General Tours > Grand Capitals of the Middle East

Grand Capitals of the Middle East
14 Days starting from $4,999

Countries Visited:
Jordan, Lebanon, Syria

 

Length: 14 Days
Type: Fixed Departure Dates
Category: Escorted Tour
Operator: General Tours
Tour Code: GT-237
   
 
About This Tour


This General Tours World Traveler Small Group Escorted Tour… promises an in-depth survey of some of the world’s greatest sites of antiquity, from perfectly-preserved sites like the Crac des Chevaliers, and Petra to Alepppo, oldest inhabited city in the world. With never more than 20 guests, you’ll enjoy a relaxed pace, more interaction with our fine guides, and deeper engagement with the peoples, lands, and cultures of the Middle East.

 
  • What's Included
  • Itinerary
  • Dates & Prices
  • Sightseeing
  • SPECIALS

The General Tours World Traveler Advantage
  • Unmatched value with 26 meals, in-depth sightseeing, luggage handling, and all on-tour transportation Syria, Jordan and Lebanon offer an unbelievable array of riches for lovers of antiquity… And our intimate groups of no more than 20 guests promise a deeper, more engaging exploration Decades of experience helping Americans discover the Middle East assures a level of personal service and attentive guiding that can’t be matched Enjoy in-depth sightseeing and great dining adventures by day… And the finest deluxe and luxury hotels every night 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites #WHS#

HOTEL INFORMATION:

Sheraton Aleppo Hotel
Hotel Class: Deluxe
Located in the downtown Bab Al Faraj district, the Sheraton Aleppo hotel is convenient to many of the city’s most prominent lanmarks, including the famous Citadel, the Omayyad Mosque, National Museum, Public Park, and Museum of Popular Arts and Traditions. The hotel is comprised of 199 guestrooms and suites, and hosts a swimming pool, health club, Turkish bath, and large shopping arcade. Guests at the Sheraton Aleppo also enjoy a wide array of fine onsite dining choices including Oriental and Italian restaurants, as well as an English Pub.

Le Meridien
Hotel Class: Luxury
Set in the heart of Jordan’s capital city, Le Méridien Amman is located in the centre of Amman’s Shmeisani commercial business and diplomatic district and within walking distance to the Amman Citadel, the Roman Theatre. The hotel’s health club features superior spa facilities, including sauna and steam rooms, massage and facial treatments, and indoor and outdoor pools. The hotel’s numerous restaurants and lounges feature cuisine and entertainment from around the world. Guest rooms include internet access, an in-room safe and satellite television.

Four Seasons Damascus
Hotel Class: Luxury
Rising in a pillar of timeless architecture beside a lovely public garden and an ancient mosque in a prime area of downtown Damascus – within easy reach of embassies, business, retail and cultural sites – Four Seasons Damascus is comprised of 297 well-appointed guestrooms and suites. All rooms feature high-speed Internet access, CD/DVD systems, private bars, and large bathrooms which incorporate a deep tub with a hand-held shower, as well as a separate glass-walled shower stall. Recreational facilities at the Four Seasons Damascus include a fitness center, spa, steam room, whirlpool and outdoor swimming pool.

Aphamia Cham Palace
Hotel Class: Deluxe
Located in the center of Hama, overlooking the Orontes River and its famous water wheels, the 8-story Aphamia Cham Palace has 200 well-appointed rooms and suites. The hotel hosts two restaurants and two bars, as well as an outdoor swimming pool and tennis courts for leisure.

Semiramis Palmyra Hotel
Hotel Class: Deluxe
Situated in the historical city of capital of the Silk Road, rooms at the Semiramis Palmyra Hotel offer incomparable views of the Old Roman Temples. The hotel’s 300 guest accommodations include air conditioning, satellite television and direct dial phones. For relaxation, the Semiramis Palmyra offers a swimming pool, Jacuzzi, sauna and Palmyrenian bath. There are also two restaurants onsite serving International and Arabic cuisines.

Moevenpick
Hotel Class: Deluxe
The Moevenpick Hotel is located at the entrance of the historical center of Petra, providing guests with close access to cultural wonders. All 183 guest rooms are equipped with air-conditioning, minibar, internet, cable TV, and telephone. Additional hotel amenities include restaurants, lounge, bar, roof garden, wellness center, swimming pool, and gymnasium.
 
Day 1 - Arrive Damascus, Syria
Check-in to your luxury hotel in the heart of this ancient city. Meals D
Four Seasons Damascus Hotel

Day 2 - Damascus#WHS#
Your afternoon tour features the Omayyad Mosque, with three minarets including the Minaret of Jesus, so named because legend says this is where Jesus will appear on Judgement Day. You will also visit the Sulayman Mosque, Azem Palace and St. Paul’s Chapel. Meals B,D

Day 3 - Damascus / Crac des Chevaliers / Hama
Travel to the village of Maaloula where Aramaic, the dialect of Jesus, is still spoken. Then visit the stunning Crac des Chevaliers#WHS# (Castle of the Knights) built by the Crusaders in the 12th century and perfectly preserved. Continue to picturesque Hama on the lush banks of the Orontes River and settle-in to your deluxe hotel. Meals B,D
Aphamia Cham Palace Hotel

Day 4 - Hama / Aleppo
This morning, visit the 3rd century B.C. ruins of Aphamia and then observe the excavations in Ebla. Continue to Aleppo#WHS#, Syria’s prettiest city, where you visit the bustling souks. Enjoy a tranquil overnight at your deluxe hotel. Meals B,D
Sheraton Aleppo Hotel

