Churches & Christianity In Lebanon & Syria:

By the time the Emperor Constantine gave official recognition to Christianity, increasingly encouraging it as the state religion, Lebanon & Syria (and particularly Antioch) were already in an area of intense Christian activity going back as far as the missions of St. Paul in the mid first century. The following program shows what left out of that era, which is still, a part of public culture & life.

Day 1: (Arrival Beirut) Arrival Beirut Airport, meet & assist, transfer to hotel in Beirut.. Dinner and overnight.

Day 2: (Beirut – Broummana - Khounchara) Visit of Beirut: (a) The Greek-Orthodox Cathedral of Saint George (1767). (b) The Greek-Catholic Cathedral of Saint Elias (19th century). (c) The Saint Louis Church of Capucins (1863). (d) The Evangelical Church (1867). (e) The Maronite Cathedral of Saint George (1888).
Drive east towards Metn to visit the Maronite Convent of Deir El-Qalaa in Beitmery, which was built in the 13th century then to Broummana where the Residence of the Emirs Abillamaa, a palace which became since 1885 a school for the sisters of Charity. 1.5km to the north stands the monastery of Mar Chaaya, founded in 1700 and considered the most ancient foundation of the “Antonins Fathers” in Lebanon. Proceed to visit Mar Elias Chouaia church and the iconostasis offered by the prince of Valachie in the beginning of the 18th century. Drive to the village of Khounchara to visit the Greek-Catholic convent of Saint Jean of Choueir which includes the 1st printer of the Arab world that printed the book “the Balance of Time” in 1734. The convent has three churches among them is the Church of Saint Jean-Baptist where you will see beautiful icons, one of them is the icon of Saint Nicolas (18th century). Dinner and Overnight in Beirut

Day 3: (Harissa – Bkerki – Akoura – Annaya - Byblos - Tripoli) Drive to Jounieh and get the cable car up to the outstretched arms of the Virgin of Lebanon in Harissa. Visit Bkerki, center of the Maronite Patriarchate of Lebanon. Back to the coast and drive till Nahr Ibrahim, then ascend east to Mghairi to visit the Temple of Yanouh which is a small edifice preserved in a wall, converted into a church in the Byzantine period, dedicated to “Saint-George the Blue”. Next lies the vestiges of an ancient church. Drive to Akoura, a village located at the bottom of an impressive cliff, visit the cave from the Roman era, which is now a Chapel dedicated to Saint-Peter, a pilgrimage site with Syriac writings on its walls. Proceed to the village of Annaya to visit the hermitage of Saint Charbel, who has been canonized in October 1977. The body of the Saint remains intact, and it still oozes blood.
Descend back to coast towards Byblos: The oldest continuously inhabited town in the world. Visit the Crusaders’ castle (12th century) and its small chapel dedicated to Our Lady of the Door located at the foot of the castle; the ancient Cathedral of Saint John the Baptist; the baptistery which stands against the cathedral; and the Orthodox chapel to the west dating back to the Byzantine period. Proceed to Tripoli for dinner overnight.

Day 4: (Tripoli – Balamand – Krak des Chevaliers - Homs) City tour of Tripoli to visit its Crusaders’ Church of St. John of Mount Pilgrim and the Crusaders’ Forstress of Saint Gilles (12-13th centuries), as well as other ancient sites, old souks, khans and bazaars. Proceed to visit the Balamand, a Greek Orthodox, very well restored monastery, founded in 1157, that includes a fine collection of icons. Cross the borders with Syria and drive to visit Krac des Chevaliers Castle and St. Sergius Monastery. Dinner and overnight in Homs.

Day 5: (Homs – Aleppo – St Simeon - Aleppo) Transfer to Aleppo and visiting on the way the Dead Cities: Serjielh and St. Simeon Church. Dinner and overnight in Aleppo.

Day 6: (Aleppo) Full day sightseeing of Aleppo including visits to the Christian quarter of Jdiede. Dinner and
Overnight in Aleppo.

