Give a 
Syrian Explorer
- Tour
- Syria view itinerary
- Travel dates
- From 02-Oct-2012 to 02-Jul-2013.
- Duration
- 8 days
- Price
- from $781
- Supplier
- GECKOS
Syria is the hidden gem of the Middle East. This fascinating country has a long and at times turbulent history. Nabataeans, Romans, Assyrians, Crusaders and Turks have all left their mark and their legacies can be found in the incredible array of ancient cities, temples, castles, mosques and bazaars. Damascus is considered the oldest continually inhabited city in the world, with its atmospheric Old City and its stunningly delightful Omayyad Mosque. To the east lies the legendary ancient city of Palmyra. To the north is the splendid Crusader castle at Krak des Chevaliers and the fabulous city of Aleppo, which boasts one of the best bazaars in the Middle East. Our adventure finally ends back in Damascus.
Call 133 133 or enquire online about this tour.
Included:. Gecko's expert English-speaking local tour guide throughout the tour... Sightseeing (including entrance fees where applicable): Damascus including the National Museum and Omayyad Mosque; ancient city of Palmyra; Krak des Chevaliers Crusader castle; and the town of Hama... A night in Tadmor village near ancient Palmyra... Free time to explore Aleppo and Damascus...Accommodation: 7 nights Hotel.Meals: 7 breakfasts.Transport: Jeep.Minibus.Scheduled bus.Not Included:. International flights, arrival and departure transfers, visas, airport taxes, additional meals, drinks, optional sightseeing tours, insurance, tips and items of a personal nature...
Day 1: Damascus
Your trip starts today in Damascus. No activities are planned so you may arrive at any time. Rooms are generally available after 1 pm. If you have not pre-booked an arrival transfer you will find taxis available on arrival at Damascus Airport. Make sure you agree the price before you set off into town! Prices are in Syrian Pounds and range from US$4 to US$10, depending on your bargaining skills! Your tour guide may make contact tonight, otherwise you will see him tomorrow morning at the tour briefing, which usually takes place after breakfast.
Day 2: Damascus
We begin with a tour of the National Museum, where our tour guide/local site guide explains the various periods of Syrian history. There are numerous artefacts from Palmyra as well as a superb collection of clay tablets, all inscribed with cuneiform letters – one of the earliest forms of the alphabet. We then make our way into the Old City, where we visit the wonderful and impressive Omayyad Mosque. Be sure to be properly clothed today (shorts are not allowed and women are expected to cover all limbs. If you don’t pass the test you will be directed to the ‘Putting On Special Clothes’ room where you will be lent a large sack-like garment to put over your clothes). The Omayyad Mosque is an absolute gem and after having time to absorb, it we head into the numerous streets, alleyways and bazaars that make up the heart of the Old City.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 3: Palmyra
This morning we drive to the celebrated ancient city of Palmyra, arriving around lunchtime. Palmyra’s ‘Golden Age’ was during the first two centuries A.D, first as a Greek city and then as part of the Roman Empire. It was a major link in the ancient Spice Route to India and pack-camels once arrived here laden with spices and perfumes. In the afternoon we visit the Temple of Bel, dedicated to Palmyra’s principal deity who was the personification of the Roman god, Jupiter, and the Greek god, Zeus. We walk along parts of the ceremonial colonnade (once the main street) and explore the various other places of interest, including the baths of Diocletian and the remains of the 'agora' (or ancient marketplace). We spend the night in the little village of Tadmor, just outside the old city.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 4: Palmyra-Krak Des Chevaliers
Leaving Palmyra we make our way to Krak Des Chevaliers, described by Lawrence of Arabia as ‘the finest castle in the world’. After time for lunch we explore this magnificent structure, which rises from the desert floor like a fairytale fortress and is now one of Syria’s premier attractions. The original fortress dates back to 1031, but it was the 12th century Crusaders who expanded and extensively remodelled it. In the late afternoon we head to our nearby hotel for the night.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 5: Hama - Aleppo
From Krak we drive along the valley to Aleppo. Along the way we stop at the pretty town of Hama. Located on the banks of the Orontes River, the tree-lined streets, peaceful gardens and ancient water wheels make this a very pleasant place to visit. We arrive in Aleppo in the early afternoon.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 6: Aleppo
Most of our time in Aleppo is spent exploring the historic limestone-vaulted souk, where the thick pall of ground spices hangs in the gloomy submarine light and sheep and goats are put out to graze on the roof. It is a fascinating area and one of the highlights of our trip, with its splendid khans (merchant houses) and caravanserais. The Great Mosque is also well worth a visit, and you can take an optional morning excursion to the dramatic Monastery of St Simeon. One evening we can visit the historic bathhouse of Hamam el Nasri, which has been in operation for over 600 years. There are several good restaurants to check out.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 7-8: Damascus
We say goodbye to Aleppo in the morning and head south back toward Damascus, where upon arrival the rest of our time is at leisure to explore more of this intriguing city. Maybe revisit the Souq al-Hamidiyya (main bazaar) or take in the sights and sounds of central Damascus after dark. There are lots of cheap local restaurants and nearby shops for some last minute purchases. Our trip ends after breakfast in the morning of Day 8. If you wish to stick around for few more nights in this grand old city, please pre-book additional post-tour accommodation at the time of booking your tour.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Your trip starts today in Damascus. No activities are planned so you may arrive at any time. Rooms are generally available after 1 pm. If you have not pre-booked an arrival transfer you will find taxis available on arrival at Damascus Airport. Make sure you agree the price before you set off into town! Prices are in Syrian Pounds and range from US$4 to US$10, depending on your bargaining skills! Your tour guide may make contact tonight, otherwise you will see him tomorrow morning at the tour briefing, which usually takes place after breakfast.
