Syria Tour - Syria tours - Syria tourism - Tour Syria archaeology, ancient Damascus and history of Syria Sy - archaeological Roman ruins, Byzantine basilicas, fortress castles of the Crusaders and Ottoman turbas (tombs)

At the crossroads of the Middle East, Syria’s colorful history dates back to primeval times. Yet, Syria remains a land to be discovered. This fascinating country, stretching from the shores of the Mediterranean Sea to beyond the Euphrates River, is extraordinarily rich in historical sites. And these ancient sites are refreshingly free of commercial ventures with an atmosphere of uncluttered authenticity no longer present at more well-trodden historical locations. Stately Roman ruins, ornately-painted Byzantine basilicas, awe-inspiring fortress-castles built by the Crusaders, and elegant Ottoman turbas (tombs) - all and more abound in this ancient land.

On this 17-day trip we will wonder at Krak de Chevaliers, probably the greatest castle in the world; see the magical ruins of Palmyra as they rise suddenly out of the infinite desert; visit Bosra, the southern capital of Roman Syria; cross the border to explore Ba’albek in Lebanon; and explore the more than eight kilometers of Aleppo’s fabulous covered bazaar. As we walk through these fascinating sites unfettered by swarming crowds, we will appreciate the hospitality of Syria’s warm and friendly people.

Day 2: Arrive Damascus. Overnight for the next two nights in the five-star Cham Palace Hotel, located conveniently in the downtown area.

Day 3: Our full-day tour of Syria's capital begins with the Old City, an UNESCO World Heritage site. First, we will visit the Chapels of Ananias and St. Paul, built at the site where Paul was lowered from the city wall in a basket. From here we enter the Old City through the Bab Sharqi, the Roman Gate of the Sun, walk past an ancient Roman arch into the suq, or modern bazaar, the lifeblood of the city, and on through the spice market, cloth merchants' stores, and the shops of the metal workers. Near the suq is the Azem Palace, the Ottoman palace built between 1749-52 for the governor of Damascus. The Umayyad Mosque sums up in one place the diverse and complex history of Syria. This magnificent monument contains the remains of the Roman Temple to Jupiter, a Byzantine arcade, a beautiful Umayyad mosaic in the courtyard, and the spacious prayer hall where the shrine of St. John the Baptist is located, said to house his head. Continue into the Citadel, passing several modern bathhouses, coffee shops, and private homes. Finally, tour the Damascus National Museum with its collection from the entire history of Syria. (B/L/D)

Day 4: Today we cross into Lebanon to visit marvelous Ba’albek. Already converted into a fortress during the Byzantine era, the former temple precincts changed hands several times during the Arab invasions in the 7th and 8th centuries. Beginning with the First Crusade in the 11th century, the castle became an important outpost; it was captured by Saladin in 1174 and passed to his grandnephew upon his death. (B/L/D)

Day 5: As we leave Damascus, we will stop at Seidnaya, location of the image of the Virgin, before visiting Maalula, rich in historical and religious association and famed for its beautiful setting. Continue to the most magnificent example of Medieval castles in Syria and an UNESCO World Heritage site. In the 12th century, this great fortress known as Krak des Chevaliers was the home of the Knights Hospitaller, and it controlled the trade route between the Mediterranean and Damascus. From here, proceed through lovely orchard and olive-growing country to the picturesque town of Safita. Here, the Crusader castle of Chastel Blanc sits atop the small mountain overshadowing the lovely town. Overnight at the Safita Cham Palace Hotel. (B/L/D)

Day 6: Drive to Amrit, site of the Phoenician religious center Tartus, to see the crusader remains of Our Lady of Tartosa and Qala’at Marqab, a stunning crusader fortress. Sitting on the edge of an extinct volcano, the black basalt ramparts stand out in dramatic relief against the turquoise-blue sky. Continue to Ugarit, the Bronze Age Canaanite seaport where ships from Egypt, Cyprus, Crete and Greece stopped to trade their wares for goods from the interior. The city is famous for the development of an alphabet that greatly simplified record-taking. Overnight in the Hotel Meridien in Lattakia. (B/L/D)

