Search results for ""Bradt Travel Guides""

This new edition of Bradt's Sri Lankan Wildlife has been fully updated to reflect all the most recent developments relevant to visitors to this beguiling island who come to watch wildlife. Whale watching, now a major part of Sri Lanka's wildlife experience, is covered, and so too is the improved visitor access to some of the national parks. With a general increase in visitors over the past decade, more entrance gates have been opened to popular national parks and access improved to others. Sri Lanka is home to elephants, leopards, bears and water buffalo and boasts one of the highest species densities of marine mammals in the world, with populations of blue whales and sperm whales off the coast proving a compelling draw. Sri Lanka is one of the few destinations in the world where you can be out at sea whale watching in the morning, then spend the afternoon in a national park watching leopards and elephants or visiting a rainforest. A balanced, all-round natural history guide, ideal field guide and armchair read, Bradt's Sri Lankan Wildlife is illustrated with colour photographs of species and includes maps charting animal habitats to aid identification. It is an ideal companion for general wildlife travellers and wildlife enthusiasts who want some background reading on the island's natural history, and is written in an accessible, easy-to-read style by an expert who visits Sri Lanka at least once a year.

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This new book adds Cambridgeshire and the Fens to Bradt's award-winning Slow Travel series - the biggest series of UK regional travel guides, now over 20 titles strong. No other title offers the range and depth of information on this varied, beautiful and surprisingly undiscovered region. Cambridge itself attracts visitors, students, professionals and academics from around the world, but beyond the University City lie towns and villages, wide open spaces, gentle waterways and wonderful cycling and walking country that comparatively few take time to discover. Engaging and unexpected, this is an informative guide that captures both the stand-out highlights and lesser-known attractions of this unique part of East Anglia. Key information on where to go and stay, and what to eat, see and do is complemented by local expertise, with inclusion of interviews and insider tips from Cambridgeshire locals and area specialists. Active and slow exploration is included, with a range of walks, cycle routes and watersports - kayaking and paddle-boarding, and not just punting! Historic towns, striking estates and monastic sites are featured, with places such as Ely, St Ives, Ramsey, Wimpole Hall, and Denny and Anglesey abbeys all coming under the spotlight. Then there's the quintessential English villages like the Hemingfords and the Shelfords and the ancient earthworks of Fleam Dyke and Wandlebury Ring. Rounding off the picture, to the north and east of Cambridge are the intriguing, pancake-flat Fens, home to Britain's lowest point, and Fenland towns such as Wisbech, Chatteris and March which were once islands. In contrast, to the south, the landscape changes to rolling chalk uplands, with the alluring Gog Magog Hills and the county's highest point in Great Chishill. Given its only city is known worldwide, Cambridgeshire and the Fens remain a surprising mystery to many who visit, but this new title from Bradt, with its relaxed, informal style, wide range of maps, and mix of practical and descriptive information, is the perfect way to lift the lid on one of the country's most distinctive and attractive areas.

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From the author of the acclaimed Britain from the Rails, an entertaining armchair read and practical guide rolled into one. Engaging, eccentric, informative, inspirational and only very occasionally trainspotter-ish, Scotland from the Rails is the perfect guide to some of the most romantic rail journeys not just in Scotland but the world. Scotland's rail network boasts the highest mainline summits in Britain; the longest bridge; the longest and boldest spans; the most famous railway bridge of all (the Harry Potter one); as well as some of the friendliest staff and the most lovely - and downright quirky - station buildings, many lovingly maintained or restored. And for icing on the cake, or rather cream on the Cranachan, some utterly charming and fascinating preserved lines, steam centres and luxury excursion trains which cruise through this magnificent land. From the East Coast to the Great North, the West Highland Line to the Skye Railway, let expert rail enthusiast Ben le Vay be your guide to the best of Scotland's rail journeys. Perfect for train buffs, Scotland buffs, history buffs and trivia buffs, Scotland from the Rails is also the ideal book for anyone whose idea of heaven is sit back on a train and gaze out of the window.

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This new, thoroughly updated second edition of Bradt's Ivory Coast remains the only English-language guidebook to focus solely on this culturally rich West African country, a place of crimson savannas, sublime mountains and cream-hued beaches that is becoming increasingly popular for ecotourism and wildlife, surfing and off-the-beaten track travel. Written in easy-to-navigate geographical structure, chapters on background and practical information are followed by dedicated sections on Abidjan and the surrounding area; the southeast, including Grand-Bassam and Assinie; the southwest, including Sassandra, San-Pe´dro and the Parc National de Tai¨; and the centre: Yamoussoukro, Bouake´, Daloa and Abengourou. Moving up the country, the Dix-Huit Montagnes area is covered, including Man and Touba, followed by a chapter on the North, including Odienne´, Korhogo, Kong, Parc National de la Comoe´ and Bondoukou. From wildlife and birdwatching to hiking, trekking, chocolate and twerking, Bradt's Ivory Coast lifts the lid on what gives this country its unique flavour. Tribal arts, vibrant reggae, Afrobeat and traditional folk-music scenes, and delicious Ivorian food are all covered, as are hotels, the extraordinary mud mosques of Kong and the far north, Drummologie and 'talking drums', football (the 2023 Africa Nations Cup will be held here), and unprecedented pricing and timetabling information for the full range of transport options. Having only recently re-opened for tourism, Ivory Coast is West Africa's hidden treasure. Packed with vivid descriptions, detailed maps and essential practical advice, Bradt's Ivory Coast is the ideal companion for a perfect trip, whatever your interest.

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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.

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This new, thoroughly updated edition of Bradt's Serbia covers all the practical information you could need plus comprehensive details of Serbian history, geography, economy, politics and people, as well as food and wine, city life, hiking and outdoors and adventure trips. Significant improvements to accommodation throughout the country over the past few years are also covered, with a wide range of options included, from five-star and boutique hotels to backpacker hostels. Bradt's Serbia also has a strong emphasis on culture and the arts - music, literature, cinema and art - and on natural history, with a thorough overview of Serbia's best wildlife sites. Serbia remains one of the least known corners of Europe although Belgrade, the capital, is becoming increasingly popular with overseas visitors, as is the second city, Novi Sad. Both are lively, cosmopolitan and welcoming cities with vibrant nightlife. In contrast, rural Serbia, with its hidden monasteries and gorgeous countryside, is an undiscovered gem. This new edition covers everything from the development of the Savamala riverfront in Belgrade to village stays, archaeological sites from the Roman era or earlier (no fewer than 18 Roman emperors were born in the territory that is now Serbia, including Constantine the Great), public transport information, the EXIT festival and Guca Trumpet Festival and, of course, the country's sporting prowess: tennis star Novak Djokovic has won 20 Grand Slam single titles, while in team sports, Serbia has excelled at water polo, basketball, volleyball and football in recent years. No matter your interest, whether it be travelling on one of the steepest climbing railway lines in the world, the Sargan Eight line, visiting one of the largest Orthodox Christian churches in the world, Belgrade's Temple of St Sava, or wandering around the National Museum or Museum of Contemporary Art, both now finally re-opened, Bradt's Serbia offers everything you need for a successful trip.