Day 7: (Aleppo – Palmyra) Transfer to Palmyra for a visit including the Temple of Bel, the Colonnaded Street, and the Arch of Triumph, the Theater, the Necropolis and the Byzantine Church, . Dinner and overnight in Palmyra.

Day 8: (Palmyra – Maaloula - Seidnaya - Damascus)
Drive to Damascus, visiting en route the monasteries of St. Tekla and St. Segius of Maloula, one of the most beautiful and picturesque villages in the region (60km from Damascus) and 1300 meters above sea level. It is said to be the first monastery in Christianity, and the unique thing is that the inhabitants still speak Aramaic (the language in which Christ preached and addressed his pupils).
Proceed to visit Sednaya, (our Lady, Notre Dame), built on top of a rocky hill 1400 meters above sea level. It is most famous for its convent of Our Lady of Saidaya, one of the most in the Middle East. It has very impressive castle-like walls. It is a place of pilgrimage for many Christian sects. It was built by the Byzantine Emperor Justinian in the 6th century AD in memory of a miraculous vision he had during a hunt in the area. The monastery contains important icons attributed to being painted by St. Luke. Continue to visit the Christian quarter of Damascus including Bab Sharqi and Bab Touma where you are going to visit St. Paul's Window and St. Ananias Chapel. Dinner overnight in Damascus.

Day 9: (Damascus – Baalbeck - Beirut) Drive to Lebanon and proceed through Beqaa Valley to visit Baalbeck, where the greatest Roman temples in the world. When Christianity was declared an official religion of the Roman Empire in 313 AD., Byzantine Emperor Constantine officially closed the Baalbeck temples. At the end of the 4th century, the Emperor Theodosius tore down the altars of Jupiter’s Great Court and built a basilica using the temple’s stones and architecture elements. Cross Mount Lebanon and descend towards the capital for dinner overnight.

Day 10: (Beirut Departure) Transfer departure Beirut Airport. top

Jordan and Syria 14 Days:

Day 1: Meet and be assisted at Queen Alia International Airport. Transfer to your chosen hotel.

Day 2: Start the day with a tour of Amman, visiting the Citadel, the Roman theater, and the old Souq. Afternoon free at leisure, followed by a typical Jordanian dinner evening, and a tour of the handicraft center at the walled village of Kan Zaman.

Day 3: Travel down 400 meters below sea level and experience an unforgettable swim at the salty waters of the Dead Sea. Proceed northwards to Pella in the Jordan valley, and then to Um Qais. Gedara commands a magnificent view over the Sea of Galilee, the Yarmouk river, and the Golan heights. Overnight in Amman.

Day 4: Late departure to the best-preserved example of Roman civilization, Jerash. The city features theaters, churches, temples, Nymphaeum and colonnaded streets. Then proceed to the Mamluk Castle at Ajlun, that was built in the 12th century by Salah Edinn in his campaign against the Crusaders. Return to Amman in the early evening for overnight.

Day 5: Departure via Kings highway to Petra, visiting on route the mosaic city of Madaba, where the oldest map of Holyland exists on the floor of Saint George's Cathedral. Mt. Nebo the traditional burial site of Moses overlooking the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea. Continue southwards via the breathtaking scenery of Wadi Mujib to visit the Crusader Castle at Karak then to Petra.

Day 6: A full day dedicated visit of the lost Nabteans city of Petra. Start with a morning ride on a Bedouins guided horse, you'll pass through fabled SIQ, an immense sandstone, which opens out to reveal the treasury. Continue on to see hundreds of ancient Temples, Royal Tombs, Roman theatres and houses. Return to your hotel in Petra for overnight.

Day 7: Depart in the morning to the magical desert of Wadi Rum, home of "Lawrence of Arabia". Enjoy a mint tea or cardamom coffee before touring this moon-like landscaped desert in a Bedouin driven jeep. After the tour, return to Amman via the Desert Highway for overnight.

