Luxury Holidays Syria

Some of the greatest past civilisations cross the borders of Syria during the last 5,000 years, due to this has a wealth of historic sites and places of interest.Krak des Chevaliers is one of the best preserved of all Crusader castles and Palmyra is one of the most impressive of all the ancient sites of the Middle East.

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Tailor Made
Guided Tours departing 2008
Guided Tours departing 2009
Places to see and things to do | Places to stay | Suggested itineraries

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Introduction to Syria

Its position at the confluence of the major trading routes between east and west has engendered Syria with an incredibly rich and diverse heritage that can boast a truly impressive collection of magnificent archaeological remains, as well as a thriving living culture that can trace its ancestry back to Roman, Byzantine, Crusader and Arab invaders.

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Places to see and things to do ―
Tailor Made Luxury Holidays to Syria
 

ALEPPO

ALEPPO
One of Syria’s great trading cities, Aleppo sits on an arid plateau to the north of the Great Plains. At heart the very essence of a traditional Arab city, this bustling enclave of covered souks and khans has thrived since the 3rd century BC. Dominated by its magnificent Citadel and the ornate elegance of the Umayyad Mosque, Aleppo today continues to attract an eclectic mix of cultural diversity to its vibrant streets and markets.
 

BAALBECK

BAALBECK
The wonderful ruins of Baalbeck, across the border in Lebanon, amaze visitors by the sheer scale of the monuments – the Temple of Jupiter is the largest temple ever built by the Romans,while the ‘smaller’ Temple of Bacchus is larger than the Parthenon. The Temple of Bacchus is perhaps the most intact temple to have survived from classical times, and its rich decoration caused the 19th century artist David Roberts to describe it as “the most elaborate work, as well as the most exquisite in detail, of anything of its kind in the world”. In July and August each year, Baalbeck hosts a famous festival of music and theatre that attracts visitors from all over the world.
 

DAMASCUS

DAMASCUS
The Syrian capital lays claim to being the oldest continually inhabited city in the world. It’s the perfect introduction to the country and offers some wonderful sightseeing opportunities. The Great Mosque is a place of beauty and calm in the centre of the old city, and the huge bazaar area that surrounds it gives you the authentic atmosphere of the orient, with its lively narrow alleys and the rich aroma of spices. The national Museum is well worth a visit, and don’t miss the delightful Azem Palace, built for an Ottoman governor of Damascus in the 18th century, with its charming courtyards and fountains.
 

PALMYRA – THE CITY OF QUEEN ZENOBIA

PALMYRA – THE CITY OF QUEEN ZENOBIA
Palmyra is one of the most impressive and best preserved of all the ancient sites of the Middle East. An oasis on the route between Damascus and the Euphrates, Palmyra flourished under the Assyrians and Greeks before being annexed by Rome in 217 A.D. It was during the Roman period,when the city enjoyed unsurpassed wealth, that the ambitious Queen Zenobia, claiming descent from Cleopatra, launched her famous rebellion, only to be soundly defeated by the Emperor Aurelian in 271.
 

THE BEIT EL-WAKIL ALEPPO

THE BEIT EL-WAKIL ALEPPO
A former Ottoman townhouse located in the historic Armenian quarter of the city. The rooms at the Beit el-Wakil are fairly small and the hotel is therefore ideal for those looking for atmosphere and ambience rather than luxury. The restaurants offer a choice of local, western and oriental cuisine.
 

Palmyra Cham Palace

Palmyra Cham Palace
The hotel is located close to the famous archaeological site, and has 250 rooms with 2 restaurants, an outdoor pool and tennis courts. Palmyra is one of the most extensive and best preserved of all the ancient sites of the Middle east. Palmyra flourished under the Assyrians and Greeks before being annexed by Rome in 217 A.D. It was during the Roman period, when the city enjoyed unsurpassed wealth, that the ambitious Queen Zenobia, claiming descent from Cleopatra, launched her famous rebellion, only to be soundly defeated by the Emperor Aurelian in 271.
 

