PackageDetailsP1

> Click here for ‘Syria Ziyarah Excursion’ poster

al-Musafir hopes to maintain the key principles of honesty, transparency, and professionalism with regards to its services on offer. At the time of advertising all items enlisted as part of the package are true to the best of knowledge, while any key changes arising due to unforeseen circumstances will be notified as soon as possible. al-Musafir does not claim to be the most luxurious or cheapest, but hopes to provide good value for money.

Direct return flight via Syrian Arab Airlines:

The scheduled flight will leave Heathrow Airport (London) on the morning of Sunday 21^st December 2008. Lasting around 5 hours, the group should land in Damascus late afternoon (Syrian time) with the return journey of similar length being made on Wednesday 31^st December 2008. Transport to and from Heathrow Airport is not included in the package, thus group members are advised to allow sufficient travelling time and avoid any unnecessary delays.

Travellers also have the option of making their own air travel arrangements for this tour, and potentially take advantage from the following benefits:

· Freedom to choose from a range of direct or indirect (cheaper) flights currently available to Syria

· Possible opportunity of combining the tour with a stop-over in another country such as Turkey, France, or even the United Arab Emirates

· Flexibility with regards to determining your own travelling dates and prolonging your stay beyond the excursion period

· Enjoy a comprehensive land package for only £300 per person

Note: Group members deciding to extend their stay beyond the dates specified are responsible for paying costs towards any additional services used. Similarly, transport to and from Damascus International Airport can only be included in the original package if scheduled flights comply with the planned itinerary (arrangements can be made upon request).

Based on previous experiences general travelling guidance can also be given to all interested members, particularly UK residents who may use ATOL approved travel agents dealing with flights and visa arrangements to Syria. Travellers are in no way obliged to act on any advice given to them, while it is emphasised that any agreements made (including those on your behalf) are ultimately between the customer and appointed agent. al-Musafir also urges all potential customers

to reserve their choice of seats in advance and avoid potential disappointment during a busy holiday season.

to reserve their choice of seats in advance, and avoid any possible disappointment during a busy holiday season.

Airport tax & Visa:

Travellers will be allocated a group visa for the Ziyarah excursion, which is routinely processed on entry into Damascus. Airport tax will be given when leaving Syria for the return flight home, however those travelling on different dates will be reimbursed this cost to pay for themselves on exit from the country.

Pre-tour Seminar:

Preparation is the key to success, and following this principle two separate training sessions are being arranged in English & Urdu. The seminars aim to provide general travelling guidance as well as discuss various religious issues associated with the tour. Invited Scholars will formally address the group and answer any questions you may have, while refreshments will also be served at the end. An exact time and venue for these meetings will be decided at a later date.

Accommodation provided in Damascus & Aleppo:

The hotels chosen for this tour were personally selected by al-Musafir following a recent visit to Syria. Despite political constraints prevalent within the country and the need to arrange a tour suited to all budgets, it is felt that the standard of living provided is a good reflection of the package on offer:

Golden Star Hotel (Damascus):

This recently refurbished hotel is conveniently situated in the Old City and benefits from being in close walking distance to several local attractions and public amenities. This includes the famous Grand Umayyad Musjid, Souq Hamidiyeh, a variety of food outlets, and several other historical sites of Muslim interest. Each room includes:

· Air condition/Heating facility

· On-suite bathroom

· T.V

· Refrigerator

· Telephone (local charges may apply)

· Laundrette service (available on demand, local charges apply)

Note: Due to this hotels structural design, steps leading from the main entrance to reception must be used after which a lift operates throughout the main building.

Al Yarmouk Hotel (Aleppo):

Located in the Bab-ul-Farj area of Aleppo, this established hotel benefits from being in close proximity to local facilities such as a Musjid and other shopping outlets selling a variety of goods. The Grand Umayyad Musjid and traditionally popular souq’s are also only a cheap five-minute taxi ride away. Each room includes:

· Air condition/Heating facility

· On-suite bathroom

· T.V

· Refrigerator

· Telephone (local charges may apply)

· Laundrette service (available on demand, local charges apply)

One meal served daily:

This package has purposely been designed to include only one meal, and allow travellers the opportunity of experimenting local delicacies as and when they need to. Lunch was chosen on the basis of it being a time at which the group will mainly be touring together, however on some occasions this might be substituted with a breakfast meal.

Air-conditioned transportation:

This service will predominantly be available throughout our stay in Syria. On occasions where it is not logistically suitable to have a coach, alternative means of transport (including walking) will be used to reach the historical sites. During the ‘Plan your own day’ theme, members will also be requested to make their own travelling arrangements if needed.

Tour accompanied by English and Urdu speaking Scholars:

The proposed excursion will be lead by two qualified Islamic scholars, and one supervisor assigned to maintain the group’s general welfare. All co-ordinators have in some capacity visited Syria before and should be able to draw on previous experiences to assist the group with any general queries that may arise.

Entrance fees & tips:

The package includes entrance fees to a minimum of three historical monuments where formal charges apply, and tips to other religious sites where required. This is in addition to other locations the group will be visiting, while individuals wishing to personally tip local caretakers are also welcomed to do so.