|
JEWELS
OF JORDAN & SYRIA
Countries
visited: Jordan & Syria |
 |
Jewels
of Jordan & Syria is collection of the remains of different
epochs of civilization that takes us back in time to explore
and understand how the world was then and help us understand
why it is the way it is today. We will be walking over
centuries of pre biblical to biblical, Christian, Islamic
and modern
eras - all having added to the previous and leaving behind
much for the next civilization to take over. This journey
has also a vivid cultural experience as we meet the local
folks at the tea houses, souqs and the various other places
we visit.
|
Tour
Summary
|
Map |
Day
|
Place
|
|
01
|
Amman |
|
02
|
Amman
/ Madaba / Mt Nebo / Kerak / Petra |
| 03 |
Petra |
|
04
|
Petra
/ Wadi Rum / Amman |
|
05
|
Amman |
|
06
|
Amman
/ Bosra / Damascus |
|
07
|
Damascus
|
|
08
|
Damascus
/ Maaloula / Palmyra |
|
09
|
Palmyra
|
|
10
|
Palmyra
/ Krak des Chevaliers / Hama /Aleppo
|
|
11
|
Aleppo |
| 12 |
Aleppo
/ Damascus / Depart |
|
|
 |
UNESCO
World Heritage Sites Visited
This tour has been tailored to include the following World
Heritage Sites |
| Jordan |
|
|
Petra (1985) |
Inhabited since prehistoric times, this Nabataean
caravan-city, situated between the Red Sea and the Dead Sea,
was an important crossroads between Arabia, Egypt and Syria-Phoenicia.
Petra is half-built, half-carved into the rock, and is surrounded
by mountains riddled with passages and gorges. It is one of
the world's most famous archaeological sites, where ancient
Eastern traditions blend with Hellenistic architecture. |
| Syria |
|
| Ancient
City of Damascus (1979) |
Founded
in the 3rd millenium B.C. it is one of the oldest cities
in the Middle East. In the Middle Ages Damascus was the centre
of a flourishing artisan industry (swords and laces). Amongst
the 125 monuments from the different periods of its history,
the 8th-century Great Mosque of the Umajjades is one of the
most spectacular, built on the site of an Assyrian sanctuary. |
| Site
of Palmyra (1980) |
An
oasis in the Syrian desert, north-east of Damascus, Palmyra
contains the monumental ruins of a great city that was one
of the most important cultural centres of the ancient world.
The art and architecture of Palmyra, at the crossroads of
several civilizations from the 1st to the 2nd century, married
Graeco-Roman techniques with local traditions and Persian
influences. |
| Ancient
City of Aleppo (1986) |
Located
at the crossroads of various trade routes since the 2nd millenium
B.C., Aleppo was ruled successively by the Hittites, Assyrians,
Arabs, Mongols, Mamelukes and Ottomans. Its 13th-century
citadel, its 12th-century Great Mosque and various 17th-century
medersas, palaces, caravanserais and hammams give it a cohesive
and unique urban fabric, now threatened by overpopulation. |
| Detailed
Itinerary |
Day 01: Arrive
Amman
Arrival at Amman airport. Meet and assist and transfer to hotel.
Overnight: Fanar Hotel, Amman (1 night)
Day 02: Amman / Madaba / Mt Nebo / Kerak / Petra (Drive)
This morning we proceed to Madaba to visit its famous St. George
Church where the oldest mosaic map of Palestine ever exists.
Then drive to Mt. Nebo for its spectacular view of the Holy
Land. Continue onto the Crusader Castle of Kerak for a visit
then onto Petra.
Overnight: Panorama Hotel, Petra (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 03: Petra
Today we will be visiting one of the top most magnificent sites
in the Middle East. After passing the main gate we take a horse
ride for about 700 meters to the entrance of the SIQmand walk
along the SIQ until the most astonishing monuments of Petra,
the Treasury, appear all of a sudden. We wander among the tombs,
temples, water cisterns, the Roman Theater, street of Facades,
the Royal Tombs, the massive Courthouse, Roman Street and Triumphal
Arch and ending at Qasr Al-Bint. Time flies at Petra and before
we know, it will be time to proceed to our hotel.
Overnight: Panorama, Petra (1 night) (B, D)
Day 04: Petra / Wadi Rum / Amman (Drive)
Drive to Wadi Rum for a jeep tour to discover what Laurence
of Arabia did, then proceed back to Amman.
Overnight: Fanar Hotel, Amman (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 05: Amman
Morning tour of Amman city, which is also known as Philadelphia.
Then drive to visit Jerash, the Greco-Roman city, where we
also cover the Triumphal Arch, the Hippodrome, the Temple of
Zeus, the Forum, a mile long street of Columns, the Nymphaeum,
the Temple of Airtimes and the Viaduct Church. (B, D)
Day 06: Amman / Bosra / Damascus (Drive)
Proceed towards the northern border with Syria. Meet & assist
and proceed to Bosra to visit its Roman amphitheater, which
dated back to the 2nd century AD, together with an ancient
Islamic minaret. Continue to our hotel.
Overnight: Venezia Hotel, Damascus (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 07: 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 08: 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 09: 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 10: Palmyra / Krak 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, Aleppo (2 nights) (B, D)
Day 11: 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 12: Aleppo / Damascus Depart (Drive)
After a journey into history, we bid farewell with a transfer
for our flight home. (B) |
|
B
= Breakfast
|
L
= Lunch
|
D
= Dinner
|
|
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|
Departure Dates |
|
2008
Jan 08 & 22, Feb
05 & 19, Mar 04 & 18, Apr
08 & 22, May 06 & 20, Jun
10 & 24,
Jul 08 & 22, Aug 12 & 26, Sep
09 & 23 & Oct 07 & 21
|
| Prices |
| Season |
Tour
Price US$ / CA$ |
Single
Sup US$ / CA$ |
| 2008 |
1885 |
395 |
| Tour
Price Includes |
Tour
Price Does Not Include: |
- Hotel
Accommodation as mentioned or similar
- Meal
Plan as mentioned (B=Breakfast, D=Dinner)
- All
Sightseeing and Transfers
- Entrance
Fees to Museums and Sites
- Local
English speaking driver with onsite guides
|
- International
Airfare
- Departure
Taxes
- Personal
Insurances
- Visa
Fees
- Drinks/Beverages
with meals
- Tips/Gratuities
to Drivers & onsite Guides
|
| Estimated
International Airfare(not
included in tour price) |
| East
Coast |
US $ / CA $
1200 |
| West
Coast |
US $ / CA $
1400 |
| Please
note:
This tour operates with a minimum of 02
and a maximum of 15
participants. |
| Other
Dates / Customized Itinerary / Languages |
In addition to our set programs we are also pleased
to offer customized tours.
Please do not hesitate to contact us to discuss your
individual needs.
Customized tours can be conducted in English, French,
German, Spanish or Italian. Each departure is conducted
in the designated language only. |
| Contact
Information |
|
|
Fax:
+1-604-264-7774
|
| 206–8678
Greenall Ave |
Phone:
+1-604-264-7378 |
| Burnaby
B.C., Canada |
Toll
Free (US & Canada): 1-800-663-0844 |
| V5J
3M6 |
Email:
bestway@bestway.com |
|
30
years in small group journeys
|
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Site
updated April 04, 2008
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