Secrets Of Jordan & Syria
14 days - from $3090
Weaved together by a culture and history rich in the silk and spice trade, Jordan and Syria is an irresistible combination
From modern, diverse Amman, we drive to the Red Sea resort of Aqaba for beach time and colourful corals, before heading by 4WD into nearby Wadi Rum to explore its vast sands and surreal formations. A day in Petra, the hand-hewn ‘rose-red city half as old as time’, primes us for the ancient Roman city of Jerash and the mighty amphitheatre at Bosra. An afternoon spent at the Dead Sea is a great way to relax – here, in the highly saline waters, you’ll experience an otherworldly buoyancy that’s the perfect platform to read outdoors or simply bask. In Damascus, the celebrated Omayyad Mosque delights as much as the labyrinth of streets and souks that surround it, as does the imposing Krak des Chevaliers – the greatest Crusader fortress ever built. In Aleppo, wander the vaulted bazaars, enjoy great Levantine cuisine and perhaps indulge in an invigorating Turkish bath, replete with an exfoliating rubdown. We return to Damascus by way of Tartus, minds alight with splendid architecture, kaleidoscopic culture and breathtaking scenery.
Highlights
- Amman
- Aqaba
- Crusader Castles, Jordan
- Float in the Dead Sea
- Petra
- Wadi Rum
- Walk Jerash’s main street
- Aleppo’s old town
- Apamea
- Bosra
- Krak des Chevaliers
- Look out for the second coming, Damascus
- Palmyra
- Saone (Qala’at Salah ah-Din)
- Spice it up in the souqs, Damascus
Itinerary:
Day 1: (Sun) Arrive in Amman and transfer to hotel.2: Drive to Aqaba. Afternoon free.3-4: Jeep safari in Wadi Rum and full day in Petra.5: Drive to Amman via Shobak Castle, Dana Village and Madaba.6: Visit Jerash and the Dead Sea.7: Visit Bosra. Drive to Damascus.8: Visit the museum, Omayyad Mosque and bazaars. Drive to Palmyra. Tent dinner.9: Visit Palmyra. Drive to Krak des Chevaliers.10: Visit Krak, Hama, Apamea, Maarat-el-Numan and Dead Cities. Arrive Aleppo.11: Explore Aleppo's bazaars and visit St Simeon's Monastery.12: Visit Ugarit, Saone and drive to Tartus.13: Tartus Museum. Drive back to Damascus.14: Trip ends in Damascus this morning (Sat).
Included: Peregrine tour leader, professional local guides, arrival transfer, transport, sightseeing and entrance fees.
Not Included: Flights, meals unless specified, drinks, departure taxes, visas, travel insurance, tips (see below), spending of a personal nature, optional sightseeing, departure transfer.
Meals: 13 breakfasts, 2 dinners
Valid From: 11 Jan 09
Valid Until: 31 Dec 69
Starts/Ends: Amman to Damascus
Trip Reference: PGSJ