DAY 1 - ATHENS- Daily in Athens - Choose your own travel dates - March - Nov (B)
Today we meet you at Athens Airport or Piraeus. Upon arrival, our staff meets you and escorts you to your hotel in the Greek capital. The rest of the day is yours: Athens awaits you ! Private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur for all your transfers.

DAY 2 -ATHENS (BL)
Private half-day guided city tour shows you this great city's layout: we visit Syntagma Square, the heart of Modern Athens, drive by the parliament, and climb up to the Acropolis. Lunch is included in a charming local restaurant .Private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur for all your transfers. The afternoon is yours to explore Athens as you like. Take in some shopping, or relax at a real Athenian cafe in the Plaka.

Day 3 - Athens Markets or BYZANTINE Churches (cBL)
Ride the new Athens Subway alongside the locals today ( always escorted with your English speaking Guide) ! We take pride in affording you this experience, entirely by public transportation, with orientation by our English-speaking representative. You'll get to tour Athens fascinating vegetable & fruit markets by subway and/ or taxi. Enjoy lunch at a charming local restaurant before we head back to the hotel . Markets days/dates are subject to change, we may have to change your program in Athens to accommodate such changes.

Or if you prefer you may choose instead to tour one of the following tours:

BYZANTINE CHURCHES
Russian Orthodox Church at Filellinon & Amalias
Athens cathedral (Mitropolis) at Mitropoleos
Kapnikarea at Ermou
Saint Theodore at Klafthmonos
They then visited the Jewelry museum (LALAOUNIS) before breaking for lunch.
They used the metro 3 times (because they wanted to).

HISTORICAL INTEREST- Museum Tour :
BENAKI MUSEUM - (closed on Tuesdays)
Covering the history of Greece from Paleolithic (pre-historic, 60000 B.C.) till present. Can easily spend over 4 hours in there. There is also a cafeteria for breaks.

ARCHAEOLOGICAL INTEREST
Temple of Olympian Zeus / Dionissos Theatre/ Ancient Agora/ Roman Agora

Guests who have been on the organized tour (the day before) can use the same entrance ticket to all the archaeological sites mentioned above.

Above are only suggestions , you may discuss with the guide and modify (add/subtract) according to what you are most interested in. The guide will advise you on what is feasible to cover in a half-day. Or add another half day : additional $$$ apply

DAY 4 - Athens (BD)
We drive to the Marina Trocadero and board a boat for a tour of the saronic Gulf and its islands Aegina, Poros and Hydra. After our delightful day at sea, the evening brings us traditional Greek dinner at one of the most exclusive local restaurants. Private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur for all your transfers.

DAY 5 - ISTANBUL (B)
Today we fly North and east across the Sea of Marmara and the deep blue of the Aegean to fabled Istanbul . International airfares are included between Istanbul, Athens & Damascus in the tour rates.) Upon arrival, our staff meets you and escorts you to your hotel in the Turkish capital . The rest of the day is yours to explore the Turkish metropolis as you like. Private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur for all your transfers.

DAY 6 - ISTANBUL (BL)
Welcome to the City of the Sultans! We visit the top sights in an all-day tour, including the Blue Mosque, the Byzantine Hippodrome, the Turkish and Islamic Arts Museum with its collection of priceless oriental carpets, and legendary Topkapi Palace Museum, the imperial residence of the sultans for centuries. Lunch is included in a charming local restaurant. Private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur . Private Guide

Day 7 - "Imperial Constantinople in the Belle Epoque"
(late 19th century), the exotic romance of the "Paris of the East:" (BL)

Morning walking tour : We start with our guide in Karaköy where the foreign bankers and shipping companies had their headquarters, then take the Tünel up to istiklal Caddesi; stop in the whirling dervish tekke, and walk past the various old embassy buildings (now consulates), and point out the architecture. Stop for tea (included) at the famous Pera Palace Hotel.
Walk at least as far as Galatasaray Square, and have lunch in the Çicek Pasaji (Flower Passage); then walk up to Taksim Square and be picked up for the afternoon tour. In the afternoon the tour visit Yildiz Palace Park and the Ihlamur Kasri, a mini-palace south of Yildiz, and finish up with a visit to the Military History Museum in Harbiye in time to hear the "Mehter," or Ottoman military band (mid-afternoon). Before we head to the legendary Grand Bazaar and back to the hotel late afternoon / early evening in your : Private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur . Private Guide

DAY 8 - Damascus (B)
Fly to Damascus we meet you at the Airport and proceed to your hotel. You can begin your exploration of this "Arabian Nights" city just after you arrive. Visa fee for Syria is included in our rate. Visa is issued upon arrival as long as you send us your passport info at least 30 days in advance with a scanned legible copy of your passport info page. This is limited to specific nationalities, such as : USA , Canada, EU, Japan, Mexico, etc. Private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur for all your transfers.

