Syria & Its Hidden SplendorsWith Study Leader to be Announced
May 4 - 19, 2012
At the crossroads of the Middle East, Syria’s colorful history dates back to primeval times. Yet, Syria remains a land still to be discovered. Stretching from the shores of the Mediterranean Sea to beyond the Euphrates River, the country is extraordinarily rich in historical sites. And these sites are refreshingly free of commercial ventures with a feel of uncluttered authenticity no longer present at more well-trodden historical locations. Stately Roman ruins, ornately-painted Byzantine basilicas, awe-inspiring fortress-castles, and elegant Ottoman turbas (tombs) - all and more abound in this ancient land.
The cultural richness of Syria is demonstrated in its seven UNESCO World Heritage Sites, and we will visit all of them. Damascus was founded in the 3rd millennium BC and is one of the oldest cities in the Middle East. The ancient city of Aleppo is four thousand years old and has been ruled successively by the Hittites, Assyrians, Arabs, Mongols, Mamelukes and Ottomans and remains of each are still visible. Bosra was once the capital of the Roman province of Arabia. Palmyra was one of the most important cultural centers of the ancient world. The castles of Salah el-Din and Krak de Chevaliers are brilliant examples of 11th to 13th century fortified architecture. And across the border in Lebanon, Ba’albek's Temple of Bacchus was the largest in the Roman world.
On this 16-day cultural tour, walk through these fascinating sites unfettered by swarming crowds and enjoy the hospitality of Syria’s warm and friendly people.
(B) breakfast, (L) lunch, (D) dinner
Day 1: Depart from the USA on our archaeological tour to Syria.
Day 2: Arrive Damascus. Overnight for the next three nights in Beit al Zaman, a luxurious, small boutique hotel housed within a 300 year-old mansion located in the historic area.
Day 3 Tour of Damascus: Our full-day tour of Syria's capital begins with the Old City, an UNESCO World Heritage site. First, we will visit the Chapels of Ananias and St. Paul, built at the site wherePaul was lowered from the city wall in a basket. From here we enter the Old City through the Bab Sharqi, the Roman Gate of the Sun, walk past an ancient Roman arch into the suq, or modern bazaar, the lifeblood of the city, and on through the spice market, cloth merchants' stores, and the shops of the metal workers. Near the suq is the Azm Palace, the Ottoman palace built in the 18th century for the governor of Damascus. The Umayyad Mosque sums up in one place the diverse and complex history of Syria. This magnificent monument contains the remains of the Roman Temple to Jupiter, a Byzantine arcade, a beautiful Umayyad mosaic in the courtyard, and the spacious prayer hall where the shrine of St. John the Baptist is located, said to house his head. Continue into the Citadel, passing several modern bathhouses, coffee shops, and private homes. Finally, tour the Damascus National Museum with its collection from the entire history of Syria. (B/L/D)
Day 4: Today we cross into Lebanon to visit the colossal Temple of Bacchus at Ba’albek. Already converted into a fortress during the Byzantine era, the former temple precincts changed hands several times during the Arab invasions in the 7th and 8th centuries. Beginning with the First Crusade in the 11th century, the castle became an important outpost; it was captured by Saladin in 1174 and passed to his grandnephew upon his death. (B/L/D)
Day 5: As we leave Damascus, we stop at Seidnaya, a major pilgrimage location built in the 6th century and famed for its miraculous icon of the Virgin Mary. Then it’s on to the village of Maalula, the only place in the world where many of the people still 
speak Aramaic, the language of Jesus Christ. Famed for its beautiful setting, the village is filled with Christian churches and monasteries, some dating back to the 6th century. Continue to the most magnificent example of Medieval castles in Syria and an UNESCO World Heritage site. In the 12th century, this great fortress known as Krak des Chevaliers was the home of the Knights Hospitaller, and it controlled the trade route between the Mediterranean and Damascus. From here, proceed through lovely orchard and olive-growing country to the picturesque town of Safita. Here, the Crusader castle of Chastel Blanc sits atop the small mountain overshadowing the lovely town. Overnight at the Safita Cham Palace Hotel. (B/L/D)
Day 6: Drive to Amrit, site of the Phoenician religious center Tartus, to see the crusader remains of Our Lady of Tartosa and Qala’at Marqab, a stunning crusader fortress. Sitting on the edge of an extinct volcano, the black basalt ramparts stand out in dramatic relief against the turquoise-blue sky. We will also see Ugarit, the Bronze Age Canaanite seaport where ships from Egypt, Cyprus, Crete and Greece stopped to trade their wares for goods from the interior. Dating back to 6000 B.C., the city developed an alphabet that greatly simplified record-taking. Overnight in the Hotel Meridien in Lattakia. (B/L/D)
