World Heritage Tours - World Heritage Tours - Tours in the Middle East, Tours in South America, Tours in Indochina, Tours in Africa,  African Safaris
World Heritage Tours - World Heritage Tours - Tours in the Middle East, Tours in South America, Tours in Indochina, Tours in Africa,  African Safaris
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
Bestway Tours & Safaris
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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photographs © Peter Langer
Site updated April 04, 2008
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