Bradt Travel Guides

Bradt's North Cyprus remains the most authoritative guide available to the fascinating and beautiful northern region of the eastern Mediterranean island of Cyprus. Thoroughly updated by expert authors and now into its ninth edition, it offers everything you need for a successful trip, from pre-departure and background information including when to visit, red tape, safety, history, culture and natural history, to accommodation, restaurants, shopping, festivals, transport and money. The region is broken down into four areas, each of which is covered in detail, including Girne (Kyrenia), Lefkos¸a (Nicosia), Gazimag?usa (Famagusta) and the Karpas Peninsula, with its population of wild donkeys. Where to go and what to see are detailed for each area and attractions such as Crusader castles, Buyykonuk's markets and eco-festivals, beaches and turtle watching are all covered. There are also contributions from local specialists on flora and fauna. Steeped in history, soaked in sunshine, North Cyprus offers a great deal both to those who want to delve deep into the past or to those keen to pull up a sunbed and simply relax. Girne is still the most attractive harbour on the whole island, while Lefkosa's old quarter exudes the ambience of an old Middle Eastern trading town. Gazimag?usa is fringed with some excellent beaches, while also being close to North Cyprus's most revered historic site, Salamis. With Bradt's North Cyprus, hike up to Buffavento, stroll through the cloisters of Bellapais Abbey or go barefoot on the golden sands of the Karpas Peninsula.

With no directly competing titles, Bradt's Slow Shropshire fills a much-needed gap in the market for a guide to an area that, of all of the UK's regions, is perhaps most synonymous with 'Slow'. This new title from Bradt written by local author Marie Kreft places an emphasis on car-free travel, local produce and characterful accommodation. It includes detailed descriptions of place, historical overviews, ghost stories and folk tales, and first-hand accounts from Shropshire locals, as well as hand-picked restaurant recommendations based on long-standing knowledge and consultation with locals. Warm and witty writing combines with a natural enthusiasm for the region making this an indispensable guide to one of Britain's most scenic areas. Ludlow is acknowledged as the Slow Food capital of the UK, while the region as a whole is much celebrated, described by PG Wodehouse as the "nearest earthly place to paradise". The guide is unapologetic in taking you the long way round: through ancient woodland, over bridges and 'Blue Remembered Hills', back in time, down footpaths, into castles, churches and interesting pubs, cheerfully savouring the authentic, the offbeat and the local.

Travel writer and journalist Gail Simmons follows in the footsteps of Robert Louis Stevenson as she walks from High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire to Tring in Hertfordshire via Great Missenden and Wendover, tracing not only the changes in the landscape of the last 150 years but also those yet to come with the imminent arrival of the controversial HS2, the high-speed railway from London to Birmingham. Just as Stevenson spoke to people he met along the way, Simmons encounters those whose lives will be affected by HS2: a tenant farmer, a retired businessman-turned-campaigner, a landscape historian and a conservationist. In the autumn of 1874 a young, unknown travel writer called Robert Louis Stevenson walked from High Wycombe in Buckinghamshire to Tring in Hertfordshire. He wrote up his three-day journey across the Chiltern Hills in an essay titled In the Beechwoods, penned a decade before he found fame as the author of Treasure Island and The Strange Case of Dr Jekyll and Mr Hyde. During his walk, Stevenson observed the natural world, reflecting on the experience of walking across this landscape at a time when England was still largely agrarian and when most people still earned their living from working the land. During his walk he was accompanied by a 'carolling of larks' that was so integral to his journey he 'could have baptized it "The Country of Larks"'. Almost 150 years later Simmons walks across the same landscape, observing the loss of flora, fauna and the whole rural way of life, replaced by commuters and dormitory villages, a trend portrayed by John Betjeman in Metro-land (1973), which described suburban life alongside the Metropolitan Railway. Divided into three parts to parallel Stevenson's journey the book offers a detailed, almost forensic, examination of this distinctive landscape of English chalk downland interwoven with recollections from Simmons of growing up in a Chilterns commuter village. 'I might have left long ago' she says, 'but this place still matters to me'.

This new, thoroughly updated edition of Bradt's award-winning guide to Liguria is the essential companion to getting the most out of a visit to this beguiling Italian region. Author Rosie Whitehouse has spent thirty years exploring Liguria and in her comprehensive guide introduces you to not just the glitz of the Riviera but also to the delights of the wild unknown hinterlands and mountain valleys, including in-depth coverage of local gastronomic delights - a key part of any Ligurian visit. This new edition includes new maps, a focus on of the growth of small, 'Slow Food' businesses, restaurants and hotels, in-depth coverage of Genoa as a cultural and weekend-break destination and the development of its striking Hennibique waterfront, the latest developments in Savona and La Spezia, more walks and bike-riding advice plus new suggested routes, revised hotel and restaurant listings and all the latest transport information. Liguria is a mountainous region of dizzy passes and breathtaking views, where the mountains plunge down into the sparkling blue waters of the Mediterranean. The narrow strip of coast includes the gems of the world famous Italian Riviera, the great port city of Genoa, the glitzy resort of Portofino and the charms of the Cinque Terre. Yet in the hinterland there are many beautiful villages and mountain walks that have yet to be discovered by tourists. With a strong regional identity all of its own, Liguria is almost a country within a country. Whether you're a gourmet traveler in search of pesto, trofie and freshly baked focaccia, a history buff on the hunt for Roman remains, culture addict dazzled by Genoa's glittering palazzi and top-class museums, or a family heading for a well-earned break, Bradt's Liguria is the ideal guide for travelers of all ages and all budgets. It is also particularly suited to adventurous travelers looking for the Liguria that lies beyond the beaten track and who want a taste of the real Italy.

'Look out of those train windows and see another Britain. This is a richly researched and fascinating book, with a chuckle and a raised eyebrow at every page.' Alastair Sawday.

Slow East Devon and the Jurassic Coast is the most comprehensive - and only standalone - guide available to this region. With publication timed to coincide with the opening of the Seaton Jurassic Centre, here is insider knowledge which can only be gained by living in the area. Contributions from local experts, and colourful and witty writing combined with the authors' enthusiasm, make this guide as much a pleasure to read as an invaluable companion for exploring. Exeter and the Exe Estuary get a chapter of their own, and parts of Mid Devon, including Tiverton, are covered in detail, along with East Devon's most alluring chunks of countryside and the seaside resorts of Sidmouth, Budleigh Salterton and Beer. The chapter on West Dorset describes Lyme Regis and Charmouth along with brief descriptions of other coastal towns. An explanation of the geology of the entire World Heritage Site of the Jurassic Coast links the whole region. With an emphasis on car-free travel - walking, cycling and local buses - the detailed descriptions, historical and folk anecdotes, and personal accounts encourage visitors to explore each locale thoroughly. Hand-picked places to eat and drink, including all the eateries along the main artery of the A3052, are selected by the authors based upon long-standing knowledge of the area.|Slow East Devon Travel Guide - Holiday tips and local advice including B&Bs, cottages and homestays, Exmouth and Sidmouth highlights, local food and craftsmen. This guide also covers tours, fossil hunting on the Jurassic Coast, Old Harry Rocks, Swanage, coastal walks and beaches, Blackdown Hills, wildlife and birdwatching.

