Don't just see the sights―get to know the people.The Sultanate of Oman, long regarded as one of the more mysterious countries of the Arabian Peninsula, is finally getting more of the attention it so deserves. An ancient land with a rich history and dramatic landscapes, Oman was largely cut off from the modern world until the accession to the throne of Sultan Qaboos in 1970. Since then this peaceful country has developed slowly but deliberately, placing a strong emphasis on retaining its cultural heritage while moving into the hi-tech era. Culture Smart! Oman opens the door to this fascinating and complex country, where traditional values coexist cheerfully with all the trappings of modern life. Here, the gentle pace of life contrasts with life in the West and those that take the time to get to know the people of this land, their values, and their way of life, will find that they are greatly enriched.Have a more meaningful and successful time abroad through a better understanding of the local culture. Chapters on values, attitudes, customs, and daily life will help you make the most of your visit, while tips on etiquette and communication will help you navigate unfamiliar situations and avoid faux pas. Read more

The Rough Guide to CyprusMake the most of your time on Earth with the ultimate travel guides.World-renowned 'tell it like it is' travel guide, now with free eBook.Discover Cyprus with this comprehensive and entertaining travel guide, packed with practical information and honest recommendations by our independent experts. Whether you plan to visit the beautifully painted wooden churches of the Troodos Mountains, take in the spectacular views from the fantastical ruins of St Hilaron or explore the mysterious wreck of the Zenobia, one of the Mediterranean's premier dive sites, The Rough Guide to Cyprus will help you discover the best places to explore, eat, drink, shop and sleep along the way.Features of this travel guide to Cyprus:- Detailed regional coverage: provides practical information for every kind of trip, from off-the-beaten-track adventures to chilled-out breaks in popular tourist areas- Honest and independent reviews: written with Rough Guides' trademark blend of humour, honesty and expertise, our writers will help you make the most from your trip to Cyprus- Meticulous mapping: practical full-colour maps, with clearly numbered, colour-coded keys. Find your way around Lamaka, Pafos and many more locations without needing to get online- Fabulous full-colour photography: features inspirational colour photography, including the desolate splendor of the Stavrovouni Monastery and rugged charm of Kolossi Castle- Time-saving itineraries: carefully planned routes will help inspire and inform your on-the-road experiences- Things not to miss: Rough Guides' rundown of Lemesos, Omodos and Famagusta's best sights and top experiences- Travel tips and info: packed with essential pre-departure information including getting around, accommodation, food and drink, health, the media, festivals, sports and outdoor activities, culture and etiquette, shopping and more- Background information: comprehensive 'Contexts' chapter provides fascinating insights into Cyprus, with coverage of history, religion, ethnic groups, environment, wildlife and books, plus a handy language section and glossary- The ultimate travel tool: download the free eBook to access all this from your phone or tablet- Covers: Lamaka and around; Lemesos and around; Pafos and around; The Troodos Mountains; Lefkosia (South Nicosia); North CyprusYou may also be interested in: The Rough Guide to the Greek Islands, The Rough Guide to Greece, The Rough Guide to CreteAbout Rough Guides: Rough Guides have been inspiring travellers for over 35 years, with over 30 million copies sold globally. Synonymous with practical travel tips, quality writing and a trustworthy 'tell it like it is' ethos, the Rough Guides list includes more than 260 travel guides to 120+ destinations, gift-books and phrasebooks. Read more