Day 8: Transfer to the Jordanian Syrian border where you willl meet your Syrian guide, drive to Bosra for a visit. Continue to Damascus for overnight.

Day 9: Full day sightseeing of Damascus including the National Museum, Omayyad Mosque, a street called Straight, St. Ananias Church and St. Paul window. Overnight Damascus.

Day 10: Drive to Palmyra for sightseeing of Bel Temple, Tombs, Colonnade, Theatre and Agora. Overnight Palmyra.

Day 11: Drive to Aleppo, visiting en route Krak Des chevaliers and Ebla. Overnight Aleppo.

Day 12: Full day sightseeing of Aleppo, visit St. Simeon. Overnight Hama.

Day 13: Drive to Damascus visiting en route Homs, Maaloula and Sydnaya. Overnight Damascus.

Day 14: Transfer to Damascus International Airport for departure. top

Syria and Lebanon 8 Days 7 Nights:

Day 1: Meet and Assist at Damascus International Airport, Transfer To Hotel For Dinner & O/N.

Day 2: Breakfast, Full day visit Damascus: the national museum, Azem Palace, Omayyad mosque & the tomb of Saladin. After noon we continue the sightseeing, heading to the street called straight, St. Paul's window & St. Ananias chapel. The end of the day is highlighted by a panoramic view of Damascus from Kassion mountain. Back to your hotel for dinner & O/N.

Day 3: Breakfast, departure to visit Maalula, Crack Des Chevaliers, then to Ebla, Proceed to Aleppo for Hotel Dinner & O/N.

Day 4: Breakfast, Full day visit Aleppo: museum, the citadel, Grand mosque, caravasiers, St. Siemon back to hotel for Dinner & O/N.

Day 5: Breakfast, departure to Palmyra, en-route visit Apamea, and Noria in Hama, continue to Palmyra, enjoy the sunset view, visit the tombs, theatre, temple of Bel, then to hotel for Dinner & O/N.

Day 6: Breakfast, visit the museum and departure to Lebanon via Daboussieh border, proceed to Tripoli and visit the City with the St Gilles Castle, Hammam & Mosque. Continue to Byblos to visit the old port, St John church and the Citadel, then transfer to the hotel in Beirut and overnight.

Day 7: After breakfast, visit the city center of Beirut and the corniche area. Proceed to Baalback via Zahle. After the visit of Baalback continue to the Lebanese & Syrian border, assist with the formalities and continue to Damascus, for hotel dinner and O/N.

Day 8: Breakfast, Transfer to Airport for Departure. top

Syria, Lebanon, & Jordan 14 days 13 nights:

Day 1: Meet and Assist at Beirut International Airport, Transfer to Hotel in Beirut for Dinner and Overnight.

Day 2: Breakfast, Excursion to Byblos and the Cedars – return to Beirut: city tour – dinner and Overnight

Day 3: Breakfast, Departure to Damascus, en-route visit Beit Eddine – Baalbeck – Anjar – then to Damascus, dinner and overnight in Damascus.

Day 4: Breakfast, Full Day Damascus city tour: visit the National Musuem, Handicraft market, Azem Palace, Ommayad Mosque, the Straight Street, the church of St. Ananias, the window of St. Paul And a stroll in souk Hamidieh, end the tour of a Panoramic view from mountain Kassion. Back to hotel for Dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Breakfast, Departure to Maaloula for a visit of the convent of Mar Sarkis and the monastery Of Mar Takla – continue to Crac Des Chevaliers, dinner and overnight in Lattakia

Day 6: Breakfast, Visit of Ugarit and the castle of Saladin – visit of Aphamea – transfer to Hama, Dinner and overnight in Hama.

Day 7: Breakfast, Visit of the Norias in Hama – continue to Ebla visit – transfer To Aleppo, visit of the souks – dinner and overnight in Aleppo.

