Damascus, Syria
Damascus is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. Urban settlement started around 5000 BC. Today, it’s the bustling capital of Syria. The main sites of Damascus can be seen in a day. Most noteworthy are the National Museum, Umayyad Mosque, and Azem Palace. All are within walking distance of each other and the [...]
Palmyra, Syria
Called Tadmor by the locals, Palmyra is considered the best site in Syria. This extensively excavated Greek, then Roman, caravan city is on an oasis in the middle of the desert. The closest river is the Orontes 150km north, but the oasis is lush and continues to support a new town with a population of [...]
Hama, Syria
Hama has a collection of Norias (water wheels) that lift water from the Orontes River into overhead aqueducts. The Norias continue to turn but the aqueducts are no longer used. Hama is a good base from which to see Apamea and the Dead Cities to the north and Krak des Chevaliers to the southwest. Because [...]
