Wednesday, October 26, 2011

What we have been working on at Caravan-Serai

By now you have seen several of the tours we have planned for next year. Well, we aren't done yet! In the coming days there will be another tour for Iran called the Persian Gardens & History Tour for May, and an exciting new Egypt tour for March that will include a Nile Cruise, city tours in Cairo, and a 3 night excursion into the Western Desert.


When these itineraries are complete we will have them on our newly redesigned website and we will post them here and to our email list. To whet your appetite for the Egypt tour, here are a few photos of the Egypt tour taken by the desert camp leader Raed Baddar.







Wednesday, October 19, 2011

See Morocco next May!

Meknes City Walls

Morocco
Escorted* Group Tour
$2595 pp/do land only


May 2: Arrival / Casablanca / Rabat
Upon arrival in Casablanca, we will be met and then transferred to Rabat, the "Imperial Garden City" and also the administrative capitol of the kingdom.  Check in at the hotel for overnight. (B/D)

May 3: Rabat / Meknes / Volubilis / Fes
After breakfast we check out and begin our sightseeing of Rabat. Our tour includes the Kasbah of the Oudayas, the Hassan Tower and Mosque, the splendid Mohamed V Mausoleum and the Mechouar - the ramparts and walls surrounding the Royal Palace. Afterwards we depart Rabat for Meknes, the "Moroccan Versailles," founded at the end of the 17th century by Moulay Ismail, a contemporary of France's Louis XIV. Our exploration of this area includes the Bab El Mansour, considered to be the finest gateway in Morocco, the Hari Souani, the Moulay's stables, and the new and old Medinas. We will continue to the Roman ruins of Volubilis and tour the site, then continue to Fes for overnight. (B/D)

May 4: Fes
This morning, explore Fes, the oldest of the Imperial Cities, known for its spiritual and educational contributions to Moroccan culture. Visit the Medieval Medina, the religious Islamic universities known as Merdersas, the Karouine Mosque and the Nejjerine Fountain. We will also see the traditional tanneries, and walk through the narrow passageways of the medina and shops, then visit a local pottery shop to see the traditional method used to create all the beautiful tile and pottery you will see everywhere in Morocco. Overnight in Fes. (B/D)

May 5: Fes / Ifrane / Midelt / Erfoud / Merzouga
After an early breakfast depart for Erfoud. Along the way, as we pass through the mountainous terrain, stop at the mountain resort and university town of Ifrane, then continue on to Midelt and the Ziz River valley through fortified villages and on to Erfoud. From Erfoud we will transfer into 4x4 vehicles and head into the dunes of Merzouga for overnight at a desert camp at the edge of the Sahara. (B/D)

May 6: Erfoud / Tinghir / Boumalne
After breakfast at the camp we will return to Erfoud then continue on to the oasis city of Tinghir, known for it’s lushness and roses that it produces. It is also a the place to begin our exploration of the Todra Gorge, with it’s ice cold river cutting through the towering sheer rock walls of the mountains. We will explore the gorge then continue to the Dades Valley (Red Valley) and Boumalne for overnight. (B/D)

May 7: Boumalne / Kalaâ M'Gouna / Ouarzazate
This morning we depart for Ouarzazate, stopping to visit the city of Kalaâ M'Gouna, famous for it’s roses. This is the center of rose water production in the country and in May there is a rose festival. The city has over 4000 km of rose hedges! After our visit here we continue on to Ourazazate for overnight. (B/D)

May 8: Ouarzazate / Aït Ben Haddou / Marrakech
After breakfast spend some time exploring Ouarzazate before departing for Marrakesh. Visit the kasbahs of Tifoutout and Taorirt, then on to Ain Ben Haddou, another majestic kasbah, nestled in the midst of a forest of almond trees. Continue on through the Tiz-In-Tichka Pass at 2260 meters, enjoying spectacular mountain scenery and views of the valleys below. Arrive in Marrakesh for overnight. (B/D)

May 9: Marrakech (city tour)
Today we will have a full day exploring Marrakesh, sightseeing throughout this historic city including Koutoubia, the Menara and garden, the Saadien Tombs, and the Bahia Palace. Lunch at the hotel. This afternoon, walk through the colorful souks with their wealth of treasures, the famous Djemaa El Gna Place filled with fascinating characters, fire eaters, teeth pullers, fortune tellers, spice - nuts - incense merchants, story tellers, snake charmers, and tame monkeys, to name a few! (B/D)

May 10: Marrakech
We will have another day in Marrakesh with free time for shopping or exploring on your own. Overnight in Marrakesh. (B)

May 11: Marrakech / Essaouira
After breakfast depart for Essaouira on the Atlantic coast. Stop along the way at Magador and Chichaoua. Essaouira is an excellent example of a Portuguese port and is an exotic blending of Moorish and Portuguese art and architecture. Traders and artists have gathered here since the 18th century. We will have a city tour on arrival. Possibly we may see some goats in the trees here! Overnight in Essaouira. (B)

May 12: Essaouira / Oualidia / El Jadida / Casablanca
After breakfast depart for Casablanca. Our first stop will be at Oualidia then we continue on to El Jadida, another former Portuguese stronghold with a spectacular 1100 square meter underground reservoir, for a tour before continuing on to Casablanca. Dinner and overnight in Casablanca. (B/D)

May 13: Departure
Transfer to the airport for our flights home.

End of services.

*Group will be escorted by a Seattle staff member with minimum 10 passengers.

