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12 Days Departure Dates
2010: 06Jun/ 19Sep/ 14Nov
Tours depart with maximum 16 persons
Departures guaranteed subject to minimum 8 persons
Land Tour Cost
AUD$2816 pp t/s
AUD$551 Single Room Suppl Independant departures available daily on request, minimum 2 persons This is a newsflash: contrary to what the media and some western governments may prefer you to think, Syria is not populated by terrorists or zealots. In fact, Syrians are among the most friendly and hospitable people in the world and most visitors to their country end up developing a lifelong infatuation with its gentle charms. Modernisation has an important place on the national agenda and Syria is fast becoming an efficient and very proud nation. Fortunately, progress hasn’t resulted in any loss of its magnificent past and the country has more than its fair share of significant historical sites, all of which are respectfully maintained. The ancient cities of Damascus, Aleppo, Bosra are all listed on UNESCO’s World Heritage list, as is the sensationally beautiful Roman city of Palmyra, the mighty Crusader castle of Crac de Chavalier, the labyrinth-like medieval souks, great Umayyad mosques and many ancient Christian churches.
There are many treats on offer and, currently, over 2 million visitors each year to appreciate them. Today, the locals still worship in the historic mosques and Christian churches, still shop in the souks, drink tea in ancient cafes, and picnic amongst the ruined Roman cities, and they're happy for travellers to join them.
We include the best of Syria, at a reasonably leisurely pace, over a 12-day period in the country. You’ll see the sites, meet the people, enjoy both the scenery and the people, and return with a much greater appreciation of the culture of this unique part of the world.
Includes: Escorted by a member of staff of Real Travel from Australia, all airport-hotel transfers in Syria, Syrian visa on arrival, all transfers and touring in air-cond modern coaches, professional English speaking guides, all entry fees to included sites, portage at hotels for one item per participant, excellent standard 4* hotels centrally located, some with heritage listing, breakfast and dinner daily, tipping and gratuity allowance of AUD$106 per person Not included are
International airfare (from Australia approx AUD$2500) -Syria departure tax: AUD$14 –personal expenses.
ITINERARY Day 1: Damascus [D]
Arrival at Damascus. You are met, assisted through formalities, and transferred to our 4* hotel.
We meet again at 7.00pm for introductions and dinner. Day 2: Damascus [BD]
A full-day guided tour includes St Ananias Church, St Paul’s Church, the magnificent Umayyad Mosque, the Tomb of Salah al-Din, and a stroll through the narrow streets of the medieval city and its bazaar. Day 3: Palmyra [BD]
Departure, across a desert landscape, to Palmyra, one of the world’s best preserved, and most recently excavated Roman cities. Check-in at our hotel then spend the afternoon and evening on a guided tour of the ancient city. Day 4: Euphrates Valley [BD]
Drive north towards the Euphrates River with en-route stops at Dura Europa and Mari (a Bronze Age palace). Overnight in Dier Ez Zor on the banks of the river. This region was the centre of the Babylonian civilization. Day 5: Aleppo [BD]
En-route to Aleppo, some 320km away, stop at the great fortification, the Citadel of Jabar, and the Basilica of St Sergius in Rasafa. Dinner and overnight in Aleppo. Day 6: Aleppo [BD]
A site of human occupation since at least 5000BC. A full-day guided tour includes a visit to St Simion, the Citadel of Aleppo, the Madrassa Halawiye, the Great Mosque (founded in 715AD) and the ancient bazaar. Day 7: Aleppo [BD]
A full day at leisure allows time to explore at your own pace. Day 8: Hama [BD]
A day travelling back in time. Our first stop is at Sarjella, an eerie ‘Dead City’ which was abandoned some 1500 years ago. We continue to Ebla, a city which flourished during the 3rd millennium BC, then to Apamia, capital of the Seleucid Dynasty of 300BC. We reach Hama, famous for its ‘norias’ irrigation wheels, for dinner and overnight. Day 9: Crac de Chavalier [BD]
At Hama we see the ancient waterwheels before departing for Crac de Chavalier, the greatest of the Crusader-built fortifications. Afterwards drive to the Christian towns of Sednaya and Ma’aloula where many of the local people still speak Aramaic. Dinner and overnight in Damascus. Day 10: Bosra- Damascus [BD]
A half-day excursion takes us to the ancient city of Bosra. The Egyptian pharaohs Tutmose111 and Akenaten recorded their visits here during the 14thC BC, the Romans built an extraordinary, 15 thousand seat amphitheatre which is still entirely intact, the Prophet Mohammed stopped here and the town still has the world’s oldest Islamic minaret. Day 11: Damascus [BD]
The full day is at leisure in Damascus. We suggest that you spend more time exploring the old medieval sections of the city. Farewell dinner. Day 12: Departure [B]
Check-out after breakfast and transfer to the airport.
Need a longer experience?
After completion of the Syrian tour continue into Jordan, Israel or Egypt. There are many options for touring in these countries. Contact us for details
Pre-tour: Spend 5 days in Lebanon before the start of the Syrian tour. One of our expert guides will meet you on arrival at Beirut airport, transfer you to a great hotel and, over 3 days, escort you to Jeita, Byblos, Harissa, Tyre, Sidon and Baalbek.
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