Suffolk represents quintessential East Anglia, a region that has locally distinctive architectural styles, regional accents, scenery, culture and climate. The county, which is low-lying but by no means flat, has some of its best scenery along the coast: a soft, dreamy landscape of river estuaries, remote marshes, reed-beds, beaches, shingle banks, sand spits and dunes. Elsewhere in the county can be found undulating farmland, sandy heaths, shady river banks and extensive forests. The area also has much appeal to visitors for its manmade heritage: the distinctive rural architecture of the Stour Valley (with its Constable painting associations) on the Suffolk-Essex border, the ancient town of Bury St Edmunds, the great country houses with their estates, ancient thatched churches hidden away from view and unspoiled market towns. Suffolk is also well known for its Anglo-Saxon heritage - the royal ceremonial burial site at Sutton Hoo and the reconstructed Anglo-Saxon village at West Stow.

North Devon, with its long sandy beaches and little coves, is the favourite of families with small children, while Exmoor's heather-covered moorland and deep, wooded coombes, attract walkers, mountain bikers, and riders. Some of the prettiest villages in the south west are found here, with cream teas aplenty. Much information will be unique to this guidebook, blending descriptions of little-known places and country pursuits with portraits of local characters, past and present. The book will be geared towards sustainable tourism, with special emphasis on car-free travel, walking, local food, pubs and unusual or special accommodation.

Many of Dorset's attractions are well-hidden and known only to locals, who like to keep the county's treasures to themselves. The Slow Guide, written by a native of Dorset, takes you to those secret places and introduces you to some delightful Dorset locals, both living and dead. Practical information covers accommodation, eating and drinking, and travelling in this unspoilt region.

Slow Norfolk, although selective, includes the whole of Norfolk from Great Yarmouth and the Broads to the east to the Fens of the far west, from the iconic North Norfolk coast to the Breckland region to the south. The Norfolk landscape is far more variable than many imagine and not quite as flat as it is usually reputed to be. The North Norfolk coast, considered to be one of the most beautiful stretches in England, is also a hugely important habitat for wildlife especially migrating birds. The interior of the county tends to be more overlooked yet also much to offer, especially in terms of landscape, historic monuments and characterful market towns. The county has a rich mix of architectural variety, with numerous country houses, medieval churches, Roman forts and Norman castles. The county capital Norwich is an important centre for art and culture, with its acclaimed Sainsbury Centre for Visual Arts and the annual, highly rated Norwich and Norfolk Festival.

Discover the hidden secrets of this varied and beautiful region, from the 'English Riviera', where palm-trees abound and the sandy beaches of Torquay and Paignton attract numerous summer visitors, to the wild landscape of Dartmoor, England's highest landmass south of the Pennines.

The Yorkshire Dales is one of the best loved and most visited National Parks in Britain. This guide celebrates the beautiful limestone landscapes it contains, both above and below ground. It encourages visitors to stray away from the honey-pot venues, sampling wildlife in the hidden corners and meeting the true Dales-folk in sleepy villages off the beaten track.

Dumfries and Galloway is an area of rural charm and striking landscapes, where a slower pace of living and travelling comes naturally. The first comprehensive guidebook to the area, Bradt's Slow Travel Dumfries and Galloway covers the region in depth, from Eskdale to Scotland's southern tip at the Mull of Galloway, via Annandale, Nithsdale, Dumfries, The Stewartry, The Machars and Moors, and the Rhins. Lively descriptions, historical anecdotes and enthusiastic writing combine with hand-picked accommodation recommendations to reveal one of Scotland's best kept secrets. With the local tourist board halfway through an ambitious six-year plan, the area's profile is on the up. Go now, before the secret is out.

This new, thoroughly updated edition of Bradt's Belarus remains the only full-blown standalone guide to the most westerly of the constituent republics that formed the Soviet Union prior to the break-up in 1991. Written and updated by expert author and Russian speaker Nigel Roberts, who has been travelling throughout the country for over 17 years, it is the definitive guide to understanding, and making the most of a visit to this much-misunderstood nation. Included in this new edition is a detailed focus on the capital city Minsk, the most likely destination for first-time travelers and now becoming a major European capital city thanks to an easing of visa regulations, as well as coverage of each of the other five cities and all six regions. Roberts draws on his years of experience and shares many stories and vignettes of his own adventures and experiences of everyday life, all of which help to bring the destination to life. In addition, there are recommendations and tips from his wide circle of contacts, including people at all levels of the tourism industry, charities working on the ground, local people and travelers from abroad, who regularly share details of up-to-the-minute information, changes and developments. With Bradt's Belarus enjoy the opportunity to put the cliché to the test; only ever described by Western media as 'the last dictatorship in Europe', travelers certainly do have the opportunity to experience elements of life as it was lived in the days of the Soviet Union but can also see beyond the cliché as Belarus seeks to free itself from the Soviet past and establish its own heritage and place in the modern world. Discover beautifully preserved and restored museum towns such as Mir, Njasvizh, Novogrudok, Pinsk and Polotsk; see Soviet-style brutalist and modernist architecture; explore accessible national parks and vast areas of unspoilt wilderness, with ample opportunity to study flora and fauna; visit historic palaces and castles stunningly restored; and enjoy the unconditional hospitality of a people who are anxious to interact with visitors from the English-speaking world.

This new edition of Ben le Vay's irrepressible and irreverent guide to one of the greatest of English cities has been updated and expanded to include even more entertaining tales. There are more civilian/non-academic eccentrics, there is more local history, and there's a particularly fascinating bit of military history about Oxford that even many locals have never heard of. Dreaming spires, honeyed stone, cycling dons ... forget all that tourist twaddle, says Benedict le Vay. Find out the secrets the colleges don't want you to know, the inside track on the best pubs and eating places, the scandal and gossip about nutty professors and disgraceful students past and present, the brilliant stories about the great, the good and the bad. With 30 maps and a mix of colour and black and white illustrations and photographs, this is the essential guide to take you beyond the normal sights. William Morris called Oxford 'a perfect jewel' of a city; Benedict le Vay goes in search of the quirkier gems among its medieval back alleys. Here roam batty dons, daft students, barmy aristocrats and political firebrands. Who does that gargoyle remind you of? Why is a shark plunging into that man's house? When do students jump naked into the River Cherwell as Latin hymns are sung? What powers the 'Cosmic Triangle' of vibrant East Oxford? How do you control a punt without looking like a plonker? •The pubs where Inspector Morse and Bill Clinton enjoyed a pint •Where to eat a great fry-up in a unique setting •Where to find a weird museum •Calendar of annual eccentric events.

This new, fully-updated 8th edition of Bradt's Ethiopia remains the most comprehensive, detailed and thorough guide available, particularly known for its strength of background information, coverage of off-the-beaten track areas, and in-depth details of hotels and other tourist facilities. It also contains far more maps than other guides. Bradt's Ethiopia is also the longest serving English-language guidebook dedicated to the country, with a history of 25 years of research and expertise. This new edition has been updated by the original author, Philip Briggs, the world's foremost writer of Africa travel guides. Recent years have seen a notable rise in domestic and foreign private investment in the development of new hotels and national parks; this new edition includes all the most up-to-date details reflecting all the most recent changes, from development of tourist facilities to improved road infrastructure. Bradt's Ethiopia is ideal for visitors of all ages no matter the interest, whether travelling independently or part of an organized group, from adventurous and active travelers interested in cultural, historical, and wildlife sightseeing to international conference visitors, spa tourists and community-based visitors looking for activities such as trekking and horse-riding in the Rift Valley and Simien Mountains. Wildlife and birding visitors who come for Ethiopia's wealth of endemics are also catered for and this new edition includes a dedicated full-color chapter on wildlife and birds. Of all the African nations, Ethiopia is most prone to misconceptions. The 1985 famine and the cracked barren earth of the Danakil Depression are not images quickly forgotten. But this fully updated guide refocuses the lens to reveal an ancient country that continues to surpass all expectations: from the ancient Judaic cultures of the fertile highlands to the Animist people of the South Omo Valley, from the Afroalpine moorland of the Bale Mountains National Park to the thundering Blue Nile Falls. This book also leads you further off the beaten track, so travelers can see more of this expansive and beautiful land, believed to be the cradle of humankind.

