Syria In Style

Itinerary

• Syria

  Syria is one of the larger states of the Middle East and has its capital in Damascus. Syria is bordered to the north by Turkey, to the east by Iraq, by Jordan and Israel to the south, and by Lebanon to the south-west. In addition, the country has a short coastline on the east Mediterranean Sea. Major attractions include the cities of Damascus, Aleppo with its large souk and ancient citadel, the magnificent Crusader castle of Krak des Chevaliers, and the preserved Roman city of Palmyra. Visitors who do take the time to explore this fascinating country will not be disappointed, and will remember the friendly hospitality with fondness.

• Aleppo

  Aleppo is one of the Great Middle Eastern cities, a city where one can still find the grandeur of Arabic life of a bygone era. Once the major commercial center of the Orient, it is still vibrant with traders coming from all over the world to buy, sell, barter and haggle in its traditional covered Souks, the newer shopping districts and center-city offices.

• Damascus

  Damascus is the capital of Syria and its largest city, with about 4.5 million people. Established between 10,000 to 8,000BC, Damascus is credited with being the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. The old walled city, in particular, feels very ancient and is comprised of a maze of narrow alleys, punctuated by enigmatic doors that lead into pleasing, verdant courtyards and blank-faced houses.

• Palmyra

  Palmyra (the Roman name) is known as Tadmor to the Syrians. Both mean the same thing - date palm. The name comes from the lush oasis adjacent to the city which is home to some million date palms. It is the only oasis in Syria and perhaps the only truly tourist town.

• • Damascus
  • Four Seasons Damascus

  Day 1: Damascus

  Transfer in a private vehicle from the airport to your Damascas hotel. The transfer includes airport meet and assist.

  Accommodation: Four Seasons Damascus

  Rising in a pillar of timeless architecture beside a lovely public garden and an ancient mosque in a prime area of downtown Damascus – within easy reach of embassies, business, retail and cultural sites – Four Seasons is designed to be the city’s pre-eminent address for visitors and social events.

• • Damascus

  Day 2: Damascus

  The charm of Damascus lies in the wonderful sharp contrast between the historical and new areas. The modern area houses long, wide streets, luxurious buildings, modern hotels, elegant small apartments and the best library in the Middle East. In the historical part of the city, there are narrow lanes, caravansaries, baths, souks, old palaces, libraries, mosques and churches. All this make a visit to Damascus more than rewarding. Enjoy a visit to the national museum, and the Omayad Mosque, and take a stroll in the old Bazaars and Souks. Lunch is included with this tour.

  Accommodation: Four Seasons Damascus
• • Bosra

  Day 3: Damascus

  Enjoy a full day private, guided excursion to get acquainted with the southern region of Syria. Bosra is known as the “Bombay of the middle east”. A unique black basaltic city is home to one of the finest surviving Roman theatres. This settlement was strategically built in the middle of the fertile Houran plain, which later became what is known as “the granary of the Roman Empire”. The presence of the Roman, Byzantine and Islamic cultures have overtime created a truly diverse city structure. The town of Ezra'a is situated 85 km south of Damascus. This town is known for its two churches dating back to the 6th century, which are considered as the oldest continuously used churches in Syria. Ezra'a was quite an important city during the Roman period, which later became a center of Christian importance. In 1182, it was sacked by James Baldwin IV of Jerusalem who mistakenly thought that they wanted to join him. The influence of Christianity is still quite dense here, with the town’s two original churches still used daily. The Church of St George, which was built on the site of an ancient pagan temple, is a Greek Orthodox Church dating back to 512 AD. Similarly, the Church of St Elias, dating back to 542 AD is a Greek Catholic Church, which has overtime become a victim of heavy damage throughout the decades, has recently undergone restoration in order to return it to its former glory.

  Accommodation: Four Seasons Damascus
• • Palmyra
  • Crac des Chevaliers
  • Tadamora Palace Hotel and Spa

  Day 4: Damascus - Palmyra

  Undoubtedly one of the finest examples of a Crusader fortress virtually still intact in a magnificent location close to the Mediterranean, Crac des Chevaliers is known as “The most preserved crusader citadel in the world”. It was held for 162 years by the Crusaders and later given to the Mamlouk. Its towers, stables, water-cistern, meeting-hall and chapel still give an ever lasting impression and were described by T.E Lawrence as such: "it is the most wholly admirable castle in the world". Enjoy a day excursion to this fascinating site with a private vehicle and driver, complete with a detailed visit of the castle. This tour continues on with a visit to the city of Homs for a quick tour of the city's remaining Citadel, Mosques and Churches. Lunch is included with tour, along with an overnight in Palmyra Hotel.

