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Enjoy this tour of Syria based in Damascus, with private meet and greet and airport transfers, and private day trips to see the sights of this ancient country. Start by seeing the splendors of old and new sections of Damascus, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. Damascus has a wealth of historical sites dating back to many different periods of the city's history which will be explained by your expert English speaking guide. The Umayyad Mosque, also known as the Grand Mosque of Damascus, is one of the largest mosques in the world. The "Street Called Straight" (referred to in the conversion of St. Paul in Acts 9:11), also known as the Via Recta. Journey to Palmyra with a private vehicle and guide, one of the most spectacular sites of the ancient world. In ancient times it was an important city of central Syria, located in an oasis 215 km northeast of Damascus and 120 km southwest of the Euphrates. It was a vital caravan city for travellers crossing the Syrian desert and still has impressive ruins and buildings. Finish with a tour to the most preserved Crusader citadel in the world, Crak des Chevaliers. The fortress was made a World Heritage Site in 2006, and is one of the few sites where Crusader art (in the form of frescoes) has been preserved. It is a mammoth castle with three rings of walls and amazing fortifications, perched on the top of a cliff. The fortress was described as “perhaps the best preserved and most wholly admirable castle in the world” by T. E. Lawrence.
Important Note; you cannot have an Israeli stamp in your passport to travel to Syria.
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Trip Options
All of our itineraries may be customized as you wish, add extra days, change a hotel, see different sights. Contact one of our expert consultants for your free, no-obligation vacation plan.
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Itinerary
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Day 1
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. Transfer in a private vehicle from the airport to your Damascas hotel. The transfer includes airport meet and assist. Enjoy time at leisure to explore at your own pace, or relax at your hotel. The Cham Palace Hotel is located downtown, in the heart of the city and has 400 luxurious guest rooms and suites. There are five restaurants on site, among them the only Chinese and Japanese revolving restaurant in Syria. Facilities also include the lobby bar and luxurious traditional English "Harry's Bar" on the 11th floor, a sidewalk cafe, the "Jet - Set discotheque", featuring live entertainment Banquet facilities for up to 500 guests, bowling, swimming pool, fitness center, gymnasium, sauna, hairdresser and beauty parlor and arcade. Overnight at Cham Palace. |
Damascus |
The Cham Palace |
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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. Overnight at Cham Palace. |
Damascus |
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Day 3
Damascus 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. On your return to Damascus you may welcome the chance for some independent shopping and exploring the covered bazaar. Overnight at Cham Palace. |
Crac des Chevaliers |
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Day 4
Damascus Enjoy the drive through the magnificent scenery of the Syrian steppe to Palmyra in the comfort of a private driven vehicle. Enjoy a refreshing stop at a typical Bedouin cafe for lunch, before continuing to Palmyra to spend some memorable moments amongst the edifices of this glorious city. One of the most spectacular sites of the ancient world, the dessert city of Palmyra boasts vast colonnaded lined streets, lavishly decorated tombs, ornate stone carvings and imposing temples. The Architectural design and style of this unique city is a combination of late Hellenistic, Parathion and Roman, creating an atmosphere of historic tradition as lived during that classic era. At the end of the day, you will be brought back to your hotel in Damascus. This tour includes transportation in car/van, entrance fees and lunch. Overnight at Cham Palace. |
Palmyra |
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Day 5
Damascus Transfer in a private vehicle from your Damascas hotel to the airport for your departure flight. Depart from International Airport. End of itinerary. Overnight at Depart (Int`l Airport) (standard). |
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Trip Includes
Guaranteed departure – Accommodation, Activities, Transfers, Meals, Fees where indicated as per the itinerary - Local and international traveler assistance during your tour - Specialised and personalised services
Trip Excludes
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.kensingtontours.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.
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'98.33 Client Satisfaction Rating'
