Syria Snapshot

Tour description

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Due to the uncertain security situation in Syria at the present time we have taken the decision to suspend this trip until such time that we can guarantee the safety of our clients. Thank you for your understanding. See the latest FCO advice.

Please have a look at our other Middle Eastern tours in Jordan, Lebanon and Turkey.

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`Damascus has looked upon the dry bones of a thousand empires, and will see the tombs of a thousand more before she dies`
- Mark Twain

A condensed version of our Syrian Odyssey tour, this trip starts in the historical city of Damascus and winds its way through Syria`s mind-boggling collection of ancient ruins and desert landscapes. Many of the great civilisations have impacted this country - from the Greeks, Romans and Phoenicians to the Arab Caliphates and Crusaders. It is no wonder that Syria is considered the real jewel of the Middle East by those who make it this far.

BOOKING AND PAYMENT QUESTIONS

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Syrian Odyssey, 14 days »

Day 1

Fly into Damascus. You will be met by a Travel The Unknown representative at the airport and transferred to your hotel. Overnight in Damascus. Meal plan: N/A.

Day 2

Drive to Aleppo via Krak des Chevaliers and Hama. Evening free to relax. Feast on sumptuous Syrian delicacies at atmospheric restaurant in evening. Overnight in Aleppo. Meal plan: B, D

Day 3

Day to visit the ancient city of Aleppo and explore its souks (markets), some of the finest in the whole Middle East. Visit the impressive National museum, citadel, grand mosque and finally the colourful souks. Overnight in Aleppo. Meal plan: B, L

Day 4

Visit the stunning dead cities of Al-Bara and Serjilla before exploring Ma`arret Al Nouman mosaic museum. Lunch. Explore the church of St. Simeon, the famous Stylite who lived on an 18m pillar. Overnight in Aleppo. Meal plan: B, L

Day 5

Steeped in history, visit the magnificent Roman ruins at Rasafa and the stunning castle of Qala`at Ja’abar encircled by the azure waters of Lake Assad. Lunch in a lake-side restaurant. Drive to the ancient ruins of Halabia, then on to Deir Ez-Zur. Overnight in Deir Ez-Zur. Meal plan: B, L

Day 6

Visit the Roman walled city of Dura Europos overlooking the Euphrates and the ruins of the ancient city of Mari. Afternoon at leisure - free to discover the souk and museum and meet the friendly locals. Enjoy a boat ride and Arabian tea on the Euphrates river as the sun sets. Overnight in Deir Ez-Zur. Meal plan: B

Day 7

Leisurely start to the day. Set off for the palace of Qasr Hirl Sharqi, a stunning fortress set deep in the desert. Picnic lunch, drive to Palmyra for a short visit of the ruins. Overnight in comfortable Bedouin tent (in a real bed - this is the most luxurious tent you can imagine!) and enjoy ambience of Syria at its best. Meal plan: B, L, D

Day 8

Early breakfast, then set off for Damascus. Day tour of the world’s oldest city. Damascus’ highlights include: the National museum, Takieh Mosque, covered Souk, Umayyad Mosque. Enjoy a hearty buffet lunch. Continue tour to Azem Palace, Straight Street, St. Anania’s Church, Bab Sharqi and St. Paul’s Window. Visit Qasioun mountain for stunning views across this ancient city. Overnight in Damascus. Meal plan: B, L

Day 9

Breakfast. Transfer to Damascus Airport for final departure. Meal plan: B