Breakfast and departure at 8:00 for Baalbek, the "City of the Gods", one of the most significant archaeological monuments in the world. It was originally a Phoenician city, although its glory was truly recognized when its was conquered by Alexander the Great, who elevated Baalbek to a Heliopolis.
The Temples of Baalbek are separated into three major places of worship. T he first, dedicated to Zeus, is the largest in size, but has retained the least of its original features.
The second, dedicated to Bacchus, is the miracle of miracles. The temple still retains its original form, including a grand staircase that leads to its entrance, decorated with fairies and mythological gods. The third, located at a short distance from the other two, is dedicated to Aphrodite. The temple is round and is considered a jewel of Roman architecture.
Due to its great archaeological significance, Unesco has included Baalbek in its World Heritage List.
We continue our tour in Ansar, the "City of the Umayyad". The ruins of this ancient town, which are scattered around the Baalbek Shrine, are the remains from the time of the Umayyad, who ruled the area in the 7 th and 8 th centuries. The city was discovered in 1943, buried in the swamps, among grass and stones. Unesco has also included Ansar in its World Heritage List. Lunch break during the tour. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
After breakfast, we depart at around 8:00 for Sidon and Tyre. Sidon is especially famous for its covered markets, where one can find craftsmen who still perform traditional jobs.
Sidon has known many conquerors: Greeks, Romans, Arabs and Mamelukes. The influence of these groups is apparent in the monuments of the city. We will visit the Sea Castle, which was constructed during the Crusades. Another important monument is Saint Louis Castle.
We arrive in Tyre, a city that is mentioned in the Holy Scriptures. Tyre was under siege by Nebuchadnezzar, while Alexander the Great conquered the city after 7 months of siege.
Today, Tyre retains many of its archaeological monuments from its rich history. On one of its sides, we will visit its Roman, stone-paved town and on its other side we will visit its three-bay monumental arch that dates back to the First Christian Era and its well-preserved Roman Stadium and Hippodrome.
Due to these marvelous sites, Unesco has included Tyre in its World Heritage List. Lunch break during the tour. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Transfer to airport. Return flight to Athens.
Important Notifications:
- The tour schedules presented on the website are INDICATIVE.
- The sequence of the tours may be altered if necessary, without omitting any of the tours mentioned.
- Please always ask for our seasonal schedule slips so that you can have a full view of the different trips to be realized in different seasons, throughout the year. The tour schedules are indicative, since it is impossible that new brochures be printed or changes be made on the website on a constant basis.
INCLUDED:
- 5 nights in a 5* deluxe hotel, including breakfast
- Tours, according to schedule
- Daily lunch during the tours
- Entrance fees for museums and archaeological sites
- Transportation
- Travel Insurance
- Full insurance
- Travel backpack
- Travel Leaflets
NOT INCLUDED:
- International & Domestic Air fares
(Is also available upon request)
- Airport taxes
- Visa
- Tips