This 8th edition of Bradt's Ghana remains the only dedicated guidebook on the market and the most comprehensive source of travel information on the first country in sub-Saharan Africa to gain independence and the world's second-largest producer of chocolate. Covering everything from Ghana's 550km of Atlantic coastline to its remote and sparsely populated northern border with Burkina Faso, this new edition has been thoroughly updated and is an ideal companion no matter what your interests are. Written by Philip Briggs, arguably the world's most experienced guidebook writer, it covers everything from inexpensive opportunities to see wildlife to cultural and historical aspects such as the slave trading posts. Background, practical and health information are complemented by a dedicated, illustrated chapter on wildlife, 63 maps and 18 chapters split across five regional sections, from Accra and surrounds to the coast, through eastern and central Ghana, right up to the north. The popular Cape Coast and the Ashanti regions are both covered, as is the increasingly high-profile Chale Wote Street Art festival. Friendly, safe and inexpensive, Ghana is an ideal destination for first-time visitors to Africa. It is rich in little-visited national parks, forest reserves, cultural sites and scenic waterfalls and blessed with bleached white beaches and the lush rainforest of the Atlantic coastline. Bradt's Ghana is accompanied by a dedicated, updated website run by the author himself and caters for everyone from birdwatchers to bar-hoppers. Whether you want to cruise the world's largest man-made reservoir, Lake Volta, on a pokey old steamer, hike with elephants in Mole National Park, or party all night in Accra's glittering Osu district, Bradt's Ghana is an indispensable companion.

This new third edition of Bradt's Israel has been fully updated to reflect all the most recent changes and includes a comprehensive and detailed history section, plus improved maps and structural revisions to aid navigation. Israel is a land where three world religions - Judaism, Christianity and Islam - meet in stunning landscapes, where ancient architecture stands next to modern, where the fertile north spills into the arid southern desert and where the secular live alongside the devout. From its ancient history and the sacred Jewish, Christian and Muslim sites of Jerusalem, to modern Tel Aviv with its trendy districts, countless museums and bustling markets, Israel has a lot more to offer than meets the eye. In Bradt's Israel you'll find tips on the top hotels and restaurants, details of local wines, fascinating hiking routes, plus all the information to get the best from Israel's range of attractions. Each town shows the vast diversity of culture and traditions. Jerusalem offers an insight into the history of one of the world's most poignant cities, whilst Tel Aviv is awash with boulevards and epitomizes modernity. In turn, Haifa is a true seaside gem, with its striking Baha'i Persian gardens, whilst Nazareth is the throbbing heart of Arab hospitality and warmth. From archaeological remains of Crusader castles and Roman cities, scuba diving off Eilat's coast, marveling at the mountainous Golan Heights to floating in the Dead Sea and discovering cool wadis and thermal baths, Bradt's Israel is the perfect travelling companion, enlightening and enhancing every trip.

Since Bradt first published a guide to Benin over 10 years ago, the country has become more popular with visitors to West Africa. Bradt's Benin remains the original and one of the only comprehensive guides in English to this French-speaking country, arguably the region's best wildlife destination and the birthplace of the much maligned and little understood religion of Vodou (voodoo). This new edition includes coverage of the growing range of eco-travel and community based tourism options that have sprung up in recent years. Also included is more information on the wildlife and national parks of the north which are becoming more popular with general safari tourists, including the Parc National de la Pendjari (now under African Parks Management), increasingly recognized as the closest place to Europe easily to see lions and elephants. A dedicated chapter on Cotonou ensures the capital is covered in full detail, including up-to-date recommendations for places to eat and stay, while the rest of the country is divided into five easy-to-follow chapters, each replete with listings, hotels and restaurants, background and historical text, as well as recommendations on what to see and entertainment. Bradt's Benin also includes a field guide to gods, ghosts and dead people: after all, it's easy here to arrange to have a cup of tea with a wizard and buy spells to make someone love you. And what makes Benin so special from a visitor's perspective is that such characters are a visible part of day-to-day life and encounters with them may well form the backbone of a Benin adventure. But there is more than just storybook magic to this country. It has a huge and varied array of birdlife and two of the finest parks this side of the continent and it is a place in which heart-in-the-mouth encounters with buffalo, elephant and lion are day-to-day events. Whatever your interest, whether it's wildlife, culture, golden sand beaches or tracing your ancestral roots, Bradt's Benin offers comprehensive and extensive travel information for all price bands and is the perfect companion for a successful visit.

An engaging and beautifully illustrated full-colour guide to some of the most exciting wildlife in the world in an area about to see a significant increase in visitor numbers as a direct result of changes in the ice cover of the Arctic Ocean. Bradt's Arctic Wildlife is an ideal companion on board and on shore. A fascinating and informative read. Visitors to the far north cruise the Arctic coast in the company of humpback whales and belugas, see polar bears hunt ringed seals, and come in contact with a host of shorebirds and wildfowl gorging on the abundance of summer food. This revised edition includes new illustrations, a section covering the distinct flora and fauna of the Bering Sea and the revised version of the Arctic Code of Conduct. Tony Soper's expert knowledge is richly supplemented with full-colour illustrations by award-winning wildlife artist Dan Powell.

This new seventh edition of Bradt's Mozambique remains the most established and only standalone guide to this alluring country. Complete with in-depth coverage of transport, wildlife, history, culture and accommodation, plus invaluable practical advice and regional and local maps, this honest handbook will help you plan the perfect visit. Particularly useful is the selection of reputable local tour operators. Mozambique is very much a country of two halves. The tourism-savvy south offers palm-lined tropical beaches, luxury lodges and diving to rank with the best in the world, plus the capital Maputo, a city oozing with Afro-Mediterranean flair. The undeveloped northern mainland, by contrast, is one of Africa's last frontiers, with thrillingly vast game reserves and stunning coastal panoramas that draw intrepid travellers to those hankering after barefoot luxury. With economy-boosting oil and natural gas potential on the horizon, Mozambique is on its way to reclaiming its standing as one of Africa's top destinations. However, despite being one of Africa's fastest developing tourist countries, it still offers the opportunity to experience the 'quintessential Africa'. Having once stood in the ranks with South Africa, over twenty years of post-civil war development and one of Africa's highest growth rates are drawing tourists back to its 2,500km of pristine, palm-fringed coastline. Best visited between May and October, Mozambique is dotted north to south with natural, historical, cultural, and architectural wonders remnant of its varied and notable past history of exploration, trade, and cultural fusion. Highlights include the UNESCO world heritage site, Ilha de Moçambique, a 16th- century Arab and Portuguese trading post, ancient rock art at Chinhamapere Hill, tea plantations and an exploration of Mount Namuli from the highland mountain town of Gurué, while the coast - home to more than 2,000 species of marine fish and five of seven endangered sea turtle species - boasts a plethora of delights, from windsurfing in Pemba and surfing in Tofto to diving and snorkelling off the islands of Bazaruto Archipelago (Bazaruto National Park), not to mention some of the richest coral reefs in the world., home to over 1,200 species and five of seven endangered sea turtles. With in-depth coverage and practical advice for all budgets, the Bradt guide leads the way.

