DAYS 1 – 3

Arrive in Damascus, one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, and visit the National Museum, which boasts a stunning collection of art and artifacts. Visit the major andmarks of the city, including Al-Takieh al-Suleimaniyeh, a great example of Ottoman architecture; the Christian quarter; and the immense Umayyad Mosque, which lies at the heart of the Old City. Before sunset drive to Mount Kassioun, 1,150 feet above Damascus, for a panoramic view of the city.

Four Seasons Hotel, Damascus

DAYS 4 & 5

Journey to Crac des Chevaliers, a stately 12-century Crusader castle and one of the most famous medieval citadels in the world. Then drive north to Aleppo, one of the great Middle Eastern trading centers, and a link between Europe and India. Visit the hilltop sanctuary of St. Simeon and take a private guided tour of Aleppo’s Great Mosque, massive fortress and labyrinthine covered marketplaces or souqs, where you can buy anything from Bedouin robes to gold jewelry.

Sheraton Hotel, Aleppo

DAYS 6 & 7

Drive across the stark Syrian Desert to the oasis city of Palmyra, once a contender to Rome for regional domination. On the way, walk along the same street as Antony and Cleopatra, visit the impressive collection of mosaics in Apamea and experience Hama’s massive waterwheels that have been pumping water from the Orontes River and pouring it into irrigation canals for millennia. In Palmyra, explore the monuments with your private guide: Discover the great Temple of Bel, the Arch of Triumph and an imposing Arab castle.

Tadamora Palace Hotel, Palmyra

DAY 8

Cross the border into Lebanon and explore Baalbek’s awe-inspiring temples and city ruins, which are among the largest and finest examples of Roman architecture in the world. Continue to Beirut, an important cultural and commercial hub of the contemporary Middle East.

Mövenpick Hotel & Resort, Beirut

DAYS 9 & 10

On your private city tour of Beirut, stroll along the lively waterfront promenade, venture out to explore the natural stone arches of Pigeon Rocks and visit the fascinating National Museum, which boasts an impressive collection of archaeological artifacts spanning nearly 6,000 years of history. Fly to Amman and discover the wonders of Jerash, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the Middle East. Jerash is a fine example of grand, formal provincial Roman urbanism, with paved and colonnaded streets, soaring hilltop temples, handsome theaters, spacious public squares and plazas, baths, fountains and city walls pierced by towers and gates.

Four Seasons Hotel, Amman

DAYS 11 & 12

Passing through a string of ancient sites along the 5,000-year-old Kings Highway, you are rewarded with a true treasure at the end of the journey. Hidden deep in a canyon, the ancient rose-red city of Petra is an indescribable wonder intricately carved from sheer rock faces. A “lost city” for one thousand years — until being rediscovered in the 1800s — Petra offers one of the most unique sights in the world.

Petra Mövenpick Hotel, Petra

Package price is per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies. Intra-tour air pricing is subject to change. International airfare is additional. Other restrictions may apply. Contact us for complete journey details.

DAYS 1 & 2

Arrive in Damascus, one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, on Day 2. Take in the sights of this ancient city full of history. 
Four Seasons Hotel, Damascus

DAYS 3 & 4

Journey to Crac des Chevaliers, a stately 12th-century Crusader castle —one of the most famous medieval citadels in the world. Cross limestone hills to the cathedral dedicated to St. Simeon, and discover Aleppo whose amazing covered marketplace dates back to the 15th century and reflects the rhythms of medieval Arabian life. 
Sheraton Hotel, Aleppo

DAYS 5 & 6

Explore the Kingdom of Ebla, then traverse the Syrian Desert on our way to the beautiful oasis city of Palmyra. Its magnificent ruins echo the heroic tale of Queen Zenobia, one of the most powerful women in ancient history. 
Semiramis Hotel, Palmyra

DAYS 7 – 9

In Lebanon, visit the awe-inspiring ruins of Baalbek. Continue to Amman, the bustling capital of Jordan, and visit the Greco-Roman ruins of Jerash. Experience a chariot race at the authentic locale, a monumental hippodrome of the ancient city of Jerash. 
Four Seasons Hotel, Damascus; Four Seasons Hotel, Amman

DAYS 10 – 13

Passing through a string of ancient sites along the 5,000-year-old Kings Highway, you are rewarded with a true treasure at the end of the journey. Hidden deep in a canyon, the ancient rose-red city of Petra is an indescribable wonder intricately carved from sheer rock faces. A “lost city” for one thousand years — until being rediscovered in the 1800s — Petra offers one of the most unique travel experiences in the world. 
Petra Mövenpick Hotel, Petra; Mövenpick Resort & Residence, Aqaba

Package price is per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies. Intra-tour air pricing is subject to change. International airfare is additional. Other restrictions may apply. Contact us for complete journey details.

