Tours to Lebanon and Syria

Discovery: Lebanon and Syria

11 days/10 nights

2008 Tour Dates:
Anytime. Contact us and let us know when you'd like to go.

Since the lifting of restrictions against U.S. travelers visiting Lebanon Kutrubes Travel has offered both independent trips comprehensive tours to this extraordinary little county. Our success has been noted and reported by many of the leading newspapers in the US: The Wall Street Journal, the New York Times travel section, The Los Angeles Times, and the USA Today. Come join us in 2008 on our small group tour or customized individual tours Lebanon and Syria. Combine this tour with a visit to neighboring Jordan or Egypt in 2008!

Lebanon, situated at the crossroads of East and West, offers the visitors a microcosm of spectacular touring options. A small country, the size of Maryland, its diversity is a virtual surprise to the first time visitor. Lebanon is endowed with natural beauty and so many unique historical and archaeological sites, from the grandeur of Baalbeck, to the beautiful setting of ancient Tyre on the sea, from the famous biblical Cedars of Lebanon and its snow-covered mountains to its world-class beaches. The vestiges of civilization from the Phoenicians, to Roman, to Greek, Byzantine, Crusader, Arab, and Ottoman can be seen everywhere. Beirut, a very modern capital, is brimming with energy and activity reflecting the old and the very new nature of the country - from the old "souks" to the world famous, glamorous Casino du Liban.

Syria, which few modern travelers have explored, is a wealth of historical and archaeological wonder. Syria is the "cradle of civilization" lying where three continents converge. Historically Syria was usually part of larger empires, Hittites, Egyptians, Babylonians, and Persians. Alexander of Macedon conquered it in first century B.C. Later it became part of the Eastern Roman Empire, followed by conquests by the Mongols, Mameluks, Crusaders, and Ottomans.

Day 1
Arrive in Beirut, where you will be met by your tour guide and transferred to your hotel. Afternoon and evening at leisure to settle in or explore Beirut "The Paris of the Middle East." Overnight at your hotel.

Day 2
After breakfast a morning city tour of Beirut including the Beirut reconstruction project, Pigeon Rock and the National Museum. In the afternoon we drive up the coast to visit the shrine of Harissa and Our Lady of Lebanon. Continue to the village of Annaya to visit the Shrine of Saint Charbel, Lebanon's own saint. Return to Beirut for overnight at your hotel. (B)

Day 3
Full day tour to Baalbeck approximately 86 kilometers northeast of Beirut. The temple complex of Baalbek is situated atop a high point in the fertile Bekaa valley. The ruins are among the most extraordinary places of ancient times. Visit the Roman Temples of Jupiter, Bacchus and Venus. Continue to the winery at Ksara for wine tasting; Visit the town of Zahled for a lunch break. After lunch continue to the beautiful ruins of the 8th century AD commercial center of ancient Umayyad Anjar. Return to Beirut for overnight at the hotel. (B)

Day 4
Morning departure for full day tour to the north of Lebanon visiting the famous Cedars Forest mentioned in the Bible. Proceed to visit the village of Becharreh and the museum of the famous philosopher Gebran Khalil Gebran in the "Valley of the Saints." Continue to Tripoli established by the Phoenicians as a major port of the ancient Mediterranean world. Visit the important St-Gilles Castle, Taynal Mosque, Medressa Qartassia, Hammam Izzeddin, Saboun and the Lions tower. Return to Beirut for overnight at the hotel. (B)

Day 5
Morning departure for a full day tour to Jeita Grotto the biggest natural cave system in the Middle East. The large upper gallery is sometimes used for concerts and other cultural events. Continue to ancient Byblos on the Mediterranean. Byblos is one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world. The founding of Byblos is believed to be at least seven thousand years BC. It continued to be the major Phoenician centre until the 10th century BC and developed alphabetic phonetic scrip, which was the precursor of the modern alphabet. Visit the Citadel and souk. Return to Beirut for overnight at the hotel. (B)

Day 6
Early morning drive to Syria. After hotel check in begin your tour of the historic city. Damascus first appeared in history when it was conquered in the 15th century BC by the Pharaoh Tutmosis III. Damascus has been subjugated throughout history by its neighbors like the Egyptians, the Byzantines and Ottomans. Visiting the Hamadieh Souq, and the Great Ummayad Mosque, Saladin's Tomb, Straight Street, Christian Quarter of Bab Sharqi, including St. Paul's Window and St. Ananias Chapel. Overnight in Damascus. (B)

Day 7
Morning departure from Damascus for Palmyra via Maaloula one of the few villages today whose inhabitants still speak ancient Aramaic. Visit the Monasteries of St. Tekla and St. Sergius. We continue to Palmyra, the most beautiful of all the Syrian historic sites, was an ancient Arab metropolis on the old Silk Road. Visit the Temple of Bel, the two Tombs, the Colonnaded Street and the Arch of Triumph. Overnight in Palmyra. (B)

Day 8
After breakfast leave Palmyra in the direction of Krac des Chevaliers. The Crusaders Castle is one the most important sights in Syria. Continue on to Beirut for overnight.

Day 9
After breakfast, full day tour to the south to Tyr, Quana and Sidon. Visit the ancient city of Try with extensive ruins on the sea. In Ancient Sidon visit the Sea Castle and Khan Franj. Return to Beirut for dinner and overnight.

Day 10
Full day tour to the historic town of Deir El Kamar, Beteddine and the Mir Amine Palace and Baakline. The Palace is a complex of beautiful grounds, magnificent oriental architecture with extensive mosaics. Return to Beirut for overnight.

Day 11
Airport transfer and fly home.

TOUR PRICE:

Land Cost Per Person:
(double occupancy, 3* hotels)

8 travelers: $1,285
6 travelers: $1,390
4 travelers: $1,495
2 travelers: $1,975
1 traveler: $3,280

Single supplement: $499

Upgrade available to 4* hotels upon request.

Kutrubes Travel has SPECIAL AIRFARES - Contact us for details.

Price Includes:

Meet and assist at Beirut International Airport
Meet and assist at each port of entry and departure to Syria
9 nights accommodation on BB basis in Beirut
2 nights accommodation in Damascus and Palmyra
Transfer from/to airport by modern A/C vehicle
Entrance fees to tourist sites in Lebanon and Damascus
Transportation by A/C car throughout the program
Professional English-speaking guide
Entry and exit visa handling to Syria and all local taxes

Price Does Not Include:

Lunches and dinners
Tips
Visa to Lebanon
Personal expenses
Airfare (unless otherwise arranged)
Departure and custom fees
Additional beverages
Travel insurance
Trip cancellation
Medical and luggage insurance are recommended for coverage against all unforeseen circumstances

Payment and Refund Policies

If you have any questions or you'd like to book this trip, please contact us.

Custom itineraries available to this or any of the destinations we travel to.

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