Itinerary

DAYS 1 – 3

Arrive in Damascus, one of the oldest inhabited cities in the world, and visit the National Museum, which boasts a stunning collection of art and artifacts. Visit the major andmarks of the city, including Al-Takieh al-Suleimaniyeh, a great example of Ottoman architecture; the Christian quarter; and the immense Umayyad Mosque, which lies at the heart of the Old City. Before sunset drive to Mount Kassioun, 1,150 feet above Damascus, for a panoramic view of the city.

Four Seasons Hotel, Damascus

DAYS 4 & 5

Journey to Crac des Chevaliers, a stately 12-century Crusader castle and one of the most famous medieval citadels in the world. Then drive north to Aleppo, one of the great Middle Eastern trading centers, and a link between Europe and India. Visit the hilltop sanctuary of St. Simeon and take a private guided tour of Aleppo’s Great Mosque, massive fortress and labyrinthine covered marketplaces or souqs, where you can buy anything from Bedouin robes to gold jewelry.

Sheraton Hotel, Aleppo

DAYS 6 & 7

Drive across the stark Syrian Desert to the oasis city of Palmyra, once a contender to Rome for regional domination. On the way, walk along the same street as Antony and Cleopatra, visit the impressive collection of mosaics in Apamea and experience Hama’s massive waterwheels that have been pumping water from the Orontes River and pouring it into irrigation canals for millennia. In Palmyra, explore the monuments with your private guide: Discover the great Temple of Bel, the Arch of Triumph and an imposing Arab castle.

Tadamora Palace Hotel, Palmyra

DAY 8

Cross the border into Lebanon and explore Baalbek’s awe-inspiring temples and city ruins, which are among the largest and finest examples of Roman architecture in the world. Continue to Beirut, an important cultural and commercial hub of the contemporary Middle East.

Mövenpick Hotel & Resort, Beirut

DAYS 9 & 10

On your private city tour of Beirut, stroll along the lively waterfront promenade, venture out to explore the natural stone arches of Pigeon Rocks and visit the fascinating National Museum, which boasts an impressive collection of archaeological artifacts spanning nearly 6,000 years of history. Fly to Amman and discover the wonders of Jerash, one of the best-preserved Greco-Roman cities in the Middle East. Jerash is a fine example of grand, formal provincial Roman urbanism, with paved and colonnaded streets, soaring hilltop temples, handsome theaters, spacious public squares and plazas, baths, fountains and city walls pierced by towers and gates.

Four Seasons Hotel, Amman

DAYS 11 & 12

Passing through a string of ancient sites along the 5,000-year-old Kings Highway, you are rewarded with a true treasure at the end of the journey. Hidden deep in a canyon, the ancient rose-red city of Petra is an indescribable wonder intricately carved from sheer rock faces. A “lost city” for one thousand years — until being rediscovered in the 1800s — Petra offers one of the most unique sights in the world.

Petra Mövenpick Hotel, Petra

DAYS 13 – 15

Travel by 4-wheel drive vehicles to explore Wadi Rum, a maze of monolithic rockscapes that rise up from the desert floor to heights of 5,700 feet, like towering skyscrapers between the canyons and water holes. Then enjoy dinner on a private cruise of the Red Sea before ending your journey in an elegant resort on the Dead Sea.

Mövenpick Resort & Residence, Aqaba; Evason Ma’In Hot Springs and Six Senses Spa, Dead Sea

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