Jordan & Syria Discoverer

14 days - from $1495

Jordan and Syria are two of the hidden gems of the region. Both these fascinating countries have long and at times turbulent histories. Nabataeans, Romans, Assyrians, Crusaders and Turks have all left their mark, and their legacy is an incredible supply of ancient cities, temples, castles, mosques and bazaars.

We begin in Jordan, where we discover friendly people, excellent food, the vast Bedouin stronghold of Wadi Rum, and the real gem, the fabulous “lost city” of Petra. We continue on to the white city of Amman and its close neighbour the ruins of Roman Jerash. Up the road from Amman is Damascus, the oldest continually inhabited city in the world, with its atmospheric old quarter and the stunning Ommayad Mosque. To the east lies the legendary ancient city of Palmyra; and to the north is the splendid Crusader castle at Krak Des Chevaliers and the fabulous city of Aleppo, boasting one of the best bazaars in the Middle East. We finally make our way back to Damascus where our adventure ends.

Highlights

• 2000 year-old ruins of Jerash
• Crusader castle at Shobak
• Jordan's capital Amman
• Red Sea resort of Aqaba
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed Petra
• Wadi Rum's red earth desertscapes
• Fourth most holy Muslim site - Umayyad Mosque
• Souk al-Hamidiyya of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Damascus
• The pink granite columns of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Palmyra
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed 12th Century Crusader castle of Krak des Chevaliers
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancient city of Aleppo

Itinerary:

Day 1: Amman2: Amman - Aqaba3: Aqaba-Wadi Rum-Petra4: Petra5: Petra-The Kings Highway-Amman6: Jerash7: Amman-Damascus8: Damascus9: Damascus-Palmyra10: Palmyra-Krak Des Chevaliers11-12: Hama - Aleppo13-14: Damascus

What's It Like?

Gecko's adventures offer authentic experiences and a genuine alternative to backpacking. Our trips are designed for younger travelers on a budget but do include the entrance fees to the ‘must see’ sights while not wasting your money on unnecessary frills. Itineraries utilize public transport and basic twin share accommodations in small locally owned hotels, the occasional multi-share, or simply floor space in a jungle or village hut. Many trips involve some physical activity, the occasional long traveling day and you will need to carry your own bags. On camping trips, meals are freshly prepared by our camp cook, but expect to put up and take down your tent, and assist with camp chores. On all trips we only use local tour leaders who are passionate about their homeland. This is travel, grassroots style - basic but rewarding.

Included:

• Gecko's expert English-speaking local tour guides in both countries, and local site guides at some sites.

• Sightseeing (including entrance fees where applicable): Kings Highway; Dana ancient village; Crusader castle at Shobak; Madaba's Greek Orthodox Church of St. George; Roman city of Jerash; Damascus including the National Museum and Omayyad Mosque; ancient city of Palmyra; Krak des Chevaliers Crusader castle; and the town of Hama.

• Full day exploring Petra.

• Jeep safari in the Wadi Rum.

• A night in Tadmor village near ancient Palmyra.

• Free time to explore Amman, Aqaba, Aleppo and Damascus.

International flights, arrival & departure transfers, entrance fees, visas, airport taxes, additional meals, drinks, optional sightseeing tours, insurance, tips and items of a personal nature.

A Jordanian leader meets you in Amman, and a Syrian leader is with you for Syria.