Included:
Our rate includes:
Accommodation on half board for 5 nights at hotels and on bed and breakfast for 6 nights at Riads
A deluxe air-conditioned minibus at disposal according to t he above-mentioned itinerary
A qualified English speaking guide for the whole tour
(4x4) with drivers for the round trip transfers to the Dunes
Entrance fees to monuments (external visit of Hassan II Mosque)
Portrage of luggage, taxes and services
Our full assistance.

Not Included:
Airfare
Drinks during meals
Lunches, snacks, water while touring
Personal expenses and extras
Tips for guide and driver – we recommend about $8 for the guide and $4 for the driver, per person, per day
Trip insurance

Single Supplement: $455

Hotels & Riads (depending on availability):
Rabat: Chellah Hotel
Fes: Palais Shehrazade
Merzouga Dunes: Bivouac
Boumalne: Xaluca Dades
Ouarzazate: Berbere Palace
Marrakesh: Riad Amina
Essaouira: Riad Mimouna
Casablanca: Idou Anfa

Saturday, October 15, 2011

Visit Iran

"Overall this trip was amazing, you have a lifetime customer, and Iran has a lifetime advocate (I am telling everyone how great of a place it is to travel to). I knew people in the Middle East are very welcoming and friendly to all, this was over the top, I always felt welcome and cared for by the people of Iran.
I was surprised at how few tourists were there, this country has so much potential for tourism revenue. Some of the positives -Visa Process: talking with another couple from a different tour company they had a nightmare getting their visa. I could not believe how easy it was for me, could not have been more simple thanks to you. -Guide: Bahman was very knowledgeable of the country, the history, culture, art and architecture. He went out of his way to make sure we were all taken care of, I know snacks were not included but Bahman took care of us constantly introducing us to local treats. He knew a lot of locals and made sure to introduce us to them. -Driver: had a great driver that went out of how way to make us comfortable, I have no idea how he drove through that traffic but he did so with ease. -Hotels: very impressed with the quality of the hotels, great service and food. -Bahman made sure we got to see how things are made, meet local shop keepers, see them in action, and ask questions. We even went to the home of Mr. Fotowold, the miniaturist painter! -Our guide kept us informed of what places are good places to buy specific articles and took us to places where I felt we could trust the shopkeepers. -Small group size: allowed us to get in and out of places quickly and kept the variation of personalities to a min. I heard people in other groups complaining that the size of their group was too big and it was ruining their trip, so glad that Caravan-Serei keeps their groups small. -Bahman kept us well fed, I never went hungry, was never disappointed in the food quality -Our guide spoke plainly to us about what it is like in his country and how the people feel there"
Nathan (Iran October 2010)
 
Experience Iran for yourself in 2012. This tour in April is the first of 3 we have schedule. The second will be in May, and the third will be in October. See for yourself!