Day 7: Salah ad-Din, known to Westerners as Saladin, was a brilliant statesman and leader who re-took Jerusalem from the Crusaders in the 12th century. Built on the remains of Phoenician, Greek and Roman buildings, Saladin’s Castle or Qa’alat Saladin is in an almost impregnable position. The fortress is perched atop a wedge-shaped steep ridge almost 500 high and flanked by two spectacular ravines. The third side is protected by an impressive man-made ditch cut 90 feet into the rock. Today we will climb up to this UNESCO World Heritage site where, on a clear day, we will be able to see the Mediterranean and understand the importance of control of this castle. We continue to the Roman city of Apamea where we will walk in the footsteps of Antony and Cleopatra along the mile-long main street lined with massive columns concealing the facades of ancient shops. In the small museum we will see fine mosaics found here. Our final destination is Hama dating back to the Neolithic period and considered the most picturesque city in Syria. The greatest attraction of the city is the huge norias, or water wheels, originally used to raise water from the river into aqueducts. The wheels and blocks on which they are mounted are wooden, and the friction between the two produces a moaning noise which pervades the air of central Hama. Overnight in the Apamea Cham Palace, Hama.. Dinner is on our own. (B/L)
Day 8: Our first stop today is Qasr ibn Wardan built by the Byzantines in the 6th century as part of a defensive line against the Persians. The dazzling complex is unique with its alternating bands of black basalt and light colored marble. The remains of several buildings can be seen, but the beautiful church is the highlight with its lintel engraved with Greek and the shining white marble columns contrast starkly with the red and brown bricks of the walls. Then drive to ancient Ebla, one of the most important and powerful city-states in northern Syria during the Bronze Age. Here, view the remains of a palace where more than 15,000 clay tablets were discovered that documented a thriving culture of the third millennium BC. Continue to the Church of St. Simeon where this hermit monk sat atop a column for 42 years. Pilgrims came here to consult with him in life, and after his death, they continued to visit the splendid church that was built around the column. Then drive to Ain Dara with its extraordinary 2,500 year old Aramaean temple crowning the site's acropolis. The sacred shrine was built of black basalt and white limestone, creating a dramatic juxtaposition of light and dark contrasts. A frieze of deities, lions and sphinxes runs around the facade of the temple, and two huge menacing lions guard the entrance. Overnight for two nights in Aleppo at the 5-star Aleppo Sheraton Hotel. Dinner is on our own. (B/L) 
Day 9: Aleppo is one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world. This ancient city, an UNESCO World Heritage Site, was first settled in the 11th millennium BC. Lying on a land route between Europe and the East and once one of the major commercial cities of the Orient, the old city was encircled by a three mile long formidable wall with seven gates. The 13th century citadel perches atop a huge ancient tell, the remains of former towns, rising 150 feet above the modern city and dating back to the Neolithic period. Our walking tour includes the castle and the Great Mosque, founded by the Umayyad dynasty in the 8th century. Commerce has always been Aleppo’s claim to fame, and we end our day in the old city’s suq where covered shops cover four square miles - the oldest enclosed shopping center in the world! The afternoon is free to explore the suq or visit the Aleppo Museum containing an important collection of artifacts from all periods. Tonight's special dinner party will be held at an elegant local restaurant. (B/L/D)
Day 10: Drive into the Syrian Desert to Rasafa, the site of the martyrdom of the Roman soldier St. Sergius. The city is enclosed by still-standing sparkling walls of light-reflecting gypsum. Explore Halabiye, a massive fortification designed to secure the Roman and Byzantine frontiers along the Euphrates River. Overnight for two nights in the four-star Fourat Cham Palace in Deir ez Zor. (B/L/D) 
Day 11: Explore the furthest outpost of the Roman Empire, Dura Europos, overlooking the Euphrates River and the fertile plain beyond. Within the massive walls of the city are the remains of a synagogue, a Christian chapel, and the Temple of Zeus. An important Sumerian and Amorite city, nearby Mari is thought to have been inhabited since the 5th millennium BC. The city flourished since it was strategically located on the banks of the Euphrates River. Here, walk through the ruins of an immense palace into a labyrinth temple complex. (B/L/D)
Day 12: Travel deep into the desert to explore Qasr al-Heir al-Sharqi, a remote oasis desert castle built by Caliph Hisham as a hunting palace during the Umayyad period. The vast walled enclosure contains the remains of two castles, with two semi-cylindrical towers. One of the extraordinary doorways now serves as the entrance to the National Museum in Damascus. This complex once thrived with orchards and olive groves. The agricultural offerings were so bountiful in fact that a thick wall was erected to prevent nomadic herds from entering the gardens. Time permitting, explore the Palmyra suq where we might see Bedouin women dressed in vivid satin robes with tattooed faces and hands. Overnight for two nights in the Dedeman Hotel in Palmyra. (B/L/D)