Day 8: Breakfast, Full Day visit of Aleppo: museum, Aleppo citadel, the great mosque, then a visit to St. Simeon – dinner and overnight in Aleppo.

Day 9: Breakfast, Departure to Palmyra – start visiting: the temple of Bel, the great Colonnade and the tombs enjoy watching the sunset– dinner and overnight in Palmyra.

Day 10: Breakfast, visit the Museum and the amphtheatre of Palmyra – departure to Damascus, Free time for shopping– dinner and overnight in Damascus.

Day 11: Breakfast, Departure to Amman, en-route visit Bosra – visit of Jerash in Jordan (ancient Greco - roman city. the guide will take you for a tour through the colonnaded street, amphitheatres, churches, temples and the vast roman forum , continue to Amman – Dinner and overnight in Amman.

Day 12: After Breakfast departure for a journey to the south of Amman to visit Madaba and Mount Nebo the highest Moabit range which has been a center for pilgrimages since earliest Christians times. Then drive into and up out the all inspiring Wadi Mujib along the Moabit ridge to Kerak castle which was built In the 12th century visit then to Petra for Dinner and overnight.

Day 13: After breakfast a tour in the Red Rose City Petra, upon arrival we will begin an unforgettable day we will go by foot till we reach the Treasury the guide will give a brief history of the city, followed by a walk through the heart of the Nabateans Capital (Petra). Then Back To Hotel In Amman For Dinner & overnight.

Day 14: Breakfast at the hotel transfer to Amman airport for departure. (End of services). top

The Ancient Treasure Tour 15 Days – 14 Nights:

Day 1: Arrival Beirut
Meet and assist and transfer to hotel in Beirut. Dinner and overnight.

Day 2: Beirut – Harissa – Byblos
Breakfast and departure to visit the city center of Beirut, the Reconstruction Solidere project and the National Museum. Continue to Jounieh and take the Cable Car to visit Our Lady of Lebanon in Harissa , overlooking the beautiful bay of Jounieh. Continue to Byblos and visit the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. Visit the Citadel, the St John church and the old port. Stroll in the old souks. Return to Beirut hotel for dinner and overnight.

Day 3: Beiteddine – Tyre
Breakfast and departure to the Chouf Mountains and visit of the Emir Bechir Palace in Beiteddine, a pure example of the Lebanese architecture of the 19th century. Continue to the South and visit the Phoenician city of Tyre, declared as world heritage by the Unesco. Visit the Colonnades, the Arch of Triumph and the Hippodrome. Return to hotel in Beirut for dinner and overnight.

Day 4: Baalbeck – Ksara – Anjar
Breakfast and departure to visit the Beqaa valley. Visit the Roman Temples of Baalbeck and then drive to Zahleh and visit the Ksara Winery for wine tasting. Continue to Anjar and visit the Ommayad city. return to hotel in Beirut for dinner and overnight.

Day 5: Tripoli – Krak des Chevaliers – Aleppo
Breakfast and departure to visit the 2nd largest city in Lebanon after Beirut: Tripoli. Visit the St Gilles Castle, the Mosque and the Hammams. Proceed to Lebanese – Syrian Borders and meet with the Syrian Guide. Assist with the visa formalities, then cross borders and continue to visit the Krak des Chevaliers. Proceed to Aleppo. Dinner and overnight.

Day 6: Aleppo – St Simeon – Aleppo
Breakfast and morning visit of Aleppo, which is like Damascus , one of the oldest ever inhabited cities in the world. The prosperity of Aleppo is lately connected to trading factor as it is located on the road of Persia and India. Visit The citadel, the Ommayad Mosque, the Museum and the covered bazaar. Afternoon visit of St. Simeon Styllite. It mainly consists of the Martyr church, a convent and a baptistery with a basilica church. It was for a number of centuries the most important center for Christian pilgrimage and a beautiful example of Byzantine architecture. Return to Aleppo for dinner and overnight.