Iran: Kerman to Tabriz
April 9 - 24, 2012
$4700 pp/do

http://www.caravan-serai.com/NewSite/Countries/Iran/IranApr2012.htm

Apr 9: Upon our late evening arrival at IKA airport in Tehran, we will be met and transferred to our hotel for overnight.
Apr 10: Tehran We will have a full day of sightseeing in Tehran to visit several museums and monuments in the city. We may visit the former residence of the last Shah of Iran at Sa'ad-Abad Palace and Museum Complex, and the Tehran Museum of Contemporary Art, Niavaran Palace, and the Tehran Bazaar. Complete your visit of Tehran with a visit to the National Jewels Museum. On display is an impressive collection of some of the most famous and spectacular jewels in the world including many priceless pieces. Many pieces have disappeared over the years but the remaining collection of gemstones, jewelry, royal emblems, ornamental guns and jewel-encrusted furniture is still impressive. The majority of the items on display were given to Safavid kings as gifts but many pieces taken by Nader Shah on his conquest of India are also exhibited. These include the Darya-e Nur diamond, The Peacock Throne and the Jeweled Globe. Other pieces include the crowns of the Qajar and Pahlavi Kings. (Please note that the order of museum visits may vary due to different hours of operation and other scheduling issues) Dinner and overnight in Tehran.
Apr 11: Tehran-Kerman After breakfast, we will depart for another city tour of Tehran, Iran's capital to see museums and sites not visited the day before. In the late afternoon we transfer to the airport for our flight to Kerman. On arrival in Kerman we will transfer to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Apr 12: Kerman/Excursion to Rayen & Mahan Today we will have a full day excursion to the village of Rayen to visit the Arg, or Citadel, of Rayen, a miniature version of the Arg-e-Bam, with all the architectural features of a desert citadel. Arg e Rayen is now gaining prominence as a result of the tragic earthquake in Bam which destroyed the town and its magnificent citadel. On the return journey we will stop at Mahan to visit the blue-tiled Mausoleum of Shah Nematollah-e-Vali, the great 14th century Sufi Leader; and the Shahzadeh Garden (late 19th century Qajar-period garden/house). We will return to Kerman to have a city tour. We will see the Ganj-Ali-Khan Complex that is comprised of a 17th century Safavid period bathhouse, caravanserai, and bazaar, plus the Friday Mosque. Dinner and overnight in Kerman.
Apr 13: Kerman - Yazd After breakfast we will have one last look around the city of Kerman to see anything we missed the day before, then depart for Yazd. On arrival in Yazd we will check in to our hotel for dinner and overnight.
Apr 14: Yazd After breakfast depart for a full day of sightseeing in Yazd, the center for Iran's small Zoroastrian community. Seeking refuge from the invading Arabs the Zoroastrians found a safe haven within Yazd's fortified walls. We will see the active Zoroastrian Fire Temple, the fire of which has been burning for about 1500 years. Among Yazd's Islamic sites is the Friday Mosque (1324 A.D.), with the highest portal and minarets in Iran. Other notable Islamic monuments in Yazd are the Seljuk shrine dedicated to the Twelve Shi'ite Imams, and the Ziaieyeh Theological School known as Zendan-e-Eskander, or Alexander's Prison. There are also many beautiful old houses in Yazd, among them the Dowlat-Abad Garden, with an 18th century hexagonal house. Dinner and overnight in Yazd.
Apr 15: Yazd-Shiraz This morning we depart for Shiraz. Along the way we will stop at Abarkuh and Pasargadae for a visit. Pasargadae is the site of the simple, but impressive, tomb of Cyrus the Great (founder of the Persian Empire), and the remains of his palaces. Continue on to Shiraz for dinner and overnight.
Apr 16: Shiraz/Excursion to Persepolis-Isfahan After breakfast we depart for a half day excursion to Persepolis, the extensive remains of the palaces of the Achaemenid kings Darius I, Xerxes and Artaxerxes, with magnificent bas-reliefs. After that we visit Naghsh-e-Rostam, site of an Achaemenid-period fire-temple and sanctuary, four Royal Tombs and eight Sassanian rock-reliefs including the impressive victory scene of Shapur I over Roman Emperor Valerian. After visiting the site return to Shiraz the city of "roses and nightingales". In the afternoon we return to Shiraz for a city tour. Some of the sights we may see include the Tomb of Iran's greatest lyric poet, Hafez, Narenjestan (a reception/residential house/garden), the pink-tiled Nasir-ol-Molk Mosque, the Eram Garden, and the very interesting nomads' bazaar of Shiraz. In the evening we transfer to the airport for our flight to Isfahan. On arrival we transfer to the hotel for overnight.