This edition of the Bradt guide to Reykjavik by expert author Andrew Evans combines what to see and do with maps, walking and cycling tours, one-day tour recommendations, historical and cultural perspectives and suggestions for hotels, guest houses, restaurants, cafés and bars as well as detailed information on city transport, shopping, other activities and out-of-town recommendations. It is written in an engaging and colourful style that sets out to entertain as well as inform and is drawn from the Bradt country guide to Iceland, Edition 3.

This new, thoroughly updated second edition of Bradt's Falkland Islands remains the only standalone guide to this British Overseas Territory and is ideal for both independent and cruise visitors alike. New for this edition is a dedicated full-color wildlife and natural history section, as well as all the most recent details needed for a smooth trip, from planning and history to Stanley restaurants and hotels, conservation issues, wildlife watching trips and how to explore beyond the capital. East and West Falkland are covered, and so too are Sea Lion, Pebble, Carcass, Saunders, Keppel, Weddell, Staats and Beaver islands. Situated in the South Atlantic Ocean over 300 miles from South America the Falkland Islands are one of the truly wild places in the world, a photographer's delight home to albatrosses, penguins and other wildlife as well as to over 3,000 people. The Falkland Islands are a must-visit location for those interested in the wild outdoors, especially anyone wanting to see penguins, seals and lots more. It's not all about penguins, though, as the islands' abundant wildlife and spectacular scenery along with comfortable accommodation, good wholesome food and welcoming people create a wonderful place to visit. The thriving town of Stanley gives way to the wild open spaces of the 'camp' with its scattered settlements, long sandy beaches, isolated islands and rocky outcrops. With Bradt's Falkland Islands you can plan how to fly between islands, discover the 'camp' (rural areas), visit multiple penguin colonies, sample a wide range of cakes and cookies at a 'smoko' (morning or afternoon tea break), watch Black-browed Albatrosses, and visit the magnificent collection of artefacts and curios from around the islands at the new Historic Dockyard Museum. Whatever your interest, this is the essential guide for a successful trip.

Now into its seventh edition and written by Philip Briggs, the world's leading writer of guidebooks to Africa, Bradt's Rwanda has been the go-to guide for visitors to this historical and resurgent 'Land of a Thousand Hills' for nearly two decades, and it continues to be in a class of its own when it comes to in-depth information on this emerald slice of East Africa. With freshly researched and updated details on developments across the country, Bradt's Rwanda includes up-to-date maps of rapidly modernizing Kigali, information on hiking to the summit of Mount Bisoke and a newly expanded chapter on excursions into the neighboring DRC. In this new edition are extensive and recently updated maps and natural history information, details of kayak and canoe excursions on Lake Kivu and the Mukungwa River, all you need to know about tracking not only mountain gorillas in Rwanda's Volcanoes National Park but also lowland gorillas in the Congo, and information about overnight stays on tea plantations at Sorwathe or Gisovu. Also covered are Nyungwe Forest National Park, where a wealth of endemic birds and primates inhabit the largest surviving montane forest in East Africa; Nyanza, where the hilltop Rukari Palace Museum marks the site of the old mwami's (king's) palace; and the National/Ethnographic Museum of Rwanda, the top cultural site in Rwanda's second city, Huye (Butare). Coverage of nearby cities and national parks in the neighboring DRC has been expanded since last edition, providing all the necessary information to take an excursion into Rwanda's enormous and poorly understood neighbor. Rwanda continues to change and develop at an unprecedented pace, and there's hardly a more accessible part of Africa to be found anywhere on the continent. It's no less intriguing for the convenience, however, and Rwanda's superlative natural attractions seem to improve by the day, with growing animal populations and an on-going rhino reintroduction program in Akagera National Park. Having now gone through nearly 18 years of editions, Bradt's Rwanda is not only the most in-depth guide available, but also the guide with the longest history in the country itself.

The pioneering first edition of this guidebook was the first dedicated entirely to Somaliland, and this second edition, fully updated and with a foreword by Simon Reeve, continues Bradt's groundbreaking tradition of publishing highly specialist guides to newly emerging destinations. Significantly, this new edition also covers Addis Ababa and eastern Ethiopia - the main gateway into Somaliland. Also included is a detailed historical and archaeological background to a region whose wealth of rock art, ancient burial sites, ruined cities and historical ports stretches back 5,000 years and has links with ancient Egypt and Axum as well as the more recent Ottoman and British Empires. Comprehensive birdwatching and wildlife sections include details of where to look for a wealth of endemic and near-endemic birds and mammals, while the guide also contains the only proper maps available for the capital Hargeisa and other large towns such as Barao, Berbera and Boroma, compiled from scratch using GPS. Somaliland ranks among the world's most obscure and uncharted travel destinations. It comprises the former colony of British Somaliland, which merged with its Italian namesake to form the Somali Republic upon attaining independence in 1960, but unilaterally seceded from the rest of war-torn Somalia in 1991. Now a peaceful and fully functional self-governing democracy, Somaliland still awaits official recognition by the UN AU and most other such organisations more than quarter of a century later. Yet despite its obscurity, this ancient and largely arid land has much to offer the truly intrepid traveller, and the low-key, low-rise capital Hargeisa is easily reached by air or overland from neighbouring Ethiopia. With this unique guide, discover Las Geel, the most alluring rock art site on the Horn of Africa; the charmingly decayed Ottoman port of Berbera, which provides access to some splendid beaches and offshore reefs; the spectacular Daallo escarpment, swathed in fragrant evergreen forests that support several endemic bird species; and the abandoned city of Maduna, the most impressive of several mediaeval Islamic ruins dotted around the arid interior.

The Bradt guide to Svalbard, including Spitsbergen, Franz Josef Land and Jan Mayen, is a unique, standalone guidebook to this evocative Arctic archipelago, a place that is plunged into darkness for four months each year and where there are 4,000 snow scooters for a population of just 2,500. This new sixth edition has been thoroughly updated throughout and offers new material on everything from adventure tours to accommodation, environmental change to restaurants. Also covered are the restoration of Barentsburg and the opening of Svalbard's historic mine to visitors Newly updated and amended, this edition reflects important recent changes in the archipelago, making it the perfect guide to a quintessential bucket-list destination. Possibly the most remote destination in the developed world, Svalbard is as off the beaten track as you can get in Europe today. It is the planet's most northerly settled land and the top (if not the end) of the world, and it was on and around Svalbard that most of David Attenborough's Frozen Planet was filmed. A trip to Svalbard easily lends itself to notching up geographic superlatives (most northerly kebab, most northerly souvenir shop, etc) and adventurous travellers seek out experiences such as husky driving and hikes across the permafrost. The main tourist period falls in Svalbard's brief summer, from June to August, when it's light around the clock and not very cold. However, increasingly popular for winter sports - especially because the next few years will enjoy unusually high Northern Lights activity - are the so-called 'light winter' months (March-May), when there is both sunlight and snow. The winter season (November/December-March) offers many possibilities for outdoor adventure - and the polar night is an experience in itself. Despite winter temperatures that can drop to over 40 below zero, Svalbard's glorious mountains, majestic fjords and sprawling valleys are the perfect setting for adventurous journeys out to the back of beyond. This brand-new edition of Svalbard provides all of the practical and background information you'll need to explore this wild place, turning the hostile into the hospitable.

