Highlights of Syria Tour Itinerary

Highlights of Syria Tour Itinerary
REF: ME39
VERSION: 3

Duration:	7 days - Damascus to Damascus
Countries Visited:	Syria
Age Guide:	18-65 years
Max Group Size:	16
Transport:	Private Vehicle, On Foot
Accommodation:	Hotels (6 Nights)
What's Included:	6 Breakfasts, 1 Dinner - All Activities and Entrance Fees as per Itinerary - Fully Escorted Tour - English Speaking Local Guide - City Tours - Damascus, Aleppo - Palmyra Visit - Crac des Chevaliers Visit
Local Payment:	NO LOCAL PAYMENT
Highlights:	Syria - Damascus - National Museum - Mausoleum of Saladin - Azem Palace - Souk Al Hamideiah - St Paul Church - Crac des Chevaliers - Hama - Apamea - Aleppo - Grand Mosque - Citadel - Ebla - Serjilah - St Simeon - Palmyra
Optional Highlights:	No optional highlights
Meeting Point:	Iwan Hotel Bahsa Damascus Syria Tel: +963 11 232 1476
Introduction:	Our tour of Syria, thought of by many as the cradle of civilization, starts and ends in Damascus, the world's oldest city. We explore some of the highlights of this fascinating country with its ancient cities, bustling souqs and expanse of desert plains. We explore Crac des Chevaliers, the mightiest and best preserved crusader castle built to dominate the pass which is the Syrian gateway to the Mediterranean. We see the famous Norias of Hama, the oldest waterwheels in the world which once provided water to fields and gardens. We wander through the old souqs of Aleppo, visit the dead city of Serjilah, and wonder at the ancient city of Palmyra in the heart of the Syrian desert, once a caravan station, and later a Roman outpost and major city within the Roman Empire.
Day 1:	Damascus. Today is an arrival day, and the pre-departure meeting is held at 6pm at the meeting point. This will give you the chance to meet the Local Guide, as well as your fellow travellers. After the meeting there will be a welcome dinner at a local restaurant. (D)
Day 2:	To Aleppo via Ma'aloula, Crac des Chevaliers, Hama and Apamea. This morning after breakfast we drive to visit Ma'aloula, and then continue to Crac des Chevaliers, a Medieval Castle. Ma'aloula is one of the most scenic villages in Syria and is of particular interest as the only place in the world where Aramaic, the language spoken by Christ (pbuh) is still used as a living language. It is situated at an altitude of more than 1500 metres, with its little houses clinging to the face of an enormous rock, making it look suspended in mid-air. There are two important monasteries in Ma'aloula - Mar Sarkis and Mar Taqla. Crac des Chevaliers, is an old crusaders castle once described by Lawrence of Arabia as ‘the finest castle in the world’. The castle itself is in very good condition and mostly intact. It was the castle where ‘Richard the Lionheart’ was based. Next we visit Hama and view the Norias (water wheels) of Hama. Then on to visit Aphamea the Hellenic city with its great colonnade, agora, theatre and temples. We continue to Aleppo where we overnight. (B)
Day 3:	Aleppo - City Tour, St Simeon. At first sight Aleppo appears to have no other purpose than to fill a dip in the landscape. It competes with Damascus for being the longest continually inhabited city in the world and can boast a commensurate level of culture and history. The recorded history alone goes back to the early second millennium BC! Aleppo’s covered ‘souq’ (market) is the probably the best in Syria and goods range from beautiful antique carpets to fresh cow’s heads. Our Aleppo city tour includes the National Museum, Grand Mosque, Madrassa, Old Souks and the Citadel. In the afternoon we visit St. Simeon before returning to Aleppo to overnight. St Simeon is the most beautiful and significant monument to religious buildings between the Roman period of the 2nd century and northern European Christian masterpieces of the 11th century AD. St. Simeon is a citadel 60 km north west of Aleppo, named after the hermit Saint Simeon (Sam'an), a shepherd from northern Syria, who became a monk after a revelation in a dream. Following his death in 459 AD, Emperor Zenon ordered that a cathedral be built where the saint used to pray. (B)