Apr 17: Isfahan After breakfast we depart for a tour of the beautiful city of Isfahan, the 17th century capital of the Safavids, referred to as Nesf-e-Jahan (Half of the World). Our tour will include a visit to the famous bridges of Shahrestan, Khajou, and Sio-se-pol, and the Armenian Quarter to visit the Cathedral of Vank. In the afternoon we visit one of the world's grandest squares - the Maidan-e-Naghsh-e-Jahan. The Maidan is the location of the Ali-Qapu Palace with its magnificent architecture and tile-work. The palace has enchanting music rooms and a balcony overlooking the Maidan, from where the Safavid Kings watched polo games. Also on the square are two of the Islamic world's greatest mosques: the Sheikh Lotfollah Mosque and the Shah Mosque. Finish with a visit to the Qeisarieh Bazaar with hundreds of shops displaying the art and handicrafts for which Isfahan is world-famous. Dinner and overnight in Isfahan.
Apr 18: Isfahan We will have another full day of sightseeing in Isfahan, including a visit to the magnificent Friday Mosque, with the famous Uljaitu Mihrab (Prayer Niche) of the Il-Khanid period, the Harun-e-Velayat Shrine and the Ali Minaret. We will also visit Chehel-Sotun (Forty Columns) Palace and Hasht-Behesht (Eight Paradise) Palace (from outside), both set in beautiful gardens/parks. Afterwards we will return to the Maidan and shops for another visit and shopping before returning to the hotel for dinner and overnight.
Apr 19: Isfahan-Tehran This morning we will depart very early to drive to Tehran. En-route we will have a brief stop over at the charming town of Natanz to visit a beautiful Islamic Complex which includes a Friday Mosque, Monastery, and the Tomb of Sheikh Abdol Samad Isfahani. Continue to Kashan for a short visit to the historical garden of Fin which was first planted during the Safavid period and kept alive with water from the nearby Sulaimanieh Spring. This beautiful garden was expanded by the Zand and Qajar monarchs, with many open pavilions added. Continue on to Tehran. Upon our arrival in Tehran we will check in to the Laleh Hotel for dinner and overnight.
Apr 20: Tehran-Tabriz This morning we fly to Tabriz. Once there we will have a full-day city tour of Tabriz which will include a visit to the Blue Mosque, completed in 1465 by Nimatullah ibn Mohammad Bavvab. Also visit the Azarbaijan Museum and the Shah-Goli Pavilion. End our day at the bazaar. Overnight in Tabriz.
Apr 21: Tabriz/Excursion Kandovan Today after breakfast we will have a full day excursion to the volcanic city of Kandovan. Kandovan village is located 50 km to the south of Tabriz, Osku, on the northern slopes of a valley at the foothills of Mount Sahand. The landscape is similar to Cappadocia in Turkey. The rock cones created by thousands of years or erosion have been carved out and made into dwellings. Return to Tabriz for overnight.
Apr 22: Tabriz-Anzali This morning we will drive to Bandar-é-Anzali via Ardabil to visit the Sheikh Safi-eddin Ardabili Mausoleum and Museum. Ardabil is best known as the birthplace of the eminent religious leader Sheik Safi-eddin (1251-1334) from whom the Safavid dynasty was descended. Continue to Bandar-é-Anzali for dinner and overnight.
Apr 23: Anzali-Tehran This morning we will drive to Tehran, with a stop at the village of Masulé. This is picturesque mountain village where the homes and buildings seem to cling to the side of the mountain. Homes are built practically on top of one another. Enjoy sightseeing in the village then continue on to Tehran for dinner and overnight.
Apr 24: Early morning transfer to the airport for departure.
End of services.
Included:
  • Visa authorization
  • Full-board accommodation in 3-5 star hotels, breakfast at hotels, lunch and dinner at best available local restaurants, or hotels
  • All land transportations in air conditioned minivan
  • All group transfers to/from airports, from/to hotels
  • All portages and entrance fees for main sites and excursions
  • Highly-qualified English-speaking national guide and local guides in Shiraz and Isfahan
  • Domestic flights: Tehran-Kerman, Shiraz-Isfahan, Tehran-Tabriz
Not Included:
  • International air
  • Visa fees
  • Personal expenses such as room service, telephone/fax calls, laundry, dry cleaning, etc.
  • Optional tours or entrance fees not shown on the itinerary
  • Refreshments, snacks, etc., en route or during meals, caviar at any meals
  • Fuel surcharges, if any
  • Tips for guides ($8), drivers ($4), and drivers' assistant ($2) - amounts are only suggestions and are per person, per day
  • Trip insurance