Pocket Rough Guide DubaiMake the most of your time on Earth with the ultimate travel guides.Entertaining, informative and stylish pocket guide, now with free eBook.Discover the best of Dubai with this compact and entertaining pocket travel guide. This slim, trim treasure trove of trustworthy travel information is ideal for short-trip travellers and covers all the key sights (Burj al Arab, Burj Khalifa, Deira souks, Khan Murjan Souk; Gold Souk; Ibn Battuta Mall, Jumeirah Mosque), restaurants, shops, cafés and bars, plus inspired ideas for day-trips, with honest and independent recommendations from our experts.Features of this travel guide to Dubai:- Compact format: packed with practical information, this is the perfect travel companion when you're out and about exploring Dubai- Honest and independent reviews: written with Rough Guides' trademark blend of humour, honesty and expertise, our writers will help you make the most of your trip- Incisive area-by-area overviews: covering Bur Dubai, Sheikh Zayed Road, Jumeriah and more, the practical 'Places' section provides all you need to know about must-see sights and the best places to eat, drink and shop- Handy pull-out map: with every major sight and listing highlighted, the pull-out map makes on-the-ground navigation easy- Time-saving itineraries: carefully planned routes will help inspire and inform your on-the-road experiences- Day-trips: venture further afield to Al Ain or Abu Dhabi. This tells you why to go, how to get there, and what to see when you arrive- Travel tips and info: packed with essential pre-departure information including getting around, health, tourist information, festivals and events, plus an A-Z directory and handy language section and glossary- Attractive user-friendly design: features fresh magazine-style layout, inspirational colour photography and colour-coded maps throughout- The ultimate travel tool: download the free eBook to access all this from your phone or tablet- Covers: Bur Dubai; Deira; The inner suburbs; Sheikh Zayed Road and Downtown Dubai; Jumeirah; The Burj al Arab and around; The Palm Jumeirah and Dubai Marina; Sharjah; Al Ain; Abu DhabiLooking for a bigger guide to Dubai? Try The Rough Guide to Dubai for a comprehensive and entertaining look at all the country has to offer.About Rough Guides: Rough Guides have been inspiring travellers for over 35 years, with over 30 million copies sold. Synonymous with practical travel tips, quality writing and a trustworthy 'tell it like it is' ethos, the Rough Guides list includes more than 260 travel guides to 120+ destinations, gift-books and phrasebooks. Read more

Lonely Planet: The world's leading travel guide publisher Lonely Planet's Israel & the Palestinian Territories is your passport to the most relevant, up-to-date advice on what to see and skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Discover the ruins of ancient Jericho, take an early morning walk to the Temple Mount for a breathtaking view of the Dome of the Rock, and float in the briny waters of the Dead Sea - all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of Israel and the Palestinian Territories and begin your journey now!Inside Lonely Planet's Israel & the Palestinian Territories:Colour maps and images throughoutHighlights and itineraries to help you tailor your trip to your personal needs and interestsInsider tips to save time and money and get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spotsEssential info at your fingertips - hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, pricesHonest reviews for all budgets - eating, sleeping, sightseeing, going out, shopping, hidden gems that most guidebooks missCultural insights provide a richer, more rewarding travel experience - covering history, people, music, landscapes, wildlife, cuisine, politicsCovers Jerusalem, Tel Aviv-Jaffa, Haifa & the North Coast, Lower Galilee & Sea of Galilee, Upper Galilee & Golan, West Bank, The Gaza Strip, The Dead Sea, The Negev, PetraThe Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet's Israel & the Palestinian Territories is our most comprehensive guide to the area, and is perfect for discovering both popular and offbeat experiences.Looking for wider coverage? Check out Lonely Planet's Middle East for a comprehensive look at all the region has to offer.About Lonely Planet: Lonely Planet is a leading travel media company and the world's number one travel guidebook brand, providing both inspiring and trustworthy information for every kind of traveller since 1973. Over the past four decades, we've printed over 145 million guidebooks and grown a dedicated, passionate global community of travellers. You'll also find our content online, and in mobile apps, video, 14 languages, nine international magazines, armchair and lifestyle books, ebooks, and more.'Lonely Planet guides are, quite simply, like no other.' - New York Times'Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves, it's in every traveller's hands. It's on mobile phones. It's on the Internet. It's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.' - Fairfax Media (Australia) Read more

Full of people who aim to combine the ancient and the modern, the UAE is an extremely rewarding place to visit. Set on the southeastern coast of the Arabian Gulf, the country was once a poor desert land, a confederation of tribal sheikhdoms on the periphery of the Arab world, subsisting on pearl diving and fishing. It was a British protectorate until independence in 1971, after which seven of the sheikhdoms united to form a federation, the UAE. The discovery of oil in the 1950s transformed the country's fortunes, and the UAE today is a land of contrasts--embracing skyscrapers, high-tech communications, and luxury hotels, while conservative values and religion remain strong. The UAE is a major player in the shifting alliances of the Middle East and the war against radical Islam, simultaneously seeking a global leadership position while maintaining its social systems and slowly integrating women into public life without violating its core beliefs. Read more

