Ancient Caravan Trail - 2010/11 Itinerary10 days - from $1750• Trek along ancient trading trails & routes
• Experience the local Bedouin tribal community & their nomadic lifestyle
• Discover the layers of history from Crusader castles to grand trading cities Read more...
Palmyra & Steppe Crossing
Transferring through the desert, we witness the majestic oasis of Palmyra with its buried tombs and a display of ancient treasures. The next few days are spent immersing ourselves into another era as we trek ancient trails and ride on camels with the Bedouins in the magical desert of Palmyra. Nights are spent with the Bedouins enjoying their legendary hospitality and sharing their timeless fare spiced with treasured tales under a blanket of stars.
Dead Cities, Homestays & Monasteries
When exploring the uncanny 'Dead Cities' abandoned by early Christians during the 7th century we will wander through hidden trails and en-counter Syria's rural community. A scenic hike will take us to our destination at Sergilla where we stay with a local family. Travelling onto northern Aleppo, we hike to the historic site of St. Simeon and discover Kurdish villages, where we stay and share a meal with the locals. We then hike to explore Krak des Chevaliers, a magnificent Crusader castle and reminder of bygone battles. The next evening is spent at a monastery and we have the chance to meet Father Paolo, an Italian Syriac monk who, amongst others, gives an enlightening insight into their beliefs and way of life.
Damascus
We land back in the capital where we explore the city, one of the oldest permanently inhabited cities in the world. We first wander through the labyrinth of Souk Al Hamidiyye to discover aromas of exotic spices and perfumes. We then continue to the Umayyad Mosque, renowned for its impressive mosaics and then on to the gem of Damascus, the National Museum housing one of the greatest archaeological and historical collections in the Middle East.
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Itinerary:Day 1 Join the tour in Damascus. Day 2 Palmyra The stone blocks of Queen Zenobia's city take on surreal shapes at dawn when we visit. Days 3/4 Desert Trek Transfer to the desert of Palmyra where we trek along ancient trails and ride on camels (with the Bedouins) in the magical desert of Palmyra. Day 5 Dead Cities Abandoned by the early Christians during the 7th Century we will wander through the Dead Cities before hiking to the site of Al Bara and continuing to Sergilla where we stay with the locals. Day 6 St Simeon's Monastery We visit the medieval Citadel, St Simeon's Monastery and take in the busy souks. Day 7 Krak des Chevaliers Explore the crusader castle of Krak des Chevaliers and the Monastery of St George. Day 8 Moussa Monastery Drive to Nebek where we visit Mar Moussa Monastery which has panoramic views over the area and also meet a local priest. Day 9 Damascus Walking tour exploring the main sites on foot including a visit to the Ommayad Mosque. Day 10 Tour ends in Damascus.
Accommodations: 3nts hotel, 2nts wild camping; 2nts local homestays and 1nt monastery; 8 breakfasts, 3 lunches & 4 dinners included.
Transport: Bus/4WD truck/Camel.
Comment: The walks are graded as easy to moderate (4-6hrs a day) at low elevation, well within the capabilities of active people. Main luggage is transported ahead enabling you to walk unhindered. Lodging space in the village houses is limited and several people may have to share a room.
Group: Approx. 10 to 12.
Staff: Explore Tour Leader plus local guides and drivers; camp staff
Trip Reference: SYT2010
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Prices and itineraries shown for tours departing from January 2011 onwards are subject to change and confirmation with the publication of our 2011/12 brochure, due to be published in October 2010.
The price of a Single Room Option does not necessarily guarantee a single room for every night of the tour.
For more information, please refer to the trip dossier / more details for this tour.
Single rooms are available for
this tour at a supplement from US$ 150, depending on availability.
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