'Belissimo' - Daily Mail 'an amusing and charming read...Ross is the champion of the impulsive adventurer...If you are interested in Italy, in travel writing and the tales of a decent raconteur then this is for you.' - Paul Burke, NB Magazine Where do you go to when you only have a pittance for a home away from home for a huge family? Ian Ross realises that his small inheritance won't get him a place in France or even Spain, so he heads for southern Italy where he remembers the Blue Guide describing long empty sandy beaches in southern Calabria. When he arrives in Southern Italy he finds the house prices are encouragingly low. Why does no one go there? It's inaccessible and it's beloved of the Mafia. Not to be put off Ross stumes on the perfect beach on a crystal-clear bay in the deeply southern province of Reggio Calabria, an area he is soon advised is 'Bandit Country'. And the fact that there is a house right on the beach big enough for all the family at a price he can afford overcomes all fears and to a large extent all common sense. Buying it was only the beginning. Beached in Calabria catalogues the things that can go wrong in southern Italy for this English fish-out-of-waterman; he's out of his depth in a whirlpool of incomprehensible rules and regulations, family systems, conflicting advice and linguistic conundrums. Disaster follows disaster, but this travelogue encompasses tales of the friendships Ross makes on the way in this forgotten corner of Old Italy where the food and the 326 days of sunshine a year make for a perfect setting to a triumphant escapade.

Iceland offers a world of hiking opportunities like no other place on earth. The famous 55km Laugavegur Trek takes you past glaciers, volcanoes, steaming fumaroles and hot springs all set in a landscape of yellow rhyolite and black ash. This new guide gives you plenty of other options from hiking in the shadow of the largest ice-cap in Europe at Skaftafell to easier day hikes around the vibrant capital city of Reykjavik. * 41 detailed walking maps in the classic Trailblazer style - showing route times, gradients, where to stay * Detailed Reykjavik city guide - and maps * Itineraries for all walkers on 11 specially selected hikes - from day hikes around Reykjavik to more challenging 6-day treks including the 55km Laugavegur Trek * Practical information for all budgets - where to stay (campsites, hostels and huts, B&Bs, lodges and hotels), where to eat, what to see * Comprehensive background information - geology and vulcanology, flora and fauna, history, people * Full public transport information - for all access points

New Orleans - Sitting on a bend of the Mississippi River, “Crescent City” is an intoxicating blend of people and cultures. The New Orleans weekend guide covers the best things to do in this most seductive of cities, with a focus on maximizing your time. Michelin's star ratings recommend the most interesting sights for every neighborhood and excursion, atmospheric places to stay, incomparable local eateries and outstanding venues to kick back and listen to jazz, Cajun and blues. The pocket-sized guide is packed with information for the weekend in New Orleans. Michelin Short-Stays Guides are a handy pocket guide with a detachable map to help you get around and explore the city or country that you are visiting. Presenting the top attractions for a 24-hour visit, a weekend or longer. You'll find a choice of restaurants for any budget. This pocket-size guide helps you do it all with its detailed maps, recommended places to eat and stay, and Michelin's respected star-rating system. A detachable map is included to help you plan and navigate your trip with ease. Each guide has an introductory welcome to section with how to get there, Must Sees, Top Picks, Favourites and a Suggested Itinarary. Use the Discovering section to plan your own visit to sights and attractions, each attraction is listed with one to three stars,* Interesting, ** Recommended, and *** Highly Recommended. A comprehensive addresses section with Where to Eat, Where to Drink, Shopping, Nightlife and finally Where to Stay. The Find Out More Section will give you a little history of the city the guide covers,along with information about Architecture, Activities for Kids, Sports and other special activities or specialities of the city or region you are visiting. Finally the Planning your Trip Section, has practical information, Know before you go. Basic Information, driving, cycling, public transportation, tax's, sports, taxi's and telephones. There is also a festivals and events calendar lisiting annual events and other exhibitions. * Detachable Map of the local area * Coloured sections to use the guide, colour photographs * Unmissable must see sights and attractionsand places to visit * Star selections ***, **, * * Address lists of restaurants, hotels, cafes, and bars. * Shopping and Nighlife information * A recommended Itinerary * Practical tips