For over 20 years Bradt Travel Guides has been running an annual travel-writing competition which now attracts hundreds of entrants each year. Thanks to Bradt's status as the largest remaining independently owned travel publisher in the UK and one of the most respected travel publishing brands in the world, it is uniquely placed to champion good writing, bringing to the written word the same calibre of high expectations that it looks for in the travel experience itself. Now for the first time, Bradt is delighted to release a select anthology of the best pieces of writing to pass in front of the judges' eyes over the past 20 years. In keeping with the spirit of the competition, both new and previously published writers are included, young and old, based in countries across the globe and offering a collection of true stories that reflect our endless appetite for travel, adventure and connection. All of these tales paint vivid pictures through the power of their writing - and they do it in under 800 words each (one of the conditions of entry). Six themed chapters include remarkable places, extraordinary people, encounters with wildlife, real terror, history, and learning and reflection. All in all, 95 stories cover everything from border guard mix-ups, wild animals and dodgy navigation to a day trip to Iceland and being seduced by a goat in a French market. From soothing, familiar scenes in some of our favourite destinations to unrepeatable and uncomfortable exploits in obscure corners of the world, these stories offer the perfect chance for virtual travel. You might even be inspired for your next trip. So, sit back, relax and let us tell you our stories.

This thoroughly updated third edition of Bradt's Iraq remains the only dedicated guide to this ancient land. Up-to-date travel information is included, plus all the necessary safety details. Ideal for both armchair and in-destination travel, it covers history, archaeology and culture, including iconic sites such as Babylon and Ur, the stunning architecture of the country's mosques, the natural beauty and wildlife of the Marshes and beautiful Iraqi handicrafts. New for this edition are more archaeological sites in the south, including Telloh and Charax Sparinou, Alexander the Great's port city. Muslim sites and festivals are covered, as is the influence of Shia Islam and the geo-politics of the region. The modern development of Iraq is starting to look exciting and after years in which ancient sites have suffered destruction and neglect, archaeologists are now breaking new grounds and making new discoveries. Iraq's rich and inspirational history is easily forgotten in the tragic turmoil of recent years. This is where writing began and where zero was introduced into mathematics. Although parts of the country remain off limits to tourists, there is plenty to see elsewhere, from Kurdistan's capital, Erbil, one of the world's oldest inhabited cities, to the dazzling shrines of Kerbala, Najaf and Kufa, ruins of ancient Mesopotamian cities, sites of recent US military history such as Fallujah, and the grave of Gertrude Bell, who explored, mapped and excavated the world of the Arabs and provided military intelligence for TE Lawrence's military activities. You can visit the Tombs of the Iraqi Royal family and Ctesiphon, the largest free-standing brick archway in the world, see archaeological proof of the great flood, mentioned in the Bible and the Gilgamesh, and discover the treasures of the National Museum of Iraq. The authors bring their considerable knowledge and understanding of Iraq to provide all the practical and background information needed for a successful trip. Advice on cultural awareness and religious sensitivity in the context of Iraqi history, along with where to get the latest information on, which parts of the country you can still visit, make this an invaluable guide.

This new, fully updated fourth edition of Bradt's Uruguay remains the only dedicated English-language guide to a country that's small but bursting with character. Bradt's Uruguay provides in-depth coverage of the capital Montevideo, where the once-derelict colonial Old City is undergoing a historic resurgence, plus detailed information on the UNESCO-listed coastal city of Colonia del Sacramento, as well as Punta del Este, where the Buenos Aires glitterati decamp to the beaches each summer. There's advice, too, for active travellers who can rattle their whips on cattle-ranching estancias and spin their sticks in a game of polo or two and for nature enthusiasts keen to watch wildlife in the western wetlands and birds in Cabo Polonio and Santa Teresa. The guide also investigates the Brazilian influences behind Uruguay's music and dance, an active and upcoming food and wine scene, and the country's distinctive Afro-Uruguayan heritage, most noticeable during the world-beating 40-day Carnaval season. In addition, it covers the recent de-velopment of marijuana tours following the legalisation of marijuana. Uruguay caters for all tastes, whether you want to ride with gauchos and spend time on a tradi-tional estancia like La Sirena, visit Fray Bentos and discover the history of the town's former meat-packing plant, or take a tour of the Canelones department wineries. Montevideo's splendid Art Deco architecture and colourful annual Carnaval are covered, and so too are the stunning sandy beaches of boho-chic fishing village José Ignacio and the Termas de Daymán - Uruguay's largest hot baths. Also included are San Javier, an ideal base for bird-watching trips along the Río Uruguay and details of hiking in Quebrada de los Cuervos National Park - a subtropical canyon filled with flowers and birds. Most commonly known for winning the first soccer World Cup, electing the world's so-called 'poorest president', and raising a whole lot of beef on the pampa, Uruguay remains among South America's safest and most stable destinations, replete with interest waiting to be discovered by both leisure and adventurous travellers.

Bradt's e-city guide to Bilbao by expert author Murray Stewart covers not only vibrant Bilbao itself but also the surrounding province of which it is capital, Biskaia (Biscay). Hotels, restaurants, nightlife, shopping, walks and transport are all included, as well as the many sights of this recently reinvented urban giant of the Basque territories, from the Casco Viejo (Old Town) to Ensanche and the Guggenheim, plus the adjoining areas of Bilbao la Vieja and San Francisco, ethnically diverse quarters than have a buzz all of their own with just a hint of the Bohemian thrown in for the mix. Beyond the city, nearby Getxo provides a pleasant seaside distraction with its many beaches, as do Sopelana, Gorliz and Plentzia further east: playgrounds for the city-dwellers and easily accessible by public transport. The Puente Colgante, the UNESCO Heritage Transporter Bridge, joins Getxo to Portugalete across the river estuary. Bradt's Bilbao and Biskaia caters for all interests, ranging from the quaint villages and lush countryside of the Encartaciones region to coastal fishing villages, birdwatching around the Urdaibai estuary, surfing at Mandaka, and the jagged mountains and dense forests that decorate the natural parks of Gorbea and Urkiola, ideal territory for nature lovers and walkers.An ever-expanding network of budget airline flights make Bilbao more accessible than ever before, while the Guggenheim Museum has put the city and wider Basque country firmly on the European art trail. Written in an engaging and colourful style that entertains as much as informs, and drawn from the larger Bradt guide to The Basque Country, this guide will help you discover exactly what it is that makes Bilbao and Biskaia tick.

This is the most comprehensive guide to the far north of England in print. It encourages visitors to slow down and explore the green lanes, footpaths, rivers and cycle trails that link Northumberland's 'Castle Coast' with the heather-topped hills, Roman fortresses and villages of the interior. A guide to Newcastle is found in the chapter on Tyne & Wear. Local knowledge of historic towns, heritage sites, wildlife-watching spots and countryside walks, and words and tips from local heritage experts make this an authoritative guide - and as much an entertaining armchair read as a practical guide.

Bradt's Azores guidebook is the only comprehensive guidebook to the nine-island archipelago, a nature-lovers' wilderness perched at the western extremity of Europe in the mid-Atlantic, and one of the best places in the world for whale watching. This new edition continues to provide the strong geological and botanical information that is so integral to the islands and essential for all nature lovers, but it also has an expanded focus taking in the land- and sea-based activities which have become a significant part of the Azores tourism offering in the past few years. Also included is all of the practical information needed to make the most of these new opportunities, plus a full update on the accommodation upgrades that have taken place in recent times to cater for the influx of new visitors. Green, and with a mild climate throughout the year thanks to the Gulf Stream, each island has its own attractions and identity. Safe and welcoming, the islands are drawing in a whole new group of visitors, mainly from Europe and the USA, attracted by the diversity of outdoor activities, easier accessibility and improvements to the visitor infrastructure. The Azores volcanic origin make for a rugged, diverse landscape, a suitable backdrop for excellent walking, mountain-biking and canyoning, while whale-watching, kayaking, windsurfing and fishing provide off-shore opportunities for independent travellers and adventurous families alike. The islands' 500 year history is well-documented in a host of museums, allowing visitors to learn about the fluctuating fortunes and strategic importance of the archipelago across the centuries. Attractive architecture, carefully preserved festivals, three islands with UNESCO Biosphere Reserve status, an interesting range of flora and many botanical gardens are all covered in this guide.