Day 7: This morning, we climb to the spectacular crusader castle and UNESCO World Heritage site at Saladin, famed for its magnificent location perched atop a hill flanked by two spectacular ravines. Walk in the footsteps of Antony and Cleopatra along the mile-long main street lined with massive columns concealing the facades of ancient shops in the Roman city of Apamea. Visit the small museum with fine mosaics found at this site. Continue to Hama dating back to the Neolithic period. Overnight Hama Cham Palace. (B/L/D)

Day 8: Our first stop today is ancient Ebla, one of the most important and powerful city-states in northern Syria during the Bronze Age. Here, we will view a palace where more than 15,000 clay tablets were discovered. Continue to the Church of St. Simon Stelovitus. St. Simon lived atop a column for 42 years. Pilgrims went there to consult with him in life, and after his death, they continued to visit the splendid church that was built around the column. Then it's on to Ain Dara with its extraordinary 2500 year old Aramaean temple crowning the site's acropolis. The sacred shrine was built of black basalt and white limestone, creating a dramatic juxtaposition of light and dark contrasts. A frieze deities, lions and sphinxes runs around the facade of the temple, and two huge menacing lions guard the entrance. Overnight for two nights in Aleppo at the Aleppo Cham Palace Hotel. (B/L/D)

Day 9: The UNESCO World Heritage site of Aleppo lies on a land route between Europe and the East and once was one of the major commercial cities of the Orient. Visit the ancient Tell, dating back to the Neolithic period and still containing remains of an early Islamic city, and the Great Mosque, founded by the Umayyad dynasty in the 8th century. Commerce has always been Aleppo’s claim to fame, and we will end our day in the old city’s suq where covered shops cover 8 square kilometers - the oldest enclosed shopping center in the world! The afternoon is free to explore the suq or visit the Aleppo Museum containing an important collection of artifacts from all periods. Tonight's special dinner party will be held at BeitWakil, a restored 16th century Aleppo palace. (B/L/D)

Day 10: Drive into the Syrian Desert to the Euphrates River and follow an ancient caravan route to Umm el-Marra, currently being excavated by at team from Johns Hopkins University headed by Dr. Glenn Schwartz. Umm el-Marra was one of the ancient Near East's oldest cities, located on a crossroads of two trade routes. A rare intact, unlooted tomb, almost 2500 years old, was uncovered by Dr. Schwartz's team in 2000 made science press headlines. It contained five richly-adorned adults and three babies, some of whom were ornamented head-to-toe in gold and silver. It may be the oldest intact royal tomb yet to be found in Syria. After spending the morning with Dr. Schwartz and his staff, continue to Rasafa, the site of the martyrdom of the Roman soldier St. Sergius. The city is enclosed by still-standing sparkling walls of light-reflecting gypsum. Continue to Halabiye, a massive fortification designed to secure the Roman and Byzantine frontiers along the Euphrates River. Overnight for two nights in the Furat Cham Palace in Deir ez Zor. (B/L/D)

Day 11: Explore the furthest outpost of the Roman Empire, Dura Europos, overlooking the Euphrates River and the fertile plain beyond. Within the massive walls of the city are the remains of a synagogue, a Christian chapel, and the Temple of Zeus. At the ancient site of Mari, an important trading center in the 3rd and 2nd millennium BC, we walk through the ruins of the ancient palace into a labyrinth temple complex. Return to Deir ez Zor for the night. (B/L/D)

Day 12: This morning we will travel deep into the desert to explore Qasr al-Heir al-Sharqi, a remote castle built by Caliph Hisham as a hunting palace during the Umayyad period. The vast walled enclosure contains the remains of two castles, with two semi-cylindrical towers. One of the extraordinary doorways now serves as the entrance to the National Museum in Damascus. Overnight for two nights in the Palmyra Cham Palace. Time permitting, explore the suq where we might see Bedouin women dressed in vivid satin robes with tattooed faces and hands. (B/L/D)

Day 13: Spend today exploring the extensive remains of Palmyra, sometimes called the Queen of the Desert and known since antiquity as Tadmor. Located midway between the Mediterranean and the Euphrates, this oasis was an essential watering place for the many camel caravans that formerly traversed the route in the time of the Roman Empire. Visit the massive Temple of Bel, dedicated to the god who controlled the movement of the stars, the colonnaded street running to the Funerary Temple, the recently restored theatre, and the 2nd-century agora. In the Valley of the Tombs, examine underground catacombs, house tombs, and towers designed as the burial apartments for an entire family. And, finally, we will have a wonderful photographic opportunity as we watch the spectacular sunset create a rosy hue on the remains of this breathtaking city. Dinner is on your own to enjoy one of Palmyra’s local restaurants. (B/L)

