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.

Vorwort
. Provides detailed coverage of areas ignored by other guides, particularly the south, plus more extensive cultural and practical information . Comprehensively updated to reflect Lebanon's recent economic, political and social changes, with enhanced coverage of culture, new museums and wildlife-watching . Lebanon is making strides to bolster visitor numbers back towards 2018 levels (2 million pa) About Bradt Travel Guides . Founded in 1974, Bradt is now the largest independent guidebook publisher in the UK with over 200 titles in print . Serial WINNER of the Gold award for Best Guidebook Series in the Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards 2018 and 2019 . Bradt guides are written by authors who really know their destinations. Many are resident there, or have been visiting regularly over a number of years . Each new Bradt guide is backed by a dedicated press and social media campaign

Autorentext

Paul Doyle (www.pauljdoyle.com) is a British freelance photographer and travel writer. A university degree in social sciences and an interest in photography were key factors that led Doyle to make his first visit to Lebanon in the mid-1990s to undertake a photojournalistic project documenting the reconstruction of Beirut following the 1975–90 civil war. Absorbed by the country's intoxicating mix of people, and by the diversity of its geography and heritage, Doyle's interest in the Middle East burgeoned, with visits to Egypt, Jordan, Libya and Syria soon following. But you rarely forget your first love, and thus Doyle has been a regular visitor to Lebanon since that initial venture, with Bradt's guidebook to Lebanon the result. Alongside his writing, Doyle's travel photography has subsequently appeared widely in in-flight magazines, newspapers, books and travel guides published in the UK and elsewhere.

Klappentext

Lebanon travel guide. Expert advice and travel information, from Beirut hotels and restaurants to cuisine and wineries, nature reserves, nightlife, skiing, hiking, beaches, festivals, museums and historic sites. Features World Heritage sites (Aanjar, Baalbek, Byblos, Qadisha Valley and Tyre), plus Tripoli, Bekaa Valley, Shouf and Aammiq Wetlands.

Inhalt

PART 1GENERAL INFORMATION

Chapter 1Background Information

Geography, Climate, Natural history and conservation, History, Government and politics, Economy

Chapter 2 Lebanese people and Culture

People, Language, Religion, Education, Culture

Chapter 3Practical Information

When to visit, Highlights, Suggested itineraries, Tour operators, Tourist information, Red tape, Getting there and away, Health, Safety, Travellers with disabilities, Women travellers, Gay and lesbian travellers, Lebanon for families, What to take, Money, Budgeting, Getting around, Accommodation, Eating and drinking, Public holidays and annual festivals, Shopping, Arts and entertainment, Photography, Media and communications, Electricity, Business, Buying property, Cultural etiquette, Travelling positively

PART 2THE GUIDE

Chapter 4Beirut

Historical overview, Getting there, Getting around, Tourist information, Local tour operators, Where to stay, Where to eat and drink, Entertainment and nightlife, Shopping, Other practicalities, What to see and do

Chapter 5Mount Lebanon

Beit Mery and Broummana, Bsous, Skiing and ski resorts, Adonis Valley and Afqa Grotto, Mount Lebanon coast, Jounieh, Byblos (Jbail), Amchit, Rachana

Chapter 6North Lebanon

Batroun, Tripoli (Trablous), Qadisha Valley, Bcharre´, Qadisha Valley floor: chapels, caves and monasteries,[Note: possible heading [H1/2] changes as per chapter suggestion] Ehden, The Cedars (Arz al-Rab)

Chapter 7The Bekaa Valley

Zahle´, Lebanon's wine industry and vineyards, Aanjar, Aammiq Wetland Natural Reserve, Baalbek, Hermel

Chapter 8The Chouf Mountains

Damour, Deir al-Qamar, Beiteddine, Baakline, Moukhtara, Shouf Biosphere Reserve

Chapter 9South Lebanon

Sidon (Saida), Jezzine, Mleeta, Beaufort Castle (Qalaa al-Shaqif), Khiam Detention Centre, Tyre (Sour), Around Tyre

Appendix 1Language

Appendix 2Glossary

Appendix 3Further Information

Index