driver only.