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This new, thoroughly updated fifth edition of Bradt's award-winning Iceland guide remains the most in-depth guide available to one of the few countries in the world that has no mosquitoes, no ants, no Starbucks and no MacDonalds. Featuring honest, practical information from an author who has repeatedly visited the country over twenty years and is familiar with its language, history and culture, Bradt's Iceland has won the Lowell Thomas Award (the highest travel writing award available in the United States) and provides more context for individual places than any other guidebook, plus frank, investigative hotel and restaurant reviews that hide nothing. This latest edition covers everything you would expect, from the Northern Lights to snow mobiling, dog sledding, visiting West Fjords, Iceland's remotest corner, and the Laugavegur trail, Iceland's most famous 5-day trek. New developments covered include the merging together of different Nature Reserves and National Parks under the 'Vatnajökull National Park' banner, better infrastructure throughout the entire country, new hotels, restaurants, bars and geothermal spas, and more tour companies offering a wider variety of activities. For Reykjavik, there has been a complete update of the city's nightlife, restaurants, hotels, swimming pools and festivals, while other new features include fuller coverage of East Iceland, visiting hot springs and spas, 4X4 adventures in the Icelandic Highlands, plus more details of how and where to experience Iceland's amazing wildlife. Bradt's Iceland also offers the most detailed maps of any guidebook. Based on 20 years of personal and business travel, exploration and adventure all around the country, the guide is exhaustive, well-researched and comprehensive, featuring a year-round approach to travelling in Iceland in line with the development of the local tourist industry to offer attractions beyond the normal summer season. As a contributor to National Geographic, and a frequent host for tours to Iceland, Andrew Evans explores some of the remotest corners of the country regularly. He continues to lecture about the country to high-end tour groups, as well as the National Geographic Society and Smithsonian Institution. His guide is exhaustive, allowing travellers to make informed decisions, to go anywhere and explore anything.

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This new thoroughly updated edition of Bradt's Namibia remains the essential guide for a successful visit to this vast country - more than twice the size of Germany but with less than 3% of the population. Written by expert author and long-standing tour specialist Chris McIntyre, this sixth edition incorporates all the most recent changes, including unrivalled coverage of places to stay and eat, from small, personal guesthouses to classy hotels and upmarket game lodges, and detailed information for self-drivers (including personally researched and checked GPS coordinates) as well as for fly-in and guided safaris. There's also in-depth coverage of wildlife and where to see it, including a new full-colour wildlife field guide section, covering mammals, reptiles and amphibians, marine life and birds. Two background chapters covering everything from history and politics to people, ethnic groups and culture are complemented by two chapters on planning, preparation, health and safety and two on the practicalities of getting around and camping and walking in the bush (including canoeing). Helping you to discover Namibia in detail, 13 chapters offer a regional breakdown, from the capital, Windhoek to the Southern Kalahari, Namib desert, Swakopmund, Skeleton Coast, Etosha National Park, and the Kavango and Zambezi regions in the extreme northeast, including excursions into neighbouring Botswana. With sweeping landscapes and empty roads, Namibia has long captured the imaginations of travellers and photographers. Its immense emptiness offers majestic sand dunes, seemingly endless gravel plains, vast tracts of farmland and rugged mountains hiding galleries of ancient Bushman rock art. Add to this the wildlife and the unexpected beauty of the rivers that define the country's northern and southern boundaries, and it's easy to see why Namibia attracts lovers of the great outdoors.

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Elizabeth Gowing is not a likely yogini. She is too fond of cake and To-do lists, and sometimes falls over on her mat. But yoga has taken her on journeys both inside and out and now she follows yoga around Britain - from the village hall where a quivering triangle pose was interrupted by the council recycling collection to a sound gong bath in the country's noisiest city, from Cornwall to Scotland. She discovers prisoners finding solace in child's pose; children finding expression in dancer pose, and dancers sitting bendily in cobbler's pose. Her feet start to hurt and she realizes that yoga is a current of shared experience that runs quietly through British society, through Middle England to the nation's extremes from Newcastle to Nottingham, East Anglia to West Kilbride, she untangles the Ashtanga from the Kundalini, the Sanskrit from the whimsical new-age, and finds the ways that yoga is rebuilding communities and lives - and her own wobbling body. Sometimes funny, sometimes touching, Gowing evokes the characters and communities she meets along a fascinating journey in a celebration of ancient wisdom solving modern-day problems and the exultation of finally mastering the Crow.

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This new edition of Bradt's Greece: The Peloponnese with Athens, Delphi and Kythira remains the only dedicated guidebook to the southern part of the Greek mainland and provides more detailed coverage of the peninsula than any other rival book, making it an indispensable read for travellers to this small but fascinating part of Greece. It also incorporates a focussed mini-guide to the Greek capital of Athens and nearby world famous site of Delphi and is particularly strong on off-the-beaten-track sites, background information, accommodation and other subjects of interest for both independent travellers and those travelling as part of a group. Originally written by Andrew Bostock, an expert on Greece and former resident of the Peloponnese, this fourth edition has been updated by Bradt's most prolific and experienced guidebook writer Philip Briggs. Selective listings have been refreshed to reflect a growing trend towards eco-conscious boutique hotels. As with previous editions, in-depth coverage of well-known sites is supplemented by descriptions of lesser-known attractions and independent tours and activities, reflecting the reality that the Peloponnese, more than any other part of Greece, exemplifies the ideals of 'slow travel'. With Bradt's Greece: The Peloponnese, discover hidden villages, sophisticated towns and other top attractions, including one of Europe's most spectacular train journeys and the tower houses of the famed Mani. Explore hidden sites, including places not covered anywhere else. The guide is packed with information on agritourism spots, camping under the stars, rustic tavernas and locally grown produce. For those coming out of high season, revel in the delights of the wildflowers of spring, the joys of the olive harvest in late autumn and skiing opportunities during the winter. Bird life and marine life are also a huge attraction for visitors to the Peloponnese. The guide also focuses on the colourful life of the traditional 'paneyiri' and those who still embrace the Greek spirit of 'philoxenia'.

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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-Gasteiz and lively Pamplona - and also delves deeper into the region's interior, capturing the quirkiness that makes it so special. With 36 maps, 16 walks, advice on where to cycle, horseride and surf, he guides travellers 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 San Fermin. 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.