  Accommodation: Tadamora Palace Hotel & Spa

  Lying in the heart of the Syrian Desert, is Syria’s star tourist attraction and one of the world’s most splendid historical sites in Palmyra, Tadamora Palace Hotel & Spa is offering luxuries services to its guest. Completing the enjoyment of Palmyra’s intriguing history, along with the profusion of colonnades, temple remains and funerary towers, in a mesmerizing desert oasis setting, renders visitors speechless, Tadamora Palace serve you with the best traditional and international food in the area in its various restaurants, and relaxing under the sun in its pool and terrace restaurants. The location of Tadamora Palace Hotel & Spa is easily accessible. Having various kinds of treatment in one of the most famous spas in the world Six Senses Spa will make Tadamora Palace your destination of choice for those seeking the perfect retreat to relax and be pampered whilst enjoying the therapeutic benefits of Six Senses Spa in Tadamora Palace Palmyra.

• • The Temple of Bel

  Day 5: Palmyra

  After breakfast enjoy local sightseeing in Palmyra. The sights include;

  Bel Temple - Bel is identified by the Greeks as Zeus and as Jupiter by the Romans, and is lord and master of the universe. The temple is set on an artificial mound that dates back to the 2nd millennium BC and it is almost sure that this site has always been the site of a shrine.

  Colonnade - The colonnaded street, or the decumanus, which is the main axis of the city runs from northwest to southeast for 1.2 Km. Starting from the Temple of Bel which is on the southeast side towards the Arab castle on the northwest side. Nearly at the beginning of the colonnade is the monumental arch, which has been very well preserved and is almost always the vestige with which Palmyra is associated

  Valley of the Tombs - This is a large area with several tower and temple tombs and hypogeums. Of the most interesting are the Tower Tombs of Kithoth, Iamliku, Elahbel, Atenatan, and the Hypogeum of Yarhai. There are two other necropolises, the first is to the southwest of Palmyra and includes the Hypogea of the Three Brothers, Atenatan, Hairan and Dionysus. The other necropolis which is situated southeast of Palmyra includes the tombs of Artaban, Breiki, and Bolha.

  Accommodation: Tadamora Palace Hotel & Spa
• • Aleppo
  • Sheraton Aleppo

  Day 6: Palmyra - Aleppo

  Transfer to Hama, situated between Homs and Aleppo on banks of the Orontes river. Visit the chief attraction of the city: The Great Norias (Waterwheels). Originating in Byzantine times, the oldest surviving wheels date from the 13th century. The norias, which all have given names, were used to raise water from the river into aqueducts. The purpose of the wheels nowadays is purely decorative and of historical interest. Continue on to the city of Apamea, known for its Colonnade (The Cardo Maximus): 45 meters long. Erected in the 2nd century, it was destroyed in the 12th century by two violent earthquakes; yet many columns are still standing. Leaving Apamea, the tour day ends after exploring what is known as the most eerie of the known Dead Cities - Serjilla. Deserted for almost 1,500 years, Serjilla is most recognized for its many semi-complete buildings offering the appearance that villagers have only just left. Lunch included. Overnight in Aleppo.

  Accommodation: Sheraton Aleppo

  A warm welcome waits at Sheraton Aleppo Hotel. Built on its own city block in the downtown Bab Al Faraj district, the historical city of Aleppo and all its wonders are right outside the hotel door. From the famous Citadel to the Omayyad Mosque, National Museum, Public Park, and Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions, you will discover history around every corner. The hotel is also only 15 minutes from Aleppo International Airport. Take in views of the great old Aleppo city from the 199 comfortable guest rooms and spacious suites, including a Club floor which is fully equipped for business travelers. After a full day of bonding and sightseeing, a peaceful night’s sleep awaits you between the crisp sheets and plush duvet of the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper SM Bed, in every room. Wireless High Speed Internet Access.

• • Church of St. Simeon

  Day 7: Aleppo

  Enjoy a day of local sightseeing with your guide. Visit the Citadel, a magnificent enormous fortress, considered to be one of the oldest in the region. The hill the Citadel stands on dates back to the 16th century BC, when the Amorites were in control. The Grand Mosque, formerly known as the Agora, dates back to the Hellenistic period, which later became the garden for the Cathedral of St. Helena, during the Christian era. The Aleppo souk, unlike its Damascus counterpart, is covered by stone archways for about 30km, making it the longest covered souk in the Middle East. This was once the most important area for trading in Syria, a complicated maze of narrow cobbled streets forms this magnificent Bazaar. Situated 60 Km from Aleppo is the well-preserved Church of St. Simeon. This beautiful church was built in honour of St. Simeon the Stylite who lived here for 37 years. This famous church is visited by pilgrims from all around the area. This tour concludes with an overnight in Aleppo.