Day 2: Damascus
We begin with a tour of the National Museum, where our tour guide/local site guide explains the various periods of Syrian history. There are numerous artefacts from Palmyra as well as a superb collection of clay tablets, all inscribed with cuneiform letters – one of the earliest forms of the alphabet. We then make our way into the Old City, where we visit the wonderful and impressive Omayyad Mosque. Be sure to be properly clothed today (shorts are not allowed and women are expected to cover all limbs. If you don’t pass the test you will be directed to the ‘Putting On Special Clothes’ room where you will be lent a large sack-like garment to put over your clothes). The Omayyad Mosque is an absolute gem and after having time to absorb, it we head into the numerous streets, alleyways and bazaars that make up the heart of the Old City.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 3: Palmyra
This morning we drive to the celebrated ancient city of Palmyra, arriving around lunchtime. Palmyra’s ‘Golden Age’ was during the first two centuries A.D, first as a Greek city and then as part of the Roman Empire. It was a major link in the ancient Spice Route to India and pack-camels once arrived here laden with spices and perfumes. In the afternoon we visit the Temple of Bel, dedicated to Palmyra’s principal deity who was the personification of the Roman god, Jupiter, and the Greek god, Zeus. We walk along parts of the ceremonial colonnade (once the main street) and explore the various other places of interest, including the baths of Diocletian and the remains of the 'agora' (or ancient marketplace). We spend the night in the little village of Tadmor, just outside the old city.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 4: Palmyra-Krak Des Chevaliers
Leaving Palmyra we make our way to Krak Des Chevaliers, described by Lawrence of Arabia as ‘the finest castle in the world’. After time for lunch we explore this magnificent structure, which rises from the desert floor like a fairytale fortress and is now one of Syria’s premier attractions. The original fortress dates back to 1031, but it was the 12th century Crusaders who expanded and extensively remodelled it. In the late afternoon we head to our nearby hotel for the night.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 5: Hama - Aleppo
From Krak we drive along the valley to Aleppo. Along the way we stop at the pretty town of Hama. Located on the banks of the Orontes River, the tree-lined streets, peaceful gardens and ancient water wheels make this a very pleasant place to visit. We arrive in Aleppo in the early afternoon.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 6: Aleppo
Most of our time in Aleppo is spent exploring the historic limestone-vaulted souk, where the thick pall of ground spices hangs in the gloomy submarine light and sheep and goats are put out to graze on the roof. It is a fascinating area and one of the highlights of our trip, with its splendid khans (merchant houses) and caravanserais. The Great Mosque is also well worth a visit, and you can take an optional morning excursion to the dramatic Monastery of St Simeon. One evening we can visit the historic bathhouse of Hamam el Nasri, which has been in operation for over 600 years. There are several good restaurants to check out.
Meals Included
Breakfast
Day 7-8: Damascus
We say goodbye to Aleppo in the morning and head south back toward Damascus, where upon arrival the rest of our time is at leisure to explore more of this intriguing city. Maybe revisit the Souq al-Hamidiyya (main bazaar) or take in the sights and sounds of central Damascus after dark. There are lots of cheap local restaurants and nearby shops for some last minute purchases. Our trip ends after breakfast in the morning of Day 8. If you wish to stick around for few more nights in this grand old city, please pre-book additional post-tour accommodation at the time of booking your tour.
Meals Included
Breakfast
- Prices quoted valid for sale until 08 June 2012 unless otherwise stated or sold out prior.
- Price is per person and subject to availability.
- Accommodation (if included) is based on twin share unless otherwise stated.
- Airfare (including internal flights) is not included unless otherwise stated and, if included, is economy class unless otherwise stated.
- Local payments, "trip kittys" or food funds may apply and may be payable direct to the supplier on arrival or to your travel agent prior to your departure.
- Where applicable, these payments are included in the total price quoted.
- Gratuities are not included unless otherwise stated.
- Additional conditions and travel restrictions may apply.
- Please enquire for further details.
- Prices shown are fully inclusive of taxes, levies and government charges current at time of publication.
- Additional levies, government charges and other applicable fees may apply and are beyond our control.
- Seasonal surcharges and blackout dates may apply depending on date of travel.
- Payments made by credit card will incur a surcharge.
- Prices shown are for payments made by cash in store or Bpay.
- These prices are a guide to the best price.
- Prices are correct as at 25 May 2012 and are subject to change without notice, due to matters outside our control, such as adverse currency fluctuations, fuel surcharges, taxes and airfare increases.
- Please enquire for further details.
- .
Important Notice
The following information has been obtained from the relevant suppliers and should be considered an indicative guide only as to the prices that may be available for these products. Flight Centre cannot guarantee that any particular product will still be available at the following prices, or for your exact dates of travel. At the time of making your booking, prices may differ to that price displayed on this website. Please contact a Flight Centre travel consultant to obtain the latest up to date information regarding applicable prices, fees and charges, taxes, availability, any blackout dates (such as school holidays), seasonal surcharges and other terms and conditions which may apply.
Product SKU: 2182131
Enquiry Options
- Phone
Please enter your phone number including the area code
- Visit a store