Still the only English-language guide to the Faroe Islands, covering everything from succulent fish suppers to remote hideaways, the Bradt guide is the definitive source of information for visitors wishing to discover the 18 islands of this North Atlantic archipelago. Covering hands-on information about where to stay and eat, how to get around - be it by mailboat, helicopter or hire car - and what to see and do, this new fourth edition has been thoroughly updated and includes details of the amazing birdlife, where to walk some of Europe's least-known hiking trails, and how to make the most of village life among the turf-roofed houses. Also included are details of how to reach even the remotest corners by bus using a travelcard, the latest information on falling seabird numbers in the North Atlantic, and details of where to go sea angling, rapelling and horse riding. Suggestions for using the island of Suðuroy are detailed, plus updated reviews of all accommodation, eating and drinking options. Fourteen clear and easy-to-use maps are also featured.

This edition of the Bradt guide to Reykjavik by expert author Andrew Evans combines what to see and do with maps, walking and cycling tours, one-day tour recommendations, historical and cultural perspectives and suggestions for hotels, guest houses, restaurants, cafés and bars as well as detailed information on city transport, shopping, other activities and out-of-town recommendations. It is written in an engaging and colourful style that sets out to entertain as well as inform and is drawn from the Bradt country guide to Iceland, Edition 3.

Bradt's Abruzzo remains the only full English-language guide to this beautiful and increasingly favored part of Italy. This new edition has been thoroughly updated to cover all developments since the last edition, reflecting the region's growing popularity for holiday homes and as a busy conference destination at the heart of Italy, plus its appeal for wildlife and active tourism, including trekking, family holidays and horse-riding. Abruzzo offers the best of undiscovered Italy from pristine beaches to mountain glaciers, with some of Italy's most beautiful medieval villages clinging to the hillsides in between. This brand new edition of Bradt's Abruzzo provides all the practical and background information you'll need to explore this surprising region. What makes the Abruzzo region remarkable is that it is still about as unique and authentic an Italian experience as you can get in a country so devoured by international tourism. Abruzzo offers one of the most beautiful coastlines in the country, only a short distance from the tallest mountain ranges in Italy outside the Alps (it is the second most popular skiing center in Italy outside the Alps) and one of the best places for hiking and flora/fauna spotting. What's more, despite the economic downturn of recent times, the regional government continues to invest in a 'beautification' project for its major urban centers and in the development of its regional highlights such as mountains, wildlife parks and rural towns. It's notable that in the 2017 national competition for 'I Borghi Più Belli d'Italia' (The Most Beautiful Towns in Italy) programme, Abruzzo was recognized as having 23 of the country's most beautiful towns, trailing second only behind Umbria and with at least a handful more than Tuscany. Intriguingly, Madonna's family hails from the town of Pacentro, to which the singer donated US $500,000 for restoration works after the 2009 earthquake in the region. Blue Flag beaches, mountain hiking and where to spot rare wildlife such as bears and wolves are all covered, as are untouched castles and frescoed churches and the region's plethora of Roman ruins. Italian cooking and the best places to eat are featured (Abruzzo is home to the majority of Italy's domestic pasta production), and there is extensive coverage of culture and language (Abruzzo is one of Italy's most linguistically diverse regions). Written with warmth and insight by a native Abruzzese, Bradt's Abruzzo contains all the information you need to discover this enchanting part of Italy. Abruzzo Travel Guide - Holiday advice and tourist tips including Pescara highlights, resorts and local cuisine, beaches, ancient historical sites and monasteries. This guide also features ancient towns, Civitella del Tronto, Campo Imperatore, Santo Stefano di Sessanio, Rocca Calascio Fortress, Tagliacozzo, Pescocostanzo, Neolithic and Roman ruins.

This edition of the Bradt guide to Tehran by Patricia Baker and Hilary Smith combines their knowledge of the city's major sights with maps, historical and cultural perspectives and recommendations for hotels, restaurants and cafés as well as detailed information on city transport, shopping and attractions in and around the city. The colourful and engaging writing style is aimed at informing as well as entertaining the reader. All information is drawn from the Bradt country guide to Iran, Fifth Edition.|Tehran City Guide - Expert tips and holiday advice including Old Town highlights, getting there and around, accommodation, shopping and restaurants, dos and don'ts, transport, architecture and historical sites. Covers maps, itineraries, local ski resorts, a detailed history of the city, Milad Tower, the Bazaar and a wide variety of museums.

This new 7th edition of Bradt's Cape Verde (Cabo Verde) has been fully revised and updated and remains the most comprehensive English-language guidebook available to the islands of this alluring Atlantic archipelago, described by some as 'Africa light'. The guide includes well-researched history and cultural sections, with a particularly strong section on music, and brings an honest approach to reporting the fragile balance between tourist developments and protecting the environment. This new edition reflects the many changes since the previous one, including the introduction of charter flights from the UK to Sal and the first casino-hotel on Sal, as well as providing full information on how to make the most of the less developed islands away from the main tourist hotspots. Stable and peaceful, quietly isolated by its mid-Atlantic location, Cape Verde continues to grow economically and to develop its tourist infrastructure at a leisurely pace. With few natural resources, the islands are heavily dependent on imports, foreign remittances and still to some extent on foreign aid. The reduction in the latter has heightened the focus on the importance of tourism as an economic driver and visitor numbers continue to rise. Year-round sunshine makes Cape Verde a particularly appealing destination. The archipelago is diverse, particularly in terms of its tourist infrastructure. Sal and Boavista, the oldest of these volcanic islands are flat with white-sand beaches that rival anything in the world. Consequently, they attract 95% of Cape Verde's visitors, leaving the other seven inhabited islands undeveloped. Hikers and those curious to discover something authentic are drawn to them, spending their time walking amongst the jaw-dropping mountainous landscapes of Fogo or Santo Antão, taking some true time-out in tiny Brava or mellow Maio or enjoying the cultural fusion of African, Portuguese and Brazilian influences in the cities of Praia and Mindelo. The adventurous will find adrenalin rushing as they profit from windsurfing and kitesurfing opportunities, fueled by strong breezes and Atlantic waves, while for culture, Mindelo is the attraction with a constant backdrop of seductive music, the thread which ties together the islands scattered across the mid-Atlantic. Cape Verde Travel Guide - Travel tips and advice including Praia highlights, island itineraries and activities, homestays, hotels, local culture and music. Also covering the best beach and surfing sites, national parks and ribeiras, Cidade Velha and UNESCO sites, Chã das Caldeiras, Ponta Preta, Maio and Mindelo, festivals and local cuisine.

This new title from Bradt is the only English-language guide to focus on this part of the Pays de Loire: The Vendée and surrounding area including Pornic, La Rochelle, Île de Ré and Nantes, an increasingly popular part of France. Written by award-winning travel writer Murray Stewart and Angela Bird, who for almost 50 years has owned a home in the region, it offers comprehensive coverage of this beguiling area, with details on everything from family holidays to walks, cycling, local cuisine and history. Thanks to the author's long history with the area, the guide also reveals the quirks and themes which give the Vendée its own distinct character, as well as straying just beyond the area's boundaries to incorporate La Rochelle and Nantes, both entry points for those arriving by air and both offering urban distractions for the occasional rainy day. The Vendée offers all the benefits of a well-established destination, both with French and British visitors, with easy access times from the UK by ferry adding to its appeal. Popular with campers and self-caterers, its sunny climate and 140km of sandy beaches, combined with tree-lined canals and open marshland, make for a diverse outdoor playground. Bradt's The Vendée and surrounding area includes information on suggested walks and cycleways, and also summarizes the best places for bird-watching. The region has no true cities, or even large towns, but the guide includes details of the many local museums which provide easily accessible insight into the bloody history of an area which has, at times, been central to the evolution of modern-day France.

