|
FROM
PETRA TO BAALBECK
A
World Heritage Sites Tour of Jordan, Syria & Lebanon |
 |
The
Middle East is a region with a history that goes back to the
dawn of civilization. In this thoughtful tour we visit three
of the most interesting and diverse of the Middle Eastern
countries. We experience both the traditional and intricate
past in sites like Baalbeck, Palmyra and Petra, and we also
experience the glittering modern present and future in the
cities of Damascus and Beirut. This tour covers 10 World Heritage
Sites all a living testimony to this extraordinary area.
|
Tour
Summary
|
Map |
Day
|
Place
|
| 01 |
Arrive
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
/ Baalbeck / Beirut |
| 13 |
Beirut
/ the Dog River / Byblos |
| 14 |
Depart
Beirut |
|
|
 |
UNESCO
World Heritage Sites Visited
This tour has been tailored to include the following World
Heritage Sites |
|
World Heritage Sites covered on this tour |
|
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. |
|
Ancient City of Bosra (1980) |
Bosra,
once the capital of the Roman province of Arabia, was an important
stopover on the ancient caravan route to Mecca. A magnificent
2nd-century Roman theatre, early Christian ruins and several
mosques are found within its great walls. |
|
Anjar & Baalbeck (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. |
|
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. |
|
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. |
| Krak
Des Chev |
The castle is located east of Tripoli,
Lebanon, in the Homs Gap, atop a 650-meter-high hill along the
only route from Antioch to Beirut and the Mediterranean Sea.
It is one of many fortresses that were part of a defensive network
along the border of the old Crusader states. The fortress controlled
the road to the Mediterranean, and from this base, the Hospitallers
could exert some influence over Lake Homs to the east to control
the fishing industry and watch for Muslim armies gathering in
Syria. |
| 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.
Check in starts from 1400 hrs.
Overnight: Ramada Hotel, Amman (1 night)
Day 2: Amman / Umm ar Rassas / Madaba / Mt. Nebo / Kerak
/ Aqaba (Drive 263 kms / 164 miles)
Before heading southwards along the Kings’ Highway to
Aqaba, a stop will be made at Umm ar Rassas to see some of the
finest Byzantine church mosaics. Next stop is Madaba, where
lies the oldest map of the Holy Land, and its Mosaic School,
Mt. Nebo and the alleged burial site of Moses overlooking the
Dead Sea and the Jordan Valley; then drive through the magnificent
scenery of Wadi Mujib to Kerak to visit the Crusader Castle
of (stop for optional lunch).
Overnight: Aqaba Gulf Hotel, Aqaba (1night) (B, D)
Day 3: Aqaba / Wadi Rum (Drive 42 kms / 26 miles)
A brief tour of Aqaba before we head for Wadi Rum, the land
of Lawrence of Arabia to embark on a two hours 4x4 jeep safari.
This evening enjoy a BBQ dinner while star gazing.
Overnight: Jabal Rum Camp, Wadi Rum (1 night) (B, D)
Day 4: Wadi Rum / Petra / Amman (Drive 240 kms / 149
miles)
A magnificent days ahead as we continue to the pink city of
Petra to visit its many sites. This city was carved into the
rose-red Sharah Mountains by the Nabateans and lost to Civilization
until re-discovered by the Swiss Burkhardt. Walk through the
Siq, a narrow and winding fissure between the cliffs, to reach
the Treasury, the Roman Theater, the Courts, Qasr Bint Pharaoun,
Temple of the Winged Lion and other monuments. A break for optional
lunch, or you may wish to climb up to the Monastery. Return
to Amman.
Overnight: Ramada 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 215 kms / 134
miles)
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: Talisman 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 217 kms
/ 135 miles)
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: Semiramis 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 211 kms / 131 miles)
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: Dar Zamaria, 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.
Day 12: Aleppo / Baalbeck / Beirut (Drive 300 kms /
187 miles)
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. Continue onto Beirut.
Overnight: Cada D’Or Hotel, Beirut (2 nights)
(B, D)
Day 13: Beirut / the Dog River / Byblos
This morning tour starts with a visit to the National Museum
and drive to the downtown district to see the huge reconstruction
project to create a new commercial and residential district
of the 21st century. Next stop will be the Dog River, where
we will be seeing its commemorative inscriptions that have been
left behind by conquering armies between 2nd millennium BC and
1949 AD. Proceed north to discover a town that goes back 7000
years and the world oldest continuously inhabited. Byblos is
a 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. (B, D)
Day 14: Depart Beirut
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 |
|
2012
Daily
|
| Prices |
| Season |
Tour
Price US$ |
Single
Sup US$ |
| 2012 |
4660 |
895 |
| 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 guides
|
•
International Airfare / Departure Taxes
• Visa Fees / Insurance
• Drinks / Beverages with meals
• Tips / Gratuities to Drivers & Guides |
| Estimated
International Airfare(not
included in tour price) |
| East
Coast |
US
$ 1400 |
| West
Coast |
US
$ 1600 |
| Please
note:
This tour operates with a minimum of 02
and a maximum of 10
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 |
|
33
years in small group journeys
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Site
updated Nov 07, 2011
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