Places to stay ―
Tailor Made Luxury Holidays to Syria

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SYRIA’S BOUTIQUE HOTELS

SYRIA’S BOUTIQUE HOTELS
Syria is a country rich in a myriad of cultural traditions that stretch back across the centuries, a legacy that is delightfully reflected in some of its elegant heritage hotels. The once great trading cities of Aleppo and Damascus can boast some of the finest boutique hotels in the country, including the Ottoman splendour of the Beit El Wakil and the oriental delights of the luxurious Diwan Rasmy, both within easy reach of Aleppo’s khans and bazaars. In Damascus the 17th century Al Mamlouka provides an oasis of tiled courtyards and Damascene frescoes, whilst the sumptuous elegance of the Dar Zamaria in the heart of Aleppo’s old Jedaideh district provides its guests with the captivating ambience of a traditional Allepine courtyard house.
 

Suggested itineraries ―
Tailor Made Luxury Holidays to Syria

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CRUSADER CASTLES AND CARAVAN CITIES

CRUSADER CASTLES AND CARAVAN CITIES
LEBANON AND SYRIA - CRUSADER CASTLES AND CARAVAN CITIES
    It has been said that to know the history of Syria is to know the history of the world; this ancient land has witnessed the great civilisations of the past flourish and fade. Their legacy is a rich and varied chronicle, five thousand years old and splendidly illustrated with a myriad of outstanding monuments. Neighbouring Lebanon, for so long part of Syria, has cities going back to biblical times, and in Baalbeck has arguably the greatest classical site in Asia.
    • All flights as shown in economy class
    • First class accommodation throughout
    • Breakfast daily
    • Private Car & driver on all road transfers shown
    • Private sightseeing as detailed with local English speaking Guides including entrance fees
    • Departures possible daily except Sunday (due to the fine National Museum being closed in Beirut on a Monday) but Friday and Saturday departures offer the best timings. Sunday is also offers good timings, but extra time would be needed in Beirut to include the National Museum.
    Day 1 Depart London Heathrow in the afternoon by British Airways/British Mediterranean to Beirut. On arrival in the evening transfer to the Le Méridien Commodore Hotel for 3 nights.

    Day 2 Morning visit to the excellent National Museum (closed on Mondays), after which continue to Byblos, said to be the oldest continuously inhabited town in the world. Explore the ancient ruins on foot, ending up at the attractive little harbour with time for lunch. Return to Beirut in the afternoon.

    Day 3 Drive north along the Mediterranean coast to Tripoli and visit the 12th century Crusader castle of Saint-Gilles, and wander through the ancient bazaars. Ascend into the foothills of Mount Lebanon to view the remaining Cedars of Lebanon, some reputed to be 3,000 years old. The giant trees were used in the construction of both the Pyramids of Giza and of Solomon’s Temple in Jerusalem.

    Day 4 Visit the Phoenician port of Sidon, with its Crusader ‘Castle of the Sea’ before driving into the Chouf Mountains to visit the beautiful 19th century palace at Beiteddine, built by the Emir Bechir in traditional Lebanese style, with its wonderful collection of Byzantine mosaics. Continue to Zahle for 2 nights at the Grand Hotel Kadri.

    Day 5 The most famous of Lebanon’s ancient sites is undoubtedly Baalbeck, with its glorious temples of Jupiter and Bacchus, whose overwhelming scale impresses all visitors. Spend the morning exploring this amazing complex and in the afternoon we pay a short visit to a Lebanese winery at Ksara.

    Day 6 Cross the border into Syria to visit Krak des Chevaliers, one of the best preserved of all Crusader castles, which once housed a garrison of 4,000. Continue to Hama on the banks of the Orontes River, for overnight at the Apamea Cham Hotel.

    Day 7 Continue via Apamea and Ebla to the Monastery of St Simeon, where the saint spent 42 years of his life chained to the top of a column preaching twice a day. Continue to Aleppo, for 2 nights at the charming Beit el-Wakil Hotel, a former Ottoman townhouse located in the historic Armenian quarter of the city.

