Trip Notes

A WEEK IN SYRIA
Trip Code: AXD
Country: Syria
Amended: Jan 2010
Edition No: CKT 1 2010
Validity: 01 Jan 2010 - 31 Dec 2010

HIGHLIGHTS being the oldest, continually inhabited cities in the world! Damascus
is one such city and the magnificent mosque of the Omayyads is just
• Damascus - the oldest continuously-inhabited city in one of its many delights. It fulfils all the expectations of an Arab
city with narrow alleyways, old men smoking their shishas on the
the world
pavement, colourful shops and the pleasing aroma of Middle Eastern
• Amazingly well-preserved ruins at Palmyra and Apamea cuisine.

• The most incredible castle in the Middle East - Krak des
Chevaliers
• Superb markets in Aleppo and Damascus
• A fascinating country which sees few visitors
SUMMARY
Visitors to Syria are often in for a surprise as there is an immense
range of scenery from rugged desert to pine-covered mountains, and
bustling modern cities. Most impressive of all is the extraordinary
wealth of historical remains. Egyptians, Babylonians, Persians,
Hittites, Greeks, Romans, Arabs and Turks all passed this way, and
many outstanding archaeological sites and fine buildings remain as
their witnesses. Syria also eschews Western preconceptions and a
warm greeting is guaranteed in one of the friendliest of countries.
The trip starts in the capital Damascus where there is a day to fully
enjoy this ancient city. An indication of the ancient civilisation of this
region is the fact that so many cities in the Middle East lay claim to
From here we take a day visit to Palmyra. One of the most extensive
historical sites in the world, Palmyra includes the huge Temple of
Bel although much is still covered in sand. Our next stops are the
fascinating cities of Hama and Aleppo, and the huge but little known
Roman site of Apamea. Finally we visit Hama and Krak des Chevaliers,
a crusader castle that can’t have looked much different 800 years
ago.
A local guide is imperative in allowing us to get the most out of our
trip and we make sure we sample lots of the wonderful local cuisine,
often in restaurants or establishments where there are no other
tourists.
.IS THIS TRIP FOR YOU?
This is an ideal trip if you wish to see all the highlights of Syria but
are limited to a one week trip. You should be prepared for a full but
enjoyable itinerary. Travel will be by comfortable air conditioned
minivans.
JOINING THE TRIP IN LONDON
8 days, depart London Sat, return Sat
Itinerary Start
The group flight from London is a daytime flight departing on Day 1
of the itinerary

Flights from London

We normally use the scheduled services of British Midland (depending
on availability). As flight timings and schedules change regularly we
recommend you call one of our specialist sales staff or your agent to
confirm up-to-date timings. Please note timings may change at a later
date and cannot be confirmed until approximately two weeks before
departure.

UK Regional Flights
Exodus can arrange flights from the majority of the UK’s regional
airports that are more flexible and convenient than if booked
separately. Please contact our sales team for details.

If booking regional flights other than with Exodus, you must allow
a minimum connecting time (in addition to the international check
in time) of 1 hour at Gatwick, and 1.5 hours at Heathrow; this is
2582