Day 5 - Aleppo
Your tour includes the Archaeological Museum, Grand Mosque and the Basilica of St. Simeon, where this early Christian demonstrated his faith by sitting atop a pillar for 36 years. Meals B,D

Day 6 - Aleppo / Palmyra
Explore the extensive ruins of Palmyra#WHS#, on ancient caravan routes, and enjoy the night at your deluxe hotel. Meals B,D
Semiramis Palmyra Hotel

Day 7 - Palmyra / Damascus
Learn about Bedouin traditions at the Museum of Popular Culture and then drive to your luxury hotel in Damascus for the evening. Meals B,D
Four Seasons Damascus Hotel

Day 8 - Damascus / Excursion to Baalbeck
This morning, you visit the National Museum. Then journey across the border to Lebanon for a tour of the walled city of Anjar#WHS# and the ancient ruins at Baalbeck#WHS#. Meals B,D

Day 9 - Damascus / Amman, Jordan
Drive to Amman in the Kingdom of Jordan and check-in to your deluxe hotel. Enjoy the balance of the day to relax. Meals B,D
Le Meridien Hotel

Day 10 - Excursion to Jerash and Ajlun
Touring in Amman includes the Temple of Hercules, the impressive Citadel, the Roman Amphitheater and the Archaeology and Folklore Museums. Then drive to Jerash, the best-preserved example of Roman civilization and often referred to as the “Pompeii of the East.” Continue to the Saracen castle at Ajlun before returning to your hotel. Meals B,D

Day 11 - Amman / Petra
Journey along the King’s Road to see Madaba’s remarkable mosaics; Mt. Nebo, the legendary burial site of Moses; and Kerak’s noted Crusader citadel. Arrive in Petra and check-in to your deluxe hotel. Meals B,D
Moevenpick Hotel

Day 12 - Petra#WHS#
Petra is an entire city carved into the sides of a deep gorge; the only entrance is through a narrow opening. Walk between the 100-foot cliffs and into Petra to explore these ancient temples, tombs, and dwellings chiseled out of deep-hued rose, purple, and crimson limestone. Meals B,D

Day 13 - Petra / Amman
Journey by jeep through the moon-like landscapes of Wadi Rum, the home of Lawrence of Arabia. Return to Amman for a free evening. Meals B,D
Kempinski Amman Hotel

Day 14 - Amman
Your tour finishes today. Or, discover more of the world with our FreeStyle Travel. Meals B


To speak to one of our live, experienced travel consultants, Call us now at 1-800-942-3301.

Airfare Disclaimer
A NOTE ABOUT AIRFARE: We encourage you to buy your airfare from the tour operator, because if your tour cancels then your airlines tickets will be covered. Purchasing flights separately at a lesser rate and incorporating it with a Non-Guaranteed Departure Date can result in loss of total cost of your flight investment. Depending on the fare rules, flights may be Non-Refundable and/or Non-Transferable. Neither the tour operator and/or Atlas Cruises & Tours will be held responsible for loss if a tour is cancelled for Lack of Participation. If you would like to check for discounted fares on Guaranteed Departures or for competitive pricing on air and hotel packages, we invite you to follow this link.

Documents
TRAVEL DOCUMENTS: Necessary Travel Documents such as Passports and Visas is the responsibility of the traveler. Passports must be valid six months from your return travel date.

         
Touring Date
Land Only
Land + Air
Single
(Land Only)
Single
(Land + Air)
1/19/2009 - 2/2/2009
$4,999
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2/16/2009 - 3/2/2009
$4,999
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3/16/2009 - 3/30/2009
$5,499
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4/13/2009 - 4/27/2009
$5,599
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5/11/2009 - 5/25/2009
$5,599
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6/15/2009 - 6/29/2009
$5,499
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7/27/2009 - 8/10/2009
$5,499
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9/7/2009 - 9/21/2009
$5,599
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10/5/2009 - 10/19/2009
$5,599
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10/19/2009 - 11/2/2009
$5,599
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11/16/2009 - 11/30/2009
$5,599
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1/18/2010 - 2/1/2010
$5,899
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2/15/2010 - 3/1/2010
$5,899
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The General Tours World Traveler Advantage
  • Unmatched value with 26 meals, in-depth sightseeing, luggage handling, and all on-tour transportation Syria, Jordan and Lebanon offer an unbelievable array of riches for lovers of antiquity… And our intimate groups of no more than 20 guests promise a deeper, more engaging exploration Decades of experience helping Americans discover the Middle East assures a level of personal service and attentive guiding that can’t be matched Enjoy in-depth sightseeing and great dining adventures by day… And the finest deluxe and luxury hotels every night 7 UNESCO World Heritage Sites #WHS#

CURRENT SPECIALS:

Save $200 to $920 per couple on Exotic World Journeys

Double your AAA or AARP Member Benefit and save up to $920 per couple on any 2009 "It's Time to Go" vacations when you book and deposit by December 31, 2008!

Valid on the following destinations: Western, Central & Eastern Europe, River Cruises, Russia, Middle East, Africa, Central & South America, China, Japan, Thailand, Vietnam & India.

Call an agent for discount amounts per itinerary.

Not a member of AARP? Receive 5% off the land rate on tours booked by Dec. 31, 2008.  Offer not combinable with AARP discount.


   
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