DAYS 1 & 2

Arrive in Damascus, one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, on Day 2. Take in the sights of this ancient city full of history. 
Four Seasons Hotel, Damascus

DAYS 3 & 4

Journey to Crac des Chevaliers, a stately 12th-century Crusader castle —one of the most famous medieval citadels in the world. Cross limestone hills to the cathedral dedicated to St. Simeon, and discover Aleppo whose amazing covered marketplace dates back to the 15th century and reflects the rhythms of medieval Arabian life. 
Sheraton Hotel, Aleppo

DAYS 5 & 6

Explore the Kingdom of Ebla, then traverse the Syrian Desert on our way to the beautiful oasis city of Palmyra. Its magnificent ruins echo the heroic tale of Queen Zenobia, one of the most powerful women in ancient history. 
Semiramis Hotel, Palmyra

DAYS 7 – 9

In Lebanon, visit the awe-inspiring ruins of Baalbek. Continue to Amman, the bustling capital of Jordan, and visit the Greco-Roman ruins of Jerash. Experience a chariot race at the authentic locale, a monumental hippodrome of the ancient city of Jerash. 
Four Seasons Hotel, Damascus; Four Seasons Hotel, Amman

DAYS 10 – 13

Passing through a string of ancient sites along the 5,000-year-old Kings Highway, you are rewarded with a true treasure at the end of the journey. Hidden deep in a canyon, the ancient rose-red city of Petra is an indescribable wonder intricately carved from sheer rock faces. A “lost city” for one thousand years — until being rediscovered in the 1800s — Petra offers one of the most unique travel experiences in the world. 
Petra Mövenpick Hotel, Petra; Mövenpick Resort & Residence, Aqaba

Package price is per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies. Intra-tour air pricing is subject to change. International airfare is additional. Other restrictions may apply. Contact us for complete journey details.

DAYS 1 & 2

Arrive in Damascus, one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, on Day 2. Take in the sights of this ancient city full of history. 
Four Seasons Hotel, Damascus

DAYS 3 & 4

Journey to Crac des Chevaliers, a stately 12th-century Crusader castle —one of the most famous medieval citadels in the world. Cross limestone hills to the cathedral dedicated to St. Simeon, and discover Aleppo whose amazing covered marketplace dates back to the 15th century and reflects the rhythms of medieval Arabian life. 
Sheraton Hotel, Aleppo

DAYS 5 & 6

Explore the Kingdom of Ebla, then traverse the Syrian Desert on our way to the beautiful oasis city of Palmyra. Its magnificent ruins echo the heroic tale of Queen Zenobia, one of the most powerful women in ancient history. 
Semiramis Hotel, Palmyra

DAYS 7 – 9

In Lebanon, visit the awe-inspiring ruins of Baalbek. Continue to Amman, the bustling capital of Jordan, and visit the Greco-Roman ruins of Jerash. Experience a chariot race at the authentic locale, a monumental hippodrome of the ancient city of Jerash. 
Four Seasons Hotel, Damascus; Four Seasons Hotel, Amman

DAYS 10 – 13

Passing through a string of ancient sites along the 5,000-year-old Kings Highway, you are rewarded with a true treasure at the end of the journey. Hidden deep in a canyon, the ancient rose-red city of Petra is an indescribable wonder intricately carved from sheer rock faces. A “lost city” for one thousand years — until being rediscovered in the 1800s — Petra offers one of the most unique travel experiences in the world. 
Petra Mövenpick Hotel, Petra; Mövenpick Resort & Residence, Aqaba

Package price is per person, based on double occupancy. Single supplement applies. Intra-tour air pricing is subject to change. International airfare is additional. Other restrictions may apply. Contact us for complete journey details.

DAYS 1 & 2

Four Seasons Hotel, Damascus
Damascus, Syria

The hotel is a bastion of luxury set beside a lovely public garden and ancient mosque conveniently located in a prime downtown area. The Four Seasons is the country's largest five-star hotel, and the first built (in 2005) in more than 20 years. The hotel features five restaurants, a health club with outdoor swimming pools and spa, a business center, gift shop and laundry and dry-cleaning services. Your spacious room features CD and DVD players, in room safe internet access, coffee-maker, and mini bar. The large bathrooms incorporate a deep tub with a hand held shower, separate glass walled shower stall, hairdryer and terrycloth bathrobe and an illuminated make-up/shaving mirror.

