Lebanon and Syria Wonders

Join us in Lebanon and Syria!

Dates: 11 - 25th October

Price: £2,695

Itinerary:

Day 1: Beirut

Arrive into Beirut at any time. We will meet in Beirut in the evening to get to know the group and have dinner. After, you may explore the lively Beirut neighborhoods of Mar Mikhael and Gemmayzeh for a taste of the famous Lebanese nightlife.

Overnight in Beirut.

Day 2: Byblos

Depart Beirut and head north to Byblos, one of the oldest continuously inhabited cities in the world - this ancient Phoenician city is the birthplace of the alphabet as we know it. We will explore the souks and castle before having a traditional Lebanese lunch by the sea. After lunch we will continue north to Batroun, a charming coastal town known for its Phoenician Sea wall, historic churches, and lemonades. We will explore the old town and the souqs, before watching the sun set over the Mediterranean.

Overnight in Batroun.

Day 3: Tripoli

Depart for Tripoli, Lebanon’s second-largest city and a culinary and cultural hub. We will visit the souqs,

the citadel, the corniche and Mina, Tripoli’s lively Christian quarter. Tripoli hosts some of the best food spots in

Lebanon, so prepare to eat a lot today!

Overnight in Tripoli.

Day 4: Mount Lebanon

In the morning we will leave Tripoli and head into the Mount Lebanon range to explore the Cedars of

God – an ancient forest of Lebanon’s iconic cedar trees. Visit the Cedars of God Museum to understand their

historical and cultural importance in Lebanese heritage before spending the night in a traditional Lebanese

mountain guesthouse

Overnight in Ehden

Day 5: Baalbek

Depart for Baalbek, one of the most magnificent Roman archaeological sites in the world and admire one of the best-preserved Roman temples in the world, dedicated to the Roman god of wine. We will enjoy a traditional Lebanese lunch at a local restaurant in Baalbek before heading back to Beirut for the night.

Overnight in Beirut.

Day 6: Beirut

Today will be a day to see all the sights of Beirut, including Pigeon Rocks (Raouche Rocks), Downtown Beirut, Martyrs' Square, Mohammad Al Amin Mosque, Saint George Maronite Cathedral. After lunch we will visit the National Museum of Beirut, followed by a dinner at one of Beirut’s most famous restaurants.

Overnight in Beirut.

Day 7: Beirut / Damascus

Depart to Damascus early. After arrival you will have lunch followed

by a visit to the National Museum and a short walking tour of the city.

Overnight in Damascus at Beit al Wali hotel.

Day 8: Damascus

On day two we will have a tour of Damascus including all the highlights, such as the Umayyad

Mosque, St Ananias Church, Straight Street, the Souqs, Azem Palace and the famous Bakdash Ice

Cream.

Overnight in Damascus at Beit al Wali hotel.

Day 9: Palmyra / Homs

From Damascus we will depart to Palmyra for a full tour of the magnificent ancient city. Lunch

will be in Palmyra, and after lunch we will head to Homs where there will be a city tour including Khaled

Ibn Alwaleed Mosque and the Old City.

Overnight in Homs at Ibn Alwaleed Hotel.

Day 10: Krak Des Chevaliers

Today we will head to Krak Des Chevaliers, the most amazing medieval castle and a famous

UNECO site. After Krak we will head to Apamea, and on to Aleppo for the night.

Overnight in Aleppo at Laurus Hotel.

Day 11: Aleppo

Today is a full day tour of the city of Aleppo, including the ancient citadel, a traditional famous

soap factory, the ancient UNESCO souq, and them a small tour to see the tragic destruction caused by

the crisis. At night we will explore the street food scene of Aleppo, followed by an optional taste of the

city’s nightlife should you wish.

Overnight in Aleppo at Laurus Hotel.

Day 12: Latakia

Today sees an early morning departure through the beautiful winding mountain roads of the

Latakia countryside on the way to the coastal city of Latakia. On the way we will stop at Salah Ad-Din

citadel. After arrival to our destination, you will enjoy some time to relax by the beach, catching a

spectacular Mediterranean sunset.

Overnight in Latakia at Afamia Hotel.

Day 13: Maaloula / Damascus

Heading from Lattakia we will head to Maaloula, one of the only remaining towns where

Aramaic, the language of Jesus Christ, is still spoken. We will have lunch in Maaloula before heading to

the Sednaya church & monastery.

Overnight in Damascus at Beit al Wali hotel.

Day 14: Bosra / Damascus

Today we will head south of Damascus and make a visit to Bosra, the worlds most well-

preserved amphitheater, dating back to the Roman times. Enjoy a day of wondering around and learning

about the history of this site, followed by an evening of food and exploring Damascus.

Overnight stay in Damascus at Beit al Wali Hotel.

Day 15: End

Departure Day.

Please note: the itinerary is subject to change at the discretion of our local guide if there are any reasons

that should make this necessary.

Included:

• All hotels (twin sharing)

• All meals on a full board basis

• Driver

• English speaking local guide

• Security clearance

• Entrance fees to all sites in the itinerary

• Portages at hotels

• Transport to and from Beirut for Syria section

Excluded:

• Visa fees at the border dependent on nationality

• Flights to and from Beirut

• Border departure tax

• Tips

• Meals/drinks not listed above

• Insurance (IATI insure all global citizens for Syria)

• Lebanese visa / Syria visa fees

Interested or have any questions? Please email: beyondborderstrips@gmail.com

I require a £500 deposit to book your spot on this tour.




Jay Palfrey