Day 4:	To Palmyra via Ebla, Ma'aret Al Nouman, Serjilah. We depart after breakfast to visit Ebla, Ma'aret Al Nouman Mosaic Museum and Serjilah, one of the dead cities, before continuing to Palmyra. Ebla hill is 40 km south of Aleppo. It is the site of important and recent archaeological discoveries. Excavations in the Tel (hill in Arabic) have revealed a very old civilization considered to be the oldest in Syria, that of Ebla, which flourished in the 3rd and 2nd centuries BC. In 1955 the discovery of a basalt altar, now on show in the Aleppo Museum, revealed the importance of Ebla. Subsequent archaeological expeditions uncovered a city surrounded by a circular inner wall with four great gates and outer fortifications containing towers. The main streets extended from city walls to converge at the royal palace of King Aghrish. Clay tablets found in the palace have led archaeologists to conclude that Ebla was destroyed about 2250 BC. In the palace of this great kingdom, Ebla's real treasure, a library of the Royal Archives containing more than 17,000 clay tablets was uncovered. These tablets, recording an important period in Syrian history; are the earliest written documents in Syria, among these was the world's earliest bilingual dictionary. Ma'aret Al Nouman (73 km south of Aleppo) lies in northern Syria, between the Orontes and the desert. Traces of ancient remains are found in modern habitations, illustrating the antiquity of the town. Though known to the Greek and Romans as Arra, surviving buildings attest only to its history since the coming of Islam. Sights to see are Al Maari Tomb, Maarat Citadel, the Great Mosque and the Museum. The Dead Cities is a collective name for the remains of nearly 600 Byzantine era villages which were deserted for no apparent reason, leaving them as eerie ghost towns. There are some theories that people left the villages when the important Aleppo - Damascus trade route shifted eastward with the rise of power of Palmyra, but even then it is a mystery as to why these villages were abandoned entirely, and only a handful remained inhabited while the rest were left to grazing sheep for more than 1500 years. The most impressive of the dead cities are the ruins of Jerada, Ruweida, Serjilla and Al-Bara. (B)
Day 5:	Palmyra, Drive Damascus. Palmyra is the most easterly part of the Roman Empire. The Romans never really wanted to go but Hadrian enjoyed travel and when Palmyra decided to challenge the authority of Rome he decided to head there and ransack the place. A lot of restoration work has been done since and it is in remarkably good condition. The site itself covers 12 square kms and there is a lot to see. Our visit to Palmyra includes the Temples, the Great Colonnade, the Agora, the Theatre, the Tombs, the Museum and the Castle. Later we drive back to the capital Damascus. Damascus is generally considered to be the world’s oldest constantly inhabited city (5,000 years). Three years after the death of Mohammed, Damascus fell to the Muslim Arab army, ending a thousand years of rule by western powers as diverse as Egypt, Greece and Rome. In 1516 Damascus fell under Turkish rule and in 1918 it was the turn of the French. It was only at the end of the Second World War that Damascus actually became the capital of an independent Syria. The oldest city in the world then, is a fairly new political entity! Constant upheaval has left the Syrians a little security conscious. At any one time in Syria you can see at least 100 pictures of the president. (B)
Day 6:	Damascus - City Tour. We sart our city tour by visiting the National Museum, Umayyad Mosque and Mausoleum of Saladin. We also take in Azem Palace, Hammam, Souk Al Hamideiah, Via Recta, Ananaias Chapel and St. Paul Church. After the city tour, the remainder of the day is free, maybe giving you the chance to pick up some souvenirs from the souks. (B)
Day 7:	Damascus. The tour ends after breakfast. (B)
Finishing Hotel:	Iwan Hotel Bahsa Damascus Syria Tel: +963 11 232 1476
Please Note:	Please be aware that arrival times and the itinerary may change due to unforeseen delays or events such as festivals and public holidays. However, we shall endeavour to ensure all sites are visited and that your tour runs as smoothly as possible. Be flexible, you will enjoy your tour much more. Kumuka makes a point of visiting the indigenous populations of each country you visit, in order to give a true reflection of the country; please treat the local people and their customs with respect. This itinerary will be followed as closely as possible. However there may be times when it is necessary to change the route according to local conditions. You are free not to participate in any of the included excursions. However, please note that there will be no refund for any excursions not taken.
Pre-departure meeting:	The Pre-Departure meeting is held at 6pm The Day of the scheduled departure date. The pre-departure meeting is held to discuss the tour itinerary in more detail, meet your tour leader and fellow passengers. In addition the guide will check that all passengers have the necessary travel documents, insurance and immunisation certificates for the tour. It is IMPORTANT that you attend this meeting. Please advise KUMUKA or your AGENT if you CANNOT attend this meeting. All passengers MUST bring: Passport. Vaccination Certificate. Travel Voucher. Travel Insurance Policy. Two photocopies of passport.