DAYS 3 & 4

Sheraton Hotel, Aleppo
Aleppo, Syria

Built 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, you will discover history around every corner. Known for its great dining choices, the Sheraton Aleppo Hotel offers a wide range of authentic dining experiences. There is also a health club, outdoor pool, Jacuzzi, business center, laundry/valet service and boutiques The spacious rooms are equipped with a mini bar, wireless Internet access, a work desk, outlet adapters, separate bath/shower and hair dryers.

DAYS 5 & 6

Semiramis Hotel
Palmyra, Syria

The Semiramis Hotel is located in the center of the city, with easy access to commercial sites, museums, shopping and entertainment district. The hotel features a fitness center, a business center, barber/beauty shop, laundry/valet service and a pool. There are 116 rooms, air-conditioned and appointed with satellite TV, in-room safe, mini bar, and hairdryer.

DAYS 7 - 9

Four Seasons Hotel, Damascus
Damascus, Syria

The hotel is a bastion of luxury set beside a lovely public garden and ancient mosque conveniently located in a prime downtown area. The Four Seasons is the country's largest five-star hotel, and the first built (in 2005) in more than 20 years. The hotel features five restaurants, a health club with outdoor swimming pools and spa, a business center, gift shop and laundry and dry-cleaning services. Your spacious room features CD and DVD players, in room safe internet access, coffee-maker, and mini bar. The large bathrooms incorporate a deep tub with a hand held shower, separate glass walled shower stall, hairdryer and terrycloth bathrobe and an illuminated make-up/shaving mirror.

DAYS 7 - 9

Four Seasons Hotel, Amman
Amman, Jordan

Set upon the highest of Amman's seven hills, the 5-star Four Seasons Hotel has unparalleled views over the surrounding cityscape. The 15-story hotel has 192 luxurious and technologically advanced guest rooms and suites and is the city's premier luxury hotel. Furnished in splendid comfort, all guest rooms offer stunning city views. The hotel has three restaurants, two lounges and 24-hour room service. Leisure facilities include an indoor pool and whirlpool, outdoor pool, full-service spa, sauna and steam room, squash court and fitness and wellness center. Your deluxe room features a large dressing area, separate working area, CD and DVD players, in-room safe and high-speed email and internet access. The elegant bathroom has a marble and granite vanity, a walk-in shower and a separate bathtub.

DAYS 10 - 13

Petra Mövenpick Hotel
Petra, Jordan

Located at the entrance to the Petra site, the 5-star Mövenpick Resort Hotel, with its authentic antiques and artworks, is one of the most notable hotels in the Middle East. The Resort offers 183 rooms and suites, wellness center with pool, steam bath and gym, laundry/dry cleaning service, gift shop, business center, plus seven restaurants, lounges, and bars. Your air-conditioned guestroom amenities include satellite TV, internet access, in-room safe, mini bar, coffee/tea maker, hair dryer and a balcony or terrace.

DAYS 10 - 13

Mövenpick Resort & Residence
Aqaba, Jordan

Located in the centre of Aqaba, overlooking the Red Sea, the Mövenpick Resort & Residence is a high-quality resort hotel. This architectural delight features a mix of European and Arabesque designs, with a feeling of grandeur and luxury. The resort’s 296 guest rooms include 87 suites and air-conditioned apartments, with TV, tea and coffee-making facilities, direct-dial phone/voicemail and Public Wireless LAN throughout the resort. Other features include hairdryers, mini bars, 24-hour room service and safe boxes.

Marta Luna

A native of Buenos Aires, Argentina, Marta speaks Spanish, Portuguese, French, Italian and English. She’s an “insatiable traveler”, very interested in history, art and literature, and also paints as a hobby. She resides both in San Francisco and Italy.

Travel Dates: September 29, 2010

Harry Davis

With over 30 wonderful years at Travcoa, Harry can’t imagine life without discovering new places and meeting interesting people on a regular basis. His passion is to share his excitement for travel and adventure. In addition to English, Harry also speaks Spanish, German, and Arabic.

Travel Dates: October 13, 2010

Sharon Zimmerman

Sharon’s outstanding people skills have helped her to guide travelers on fascinating journeys to Asia, Africa and South America. Her favorite memories come from tours she led to the Hindu Kingdom of Nepal. In her own words, “You simply haven’t lived until you have been on the back of a galloping elephant!”

Travel Dates: October 27, 2010