    Day 8 Aleppo’s history stretches back to the 18th century BC and there is much to see in the old city. Today’s sightseeing includes the citadel with its Mosque of Abraham, the Great Mosque and the Al Firdows Madresseh.

    Day 9 Continue to the ancient oasis city of Palmyra, where accommodation is at the Palmyra Cham Palace Hotel for 2 nights.

    Day 10 A stopping place on the caravan route between Damascus and the Euphrates, Palmyra flourished under the Assyrians and Greeks before being annexed by Rome in 217 AD. It was during the Roman period, when the city enjoyed unsurpassed wealth, that the ambitious Queen Zenobia, claiming descent from Cleopatra, launched her famous rebellion, only to be soundly defeated by the Emperor Aurelian in 271. A full day is spent at this marvellous site.

    Day 11 In the morning continue to Damascus, Syria’s capital, for 2 nights at the Cham Palace Hotel. In the afternoon visit the Great Mosque, the exquisite 18th century Azem Palace and the Tomb of Saladin.

    Day 12 Further sightseeing in Damascus, including the National Museum (closed on Tuesdays). Afternoon at leisure.

    Day 13 Depart in the morning by British Airways/ British Mediterranean to London Heathrow, arriving in the early afternoon.
 

HIGHLIGHTS OF SYRIA

HIGHLIGHTS OF SYRIA
HIGHLIGHTS OF SYRIA
    Strategically situated between the Mediterranean and the Euphrates, Syria has been since ancient times the meeting place of East and West. The great civilisations of the world have bequeathed a wealth of outstanding monuments, including the breathtaking ruins of Palmyra and the massive Crusader Castle of Krak des Chevaliers.

  • Aleppo (2), Homs (1), Palmyra (2), Damascus (2)
  • Flights as shown in economy class with BMI
  • First class accommodation throughout
  • Meals as outlined below B = Breakfast, L = Lunch, D = Dinner
  • Private Car & driver on all road transfers shown
  • Private sightseeing as detailed with local English speaking Guides including entrance fees


    Day 1: Depart London Heathrow in the afternoon by BMI to Aleppo (BA6659 1605/2305). On arrival you will be met and transferred to the charming Beit el-Wakil Hotel, a former Ottoman townhouse located in the historic Armenian quarter of the city for 2 nights.

    Day 2: Aleppo’s history stretches back to the 18th century BC and there is much to see in the old city. Today’s sightseeing includes the citadel with its Mosque of Abraham, the Great Mosque and the Al Firdows Madresseh. (B)

    Day 3: Drive to Ebla to the Monastery of St Simeon, where the saint spent 42 years of his life chained to the top of a column preaching twice a day. Continue to Homs, for 1 night at the Safir Hotel. (B)

    Day 4: Tuesday We leave Homs in the morning for Krak des Chevaliers, one of the best preserved of all Crusader castles. After lunch continue to the ancient oasis city of Palmyra, where accommodation is at the wonderfully located Zenobia Cham Palace Hotel. (B)

    Day 5: Wednesday A stopping place on the caravan route between Damascus and the Euphrates, Palmyra flourished under the Assyrians and Greeks before being annexed by Rome in 217 AD. It was during the Roman period, when the city enjoyed unsurpassed wealth, that the ambitious Queen Zenobia, claiming descent from Cleopatra, launched her famous rebellion, only to be soundly defeated by the Emperor Aurelian in 271. A full day is spent at this marvellous site. (B)

    Day 6: Thursday Continue to Damascus, Syria’s capital, for 2 nights at the charming Al Mamlouka. (B)

    Day 7: Friday Morning visits to the exquisite 18th century Azem Palace and the National Museum. In the afternoon visit the Great Mosque and the Tomb of Saladin. (B)

    Day 8: Saturday Depart in the morning by BMI flight to London Heathrow (BA6590 0600/1055). (B)
 
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