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Private Syria Travel Plan
HIGHLIGHTS: Our Private Syria Travel Tour unveils the best of Syria including tours of Damascus, Crac des Chevaliers, Aleppo, Apamea, Palmyra and Maaloula.
Syria is packed with its fair share of significant historical sites, all of which are respectfully maintained. The ancient cities of Damascus, Aleppo and Bosra are all listed by Unesco, as is the beautiful ruined city of Palmyra. Mighty Crusader castles, medieval souks and sacred Umayyad mosques are some of the highlights on offer.
Our Private Syria Highlights Tour allows you to witness this from the comfort of your own private chauffeur car.
Combine this tour with one of our Jordan Breaks or if you would like to tailor make a break please ask one of our experts
The Road to Damascus
DAY 1
Fly to Damascus. Private Hotel transfer awaits for the start of your private holiday to Syria
Arrive in Damascus where your private driver guide will meet you at the airport and transfer you to your hotel to start your holiday in Syria.
DAY 2
Private Damascus Tour including Omayyad Mosque, Saladin Tomb and Churches of Ananias & St Paul.
Today start your Syria Holiday with a tour of Damascus, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Visit the Omayyad Mosque, one of the largest mosques in the world, constructed in 705 AD on a site that has been a place of worship for thousands of years.
Visit the tomb of Saladin, who was the commander in chief of the Syrian army in the 12th Century and recaptured Jerusalem from the Crusaders.
The Chapel of St. Paul is a modern stone chapel incorporating materials from the ancient city gate through which Paul was lowered out of a window in Acts 9:25, and at the National Museum you will gain insight into 2,000 years of history and culture.
You will visit the little Chapel of St Ananias in the Christian Quarter of the Old City and finally at night complete your Damascus tour venturing up Qasiun Mountain to see the spectacular floodlight minarets over the city.
Overnight in Damascus.
Visit the tomb of Saladin, who was the commander in chief of the Syrian army in the 12th Century and recaptured Jerusalem from the Crusaders.
The Chapel of St. Paul is a modern stone chapel incorporating materials from the ancient city gate through which Paul was lowered out of a window in Acts 9:25, and at the National Museum you will gain insight into 2,000 years of history and culture.
You will visit the little Chapel of St Ananias in the Christian Quarter of the Old City and finally at night complete your Damascus tour venturing up Qasiun Mountain to see the spectacular floodlight minarets over the city.
Overnight in Damascus.
DAY 3
Private transfer to visit Maaloula, Crac des Chevaliers Castle and Apamea
Today continue your Syria Travel by visiting Maaloula, a scenic village situated at 1500 meters with its little houses clinging to the rock face. It is the only place in the world where Aramaic, the language spoken by Christ, is still used as a living language.
Your private visit to Crac des Chevaliers Crusader fortress, a preserved medieval military castles and Unesco World Heritage Site, will leave you filled with admiration for its scale and formidable strength.
Continue to Apamea, founded in 300 BC by one of Alexander the Greats' generals, and in a colourful history playing host to visitors such as Cleopatra, Septimus Severus and the Emperor Caracalla. The stunning main street at Apamea is 1.8 km long lined with the ruins of civil and religious buildings. In the summer visit some of the 17 huge wooden water wheels at Hama.
Continue to overnight in Aleppo.
Your private visit to Crac des Chevaliers Crusader fortress, a preserved medieval military castles and Unesco World Heritage Site, will leave you filled with admiration for its scale and formidable strength.
Continue to Apamea, founded in 300 BC by one of Alexander the Greats' generals, and in a colourful history playing host to visitors such as Cleopatra, Septimus Severus and the Emperor Caracalla. The stunning main street at Apamea is 1.8 km long lined with the ruins of civil and religious buildings. In the summer visit some of the 17 huge wooden water wheels at Hama.
Continue to overnight in Aleppo.
DAY 4
Private tour of Aleppo and transfer to Palmyra.
Continue your Syria Trip in Aleppo with its citadel, elaborately decorated hammans, ancient souqs and the nearby ruin of St Simeon, one of the world’s oldest remaining churches, is a highlight.
After your private tour transfer to Palmyra for the night.
After your private tour transfer to Palmyra for the night.
DAY 5
Private visit of Palmyra and return transfer to Damascus
Palmyra contains the monumental ruins of one of the most important cultural centres of the ancient world, and one which served as a crucial stopover for caravans crossing the Syrian desert. From the 1st to the 2nd century the architecture married Greco-Roman techniques with local traditions and Persian influences. Explore the archaeological site seeing the Bel Temple, Tombs and theatre amongst others.
End your Syria Holiday with a transfer to Damascus for the night.