2582 Exodus Travels Ltd

Grange Mills, Weir Road, London SW12 0NE
Sales & Reservations: (44) 0845 330 6008 • Fax: (44) 020 8673 0779 • E-mail: sales@exodus.co.uk • www.exodus.co.uk
longer than the official minimum, but baggage handling is known to
be subject to delays.
Airport transfers
Airport transfers are included for those on the group flights. Please
note that transfers are not included for clients arriving on any other
flight, even if Exodus have booked it. Those arriving from London on
non-group flights should read the airport transfer section below for
information on reaching the start point. Please check with the Exodus
office if you are unsure whether or not a transfer is included.
JOINING THE TRIP IN DAMASCUS
8 days, start Damascus Sat, end Damascus Sat.
Itinerary Start
Your trip normally starts at our hotel in Damascus in the of Day 1 of
the itinerary described below. Details of how to reach the start point
are provided in the Final Joining Instructions - sent approximately
two weeks before departure. Hotel check-in times are normally from
around 15:00hrs.
Airport Transfers
If you require airport transfers, you may (by prior arrangement only)
be able to join the group transfer. Transfers are arranged to coincide
with the arrival time of the group flight - please check the group flight
details 2 weeks before departure. If you do not take this transfer, or
miss it, you must make your own way to the joining point at your
own expense. If you would like us to organise a private transfer, the
cost is £35, depending on the number of persons and is payable
before departure.
Please ensure that
you provide us
with all relevant
information at least
2 weeks before
departure. The cost
of a taxi is likely
to be about £30
should you decide
to make your way
independently. Full
joining instructions
including local
e m e r g e n c y
numbers will be sent to you as part of our Final Joining Instructions. If
you do not receive these at least a week before departure, or require
them earlier please contact our office or your travel agent.
LAND ONLY ITINERARY
The entries in bold at the end of each day indicate the type
of accommodation normally used (if different standards of
accommodation are used - see accommodation section below for key
to codes), and meals included (B=Breakfast, L=Lunch, D=Dinner)
Day 1 Start Damascus. CH
2
Day 2 Damascus We have a full day scheduled in this fantastic city.
Damascus is claimed to be the oldest continuously inhabited city in
the world, and it is certainly one of the most fascinating places in
the Middle East. In the centre is Old Damascus, a maze of narrow
streets around the famous Grand Bazaar and the Omayyad Mosque, a
masterpiece of early Islamic architecture. Also here is the street called
Straight, in the same place as in the time of St. Paul, and the tomb
of Saladin, the Kurdish Moslem general who was the scourge of the
Crusaders. All around the old city is modern Damascus, a relatively
sophisticated city with fine shops, restaurants and delicious cake
shops! CH (B)
Day 3 Palmyra This morning we drive into the desert, heading for
the immense ruined city of Palmyra (Tadmor). Financed by taxes on
the caravans which passed this way between the Mediterranean and
Mesopotamia, Palmyra was intended to rival Rome in its magnificence.
Most of the building was completed during the third century under
the ambitious Queen Zenobia. Considered an upstart by the Roman
Emperor Aurelian, she was taken to a distinguished early retirement
in Rome and bound in gold chains. The ruins remain, one of the most
extensive historic sites in the world, with much still covered by the
desert sands. As well as the colonnaded main street, there is the
huge temple of Bel, and strange funerary towers dot the desert to the
south. CH (B)
Day 4 Rasafa Heading north, our journey continues along the arid
desert road. En route we pass by the impressive ruins of Qasr el Hir,
an ancient palace and caravanserail built by the Ommeyad Caliph
Hicham in 628. We continue to Rasafa the ancient byzantine city
of Saint Sergius built in middle of the desert. In the afternoon we
transfer to Aleppo. Hotel. CH (B)
Day 5 Aleppo A full day to explore the wonderful city of Aleppo. This
ancient place is Syria’s second city, with a fine Saracen citadel on a
hill in the centre. There are some interesting covered streets in the
enormous bazaar, which is built around an impressive mosque. In the
city centre is the museum of Assyrian culture (optional), containing
all the best finds from the Assyrian sites of the area. CH (B)
Day 6 Apamea and Hama We start our day by the visit of the fifth
century church of St Simeon the Stylite (Qalat Samaan). This is a
popular ‘dead city’ site with beautiful stone streets and surrounding
scenery. Next we drive to Hama via the Roman ruins at Apamea.
Hama has a turbulent recent history due to a revolt in 1982, which
was violently quashed. Today it is a peaceful city whose most famous
landmark is its norias (waterwheels). CH (B)
Day 7 Krak des Chevaliers In the morning we make our way towards
the magnificent castle of Krak des Chevaliers, arguably the best-
preserved and most famous crusader castle. Absolutely impregnable
and in a good state of repair, this immense fortress dominates the
country for miles around. After lunch we continue our circular route
back to Damascus, stopping along the way at Maaloula en route, one