Day 13: Spend today exploring the extensive remains of Palmyra, known since antiquity as Tadmor, and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Located midway between the Mediterranean and the Euphrates, this oasis was an essential watering place for the many camel caravans that formerly traversed the route in the time of the Roman Empire. Visit the massive Temple of Bel, dedicated to the god who controlled the movement of the stars, the colonnaded street running to the Funerary Temple, the recently restored theatre, and the 2nd-century agora. In the Valley of the Tombs, examine underground catacombs, house tombs, and towers designed as the burial apartments for an entire family. And, finally, we will have a wonderful photographic opportunity as we watch the spectacular sunset create a rosy hue on the remains of this breathtaking city. (B/L/D)
Day 14: Drive to Dumeir, site of the intact 3rd century Roman temple to Zeus Hypsistos. Built during the reign of the Emperor Philip the Arab, the portrait carved in relief in the southern facade is of the Emperor and his wife Otacilia. An earlier altar dedicated in 94 BC to the Semitic deity, Baal Shamin, indicates that a Nabatean religious building previously stood on the site. Drive on to southern Syria to see the Roman city of Bosra, the southern capital of Roman Syria and an UNESCO World Heritage site. One of the best-preserved Roman theaters is located here, converted to a fortress in Umayyad times. The castle fortifications completely encircled the original theatre, and a moat was dug with a single bridge for entry. The spectacular amphitheater seats 9,000 people. Overnight tonight in the Bosra Cham Palace. (B/L/D)
Day 15: Drive from Bosra to Shahba, the Roman city of Philippolis. The ancient walls and buildings of the city were constructed from black volcanic rock. After exploring the well-preserved theatre and extensive baths, we visit the museum where exquisite 4th-century mosaics are on display. Continue to Qanawat, perhaps the most enchanting of Syria’s ancient cities, where the Roman ruins are scattered amidst a grove of huge oak trees. Our last stop will be in the modern museum at Suwayda to see a well laid out display of spectacular Roman mosaics. Return to Damascus and overnight in the Beit al Zaman. (B/L/D)
Day 16: Transfer to the airport for our flight back to the United States. (B)
To be announced.
May 4 - 19, 2012
$9,295.00 (per person, double occupancy) includes international airfare from New York’s JFK to Damascus; all hotels; most meals (as listed in the itinerary); entry fees; and land transportation.
Cost Does Not Include: A donation as outlined below; passport or visa fees; airport or departure taxes; gratuities to guides and drivers; alcoholic drinks, beverage or food not on regular menus; laundry; excess baggage charges; personal tips; email, telephone and fax charges; or other items of a personal nature.
Single Supplement: $895.00. Should a roommate be requested and one not be available, the single supplement must be charged.
Donation Checks: The cost of the trip does not include the separate donation check for $100.00 (per person) to the Johns Hopkins University/Umm el-Marra Project. As a tour company that benefits from the historical, cultural and natural riches of our destinations, we have a policy of donating to scholars, archaeological and cultural projects, and museums in each of our destinations. This has created a bond with the academic community that allows you to gain an 'insider's view' of work being done in each country. Please see information on the Johns Hopkins University Umm el-Marr Project on their website - www.jhu.edu/neareast/uem/. Your donation check will go directly to the project's budget.
Fuel Surcharges: Far Horizons must pass on price increases when additional fuel charges are levied.
A deposit of $500.00 per person along with a separate check made out to the donation project is required along with your registration form. Final payment is due 75 days before departure. Upon receipt of your deposit and completed registration form, you will be sent a reading list and a tour bulletin containing travel information. Prior to the trip, we will send links to various websites of pertinent interest to the trip. Click here to download our Registration Form.
Cancellations received in writing at least 75 days before departure will receive a refund less a $250.00 administrative fee. Cancellations received less than 75 days before the departure date will not receive a refund. If for any reason you are unable tocomplete the trip, Far Horizons will not reimburse any fees. Registrants are strongly advised to buy travel insurance that includes trip cancellation.
If you do not fly on the group flight, you are responsible for all flight arrangements and transportation (including airport transfers) to join the group. If Far Horizons must change the trip dates or cancel the trip for any reason, Far Horizons is not responsible for any air ticket you may have purchased.
The private tours of archaeological sites and talks by specialists are scheduled in advance and include a donation to each. Specialists working at these sites are excited about showing their work to interested enthusiasts. However, please be aware that there may be times when the director or a member of the staff may not be onsite when our groups arrive due to other commitments.
Changes in our itinerary, accommodations, and transportation schedules may occur. A good book to read as well as a flexible attitude and a sense of humor are essential.
THIS ARCHAEOLOGICAL TOUR TO SYRIA IS LIMITED TO 15 PARTICIPANTS