Pre Departure Information Follows


Insurance:	Travel insurance is compulsory for all tours. All clients MUST be insured to cover personal accident, medical expenses, cancellation, curtailment, repatriation, etc. Also, be aware that many activities such as trekking, bungy jumping or white water rafting may not be covered on your insurance policy. If you plan on doing any of these activities please purchase additional insurance. We recommend that you have a photocopy of this document, which you keep separate from the original. If you have not already arranged your own travel insurance then Kumuka can do this for you. Please visit http://www.kumuka.com/Travel-Insurance.aspx for more details or contact your nearest Kumuka office. Please Note: You will not be permitted to join a Kumuka Tour without travel insurance.
Visa Requirements:	It is important that you obtain the appropriate visas before you embark on your Middle East trip. Country entry regulations change daily, www.columbusguides.com/region/atoz.asp provides up-to-date visa information. Please consult your Travel Agent or relevant embassy for all details such as opening hours or costs. Visas cannot always be obtained once you have started your tour, and during the peak summer months it can take longer than normal to get visas, so please allow extra time to do this. EACH CLIENT IS SOLELY RESPONSIBLE FOR OBTAINING ALL NECESSARY VISAS BEFORE JOINING A TOUR. Syria - Visas must be obtained in advance. Please note that you will not be granted entry into Syria if you have an Israeli visa or entry stamp in your Passport.
Medical Information and Vaccination:	Vaccinations: No vaccinations are compulsory in the countries we visit in the Middle East however we do advise that you are up-to-date with your diphtheria & TB, hepatitis A, hepatitis B, typhoid, polio, and tetanus vaccines. You may need additional inoculations so please contact your G.P or a travel medical centre for further information. We also recommend: - A dental check-up prior to travelling. - That you know your blood group in case of emergency. - That if you have any pre-existing medical conditions which might affect you on tour, you make these known to your tour leader and your agent/Kumuka at the time of your booking. You can also visit www.kumuka.com for further details. Medical Supplies: We advise that all passengers bring along their own personal first aid kit. Below is a list of some recommended items: Band Aids/Bandages, Laxatives, Upset stomach remedy, Anti-diarrhoea remedy, Panadol/Aspirin, Rehydration remedy, Antiseptic cream/powder, Sterile dressing, Any relevant course of medication such as contraceptive pills. A complete Travellers Medical Pack can be purchased for approximately US$25 at most Vaccination Centres, Chemists and outdoor travel shops.
Climate:	For detailed climate information see www.kumuka.com. Travel Tip: Always bring a lightweight, waterproof jacket and/or an umbrella even during the height of summer - this should prepare you for anything!
Security:	Do not take unnecessary valuables with you. A money belt, or something similar, worn close to your body is the best way to carry passports, airline tickets and money. DO NOT leave any valuables in ANY hotel room in the Middle East, please use SAFETY DEPOSIT BOXES. Pickpockets operate everywhere, particularly in tourist areas and in crowded markets; you must always exercise care. - Be aware that anything left lying around will also be liable to theft. All the transfer vehicles will have secure doors and windows but it is never foolish to be cautious.
Personal Effects:	We suggest that you take into account the time of year you will be travelling, and pack accordingly to the season. Quick drying clothes are recommended, and at many hotels there are laundry facilities. Your tour leader will advise where this is possible.Generally conditions will be warm and dry however do account for long sleeves and long trousers in religious or more remote areas. Also remember that in desert regions, or during the winter months, evenings can get very chilly so don’t forget to pack a jumper or two. Personal Effects: Camera & film, Spare passport photos, Water bottle, Money belt, Sewing kit, Sunhat/ Sunglasses, Music cassettes/CDs, Books, Wet Ones, Soap to wash clothes, Writing materials, Swiss Army knife, Calculator, Personal toiletries, including tampons, Contraceptives, Insect Repellent, Sunscreen, a small flashlight, and a sleeping bag. NOTE: If you wear glasses, it is advisable to bring a spare pair since opticians are uncommon. If you wear contact lenses you may find that climatic changes and dust can create visual irritation, therefore, it is advisable to bring a pair of glasses.
Books and Reading Material:	You might like to read up on the destinations that you are about to visit as these cities all have interesting sites and histories. We recommend a variety of guidebooks such as Lonely Planet, The Rough Guide and Insight Guides. All these publications have good general information as well as more specific country information that will help orientate you in the countries you visit.