of Syria’s more unusual villages. It is a myriad of pale blue cube-
shaped houses set amongst sand-coloured mountains and is also
known as one of the few places still inhabited by an Aramaic-speaking
community who transformed ancient temples into what is now one of
the oldest churches and convents of the east, St Sergio. Transfer to
Damascus CH (B)
Day 8 End Damascus. (B)
For those on group flights, these depart in the morning and will arrive
in the UK the same day.
ACCOMMODATION
Single Accommodation: Single Rooms are available, but need to be
requested at the time of making a booking and will cost from £140.
Extra Accommodation: Extra nights in the hotel in Damascus can be
arranged on request - please ask for a quote.
KEY TO ACCOMMODATION: We indicate in the itinerary what type
of accommodation is provided on each day. The descriptions are
guidelines only and are used to give an idea of the accommodation
offered, rather than an exact description.
CH Comfortable Hotel, Lodge or Gite - twin rooms with en suite
facilities, reliable electricity and water supply, good service and some
added amenities.
FOOD & TRANSPORT
Food
Whilst staying in hotels we usually eat in local restaurants and on
some occasions the leader will take those who wish, to a restaurant
for a ‘mezze’ style meal. These allow fast service and a good quality
of food for the group. Allow about £150 to cover meals not included.
If you are vegetarian, please note that main meals are limited in
choice; however mezze is almost always available in restaurants and
is a good, filling choice for vegetarians.
Transport
For most of this trip we use one air-conditioned mini or midi-bus
depending on group size, with local drivers. These will sometimes be
four-wheel drive and occasionally we will use 2 vehicles for the group.
We may occasionally use 4 x 4 jeeps.
The standard of the roads is generally good in the Middle East and
so conditions are usually quite comfortable. Traffic in certain areas is
quite dense, and mountain roads are sometimes quite slow.
WEATHER
In general, the more northerly countries of the Middle East are a little
cooler than further south. It is hot and dry in the summer season in
most of Syria’s regions and daytime maximums can be as much as
37-38°C.
In winter (November - late January) it is generally crisp and mild in
the day (12-18°C) but can approach freezing and below at night. It is
liable to rain a little more and can even snow. Please note that days
are also shorter at this time and the itinerary might have to be slightly
curtailed in places.
Spring and autumn are popular seasons in the Middle East as it is
warm - around 24°C in the day and down to 8-10°C at night.
3
RESPONSIBLE TOURISM
Tourism can be a real help to local
communities, providing income, positive
cultural exchanges and a financial incentive
to protect their natural environment.
Ours is a ‘total approach’ to responsible
tourism, covering everything from the way
we plan and operate our trips to the practices
of Exodus as a company. Exodus trips are
designed to allow a high degree of economic
benefit to the local communities; we buy local
produce, eat local food and use local services, thus ensuring that as
much money as possible is retained within the local economies and
the host communities. With our responsible tourism policy we are
continually reassessing our holidays, trying at all times to ensure that
they are socially, economically and environmentally sound.
Awards for our work on Responsible Tourism
2009 British Travel awards: small tour operator commendation
2006. British Travel Awards: Environmentally Responsible Tourism
Company.
2004. Responsible Travel Awards: Best Tour Operator.
For full details of our Responsible Tourism Policy please visit:
www.exodus.co.uk/responsible-travel.
PRACTICAL INFORMATION
Passports and Visas
All nationalities require a full passport that must be valid for 6 months
beyond the intended length of stay. It is your responsibility to have
the correct personal documents and to obtain your own visa, if one
is necessary, in accordance with the regulations of the country you
are to visit. The information offered below is to help you with that
process. We are not responsible for the actions of local immigration
and customs officials, whether at points of entry or otherwise, and
any subsequent effects.
Syria
You will not be able to enter Syria if you have an Israeli stamp in your
passport.
A visa is required by most nationalities and must be obtained before
departure. If you are travelling with the group on return flights from
London, the visa for Syria will be obtained at the airport. The visa is
obtained on a group basis and is provided free of charge - please
note that this is only if the group size is or exceeds 8 people on
group flights. Those on the group flight (group visa) will need to take
2 photocopies of their passport details page in order to get the visa.
Please note that due to a change in regulation by BMI, you will not be
able to board the plane without a letter guaranteeing your group visa.
Exodus will send this letter to you 2-3 week before your trip departs.
Visa regulations can and do change without notice and if you are not
a British passport holder please check the current regulations in good
time to obtain a visa if one is required.
For information on how to obtain visas please call Travcour on 020
7223 5295 or visit their website: http://www.travcour.com/exodus