Day 7: Aleppo – Apamea - Hama – Palmyra
Breakfast and drive to Apamea, one of the main Greek cities of the Seleucid Empire. On the way to Hama, famous for its 114 norias, huge wooden wheels known from the 5th century and survived up till the present day, providing water to nearby gardens, and creating a beautiful landscape on the banks of the Orontes River. Continue to Palmyra. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 8: Palmyra
Breakfast and full day visit of Palmyra. Originally called Tadmor, this very ancient city took advantage of the decline of Petra and played a vital role in the 2nd century AD in as much as the Palmyrian army protected the frontiers of the Roman empire. Emperor Diocletian attacked and destroyed the independent state of Palmyra in the 3rd century AD. Dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 9: Palmyra – Homs – Maaloula – Damascus
Breakfast and departure to Homs, where they hve the 2 churches of St. Elian and Oum Al Zunar. Continue to Maaloula old christian village built in the rock where the inhabitants still speak the Aramean , the language of Christ. Visit of St. Sergius Convent, perched on the top of the cliff with its Byzantine Chapel, and then visit of St. Takla , a pupil of St. Paul and one of the first martyrs of the Church. Continue to Damascus. Dinner and overnight.

Day 10: Damascus
Breakfast and full day visit of Damascus: The Ommayad Mosque, the Azem Palace, the St Paul Church, the Ananias House , the National Museum, and the Bazaar. Afternoon visit of Mr Kassioun with its panoramic view overlooking the city of Damascus. dinner and overnight at the hotel.

Day 11: Damascus – Bosra – Jerash – Amman
Breakfast and departure to visit the Roman Amphitheatre of Bosra. Proceed to Jordanian Borders and meet the Jordanian Guide. Assist with visa formalities then continue to visit Jerash. Drive to Amman Hotel. Dinner and overnight.

Day 12: Amman – Mt Nebo – Madaba – Kerak – Petra
Breakfast and departure for a short sightseeing tour of the capital Amman, then continue to visit Mt Nebo, the memorial of Moses and visit the church which was built on the presumed site of the Prophet’s death and burial place. From the platform in front of this church we can overlook the Jordan Valley and the Dead Sea, and the rooftops of Jerusalem and Bethlehem. Then proceed to Madaba (the city of Mosaics) to visit the church of St George where we see the 6th century Byzantine mosaic map showing Jerusalem and other holy sites. Continue to Kerak to visit the crusader castle built in 1141. proceed to Petra. Dinner and overnight at the hotel in Petra.

Day 13: Petra
Breakfast and full day visit of Petra, the rose red city, the legacy of Nabataeans, which is carved in the rock. We can see in Petra the Siq, the Treasury , the Theatre and Temples , tombs and court. Dinner and overnight in Petra.

Day 14: Petra – Wadi Rum – Dead Sea
Breakfast and departure to visit the Desert of Wadi rum with Jeep tour, then drive to Dead Sea. Free time for swimming and Floating. Dinner and overnight.

Day 15: Dead Sea – Amman Airport
Breakfast and transfer to Amman airport for departure. top

Jordan & Syria 10 days 9 nights:

Day 1: Meet & assist at Queen Alia International Airport , Proceed to Aqaba, Dinner & Overnight .

Day 2: Breakfast at hotel , Morning time for Leisure in Aqaba , Check – out hotel, Proceed to Wadi Rum , Arrive in Wadi Rum . The two hour tour moves north in a circle encompassing Al-Khaza’ly Mountain and the fort of Laurence of Arabia. Stop in a magical canyon for a break. Continue the tour moving toward the best sight in Wadi Rum , then proceed to Petra , Dinner & Overnight.