This new, thoroughly updated and lavishly illustrated fourth edition of Bradt's Galápagos Wildlife is packed with information and magnificent pictures to aid in identifying key species, all in an easy-to-carry format that covers everything from the wildlife that you're likely to encounter, whether flying in the air, running along the ground or swimming underwater, to a succinct history of the islands, their habitats and volcanic origins. This guide includes the most detailed descriptions and maps of the main visitor sites of any book in print, so you can see where a boat will land and what can be seen there - enabling you to plan effectively for a rewarding visit. An overview of conservation efforts is also included, as are unique island trail plans for those looking to explore. Written and illustrated by two expert-naturalist guides, who have both been visiting the islands for decades, this new edition covers all the latest information, from the discovery of an 'extinct' tortoise species not seen for over 100 years on Fernandina island and the discovery of new rare 'pink iguanas' on Isabela island's Wolf volcano (the highest point on the Galápagos), to the change in taxonomy of 'Darwin's finches' and the new species status of the almost-extinct little vermillion flycatcher. Snorkelling with sea lions, penguins and sharks at Devil's Crown, Floreana is included, as is kayaking in pristine locations such as Española's Gardiner Bay. Travelling to the Galápagos is a rite of passage for serious wildlife enthusiasts. Now with more detailed descriptions, more photos, and updated information on conservation efforts, Bradt's Galápagos Wildlife is the perfect companion for this once-in-a-lifetime trip.

Breathtaking landscapes, unrivaled trekking, and the creative spirit of Reykjavík: experience it all with Moon Iceland. Inside you'll find: - Strategic, flexible itineraries, from a three-day tour of Reykjavík to a weeklong best of Iceland, plus a nine-day road trip on the famed Ring Road - Unique experiences and can't-miss highlights: Drive past quaint towns and enormous fjords, hike through Iceland's majestic national parks, and bask in the shimmering glow of the northern lights. Stroll Reykjavík's busy streets, listen to up-and-coming bands at uniquely themed venues, and kick back with a handcrafted Icelandic beer at a local hangout - The top outdoor activities: Search for seals, whales, and porpoises off the Icelandic coast or spot arctic wildlife like puffins and reindeer onshore. Trek across a mighty glacier, hike the rim of a remote volcano, and relax in the milky blue waters of the Blue Lagoon. Explore crystalline ice caves and mineral-rich lava tubes or catch a rainbow appearing over a thundering waterfall - Full-color photos and detailed maps throughout - Honest advice from local author Jenna Gottlieb on where to eat, where to stay, and when to go, including insight on traveling during the winter - Handy tools including an Icelandic phrasebook and critical background information on the landscape, culture, history, and environment Find your adventure with Moon Iceland. Country-hopping in Scandinavia? Check out Moon Norway. Heading on to continental Europe? Try Moon Amsterdam, Brussels & Bruges. About Moon Travel Guides: Moon was founded in 1973 to empower independent, active, and conscious travel. We prioritize local businesses, outdoor recreation, and traveling strategically and sustainably. Moon Travel Guides are written by local, expert authors with great stories to tell-and they can't wait to share their favorite places with you.For more inspiration, follow @moonguides on social media.

In June 1972, the 43-foor schooner Lucette was attacked by killer whales and sank in 60 seconds. What happened next is almost incredible. In an inflatable rubber raft, with a 9 foot fiberglass dinghy to tow it, Dougal Robertson and his family were miles from any shipping lanes. They had emergency rations for only three days and no maps, compass, or instruments of any kind. After their raft sank under them, they crammed themselves into their tiny dinghy. For 37 days—using every technique of survival—they battled against 20-foot waves, marauding sharks, thirst, starvation, and exhaustion, adrift in the vast reaches of the Pacific before their ordeal was ended by a Japanese fishing boat. The Robertsons' strong determination shines through the pages of this extraordinary book which describes movingly their daily hopes and fears, crises and triumphs, tensions and heartbreaks.