Vaccinations and Health

Travel health can often be something people forget about before
going away, but a little preparation and knowledge can go a long way
to help you stay fit and healthy while abroad.

There are no specific health risks on this trip.

The above information can change at short notice; as we are not

qualified to answer all your questions about travel health we strongly
recommend you contact your GP or a Travel Health Clinic at least 8
weeks prior to departure for up-to-date information.

Nomad Travel Clinics are experts in preparing people for travel,

providing expert advice on vaccinations, anti-malarial and staying
healthy whilst overseas. We have arranged a special 10% discount
for Exodus passengers on any vaccinations that you may require. For
information visit the community section of our website or click on
this link www.nomadtravel.co.uk/exodus.
For additional information please visit: www.fitfortravel.scot.nhs.uk
Insurance - are you adequately covered?
Please ask for details of the Exodus insurance policy that has been
tailored to provide specific cover for our trips. It is a condition of
joining any of our holidays that you must be insured against medical
and personal accident risks (to include repatriation costs and air
ambulance or helicopter rescue services where appropriate). If taking
an alternative policy you must be sure that you are covered for any
activities that are part of this trip or optional activities that you intend
to take part in. For further information please see the insurance
section of the Exodus Travel Advice guide or visit www.exodus.co.uk/
about-exodus/travel-insurance.
Local Time
GMT + 2 hours
denomination cash dollars are useful for times when you want to
change a small amount of money outside the major towns or cities.
There are ATMs in Syria, and they can be found in the major towns
and cities. Not all ATMs will take British/ European style cards, but
your leader will be able to advise you.
Extra Expenses and Spending Money
See ‘Food’, ‘Local Payment’ and ‘Visas’ above.
Departure tax from Syria-1500SYP or about US$34
Please note that the following entrance fees are NOT included in the
cost of the trip - sightseeing in Damascus, Palmyra’s tombs, Aleppo
museum, Apamea Museum and Roman street as well as a hammam,
Rasafa, Qasr el Hir- allow approximately US$25 if you would like to
see or do all these things. Please note that entrance fees can and do
change at very short notice.
The following entry fees ARE included: Krak des Chevaliers, St Simon,
Aleppo citadel, Palmyra theatre and the Temple of Bel.

Group, Staff and Support Tipping (leader and local staff)

The group will generally be between 4 and 18 people. There will be a
local leader and drivers and local guides where needed.
The minimum age of clients on this trip is 16 years. Please note that
children aged 16 or 17 years of age must be accompanied by (and
share accommodation with) a parent or legal guardian.
MONEY MATTERS
Exodus and Local Payments
There is no local payment on this holiday. Exodus no longer uses
local payments to cover part of the cost of the holiday.
If you are comparing prices with other operators, please check the
total price paid, as we believe that Exodus continues to offer the best
balance between value for money and operational quality.
Currency Information
You can take your money in Sterling or US$. The risk of theft on this
trip is quite small, so if you are a reasonably careful person, you may
prefer to bring most or all of your money in cash.
The national currency of Syria is the Syrian Pounds (SYP), with an
exchange rate of 99.6 to the UK£ and 46 to the US$.
Our local staff are paid well and fairly for their work with Exodus.
Tipping is at your discretion for both the leader and the local staff.
Tipping in Syria is part of the culture that has developed with tourism
due to the low income of most people. If you wish to tip, we have
found it useful for the group to have a kitty for tipping (the leader can
advise how much to tip), this can ease confusion and embarrassment
by not knowing how much or how little to tip local staff. If you do not
wish to join in on the group kitty, do not feel pressured. Many clients
wish to tip their leaders and we suggest about £15-£20 per person
for the week.
WHAT TO TAKE
Essential Equipment and Clothing
This should be read in conjunction with our ‘What to Pack’ section in
your Travel Advice booklet (sent when you book).
You will need the following:
In addition to your “normal” daily clothes, you will need the following:
Sun-cream
Glasses
Hat
Warm fleeces and a winter jacket from Oct - April

Exchange rates are correct at the time of publication.