Day 9 - Damascus (BL)
Today we explore the Syrian capital, visiting the National Museum, with treasures dating from the 1400s BC; the bustling Old Bazaar, the Eastern Gate (Bab ash-Sharqi) in the Roman city walls; the Street Called Straight (Via Recta); the house of Anania; and the chapel with very the window from which disciples lowered St. Paul so he could escape those who sought to kill him (Chapter 9:24-25) Lunch at a local restaurant is included. Private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur , private guide for all your transfers.

Day 10 - Palmyra Damascus (BL)
We drive to ancient Palmyra (Tadmor), in a desert oasis on the trade route between the Mediterranean and Mesopotamia, to visit its museum, the temples of Bel, Baal Shamin and Nebo, the Roman baths, the Tetrapylon, Diocletian's camp, and the Valley of the Tombs, before returning to Damascus. Lunch at a local restaurant is included . Private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur , private guide for all your transfers.

Day 11 - Damascus (B)
Our staff escorts you to the airport for your flight home. Private air-conditioned vehicle, private chauffeur , private guide for all your transfers.

Important
Syria will not issue visas for any passport holder that may carry any stamp or visa for Israel. Border crossings may take some time, depending of several circumstances (traffic, police, documentation, visas, etc.)

• Hotel accommodation in Deluxe hotels including tax, service charge and continental breakfast daily.
  
• Private Guided sightseeing tours and entrance fees as per itinerary, locally escorted in each country.
  
• All airport transfers, meet, greet and assist service. Always in a private air-conditioned vehicle , private chauffeur
  
• Air fare between Istanbul, Athens & Damascus. Economy class tax included .
  
  
• Visa fee for Syria, limited to the specific nationalities listed above.
  

• Airfare from/ To USA. (please contact us for the best airfares, or use your frequent flyer tickets.)
• Any sort of insurance, flyer is available upon request, insurance is strongly recommended .
• Tips
• Visa fee for Turkey : payable in cash upon arrival, or contact the nearest Turkish consulate.

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• Petra to Palmyra the Ultra Deluxe Version staying at the Four Seasons Hotel in Amman and Damascus

Sample of the Deluxe hotels in Syria:


Four Seasons Hotel 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.

Palmyra Cham Palace Hotel:
Located just outside Palmyra, next to the world famous archaeological site, this five star oasis is an up-to date
cosmopolitan refuge amidst the ancient splendour. Not to be missed; the ancient cave bath with sulphuric water.

Sheraton Aleppo:
Built on our own city block in the downtown Bab Al Faraj district, the historical city of Aleppo and all its wonders are right outside our 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. We are also just 15 minutes from Aleppo International Airport, keeping your trip stress-free.

Recommendations and conditions:

Every effort is made to adhere to the planned itinerary, however, for reasons beyond our control, it may be necessary to change routings, sequence of visits, and departure times.

Important
Syria will not issue visas for any passport holder that may carry any stamp or visa for Israel. Border crossings may take some time, depending of several circumstances (traffic, police, documentation, visas, etc.)

Sample Charming Boutique Hotels in Syria :

Talisman Hotel: Damascus
Talisman is more than an hotel: it is more like a home. We will provide you all the services and luxury of a five stars residence. Two wide opened courtyards with outdoor swimming
pool. Private and exclusive Turkish Hammam.
The Talisman is a luxury «charm» hotel situated in the old town of Damascus, twenty minutes from the airport, a hundred yards from the old Roman straight way (Medhat Pacha) and the historical Bab Sharqi, famous now for its souks and street markets. This old Jewish palace, built in a quiet side street and easily accessible by car, has been restored in the most authentic tradition of an Arab house.

Each of the 16 rooms and suites at Talisman is unique with its personalized lay-out and decoration. All the rooms are equipped with the latest commodities:king size bed, mini bar, central heating, individual air-conditioning, plasma television set with decoder so that you may choose any channel you please, DVD reader, wi-fi internet connection, telephone. Executive suites are larger and have a desk corner. The bathrooms are spacious and planned for your rest and well-being: finely worked wooden basins with their matching mirrors, old cement tiled or beige marble floors, bath tub or shower cabin, or both, hair-drier and comfortable bathrobes.