NEW YORK TIMES BESTSELLER A fascinating fear of flying book from a commercial airline pilot and author of the popular website askthepilot.com. For millions of people, travel by air is a confounding, uncomfortable, and even frightening experience. When you go behind the scenes, however, you can see that the grand theater of air travel is actually fascinating. From the intricate design of airport architecture to the logistics of inflight service, here is everything you need to know about flying. Commercial airlines like to hide the truth from customers and do nothing to comfort nervous fliers. And what's scarier than the unknown? In this aviation book, pilot Patrick Smith breaks down that barrier and tells you everything you need to know about flying, including: How planes fly, and a revealing look at the men and women who fly them Straight talk on turbulence, pilot training, and safety The real story on delays, congestion, and the dysfunction of the modern airport The myths and misconceptions of cabin air and cockpit automation Terrorism in perspective, and a provocative look at security Airfare, seating woes, and the pitfalls of airline customer service The true colors and cultures of the airlines we love to hateCockpit Confidential is a thoughtful, funny, and at times deeply personal look into the strange and misunderstood world of commercial flying. If you liked other books about airplanes for adults, including Soar by Tom Bunn or Skyfaring, you'll find reassurance, humor, and guidance in Cockpit Confidential. "Anyone remotely afraid of flying should read this book, as should anyone who appreciates good writing and great information." -The New York Times, on ASK THE PILOT "Patrick Smith is extraordinarily knowledgeable about modern aviation...the ideal seatmate, a companion, writer and explorer." -Boston Globe

In this sumptuous portrait of the house known as ‘the English Versailles’, the Duke of Buccleuch sets the scene with a history of his ancestors, the Montagus of Boughton, who acquired the manor in Northamptonshire in the reign of Henry VIII. Ralph, 1st Duke of Montagu (1638–1709), Charles II’s envoy to Louis XIV, transformed Boughton into a palatial homage to French culture. His son John, the 2nd Duke, was noted for planting long avenues, a love of heraldry, a fondness for practical jokes and the ancient lion he nursed in one of the courtyards. The book showcases Boughton’s magnificent painted ceilings, tapestries and Sèvres porcelain. The celebrated art collection also includes striking portraits of Elizabeth I, Charles II and his son the Duke of Monmouth, another Buccleuch ancestor. Van Dyck’s friends and contemporaries cluster in the Drawing Room in dozen of grisailles. Most eye-catching of all is the portrait of Shakespeare’s muses, the Early and Countess of Southampton. A grand tour takes in the French-inspired façade, the formal State Rooms and the Tudor Great Hall, with their painted ceilings, flamboyant French furniture and the oldest dated carpet in Europe – before moving to the park, with its avenues of soaring limes, network of lakes, and dramatic new sunken pool.