Day 3: Breakfast at hotel , Explore Petra : The treasury house ( Al Khazneh ) , the Royal Tombs , the Roman paved street, the amphitheater , the court , Qasr Al – bint ( Qasr Bint Pharaoh), Al-Deir, Late afternoon Transfer To Amman , Dinner and Overnight

Day 4: Breakfast at hotel , Amman City Tour : The citadel hill, the old city, the Roman amphitheater, the Traditional Jewels & Costumes Museum , proceed to the Desert Castles consists: Qasr Amra, Qasr Al –Azraq, Dinner at Kan Zaman Restaurant, Overnight ( Amman ).

Day 5: Breakfast at hotel , Visit Mt. Nebo and Madaba , Proceed to the Dead Sea, Dinner & Overnight ( Amman ).

Day 6: Breakfast at hotel , Check – out hotel, Visit Jerash Consists : The temple of Zeus, the South Theater, the colonnaded street, the Roman Forum, The Temple of Artemis, Visit Ajlun castle, Proceed to the Syrian border, Visit Bosra, proceed to Hotel in Damascus Dinner & overnight .

Day 7: After breakfast, half day tour of Damascus . The National museum, Azem Palace, the Umayyad mosque , The Straight street, St. Paul’s window & St. Ananias chapel. Bazaars Afterwards to Palmyra . Arrive to hotel in Palmyra, check in , dinner & overnight.

Day 8: After breakfast, visit the tower tombs & the underground tombs, museum, temple of Bel, amphitheater, drive eastward to Homs, then to Hama, the old Aramaic Kingdom, Check in, hotel, dinner & overnight.

Day 9: After Breakfast, visit the huge ancient wooden Waterwheels from the middle ages of the city , then we drive south to visit the mosque of the great Islamic leader Khaled Ibn Al Walid. continue to Crack Des Chevaliers, the castle which Lawrence commented on, as being the wholly admirable castle in the world. then southward to the historical city hidden among rocks, Ma’aloula, the village in which tradition, mythology and even the old Aramaic language still drawing their daily way of living as they are isolated in the Qalamoun range of mountain. Continue to hotel in Damascus for dinner & overnight.

Day 10: Transfer to Damascus airport for departure. top

The Ancient Treasure Syria & Jordan 14 days 13 nights:

Day 01: Damascus. Arrive to Damascus airport. To be met & assisted by your assigned guide. Transfer to your hotel for dinner & O/N.

Day 02: Damascus. After breakfast. Begin your adventure in Damascus with an introduction to 5000 years of Syria’s earliest history at the national museum of Damascus. You tour the Omayyad mosque,Saladin mausoleum,(the person who rallied) Islam at one of the most critical periods and defeated the Crusader invaders the straight street of Damascus, St.Paul’s window & St.Ananias chapel. After lunch, free time to explore the fabulous souqs of Damascus. Drive to Qasioun mountain to view the city of Damascus. Back to your hotel for dinner & O/N.

Day 03: Damascus/ Maaloula/ Crack Des Chevaliers, Tartus, Amrit, Lattakia. After breakfast, Visit of the picturesque village of Maaloula where Aramaic, the language of Christ is still spoken. we leave Damascus northward to Crac Des Chevaliers, The most wholly admirable castle in the world." As Lawrence of Arabia commented. Lunch in the King’s daughter tower, after a fascinating visit to the castle. On the way up to Lattakia we visit the enigmatic Phoenician site of Amrit. Dinner and overnight in Lattakia.

Day 04: Ugarit/ Saladin Castle/ St. Simeon/ Aleppo. Departure for one of the most ancient Syrian sites: Ugarit (the city where the first alphabet was found. Thousands of clay tablets and a great royal palace dates back to 1400 B.C). Then you will explore the beautiful landscapes with the fabulous ruins of the Saladin Castle nesting on a rock. Was known as Zayoun castle from the Phoenician times. Drive north to the St. Simeon monastery, for centuries a famous pilgrimage site. Continue to Aleppo. Dinner and overnight in Aleppo.

