Crossroads of Syria
From Damascus to Aleppo by way of desert and river.
Damascus · Maaloula · Palmyra / Tadmur · Hama · Aleppo
✦ Souqs of Damascus and Aleppo✦ Aleppine food culture
Price on requestView journey →
Hama
The monumental wooden norias of the Orontes — one of Syria’s most distinctive urban landscapes.
WHY GO
The monumental wooden norias of the Orontes — one of Syria’s most distinctive urban landscapes.
Hama’s identity is tied to its giant wooden norias on the Orontes River. These wheels formed part of historic water-lifting and irrigation systems and became the city’s defining image. The noria groups, riverside walks and accessible old-city heritage make Hama more than a road stop between Damascus and Aleppo.
What to see
- The major noria groups along the Orontes.
- Riverside walks that reveal the relationship between water and city.
- Azem Palace and other old-city heritage where accessible.
What to experience
- Hear the norias when water level, maintenance and operating conditions allow; not every wheel turns at all times.
Food
Regional Hama cooking according to local availability.
How long to stay
A long stop or one night.
SUGGESTED JOURNEYS
Place it within a route.
Grand Syria
Fourteen days from the south to cities and coast.
Damascus · Bosra · Maaloula · Palmyra / Tadmur · Homs
✦ Six World Heritage properties in context✦ Cities, desert and coast
Price on requestView journey →
Stone, Souq & Sea
Castle, northern souqs and Mediterranean coast.
Damascus · Krak des Chevaliers · Hama · Aleppo · Latakia
✦ Krak des Chevaliers✦ Aleppo and its souqs
Price on requestView journey →