At the crossroads of 3 continents: Asia, Africa and Europe, Syria has been a land of conflict, interaction and fusion of many different cultures since ancient times. No other land in the east possesses such a wide range of historical monuments.
In this beautiful country, where the Greek element is prevalent, we will have the chance to visit cities such as Ugarit, which is known for its signs with cuneiform writing and its archaeological sites.
In Philippoupolis (or Shabba) we can see the famous theater with its 4 Corinthian-style columns, as well as the lovely mosaics that depict Dionysus, Orpheas and Aphrodite.
Our tour of the Syrian cities and villages includes Damascus, where we will visit the Archaeological Museum with its displays of artifacts from many cultures and periods.
Next, we will visit the Great Mosque of the Humaids, which was built by Khalif Al-Walid and includes a Byzantine Temple and the Grave of Salahdin.
Finally, we travel to the Christian lands of Syria, located 56 kilometers north of Damascus, to visit the village of Maaloula, where the residents still speak Aramaic, the language of Christ.
CULTURAL TOUR OF SYRIA (8 Days - 7 Nights)
With such a rich history and a civilization that dates back to ancient times, Syria is considered the second (unknown) "Great Greece". Prehistoric civilization, Hellenic colonization, Hellenistic, Byzantine, Frankish and Arabic antiquities. An exciting journey through history.
Athens - Damascus
Assembly at the Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos". Flight to Damascus. Group met by local representatives. Transfer and settle in the hotel. Dinner and overnight stay.
Damascus – Maaloula – Syntnayia – Hama - Crack De Chevalier – Aleppo
Breakfast and departure to Maaloula, a picturesque village built on a stream. Maaloula is rightly included in the important Christian sites of Syria, as the inhabitants of the village still speak Aramaic, the language of Jesus, and although they are catholic, they follow orthodox rituals.
Then we head on to the Christian Monastery of Sydnaya, where you will admire the original icon of Virgin Mary, created by Apostle Lucas. We continue with a visit to Hama. There you can see the ten huge waterwheels that carry water from the Orontes River. On our way to Aleppo we will visit Crack De Chevalier, which is the most famous fortress in the world. It is considered one of the most significant Medieval architectural masterpieces and maintains the title of the finest fortress of the Crusades. Arrival in Aleppo, transfer to hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Aleppo
After breakfast, we depart around 10:30 for a tour of the city. We begin with a visit to the Church of St. Simon and the Pillar where the ascetic St. Simon resided, which is considered the most stirring site of the Pre-Christian Era. We continue the tour with a visit to the Acropolis of Aleppo, the Caravanserai and the Great Mosque. Next we go to the souks and the large 12 meter long, covered bazaar, where you can find perfumes, gold items, gold weaving, silk scarves and various objet d' art, spread out before you, just as they have been for centuries. After our tour we return to hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Aleppo – Sergioupolis – Jabbar – Lake Assad – Palmyra
Breakfast. About 170 km in the southeast of Aleppo is Rassafa, the Ancient Sergioupolis, which will visit today. The most significant monument there is the Basilica of St Sergius, who martyred when Diocletian was an emperor, as he would not renounce his faith to Jesus. St Sergius was buried with his companions at the basilica, which was named “Torture”. At Sergioupolis you may also see the remnant of the fortress with the forty gates. We will continue along the banks of Euphrates, cross the dam and head to the Acropolis of Jabbar. The unique pink 12th century castle is a sight you should definitely see before leaving Syria. It lies in the middle of Lake Assad, an ideal point for the safety of caravan travelling along Euphrates. In 1970 the castle was restored and since then operates as a museum. Its towers are ornamented with inscriptions and harmoniously coexist with its minaret.
Arrival at Palmyra where we will settle at the hotel. Dinner in Bedouin tents over traditional music and dervish dances. Overnight stay.
Palmyra – Damascus
Breakfast and departure for our tour of Palmyra. During the Greek Era, Palmyra was called the City of the Palms. We will tour the ancient sites, the Temple of Baal, the Ancient Theater, the Agora, the Senate and the impressive 1,000 meter Colonnaded Street. The Valley of the Tombs, with its towers that reach the height of a 6-storey apartment building and the baths of Queen Zenobia, are also stunning.
In the evening we will view the romantic sunset nearby the Acropolis and then depart to Damascus. Arrival at our hotel to settle in. Dinner and overnight stay.
