Saturday, Day 1 - Damascus - Start weekly on Saturdays in Damascus
Arrive at Damascus Airport , our local rep will meet you and assist with your visa.
Please make sure to scan your passport info page and e.mail, or mail to us ate least 45 days prior to departure to allow us to have the visa ready for you . This service is limited to a specific number of nationalities such as : USA , Canada, Australia, NZ, EU, Japan, etc.
Proceed to your hotel. You can begin your exploration of this "Arabian Nights" city just after you arrive. Welcome fruit basket awaits you in your room .

Sunday, Day 2 - 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 include.

Monday, Day 3 Palmyra - Damascus (BLD)
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.

Complimentary Dinner is included at a local home:
We are proud to be the only ones that are able to afford you such window on the true warm and hospitable Syrian people , come and meet the locals, you may wish to bring token gifts to exchange with the host family ( T shirt , small souvenirs of your home town):
This evening we'll venture where few ordinary visitors ever tread . . . right into the homes of some of the people of Syria l! You'll be invited to a family dinner, and while you enjoy wholesome home-cooked specialties, you'll learn about and appreciate the outlook, aspirations, and way of life of your hosts. Be assured, as curious as you may be about your new friends, they're sure to have questions about your own background. Once the ice is broken, you'll enjoy a lively evening, and find that you have more in common than you ever suspected. As some have inquired after they returned , feel free to ask about the recipes for the local dishes you will enjoy tonight , please let us know in advance of you prefer vegetarian meals.

Of course, you may enjoy a quiet evening with your travel companions, by letting us know your preferences.

Tuesday, Day 4 - Damascus (BLD)
Full day mix of walking as well driving around Damascus to get to know the city , the local souks , bazaar, and even meeting the locals. Lunch at a local restaurant is included.
Dinner is included at a local home:
Meet the locals, you may wish to bring token gifts to exchange with the host family ( T shirt , small souvenirs of your home town)
This evening we'll venture where few ordinary visitors ever tread . . . right into the homes of some of the people of Cairo ! You'll be invited to a family dinner, and while you enjoy wholesome home-cooked specialties, you'll learn about and appreciate the outlook, aspirations, and way of life of your hosts. Be assured, as curious as you may be about your new friends, they're sure to have questions about your own background. Once the ice is broken, you'll enjoy a lively evening, and find that you have more in common than you ever suspected. Of course, you may enjoy a quiet evening with your travel companions, by letting us know your preferences.

Wednesday, Day 5 - Damascus and Cairo (B)
Our staff escorts you to the airport for your flight to Cairo, Egypt. Your air ticket is included in our rate and will be delivered to you in Damascus by our local representative. In Cairo , our local representative will assist with your entry visa at no additional charge for American & Japanese citizens only , your passports must be valid for at least 6 month upon arrival, then escort you to your hotel.

Visa will be issued upon arrival.
As you exit the gate, you will pass through a door or two , down some stairs , then walk for 2-5 minutes , until you pass the duty free shops, at the end of a wide corridor , you will see the security officers. There you will be met by a local representative, who will be holding a sign with the name you prefer to use for the sign .

Our local representative will then take your passport to obtain a stamp from the cashier / bank window and escort you to speak with the passport officer. He will escort you through another last check on your passport as you exit the passport control, into customs area, he will assist you in collecting your luggage and clearing customs . After exiting the terminal, our local representative will escort you (private vehicle) to the hotel

Thursday, Day 6 - Cairo (BL)
This is a full day tour of Cairo, including the Egyptian Museum, the Pyramids of Giza, the Sphinx .Lunch is included at a charming local restaurant

Friday, Day 7 - Luxor and Nile Cruise (BLD)
Early morning flight to Luxor ( or Aswan) ( air fare is included in our rate in economy class )
Arrive at Luxor in the morning and board our Nile cruise, (Deluxe) or similar, in time to get rested up for visits to Luxor and Karnak Temples. In the afternoon we visit the Valley Of the Kings, including King Tut's Tomb , Queen Hatshepsut Temple, and Clossi of Memnon. Evening departure sailing for Esna Locks.

Saturday, Day 8 - Edfu, Kom Ombo(BLD)
On Saturday we'll sail further south to Edfu, climb aboard horse-drawn carriages, and clip-clop through town to the Temple of Horus, Egypt's best preserved temple. Then we'll re-embark, and dock at Kom Ombo for the night.

Sunday, Day 9 - Aswan (BLD)
Visit the twin temple at Kom Ombo then re-embark and sail to Aswan. We'll have an afternoon leisure cruise on the Nile by felucca and a visit to the Philae Temple.

Monday, Day 10 - Camel Caravan , Aswan, Cairo (B)
We'll join an early morning camel caravan to a nearby Nubian Village for tea with the locals, before heading for Aswan Airport and your flight back to Cairo , and transfer to your hotel in Cairo.