A unique title from Bradt, showcasing a brand new collection of remarkable travellers' tales with a different slant, following on the heels of To Oldly Go!, one of the UK's best-selling travel titles of 2015. All the contributors were initially reluctant solo travellers, apprehensive about taking the plunge to go it alone after years of travel with a partner or friend. Some have embarked on the trip of a lifetime, walking or cycling alone through potentially hostile countries, but finding only kindness and hospitality - with a few hairy adventures thrown in. One story is by Bradt founder Hilary Bradt, who confronted her fears and set out to fulfil a childhood dream to ride a horse through Ireland shortly after her marriage broke up. Others are widows and widowers in their later years who were anxious about joining an organised trip on their own or who wanted to make a difference in the world by volunteering their experience and knowledge. Many ages, many personalities, one goal: to travel, and one stumbling block: anxiety. Part literature, part guide, with tips for successful solo travel. Reassuring, entertaining and inspiring.

Updated throughout, the 7th edition of Bradt's Antarctica: a Guide to Wildlife is the most practical guide to the flora and fauna available for those 'going south'. Celebrating the amazing and often unique species of this spectacular environment, the title features chapters on the region's famous whales and penguins, and also on lesser known species such as skuas and sheathbills, with full coverage of plumage and identification. Each chapter is accompanied by vibrant illustrations from Dafila Scott to help bring species to life. Tony Soper's immaculate and engaging text remains the indispensible choice for the intrepid wildlife enthusiast. Antarctica's wildlife is under threat. The Southern Ocean is warming and the most obvious effect is on the continental ice shelves. Spectacular retreats and monster carvings from the west coast of the peninsula have been seen in recent decades. Less ice means fewer krill, which depend on the ice-edge for the algae which nourish them. In turn, this will impact on seal and whale numbers. In the case of penguins, while kings and macaronis, for instance, are doing well, the magnificently adapted and truly Antarctic species, Adélies and emperors, are in decline. In the case of emperors, maybe by as much as 50%. Bradt's Antarctica not only helps you to identify and understand species and habitats, it also explains the issues faced by this extraordinary continent, regarded by many as one of the most precious places on the planet.

This thoroughly updated new edition of Bradt's Northern Tanzania Safari Guide remains the only full-length guidebook focused exclusively on the northern part of the country and Zanzibar. Tailored closely to the requirements of anyone going on a safari to northern Tanzania, followed by a few days on Zanzibar, it provides far more detailed coverage of the local safari circuit and other main attractions than other guides. As such, it offers complete and detailed lodge listings and also goes into greater detail about wildlife and where to see it. It is also the only guide to include detailed information on the many new private concessions that have opened up. Northern Tanzania is dominated by Africa's finest safari circuit. Centered on the legendary Serengeti National Park and its world-famous wildebeest migration, this circuit also incorporates the Ngorongoro Crater and surrounding Ngorongoro Conservation Area, Lake Manyara and Tarangire national parks. Geographically it is one of the most varied regions in Africa, with a palm-fringed Indian Ocean coastline complemented by the scenic wonders of the Great Rift Valley, Africa's largest lake, and several impressive volcanically formed mountains, most notably snow-capped Mount Kilimanjaro, the tallest peak in Africa and a popular goal for hikers. Lesser-known gems include the prehistoric rock art at Kondoa (a UNESCO World Heritage Site), the forested Arusha National Park and Amani Nature Reserve, and the spectacular Ol Doinyo Lengai - Africa's most active volcano. Tanzania is home to more than 100 ethnic groups, from the Arab-influenced Swahili of the coast to the traditionalist Maasai pastoralists and Hadza hunter-gatherers of the Rift Valley, yet it takes pride in a long history of post-independence tolerance, stability and safety. Northern Tanzania offers spectacular game-viewing all year round, and supports some of the world's largest surviving populations of lions, elephants, buffalos, leopards, giraffes, zebra, wildebeest and gazelle. Serviced by a well-developed safari industry, the superlative reserves of northern Tanzania are complemented by a stopover on the legendary Spice Island of Zanzibar. With its atmospheric old town, idyllic beaches and offshore reefs teeming with marine life, it is every bit as evocative as its name. Bradt's Northern Tanzania is written by Philip Briggs, the world's leading writer of guidebooks to Africa, and Chris McIntyre, CEO of specialist Africa tour operator Expert Africa. The guide reflects the growing trend away from large lodges towards small exclusive eco-friendly camps in remote parts of the Serengeti and other major reserves and this edition is more critically selective than previous editions, detailing the best on offer in all price brackets. Also new for this edition is a 48-page color field guide, detailing all species a visitor can expect to find on a safari in the northern circuit, making this guide the most authoritative source available. Northern Tanzania is an essential travel companion for both first-time visitors and seasoned safari-goers.

This new, third edition of Bradt's Romania: Transylvania remains the only standalone English language guide to this legendary and enchanting region. Comprehensive chapter-per-county coverage is offered, including details to cater for the diverse range of travellers to the region, from city breaks to rural escapes, ski enthusiasts to charity volunteers. Thoroughly updated, this new edition reflects all the changes of the past few years, from improved transport infrastructure (in particular the regional airports at Cluj, Sibiu and Târgu Mures) to the completion of new motorway routes, such as that between Sibiu and Deva. Also covered are a number of striking new accommodation options: for example the sustainable guesthouse in Valea Zalanului owned by HRH The Prince of Wales, and the mountaintop retreat of Raven's Nest in the Apuseni Mountains. More attractions have opened up, such as Baroque palaces formerly owned by Hungarian aristocrats, seized under the Communist regime and now being restored by the descendants of their original owners. And the region is developing its offer for new types of tourism, such as summer rock festivals, notably the Untold Festival at Cluj and Electric Castle Festival at Bontida. Transylvania, literally the 'land beyond the forest', is a wild, wooded, intensely romantic region, filled with mountains, gorges and valleys, myths and legends, dragons, bears, wolves - and vampires. Bram Stoker called it 'one of the wildest and least-known parts of Europe' a description which remains true today. One of the most beautiful regions in central Europe and home to three UNESCO World Heritage Sites, Transylvania preserves its cultural and artistic treasures in a unique landscape, bordered on three sides by the Carpathian Mountains. The hay meadows of the lower Carpathians form a man-made, high nature-value grassland ecosystem of extraordinary diversity, offering a beautiful display of wild flowers. The Carpathians are home too to lynx, wild boar, and one of Europe's largest populations of brown bear. Other natural phenomena include the Scarisoara ice cave in the Apuseni Mountains and the Sfanta Ana volcanic crater lake in Harghita. Whatever your interests, with Bradt's Romania: Transylvania, you can discover all of the region's many and varied attractions.