Day 05: Aleppo. Today we will tour the flavored oriental city of Aleppo and visit a paradise like museum of antiquities, a visit to the Citadel of Aleppo, the Caravanserais, madrassas and souks. Dinner and overnight in Aleppo.

Day 06: Aleppo/ Ebla/ Apamea/ Hama/ Palmyra. Departure to Ebla, the discovery of this kingdom fills an important gap in our understanding of the 3rd millennium B.C. Drive to visit the ancient site of Apamea, which is one of the four cities founded by Seleucus Nicator in the 3rd century B.C. We visit the Cardo maximus,the Roman residences, the Theater, the Mosaic museum & the Crusader/Arab. Hama is no doubt the highlight of today because of the rustic beauty of its Waterwheels whose timelessness capture the imagination. After lunch in Hama, we drive through the desert to Palmyra .Check in at the hotel, dinner & O/N.

Day 07: Palmyra/ Damascus. This morning, you leave the hotel and wander out into the ruins , you visit the Museum of Palmyra, The temple of god Bel, the main avenue, the arch of triumph, Zanobia bath, the theater, the Senate house & the unique tombs...etc. Lunch is in a local restaurant.( if included ) We farewell Palmyra & drive southeast to Damascus. Dinner & O/N.

Day 08: DAMASCUS / BOSRA/ JERASH/ AMMAN. After breakfast , we driver to visit the ruins of Bosra which seems to have fallen asleep cause of the roughly - hewn blocks of stone black houses and amid black rocks , The best preserved Roman theater in the world,(a Roman theater in an Arab Citadel) the Gate of the wind, the Main avenue, the Underground market, the Lantern gate, Al Omari mosque, The Byzantine cathedral, etc. transfer to the Syrian / Jordanian border for the border formalities , we head to Jerash which was known as the city of a 1,000 Pillars. You will also visit the Triple Arched Gate, the Huge Hippodrome, The Theatre, and the only Roman Forum surrounded by 63 jonick columns, Dinner & overnight in Amman.

Day 09: AMMAN CITY TOUR - DEAD SEA. You'll be start the day with a tour of Amman, visiting the Citadel, the Roman theater, the old Souq, old and new part of Amman. Then Drive down 400 meters below sea level and experiences an unforgettable swim at the salty waters of the Dead Sea . Dinner & overnight.

Day 10: DEAD SEA. Days free at leisure in the Dead sea . Dinner & overnight.

Day 11: DEAD SEA - MT. NEBO - MADABA - KERAK – PETRA. You'll be driven southward along the King Way, one of the oldest trade routes in the world which runs 200 miles along Jordan's hilly backbone. You'll stop at the Byzantine Church of Mt. Nebo, and then proceed to Madaba where you will see a unique Mosaic Map of Palestine. You'll visit the Great Crusaders Castles of Kerak, and continue to Petra for dinner & overnight.

Day 12: PETRA. A full day dedicated visit of the lost Nabteans city of Petra. Start with a morning ride on a Bedouins guided horse, you'll pass through fabled SIQ, an immense sandstone, which opens out to reveal the treasury. Continue on to see hundreds of ancient Temples, Royal Tombs, Roman theatres and houses. Return to your hotel in Petra for overnight.

Day 13: PETRA - LIITEL PETRA ( BEIDA) - WADI RUM – KAN ZAMAN RESTAURANT. After Breakfast, you will visit the littel petra (al Beide) and then Depart to the magical desert of Wadi Rum, home of "Lawrence of Arabia". Enjoy a mint tea or cardamom coffee before touring this moon-like landscaped desert in a Bedouin driven jeep. Drive back to Kan Zaman Restaurant in Amman for dinner. After Dinner drive to Amman for hotel and overnight.

Day 14: AMMAN - Q.A.I AIRPORT. After Breakfast, Transfer to Amman Airport for Final departure. top

The Treasure: Syria & Jordan 11 days 10 nights:

Day 01: Damascus. Arrive to Damascus airport. To be met & assisted by your assigned guide. Transfer to your hotel for dinner & O/N.

