What do Iran, Lebanon and Syria have in common? Well other than the fact they're in the Middle East and the commonalities that come with that, not much else! That's why they're our amazing destinations for our Middle East Extravaganza Tour. We want you to see everything this spectacular part of the world has to offer, and there's no better way than heading to three markedly different places, all with so much to offer.
Beginning in Iran, we experience everything this surprising country has to offer, full of history and once the centre of the world. We then head on to Lebanon which despite recent economic problems is still known as the Paris of the Middle East for a reason. It's cool, chic and definitely where the party is in the region. We then save the best for last finishing with Syria, which will leave you in amazement at how normal it feels, even after a decade of crisis.
They say all good things come in threes. On this tour, you'll visit three amazingly cosmopolitan capitals - Tehran, Beirut and Damascus. You'll visit three of the world's most important historical sites - Persepolis, Baalbek and Palmyra. In fact you'll experience everything all three countries have to offer. From the markets of Isfahan, to the futuristic brutualist world fair site of Tripoli to the beach resort of Latakia.
We won't just show you the awesome side, which is hard to hide, you'll also see the trials and tribulations of all three countries, which as we all know, have all experienced their own destruction, tragedies and hardships.
SAIGA Tours' Middle East Extravaganza takes you to three of the most unique, exciting and eye-opening countries this incredible region has to offer.
This tour can also be done in sections: The Unexplored Iran Roadtrip , Unique Lebanon and Summer in Syria .
If you like the look of this tour but the dates don't work for you, or you'd like to do part of the tour, please get in touch and let us know. All our tours are able to be split into smaller sections, we're always scheduling new tours and your dates might work for one of them, or we can always organise an independent tour.
INCLUSIONS:
✓ | Visa support for Syria |
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Accommodation in twin share at roughly 3 star hotels, breakfast included |
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Transport as per itinerary (flight between Tehran and Beirut not included) |
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Entrance fees to most sites mentioned in itinerary (except hammam in Syria) |
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SAIGA guide and local guides |
SINGLE SUPPLEMENT: $995
EXCLUSIONS:
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Visa fee |
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Visa support if necessary for Iran or Lebanon |
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Meals other than breakfast at accommodation |
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Transport to Tehran at the beginning of the tour, between Tehran and Beirut, and from Beirut at the end of the tour |
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Personal expenses such as souvenirs or any optional activities |
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Any COVID related expenses |
Stare into the mesmerising flames of Tashkooh, Fire Mountain
Get a different side of the story at the Hezbollah Museum
Explore the breathtakingly in-tact Roman ampitheatre in Bosra
Today we’ll hit the road, with our first stop being just south of Iran at the Mausoleum of Ayatollah Khomeini, the man who led the 1979 revolution to overthrow the Shah and establish the modern Islamic Republic of Iran.
We’ll then continue to the town of Abyaneh, known as the red village as all the buildings are built using the local red soil. Like an oasis in the desert, this small cool paradise is atypical of the surrounding areas and inhabitants live in a very traditional manner. Local rules mean any new construction must continue to be built using the red clay of the area.
Finally, we’ll continue on to Isfahan, where you’ll have the evening free to wander around possibly the most beautiful city in Iran.
Today we’re going to say goodbye to Isfahan and have some fun doing something a bit different. We’ll head out to the Varzane Desert for some dune bashing, quad biking and other exciting activities.
We’ll then stay in the small village of Khoramdasht where we’ll throw a little party with some of our Iranian friends.
There might even be some intoxicating beverages!
Heading to the southern side of Beirut again we'll drive into the mountains to one of the stranger sites in Lebanon, the Moussa Castle.
As a young man Moussa Al Maamari had a hard life, ridiculed by teachers and shunned by the girl he wanted to be with. Instead of despair he bought himself some land and made it his life-long ambition to build his own castle. Doing part time work elsewhere to fund his dream, he not only built a large castle but filled it with an eclectic collection of guns, jewellery and wax figures.