This book reminds me, in the sweetest way possible, that I probably should have never left Nashville." — Chris ThileIntroduction by Pulitzer Prize-winning Author Jon MeachamA dynamic, experiential, and intimate portrait that explores the many sides of the legendary Southern city and country music capital, from award-winning writers Ann Patchett, Jon Meacham, and acclaimed photographer Heidi Ross.Nashville is a creative collaboration that awakens the senses, providing a virtual immersion in this unique American city hailed as the Athens of the South. Patchett, Ross, and Meacham in his introduction, at once capture both the city’s iconic historical side—its deep, rich Southern roots, from its food and festivals to its famous venues, recording studios, and style—and its edgier, highly vibrant creative side, which has made it a modern cultural mecca increasingly populated by established and upcoming artists in art, film, and music.Nashville celebrates Nashvillians’ beloved locales and events, both established and new, that are the heart of the city’s character including:Bobbie’s Dairy DipBuchanan Arts DistrictBolton’s Chicken and FishEast Nashville Tomato Arts FestivalGermantownThe GulchGrand Ole OpryPie Town (SoBro)Pride FestivalPrince’s Hot ChickenSchermerhorn Symphony CenterStanley Cup PlayoffsTennessee Performing Arts CenterTennessee State FairThird Man RecordsHere, too, are engaging vignettes spotlighting the diverse talent that makes the Tennessee city a significant cultural incubator and influencer, including singer-songwriters Marty Stuart, Gillian Welch, and Dave Rawlings; film director Harmony Korine, textile designer Andra Eggleston, country music fashion designer to the stars Manuel, chef Margot McCormack, acclaimed pastry chef Lisa Donovan, and model and musician Karen Elson.Blending exceptional narrative, evocative photography—including 175 black-and-white and color photographs—and a bold graphic design, Nashville is an intimate, textured panorama that brilliantly illuminates one of America’s most remarkable treasures. Read more

The Rough Guide to JordanMake the most of your time on Earth with the ultimate travel guides.World-renowned 'tell it like it is' travel guide, now with free eBook.Discover Jordan with this comprehensive and entertaining travel guide, packed with practical information and honest recommendations by our independent experts. Whether you plan to visit the magnificent Crusader-period Aljoun castle, go diving in the Red Sea or visit the site where Jesus was baptized, The Rough Guide to Jordan will help you discover the best places to explore, eat, drink, shop and sleep along the way.Features of this travel guide to Jordan:- Detailed regional coverage: provides practical information for every kind of trip, from off-the-beaten-track adventures to chilled-out breaks in popular tourist areas- Honest and independent reviews: written with Rough Guides' trademark blend of humour, honesty and expertise, our writers will help you make the most from your trip to Jordan- Meticulous mapping: practical full-colour maps, with clearly numbered, colour-coded keys. Find your way around Amman, Aqaba and many more locations without needing to get online- Fabulous full-colour photography: features inspirational colour photography, including the Roman Temple of Hercules, ravaged by time but full of ancient splendor, and the bold and spectacular King Abdullah Mosque - Time-saving itineraries: carefully planned routes will help inspire and inform your on-the-road experiences- Things not to miss: Rough Guides' rundown of Dana, Jerash and Petra's best sights and top experiences- Travel tips and info: packed with essential pre-departure information including getting around, accommodation, food and drink, health, the media, festivals, sports and outdoor activities, culture and etiquette, shopping and more- Background information: comprehensive 'Contexts' chapter provides fascinating insights into Jordan, with coverage of history, religion, ethnic groups, environment, wildlife and books, plus a handy language section and glossary- The ultimate travel tool: download the free eBook to access all this from your phone or tablet- Covers: Amman; The Dead Sea and Baptism Site; Jerash and the north; The eastern desert; The King's Highway; Petra; Aqaba and the southern desertYou may also be interested in: The Rough Guide to Oman, The Rough Guide to Dubai, The Rough Guide to TurkeyAbout Rough Guides: Rough Guides have been inspiring travellers for over 35 years, with over 30 million copies sold globally. Synonymous with practical travel tips, quality writing and a trustworthy 'tell it like it is' ethos, the Rough Guides list includes more than 260 travel guides to 120+ destinations, gift-books and phrasebooks. Read more