Lying between New York and Lisbon and sometimes referred to as Europe's best kept secret, the Azores are verdant, tranquil, diverse, exquisitely beautiful and always welcoming. These nine green islands are the embodiment of old-world charm and include an elegant capital, remote villages, glittering blue coastlines and spectacular volcanic landscapes. Bradt's Azores is the only publication in English that not only provides details of travel and activities, but also gives in-depth background information about the archipelago's discovery, settlement and subsequent social history. David Sayers outlines how the archipelago erupted from beneath the ocean some five million years ago. Revised throughout, this new edition also includes in-depth sections on whaling, fishing and agriculture, climate, and geology. There is now a wide choice of accommodation, from 4-star hotels to small family-run affairs, simple pensions, rented cottages and B&Bs - all detailed in the guide. Tourism services have expanded with greater numbers of marked walking trails, improved opportunities for diving, whale watching and adventurous activities such as sea kayaking and jeep safaris, and excellent new museums. The islands remain an outstanding destination for walkers and lovers of nature and the simple life. Tourism has not been allowed to spoil the archipelago and the islands retain much of their traditional charm - they are not a beach destination, and there is little nightlife or commercial entertainment. With this guide visitors can discover the best walks, tour Europe's westernmost coast - the island of Flores - visit Europe's only tea plantations or step into the hot springs and gurgling mud pools of Furnas. Brimming with practical information this new edition of The Azores is the perfect guide to these garden-like islands.

This new, thoroughly updated eighth edition remains the only practical guidebook to Tanzania to reflect the overall shift of tourism away from backpackers and budget camping safaris to upper-end and mid-range safaris and beach holidays. Unlike other guidebooks, the main focus is background and practical information on Tanzania's peerless collection of national parks, game reserves and other safari destinations, including the Serengeti, Ngorongoro Crater, Tarangire, Selous, Ruaha, Katavi, Gombe Stream and Mahale Mountains. Every major reserve is given a dedicated chapter detailing its ecology, wildlife, accommodation options, game drives and other activities. Written by acknowledged experts Philip Briggs and Chris McIntyre, Bradt's Tanzania also focuses on other popular and off-the-beaten track tourist attractions, ranging from Mount Kilimanjaro and the 'Spice Island' of Zanzibar to the mysterious Kilwa Ruins and Kondoa Rock Art (a pair of UNESCO World Heritage Sites often relegated to the small print of other travel guides). The accommodation listings for the national parks and other safari destinations are the most detailed and authoritative available. Briggs and McIntyre have weeded through the ever-growing number of lodges and camps to create a critically selective list of the best properties in every price bracket - upmarket, midrange and budget. The guide also includes a 48-page wildlife colour field guide, detailing all species a visitor can expect to find on a safari, making this guide the most authoritative source available. Since its mid-1980s economic nadir, when it lacked adequate facilities for anything but basic camping safaris, Tanzania has grown to be one of Africa's top safari destinations. This new edition actively responds to this evolution by focusing on the country mainly as a safari and short-stay fly-in holiday destination. It also reflects the growing trend away from large lodges towards small, exclusive eco-friendly camps in remote parts of the national parks and bordering community concessions. Tanzania is arguably Africa's greatest safari destination and is geographically one of Africa's most varied countries, its long palm-fringed coastline complemented by the scenic wonders of the Great Rift Valley, portions of Africa's three largest lakes, and several impressive mountains. With this guide you will discover everything the country has to offer, from spectacular year-round game-viewing to post-safari relaxation on the idyllic beaches of Zanzibar.

For some 20 years, Bradt's Zambia has been widely acknowledged as the best guidebook on the market, with superior coverage in almost every field. In this new sixth edition, background information - history, culture and natural history - remains as comprehensive as ever, while practical guidance, including in-depth reviews of lodges, hotels and campsites, is now stronger than ever for Victoria Falls and Zambia's top national parks and wildlife areas. This new edition, whilst still providing full coverage of the country, concentrates on the places that people really want to visit in Zambia: Zambia's game-rich safari regions and wildlife areas, along with the Victoria Falls. Also included are GPS coordinates for the small but growing number of self-drive visitors to Zambia, plus information on walking safaris and activities at Victoria Falls and on the Zambezi.

This new, thoroughly updated edition of Bradt's award-winning guide to the Basque Country and Navarre remains the most comprehensive and in-depth guide available to this multi-lingual, multi-cultural borderland encompassing parts of southern France and northern Spain. This fully revised second edition includes all the elements required for an enjoyable holiday and also the unique aspects of Basque culture and traditions which make this such a fascinating part of the world. Bradt's The Basque Country and Navarre seeks to give a real insight into what is a strong regional identity, uncovering the peculiarities which imbue the area with its aura of intrigue and taking you way beyond the delightful, well-known cities and into the heart of the beautiful Basque countryside. When it comes to food, discover not just what to eat, but also how to eat it, for many Basque eating rituals apply! In this, the most complete guidebook to the Spanish and French Basque Country and Navarre, Murray Stewart covers the principal cities - rejuvenated Bilbao with its famous Guggenheim Museum, beautiful San Sebastián, verdant Vitoria and lively Pamplona - and also delves deeper into the region's interior, capturing the quirkiness that make it so special. With 35 maps, 16 walks, advice on where to cycle, horse-ride and surf, he guides travelers through an area whose profile is firmly 'on the up.' Find the best pintxos (Basque tapas) and txakoli wine, the finest chuletón (beef chop) and the freshest fish. From elegant Biarritz, via the French Basque Pyrénées, to the Navarran 'badlands' of Bardenas Reales, travel to fascinating, less-visited places. Here are the best festivals, including Pamplona's famous, bull-running Sanfermines. Learn how the handing-over of three cows has kept the peace for centuries, or where you can see the annual 'Benediction of the Red Pepper'. Join the walkers on the Caminos de Santiago, the pilgrim routes which still sustain the local economy, 1,000 years after they began. Find information on the unique Basque and Navarran wines, top birdwatching sites, history, music, sports and culture - and when to visit. Bradt's The Basque Country and Navarre is the ideal companion.

Tajikistan is Central Asia's smallest and least understood country. Epic mountain landscapes, glacial lakes and the mighty Oxus River encircle ancient Buddhist sites, Silk Road trading posts, medieval shrines and planned Soviet cities. The guide includes tried and tested trekking routes in the Fann, Zerafshan and Pamir mountain ranges for various levels of experience. Comprehensive bird-watching and wildlife sections are provided by BBC journalist Ben Tavener. Rich historical detail and entertaining anecdotes are drawn from the historical archives of the Royal Society for Asian Affairs and with first-hand descriptions of everything from Soghdian ruins to playing the traditional sport of buz kashi or 'dead goat polo', Tajikistan's authors bring the country alive.

Both evocative and magical, Zanzibar offers travellers the quintessential Indian Ocean experience; palm fringed coastlines, powder- white sand, and colourful aquatic life. Passionate about detail, Chris and Susan McIntyre have carried out extensive on-the-ground research in producing this updated edition. There has been significant growth in the number of hotels, lodges and guesthouses on all three main islands since the last edition and, consequently, the accommodation listings have increased significantly: notably in Zanzibar Town (Stone Town), Matemwe, Michamvi Peninsula, and Mafia island. They visited all the accommodation listed. With almost 300 properties featured, many are newly built and the vast majority (spanning all budget levels) do not feature in any other guide on the market. Each entry has a detailed description with a strong emphasis on guiding readers to the most ethical options. Zanzibar goes into far greater depth than its competitors on the natural environment, history, culture, and sights. Few other guide books cover the islands of Pemba and Mafia in any detail and yet they are easily combined in a trip. With a focus on the environment, visitors are directed towards fair-trade shopping opportunities and sustainable marine parks. This new edition also includes a dedicated section on southern Tanzanian safaris, making this guide excellent for readers looking for a bush and beach combination. Advice is given on how to be sensitive to the local Muslim culture. Bradt's guide is the most frequently and scrupulously updated guide available, vital for a destination with tourism growing and changing so rapidly.