Syria: Suggested Tours

Land at Beirut International Airport under your own arrangements (We recommend the flights offered by BMI from London Heathrow). Once you have cleared the customs and immigration formalities you will be met by your Corinthian Travel representative then transferred to your centrally located hotel.

Accommodation: Stay for 4 nights at the Albergo Hotel (Suite) / Le Gray Hotel (Deluxe Room).

This morning explore Beirut. The Lebanese capital, once known as the ‘Paris of the East’, was until the early 90s synonymous with war and conflict. Since then, an enormous programme of re-construction has restored the many beautiful Ottoman and French Mandate period buildings to their full glory. Your visit will include a visit to the wonderful National Museum, the scenic landmark of Pigeon Rocks, and the Downtown area that was once split by the infamous Green Line. Following the tour, drive to the picturesque medieval town of Byblos for lunch. This afternoon explore the town’s attractive fishing harbour, Crusader castle, and beautifully restored cobbled lanes.

Today there will be a full day excursion to southern Lebanon. Tyre, one of the great trading entrepȏts of early antiquity, will be your first stop. The town is known for its wonderful UNESCO World Heritage listed Roman ruins including an enormous hippodrome. Next, drive north to Sidon for lunch by the harbour. This afternoon visit the attractive Crusader castle, then explore Sidon’s wonderful maze-like souqs. On your return to Beirut stop en route at the Phoenician complex of Echmoun.

This morning drive through the mountains to Baalbeck. The sheer scale and proportions of the UNESCO World Heritage Site never cease to impress. The site is entered via a monumental stairway, and then proceeds through the Propylaea and two impressive marble courtyards to the Temple of Jupiter – one of the largest temples ever built. To the south, is the beautifully decorated Temple of Bacchus. After lunch visit the Umayyad city of Aanjar, then, return to Beirut stopping en route at Ksara, Lebanon’s oldest winery.

Today you will drive to Latakia in Syria. Tripoli will be the first stop. The city is dominated by the Crusader citadel of Raymond Saint-Gilles which towers over the numerous mosques, madrassas and khans that nestle beneath its walls. After lunch cross the Syrian border and drive to Marqab. This castle was one of the largest ever built by the Crusaders. The Knights Hospitaller were not dislodged from its spectacular black basalt walls until 1285.

Accommodation: Stay for 1 night at the Afamia Rotana Resort (Sea Facing Room) / Afamia Rotana Resort (Sea Facing Room).

Following breakfast visit Ugarit, a site that was settled in the 6th millennium B.C. The stone built remains feature an impressive fortified entrance, discernable streets and a 90 room palace. From here, continue onto Saladin’s Castle, one of the best examples of early Crusader military architecture. After lunch continue to St. Simeon’s Monastery, a masterpiece of Byzantine architecture. On the completion of your visit drive to Aleppo.

Accommodation: Stay for 2 nights at the Beit Salahieh (Standard Room) / Mansouriya Hotel (Suite).

Today there will be a full day tour of Aleppo. Start at the city’s museum, then continue to Aleppo Citadel, visit the attractive Grand Mosque, then explore some of the wonderful Islamic architecture to be found amongst of the great khans (warehouses). This afternoon, plunge into the great covered souqs. Said to be over 15 kilometers in length, visiting the souqs is a total immersion into the Middle Eastern experience. This evening there will be a short walking tour of the ancient twisting lanes of Aleppo’s Armenian quarter ending at one of Aleppo’s finest restaurants.

Today drive to Apamea. The ruins of this stunning Roman city are amongst the most attractive in Syria. The site’s main feature is a magnificent colonnaded street, over 1.5 kilometers in length, lined with columns along almost its entire route. Continue to Hama to see the giant, picturesque noria (waterwheels), which line the river Orontes. Later this afternoon drive east across the Syrian Desert to Tamdor, ancient Palmyra.

Accommodation: Stay for 2 nights at the Tadamora Palace Hotel & Spa (Standard Room) / Tadamora Palace Hotel & Spa (Standard Room).

Today there will be a full day tour of Palmyra. Under its rulers in the 2nd and 3rd century A.D. Palmyra rose to become the premier caravan city in the Middle East, achieving its apogee under the great Queen Zenobia. The Temple of Bel is Palmyra’s greatest monument and dominates the site. A colonnaded street of more than 1.2 kilometres leads from here through a grand Monumental Arch into the heart of the city. An unusual feature of the main thoroughfare is that it is not paved, making it easier for horses and camels. In the afternoon the view of the site from the 17th century castle of Ibn Maan is magical.

This morning drive to the Crusader castle of Crac des Chevaliers. This stunning piece of military architecture was described by T.E. Lawrence as: ‘the best preserved and most wholly admirable castle in the world’. Its fortifications are the easternmost of a chain of five castles sited to secure the Homs Gap – the easiest access between the Mediterranean and the Syrian interior. This afternoon drive to Damascus.

Accommodation: Stay for 3 nights at the Talisman Al Ameen Hotel (Standard Room) / Al Pasha Hotel (Junior Suite).

Today there will be a full day tour of Damascus. Starting at the wonderful National Museum your tour will continue to the beautiful Old City where you will walk along the Biblical Street called Straight to visit the Church of St Ananias. This afternoon, delve into the ancient maze of streets that comprise the Christian quarter and visit the lively colourful ancient souqs (markets). Next visit the beautiful 18th century Azem Palace, and see the great architectural jewel of Damascus: the stunning 8th century Umayyad Mosque This evening enjoy a typical Syrian meal at one of the finest restaurants in Damascus.

Today travel south to visit ancient Bosra, a site that is noted for its amazingly well preserved Roman theatre. People still live among the monuments in houses little changed from the city’s heyday and in doing so seemingly bring ancient history to life in a unique way.Return to Damascus this afternoon. On arrival the remainder of the day will be at leisure.

Transfer to Damascus International Airport and check-in for your onward flight.