Tuesday, Day 11 - Cairo (BLD)
Morning tour of the Citadel of Saladin, Mohamed Ali Alabaster Mosque, and El Rifai Mosque.
We break for lunch at Naguib Mahfouz restaurant, before we go on a treasure hunt and wander through the alleys of the legendary Khan El Khalili old district.

one more Dinner at a local home this time in Egypt:
Meet the locals ! You'll be invited to a family dinner, and while you enjoy wholesome home-cooked specialties, you may enjoy a quiet evening with your travel companions, by letting us know your preferences.

Wednesday, Day 12 - Departure (B)
Our representative escorts you to the airport for your flight.

Bon Voyage, Salaam

Inclusions :

• Entry visa into Egypt and Syria , valid only for a limited number of nationalities such as : American , Australian, NZ, Mexicans EU, &  Japanese citizens, passports must be valid at least for 6 month beyond arrival date.
  Very important note for Syria : If you have an Israeli visa stamp in your passport, then Syria will not issue your visa, if you have an Israeli stamp in your passport, you may wish to get another new passport
  
• Damascus Airport Departure Tax.
  
• All transfers in Egypt and Syria .

• Guided sightseeing as per itinerary including all entrance fees.

• Meals as listed: cB: Continental breakfast, L: preset menu lunch,    D: Dinner

• Domestic air ticket within Egypt, in economy class , tax included
  
• Nile cruise as per itinerary including all meals and guided shore excursions.
  
• Hotel accommodation as indicated , including all tax and service  charges.
  
• Local guides escorting the group at all times during sightseeing at all times in Egypt and Syria .

Not included are:

• Travel Insurance , please ask us for the flyer
  
• Tips to driver/guide

• International air fare from / to your home country

• Any beverages. i.e. Bottled water etc.

• Any services not mentioned above

 

Syria
Once a vast Roman province, now a surprisingly friendly Arab country, Syria is finally being discovered by travelers. Names on the map of modern Syria positively ring with history: Aleppo, Damascus, Latakiya, Palmyra, the Euphrates, the Orontes. Travelers come to see all these and more. Expecting only desert, they find a varied country of plains, mountains,  valleys, rivers‹and yes, plenty of desert.  The climate is typical for the eastern Mediterranean: dry in summer with hot days and cool nights, mild and rainy in winter. The great Omayyad Mosque (705) in Damascus is wonderful. At Palmyra (Tadmor), a hundred miles east of Homs, are the extensive ruins of a fabulously wealthy Roman City ruled by the famed Zenobia. Its theater, Great Colonnade, monumental arch and various temples are on everybody's list of must-sees. While you're here, don't forget to meet the Syrians. Many visitors consider them the friendliest people in the eastern Mediterranean. Come see for yourself

 

 

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

The Hotel is in " Jadidah" which is a particularly picturesque quarter. Next to the main Maronite church is Sissi Street, which is full of old Arab residences. Most have now been converted into small boutique hotels and restaurants serving the delicious local Arab-Syrian cuisine for which Aleppo is famous. Beit Wakil is one of the loveliest examples. Simple on the outside, but you enter a beautiful courtyard with a fountain, a majestic arch, coloured marble flooring and arabesque glass windows. You can descend past an underground bar into stone-built cellars with a labyrinth of tunnels, said to lead all the way to the Aleppo Citadel.

 

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

 

General Hotel Listing

	Deluxe Hotel & Cruise	First Class Hotels First Class Nile Cruise	Tourist Class Hotels First Class Nile Cruise
Athens	Divani Palace (Upgrade to King George or Grand Bretagne Supplement applies)	Electra Palace / Stanley	Electra Palace / Stanley
Cairo	Hilton / Sheraton/ Hyatt Movenpick	Shepheard's / Oases Novotel	Cosmopolitan Cairotel/Maadi
Crete	Elounda Mare Aldemar Royal Mare , Creta Maris, Candia Maris,Porto Elounda	Silva Maris
Istanbul	Hyatt , Conrad , Divan	Aygun Plaza , Richmond, Arena	Yenisehir, La Villa,
Aswan	Mövenpick Aswan (upgrade to Old Cataract : $75 per person per night Nile View )	Basma	Marhaba . Cleopatra
Jerusalem	American Colony Hotel	Notre Dame Hotel	St. George 's Hostel
Luxor	Sonesta / Hilton Sheraton / Sofitel (upgrade to Old Winter : $75 P. Person Per Night )	Novotel	Philip
Mykonos	Royal Myconian on Elia Beach. Mykonian Imperial Mykonos Grand	Manoulas Beach
Santorini	Dana	Chromata , Rose Bay , Astir Villas.
Nile Cruise	Monaco / Monte Carlo / TiYi / Nile Vision / Mojito	Nile Dream / Ruby / Presidential Nile Cruise	Nile Dream / Ruby / Presidential Nile Cruise