In the winter of 2011 Nobel-Prize-winning Turkish novelist Orhan Pamuk took 8,500 color photographs from his balcony with its panoramic view of Istanbul, the entrance of the Bosphorus, the old town, the Asian and European sides of the city, the surrounding hills, and the distant islands and mountains. Sometimes he would leave his writing desk and follow the movements of the boats as they passed in front of his apartment and sailed far away. As Pamuk obsessively created these images he felt his desire to do so was related to a strange particular mood he was experiencing. He photographed further and began to think about what was happening to himself: Why was he taking these photos? How are seeing and photography related? What is the affinity between writing and seeing? Why do we enjoy looking at landscapes and landscape photographs? Balkon presents almost 500 of these photos selected by Pamuk, who has also co-designed the book and written its introduction. 'There is genius in Pamuk’s madness.' -Umberto Eco Read more

The Rough Guide to DubaiMake the most of your time on Earth with the ultimate travel guides.World-renowned 'tell it like it is' travel guide, now with free eBook.Discover Dubai with this comprehensive and entertaining travel guide, packed with practical information and honest recommendations by our independent experts. Whether you plan to go sand-skiing in the desert, explore the Middle East's wonderful cuisine or climb the tallest building in the world, The Rough Guide to Dubai will help you discover the best places to explore, eat, drink, shop and sleep along the way.Features of this travel guide to Dubai:- Detailed regional coverage: provides practical information for every kind of trip, from off-the-beaten-track adventures to chilled-out breaks in popular tourist areas- Honest and independent reviews: written with Rough Guides' trademark blend of humour, honesty and expertise, our writers will help you make the most from your trip to Dubai- Meticulous mapping: practical full-colour maps, with clearly numbered, colour-coded keys. Find your way around Bur Dubai, Deira and many more locations without needing to get online- Fabulous full-colour photography: features inspirational colour photography, including perpendicular paradise of Downtown Dubai and the romantically ancient Al Fahidi Fort- Time-saving itineraries: carefully planned routes will help inspire and inform your on-the-road experiences- Things not to miss: Rough Guides' rundown of Dhow Wharfage, Sheikh Zayed Road, Wafi and Khan Murjan Souk's best sights and top experiences- Travel tips and info: packed with essential pre-departure information including getting around, accommodation, food and drink, health, the media, festivals, sports and outdoor activities, culture and etiquette, shopping and more- Background information: comprehensive 'Contexts' chapter provides fascinating insights into Dubai, with coverage of history, religion, ethnic groups, environment, wildlife and books, plus a handy language section and glossary- The ultimate travel tool: download the free eBook to access all this from your phone or tablet- Covers: Bur Dubai; Diera; The inner suburbs; Sheikh Zayed Road and Downtown Dubai; Jumeirah; The Burj al Arab and around; The Palm Jumeirah and Dubai MarinaYou may also be interested in: Pocket Rough Guide Dubai, The Rough Guide to Oman, The Rough Guide to JordanAbout Rough Guides: Rough Guides have been inspiring travellers for over 35 years, with over 30 million copies sold globally. Synonymous with practical travel tips, quality writing and a trustworthy 'tell it like it is' ethos, the Rough Guides list includes more than 260 travel guides to 120+ destinations, gift-books and phrasebooks. Read more