Money:	We suggest passengers budget for between US$25-50 per day (not including optional excursions) for personal expenses, meals, souvenirs, evenings out, alcoholic drinks etc. Be aware that some countries are more expensive than others and that if you are travelling through several your expenses will vary enormously. Similarly there will be some days when you spend nothing at all and others when you exceed your budget. US Dollar cash is more widely accepted than pounds sterling when changing money. You will need to obtain the currency of the country you are visiting upon arrival. This will cover you for any initial expenses at or from the airport, and also during your trip. Most general expenses in restaurants and markets are payable in the local currency. US Dollar cash are needed to pay for visas on borders and for optionals. . Credit cards are accepted in the larger cities. You can also get money from ATMs in most towns or cities. Do not however rely on using your credit card as your major source of funds. Visa, MasterCard and American Express are the most widely accepted credit cards. Visa being the most useful.
Local Customs:	Be aware that revealing bare flesh can cause offence. Covering shoulders, arms and legs can save you a lot of hassle. This is true for men as well as women. Similarly we advise against tight or revealing clothing. Generally on beaches you can wear what you like. Be sure to exercise a conservative approach in smaller more remote areas and in large cities. Many Middle Eastern countries are predominantly Muslim influenced. For this reason attitudes towards women can vary greatly from very liberal at the coast to very conservative in small towns and areas of Jordan. If you are prepared to tune yourself in to the social code of the area your trip should run relatively hassle free. Please use your discretion and be sensitive to cultural differences in the countries that you visit, in particular visits to religious buildings and when taking photographs. Your Tour Leader will advise you of any specific customs to observe.
Luggage and Personal Equipment:	How much should I take? Please bring lightweight walking shoes or sandals, and a day sac. Pack essentially for hot conditions: days are generally hot but nights, especially in the desert may be cool. Because of limited luggage space on transport, we must limit each passenger to ONE main suitcase or frameless backpack and one day bag. Your main bag must not weigh more than 20 kg’s. A frameless or internally framed backpack is the best way to carry your belongings since it is easy to lift on and off vehicles. A small daypack is practical for keeping general items (e.g. camera, books, wallets etc.) at hand when your main pack is out of reach. It is also handy for day trips and excursions. We also recommend that you keep your passport, credit cards travellers checks etc. on you at all times, preferably in a money belt worn under your clothes. TRAVEL TIP: You might be tempted to buy a few souvenirs here and there, so leave a little room for those extra purchases!!
Time:	All Middle Eastern Countries we visit are 2 hours ahead of GMT. Remember that time is not quite so valuable to Middle Eastern People. Often tasks that should take five minutes can take 1 hour. Be patient and consider it as all part of the Middle Eastern experience. Some countries in the Middle East have summer and wintertime changes.
Language:	Arabic is the official language of the countries you will visit. English is widely spoken as a second language in the larger towns. As mentioned above, learning a few words of the language of the country you are visiting can make your experiences that much more enjoyable.
Food:	Vegetarians or those with special dietary needs can also be catered for however in some countries the type of food may be limited. Please let the Reservations team know your special requirements as soon as possible so we can do all possible to assist your needs. We try to ensure that you get the most experience from your Kumuka Middle East trip and one of the ways to do this is by trying local cuisine. Syrian food combines the sophistication of European cuisine with the excitement of eastern spices, and it is Syria's culinary contributions that have been the greatest influence on modern Arabic cuisine. Dishes from Syria provide the framework for the exotic cuisine recognized internationally as Arabic. Many traditional Syrian dishes are simple preparations based on grains, vegetables and fruits. Often the same ingredients are used over and over, in different ways, in each dish. Yogurt, cheese, cucumber, aubergines, chick peas, nuts, tomatoes, burghul and sesame (seeds, paste and oil) are blended into numerous assorted dishes. Parsley and mint are used in vast quantities as are lemons, onions, garlic and olive oil. Pita bread is served with all meals for dipping. Try the lot and make the most out of your culinary experience on your travels.
Photography:	All types of camera film are readily available in the Middle East however it is often cheaper to purchase it in your country of origin or through duty free. As a guideline, most people use approximately one to two rolls of 36 per week. Fast film (200-400 ASA) may be useful at times and black & white film is nice to use for portraits of local people. A zoom lens is also useful. Please remember, we are guests in the countries through which we travel and we may sometimes inadvertently cause offence by taking photographs without first asking permission.It is absolutely forbidden by law to take photos at any borders, as they are all active military installations. Most Middle Eastern countries have very strict rules about taking photos of army, police or any official personnel; restrictions apply at borders and in any government buildings. Please exercise care in this regard as the penalty may be to have your film and/or camera confiscated.