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This new guide to the idyllic and popular county of Somerset from expert author and Somerset resident Norm Longley is ideal for both visitors and locals alike with its mix of visitor information, history, culture and anecdote, not to mention coverage of wildlife, birdwatching, walking, cycling and other outdoor activities. Accommodation and restaurants - and cider - are covered, too: as Longley himself says, he often spends weekends 'roaming the Somerset countryside in search of exciting and/or novel things to do - or at the very least, hunting down good food and drink.' Divided into seven easy-to-explore geographical regions, from Bath and north Somerset through Wells and the Mendips to Exmoor National Park and International Dark Sky Reserve, this is an indispensable companion for everyone from culture devotees to outdoor adventurers, birders to beach lovers, transport enthusiasts to event-goers, families to foodies. The Somerset Levels are covered, and so too are Quantock and Blackdown Hills, the coast, and east and south Somerset. Somerset is consistently seductive: windswept marshes and wild moorland, enchanting upland areas, iron-flat lowland terrain, limestone gorges, and a forty-mile long stretch of coast with rocky coves, fossil-filled cliffs and a tiny offshore island. And, of course, there's the UNESCO World Heritage city of Bath, with its beautifully preserved Roman baths, graceful Georgian architecture and enticing gastronomic possibilities. Bradt's Somerset covers all this and more, from the Glastonbury Festival to the American Museum and Gardens, carnivals to quirky local customs, the longest heritage railway in Britain to England's first designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty, and a good dash of legend and myth too, from King Arthur at Avalon and Camelot, to the country's third largest complex of standing stones at Stanton Drew.

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Bradt's Azores 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. Thanks to the experience of expert botanist and author David Sayers, and the ongoing involvement of author Murray Stewart, the book retains a depth of knowledge about flora and fauna and continues to provide the strong geological and botanical information that is so integral to getting to know the islands. This new edition has been thoroughly updated and also has an expanded focus taking in the land- and sea-based activities which have become a significant part of Azores attractions in the past few years. In Bradt's Azores, full background and practical information is complemented by a region-by-region breakdown and nine chapters - one per island - to provide all the details needed for a successful visit. There are also 29 maps and separate sections on language and the islands' flora. This new edition includes details of Ponta Delgada's new 5-star hotels and Santa Maria's new round-island walk, plus a full update on the accommodation upgrades that have taken place in recent times. Information about new waymarked walks is also covered, plus new bike-hire and whale-watching companies. The Azores attract geologists, bird-watchers, whale-watchers and anyone who loves nature in all its forms. Mountaineers can head to Pico island to climb Portugal's highest peak. The Azores' volcanic origins make for a rugged, diverse landscape, a suitable backdrop for excellent walking, mountain-biking or canyoning. A geological curiosity, a nature-lover's paradise and - more recently - a mid-Atlantic adventure playground, the Azores have become increasingly accessible in recent years. Despite the increase in visitor numbers, though, they retain an authenticity, a genuineness which in most places remains true to its roots. 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.

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This new, thoroughly updated edition of Bradt's Senegal continues to offer far and away the greatest depth of coverage for this increasingly popular part of West Africa. With over 350 pages of detailed description and 40 maps, this remains the definitive source of information to a country that is often described as the whole of West Africa in microcosm. This new edition includes details of the rapidly changing transport situation, notably the opening of the new international airport and the first bridge to span the Gambia River. All regions of the country are covered, including detailed information on access to Senegal's national parks, with detailed maps, itineraries, and practical information on transport, accommodation and eating for each region. Senegal boasts a variety of landscapes and cultures that belie its compact size. Northern desert wilds give way to the rain-soaked Casamance, fringed by hundreds of kilometres of pristine beaches and the fantastically frenetic capital city, Dakar, surrounded by ocean and proudly perched at the westernmost point on the African continent. This smorgasbord of landscapes is all accessible within a day's travel, making Senegal the perfect choice for anyone looking to sink their teeth into West Africa, for the first time or the hundredth. Natural assets aside, Senegal is home to a world of man-made delectations: Dakar's nightclubs throb well into the morning hours and offer a rare chance to dance yourself silly with superstar musicians on their home turf. With one of Africa's most prolific arts scenes, Senegal attracts numerous visitors for its cultural attractions, and this book provides a thorough and accessible introduction to the music, art, film, and literature of this most creative of countries. Beyond the capital, Saint-Louis' charm is an enchanting throwback to the colonial glamour of the 19th century, and sleepy Île de Gorée is a haunting testament to colonial horror, as visitors peer through the door of no return, where thousands destined for the Americas glimpsed their homes for the final time. With all new first-hand research, Bradt's Senegal is the only guide ready to take you to all corners of this enchanting land.

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This new, sixth edition of Bradt's Iran continues to provide the most detailed background, history and cultural information available when visiting this 'Jewel of Central Asia'. Thoroughly reviewed to provide all the latest information, including security and language, this new edition includes expanded information on travel to western Iran, namely Khorasan Province, which remains largely unexplored, with an emphasis on the uniqueness of Iranian cultural heritage combined with stunning landscapes. Also new are maps of Sadosaltaheh Caravanserai, Tabriz, Kerman and Shiraz and Tehran city centres. Travel through Iranian Kurdistan is also included, as are hiking in the Alborz and Zagros Mountains and expanded practical information for independent travellers. Food and arts, rugs and handicrafts are all covered, plus details of recommended Iranian movies. For outdoor enthusiasts, there are details of swimming, skiing, and desert and eco-tours. Expert authors give first-hand descriptions of attractions ranging from the exquisite mosques of Esfahan and the museums and palaces of Tehran to caravanserai, Nishapur, Qaleh Rudkhan and Kurdish villages on the Silk Road Trail. Up-to-date information on all the basics - hotels, restaurants, businesses and shops - help you to uncover the mysteries of ancient Persepolis, to enjoy a soak and scrub in a local hamam, or to pick up a pair of giveh slippers or a Persian rug in Kirman's baazar. This edition has been updated once again by Middle East expert Maria Oleynik, who is fluent in ten languages, including Persian and Arabic, and who is currently undertaking a degree in Middle Eastern Language (Persian) and Society.

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Fully updated for this third edition by expert author Annie Kay (for over 10 years Chairman of the British-Bulgarian Society and a part-time resident of Sofia), Bradt's Bulgaria offers a comprehensive guide to this increasingly popular country. Detailed background information is combined with everything from tips on the best hotels and mehanas to hiking through the Rila Mountains in search of brown bear or simply strolling around Nesebur's harbour. Bradt's Bulgaria also offers better coverage of the country's compelling natural history than any other guide. New for this edition are greater coverage of outdoor activities and adventure trips, a fresh perspective on Bulgaria's burgeoning music scene and nightlife, significantly increased coverage of food and wine - including winery tours, the local grapes, and some on site restaurants and hotels - plus the benefit of new contributions from locals sharing their inside knowledge of local towns. Bulgaria has a history and culture as rich and diverse as its landscape. From the gold-domed churches of Sofia to the picturesque National Revival houses of Koprivshtitsa, mountain monasteries to medieval fortresses and ancient rock formations, the country boasts an eclectic mix of traditions and architecture. Recent archaeological discoveries are detailed in this new edition, along with Bulgaria's participation in the European rewilding scheme. From Plovdiv's UNESCO-listed Old Town to the frescoes of Rila Monastery, skiing to eagle spotting in Pirin National Park, elegant Ruse to the beaches of the Black Sea coast, or the former capital of Veliko Turnovo to the famous mountain town of Koprivshtitsa, Bradt's Bulgaria is the ideal companion for a perfect trip.