Discover this beguiling destination with the most incisive and entertaining guidebook on the market. Whether you plan to watch turtles lay their eggs at Ras Al Jinz, shop for bargains at the labyrinthine Muttrah Souk or hike the Hajar mountains, The Rough Guide to Oman will show you the ideal places to sleep, eat, drink, shop and visit along the way. - Independent, trusted reviews written with Rough Guides' trademark blend of humour, honesty and insight, to help you get the most out of your visit, with options to suit every budget. - Full-colour maps throughout - navigate the historic quarter of Old Muscat or plot your route along the Rustaq Loop without needing to get online.- Stunning images - a rich collection of inspiring colour photography.- Things not to miss - Rough Guides' rundown of Oman's best sights and experiences. - Itineraries - carefully planned routes to help you organize your trip. - Detailed regional coverage - whether off the beaten track or in more mainstream tourist destinations, this travel guide has in-depth practical advice for every step of the way. Areas covered include: Muscat; the Hajar mountains; Nizwa; Al Hamra; Al Batinah; Seeb; Barka; the Rustaq Loop; the Musandam peninsula;Khasab; Sharqiya; Sur; Saiq Plateau; Dhofar. Attractions include: Sultan Qaboos Mosque; Jebel Shams; Jabrin Fort; Khor ash Sham; Jebel Harim; Ras al Jinz; Wahiba Sands; souks; wadis. Basics - essential pre-departure practical information including getting there, local transport, accommodation, food and drink, health, the media, festivals, outdoor activities, culture and etiquette, and more. Background information - a Contexts chapter devoted to history, wildlife and recommended books, with a useful language section and glossary. Make the Most of Your Time on Earth with The Rough Guide to OmanAbout Rough Guides: Escape the everyday with Rough Guides. We are a leading travel publisher known for our "tell it like it is" attitude, up-to-date content and great writing. Since 1982, we've published books covering more than 120 destinations around the globe, with an ever-growing series of ebooks, a range of beautiful, inspirational reference titles, and an award-winning website. We pride ourselves on our accurate, honest and informed travel guides. Read more

In 2008, Rowan Castle was fortunate to be granted a one-month visa to travel solo around the Islamic Republic of Iran. This collection of photographs, with accompanying narrative, documents his journey around this fascinating country. Visiting the cities of Tehran, Kashan, Esfahan, Kerman, and Shiraz, his photography captured sublime Islamic architecture, serene desert landscapes, and the spectacular ancient city of Persepolis.Although Iran is seldom visited and often misunderstood since the Islamic Revolution of 1979, this book provides an intriguing glimpse of the welcoming culture of the country and the kindness of the Iranian people. Read more

The definitive travel guides that make you feel like a local wherever you go.Monocle reports from around the globe. As its editors and correspondents dart from city to city, they get to know the best places to rest their heads, stretch their limbs, and kick back with a contact in a hard-to-find cocktail bar. That information is now available in The Monocle Travel Guide Series: a line-up of titles that speaks to readers in an informed but informal way about everything from architecture to art, late-night bars to early morning markets. Designed to be compact and collectable, these books go beyond the traditional tourist beats to make sure visitors get the best out of a city no matter how short their stay. Read more

Learning to read a language with a foreign alphabet can be an intimidating challenge. Even before you can start to study the vocabulary and grammar, you must first decipher this strange new script.But learning a new alphabet does not have to be so difficult.Other language courses start by showing a table of the alphabet and then immediately proceed to dialogues and grammatical descriptions. This is not the ideal way to teach a foreign alphabet, and this approach causes many students to get frustrated and give up before they start.Instead of that approach, Learn to Read Persian (Farsi) in 5 Days teaches each letter of the Persian alphabet in a systematic way while providing enough practice along the way to ensure the student learns the entire alphabet.With this system you will be able to read the Persian alphabet in only 5 days or less!In addition to the alphabet, this course teaches more than 150 real Persian words that were carefully selected to be of maximum benefit to beginning language students. These are the words that you need right away.Order a copy of Learn to Read Persian (Farsi) in 5 Days today and start to enjoy the language and culture of Iran in a way that only reading the language makes possible. Read more