  Accommodation: Sheraton Aleppo
• • St Thecle

  Day 8: Aleppo - Damascus

  Enjoy sightseeing while on the way to Damascus, beginning with a stop at Maalula, a village carved in the natural rock formations. This village is not only the location of two extremely ancient converts, St. Thecle and St Sergius, but has the privilege of being one of a very few regions that still uses a Syriaque dialect which is very particular, old Aramaic, the language of Christ.  From here, the journey continues to the village of Sednaya, some 30km from Damascus. This village was built on a hilltop, and is surrounded by vineyards and olive groves. This location is home to a famous monastery founded in 547, dedicated to the blessed virgin. The name of the village itself, "Seyda Naya" in Syrian translates to "Our Lady". The monastery contains a portrait of the Virgin believed to have been pained by St Luke. This half day tour includes lunch.

  Accommodation: Four Seasons Damascus

• Day 9: Damascus

  Transfer in a private vehicle from your Damascas hotel to the airport for your departure flight.

  Accommodation: Depart (Int`l Airport)

Accommodation

• • Four Seasons Damascus

  Four Seasons Damascus

  Rising in a pillar of timeless architecture beside a lovely public garden and an ancient mosque in a prime area of downtown Damascus – within easy reach of embassies, business, retail and cultural sites – Four Seasons is designed to be the city’s pre-eminent address for visitors and social events.

  • More information
• • Tadamora Palace Hotel and Spa
  • Bedroom

  Tadamora Palace Hotel & Spa

  Lying in the heart of the Syrian Desert, is Syria’s star tourist attraction and one of the world’s most splendid historical sites in Palmyra, Tadamora Palace Hotel & Spa is offering luxuries services to its guest. Completing the enjoyment of Palmyra’s intriguing history, along with the profusion of colonnades, temple remains and funerary towers, in a mesmerizing desert oasis setting, renders visitors speechless, Tadamora Palace serve you with the best traditional and international food in the area in its various restaurants, and relaxing under the sun in its pool and terrace restaurants. The location of Tadamora Palace Hotel & Spa is easily accessible. Having various kinds of treatment in one of the most famous spas in the world Six Senses Spa will make Tadamora Palace your destination of choice for those seeking the perfect retreat to relax and be pampered whilst enjoying the therapeutic benefits of Six Senses Spa in Tadamora Palace Palmyra.

  • More information
• • Sheraton Aleppo
  • Club Room

  Sheraton Aleppo

  A warm welcome waits at Sheraton Aleppo Hotel. Built on its own city block in the downtown Bab Al Faraj district, the historical city of Aleppo and all its wonders are right outside the hotel door. From the famous Citadel to the Omayyad Mosque, National Museum, Public Park, and Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions, you will discover history around every corner. The hotel is also only 15 minutes from Aleppo International Airport. Take in views of the great old Aleppo city from the 199 comfortable guest rooms and spacious suites, including a Club floor which is fully equipped for business travelers. After a full day of bonding and sightseeing, a peaceful night’s sleep awaits you between the crisp sheets and plush duvet of the Sheraton Sweet Sleeper SM Bed, in every room. Wireless High Speed Internet Access.

  • More information

The Fine Print

• Trip Operator

  Horizon & Co. (founded in 1963), is a privately-owned leading boutique travel company. Horizon designs and stages authentic and deeply personal travel experiences that are carefully choreographed to induce a life-long memory. In addition to offering published trips on seven continents, Horizon builds private custom trips for discerning individuals and small groups.

• Contact Information

  Horizon & Co.
  Tel: 1-800-387-2977
  Email: admin@horizon-co.com
  Web: www.horizon-co.com

• What's Included:

  • Guaranteed departure - Tours, Transfers, Flights, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services

• What's not Included:

  • Tips - Laundry - Soft drinks and alcoholic beverages unless explicitly noted - Optional activities/extras – Visas (unless noted) - Vacation insurance

• Trip Terms & Conditions

  • Your deposit is due immediately on booking (30% of program price, minimum $250). The balance is due 90 days prior to departure. We accept payment via credit card, certified check, wire transfer or money order.
  • Tour quotes do not include airfare to/from the trip start point unless noted on the itinerary
  • Cost increases in currency exchange, government fees, taxes, surcharges or hotel/lodge tariff increases between quote date and start date are payable by the client.
  • Availability cannot be guaranteed until booked. We will exercise best efforts to book hotels per the itinerary, however, in busy seasons and with client bookings made within 90 days of tour date we may be forced to offer substitutes.
  • Cancellations of confirmed bookings 90 days or more prior to departure will receive full refund minus a $350 (per person) administrative fee and any non-refundable paid fees (e.g. non-refundable airfare, cruise or hotel deposits). 60-89 days will be subject to loss of deposit. 30-59 days will be subject to loss of 50% of program price. 29 days or less will be subject to 100% of program price.
  • Payment of the program price constitutes your acceptance of the terms and conditions set out at www.horizon-co.com/terms-and-conditions
  • Living Standards and practices at destination may differ from those in North America with respect to provisions of utilities, services and accommodation.

• Request a Quote