Tour of Saudi Arabia 2012

Group at the Hijaz Railway Station/Museum

This tour already has several people signed up. It is becoming one of our most popular tours, and we offer it about the same time every year.

Kingdom of Saudi Arabia
February 12 - 23, 2012
$6715 pp/do, land only

http://www.caravan-serai.com/tours/Saudi-Feb2012.htm

Sun 12 Feb: Arrival in Riyadh On arrival in Riyadh you will be met and assisted, then transfer to our hotel, the Radisson BLU Hotel. Get settled and relax. Dinner and overnight at the Radisson BLU. (L/D)
Mon 13 Feb: Riyadh / Najran After breakfast we will begin our tour of Riyadh, the administrative capital of Saudi Arabia. It has grown into a modern, shining city in the middle of the desert and its unique architecture makes for a spectacular skyline. We will also see the camel market and visit Faisaliah Tower, a new landmark hotel with a restaurant and observation deck at the top of this obelisk-shaped tower. We will also visit Direya Town - a historical town of the Saud family. Lunch will be at Al Mazraha Restaurant. Next we will visit the Masmak Fortress, captured in 1902 in King Abdul Aziz's battle to regain control of the city, his ancestral home. At the entrance to this mud citadel we will see a spear tip broken off and embedded in the door lintel of the old fort, and preserved that way as a reminder of the battle for the city. Afterwards we will visit the Heritage Souq near the fortress for some shopping - antiques and gold can be found here. We will end our day at the King Abdul Aziz Museum, then transfer to the airport. We will have dinner at an airport restaurant, then take our flight to Najran. Upon arrival in Najran we will transfer to the Holiday Inn for overnight. (B/L/D)
Tues 14 Feb: Najran Najran is very close to the border with Yemen and at one time was considered part of Yemen. It was on the main frankincense caravan route that ran from southern Arabia to Jordan, Syria, and Egypt. Najran's most prosperous trading time was during the first and second centuries BC when it was known as Al-Ukhdood. We will start our sightseeing at Al Ukhdood Museum, Al Ukhdood Site, "the Massacre of Trench", Raoum Castle, Najran Gigantic Dam, the local souk, and the Emarat Historical Palace. Lunch will be at our hotel. Dinner and overnight in Najran. (B/L/D)
Weds 15 Feb: Najran - Abha After breakfast we check out and drive to Abha. Along the way we will have stops at Dhahran Al Janoub and Al Haraja to visit the old city. We will also stop for a panoramic view of Farrshah from the Tehama mountains. Once we arrive in Abha we will check in to the Abha Palace Hotel and have lunch. In the afternoon we visit the mountainside village of Al Habala. Al Habala village is 2000 meters above sea level, is no longer inhabited but is a destination for visitors. The terraced village is sometimes called the hanging village because it virtually hangs on the side of the steep mountain. The inhabitants used ropes to climb from one place to another. Visit the souk then return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. (B/L/D)
Thurs 16 Feb: Abha This morning we will enjoy the natural beauty of this region with a visit to one of many parks in the area, Al Soodah Park. The area is mountainous and the climate really varies from top to bottom. We will see terraced mountainsides, and green vegetation like nowhere else in Saudi Arabia. We will also take a cable car ride to see the picturesque mountain village of Rijal Al Maa and to view Sarawat Mountain. After lunch at the hotel we will go to visit Asir National Park, home to Saudi Arabia's highest mountain peak, and Bin Himsan Cultural Village and Museum. Return to the hotel for dinner and overnight. (B/L/D)
Fri 17 Feb: Abha / Al Ula After breakfast we transfer to the airport for our flight to Medina. On arrival in Medina we will have lunch at Le Meridien Hotel, then proceed to Al Ula. On arrival in Al Ula we check in to the Arac Hotel dinner and overnight. (B/L/D)
Sat 18 Feb: Al Ula Today we will spend the day visiting Al Ula. Our tour will start with a visit to the ruins of the old city of Al Ula and the Al Ula Museum. We will also see the Islamic Castle and the Old Railway Station then visit the ancient tombs cut out of the mountainside at Al Khuraibah. Return to the hotel for lunch, then in the afternoon we go by 4x4 to see the Nabatean ruins at Mada'in Saleh, an ancient city built by the same civilization that built Petra to the north in Jordan. We will also visit the Hijaz Railway Station No. 2, as well as Mammoth Rock and end at Hara Hill to view the sunset. Dinner and overnight at the Arac Hotel. (B/L/D)
Sun 19 Feb: Al Ula / Jouf After breakfast we will check out and depart for Jouf, with a boxed lunch and a sightseeing stop at Taima. Taima was part of the ancient kingdom of Midian and was home for the last Neo-Babylonian king, Nabonidus, who moved there in the seventh century B.C. One important archeological find in Taima is Taima Stone, inscribed with a religious text in ancient Aramaic and was discovered there in 1888. It is now in the Louvre. It was found near the great well Ain Haddaj which has been in use since Nabonidus' time and which, until diesel pumps were installed, required up to 60 camels at a time to draw water. Continue on to Jouf where we will check in to the Al Nusl Hotel. We will then have a brief tour to Sakaka and visit the Bir Saisra (well), Qasr Zabal and end the day watching the sunset. Return to Al Nusl Hotel for dinner and overnight. (B/L/D)
Mon 20 Feb: Jouf / Hail We will have an early breakfast then depart for Hail with a stop to visit the archeology center of Jubbah and the surrounding area, known for its huge collection of petroglyphs. Continue to Hail and check in at the Golden Tulip Hotel and have lunch. In the afternoon we will have a sightseeing tour of Hail. For centuries, Hail was seen as the "key to the desert" because it was the main transit point for pilgrims heading for the Holy Cities of Makkah and Madinah and for traders traveling north or south in the Arabian Peninsula. When, towards the end of the Abbasid Caliphate, Muslim scholars of Hail took it upon themselves to protect and promulgate Arabic in its purest form. As a result the city became an important center of scholarship and learning. We will visit Qalat Aarif and Al Qashlat Barracks, then return to the hotel for lunch. Check out and depart for Jouf, visiting Jubbah and surroundings on the way. Check in at Golden Tulip Hotel in Hail for dinner and overnight. (B/L/D)
Tues 21 Feb: Hail / Jeddah After breakfast we will transfer to the airport for our flight to Jeddah. Upon our arrival we will check into the Intercontinental Hotel and have lunch. Afterwards we will begin our sightseeing of Jeddah, the Red Sea port and commercial center of Saudi Arabia. It is also the main gateway for Muslims arriving from around the world for Hajj or Umrah. The city is said to be the burial place of Eve, thus the name Jeddah, which is grandmother in Arabic. We will drive along the corniche to see the vast open air sculpture "museum" then visit the Al Tayabet Museum, a collection belonging to Abdulraouf Khalil, a lifetime collector of all types of cultural pieces - modern, pop, and antique. We will have dinner and overnight at the Intercontinental Hotel. (B/L/D)
Weds 22 Feb: Jeddah After breakfast we will start our sightseeing with the historic Nasif House, which is an excellent example of Arabian and Islamic architecture, and is now a museum. We will walk through the old city see other examples of older restored homes and buildings before going to the Alawi Souq for jewelry, perfumes, fabrics, incense, coffee, and more. Our next stop is at Al Chafee Mosque, then we will return to the hotel to pack and check out, then drive along the corniche to enjoy the open air sculpture museum. We will have a farewell dinner at Al Nakheel Restaurant on the Corniche, a favorite of Saudi families. After dinner transfer to the airport for our early morning departure. (B/L/D)
Thurs 23 Feb: Departure.
End of services. 