Berlitz Pocket Guide IsraelThe world-renowned pocket travel guide by Berlitz, now with a free bilingual dictionary.Compact, concise and packed full of essential information about where to go and what to do, this is an ideal on-the-move guide for exploring Israel. From top tourist attractions like Nazareth, Bethlehem and the Dead Sea Scrolls, to cultural gems, including floating in the Dead Sea, a visit to 'where it all began' at Jaffa and the world's largest hillside gardens at Haifa, plan your perfect trip with this practical, all-in-one travel guide. Features of this travel guide to Israel:- Inspirational itineraries: discover the best destinations, sights and excursions, highlighted with stunning photography- Historical and cultural insights: delve into the country's rich history and culture, and learn all about its people, art and traditions- Practical full-colour map: with every major sight and listing highlighted, the full-colour maps make on-the-ground navigation easy- Key tips and essential information: from transport to tipping, we've got you covered- Dictionary: quick-reference bilingual language guide to help you with vocabulary - Covers: Jerusalem; Tel Aviv; The Galilee and Golan; The Mediterranean Coast; The SouthGet the most out of your trip with: Berlitz Phrase Book & Dictionary HebrewAbout Berlitz: Berlitz draws on years of travel and language expertise to bring you a wide range of travel and language products, including travel guides, maps, phrase books, language-learning courses, dictionaries and kids' language products. Read more

Lonely Planet: The world's leading travel guide publisherLonely Planet Oman, UAE & Arabian Peninsula is your passport to all the most relevant and up-to-date advice on what to see, what to skip, and what hidden discoveries await you. Feel the allure of Arabia's desert dunes, dine on top of Burj Khalifa, the world's tallest building, or wander through the labyrinthine souqs; all with your trusted travel companion. Get to the heart of Oman, the United Arab Emirates and the Arabian Peninsula and begin your journey now!Inside Lonely Planet Oman, UAE & Arabian Peninsula Travel Guide:Colour maps and images throughout Highlights and itineraries show you the simplest way to tailor your trip to your own personal needs and interests Insider tips save you time and money and help you get around like a local, avoiding crowds and trouble spots Essential info at your fingertips - including hours of operation, phone numbers, websites, transit tips, and prices Honest reviews for all budgets - including eating, sleeping, sight-seeing, going out, shopping, and hidden gems that most guidebooks miss Cultural insights give you a richer and more rewarding travel experience - including culture, history, religion, art, literature, music, dance, architecture, politics, and cuisine Over 70 local mapsUseful features - including Month-by-Month (annual festival calendar), Walking Tours, and Arabia's Top 15Coverage of Bahrain, Manama, Kuwait, Kuwait City, Oman, Muscat, Dhofar, Qatar, Doha, Saudi Arabia, Riyadh, the United Arab Emirates, Dubai, Abu Dhabi, Al Gharbia, Yemen, Sana'a, and more The Perfect Choice: Lonely Planet Oman, UAE & Arabian Peninsula, our most comprehensive guide to Oman, the United Arab Emirates and the Arabian Peninsula, is perfect for those planning to both explore the top sights and take the road less travelled.Looking for a guide focused on Dubai? Check out Lonely Planet's Dubai & Abu Dhabi guide for a comprehensive look at all the city has to offer, or Lonely Planet's Pocket Dubai, a handy-sized guide focused on the can't-miss sights for a quick trip. Looking for more extensive coverage? Check out Lonely Planet's Middle East guide for a comprehensive look at all the region has to offer. Authors: Written and researched by Lonely Planet, Jenny Walker, Stuart Butler, Anthony Ham, and Andrea Schulte-Peevers.About Lonely Planet: Started in 1973, Lonely Planet has become the world's leading travel guide publisher with guidebooks to every destination on the planet, as well as an award-winning website, a suite of mobile and digital travel products, and a dedicated traveller community. Lonely Planet's mission is to enable curious travellers to experience the world and to truly get to the heart of the places they find themselves in.TripAdvisor Travelers' Choice Awards 2012 and 2013 winner in Favorite Travel Guide category'Lonely Planet guides are, quite simply, like no other.' - New York Times'Lonely Planet. It's on everyone's bookshelves; it's in every traveller's hands. It's on mobile phones. It's on the Internet. It's everywhere, and it's telling entire generations of people how to travel the world.' - Fairfax Media (Australia) Read more

