Syria & Lebanon Discovery

14 days - from $3050

Two countries rich with the Middle East's timeless treats – ancient sites, bustling bazaars, delicious food and charming people

Like a grand cultural jigsaw, Syria and Lebanon have been recast many times over since the dawn of civilisation. Crusader fortresses rise from Phoenician foundations, Roman buildings emerge from Greek ruins and Byzantine churches are now Ottoman mosques. In Damascus, we visit the museum, bazaars and the breathtaking Omayyad Mosque. To the west, the ancient desert oasis of Palmyra is a wonderful prelude to the ancient site at Apamea and the massive acropolis at Baalbek. Krak des Chevaliers, the world's finest Crusader castle, whets our appetite for Saone and the Crusader ports of Tartus, Byblos and Sidon. In Aleppo, surrounded by spice scents, long shadows and shafts of light, we explore magnificent vaulted bazaars and stay in a historic hotel. Discover incredible mosaics at Maarat, explore the splendid palace at Beit Eddine and end up in lively, urbane Beirut.

Highlights

• Paleolithic Jeitta Grottos
• Shouf Cedars Forest
• The Phoenician city of Sidon
• Baalbek's colossal stone block structures
• Beit Eddine Palace in the Chouf Mountains
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed Byblos
• Fourth most holy Muslim site - Umayyad Mosque
• Saone's Crusader castle
• The pink granite columns of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Palmyra
• The colonnaded street of Apamea
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed ancient city of Aleppo
• The 'Dead Cities'
• UNESCO World Heritage-listed 12th Century Crusader castle of Krak des Chevaliers
• Souk al-Hamidiyya of UNESCO World Heritage-listed Damascus

Itinerary:

Day 1: Damascus2: Damascus - Palmyra3: Palmyra - Krak des Chevaliers4: Krak des Chevaliers - Apamea - Aleppo5: St Simeon's Monastery - Aleppo6: Ugarit - Saone - Tartus7: Tartus – Beirut8: Beirut – Aanjar - Baalbek9: Bcharre – The Cedars - Qadisha Valley10: Tripoli - Byblos11: Byblos – Jeita Grotto - Beirut12: Beirut – Sidon – Beit Eddine - Deir Al-Qamar13: Deir Al-Qamar – Shouf Cedar forest - Beirut14: Beirut
Included:

• The services of Peregrine’s expert English-speaking local leaders in both countries, and professional local guides at some sites.

• Sightseeing (including entrance fees where applicable): Damascus including National Museum, Omayyad Mosque and Souk al-Hamidiyya; ancient desert oasis of Palmyra; Krak des Chevaliers Crusader castle; town of Hama; Apamea including Cardo Maximus; Aleppo including St Simeon's Monastery; Ugarit; Saone castle; Tartus; Baalbek; Umayyad city; Beit Eddine; Tripoli; Shouf Cedars Forest; Sidon; Byblos; Jeitta Grottos; and Beirut.

• Off-the-beaten-track exploration of the 'Dead Cities'.

• Traditional desert hospitality and dinner in a Bedouin tent (subject to weather).

• Ksara Vineyard winery tour including a visit to underground caves.

• Authentic accommodation including a night in a rustic local auberge in Deir el Qamar and in a hotel located in the souk of Byblos.

• Free time to explore Damascus, Aleppo, Byblos and Beirut.

• Arrival transfer.

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