Paul Doyle – författare

This new, thoroughly updated third edition of Bradt's Lebanon remains the only English-language guide dedicated to the smallest country on the Asian continent. Comprehensively updated throughout to reflect recent economic, political and social changes, it includes revised and new listings for hotels, restaurants, and what to see and do, catering for all types of travellers and budgets. Although only half the size of Wales, Lebanon offers extraordinary diversity. Some of the world's oldest human settlements, including the Phoenician ports of Tyre and Byblos - two of Lebanon's five World Heritage sites - sit alongside modern Beirut. The absorbing capital is popular for its world-renowned cuisine, eclectic nightlife, mosaic of peoples and kaleidoscope of religions. In Lebanon's second city, Tripoli, busy medieval souks are watched over by a vast Crusader castle. Nearby, snow-capped mountains and the lush Qadisha Valley with its snaking river and waterfalls provide entertainment for skiers and hikers (the latter also well served by the Lebanon Mountain Trail, which runs virtually the length of the country). Three hundred days of sunshine per year makes Lebanon a 'go anytime' destination, with the Mediterranean coastline particularly drawing sun-seekers and watersports enthusiasts. Wildlife-lovers can enjoy Shouf Biosphere Reserve (with its famed cedar trees, the national emblem) and the Aammiq Wetlands, while Lebanon has become a major destination for religious tourism, and vinophiles can visit numerous Bekaa Valley wineries of international repute. Bradt's Lebanon offers detailed coverage of areas ignored by other guides, particularly the country's south, as well as more extensive cultural and practical information. New for this edition are specialist features on aspects of Lebanese cultural life, additional background information, updates on work to rebuild Beirut following the 2020 explosion, extended and revised coverage of the Aammiq Wetlands, new and updated maps, and new visitor attractions including the MIM mineral museum and the Middle East's first chocolate museum, both in Beirut.With a comprehensive language appendix covering both Arabic and French, detailed historical and religious background that helps visitors travel with awareness and sensitivity, and in-depth travel information, Bradt's Lebanon is an indispensable practical companion to visiting this excitingly varied country.

This extensively updated new edition of Jordan Highlights condenses the very best of Jordan into a compact, eminently portable and user-friendly guide. It whets your appetite for some of the world's most remarkable experiences. Jordan boasts an array of captivating landscapes, a rich history, and warm, welcoming people. It is also eminently accessible (partly thanks to budget airlines), politically stable and provides a relatively tranquil tourist experience. Best known for the rock-cut city of Petra, one of the new seven wonders of the world, and for its service as locations in films such as Lawrence of Arabia, Dune, Star Wars and Aladdin, this fascinating and enchanting country boasts numerous top-drawer visitor attractions. Visit the ancient city of Jerash and the lively markets of Amman. Delve into the depths of the Gulf of Aqaba, bob like a cork in the turquoise waters of the Dead Sea (where the altitude is 416 metres lower than Buckingham Palace) and float over the stunning scenery of Wadi Rum in a hot-air balloon. Walk in the footsteps of Popes Benedict and John Paul at Mount Nebo, where this guidebook reveals the spot where Moses is believed to have seen the promised land. Journey to the sacred baptism site, Bethany Beyond the Jordan, where the Bible records that John baptised Jesus. And admire the 6th-century Madaba Map, an intriguing depiction of the Holy Land from the Byzantine era.Complementing this succinct guide's compelling descriptions of such fabulous sites are a raft of indispensable information on getting to and around Jordan, easy-to-follow maps for key locations and up-to-date listings of where to eat, sleep and relax. New or expanded elements in this second edition include the Abdali leisure area and souqs of Amman, Jerash, Aqaba, the Dead Sea Valley, the historic Hijaz Rail and improved insights into Lawrence of Arabia plus a section on geology and nature. Insightful coverage in an easy-to-carry format renders Bradt Highlights Jordan your essential travel companion.