Ideal itineraries and top travel tips in a pocket-sized package. Now with free eBook, and a pull-out map.Plan your trip, plan perfect days and discover how to get around - this Insight Guides pocket-sized book is a convenient, quick-reference companion to discovering what to do and see in Dubai, from top attractions like the gold souk and Al Fahidi, to hidden gems, including Madinat Jumeirah. · Compact,concise, and packed with essential information about Where to Go and What Do,this is an ideal on-the-move companion when you're exploring Dubai· Covers Top Ten Attractions, including the Burj Al Arab and Downtown Dubai and Perfect Day itinerary suggestions· Offers an insightful overview of landscape, history and culture· Contains an invaluablepull-out map, and essential practical information on everything from Eating Out to Getting Around· Includes aninnovative extra that's unique in the market - all Pocket Guides come with a free eBook· Inspirational colour photography throughout· Sharp design and colour-coded sections make for an engaging reading experienceAbout Insight Guides: Insight Guides is a pioneer of full-colour guide books, with almost 50 years' experience of publishing high-quality, visual travel guides with user-friendly, modern design. We produce around 400 full-colour print guide books and maps, as well as phrasebooks, picture-packed eBooks and apps to meet different travellers' needs. Insight Guides' unique combination of beautiful travel photography and focus on history and culture create a unique visual reference and planning tool to inspire your next adventure. Read more

The Golden Book of Jerusalem is a colourful guide with pictures and cultural information on this city in Israel. Explore the religious sites, discover the wailing wall, and walk in the ancient streets of the historical Middle Eastern town : Bonechi guides are the perfect way to travel without leaving home. Read more

This guide to Turkey provides details on getting around, places to stay, places to eat, and entertainment options. Read more

Freya Stark's first experience of the Near East was in 1927, when she stayed in Beirut, taking lessons to improve her Arabic. Boarding at a mission in Broumana, she began to explore the surrounding countryside, then a tranquil and idyllic area of deep, wooded valleys. In 1928 she moved to Damascus and was then able to visit Baalbek.Throughout the interwar years she travelled extensively in the Levant. In Syria she explored the castles of the Assassins, the Jebel Druze and the deserted Byzantine cities of the Orontes Valley. In Palestine, Acre and Jerusalem gradually won her affections, and in Jordan she visited the new capital city of Amman, then scarcely more than a village, and the ancient Nabatean 'lost city' of Petra.She returned to the Levant frequently during the war, and also throughout the 1950s. Her final trip to the region was in 1977, when she travelled by raft down the Euphrates River. For Freya Stark the Levant was the foundation of her love for the Middle East and the starting point for many of her travels further afield. This volume contains many of her best photographs, spanning the fifty years of her love affair with the Levant. Read more

Raja Shehadeh is a passionate hill walker. He enjoys nothing more than heading out into the countryside that surrounds his home. But in recent years, his hikes have become less than bucolic and sometimes downright dangerous. That is because his home is Ramallah, on the Palestinian West Bank, and the landscape he traverses is now the site of a tense standoff between his fellow Palestinians and settlers newly arrived from Israel. In this original and evocative book, we accompany Raja on six walks taken between 1978 and 2006. The earlier forays are peaceful affairs, allowing our guide to meditate at length on the character of his native land, a terrain of olive trees on terraced hillsides, luxuriant valleys carved by sacred springs, carpets of wild iris and hyacinth and ancient monasteries built more than a thousand years ago. Shehadeh's love for this magical place saturates his renderings of its history and topography. But latterly, as seemingly endless concrete is poured to build settlements and their surrounding walls, he finds the old trails are now impassable and the countryside he once traversed freely has become contested ground. He is harassed by Israeli border patrols, watches in terror as a young hiking companion picks up an unexploded missile and even, on one occasion when accompanied by his wife, comes under prolonged gunfire. Amid the many and varied tragedies of the Middle East, the loss of a simple pleasure such as the ability to roam the countryside at will may seem a minor matter. But in Palestinian Walks, Raja Shehadeh's elegy for his lost footpaths becomes a heartbreaking metaphor for the deprivations of an entire people estranged from their land. Read more