Day 14: Today, we drive to Dumeir, site of the intact Roman temple to Zeus Hypistos (245 AD), and on to southern Syria to see the Roman city of Bosra, the southern capital of Roman Syria and an UNESCO World Heritage site. We visit one of the best-preserved Roman theaters, converted to a fortress in Umayyad times. The castle fortifications completely encircled the original theatre, and a moat was dug with a single bridge for entry. The spectacular amphitheater seats 9,000 people. Overnight for two nights in the Bosra Cham Palace. (B/L/D)

Day 15: Drive from Bosra to Shahba, the Roman city of Philippolis. The ancient walls and buildings of the city were constructed from black volcanic rock. After exploring the well-preserved theatre and extensive baths, we will visit the museum where exquisite 4th-century mosaics are on display. Continue to Qanawat, perhaps the most enchanting of Syria’s ancient cities, where the Roman ruins are scattered amidst a grove of huge oak trees. Our last stop will be in the modern museum at Suweiyda to see a well laid out display of spectacular Roman mosaics. (B/L/D)

DAY 16: This morning, enjoy a free morning in Bosra. After lunch, we will transfer across the Syrian border at Jabar into Jordan. Transfer to Amman. Overnight for one night in Amman. Dinner is on your own. (B/L)

NOTE ABOUT ITINERARY CHANGES: Changes in our itinerary, accommodations, and transportation schedules may occur. A good book to read as well as a flexible attitude and a sense of humor are essential.

2009 TRIP DATES: May 24 - June 9, 2009

TRIP COST: $8,495.00
(per person, double occupancy)
Includes international airfare from New York's JFK to Damascus; all hotels; most meals (as listed in the itinerary); entry fees; and land transportation.

COST DOES NOT INCLUDE the separate check for $100.00 to go to the “Johns Hopkins University/ Umm el-Marra Project”; passport or visa fees; airport or departure taxes; beverages or food not included on regular menus; laundry; excess baggage charges; gratuities for guides and drivers: personal tips; alcoholic drinks; telephone and fax charges; or other items of a personal nature.

SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $795.00
Should a roommate be requested and one not be available, the single supplement must be charged.

DONATION CHECKS: The cost of the trip does not include the separate donation check for $100.00 (per person) to the Johns Hopkins University/Umm el-Marra Project. As a tour company that benefits from the historical, cultural and natural riches of our destinations, we have a policy of donating to scholars, archaeological and cultural projects, and museums in each of our destinations. This has created a bond with the academic community that allows you to gain an 'insider's view' of work being done in each country. Please see information on the Johns Hopkins University Umm el-Marr Project on their website. Your donation check will go directly to the project's budget.

REGISTRATION: A deposit of $500.00 per person along with a separate check for $100 made out to the Johns Hopkins University (with "For the Umm el-Marra Project" written in the subject line) is required along with your registration form. Final payment is due 75 days before departure. Cancellations received in writing at least 75 days before departure will result in an administrative fee of $250.00.

Upon receipt of your deposit, the donation check, and completed registration form, you will be sent a reading list and a clothing and equipment list. An information book designed for this trip, including maps of archaeological sites and articles of pertinent interest will be sent upon receipt of final payment.

CANCELLATIONS AND REFUNDS: Cancellations received in writing at least 75 days before departure will receive a refund less a $250.00 administrative fee. Cancellations received less than 75 days before the departure date will not receive a refund. If for any reason you are unable to complete the trip, Far Horizons will not reimburse any fees. Registrants are strongly advised to buy travel insurance that includes trip cancellation.

PRIVATE TOURS OF ARCHAEOLOGICAL SITES: The private tours of archaeological sites and talks by specialists are scheduled in advance and include a donation to each. Specialists working at these sites are excited about showing their work to interested enthusiasts. However, please be aware that there may be times when the director or a member of the staff may not be onsite when our groups arrive due to other commitments.

THE HIDDEN SPLENDORS OF SYRIA: A Forgotten Land

THE HIDDEN SPLENDORS OF SYRIA:
A Forgotten Land