Itinerary:

1 (Sat) Arrive in Amman and transfer to hotel.2 Drive to Aqaba. Afternoon free.3-4 Jeep safari in Wadi Rum and full day in Petra.5 Drive to Amman via Shobak Castle, Dana Village and Madaba.6 Visit Jerash and the Dead Sea.7 Visit Bosra. Drive to Damascus.8 Visit the museum, Omayyad Mosque and bazaars. Drive to Palmyra. Tent dinner.9 Visit Palmyra. Drive to Krak des Chevaliers.10 Visit Krak, Hama, Apamea, Maarat-el-Numan and Dead Cities. Arrive in Aleppo.11 Explore the bazaars and visit St Simeon's Monastery.12 Visit Ugarit, Saone and drive to Tartus.13 Tartus Museum. Drive to Tripoli. Visit castle and bazaars. Overnight Byblos. 14 Visit ruins at Byblos and Baalbek.15 Visit Beit Eddine and Sidon. Drive to Beirut.16 Visit Beirut Museum. Afternoon free to explore.17 Trip ends in Beirut this morning (Mon).

Included: Peregrine tour leader, professional local guides, arrival transfer, transport, sightseeing and entrance fees.
Not Included: Flights, meals unless specified, drinks, departure taxes, visas, travel insurance, tips (see below), spending of a personal nature, optional sightseeing, departure transfer.
Notes: "Baksheesh" Throughout the Middle East, but particularly in Egypt, tipping is a way of life. Known as "baksheesh" it is given for any service rendered and is deeply embedded in the social fabric of the country. Unlike western countries it is not necessarily a reward for good service and it should therefore not be referred to as a "tip", in the western sense of the word. Everyone gives "baksheesh" to everyone else and foreign tourists are expected to comply with this custom. For some, this can become very tiresome (especially if you don't have the right change) and it can lead to irritation and frustration. To surmount this problem and to save you the obvious embarrassment if you don't have the correct change, your Jordanian Leader will collect a "local payment" from you at the beginning of the trip. This is around US$30 per person. Please have this amount ready, in cash, at the beginning of the trip. In Syria and Lebanon a similar system operates; your Syrian leader will be expecting to collect around US$10 per person on day 7 and your Lebanese Leader will collect $10 on day 13. If you are out on your own, at a restaurant, for example, please remember to leave a small tip for any services. Tipping your LeaderThe "Baksheesh" payment does NOT include a tip for your tour leader or driver. It is customary to tip your Tour Leader, at the end of each section of the trip, if you are happy with his service. A minimum tip of USD 2-3 per day, from each member of the group is the standard expectation. For your drivers in each country a minimum of US$1.50-2 per day from each member of the group is the standard expectation. RamadanRamadan occurs in the ninth month of the Islamic calendar. It is an exciting (and at times, frustrating) time to travel in the Middle East. In the evening there is a celebratory atmosphere as people break their fast, and to witness all this is a real highlight. However, during the day, people must refrain from eating, drinking, smoking and sexual activity, so if you encounter someone who is a bit grumpy, be sympathetic! Tourists sites are generally unaffected although some places may close early, but your leader will plan around this. Most hotels bars and tourist restaurants will remain open. Overall, Ramadan is a really interesting time to visit the Middle East, although you do need to be flexible, sympathetic and sensitive. In 2008 Ramadan starts on 1 September and ends with Eid el Fitr at the end of September. The feast of Eid el Fitr can last between three and seven days, depending on the region. In 2009, Ramadan starts on August 21st and finishes on September 19th, with the Eid el Fitr feast commencing on September 20th.
Meals: 16 breakfasts,2 lunches,3 dinners
Starts/Ends: Amman/Beirut
Trip Reference: PGCT