End your Syria Holiday with a transfer to Damascus for the night.
DAY 6
Transfer to airport for flight home at end of your Private Holiday in Syria
After breakfast transfer to airport for flight home at the end of your Cultural short break.
Make an enquiry
Call 01722 744695
Price per person: From £1,479
Includes Flights, 5 nights Accommodation with breakfast, Activities, Transfers, Private vehicle and Guides
A La Carte Extensions
Bosra one day extension
Today you will visit Bosra. Enjoy the temples, theatres, triumphal arches, aqueducts, reservoirs, churches, mosques, and a 13th-century citadel.
The famous-for-a-reason Roman theatre of Bosra was built in the 2nd century AD and could seat up to 15,000 people. In its heyday, the theatre was faced with marble and draped in silk hangings, and during performances a fine mist of perfumed water was sprayed over the patrons to keep them comfortable in the desert heat. A large area in front of the stage may have been used for circuses or gladiatorial shows.
A fortress was built around the theatre during the Omayyad and Abbasid periods, which accounts for its excellent state of preservation.
A fortress was built around the theatre during the Omayyad and Abbasid periods, which accounts for its excellent state of preservation.
Price Per Person: £245
1 night Damascus, private car, guide and entrance fee
One Day Extension to relax more and visit Ebla
One night extension staying in Hama next to the Water Wheels to give a more relaxed feel to the break. You would also visit the stone tablets of Ebla.
We are conscious that this is a very action packed itinerary, with some days having quite a lot of driving. If you wish to have a more relaxed break then we would recommend an extra night staying at Hama next to the water Wheels. This also means there would be time to visit the water wheels in the winter as well as the summer.
You would also see Ebla, famous for its stone tablets dating from 2,250 BC, which challenge some of the Bible content.
You would also see Ebla, famous for its stone tablets dating from 2,250 BC, which challenge some of the Bible content.
From: £175
One night at Apamea Cham Palace Hotel, Transport, Guide and Entrance Fees
Petra and Jordan Private Tour Extension
Petra, Jerash, Mt Nebo & Kerak, Wadi Rum and Dead Sea. The Highlights of Jordan tour brings you the best of this historic, beautiful and culturally rich country in the comfort of your own vehicle driven by your own guide.
Click on arrow on photo below to see video of Jordan
DAY 1
Private Transfer to Amman, Jordan
A 3hr transfer will take you to Amman and your hotel. Overnight in Amman.
DAY 2
Visit Mt Nebo, Madaba, Kerak, Wadi Al Mujib on private transfer to Petra.
After breakfast you have the whole day to explore the King's Highway, once part of the ancient Silk Rd. You will visit the Christian town of Madaba - "the city of Mosaics", and visit the Monastery in Mt Nebo, one of the most revered holy sites in Jordan as Moses was buried here.
Visit the magnificent Crusader Fortress of Kerak via Wadi Al Mujib, a deep valley with one of Jordans most breathtaking views. Continue on to Petra.
Visit the magnificent Crusader Fortress of Kerak via Wadi Al Mujib, a deep valley with one of Jordans most breathtaking views. Continue on to Petra.
DAY 3
Petra Private Tour
After breakfast your private visit of Petra starts on horseback, followed by a walk through the Siq, a long narrow fissure between two overhanging cliffs, The tour then gradually unfolds the mysteries of the Red Rose city with its spectacular Treasury, Royal Tombs, burial chambers and high places of sacrifice. Afternoon at leisure to explore upper Petra.
A La Carte optional Extra: Tonight if it is Monday, Wednesday or Thursday you can participate in Petra by candlelight.
A La Carte optional Extra: Tonight if it is Monday, Wednesday or Thursday you can participate in Petra by candlelight.
DAY 4
Private transfer to explore Wadi Rum, Overnight in Bedouin camp.
After a morning at leisure in Petra transfer south to the enchanting desert of Wadi Rum, Jordan's largest desert and one of the most spectacular desert landscapes in the world. Spend 3 hours being driven in a 4WD vehicle through the Wadi prior to enjoying a glass of champagne at sunset.
In your Bedouin camp dinner will be cooked around the open fire while you acquaint yourselves with the Bedouin lifestyle. Overnight in private rustic camp - no frills but a magical experience.
In your Bedouin camp dinner will be cooked around the open fire while you acquaint yourselves with the Bedouin lifestyle. Overnight in private rustic camp - no frills but a magical experience.
DAY 5
Transfer to the Dead Sea
After breakfast transfer to the Dead Sea, the lowest point of earth for your afternoon at leisure. Read the newspaper whilst swimming in the Dead Sea.
Overnight at 5* Dead Sea hotel.