Damascus
After breakfast, we begin our tour of Damascus, which is the oldest city in the world, inhabited since 5,000 BC. Our first stop is the Museum where Greek pottery, mosaics and statues, as well as objects from other civilizations are displayed. We continue our tour with a visit to Umayyad Mosque, which is one of the most important monuments in the city, built on top of Greek and Byzantine structures. It was here where John the Baptist's skull, placed on a tray, and his tomb were found. We will also visit the shrine that houses Salahdin's grave.
Next, our tour takes us to the road that St. Paul walked upon, also known as "Via Retka", St. Paul's Window, an ancient structure from where it is believed that St. Paul escaped the city after being persecuted by the Jews, and the catacombs in St. Anania Church.
Our next stop is Mt. Qassioun where we are offered a splendid, panoramic view of Damascus. We complete our tour and leave for Hamidiye to stroll through the grand market to purchase fabrics, jewelry and spices. Traditional buffet dinner, where we will also see dervish dances. Transfer to the hotel and overnight stay.
Damascus is famous for its great markets selling goods at very low prices. Free day in Damascus for shopping. We recommend a day trip to Baalbek or Bosra. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Transfer to Damascus Airport. Return flight to Athens.
The program is indicative and the order of the tours may be altered without omitting any tours. Final schedule is provided 3 days before departure.
INCLUDED:
7 overnight stays in hotels of your choice including breakfast and dinner, as mentioned on the schedule
Dinners in Bedouin tents in Palmyra over traditional music
Tours, according to schedule
Entrance fees for museums and archaeological sites
Transportation
Local Greek speaking guide or translator
Visa for Syria when the group includes more than 12 people
Public liability insurance
Travel backpack
Visa
NOT INCLUDED:
International & Domestic Air fares
(also available upon request)
Airport taxes & petrol increase
Departure taxes at Damascus airport € 25 per person
Visa for Syria when the group includes less than 12 persons
Tips
Drinks and personal expenses
Extra travel insurance package
IN ORDER TO TRAVEL TO SYRIA, YOUR PASSPORT MUST NOT HAVE A STAMP FROM ISRAEL.
SYRIA – LEBANON / 10 DAYS
Athens - Damascus
Assembly at the Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos". Flight to Damascus. Group met by local representatives. Transfer and settle in the hotel. Evening free for a fist acquaintance with the city. Dinner and overnight stay.
Damascus – Maaloula – Syntnayia – Hama - Crack De Chevalier – Aleppo
Breakfast and departure to Maaloula, a picturesque village built on a stream. Maaloula is rightly included in the important Christian sites of Syria, as the inhabitants of the village still speak Aramaic, the language of Jesus, and although they are catholic, they follow orthodox rituals. Then we head on to the Christian Monastery of Sydnaya, where you will admire the original icon of Virgin Mary, created by Apostle Lucas. We continue with a visit to Hama. There you can see the ten huge waterwheels that carry water from the Orontes River. On our way to Aleppo we will visit Crack De Chevalier, which is the most famous fortress in the world. It is considered one of the most significant Medieval architectural masterpieces and maintains the title of the finest fortress of the Crusades. Arrival in Aleppo, transfer to hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Aleppo
After breakfast, we depart around 10:30 for a tour of the city. We begin with a visit to the Church of St. Simon and the Pillar where the ascetic St. Simon resided, which is considered the most stirring site of the Pre-Christian Era. We continue the tour with a visit to the Acropolis of Aleppo, the Caravanserai and the Great Mosque. Next we go to the souks and the large 12 meter long, covered bazaar, where you can find perfumes, gold items, gold weaving, silk scarves and various objet d' art, spread out before you, just as they have been for centuries. After our tour we return to hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Aleppo – Sergioupolis – Jabbar – Lake Assad – Palmyra
Breakfast. About 170 km in the southeast of Aleppo is Rassafa, the Ancient Sergioupolis, which will visit today. The most significant monument there is the Basilica of St Sergius, who martyred when Diocletian was an emperor, as he would not renounce his faith to Jesus. St Sergius was buried with his companions at the basilica, which was named “Torture”. At Sergioupolis you may also see the remnant of the fortress with the forty gates. We will continue along the banks of Euphrates, cross the dam and head to the Acropolis of Jabbar. The unique pink 12th century castle is a sight you should definitely see before leaving Syria. It lies in the middle of lake Assad, an ideal point for the safety of caravan travelling along Euphrates. In 1970 the castle was restored and since then operates as a museum. Its towers are ornamented with inscriptions and harmoniously coexist with its minaret. Arrival at Palmyra where we will settle at the hotel. Dinner in Bedouin tents over traditional music and dervish dances. Overnight stay.