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This new, thoroughly updated tenth edition of Bradt's Mauritius, Rodrigues and Réunion remains the most comprehensive English-language guide available and is the only full-blown guide to focus solely on the Mascarene Islands, a place where the dodo once roamed and which today produces exquisite vanilla-flavoured tea. World-leading luxury resorts, excellent beaches, watersports and lively nightlife, weddings and medical tourism, the raw unspoiled beauty of Rodrigues and fascinating birdlife of the Ile aux Cocos nature reserve, world-class hiking through the mountainous interior of Re´union and an intriguing blend of European and African culture are all covered. Unlike other guides, Bradt's Mauritius includes detailed sections on natural history and conservation for each of the islands, as well as guides to and maps of their nature reserves. The Bradt guide also offers more detailed background information on history, culture and politics, plus fuller information on activities and sights, as well as in-depth coverage of the full range of accommodation and restaurant options, from budget to luxury. Activities for each island are included, covering everything from golf and horse riding to expert analysis of individual dive sites, plus extensive information on flora and fauna. Adventure sports and hiking on Réunion are covered, as is the most recent information on getting married in Mauritius, plus detailed coverage of Mascarene culture. Food, local recipes, language, customs, music and medical tourism are all included, and a language appendix offers useful phrases in Mauritian and Réunionnais Creole. Whether you're planning a honeymoon, fascinated by the wildlife, or just want to relax into uncomplicated island life, the Bradt guide is the ideal companion.

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Bradt's Paraguay was the first stand-alone guide to Paraguay published outside of Paraguay itself and still remains the most comprehensive guide available, covering the whole country from the best-known sights to off-the-beaten track attractions well beyond the tourist trail, plus a cross-border excursion to the Iguazú Falls. This new edition has been thoroughly updated to reflect all the most recent changes, including new themed tourist trails such as the Ruta Jesuítica Multidestino (Jesuit-Guaraní missions) and Ruta de la Caña Paraguaya (Paraguayan rum). Also covered are new luxury hotels for international events, and the increase in number of flights into Asunción. Of particular note is the dramatic increase in posadas around the country: small, reasonably-priced, government-vetted guest houses in private homes, the number of which has increased significantly. Bradt's Paraguay offers all the background information required for a successful trip, from customs and etiquette to curious snippets such as the fact that football is believed to have been invented here in the Jesuit missions in 1793 in a game that corresponds to the game known today. Nature and wildlife are also covered, from the Pantanal in the north to the wetlands of Ñeembucú to the south, and to the Mbaracayu reserve to the east. Immensely detailed, Bradt's Paraguay is written by a well-established journalist who has lived in the country for almost 20 years, who runs an educational charity and who has founded a small hotel which offers tours around Paraguay and is run for the profit of local people. With everything from phone numbers of local keyholders to museums and churches to a map of how to reach remote waterfalls, Bradt's Paraguay is the definitive source for a rewarding trip.

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This new edition of Bradt's North Korea has been completely written from scratch and remains the only standalone guide to what is often regarded as the world's most secretive state, a place never far from media scrutiny but about which very little is actually known in the wider world. Detailed is everything you need to know for a successful visit, from the practicalities of how to get there and who to go with to cultural sensitivities and etiquette, safety, money and travelling around. Amongst the places covered are the supra-centrally planned showcase capital of Pyongyang; Panmunjom, where North meets South face-to-face inside the 4km-wide DMZ - the dividing line between two nations and one people; Kumgansan Tourist Resort, the chiefly South Korean-built resort offering fantastic hikes; and Paektusan, the highest peak in all of Korea and Manchuria. For the intrepid and open-minded traveller North Korea is a truly mesmerising destination with a rich past and fascinating contemporary history. Visitors today are immersing themselves in an unrivalled experience in what is seemingly the last country in the world not to have submitted to globalisation, the last country still clinging on to the 20th century experiment in communism that for all others crumbled away shortly after the collapse of the Berlin Wall. Outside of the showcase socialist paradise of Pyongyang, visitors will find stunning natural scenery, from beautiful coastline and beaches to spectacular mountains, such as legendary Paektusan. Whilst many hold the ill-conceived notion that a visit to North Korea may not be safe, the reality is that visitors are warmly welcomed and still considered more as 'guests of the state' than as mere tourists. Written by expert author Henry Marr, who first visited North Korea in 2005 and has since been back more than twenty times, Bradt's North Korea is an indispensable guide to understanding and getting to know one of the world's most curious destinations.

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This new title from Bradt is the only English-language guide to focus on Pays de la 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 authors' 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 summarises 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.

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Bradt's North Macedonia remains the only standalone English-language guidebook to this increasingly popular destination available outside the country. Originally written by Thammy Evans, a political analyst who lived there for five years, this new edition has been thoroughly updated and restructured to make it even easier to use by Philip Briggs, arguably the world's most experienced guidebook writer. Coverage of national parks has been increased and hiking information has been fully integrated to make it more accessible to casual users. Introductions to many points of interest have been expanded to give more of an overview of what the attractions are and there are several new and redrawn maps. Of all the new countries formed following the break-up of Yugoslavia in 1991, North Macedonia was the only one to attain independence without bloodshed. This is a small land that offers huge variety to travellers, from the oldest lake in Europe to soaring forest-swathed mountain ranges and from the millennia-old Neolithic rock observatory at Kokino and Roman mosaics at Heraclea, to dozens of historic and actively-used mediaeval monasteries and mosques. North Macedonia's urban centrepiece and main port of entry is the capital Skopje, now home to a wealth of Ottoman buildings, a lively culinary scene, and several world-class museums, while the main tourist hub is the pretty lakeshore town of Ohrid, a UNESCO World Heritage Site thanks to its wealth of medieval churches and other architectural gems. A trio of national parks provide refuge to brown bears, grey wolves, the rare Balkan lynx and a wide variety of birds. And wherever you go, welcoming family-run tavernas and lively pavement cafés serve authentic traditional cooking and locally produced wine that ranks as probably the most affordable anywhere in the European Balkans. Wherever you go and whatever your interest, this is a country that offers countless rewards to independent-minded travellers and those who want to get away from the crowds. And with Bradt's North Macedonia, you'll find everything you need for a successful trip.

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This innovative new title from Bradt is the first of its type to focus specifically on the vast array of wildlife-watching opportunities found in Europe. Written by expert James Lowen, author of the best-selling 52 Wildlife Weekends: A Year of British Wildlife-Watching Breaks and award-winning A Summer of British Wildlife: 100 Great Days Out Watching Wildlife, this unique guide is packaged into 52 weekend-sized breaks highlighting the best of European wildlife including mammals, reptiles, amphibians, flora, butterflies, dragonflies and birds. We may think of snow-covered Antarctica, South American jungles or African savannahs as holding the world's most plenteous and special wildlife, yet Europe heaves with wildlife wonders year-round, many of which can be seen in a simple weekend break. This book suggests one wildlife-watching break, somewhere in Europe, for every weekend of the year. Want to see brown bears? Make for Finland or Slovenia. Fancy a crack at wolves? Hop on a flight to northern Spain or Italy's Abruzzo. If whales float your boat, a long weekend in Iceland, Ireland or the Bay of Biscay would suit. Orchid lovers can head to Corsica, Crete or the Costa del Sol in spring. Birdwatchers can flock to see migrating raptors in Gibraltar, great gatherings of cranes in central Spain, or vast flocks of seaduck in Arctic Norway. Then there's the wacky olm in Slovenia, cave salamanders in Sardinia and owl-flies in the Picos de Europa. Hungary's mayfly emergence is truly spectacular, as are Norway's musk oxen and Poland's bison. Stretching from the Arctic to its boundaries with Africa and Asia, Europe has enough exciting living creatures amid jaw-dropping landscapes to fill an entire lifetime of wildlife-watching. Ideal for both the experienced wildlife tourist and the novice and packed with stunning colour photos, Bradt's 52 European Wildlife Weekends shows when, where and how to see the most exciting wildlife, complete with inspiring itineraries, engaging descriptions, detailed directions and tips on how to find, identify and enjoy animals and plants. Each entry gives details on species of interest and the landscapes they inhabit, plus suggestions for extending your quick break into a longer visit. Winner of the British Guild of Travel Writers Adele Evans Award for Best Guidebook 2018.

