Introduction to Syria

This is a journey through the biblical, medieval and Roman worlds. Damascus is the oldest living city in the world and an Islamic capital under the Omayyads. Navigating the tortuous alleys of the old city on foot is a wonderful experience with one highlight being the Church of Ananaias at the end of a Street Called Straight. Here, the stories of the Bible come magically to life, irrespective of your religious beliefs.

The ancient oasis of Palmyra is a very special place with its colonnaded streets, monumental arches, Temple of Baal and tombs. Less well known Apamea, a fascinating counterpoint to Palmyra, is set in lush countryside rather than desert landscape. Crac des Chevaliers was the residence of the military order Knights of St. John (or Hospitallers) and Aleppo has the largest medieval citadel in the world with some four miles of covered souks to explore, each lively street specialising in its own trade. Close by is the 5th-century Church of St. Simeon the Stylite (who positioned himself atop a 16-metre pillar for 40 years) on a rocky outcrop with fine views of the surrounding landscape.

Itinerary

In brief:

Damascus – 2 nights. Homs area – 2 nights. Aleppo – 2 nights. Damascus – 2 nights.

Day 1 Fly from Dublin to London Heathrow with an onward connection to Damascus. Transfer to the 5-star Hotel Sednaya Sheraton or Ebla Cham for two nights.

Day 2 An included excursion to the National Museum in Damascus, Bosra and the basilica of St. George at Ezrae.

Day 3 A visit to Palmyra. Two nights at the 4-star Hotel Mashta Al-Helu or Safir in the Homs area.

Day 4 Visit the Roman temple at Hosn Sulaiman, Crac des Chevaliers castle and the Monastery of St. George.

Day 5 Visit Qala’at Salah ad-Din and Apamea. Two nights in Aleppo at the 4-star Hotel Park or Planet.

Day 6 Visit the National Museum, Citadel, covered bazaars and old city quarter of Jdayde. ‘Dining in the Old Town’.

Day 7 Visit St. Simeon, Hama with its waterwheels and Maaloula. Stay two nights in Damascus at the 4-star Hotel Omayyad or 5-star Hotel Cham Palace.

Day 8 A morning tour of Damascus. Afternoon free. ‘Dining in the Old Town’.

Day 9 Return flight.

Price inclusions

• Flight Dublin to London
• Onward flight London to Damascus
• Airport transfer to your hotel
• 8 nights accommodation (see Itinerary)
• Meals : Half Board Basis
• All tours outlined in the itinerary
• Return transfer from your hotel to airport
• Flight Damascus to London
• Onward flight to Dublin
• Services of guide and local representatives
• Taxes and charges

Booking remarks

• Inclusive of taxes and service charges as indicated
• Single room supplement €412 (Jun) and €480 (Sep-Dec) for the duration
• Non refundable or transferable booking deposit 10% per person
• Full payment due on confirmation
• 2% surcharge if balance is paid by credit or charge card
• Optional Insurance €48 (conditions apply)
• Taxes, charges or compulsory charges introduced after publication are not included in the above price
• Holders of Irish passports are required to have a visa to enter Syria. The cost of obtaining the visa through Citiescapes is €45.
• The sequential order of the tour is subject to local conditions and may change. Accommodation is in locally rated 4 star hotels which normally equate to one category lower by Irish standards. On occasion hotels of a similar standard may be substituted.
• Departure tax of €30 (subject to change) to be paid at time of booking.
• Note: It is a condition of entry into Syria that your passport does not have an Israeli stamp.

Accommodation details

Damascus – 5 Star Hotel Sednaya Sheraton or Elba Cham – 2 Nights

Homs – 4 Star Hotel Mashta Al-Helu or Safir – 2 nights

Aleppo – 4 Star Hotel Park or Planet – 2 nights

Damascus – 4 Star Hotel Omayyad or 5 Star Cham Palace – 2 Nights

Dates and Prices

01 June 2010	€1759
08 June 2010	€1759
15 June 2010	€1689
14 September 2010	€1689
21 September 2010	€1759
28 September 2010	€1759
05 October 2010	€1829
12 October 2010	€1829
19 October 2010	€1829
26 October 2010	€1829
02 November 2010	€1829
09 November 2010	€1829
16 November 2010	€1759
23 November 2010	€1759
30 November 2010	€1689
07 December 2010	€1689