RECOMMENDED ITINERARY

Depart the United States for Amman, Jordan. Begin your tour with a visit to the Citadel, the archaeological museum and the city of Jerash, one of the most remarkably well-preserved provincial cities of the Greco-Roman era. A morning departure takes you away from the city to visit the desert castles of Kharrna, Amra and Azraq. Next morning, drive the King’s Highway to the remarkable ruins at Petra. The entrance to this remarkable site is itself a natural wonder. An entry into Syria brings you to the town of Bosra, where you will visit the beautiful amphitheater. A morning drive to the castle of Crac des Chevaliers, the 800 year-old crusader fortress is a treasure to behold. Thereafter, visit the striking ruins at Aphamea whose many stately visitors included such historical figures as Mark Anthony and Cleopatra.

A morning tour brings you to the Church of St. Simeon, the largest Christian building in the Middle East when built in the 4th century. Return to the city and visit the impressive Citadel. Next morning visit Aleppo’s archeological museum, which has a fascinating array of artifacts highlighting the historical fabric of this great nation. Drive across the grand Syrian Desert to the ruins at Palmyra, considered by many to be Syria’s greatest gem. With its strategic location, Palmyra quickly became an important Oasis town on the Silk Road. The panoramic view of this magnificent site is a pleasure to behold.

Drive to Ma’aloula, a picturesque village-town where Aramaic, the language of Jesus, continues to be spoken among the elders. Leave for Damascus, where you will dine in celebration at the Omayyad Palace while enjoying a colorful performance by the Whirling Dervishes. Damascus, a splendid city with a glorious past, offers the traveler a variety of colorful sites. Visit the Omayyad Mosque and the colorful Hamidieh Bazaar.

Fly to Tehran, your gateway city to the fabulous ruins at Persepolis and the grand city of Isfahan. A morning tour begins with the archeological museum with a rich display of antiquities highlighting the many periods of Iranian history. Visit one of the form Shah’s palaces. Heads of state from the world over came to enjoy its brilliant splendor and to relish the sheer luxury and comfort of these lavish surroundings.

Fly to the sacred city of Mashad. The city is best known as the burial site of Emam Reza. Visit the Masjed-e-Azime Gohar Shad Mosque. Its 150 foot high dome and golden portal are a prime attraction for devout pilgrims who visit the site from across the world. Wing your way to the city of Shiraz, renowned for its Persian Lyrics. Religious activity in Shiraz wholly centers on the glittering Shah Cheragh Shrine. The shrine is a sheer masterpiece that glistens with thousands of colored glass mirrors, enhanced by the vivid colors of richly made carpets strewn across the marble floor. Darius I, a great Achaemenian king, created a unified empire, which would become the largest and most efficiently ruled in the ancient world. His vision included Persepolis, the highlight of your visit to Shiraz. An evening flight takes you to the city of Isfahan.

Isfahan was first occupied some 2,700 ears ago. A Jewish colony settled here called Yahuddiyeh. A city of grace and beauty, its heralded moment of glory came in the 17th century. The Masjid-e-Jame Mosque dates back at least 1,000 ears and the Qaisarrieh Bazaar is known to please all eyes. A morning flight return to Tehran prepares you for your journey homeward with splendid memories to last for a lifetime.

 

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