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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.

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Winner of the Travel Media Awards 'Travel Guide Book of the Year' award 2016. This original and colourful guide to British summer wildlife experiences is packaged into daily suggestions for what, when, where and how to see the best of British summer wildlife. For both the experienced wildlife tourist and the novice, the suggestions criss-cross England, Scotland and Wales, complete with inspiring itineraries, engaging descriptions, detailed directions and tips on how to find, identify and enjoy British animals, butterflies, birds and plants. Each entry gives an informative and inspiring suggestion focusing on up to four species, with full-colour photography and a helpful box covering practicalities such as grid references, useful websites, access arrangements to specific sites, flexibility details such as flight periods for butterflies or flowering weeks for orchids, and alternative sites to make viewing possible if you don't live near the suggested site but want to view the suggested species. From delicate orchids to gargantuan basking sharks, from seabird skyscrapers to ostentatious otters, this is the only guide of its type to offer full details of how to get the most out of British summer wildlife-watching.

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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 epitomises 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, marvelling 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.

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Ecuador is compact by South American standards, yet it boasts extraordinary diversity. Footprint's Ecuador & Galapagos Handbook will guide you from the lush Amazon jungle canopy to the beautiful Pacific beaches, with smoking snow-capped volcanoes in between. - Loaded with information and suggestions on how to get off the beaten track, from remote towns with traditional fiestas to mountaineering and paragliding - Includes comprehensive information on everything from transport and practicalities to history, culture & landscape, as well as a full-colour Galapagos wildlife feature - Plus all the usual accommodation, eating and drinking listings for every budget - Full-color planning section to inspire and help you find the best experiences - Personal recommendations from the authors on everything from hiking and birdwatching, to the best colonial sights and local crafts From exploring the colonial districts of Quito to indulging your senses at an authentic market, Footprint's fully updated 9th edition will help you navigate this inspirational destination.

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Of all the capital cities in the Caribbean, Havana has the reputation for being the most splendid & sumptuous. From strolling along the Malecon and exploring La Habana Vieja (Old Havana), to Museo Ernest Hemingway or the tropical beaches of Playas del Este, this guidebook will help you make the most of your visit to this intriguing city. * Practicalities section with indispensable information on getting there and around. * Highlights maps of the region so you know what not to miss. * Comprehensive, up-to-date listings of where to eat, drink and sleep. * Detailed street maps for Havana and its key municipalities. * Slim enough to fit in your pocket. Loaded with advice and information on how to get around, this concise Footprint Handbook will help you get the most out of Havana without weighing you down.

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Andalucía is home to a cornucopia of historical treasures and rich layers of culture resplendent with color. Footprint's 8th edition Andalucía Handbook will guide you from the noble churches & tasty tapas of Sevilla to lush green hills crowned with postcard-pretty white villages. . Great coverage of the activities and sights in the 8 provinces that make up the region . Loaded with information and suggestions on how to get off the beaten track, from remote towns with Renaissance palaces to peaceful hill-walking . Includes comprehensive information on everything from transport, practicalities to history, culture & landscape . Plus all the usual accommodation, eating and drinking listings for every budget . Full-color planning section to inspire and help you find the best experiences . Personal recommendations from the author on everything from food & wine to surfing, hiking and architecture From dining on the freshest of seafood to exploring prehistoric monuments, Footprint's fully updated 8th edition will help you navigate this intoxicating destination.

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Wildly beautiful, this ancient land is one of the finest destinations for wildlife viewing in southern Africa, and its opportunities for adventure are almost limitless. Footprint's Namibia Handbook will guide you from the red sands of the Kalahari to the sunken hulks resting on the striking Skeleton Coast, via the fascinating museums and buildings of Windhoek. * Great coverage of the top activities and sights in the region, including eerie ghost towns, unspoilt national parks, vibrant red sand dunes, skydiving, quad biking, and the awesome Fish River Canyon * Loaded with information and suggestions on how to get off the beaten track, from exploring the lands of the nomadic Himba people to quirky seaside towns * Includes comprehensive information on everything from transport and practicalities to history, culture & landscape * Plus all the usual accommodation, eating and drinking listings for every budget * Full-colour planning section to inspire you and help you find the best experiences From spotting swift cheetahs to ballooning over the barren wildernesses, Footprint's fully updated 7th edition will help you navigate this adventurous destination.

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Thoroughly updated, this seventh edition of Bradt's guide to Switzerland offers a unique perspective on getting the most from this mountainous country while travelling only by public transport. Switzerland boasts the world's finest public transport network - the comfort, efficiency and frequency of trains, buses, boats and cable cars explain why many Swiss don't own cars - yet is still enhancing services, including recently around Geneva. The Swiss Travel System is a revelation. Moreover, using public transport is a must. Visitors cannot reach many fine Swiss sights by road, and over a dozen car-free resorts enable them to experience the serenity and clean air of the country's mountains (208 above 3,000m). Walkers and cyclists enjoy superb networks - almost 64,000km of footpaths and many surprisingly unhilly cycle paths beside lakes and rivers. Written by a railway expert who has been visiting this mountainous country since childhood, no other guidebook is devoted to Swiss public transport, which is the easiest, most enjoyable and responsible way to travel. The guide encompasses culture, architecture, landscapes, walking and cycling, plus fascinating facts for railway enthusiasts, numerous tips for reducing costs in a country known for being expensive, and ample advice for foodies. Switzerland offers some of the world's most stunning landscapes. Above and beyond mountains and lakes, each region offers something different and often curious - such as the world's smallest vineyard, barely the extent of a dinner table, owned by the Dalai Lama - while four official languages add cultural variety. Switzerland's cities are among the world's most beautiful, safest and pedestrian friendly. Its capital, Bern, is a World Heritage Site with 6km of covered arcades, where even jaded shoppers will delight in hundreds of independent shops. Luzern's lakeside setting is unrivalled, with mountains in every direction, floodlit city walls and an historic centre. Lausanne and Geneva overlook Lac Léman, Zurich is lively, and Basel enjoys a broad sweep of the Rhine. Whether you love culture or cycling, gastronomy or walking, with Bradt's Switzerland, you can enjoy the qualities that help ensure Switzerland is consistently ranked among the world's most liveable countries - while travelling confidently on public transport.