Palmyra – Damascus
Breakfast and departure for our tour of Palmyra. During the Greek Era, Palmyra was called the City of the Palms. We will tour the ancient sites, the Temple of Baal, the Ancient Theater, the Agora, the Senate and the impressive 1,000 meter Colonnaded Street. The Valley of the Tombs, with its towers that reach the height of a 6-storey apartment building and the baths of Queen Zenobia, are also stunning. In the evening we will view the romantic sunset nearby the Acropolis and then depart to Damascus. Arrival at our hotel to settle in. Dinner and overnight stay.
Damascus
After breakfast, we begin our tour of Damascus, which is the oldest city in the world, inhabited since 5,000 BC. Our first stop is the Museum where Greek pottery, mosaics and statues, as well as objects from other civilizations are displayed. We continue our tour with a visit to Umayyad Mosque, which is one of the most important monuments in the city, built on top of Greek and Byzantine structures. It was here where John the Baptist's skull, placed on a tray, and his tomb were found. We will also visit the shrine that houses Salahdin's grave. Next, our tour takes us to the road that St. Paul walked upon, also known as "Via Retka", St. Paul's Window, an ancient structure from where it is believed that St. Paul escaped the city after being persecuted by the Jews, and the catacombs in St. Anania Church. Our next stop is Mt. Qassioun where we are offered a splendid, panoramic view of Damascus. We complete our tour and leave for Hamidiye to stroll through the grand market to purchase fabrics, jewelry and spices.Traditional buffet dinner, where we will also see dervish dances. Transfer to the hotel and overnight stay.
Damascus – Beirut
Breakfast and departure for Lebanon. After border crossing procedures our first stop is 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 it 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.
Sidon – Tyre – Beirut
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 in a luxury restaurant. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Jeita – Byblos – Harissa - Beirut
After breakfast, we begin our tour at 8:00, with a visit to Byblos, set along the coast, where ruins of an Amorian town are situated around an Acropolis, a Phoenician Temple and a Roman Amphitheater that overlook the Phoenician Royal Necropolis. Unesco has put Byblos on its World Heritage List, owing to its different monuments which show the various cultures that conquered the area throughout history. We go on with a visit to Jeita, where you will admire wonderful caverns with stalactites and stalagmites of unique beauty. The town of Harissa is our last stop.Meal in luxury restaurant during the tour. Return to the hotel for overnight stay.
Beirut – Athens
Transfer to Beirut airport and flight to Athens.
The program is indicative and the order of the tours may be altered without omitting any tours. Final schedule is provided 3 days before departure.
INCLUDED:
Stays in hotels of your choice including breakfast and dinner, as mentioned on the schedule
2 traditional dinners in Bedouin tents in Palmyra and Damascus, including belly dance and dervish dances
Tours, according to schedule
Entrance fees for museums and archaeological sites
Transportation
Local Greek speaking guide or translator
English speaking guide in Lebanon
Visa for Syria when the group includes more than 12 people
Travel backpack
Visa
NOT INCLUDED:
International & Domestic Air fares
(also available upon request)
Airport taxes & petrol increase
Visa for Syria when the group includes less than 12 persons
Tips
Drinks and personal expenses
Extra travel insurance package
IN ORDER TO TRAVEL TO SYRIA, YOUR PASSPORT MUST NOT HAVE A STAMP FROM ISRAEL.
4-DAY TOUR OF SYRIA (4 Days, 3 Nights)
With such a rich history and a civilization that dates back to ancient times, Syria is considered the second (unknown) "Great Greece". Prehistoric civilization, Hellenic colonization, Hellenistic, Byzantine, Frankish and Arabic antiquities. An exciting journey through history.
Assembly at the Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos". Flight to Damascus with Syrian Air. Group met by local representatives and transported to Palmyra, where there will be time to settle in the hotel.