Please note that you will be travelling through a predominantly
Commission Free Holiday Currency Islamic country and so will need to dress conservatively throughout.
We strongly suggest that you wear full-length trousers/skirts and that
For your commission free holiday currency, pre loaded cash cards and
your shoulders are always covered.
travellers cheques delivered directly too your door at very competitive
rates, visit us on www.currency-express.com/exodus and receive free
Much of the equipment mentioned above is available at very
delivery on orders over £300.
competitive prices from Nomad: Exodus clients receive a 15%
ATM availability/Credit Card Acceptance/Travellers cheques discount. Please visit www.nomadtravel.co.uk/exodus.
Changing Travellers Cheques in Syria is difficult attracts a high Baggage and Baggage Allowance
commission rate. However, bear in mind that if you lose your cash
Exodus kitbags are available for purchase at £25, which includes
it cannot normally be replaced as most insurance policies have
postage, packing and VAT. If, for any reason the kit bag is returned
a very low limit on theft or loss of cash. If you do bring Travellers
to Exodus, additional postage costs will be charged. Kit bags are
Cheques, we advise using those issued by either Thomas Cook or
available within the UK only.
American Express, as you may find others difficult to change. Small

4
At time of writing the standard weight limit for hold baggage on
the recommended international carrier for this trip is 20kg. We
recommend packing only one piece of checked baggage. As advice
about luggage allowances for both hand and hold luggage is subject
to change, we suggest you check www.baa.com and/or the airline’s
website for the latest information prior to your departure.
In the unlikely event of any of your luggage being misplaced or
damaged, a Property Irregularity Report (PIR) must be filed with the
appropriate airline if you subsequently wish to make a claim against
the airline or on your travel insurance. This must be done at the
airport where your baggage arrived, or should have arrived.
Reading List:
IMPORTANT INFORMATION FOR ALL CLIENTS
Exodus operates a 24 hour duty office for emergencies, which can be
contacted on 0044 (0) 1582 644 100.
Every time that you travel abroad you should take the time to read
the warnings in the essential information in the brochure or at www.
exodus.co.uk/about-exodus/essential-information?
Full joining instructions including local emergency numbers, and
details of how to reach the start point, will be sent to you approximately
2 to 3 weeks prior to departure. If you do not receive these at least
a week before departure, or require them earlier please contact our
office or your travel agent.

Syria and Lebanon Travel Guide, published by Lonely Planet 2008
If you are interested in any of these books then you can order them
from our own Exodus shop, ‘Exodus Travel Essentials’ in partnership
with Amazon.
Occasionally, as stated in our brochure, it may not be possible to
follow the itinerary as planned. This may be for a variety of reasons
- climatic, political, physical or other. In these circumstances we will
make the best alternative arrangements possible that maintain the
integrity of the original itinerary.

JOIN THE EXODUS ONLINE COMMUNITY
Don’t forget to visit the Community area on our website. You can
view the range of Exodus videos and podcasts, read trip write-ups
which have featured in the national media and take advantage of
some special deals on travel gear and equipment.
In the Compass Café forum you’ll find the Departure Lounge where
you can discuss your trip with fellow travellers before you depart.
When you get back from your holiday remember to upload your
images to the relevant trip page on our website. This helps other
people see what our holidays are really like and you’ll be entered
automatically into our monthly photo competition.
The information in these Trip Notes is given in good faith, and covers
the average range of conditions likely to be found on this trip. Where
differences exist in the information between these Trip Notes and
our current brochure, the Trip Notes are the correct version and
supersede the brochure. Abnormal conditions or other events beyond
our control can prevail at any time, particularly in remote or off the
beaten track destinations, therefore all holidays can be subject to
unexpected changes; in order to enjoy them you should be prepared
to be flexible where necessary.
© Exodus Travels Ltd. ATOL 2582/FTO

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HOW TO BOOK YOUR TRIP

1. Check availability Go online to check availability, or contact us by phone or email.

2. Secure your place You can provisionally hold a place on this trip, usually for between
three and seven days.

3. Complete your booking and payment When you’re ready to book, go to www.exodus.co.uk for online booking, book over the
phone or you can complete a booking form (available online or on request by calling us). We accept all major credit and debit cards,
or you can pay be cheque.

Book with confidence Exodus is fully licensed and bonded as a tour operator. We hold Air Traffic Organisers Licence (ATOL) number
2582 issued and bonded with the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA). We are also bonded to the International Air Transport Association
(IATA) and we are members of the Federation of Tour Operators (FTO) and ABTA - The Travel Association. This means you can book
your Exodus holiday with confidence, as all monies paid to us for your trip are fully protected.

In December 2009 Exodus was accredited

with the maximum 3 stars Investor in
Customers award.
Give one of our experts a call to find out
why.