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'From a young age, I was flirting with the sea and its power.' says Ben Thompson. This is the colourful and moving story of a boy who realised at an early age that the sea was his calling and followed his dream. By the age of twenty-five, Ben Thompson was being paid to dive the world's most exquisite coral reefs. Few people have worked as dive instructors in such varied locations around the world as he has. From exploring the far reaches of South East Asia by local yacht to off-roading through sub-Saharan Africa looking for new dives, Ben sees the world through a diver's mask. Along the way, he dives one of the world's only vertical wrecks (at a top-secret location) just as it ruptures its gas tanks and causes an international incident, is held up at gunpoint by a militia group in the Philippines, rescued by pirates in Indonesia, and visits the Caicos with America's largest naked diving group. His story will fascinate divers, travellers, seafarers, and adventurers of all stripes. It's an exhilarating tale of escaping the humdrum, and also a cheering love story as his ever-patient partner and dive buddy, Vic, accompanies Ben on his escapades around the world.

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The new, thoroughly updated second edition of Bradt's Freedom Pass London brings to life the UK capital through 26 carefully selected walks that reveal historical landmarks, wildlife hotspots and quiet corners with fascinating pasts.

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New from Bradt is the thoroughly updated second edition of The Vendée, the only English-language guidebook to focus on this part of Pays de la Loire. Also covered in this guide to an increasingly popular French region are Nantes, Pornic, La Rochelle and the Île de Ré. Written by Angela Bird, who for almost 50 years has owned a home in the region, and award-winning travel writer Murray Stewart, and updated by adventurer Ed Cooper, Bradt''s guidebook offers comprehensive coverage of a beguiling area, detailing everything from family holidays to walks, cycling, local cuisine and history. The Vendée offers all the benefits of a destination that is well established with both French and British visitors, with easy access and short drive times via UK ferries adding to its appeal. Popular with campers and self-caterers, the Vendée''s sunny climate and 140 km of sandy beaches, plus its tree-lined canals and open marshland, make for a diverse outdoor playground. Bradt''s The Vendée includes sugg

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This new, thoroughly updated fourth edition of Dorset (Slow Travel), Bradt''s popular and distinctive guide, offers in-depth exploration of one of England''s most popular counties. Author Alexandra Richards, Dorset born and bred, shares local insights to offer a wider, more personal selection of places to explore than any other guide, including attractions known only to locals, who normally keep the county''s treasures to themselves. The result encourages you to slow down and appreciate why this county deserves repeat visits.Dorset is quintessential rural England: rolling hills, thatched houses, winding lanes and stunning stately homes. Enchanting Dorset landscapes described in Thomas Hardy''s 19th-century novels are largely unchanged and are likely to remain so given that Dorset enjoys England''s highest proportion of conservation areas. The county is trimmed by the spectacular Jurassic Coast (starring locations such as Durdle Door and Lulworth Cove), England''s first natural World He

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After eight years living in Copenhagen, an English journalist, driven by a passion for languages and mountains, finally rebels. With little more than an assortment of Earl Grey teabags, Danish candles and a map, Georgina Howard abandons her all-too-cosy, cinnamon-scented lifestyle and drives south.The journey leads to wild and craggy landscapes in the Basque Pyrenees on the French/Spanish border, where place names are written in a bizarre, foreign tongue full of ''x''s and ''z''s. Losing her heart to this beautiful land and her pride to the inscrutability of the language, Howard moves into an isolated barn in a mountain hamlet. While pagan festivals reverberate through the valleys, her Basque neighbours - farmers, shepherds, a gravedigger and a champion female lumberjack - observe her, bemused. Only when her daughter, Marion, is born - after an unsuccessful relationship with an eccentric Basque miller - do Howard''s neighbours drop their reserve and welcome her into their homes. Taking

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Dog-friendly Weekends is the first all-encompassing, practical and inspirational guidebook to dog-friendly holidays in Britain. Not only does it cover dog-friendly accommodation and pubs, but most importantly, each chapter offers a well-rounded weekend away, with recommendations on attractions where the dog is allowed and great walks for all abilities. Travel journalist and dog-travel expert Lottie Gross has spent several years travelling thousands of miles around Britain with her canine companions sifting out places which are truly dog-friendly from those which are simply dog-tolerant. Drawing on her experiences, and on her research as the Times Expert Traveller dog-friendly writer, she has come up with a unique guidebook that pinpoints all the best places to go and things to do when travelling around Britain with your dog. Going on holiday without your dog is never the ideal solution, which is why this book offers inspiration for 50 dog-friendly weekends away in Britain, including museums where you can take the dog inside on a rainy day, heritage railways where the dog rides free, and countless excellent walks the whole family can enjoy. Island-hopping, city breaks, and coast and countryside romps are all included, from Cornwall to the Scottish Highlands. This is also a useful, practical guide that addresses the questions all dog-owners have to consider when travelling with their pets. Is there space by the table for my dog? Can the dog come down to breakfast? Can the dog be left in the room? Each place included has been vetted (no pun intended) by the author, whose first-hand experience is supplemented with contributions from experts on safe and responsible travel with your dog, ensuring every owner is well equipped to give the whole family a memorable break away.

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Linked by the sinuous spine of the Andes, Peru, Bolivia & Ecuador are born of a synthesis of ancient America and medieval Europe. Footprint's Peru, Bolivia & Ecuador Handbook will guide you from the unforgettably unique Galapagos Islands, through the awe-inspiring citadel of Machu Picchu, to the shimmering turquoise waters of Lake Titicaca. * Great coverage of the top activities and sights in the region, including the colonial treasures of Quito; spectacular costumed festivals; sacred pyramids and temples; the incredible salt flats of Salar de Uyunia * Loaded with information and suggestions on how to get off the beaten track, from where to find the best artesania to seeking jaguars in the rainforest * Includes comprehensive information on everything from transport and practicalities to history, culture & landscape * Plus all the usual accommodation, eating and drinking listings for every budget * Full-colour planning section to inspire travellers and help them find the best experiences From the mysterious Nazca lines to bustling indigenous markets, Footprint's fully updated 5th edition will help you navigate this breathtaking destination.

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From the snow-capped beauty of Mount Kilimanjaro, Africa's highest mountain, to the vast plains of the Serengeti, the north of Tanzania offers enormous diversity. Whether you're spotting the Big Five on safari, trekking spectacular peaks or exploring the incredible Ngorongoro Crater, Footprint's Kilimanjaro & Northern Tanzania Handbook covers all the top attractions in this fascinating region, plus tips for escaping the crowds and getting off the beaten track. * Practicalities section with essential advice on getting there and around. * Highlights map & inspirational colour section, so you know what not to miss. * Comprehensive listings including where to eat, sleep and relax - whatever your budget. * Detailed street maps for Moshi, Arusha & other key locations & national parks in the region * Slim enough to fit in your pocket. Loaded with advice and information, this concise Footprint Handbook will help you get the most out of Northern Tanzania without weighing you down.

