For centuries, the Ottoman Empire ruled some of the world's most historically rich lands: modern day Turkey, Syria, and Lebanon, to name a few. Today, remains of the Ottoman's sophisticated and skillful rule can be seen, alongside awesome remains of earlier empires. Begin with three days in Istanbul, known as the City of the World's Desires at the height of the Ottoman Empire. Fly to Izmir for touring of Ephesus, the finest classical city in all of Turkey. Continue south to Antalya, the charming southern coastal resort city. Return to Istanbul for touring and shopping before flying to Beirut in Lebanon.

The city is rapidly returning to its former glory and is an excellent base to tour surrounding attractions, such as the Roman ruins of Sidon and Tyre, dramatically situated on a peninsula. Visit the Greco-Roman treasures of Baalbek with an elegance and harmony that captivate visitors today. Drive to the ancient city of Damascus, where you will visit mosques with some of the most magnificent architecture in the Islamic world. Journey overland through gorgeous mountain scenery to the Crusader castle of Crac des Chevaliers, then travel to the highlight of Syria: Palmyra. Spend a full day exploring Palmyra before returning via the charming villages of Ma'aloula and Seydnaya to Damascus.

• Day 1: Arrive Istanbul;
  
  
• Days 2 & 3: Full day city tour and cruise;
  
  
• Day 4: Fly to Izmir;
  
  
• Day 5: Morning touring, afternoon fly to Antalya;
  
  
• Day 6: Morning touring;
  
  
• Day 7: Afternoon fly to Istanbul;
  
  
• Day 8: Day at leisure;
  
  
• Day 9: Fly to Beirut;
  
  
• Day 10: Day tour of Sidon & Tyre;
  
  
• Day 11: Drive to Damascus;
  
  
• Day 12: Drive to Aleppo;
  
  
• Day 13: Day tour of St. Simeon;
  
  
• Day 14: Drive to Palmyra;
  
  
• Day 15: Palmyra touring;
  
  
• Day 16: Drive to Damascus;
  
  
• Day 17: Full day tour of Damascus;
  
  
• Day 18: Depart Damascus

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