Included:
  • Accommodations on double occupancy basis, full board (all meals)
  • Group visa
  • Group transfers in air conditioned motor coach
  • All sightseeing as listed in itinerary with English speaking guides throughout
Not Included:
  • International Air fare (call us for flight details and pricing), air in Saudi Arabia
  • Items of a personal nature such as phone/fax calls, room service, laundry, etc.
  • Tips for guides (about $8) and drivers (about $4) per person, per day
  • Optional tours and activities not listed on the itinerary
Single Supplement: $710

Friday, October 14, 2011

Family History Everywhere!

 These photos are from Rita's recent trip to Jordan. She visited with family and friends, and did some checking on hotels and restaurants we use for our clients. She was trying out a new restaurant that actually was a house that her mother used to visit all the time when she was young. Now it has been converted into a traditional Jordanian restaurant. If you go with one of our groups you will likely get to have a meal at this restaurant!




Levantine Adventure Tour - New Version for 2012

Every year we have offered a tour called the Levantine Adventure that covered the countries of Jordan, Syria, and Lebanon. It is an award winning tour and one of our most popular. In light of the situation in Syria, we have changed the tour to an itinerary we noticed several clients had us create for their private tours. We hope you like this new version of the Levantine Tour! The original tour will be back when the situation permits. 


