Syria lies at the crossroads of Europe, Africa and Asia. United by the successive empires of the Phoenicians, Greeks, Romans and Ottomans, destroyed by invaders from both East and West this region is a storehouse of wondrous monuments.Explore the spectacular ruins of Palmyra, perfectly preserved in a stark desert setting. Follow in the footsteps of Gertrude Bell through the crowded alleyways of Aleppo's souq. Listen for the ghosts of the crusaders who built Crac des Chevalier, a strategic point of defense at Homs Gap. Stay at boutique properties in the heart of the old quarters in both Damascus and Aleppo.

Crac des Chevaliers The original fortress at the location had been built in 1031 for the emir of Aleppo. During the First Crusade in 1099 it was captured by Raymond IV of Toulouse, but then abandoned when the Crusaders continued their march towards Jerusalem. It was reoccupied again by Tancred, Prince of Galilee in 1110. In 1142 it was given by Raymond II, count of Tripoli, to the Hospitallers, contemporaries of the Knights Templar. Krak des Chevaliers was the headquarters of the Knights Hospitaller during the Crusades. It was expanded between 1150 and 1250 and eventually housed a garrison of 2,000. The inner curtain wall is up to 100 feet thick at the base on the south side,[2] with seven guard towers 30 feet in diameter

Cost
Seasons
January to December	$ 4580.00
Single Supp	$ 1520.00

Hotels Where Nights Name Damascus 5 Talisman Latakia 1 Afamia Rotana Aleppo 2 kempinski Palmyra 2 Zenobia

DAY 1:Damascus
Arrive Damascus where you will be met and transferred to your hotel, Talisman Hotel.

Day 2: Damascus
Tour the Umayyad Mosque, Azem palace, the underground church of St. Ananias, and the Damascus National Museum, Talisman Hotel.

Day 3: Damascus - Latakia
Drive from Damascus to Crac des Chevaliers. Continue to Tartus and visit the Cathedral Church of our Lady of Tortosa. Drive on to Margat Castle, ending your day in Latakia, Afamia Rotana Hotel.

Day 4: Latakia - Aleppo
Drive to Aleppo. En route visit Qalaat Salahuddin castle at Sahyun. Afternoon arrival in Aleppo, Mansouriya Palace.

Day 5: Aleppo
Morning excursion to the basilica of St. Simeon. Aleppo city tour. Visit the old city, the Citadel which stands over the city, and the Jdeide quarter. End your day in Aleppo's souq, Mansouriya Palace.

Day 6: Aleppo - Palmyra
Drive to Palmyra. Enroute visit the ancient site of Apamea and stop for lunch in Hama, the most provincial and traditional of all Syrian cities. Afternoon arrival in Palmyra, Zenobia Cham Palace.

Day 7: Palmyra
Explore the ruins of Palmyra, which include the great Temple of Bel, the Great Colonnade, the theater and the underground tombs. End your day at sunset at the Arab castle, overlooking the ruins of Palmyra, Zenobia Cham Palace.

Day 8: Palmyra - Damascus
Return to Damascus, enjoying a cup of tea at Bagdad 66 Cafe enroute, Talisman Hotel.

Day 9: Damascus
Complete your visit of Damascus' old city ending with a stroll through the old souq. Afternoon at leisure, Talisman Hotel.

Day 10: Damascus - Souweida - Bosra
Drive to the south of Damascus, visiting Souweida, the Druze capital of Syria and then onto Qanawat one of the towns of the Decapolis. Continue to Bosra with its beautifully preserved Roman Theater built of basalt rock. Return to Damascus, Talisman Hotel.

Day 11: Depart
Transfer to the airport for your onward flight