Destination Details
The bird of the desert’, located 243 km (151 miles) NE of Damascus and 160 km (99 miles) East of Homs. Its central geographic position made it the most important commercial center between Mesopotamia and the Mediterranean Sea. Excavations have shown that it was inhabited since the Upper Paleolithic Age (40,000-10,000 BC).
First occupied by the Canaanites and then the Arameans, it yielded to the Romans in the first century A.D. and was later conquered by the Muslim Arabs under the leader ship of Khalid bin al Walid in 636 A.D. Its ruins have more charm and splendor than the visitor expects. The numerous great monuments have a touch of magic and art that continues to survive the centuries. Palmyra was the leading capital of the desert and her citizens led very prosperous lives mainly focused on trade during the first three centuries A.D.
The Roman-style Temple of Bel dates to the first century A.D. the Temple of Bel Shaman, built in130 A.D. was dedicated to the God of Growth & Fertility and is still in excellent condition resting on its six pillars. The Triumphal Arch and the 150 pillars still standing in the main street beyond the arch and the Agora are astounding sights. There are three types of tombs in Palmyra: Tower Tombs, Underground Family Tombs and the House of Tombs, all of which should be visited as they are in excellent condition. Far beyond the 17 meter high pillars atop a hill commanding Palmyra lies the Arab castle of Ibn Maan from the 16th century. The highlights of Palmyra are: the Temple of Bel, the Temple of Bel Shaman, Nebo Temple, the Colonnade (The Straight), the Theater, the forum, the tombs, the museum, the Castle/Fortress of Ibn Maan, and the sulfuric spring.
for more information please contact us on the following Email : inf@masar-syria.com
Day1
Damascus
Meet our representative in the place and time you choose in Beirut & transfer to Damascus, Pick up rooms at the hotel and start the tour: The National Museum: Its visit provides an overview of the civilizations that have succeeded in Syrian soil. It contains statues, seals, jewelry, masks, mosaics, tablets and weavings from the most important sites in the country Souk Al-Hamidiye : The most beautiful souk of Damascus. Its shops display all sorts of goods, especially clothes, fabrics, pastries and handicrafts. The Umayyad Mosque : Located in the heart of the Medina, the mosque is distinguished by its prayer room, its courtyard and its walls covered with mosaics. El-Azem Palace: Not far from the Great Mosque, in the labyrinth of the souk is the palace El-Azem. It is considered as the sumptuous model of the Damascene house whose exterior simplicity and sobriety do not suggest anything about a beautiful and rich interior, with many varieties of flowers, fruit trees and water jets. Saint Ananian Church: It is of particular importance because it is attached to the memory of Saint Paul. In the afternoon we’ll explore Damascus’ old town, bazaar, shopping areas and bar/restaurant street. Overnight.
Day2
Homs
Our first stop today will be at Maaloula, a small Christian town that was almost completely decimated by ISIS in 2014. Greek Catholic Church, which was destroyed but has already largely been rebuilt. We continue to Homs, The city most affected by the Syrian crisis, We will see another aspect of living different from Damascus.visit Homs city. Then we leave to krak Des Chevaliers, The most wholly admirable castle in the world." As Lawrence of Arabia commented. After a fascinating visit to the castle. Overnight in Almishtaya.
Day3
Palmyra
Breakfast at the hotel. Departure to Palmyra: The one that the Romans baptized Palmyra (the city of palms) and that the Syrians call Tadmor (miracle in Aramaic) is the most important oasis of the Syrian desert. Located 240 km from Damascus, Palmyra is the city of all superlatives. It arises in the midst of golden sands that extend to infinity. An oasis of columns, remains and palm trees that testifies to the splendor of this city that made, one day, tremble Rome . The temple of Bel: It was for the Palmyrenes what Zeus was for the Greeks. Its temple is the largest and most majestic building in Palmyra, a unique example of fusion between Greco-Roman and oriental-inspired architecture. The theater and the big colonnade: It crosses the city on more than one kilometer by which the caravans arriving from the desert passed. Tombs: including tombs towers, tombs dug tombs temples or individual tombs. Back to Damascus – Dinner and overnight at the hotel.
Day4
Damascus
Breakfast and start full day tour. The National Museum: Its visit provides an overview of the civilizations that have succeeded in Syrian soil. It contains statues, seals, jewelry, masks, mosaics, tablets and weavings from the most important sites in the country. Souk Al-Hamidiye: The most beautiful souk of Damascus. Its shops display all sorts of goods, especially clothes, fabrics, pastries and handicrafts. The Umayyad Mosque: Located in the heart of the Medina, the mosque is distinguished by its prayer room, its courtyard and its walls covered with mosaics. El-Azem Palace: Not far from the Great Mosque, in the labyrinth of the souk is the palace El-Azem. It is considered as the sumptuous model of the Damascene house whose exterior simplicity and sobriety do not suggest anything about a beautiful and rich interior, with many varieties of flowers, fruit trees and water jets. Finish the tour and head to Beirut.
Price Includes:
Transportation with our representative team cars, starting and ending in Beirut or Amman (Extra). All transportations in the tour in private modern A\C car. Accommodation included breakfast in one of the mentioned hotels. Entrance fees to all sites mentioned in the itinerary. Accompanying tourist guide. Security clearance. Departure tax. Special permission for Palmyra.
Price Excludes:
Visa fee (paid at the border on arrival). Personal expenses such as souvenirs or any optional activities + Lunch or Dinner Tipping.
Cancellation Advance:
10 days
Cancellation penality:
60
3 Star User Rating