We immediately start our tour of Palmyra. During the Greek Era, Palmyra was called the City of the Palms. We will tour the ancient sites, the Temple of Baal, the Ancient Theater, the Agora, the Senate and the impressive 1,000 meter Colonnaded Street. The Valley of the Tombs, with its towers that reach the height of a 6-storey apartment building and the baths of Queen Zenobia, are also stunning. We complete the tour and return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Breakfast and early morning departure for Crack De Chevalier, which is the most famous fortress in the world. It is considered one of the most significant Medieval architectural masterpieces and maintains the title of the finest fortress of the Crusades. Lunch at a traditional restaurant and head for Damascus. Transfer to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
After breakfast, we begin our tour of Damascus, which is the oldest city in the world, inhabited since 5,000 BC. Our first stop is the Museum where Greek pottery, mosaics and statues, as well as objects from other civilizations, are displayed. We continue our tour with a visit to Umayyad Mosque, which is one of the most important monuments in the city, built on top of Greek and Byzantine structures. It was here where John the Baptist's skull, placed on a tray, and his tomb were found. We will also visit the shrine that houses
Salahdin's
grave.
Next, our tour takes us to the road that St. Paul walked upon, also known as "Via Retka", St. Paul's Window, an ancient structure from where it is believed that St. Paul escaped the city after being persecuted by the Jews, and the catacombs in St. Anania Church. Our next stop is Mt. Qassioun where we are offered a splendid, panoramic view of Damascus. We complete our tour and leave for Hamidiye to stroll through the grand market to purchase fabrics, jewelry and spices. Transfer to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Free day to go shopping at the Damascus Bazaar. In the early evening we depart for Damascus 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:
1 night in a central 4* hotel in Palmyra, on a half-board basis
1 night in a 4* hotel in Damascus, on a half-board basis
3 meals during the tours
Transportation
Tours, according to schedule
Entrance fees for museums and archaeological sites
Greek-speaking tour guide
Full insurance
Travel backpack
Travel leaflets
NOT INCLUDED:
International & Domestic Air fares
(Is also available upon request)
Airport taxes and departure taxes from the Damascus Airport
Drinks & Personal expenses
Visa for groups of less than 8 persons
Tips
11-DAY TOUR OF JORDAN & SYRIA
JORDAN: Philadelphia (Amman), Antioch (Jerash), Pella, Dion, Ippos, Hellenistic Fortresses, Old Testament Scriptures, Fortresses of the Crusades, Desert Castles. SYRIA: With such a rich history and a civilization that dates back to ancient times, Syria is considered the second (unknown) "Great Greece". Prehistoric civilization, Hellenic colonization, Hellenistic, Byzantine, Frankish and Arabic antiquities. An exciting journey through history.
Assembly at the Athens International Airport "Eleftherios Venizelos". Flight to Damascus via Amman. Arrival, transfer to hotel and overnight stay.
After breakfast, we begin our tour of Damascus, which is the oldest city in the world, inhabited since 5,000 BC. Our first stop is the Museum where Greek pottery, mosaics and statues, as well as objects from other civilizations, are displayed. We continue our tour with a visit to Umayyad Mosque, which is one of the most important monuments in the city, built on top of Greek and Byzantine structures. It was here where John the Baptist's skull, placed on a tray, and his tomb were found. We will also visit the shrine that houses
Salahdin's
grave. Next, our tour takes us to the road that St. Paul walked upon, also known as "Via Retka", St. Paul's Window, an ancient structure from where it is believed that St. Paul escaped the city after being persecuted by the Jews, and the catacombs in St. Anania Church. Our next stop is Mt. Qassioun where we are offered a splendid, panoramic view of Damascus. We complete our tour and leave for Hamidiye to stroll through the grand market to purchase fabrics, jewelry and spices. Transfer to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Breakfast and departure towards the south. First, we visit the Monastery of Sydnaya and then, we head on to Maaloula, a picturesque village built on a stream. Maaloula is rightly included in the important Christian sites of Syria, as the inhabitants of the village still speak Aramaic, the language of Jesus, and although they are catholic, they follow orthodox rituals. We continue with a visit to Crack De Chevalier, which is the most famous fortress in the world. It is considered one of the most significant Medieval architectural masterpieces and maintains the title of the finest fortress of the Crusades. Our next stop is at the Church of St. George, which is located 11 kilometers from the Crack De Chevalier Fortress. It is a beautiful structure, dated back to the Justinian Era. Arrival in Aleppo, transfer to hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
