Secrets Of Jordan & Syria

14 days - from $3250

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

• The 2nd Century Roman theatre of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Bosra
• Souk al-Hamidiyya of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Damascus
• The colonnaded street of Apamea
• The pink granite columns of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Palmyra
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancient city of Aleppo
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed 12th Century Crusader castle of Krak des Chevaliers
• Saone's Crusader castle
• Fourth most holy Muslim site - Umayyad Mosque
• Jordan's capital Amman
• Crusader castle at Shobak
• Red Sea resort of Aqaba
• The Dead Sea
• Wadi Rum's red earth desertscapes
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed Petra
• 2000 year-old ruins of Jerash

Itinerary:

Day 1: Amman2: Aqaba3: Aqaba - Wadi Rum - Petra4: Petra5: Shobak - Dana - Madaba - Amman6: Jerash - Dead Sea - Amman7: Bosra - Damascus8: Damascus - Palmyra9: Palmyra - Krak des Chevaliers10: Krak des Chevaliers - Apamea - Aleppo11: St Simeon's Monastery - Aleppo12: Ugarit - Saone - Tartus13: Tartus - Damascus14: Damascus
Included:

• The services of Peregrine's expert English-speaking local tour leader throughout the tour, and professional local guides at some sites.

• Sightseeing (including entrance fees where applicable): Aqaba, Shobak Castle, Dana Village, Madaba, Jerash, Bosra, Damascus, Palmyra, Krak des Chevaliers, Hama, Apamea, Aleppo, Ugarit, Saone castle and Tartus.

• Wadi Rum jeep safari operated by the local Bedouin.

• Full day exploring Petra including the Monastery, old Roman road, amphitheatre, and several old tombs.

• Dinner in a Bedouin tent enjoying traditional desert hospitality.

• Off-the-beaten-track exploration of the 'Dead Cities' abandoned 1500 years ago.

• An afternoon at the Dead Sea.

• Free time to explore Amman, Aqaba and Damascus.

• Arrival transfer.

International flights, meals unless specified, drinks, departure taxes, visas, travel insurance, tips (see below), spending of a personal nature, optional sightseeing, departure transfer.