Middle
East - Crusader Castles & Desert Cities
Jordan - Syria 16 days Hotels/Bedouin Camp - The Euphrates
Valley to the Red Sea
We'll
explore Aleppo and Damascus, seek out the great Krak des Chevaliers
castle and explore the preserved remains of the fabled desert
trading post of Palmyra. But perhaps the highlight is a visit
to the startling rock-cut city of Petra - a true archaeological
wonder.
Damascus & Aleppo
We begin to uncover the rich complexity of this region
with a walking tour of Damascus, Syria's vibrant capital, and an
exploration of the most famous Crusader castle in the world, Krak
des Chevaliers. Driving to Latakia, we'll also visit Saladin's
Castle and Ugarit, where the world's first alphabet was found.
We then discover Roman Apamea and the waterwheels of Hama en route
to Aleppo - a medieval city pervaded by a magnetic and exotic atmosphere.
Ghost Towns of Syria
Following the Euphrates Valley, we explore the
ghost town of Rasafa and Dura Europos - once a powerful
city, now crumbling into the desert. Then linger at Palmyra,
a vital link along the ancient 'Spice Route' to India;
in the early morning sun, the rough stone blocks of Queen
Zenobia's city glitter like burnished gold.
Rose Red Petra
Having explored the well preserved remains of
ancient Jerash we travel via Madaba to Petra. Here a narrow
Siq (gorge) leads to the concealed remains of one of the
most fabled sites in all the Middle East, 'the Rose Red
City, half as old as time'. We enjoy the best part of two
full days exploring the rock-cut city on foot. Then, using
4-wheel-drive vehicles, we head for the dramatic canyons
of Wadi Rum, where we camp beneath the stars. We also stay
at Aqaba on the Red Sea and seize the chance to 'float'
in the briny waters of the Dead Sea before ending our journey
at Amman.
For
more details and information contact our experienced travel
agents:
293 Ponsonby Road Ponsonby Auckland
New Zealand
Ph: 09 360 0443| E-mail
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