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FROM
PALMYRA TO BAALBECK
A
World Heritage Sites 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.
|
Tour
Summary
|
Map |
Day
|
Place
|
|
01
|
Damascus |
|
02
|
Damascus
|
| 03 |
Damascus
/ Maaloula / Palmyra |
|
04
|
Palmyra |
|
05
|
Palmyra / Krac des Chevaliers / Hama / Aleppo |
|
06
|
Aleppo
/ St. Simeon / Aleppo |
|
07
|
Aleppo
/ Baalbeck / Beirut |
|
08
|
Beirut
/ Dog River / Byblos |
|
09
|
Beirut
|
|
|
 |
UNESCO
World Heritage Sites Visited
This tour has been tailored to include the following World
Heritage Sites |
|
World Heritage Sites in Lebanon covered on this tour |
|
Anjar (1984) |
The
ruins of Anjar, a city founded by Caliph Walid I at the
beginning of the 8th century, has a very methodical layout,
reminiscent of the palace-cities of ancient times. It
is a unique testimony to Omayyad city-planning. |
|
Baalbek (1984) |
This
Phoenician city, the seat of a worship to a triad of deities,
was known as Heliopolis during the Greek period. It retained
its religious function in Roman times when the sanctuary
of Heliopolitan Jupiter drew thousands of pilgrims. Baalbek,
with its colossal structures, is one of the most impressive
examples of Imperial Roman architecture at its apogee. |
|
Byblos (1984) |
Byblos
is the site of the multi-layered ruins of one of the most
ancient cities of Lebanon, inhabited since Neolithic times
and closely tied to the legends and history of the Mediterranean
region for many thousands of years. Byblos is directly
associated with the history of the diffusion of the Phoenician
alphabet. |
|
Tyre (1984) |
Tyre,
where, according to legend, the purple dye was invented,
was the great Phoenician city that ruled the seas and
founded prosperous colonies such as Cadiz and Carthage.
Its historical role declined at the end of the Crusades.
It conserves important archaeological remains, mainly
from Roman times. |
| World
Heritage Sites in Syria covered on this tour |
|
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
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) |
|
B
= Breakfast
|
L
= Lunch
|
D
= Dinner
|
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|
Departure Dates |
|
2008
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
|
| Prices |
| Season |
Tour
Price US$ / CA$ |
Single
Sup US$ / CA$ |
| 2008 |
1395 |
325 |
| Tour
Price Includes |
Tour
Price Does Not Include: |
•
Hotel accommodation as mentioned
• Meal plan as mentioned (B=Breakfast, D=Dinner)
• All sightseeing and transfers
• Entrance Fees to Museums and Sites
• Local English speaking guides
|
•
International Airfare / Departure Taxes
• Personal Insurances
• Visa Fees
• Drinks / Beverages with meals
• Tips / Gratuities to Drivers & 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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