Lebanon, Jordan, & Israel Tour
March 2 - 16, 2012   $4780 pp/do


http://www.caravan-serai.com/NewSite/Countries/Jordan/LebJorIsr2012.htm

Fri Mar 2: Welcome to Lebanon! Upon your arrival at Beirut International Airport, you will be met and assisted, then transferred to our hotel in Beirut for check in. Dinner and overnight in Beirut. (D)
Sat Mar 3: After breakfast we depart for a Beirut city tour. We drive to the downtown district to see the huge reconstruction project-taking place to create a new commercial and residential district of the 21st century. This project has actually discovered that the capital is standing on the site of a very ancient settlement going back at least 5,000 years. Recent excavations have uncovered important archaeological sites from Canaanite, Phoenician, and Persian, Roman, Byzantine, Omayyad, Abbassid, Crusader, Mamluke and Ottoman eras. The 1.80 sq. meters reconstruction project includes new buildings but constructed in the traditional style, besides hundreds of old structures that have been restored and renovated to its original shapes, including Beirut's souks and historical mosques and churches. Proceed to Corniche road and stop for a short walk in the favorite promenade of many Beirutis. Further along, the road climbs steeply to a cliff edge, which is the headland of Beirut, with an array of cliff-top restaurants and cafes-, a panoramic view of the bay and famous Pigeon's Rock. The road then leads down, stretching out to a beautiful sandy beach and a prestigious residential area of Ramlet El-Baida. Our city tour ends with a visit to the National Museum. In the afternoon we will head into the mountains to visit Deir El Qamar and Beiteddine. First we drive to Damour, a small town, 17km south of Beirut, and climb another 26km east, passing through the charming town of Deir el-Qamar (the residence of Lebanese governors during 16th century), until we reach the imposing palace of Beiteddine. The palace is the best example of early 19th century Lebanese architecture, built over a 30-year period by Emir Bashir. Visit the palace complex and its museums (costume and weapons of that era) as well as a fine collection of well-preserved Byzantine mosaics. Return to our hotel for a rest then we will have dinner at a local restaurant. Overnight in Beirut. (B/D)
Sun Mar 4: This morning we start with a visit to the Jeita Grotto, a beautiful natural wonder, and best caverns in the Middle East. Transfer by cable car to the caverns, which consist of two parts - lower and upper galleries. The lower ones are visited by boat ride, while the upper caverns you will see on foot. Enjoy the refreshingly cool temperature, the sound of rushing water, columns and sculptures that have been formed by water and time. After our visit we continue to Byblos and discover a town that goes back 7,000 years. Located 37km north of Beirut, Byblos is a charming small town of great history. Visit its ancient sites, and then explore the old part of the town on foot, starting from fishermen's harbor, leading uphill towards the Church of St. John the Baptist and souks. Lunch at a local restaurant in Byblos. We return to our hotel in Beirut for overnight. (B/L)
Mon Mar 5: After breakfast we head east again and cross the Mount Lebanon range and drive through the Beqaa plain towards Baalbeck, 85km from Beirut, to visit Lebanon's greatest Roman treasure, counted among the wonders of the ancient world. The site includes the temples of Jupiter, Bacchus and Venus, with the remarkable Great Court and the Hexagonal Forecourt. After our visit of this magnificent site we will drive to Ksara Caves for wine tasting, with a stop in Anjar, to visit this historical Omayyad site, located in the southern part of the plain. Lunch will be at a local restaurant in Zahle. We return to our hotel in Beirut for overnight. (B/L)
Tues Mar 6: We check out after breakfast and transfer to Beirut Airport for our flight to Jordan. Upon our arrival at the airport we will be met and assisted, then transfer to Amman for dinner and overnight at the Regency Palace Hotel. (B/D)
Weds Mar 7: After breakfast, begin the day with a city tour of Amman. Amman, the capital of Jordan, offers both the old and new. See the Roman Amphitheater followed by the Citadel, the Archeological Museum, Folklore Museum, and the beautiful King Abdullah Mosque. Afterwards we will visit some of the desert castles. In the 7th and 8th centuries the Umayyad Caliphs built the Muslim treasures known as the Desert Castles, east of Amman. These were originally hunting lodges, but of course they were the height of luxury at that time. Return to Amman for dinner at Tawaheen El Hawa Restaurant and overnight at the Regency Palace Hotel. (B/D)
Thurs Mar 8: After breakfast, we visit the Roman city of Jerash. In Jerash you will visit the ruins of one of the grandest Roman cities in the Middle East. You will see the Triumphal Arch, the Hippodrome, the Temple of Zeus, the Forum, the mile long street of Columns, the Nymphaeum, the Temple of Artemis and the Viaduct Church. The Amphitheater is still used for an arts festival and is remarkably well preserved. Next we will head southwest and down into the Jordan Valley to visit the archeological site of Bethany, the ancient settlement of John the Baptist and where Jesus is believed to have been baptized in the Jordan River. Continue on to the Dead Sea for dinner and overnight at the Kempinski Dead Sea Resort Hotel. (B/D)
Fri Mar 9: After breakfast, enjoy leisure time until 11:00 am, then we head to Mount Nebo, where you will visit the church on top of the hill from where, it is believed, Moses viewed the Promised Land. His tomb is also located at this site, as well as a beautiful array of mosaics in the floor of the church. You will be able to experience the spectacular panorama of the Jordan Valley, Jericho and the Judean Hills, just as Moses did. Our next stop will be at Madaba. In the town of Madaba we will visit St. George Church, home to a stunning mosaic map of the ancient Middle East. Afterwards we will head south to the fortress of Kerak. Kerak is a crusader fortress, built over older fortresses, located on the King's Highway in the area known in ancient times as Moab. The history during the Crusades of this fortress is filled with intrigue, treachery, and murder. But the history of this area goes back to the Iron Age and the ancient Nabateans. Continue to Petra for dinner and overnight at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. (B/D)
Sat Mar 10: Enjoy breakfast then we begin our exploration of Petra, the "Rose Red City." This incredible hidden city, inhabited by the ancient Nabateans, lay concealed from 100 AD until it was re-discovered in the early 1800's. Take a horse ride to the "Siq" (Canyon) entrance then walk the rest of the way through the narrow, winding cut in rocks into the valley. Your first glimpse of the magnificence of the place will be of the Treasury as you round the last bend on the pathway. The Treasury and the other buildings have been carved out of the canyon walls in the pink sandstone. Continue past the Roman Theatre, the Corinthian Tomb and the Palace Tomb. Dinner and overnight in Petra at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. (B/D)
Sun Mar 11: After breakfast, we transfer to Wadi Rum for a 4x4 jeep tour exploring the desert canyons, rock formations and more. The canyon or wadi is a nature preserve and has an abundance of desert flora and fauna, set in a landscape sometimes called the Valley of the Moon. Afterwards, transfer to Aqaba and the border with Israel at Arava. We cross into Israel and are welcomed by our Israeli guide. We continue to Jerusalem for dinner and overnight. (B/D)
Mon Mar 12: Enjoy breakfast then we start the day with a panoramic view atop Mount of Olives. We will drive to the Old City and visit the sites sacred to the three religions, including the Via Dolorosa, Holy Sepulcher, the Temple Mount, and view the Dome of the Rock at the Al Aqsa Mosque. In the afternoon we will visit the scale model of Jerusalem in the second temple in the Israel Museum and the Shrine of the Book housing the Dead Sea Scrolls. Return to our hotel for dinner and overnight in Jerusalem. (B/D)
Tues Mar 13: We check out after breakfast and depart Jerusalem and drive via the Judean Hills to the Dead Sea. We drive along the shores of the Dead Sea to Massada where we will visit King Herod's winter palace and the last stronghold of the Zealots in their war against the Romans (ascent & descent by cable car). After a short dip in the Dead Sea we drive north, via the Jordan valley to the Sea of Galilee. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Tiberias. (B/D)
Weds Mar 14: We start our sightseeing today with a boat ride on the Sea of Galilee. Afterwards, we will drive around the Sea of Galilee and visit Capernaum, Mount of Beatitude which is the site of the Sermon on the Mount, and Tabgha, the site of the Miracle of Loves and Fish. We continue to Nazareth for a visit to the Church of Annunciation. In the late afternoon we will visit the Yardenit Baptismal site. Dinner and overnight at our hotel in Tiberias. (B/D)
Thurs Mar 15: After breakfast we depart Tiberias and the Sea of Galilee and drive west to Acre where we will visit the Knight's Hall and the Old City. Continue south to Haifa and enjoy a panoramic view from atop Mount Carmel and visit the magnificent Bahai Gardens. We continue our rive south along the coast and arrive in Tel-Aviv for dinner and overnight. (B/D)
Fri Mar 16: Breakfast and check out. Transfer to the airport for our flights home. (B) 