Pre and Post Tour Accommodation	This tour begins with a pre-departure meeting the DAY OF the tour commencing, when you meet your tour leader, and fellow travellers. If you wish to spend a few additional days in your start city before the departure of your tour, then we can arrange accommodation for you. If you would like to book extra nights accommodation in the final destination city, we will be more than happy to arrange this for you as well. All our accommodation is carefully chosen, conveniently located, clean and comfortable. (All rates per person per night and subject to availability).
Tipping and Bargaining:	Tipping is expected almost everywhere. For many tipping is a means of supplementing their wage and is a normal part of payment for goods and services. Be sure to keep small denomination notes or coins on you to avoid embarrassment. Sales and service taxes are imposed in some restaurants and bars. Bargaining is also expected and in all souq’s and bazaars prices are inflated to accommodate such a practice. Rule of thumb is to cut the offer in half and work upwards. This can sometimes be hard work but so not let yourself be intimidated by stallholders, you can always say no and walk away
Optional Activities:	Kumuka endeavours to advertise a compliment of optional activities available locally during tours with selected ground handlers to make your tour more enjoyable. These ground handlers and activity partners are selected for their standards in quality, professional ability and reputation. Whereas, Kumuka has developed a travel insurance policy to cover all activities offered during your journey, Kumuka can not be held responsible for injuries or claims arising from adventurous activities by third party. There may be times when your Tour Guide offers other optional activities to you as they arise. Kumuka are not responsible for if any of the optional activities suggested are not available on your particular tour, or if the prices have risen.
Drug Policy:	Under no circumstances are any illegal drugs allowed on any part of the trip. Anyone discovered in possession of any such drugs, will be asked to leave the tour immediately without question or refund.
Staying in Touch:	Whilst on tour you will probably want to stay in touch with family and friends. There are several ways of doing this: Mobile Phone – Before departing your home country check with your phone supplier to see if it compatible with the mobile phone networks in the countries that you are traveling to, and how much will it cost to use abroad. Email – Internet Cafes are very cheap and popular, and you are sure to come across several during your tour. If you haven’t done so already, set up a free Google Mail, Hotmail, or Yahoo email account which you can then access from any computer. Internet Cafes will charge a nominal fee for using their computers. Within Europe some hotels charge a wifi connection fee and we cannot guarantee a wifi connection at all hotels we use. Twitter – A method of communication that is rapidly gaining in popularity on the Internet especially amongst travelers. Twitter allows you to send short messages and update your friends and family with where you are on tour and what you are doing. Create your free account at http://twitter.com. Visit Kumuka’s page on Twitter at http://twitter.com/kumuka Facebook – Very popular website that allows you to upload stories, get in touch with fellow travellers before and after your Kumuka tour, upload photos and videos to share with other travellers, your family and friends. To create a free account, go to www.facebook.com and then become a fan of Kumuka’s Facebook Page at www.facebook.com/pages/Kumuka-Worldwide/26617121087?ref=ts Postcards – The good ol’ fashioned postcard. But you will probably get home before the postcard does!
Tour Feedback:	Tour Questionnaire - We would like to hear about your experiences on tour. One week after your tour ends you will automatically receive a feedback questionnaire via email. If we do not have your email address you can still complete a questionnaire by visiting www.kumuka.com/feedback Email - If you have any specific comments about your tour then please write to us by email to operations@kumuka.com
Contact Details:	KUMUKA WORLDWIDE UK OFFICE Hillswood Business Park 3000 Hillswood Drive Chertsey KT16 0RS Tel: +4420 7937 8855 Fax: +442075043782 Email: sales@kumuka.com www.kumuka.com AUSTRALIAN OFFICE Level 5, 387 George Street, Sydney NSW 2000 Tel: 02 9279 0491 Fax: 02 9279 0492 Email: sales@kumuka.com.au www.kumuka.com.au
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This tour is operated by Kumuka Worldwide. Information given in all brochures, leaflets and dossiers is given in good faith by the company, and is based on the latest information available at the date of publication. The company reserves the right to change any of the facilities or vehicles described in the brochure without becoming liable for compensation or refund.

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