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Zanzibar's coastline offers some of the best beaches in the world, with its dazzling white sands and colourful marine life, whilst atmospheric Stone Town is filled with intriguing alleyways and old Arabian townhouses. Whether you're sampling fresh seafood at the Forodhani Market, scuba diving off the pristine coast of Pemba or challenging your senses on a spice tour, Footprint's Zanzibar & Pemba Handbook covers all the top attractions on these glorious islands, plus tips for escaping the crowds and getting off the beaten track. * Includes Dar es Salaam, the main gateway for entering Tanzania. * Practicalities section with essential advice on getting there and around. * Highlights map & inspirational colour section, so you know what not to miss. * Comprehensive listings including where to eat, sleep and relax - whatever your budget. * Detailed street maps for Dar es Salaam, Stone Town and other key locations in the region. * Slim enough to fit in your pocket. Loaded with advice and information, this concise Footprint Handbook will help you get the most out of Zanzibar & Pemba without weighing you down.

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David Attenborough, Dion Leonard (Finding Gobi), Dervla Murphy and Brian Jackman are just four of the authors whose work features in this new anthology from Bradt focusing on true stories about travelling with animals. In Beastly Journeys, there are 46 tales of extraordinary animal travel experiences, from hilarious holidays with pets to journeys on which wild animals somehow came along for the ride, including: David Attenborough tries to get an armadillo through Paraguayan customs; adventurer Ash Dykes takes a white cockerel to Maromokotro to ward off evil spirits; Mike Gerrard shares a car journey from Belsize Park to Canvey Island with a python; Brian Jackman rides, walks and swims with Abu the elephant; Bradt New Travel Writer of the Year Dom Tulett rows with a kingfisher; and John Rendall travels to Africa with Christian, the lion he bought at Harrods and raised in west London. Also included is a brand new piece of writing from ultramarathon runner Dion Leonard about his experience with Gobi, the stray dog who accompanied him for 80 miles over the treacherous Tian Shian mountains. A mix of new, previously unpublished writers and old favourites are included, with extracts from writers such as Mark Shand (Travels on my Elephant), Dervla Murphy (Eight Feet in the Andes) and Robert Louis Stevenson (Travels with a Donkey), not to mention Gerald Durrell, 19th-century explorer Isabella Bird and renowned publisher Michael Joseph. Compelling, engaging, surprising, humorous and entertaining. if this book proves one thing it's that travel with animals is every bit as unpredictable as you would expect it to be.

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The first dedicated English-language guidebook to Mons, European Capital of Culture 2015. Mons is a town itching to be discovered. Cobbled streets rise on a twisty medieval grid to its beautiful central square, and then on up to a crescendo at the 17th-century Belfry, one of the town's four UNESCO World Heritage Sites. Historic, pretty and manageably compact it is the perfect short stay destination.

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This new, fifth edition of Bradt's Madagascar Wildlife, first published over 25 years ago, celebrates the unique fauna of this remarkable Indian Ocean island. Written by naturalist tour-leaders and Madagascar experts, and aimed at visitors and natural-history enthusiasts alike, this guide has been thoroughly updated to reflect both the latest discoveries - on an island where new species for science are continuously discovered - and the latest developments at the country's top wildlife-tourism locations. Wildlife is the key draw for English-speaking visitors to Madagascar. Enjoying nature couldn't be more different to continental Africa. Rather than going out on safari to see the Big Five from the safety of a jeep, in Madagascar you approach wildlife on rainforest strolls, without fear of encountering dangerous snakes or angry elephants. From its endearing lemurs and comical chameleons to the endemic birds and bizarre insects, this is the only guide to showcase the whole range of Madagascar's captivating wildlife. It features lively descriptions of animals and their behaviour - perfect for the interested layman - complemented by 280 sumptuous colour photographs. A 'Habitats and Hotspots' chapter details the island's various ecosystems and presents concise information on where best to see fascinating species, helping readers choose which parks and reserves to visit - from Masoala and Ranomafana to Ifaty and Berenty. An incredible 90% of Madagascar's plants and animals are unique to the world's oldest island. Accordingly, this guide also tells the story of how Madagascar came to be so different from the rest of the world, and why evolution took a different tangent to create such an extraordinary and unparalleled array of creatures. Read about Madagascar's remarkable chameleon diversity: half the world's species occur here, including the smallest and largest. And prepare to be astonished by an orchid with a ridiculously long nectary tube that prompted Charles Darwin to correctly predict that there would be a moth that had evolved an equally absurd 30-cm-long tongue to reach it. As a practical guide to help you plan your dream wildlife trip to this special destination, Bradt's Madagascar Wildlife is readable, user-friendly and inspiring; as a souvenir, it's unbeatable.

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For over 25 years Bradt's Zambia Safari Guide has been widely acknowledged as the best guidebook to this African country, and it is now the only dedicated guide to Zambia's world-renowned safari destinations. Combining in-depth reviews of lodges, camps and other accommodation (from a stately home to a contemporary woven treehouse), detailed descriptions of safari locations and operators, extensive practical details, local insights, a brand new 48-page colour wildlife guide and curated coverage of the main access points of Lusaka and Livingstone, this is the 'must-have' guidebook to travel planning and exploring the country's wildlife-rich safari regions. Lying in the heart of the continent, Zambia is deepest, darkest Africa at its most appealing. Many visitors are drawn initially to the majestic Victoria Falls. Others come for the glory of Zambia's stellar national parks: the South Luangwa, the Lower Zambezi and Kafue. For seasoned safari goers, Zambia is the home of the walking safari; for adventurous travellers, it is about canoeing past hippos on the Lower Zambezi - or diving into a whole new world of freshwater fish in Lake Tanganyika. Experienced travel writers Chris and Susie McIntyre - both Africa experts, with Susie having grown up in Zambia - use their decades of safari experience and in-depth knowledge of the Zambian safari scene to provide accurate, honest and upbeat descriptions, anecdotes and advice. To help readers make informed choices, the authors explain where to find top-quality guiding and detail Zambia's top spots for wildlife and wilderness (including GPS co-ordinates for those who prefer self-drive holidays). They advise on the best walking safaris plus the 'silent safaris' available in electric vehicles and boats, and suggest how best to combine different safari experiences into a fulfilling itinerary in a country where nearly one-third of the land area is reserved for wildlife. Whether you are a wildlife enthusiast or Africa addict, an escapist seeking wilderness or a family craving adventure; and whether you prefer a local operator to make your arrangements or independent travel, Bradt's Zambia Safari Guide is the perfect travel companion.