For full details click the link at the top of the itinerary.

Join us in Turkey next Spring!

Highlights of Western Turkey

Join us for this small group, intimate tour of Turkey. Caravan-Serai's tours are always much more personal, getting you even closer to the people and cultures we are visiting. With only 15 people you will be able to have more contact with our guide and hear them better and ask more questions. And we make sure we use comfortable, air conditioned buses, with room for everyone to spread out and relax in between stops.
We are mostly staying in smaller boutique hotels, often found in the center of the historical districts, and located in older buildings that have been renovated. Our lunches and dinners will be at local restaurants - where the locals dine, not tourist-oriented venues.
It's our mission to provide you with an experience of a lifetime, and we are good at what we do. 


March 22 - April 5, 2012
$4720 pp/do, land only

Maximum group size is 15 people

Mar 22: Welcome to Turkey! On arrival in Istanbul, you will be met and transferred to the hotel for overnight.
Mar 23: Istanbul - Ankara After breakfast we will depart for Ankara with stops on the way for photos and breaks. Arrive in Ankara and check in to our hotel for overnight.
Mar 24: Ankara - Cappadocia After breakfast we will take a tour of Ankara, visiting the Haci Bayram Mosque, the Temple of Augustine, the Roman Bath, the Mausoleum of Ataturk and the Museum of Anatolian Civilizations, famous for its unique collection of Hattian sun discs and stag cult figures as well as spectacular Hittite statues and reliefs. Continue to the Agzikarahan Caravan-Serai and then to Avanos, in the central region of Cappadocia, noted for its lovely traditional homes, pottery and onyx. Overnight in Avanos.
Mar 25: Cappadocia Today we will have a full day of sightseeing in Cappadocia. Settled around 4000BC, the dwellings have been carved into the surrounding rocky hillsides and include churches painted with beautiful frescoes from the Byzantine era. Wind and rain have eroded the brittle rock into a spectacular surrealistic landscape of cones, capped pinnacles and fretted ravines of many colors. Continue to explore the Zelve Valley, and Goreme and the underground cities of Derinkuyu, Kaymaki, and Cuvasin. Stop at the village of Uchisar to enjoy the typical life style of this area and ride donkeys. Dinner and overnight.
Mar 26: Cappadocia - Konya This morning we travel to Konya, the center of the Seljuk culture. En route, we visit one of the best preserved caravanserias called Sultanhani. This caravanseria was built in the 13th century as a highway inn and used as a camel stop by the traders. Upon arrival to Konya we will visit the stunning green tiled Mevlana Mausoleum, known as the Green Dome and is Konya's most conspicuous landmark. There will be a stop at the Karatay Medrese, once famous for its colored tiles; this former theological school is now a museum of Seljuk and Ottoman ceramics, and we will see the Ince Minara and Ulu Mosque. Dinner and overnight in Konya Kartay.
Mar 27: Konya - Alanya After breakfast we will depart for Alanya. On arrival we will visit the vast Seljuk Turkish fortress which dominates the town from its promontory; the tall, octagonal Seljuk Red Tower; and the Tersane (shipyard). We will also visit Dalmatas and the museum. Overnight in Alanya.
Mar 28: Alanya - Antalya After breakfast we will depart for Antalya, another coastal city with a central old town called Kaleici. On the way we will stop at the ancient cities of Perge and Aspendos to view the ruins and an amazing amphitheater. In Antalya we will see the Roman harbor, the old city wall and one of the most visible monuments - the stone tower called the Kalekapisi which marks the castle gate. Enjoy the souk and the pedestrian district where you can explore and see the old city up close. Overnight in Antalya.
Mar 29: Antalya - Pamukkale Enjoy breakfast at the hotel then we depart for the city of Pamukkale, known for its mineral water pools, in particular the spectacular white mineral pools that have formed a cascade down the slope. Pamukkale, "Cotton Fortress", has been a spa since the Romans built the spa city of Hierapolis around a sacred warm-water spring. The Sacred Pool is still there, littered with marble columns from the Roman Temple of Apollo. Overnight in Pamukkale.
Mar 30: Pamukkale - Kusadasi This morning, after breakfast, we will head to the coast and the city of Kusadasi. Along the way we will stop at Aphrodisias, dedicated to the goddess of love, Aphroditie. Nearby the site we will visit the museum of Aphrodisias. During Roman times Aphrodisias was home to a famous school for sculptors and the museum has an excellent collection of the statues. Kusadasi is a seaside resort where many cruise ships on the Aegean islands circuit stop. Overnight in Kusadasi.
Mar 31: Kusadasi - Izmir After breakfast we will check out and depart for a full day sightseeing tour of Ephesus. Ephesus is the best preserved and restored ancient city in Turkey. A visit to Ephesus which is known to be the commercial, the religious and the social center of antiquity, is one of the highlights of any visit in Turkey. Ephesus is probably the best combination of Greek, Roman and Byzantine civilizations, and with its mythological stories and spectacular ruins you will feel the life in ancient Ephesus. We will visit the Fountains of Trajan, Polio, the Temple of Hadrian and Domitian, private house, the Library of Celcius, Varius and Scholostica Baths, Bouleterion and the Great Theatre with a capacity of 25.000 spectators. After enjoying our optional Turkish cuisine at lunch, we will visit the House of the Virgin Mary, where she spent last days of her life on top of the Nightingale Mountain. Afterwards, we will visit rest of the ruins of the Temple of Artemis, one of the seven wonders of the ancient world, and Archaeological Museum in Selcuk town. In the late afternoon we will drive to Izmir. Once famous for figs, Izmir (formerly Smyrna), is now Turkey's 3rd-largest city, the "capital" of the Aegean region, a major port and commercial center set dramatically around a huge bay and backed by mountains to the south. Continue to Izmir for overnight.
Apr 1: Izmir - Pergamon - Izmir After breakfast we will have a full day excursion to Pergamum. This city was renowned in Hellenic and Roman times for its great library and as the medical center where Galen laid the foundation for medical practice. Pergamum (or Pergamon) was an important kingdom during the second century BC, having grown from a city-state captured by Alexander the Great. The Asclepion (Asklepieion) of Pergamum was perhaps the world's most famous ancient medical center, and is the second-most important site in Bergama. Return to Izmir for overnight.
Apr 2: Izmir - Sardes - Izmir Today we will have an excursion to Sardis. Sardis was the capital of the ancient kingdom of Lydia, one of the important cities of the Persian Empire, the seat of a proconsul under the Roman Empire, and the metropolis of the province Lydia in later Roman and Byzantine times. Its importance was due to its military strength, its situation on an important highway leading from the interior to the Aegean coast, and to its command of the wide and fertile plain of the Hermus. Return to Izmir and we will see the Izmir Museum, the Old City and the Agora. Overnight in Izmir.
Apr 3: Izmir - Istanbul Check out after breakfast and if time permits we will have a city tour of Izmir before going to the airport for our flight to Istanbul. Overnight in Istanbul.
Apr 4: Istanbul with dinner at the Bosporus We will spend the day exploring this fascinating city of the Byzantines. Our tour includes visits to Topkapi Palace where the Ottoman Sultans ruled parts of Europe, the Middle East, and North Africa for over 500 years, the Blue Mosque, Suleyman Mosque, the Haggia Sophia, the Hippodrome, the Islamic Museum, Yerebatan - the Byzantine underground cistern, and shopping in the Grand Bazaar -- Istanbul's covered souk, and the Misr Charshi - Egyptian Spice Bazaar. In the evening we will have a farewell dinner cruise on the Bosporus. Overnight in Istanbul.
Apr 5: Transfer to the airport for departure.
End of services.

Includes:
  • Airport transfer on arrival and departure
  • Air conditioned minibus with 31 seats with a microphone
  • Accommodation in boutique or 4 star hotels based on double occupancy
  • 14 breakfasts at hotels, 14 lunches outside of the hotel, and 13 dinners
  • Sightseeing with entrance fees as listed in itinerary
  • 1 liter of water on the bus per person, per day
  • Izmir - Istanbul domestic flight
  • English speaking guiding services throughout the journey
  • Hotel tips
  • Bosporus Cruise tour by night including dinner and unlimited local drinks
Not Included:
  • Visa expenses to enter into the country
  • Personal expenses such as minibar, telephone calls, etc.
  • Hot and cold drinks during the meals
  • International flights
  • Tips to the guide & driver
  • Trip insurance
Single Supplement: $300

Family Farm

This is Rita's family's farm near the city of Madaba.

Beit Zaman near Petra, Jordan





These are photos from Rita's trip last month to Jordan. She visited this hotel near Petra. It is a traditional Jordanian village-style setting, and even has a traditional olive oil press (top photo). We will be having our groups and independent travelers stay here. The hotel is owned and operated by the local people from the tribe in Petra.