After breakfast, we depart around 10:30 for a tour of the city. We begin with a visit to the Church of St. Simon and the Pillar where the ascetic St. Simon resided, which is considered the most stirring site of the Pre-Christian Era. We continue the tour with a visit to the Acropolis of Aleppo, the Caravanserai and the Great Mosque. Next we go to the souks and the large 12 meter long, covered bazaar, where you can find perfumes, gold items, gold weaving, silk scarves and various objet d' art, spread out before you, just as they have been for centuries. Return to hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Early wake up call, breakfast and start of our tour, with our first stop in Ebla. Afterwards, we visit the archaeological site of Apamea, which was once called Pella, where you can admire the Roman houses, the stoas, the Agora, the public buildings, the Theater and the Mosaic Museum. The most impressive monument of the site is the cluster of columns, which is built according to the Corinthian style and used to stand as high as 1,850 meters. We continue our tour with a trip to Hama (Epiphania), which is located between Aleppo and Damascus. There you can see the ten huge waterwheels that carry water from the Orontes River. Suddenly, the setting changes and becomes more exotic, as we leave the banks of the Orontes River and cross 200 kilometers of Syrian Desert to reach Palmyra. Transfer to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Breakfast and early morning departure for our tour of Palmyra. During the Greek Era, Palmyra was called the City of the Palms. We will tour the ancient sites, the Temple of Baal, the Ancient Theater, the Agora, the Senate and the impressive 1,000 meter Colonnaded Street. The Valley of the Tombs, with its towers that reach the height of a 6-storey apartment building and the baths of Queen Zenobia, are also stunning. Arrival at our hotel in Sydnaya, where you have time to settle in and have dinner. Overnight stay.
After breakfast, we set off in the direction of Bosra, located 120 kilometers south of Damascus. Before we arrive in Bosra, we will make a stop at the Church of St. Paul. Our tour of Bosra is especially interesting, as we will see the best-preserved Greco-Roman Theater in the world. Next, we visit Ancient Nymphaion and the Gate of Nabat. Our tour of Syria ends, as our bus heads towards the Jordanian border, where we are met by local representatives. Transfer to our hotel in Amman, with time to get settled in. On our way towards Amman, we will stop at Mataba town, where the oldest map that shows the exit towards the sacred city of Jerusalem is depicted on the floor of St. George's Monastery. We then visit Mt. Nebo, where according to tradition Moses is buried. We head towards the Dead Sea, the lowest point on earth. The sunset view is an incomparable image. Arrival at night in Amman, with time to settle in. Overnight stay.
Early morning departure for a visit to the Archaeological Museum of Amman and continue with a tour of Pella and Golan Heights. Next we head towards Jerash (Ancient Antioch), where we will admire the triumphant Arch, the Nymphaion, the Temple of Artemis, the theater, the Hippodrome, the Gate, the Agora and the Temple of Zeus. Lastly, we set off for Petra via the Kings' Highway, visiting the Desert Castles on the way. Arrival in Petra, where you will settle in and have dinner. Overnight stay.
After breakfast, we start our tour of the Ancient Site of Petra (the city carved into the stone and the treasury). Even if there were no other interesting sites in Jordan, the visit would still be worthwhile just to see Petra. Visitors are stunned by the dream-like view, as Petra looks absolutely unreal.
The tour is carried out on horses or camels. We head to Urn, the El Deir Monastery, the archaeological site with the hundred temples, the Royal Palaces, the Roman Theater and houses, the Hydria Monument and the Corinthian Tomb.
We complete our tour and return to the hotel for dinner and overnight stay.
Breakfast and departure for the Wadi Rum Desert, the land of Lawrence of Arabia, where you will be enchanted by the striking landscape, the contrast in colors in the afternoon, the endless sands and the large rock formations of Petra that emerge out from the desert sands. Return to Amman for dinner and overnight stay.
After breakfast we will take a panoramic tour of Amman and end our wonderful journey, filled with unforgettable memories.
Transfer to the 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:
Stay in a central 5* hotel, including breakfast and dinner AND A 4* Lux hotel in the old town of Aleppo
Tours, according to schedule
Entrance fees for museums and archaeological sites
Transportation
Guides in Greek
Visa for Jordan
Visa for Syria
Illness/accident insurance
Full insurance
Travel backpack
Travel Leaflets
NOT INCLUDED:
International & Domestic Air fares
(Is also available upon request)
Airport taxes
Tips and other extras not mentioned in the schedule
Departure fees from Jordan payable in Amman upon departure
Entrance to Dead Sea Beach
Anything else not mentioned in the schedule as "included"
IMPORTANT NOTIFICATION:
IN ORDER TO TRAVEL TO SYRIA, YOUR PASSPORT MUST NOT HAVE A STAMP FROM ISRAEL.
