Travelers‘ Notebook

Getting There: Approximately 125 miles northeast of Damascus, Palmyra is easily accessible by car and bus. Karnak Bus Lines offers trips several times a day from downtown Damascus.

Where to Stay: There are a number of hotels in the Palmyra area. The Hotel Zenobia (telephone: 011 963 31 910 107; fax: 011 963 31 912 407) offers lovely accommodations close to the ruins and has a good restaurant. The more modest, family-run Caracalla Hotel (telephone: 011 963 31 920 879) provides a pleasant, homey atmosphere and complimentary breakfast.

Local Guides: Since there are so many points of interest in and around Palmyra, many tourists find it useful to employ a local guide. You must have a guide to gain admission to Artaban’s Tomb and several other locked sites. One excellent area guide with an extensive knowledge of the region is Jamal Fathalla (contact by telephone: 011 963 31 912 230 or fax: 011 963 31 910 879). Additional guides are available for hire at the Palmyra museum, located just outside the ruins on the edge of the new city.