Arabian Peninsula (Lonely Planet)
Hot deserts and cool beaches, lush oases and clamorous bazaars, ultramodern cities and relics of fallen empires – discover Arabia’s diverse attractions with this comprehensive guide to the Peninsula. Dive for Bahraini pearls, haggle for treasures in Dubai’s Gold Souq, explore Oman’s wilderness and wander the mountain villages of Yemen -- Lonely Planet shows you how.
This guide covers: Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, Saudi Arabia, United Arab Emirates, and Yemen. With three of the four authors being women, this guidebook, the only one to cover all the Gulf states, offers a unique female perspective of the Arab world. While mass tourism has reached the most remote corners on Earth, the Arabian Peninsula continues to be seen as a rather mysterious, exotic, and alien place. For those willing to 'risk' Arabia, the region may well hold a surprise or two. Built historically on trade - frankincense and myrrh in ancient times, and oil and gas today - are several great civilisations. Relics range from Yemen's 8th-century BC dam, and Madain Saleh, 'Saudi Arabia's Petra', to Bahrain's King Fahd Causeway, one of the great engineering feats of the 20th century.
Developing from Third World to First World fast - in around 25 years - the Peninsula truly contrasts the old with the new and this is its most fascinating feature. Bedouin tribesmen park 4WDs alongside goat hair tents; veiled women chat on mobile phones while awaiting laser hair removal; and children memorise the Quran while biting on a burger. But beneath the slick, hi-tech veneer lies strata upon strata of traditional Bedouin hospitality, unsurpassed in the world.
Equally diverse is the scenery. Much more than merely desert, there are fragrant forests, rich coral reefs, date-filled wadis and stunning mountain landscapes. Activities abound, from world-class golf, diving and trekking, to desert safaris and turtle watching.
The region also enjoys some of the best shopping in the world at some of the best prices; and some of the world's top hotels, resorts and restaurants at some of the best value.
If travel ever broadened the mind, then travel to Arabia certainly will. You may well learn more about the world from one trip to Arabia than a lifetime's travel elsewhere. And in the process, you might even become passionate about the Peninsula - many travellers do.
Be inspired with customised itineraries and preplanning information to help you plot your Arabian odyssey. History, culture, and arts sections reveal the Peninsula way of life. Explore the faith with special coverage of Islam, its heritage, traditions, and customs. Detailed maps and transport information help you get from Bahrain to Yemen and back again.
1st edition, November 2004.
Paperback.
496 pages, (16 color pages), 87 maps.
Price: $27.99
Ships Immediately.
Part # 42529