Overnight at 5* Dead Sea hotel.
DAY 6
Visit Um Qais, Jerash and the Sea of Galilee
Visit Um Qais, a city rich with basalt ruins and overlooking the Jordan Valley, Golan Heights and Lake Tiberius (the Sea of Galilee). Proceed to Jerash one of the most preserved Greco-Roman cities in the Middle East and return for the evening at the Dead Sea.
DAY 7
Transfer to airport for flight home
Breakfast and transfer to the airport for flight home at end of Jordan Highlights Private Tour
Price per person: From £930
Includes 6 nights Accommodation with breakfast (Century Park Amman, Beit Zaman Petra, Mövenpick Dead Sea), Activities, Transfers, Private Vehicles & Guides, Bedouin Camp Dinner
Jerusalem and Bethlehem Extension
Jerusalem and Bethlehem private tour visiting Church of Nativity, Manger Square, Shepherds Fields, Stations Cross, Rabbinical Tunnel, Church Holy Sepulchre, Wailing Wall, Dome of the Rock, El Aqsa Mosque.
DAY 1
Transfer from Amman to Israel. Private day tour Bethlehem including Church of Nativity, Manger Square, Shepherds Fields
You will be transferred from Amman to the borders where you will be met and assisted with immigration. After clearing immigration enjoy a full tour of Bethlehem.
Visit the Church of Nativity entering through the door of humility and descend to the Grotto; a cavern beneath the church honoured as the site of Christs birth marked with a silver star in the floor as the very spot.
You will enjoy a short stroll through Manger Square before proceeding to the Shepherds Fields, identified with the shepherds who saw the star. A short drive takes you to your 4 star hotel in Jerusalem.
Visit the Church of Nativity entering through the door of humility and descend to the Grotto; a cavern beneath the church honoured as the site of Christs birth marked with a silver star in the floor as the very spot.
You will enjoy a short stroll through Manger Square before proceeding to the Shepherds Fields, identified with the shepherds who saw the star. A short drive takes you to your 4 star hotel in Jerusalem.
DAY 2
Private tour of Jerusalem including Stations Cross, Rabbinical Tunnel, Church Holy Sepulchre, Wailing Wall, Dome of the Rock, El Aqsa Mosque
You will begin the day with a short drive up to the Mount of Olives for a panoramic view of the city, and onto Mount Zion to visit the room of the last supper.
In Jerusalem visit the Armenian quarter, the Western Wall and from the outside view the Dome of the Rock and El Aqsa Mosque - Islams 3rd holiest place. You will walk along the Stations of the Cross, visit the Rabbinical Tunnel and enter the church of the Holy Sepulchre. Finally go shopping but be prepared to negotiate hard in the old marketplace! Stay in your 4 star hotel in Jerusalem
In Jerusalem visit the Armenian quarter, the Western Wall and from the outside view the Dome of the Rock and El Aqsa Mosque - Islams 3rd holiest place. You will walk along the Stations of the Cross, visit the Rabbinical Tunnel and enter the church of the Holy Sepulchre. Finally go shopping but be prepared to negotiate hard in the old marketplace! Stay in your 4 star hotel in Jerusalem
DAY 3
Transfer to Allenby Bridge and onwards to Amman
After breakfast you will be transferred from Jerusalem to Allenby bridge for departure. You will be met at the Jordanian side for your transfer to your hotel in Amman.
Price per person: From £845
Includes 3 nights accommodation with breakfast, (Prima Royale, Century Park), Activities, Transfers, Private Vehicle & Guide
You may wish to consider a VIP Transfer through the borders which helps facilitate easy border crossing. However this is an extra £260 per person
You may wish to consider a VIP Transfer through the borders which helps facilitate easy border crossing. However this is an extra £260 per person
Lebanon Highlights Extension
HIGHLIGHTS: Our Private Lebanon Tours shares the best of Lebanon including the stunning Baalbek ruins, the Phoenician city of Byblos, Sidon, Tyre, The Cedars & Beirut
Lebanon's glorious and turbulent history fuse to create a land of stunning contrasts, magnificent scenery, fascinating archaeology and chic lifestyle.
Based in Byblos and Beirut this private tour presents you with the very best of Lebanon.
Based in Byblos and Beirut this private tour presents you with the very best of Lebanon.
Day 1
Transfer from Damascus to Byblos visiting Anjar, Ksara Vineyards and Baalbeck on the way.
Anjar is completely different from any other archaeological experience you will have in Lebanon. At other sites different civilisations are superimposed one on top of each other. Anjar is exclusively one period, the Umayyad. The city's slender columns and fragile arches stand in contrast to the massive bulk of the nearby Anti-Lebanon mountains - an eerie background for Anjar's extensive ruins.