Day 02: Damascus. After breakfast. Begin your adventure in Damascus with an introduction to 5000 years of Syria’s earliest history at the national museum of Damascus. You tour the Omayyad mosque,Saladin mausoleum,(the person who rallied) Islam at one of the most critical periods and defeated the Crusader invaders the straight street of Damascus, St.Paul’s window & St.Ananias chapel. After lunch, free time to explore the fabulous souqs of Damascus. Drive to Qasioun mountain to view the city of Damascus. Back to your hotel for dinner & O/N.

Day 03: Damascus/ Crac Des Chevaliers/ Ebla/ Aleppo. After breakfast, we leave Damascus northward to Crac Des Chevaliers, The most wholly admirable castle in the world." As Lawrence of Arabia commented. Lunch in the King’s daughter tower ( if included ), after a fascinating visit to the castle. On the way up to Aleppo we visit Ebla, the discovery of this kingdom fills an important gap in our understanding of the 3rd millennium B.C. After an exciting day,we proceed toAleppo,cheek in at the hotel,dinner and O/N.

Day 04: Aleppo/ St.Simeon/ Aleppo. Today we will tour the flavored oriental city of Aleppo and visit a paradise like museum of antiquities, a visit to the Citadel of Aleppo, the Caravanserais, the souq is included before beating the road to visit St.Simeon monastery in the after-noon.Back to your hotel for dinner & O/N.

Day 05: Aleppo/ Apamea/ Hama/ Palmyra. Today’s drive takes you to visit the ancient site of Apamea, which is one of the four cities founded by Seleucus Nicator in the 3rd century B.C. We visit the Cardo maximus,the Roman residences, the Theater, the Mosaic museum & the Crusader/Arab.Hama is no doubt the highlight of today because of the rustic beauty of its Waterwheels whose timelessness capture the imagination. After lunch in Hama, we drive through the desert to Palmyra .Check in at the hotel, dinner & O/N.

Day 06: Palmyra/ Damascus. This morning, you leave the hotel and wander out into the ruins , you visit the Museum of Palmyra, The temple of god Bel, the main avenue, the arch of triumph, Zanobia bath, the theater, the Senate house & the unique tombs...etc. Lunch is in a local restaurant.( if included ) We farewell Palmyra & drive southeast to Damascus. Dinner & O/N.

Day 07: Damascus/ Bosra/ Jerash/ Amman. After breakfast , we driver to visit the ruins of Bosra which seems to have fallen asleep cause of the roughly - hewn blocks of stone black houses and amid black rocks , The best preserved Roman theater in the world,( a Roman theater in an Arab Citadel) the Gate of the wind, the Main avenue, the Underground market,the Lantern gate, Al Omari mosque, The Byzantine cathedral, etc. transfer to the Syrian / Jordanian border for the border formalities , we head to Jerash , then to Amman for dinner & O/N.

Day 08: Amman/ Shobak/ Petra. After breakfast , we drive to the Ancient crusade castle of Shobak, then to Petra for dinner & O/N.

Day 09: Petra. After breakfast , we start our visit to Petra , ( the most spectacular site of the Middle East hidden in the fastness of multicolored sandstone cliffs ) , by riding horses through the winding canion ( Siq ). We also tour the tombs and the monastery , back to our hotel , dinner & O/N.

Day 10: Petra/ Kerak/ Mont Nebo/ Madaba/ Amman. After breakfast , we head to the Ancient castle of Kerak , we continue to Mont Nebo ,where Moses first saw the Promised Land ,then to Madaba ( where you will see a site of special significance : a mosaic map of Palestine including Jerusalem as it was in the 6th century ) , arrive to your hotel in Amman for dinner & O/N.

Day 11: Amman/ Departure. After breakfast , transfer to Amman airport for departure. top