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It's 2017. Three friends in their twenties decide to take a year off, shunning the career ladder to drive from Italy to China, following the ancient Silk Roads. On Being from Nowhere relates their 23,000-km-long journey, which lasts over a hundred days, traverses sixteen countries and fulfils a childhood dream of exploration. Sponsors provide the trio with just enough money to cover the journey between Venice and Beijing, in exchange for news on China's modern-day Silk Road-type initiatives, such as its 'One Belt, One Road', a trillion-dollar infrastructure project seeking to improve the connections between Chinese and European markets. The debut of Giulio De Osis, On Being from Nowhere, is more than a travel narrative following in the steps of great writers such as Marco Polo and Nicolas Bouvier. As the friends venture east, they find themselves contemplating their identities, the responsibilities that come with travel and what it means to travel at a time when borders are closing - when, to quote former UK Prime Minister Theresa May people who believe they 'are a citizen of the world' are actually 'a citizen of nowhere'. Individual chapters relate experiences and encounters in Italy, the Balkans, Turkey, Georgia, Azerbaijan, Iran, Turkmenistan, Uzbekistan, Kyrgyzstan, Kazakhstan and China. The friends are interrogated by the authorities, deal with a broken-down car and fear for their life in a storm in the Kyrgyz mountains. The friends' own stories weave around those of the varied cast of characters they meet along the way - providing opportunities for the protagonists to think about their surroundings, their own identities and the meaning of travel. On Being from Nowhere merges the story of the Silk Roads, with those of its modern inhabitants and the adventures of a group of three friends indulging in the journey of a lifetime. It is part travelogue, part adventure story, part cultural history and part self-examination. This is a book for people who love travel writing, for travel buffs interested in the Silk Road regions and their history, and for anybody who has experienced a young adult's wanderlust and the drive to explore.

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This new, thoroughly revised edition of Bradt's Southern Africa Wildlife guide provides an overview of all southern African wildlife - not only 'big game' and other large mammals, but also birds, reptiles, amphibians and invertebrates. Excellent for independent travellers, it is reliable as a standalone guide combining both wildlife and visitor information, and is also a perfect complement to traditional field guides. Countries covered include Botswana, Lesotho, Mozambique, Namibia, South Africa, Eswatini and Zimbabwe, with Malawi and Zambia both added to this new edition. Colour photographs illustrate all key species and the engaging text extends beyond basic identification features to illuminate the natural history and ecology of the wildlife that visitors will encounter. Text has been updated throughout to reflect the latest conservation initiatives and wildlife population figures. Included are a practical guide to tracks and signs, plus top tips for optimising your wildlife experience, as well as a 'where to go' overview which outlines the key wildlife attractions of each country and, together with a seasonal highlights calendar, enables visitors to plan a safari that suits their interests.

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Written by a female Middle East expert, Bradt's Saudi Arabia is the first English-language travel guide from a mainstream publisher that focuses exclusively on the Kingdom, which has now opened for general tourism as part of rapid political, economic and social reforms. With detailed advice on what to see and do, listings for accommodation and restaurants, guidance on cultural etiquette and advice for women and other diverse travellers, this book provides the practical information adventurous tourists need to explore this new, exciting destination. Saudi Arabia will appeal to adventure travellers, offering activities ranging from pristine, world-class scuba diving to mountain-trekking. With dramatic scenery including a desert that stretches for hundreds of kilometres (where you can camp like a Bedouin) and several accessible nature reserves, visitors looking for undisturbed landscapes are spoilt for choice. Culture vultures will appreciate pre-Islamic rock art, Nabatean heritage, Mada'in Saleh (the sister city to Jordan's Petra in Jordan) and six UNESCO World Heritage Sites rarely visited by international tourists. Particularly after sundown, when Saudi Arabia truly comes alive, urbanites can explore the cities of Riyadh and Jeddah, where shopping opportunities range from traditional souqs to top-end malls where the wealthy go to see and be seen. Gastronomists can enjoy varied cuisine, from fine dining worthy of a Michelin star to traditional meals served on the floor, shared by all and eaten by hand. This guide dispels misinformation by providing an unbiased, up-to-date and comprehensive resource that accurately reflects what Saudi Arabia now offers visitors from all backgrounds. Most outsiders know little about the Kingdom other than from typically negative media coverage, so may be pleasantly surprised at its rich history and youthful population eager to extend hospitality to guests respecting their culture and traditions. A comprehensive guide combining detailed travel information about the entire Kingdom (from the Northern Borders to Asir, and from Hejaz to Eastern Province) with a chapter explaining some of the main practices of and reasons for the hajj and umrah pilgrimages, plus contextual insights covering cultural etiquette, reforms and women travellers, Bradt's Saudi Arabia is the perfect companion for people who thrive on off-the-beaten-path travel.

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Bradt's Africa Overland is the result of over 40 years' experience on the roads of Africa, Asia and South America, combining everything you need to know about the Africa with all the practical advice needed for tackling long-distance journeys under often challenging conditions, be it by 4X4 or public transport. A massive amount of background detail is included, from suggested routes for reaching Africa - including via Asia or Saudi Arabia - to selecting and shipping your vehicle, budgeting, equipment and spares, organised tours, public transport, red tape and heaps of information about issues likely to arise on the road: driving and recovery techniques, maintenance, motorbike driving, bureaucracy, borders and police checks. This new, fully updated edition covers over 50 countries, as well as offering a focus on aspects such as geography, vegetation and climate, natural history and conservation, cultural interaction, religion and festivals. There's lots of guidance about where to find all the latest information both before you depart and while you're on the road, plus a guide to countries on the return route through Asia and Europe: India, Nepal, China, Kazakhstan, Russia, Ukraine and Poland. African highlights include the Atlas Mountains and Sahara fringes in Morocco, desert expeditions in Chad, River Nile culture in Egypt and Sudan, the equatorial rain forests of central Africa, East African game parks, and Victoria Falls on the Zambia-Zimbabwe border. In southern Africa, there's Angola, the Namibian desert, and the Cape and diverse coastline of South Africa. As the authors say: 'Africa is addictive. It is also changing fast, but a trip now will still be a revelation.'

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This new, fully revised seventh edition of Bradt's Albania remains the most authoritative standalone guide to what is still a relatively little known part of Europe. Coverage is comprehensive, starting in the capital, Tirana, then moving through central, northern and southern Albania to provide all the information needed for a successful trip. Included are knowledgeable and rigorously researched historical and archaeological background, detailed notes on popular and less well-known hiking routes and other outdoor activities, and specialist contributions on wildlife, military history and other topics. An unparalleled wealth of practical advice for the independent traveller is also offered. Albania has something to offer almost everyone. Many come for the spectacular, unspoilt mountain scenery and the hiking and cycling opportunities. Others are interested in the country's heritage, such as the Ottoman cities of Gjirokastra and Berati (both UNESCO World Heritage Sites), the many outstanding archaeological sites, and the Byzantine religious art in the medieval churches and in museums in Tirana, Korça and Berati. Beaches such as Dhërmiu and Jala in the south are popular with young backpackers, while in high season the resorts are full of Albanian-speaking Kosovars and Macedonians. Ornithologists have long been attracted to Albania, even during the Communist period when the country was all but closed to most foreign visitors, thanks to its many different habitats and the fact it lies on several migration routes. For city slickers, lively Tirana offers shopping malls, cycle paths, museums, art galleries and historic buildings, yet in the countryside, especially in the mountains, villagers still live much as their grandparents did, tending their goats and sheep, spinning wool and making their own cheese and yogurt. Many villagers have opened up their homes as guest houses, offering a wonderful opportunity to experience local culture first-hand. All of this - and more - is covered in Bradt's Albania, the ideal companion for a perfect trip.

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