At Zahle you will stop at Chateau Ksara to discover the vineyards and natural caves prior to having lunch at the vineyard.
The highlight for many is a private visit to the spectacular Roman temples of Baalbeck, considered by many to be some of the finest Roman Ruins in the Middle East.
Continue by mountain road to Byblos to overnight.
At Zahle you will stop at Chateau Ksara to discover the vineyards and natural caves prior to having lunch at the vineyard.
The highlight for many is a private visit to the spectacular Roman temples of Baalbeck, considered by many to be some of the finest Roman Ruins in the Middle East.
Continue by mountain road to Byblos to overnight.
Day 2
Private Tour of Byblos, Kadisha Valley, Cedars & St Elisha Monastery
Today your private tour will start with a visit to Byblos' Crusader Castle dating from the 12th Century , as well as the ruins of the ancient Phoenician Temples built in 2700 BC. The city is steeped in history - it is here for example that the first alphabetic script was developed - the precursor of our current alphabet.
The Kadisha valley is a deep gorge containing the dramatic Monastery of St Anthony of Qozhaya surrounded by pine and oak trees.Take a break for lunch before a stroll through the famous cedars forest
Finally visit the Monastery of St Elisha carved out of rock and perched 400 meters up on a cliff in the Upper Kadisha valley. This picturesque thousand-year-old monastery, includes caves and grottoes once inhabited by the anchorites.
Return to Byblos and overnight.
The Kadisha valley is a deep gorge containing the dramatic Monastery of St Anthony of Qozhaya surrounded by pine and oak trees.Take a break for lunch before a stroll through the famous cedars forest
Finally visit the Monastery of St Elisha carved out of rock and perched 400 meters up on a cliff in the Upper Kadisha valley. This picturesque thousand-year-old monastery, includes caves and grottoes once inhabited by the anchorites.
Return to Byblos and overnight.
Day 3
Jeita Grotto, Private Walking tour Beirut
Your private driver will take you to visit the Jeita Grotto. Few caverns in the world approach the magnificence of those at Jeita. Miles of underground galleries, a part of it reachable by boat, have been carved of the limestone of the Mount Lebanon range.
Enjoy a short boat ride into one of the biggest caves
This afternoon enjoy a walking tour of Beirut to see the highlights including the Prime Ministers Office,(From outside only), The Roman Baths, Al-Omari and Mohammad Al Amin Mosques and the Clock on Place de L'Etoile.
Overnight in Beirut.
Enjoy a short boat ride into one of the biggest caves
This afternoon enjoy a walking tour of Beirut to see the highlights including the Prime Ministers Office,(From outside only), The Roman Baths, Al-Omari and Mohammad Al Amin Mosques and the Clock on Place de L'Etoile.
Overnight in Beirut.
Day 4
Visit Deir El Kamar village, Beiteddine Palace
You will be taken to the Beiteddine Palace built between 1788 and 1818, and once the Emirs residence. Here you will see elegant courtyards, luxurious rooms decorated with wonderful mosaics, the Harem and the Hammam - some of the most beautiful in the Arab World. The gardens house an extensive collection of Byzantine Mosaics.
Your private tour will continue with a visit to the village of Deir el Qamar with its wealth of 15 - 18th Century buildings. Visit Fakhreddine Mosque, the souk which used to house the leather workers and Silk Khan amongst others.
Return to Beirut and overnight.
Your private tour will continue with a visit to the village of Deir el Qamar with its wealth of 15 - 18th Century buildings. Visit Fakhreddine Mosque, the souk which used to house the leather workers and Silk Khan amongst others.
Return to Beirut and overnight.
Day 5
Private visit of Sidon and Tyre
Today visit Sidon, one of the oldest continually inhabited places on earth. The first settlers arrived in 4000 BC. You will see the evocative Sea Castle built on a small island, the soap museum, picturesque vaulted Souks and the Caravanserai of the French with its large central courtyard surrounded by covered galleries.
After lunch visit Tyre, the ancient Phoenician city and home to what was the largest Hippodrome in the Roman World. Visit this and other key sites in the vast array of ruins of civic buildings, baths and mosaic streets.
Return to Beirut and overnight.
After lunch visit Tyre, the ancient Phoenician city and home to what was the largest Hippodrome in the Roman World. Visit this and other key sites in the vast array of ruins of civic buildings, baths and mosaic streets.
Return to Beirut and overnight.
Day 6
Private Transfer for your flight home to the UK
Private Transfer to the airport for your flight home
From: £1,380
Private Transfers, 5 nights accommodation, Private guides and Transport, Activities
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