Rhapsody Shore & Land Excursions > Syria - Tartous > Aleppo

Aleppo

Mentioned in Hittite documents dating from the 2nd millennium BC Aleppo claims to be the oldest continuous inhabited settlement in the world.

Governed by Amorites, Persians, Seleucids, a general from Alexander the Great armies, Ottomans and Arabs, Aleppo was the centre of a prosperous kingdom called Yamhad.

Modern day Aleppo (Halab in Arabic) occupies the ancient site thus scarcely touched by archaeologists.

It is the 2nd largest in population city after Damascus and leaves the profoundest impression upon the visitor.

Its importance grew after the Arab conquest; the citadel dominating the city's centre is a masterpiece of Arab architecture. Built atop a partially artificial mound it rises 50 meters above the rest of the city, dating to the 13th century.

Visit the citadel and the town's museum housing artifacts from the Bronze Age to recent times.

The division between old and new Aleppo is relatively clear. The older portion is contained within a wall 5kms in circuit with seven gates.

It has impressive, covered souks and courtyards. Take a guided walk through one of the souks to shop for souvenirs.

Visit the Grand Mosque founded in 715 AD. The building contains the tomb of Zachary, father of John the Baptist. Its tower was erected in 1090 and reaches 45 meters into the air.

Syrian lunch will be served in a charming restaurant in the old quarters of Aleppo

 

Special Notes:
Comfort stops en route to and from Aleppo. Toilet facilities at the citadel, museum and restaurant.

Tour not suitable for wheelchair confined persons or with restricted walking.

Comfortable clothing, walking shoes and hat recommended.

Conservative dress for when visiting the mosque. Shoes must be removed and carried while visiting the mosque.

A considerable amount of walking is involved on uneven cobblestones and ruined passages at the citadel.

Steep incline with lots of stairs at intervals throughout the citadel.

 

Tour Timings:

Tours begin at times suitable for the ship's arrival in port. The breakdown of the excursions is as follows:
00hr00 -> Depart from Tartous Port

00hr00 -> 03hr45 Drive to Aleppo with comfort stop en route
03hr45 -> 04hr45 Visit museum
04hr45 -> 05hr00 Drive to restaurant
05hr00 -> 06hr15 Serving lunch
06hr15 -> 06hr30 Drive to the Citadel
06hr30 -> 08hr00 Visit Citadel
08hr00 -> 08hr15 Drive to the mosque
08hr15 -> 08hr45 Visit the mosque
08hr45 -> 09hr15 Guided walk through the souk
09hr15 -> 13hr00 Drive to Tartous with comfort stop en route

 

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