Zenobia hotel: Palmyra
built in 1920 … Agatha Christy was one of the welcomed guests , the Zenobia Hotel is ideally located in the middle of Palmyra archeological site; rooms offers a wonderful view of the traces of past civilizations, which you can explore at your ease.

The 26-room hotel offers a wonderful view of the traces of past civilizations, which you can explore at your ease. The hotel is a masterpiece of elegance and warm hospitality that is part of our commitment to tradition particularly amidst this historical surrounding. You are welcome to the world of Zenobia hotel where you relive the past and feel the glorious days of Palmyra.
The hotel rooms; all are air-conditioned, with central heating and a telephone. The Countess suite is a duplex room, with two double beds and a private bathroom on each deck. ( Supplement applies, and you must really book in advance to get this suite)

The Oasis restaurant offers a wide variety of delicious cuisine whether it is indoors or in the open air with a direct view on the ruins.

Palmyra was known as the bride of the desert, where once stood as one of the greatest Roman oasis cities of all times. The extensive roman ruins, only a three-minute walk from the hotel; stand gracefully to remind us of the glory of Palmyra's past

Beit Wakil Hotel: Aleppo
A true example of the distinguished 16th century Aleppine architecture,is a charming palace situated just outside the old city walls.This perfectly preserved structure which has stubbornly defied the destructive elements of time,ranks among the most elegant and
beautiful palaces in the region.

The Old City of Aleppo is a labyrinth of cobblestone streets and shops. This alley at the entrance to the Old City also led to Beit Wakil, whose sign and awning are visible to the left. Beit Wakil is an old merchant serai that has been renovated into a charming 14 room hotel. The hotel is centered around the courtyard pictured at the right, and the rooms are all arrayed around this central point. Our room, shown at the left was one floor up from the courtyard. The rooms are very traditional, dark wood with equally dark woven rugs on the floor, a bed and nightstand. For privacy one closes the wooden shutters. Except for electricity and your cable tele , the room could have been from an Indiana Jones movie set

Beit Wakil,a true example of the distinguished 16th. century Aleppine architecture,is a charming palace situated just outside the old city walls.This perfectly preserved structure which has stubbornly defied the destructive elements of time,ranks among the most elegant and beautiful palaces in the region. Faithful to the old Aleppine tradition the exterior is castle like,simple and void of any decoration,but as soon one enters inside a magical oriental story like world comes into existence

The beautiful courtyards with breathtaking relief and tracery work of their walls, the marble fountains among the jasmine and lemon trees, the unique iwan with its majestic arch and colors marble flooring,the elegant arabesque woodwork of the wall cupboards,the hand drawn wooden ceilings with corniche, the famous central Qa'a (large room: Lobby ) with its suspended dome and coloured arabesque glass windows,the stone built cellars and the lime stone caves below with a labyrinth of tunnels , one of which , links the palace to the Citadel of Aleppo , are just few of the many elements which distinguishes the Aleppine masonry art and Arabian architectural genius

Today, Beit Wakil welcomes its guests as a four star hotel with all the modern comfort facilities. Beit Wakil rooms and suits are centrally air conditioned, with traditional comfortable Aleppine furniture, minibar, music, T. V and satellite services, phone and private bathrooms. Both our summer and winter restaurants offer a wide verity of delicious Aleppine mezes and specialties together with an oriental entertainment program of classical Arabic music and dancing.

Aleppo includes a virile population, a splendid architecture,and a fine Arab tradition. Aleppo AL-Chahba, 355 Kilometers from Damascus, has been a prosperous city since the 3rd millennium B.C. and has maintained its status through town development and an increasing population. It has played a vital role in the history of the area from the time of the Akkadian and Amorite Kingdoms. Until recently it has always been the center of the junction of the ancient trade routs. The old city was surrounded by a wall incorporating defense towers and fortified gates built during the Islamic period. A large part of the wall still standing, for example Bab Qinisrin, Bab Al-Nasser, Bab Al-Hadid, Bab Antakia. Aleppo is also known for its mosques and churches and is considered the third city in the Islamic world because of the number of its mosques and schools. The Archaeological Museum contains exhibits from the stone age to modern times. It has particularly interesting collection of antiquities from some of the most ancient site in Syria (Mari, Ugarit, Ebla) , objects found in the Euphrates Basin, Hama, Tell Halaf and Ein

Tour Syria , Jordan , Israel and Palestine : All in 11 Days

We'll show you the wonders of fabled Syria, the biblical sites
of Jerusalem and Jordan and the Lost City of Petra, in 11 days