What to do with spare day after Palmyra?

Hama. I really loved that city. And it is on the way to Aleppo

Hama was okay, I liked it most as a base for day trips. The river stinks and burps up gas, a bit distracting if you are in one of the garden eateries on the banks.

If you haven't booked already the Palmyra accomodation, you can rent a car with driver (at Aleppo or Hamas) and visit Apamea and/or some dead cities, continue then up to Krak des Chevaliers and sleep there or at Homs.
You can also visit the Krak on your way back to Damascus: Palmyra - Homs - Krak - Homs - may be Ma'aloula - Damascus.

Please go to the Dead Cities. It's amazing how many people think they're not worth the effort when for me they were a real highlight.

Why does the river stink so much?? It was weird. I really liked Hama too, and think 2 nights is quite a bit for Palmyra. Maybe spend 2 nights in Hama (or one night with 3 in Aleppo?) and reduce Palmyra to 1.

2 nights in palmyra maybe too many.

agree w/ #3, visit apamea and dead cities or krak if u like archaeological sites.

Edited by: palin

Two nights in Palmyra is too much.

#5, pollution. Particularly bad as you pass the bend heading into what is left of the old city. I always wrapped my scarf around my face passing there!

We stayed in the Ishtar Hotel in Palmyra last month and I would recommend it. I didnt like Hama at all, but it is a good base for trips. We booked a day out from the Riad and managed to cram in the Dead Cities, Apaemia and Saladin's castle in one fantastic but exahusting day.