Discover Europe's diverse culture and beautiful landscapes. Whether you want to spend culture-filled days in world-class museums, enjoy lively nights in buzzing bars, take a lazy seaside break or embark on an epic rural adventure, your DK Eyewitness travel guide makes sure you experience all that Europe has to offer. From the modern galleries of Berlin to the ancient ruins of Rome, Europe's capitals host a seemingly endless array of attractions. Venture outside the cities and you'll discover a diverse landscape ranging from snow-capped mountains to balmy beaches. And all across the continent, a plethora of tantalizing cuisine tempts the taste buds. Our updated guide brings Europe to life, transporting you there like no other travel guide does with expert-led insights, trusted travel advice, detailed breakdowns of all the must-see sights, photographs on practically every page, and our hand-drawn illustrations which place you inside the continent's iconic buildings and neighbourhoods. Our updated 2023 travel guide brings Europe to life. DK Eyewitness Europe is your ticket to the trip of a lifetime. Inside DK Eyewitness Europe you will find: - A fully-illustrated top experiences guide: our expert pick of Europe's must-sees and hidden gems. - Accessible itineraries to make the most out of each and every day. - Expert advice: honest recommendations for getting around safely, when to visit each sight, what to do before you visit, and how to save time and money. - Colour-coded chapters to every part of Europe, from France to Italy, Sweden to Poland. - Practical tips: the best places to eat, drink, shop and stay. - Detailed maps and walks to help you navigate the region country easily and confidently. - Covers: Great Britain, Ireland, France, Belgium and Luxembourg, The Netherlands, Spain, Portugal, Italy, Greece, Germany, Austria, Switzerland, Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Finland, Side Trip to St Petersburg, Czech Republic, Hungary, Poland. Sticking to one country? Look out for our DK Eyewitness guides to Great Britain, France, Italy, Germany and many more. About DK Eyewitness: At DK Eyewitness, we believe in the power of discovery. We make it easy for you to explore your dream destinations. DK Eyewitness travel guides have been helping travellers to make the most of their breaks since 1993. Filled with expert advice, striking photography and detailed illustrations, our highly visual DK Eyewitness guides will get you closer to your next adventure. We publish guides to more than 200 destinations, from pocket-sized city guides to comprehensive country guides. Named Top Guidebook Series at the 2020 Wanderlust Reader Travel Awards, we know that wherever you go next, your DK Eyewitness travel guides are the perfect companion.

"In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines lived twelve little girls in two straight lines..." The small but feisty heroine, Madeline, and her charming world have been loved by children and adults alike for eighty years. Take a trip to Paris in this timeless picture book classic. First published in 1939, MADELINE and its sequels have been adapted into numerous formats, spawning television series and a live action feature film. "The illustrations are stunningly beautiful and touchingly eccentric" The Guardian "No one has ever written more delightful stories" New York Herald Tribune

From the Neolithic cave paintings in Wadi Sura - created long before it was a desert when the region was savannah grassland - to the Valley of the Kings to the rock-cut temples at Abu Simbel, and from the vast temple complexes at Karnak and Luxor to the funerary mask of Tutankhamun and, of course, to the pyramids and the Sphinx, Ancient Egypt is a hugely colourful guide to the surviving wonders of Egyptian antiquity. Today the exceptional beauty and scale of the antiquities is legendary, drawing millions of visitors to Egypt's monuments each year. Arranged by region, the book takes the reader along the ancient settlements that were established on the banks of the River Nile. Through beautiful photographs and expert captions, the reader gains an understanding of how ancient Egypt developed its trade links and became such a powerful and wealthy force across North Africa and the eastern Mediterranean. Alongside the world-famous places, there are also fascinating, lesser-known entries, such as the Step Pyramid of Djoser, the bent pyramid at Dahshur and the Statue of Khaefre. Featuring monuments and obelisks, hieroglyphics and jewelry, funerary masks, tombs and mausoleums, mummies of cats and statues of falcon-headed gods, Ancient Egypt includes 160 outstanding photographs and captions.

Smith Rock State Park. It was on the impressive crags of this Oregon hideaway that American sport climbing came into its own, and to this day, some of the hardest climbs in the United States are found on these walls. Alan Watts, who has played a leading role in the development of this popular rock-climbing destination, details more than 2,200 routes at Smith Rock and the surrounding area. This new edition updates hundreds of routes and has new photos of the many crags, walls, and routes. No other guide is as comprehensive or thorough, and no author more respected for his intimate knowledge of one of the world’s most popular climbing destinations.

The river Niger, a source of life and danger for the people in impoverished eastern Mali, is also the origin of elaborate mythology. From his travels through Mali and down the Niger in a dugout canoe, Jean-Marie Gibbal has created a personal documentary of the cultures of the region. The result is at once an ethnography of cultures in crisis and a poetic evocation of the environment and people he encountered.
Gibbal portrays the river as the dominant, cohesive force among people in the face of social and environmental strife. He focuses on the "Ghimbala" healing cult, which centers on the river, and how the cult structures social relations in the region. Gibbal vividly recreations the "Ghimbala" rites, nocturnal ceremonies of spirit possession and seance which animate the water spirits, or "genii, " that inhabit the river. The "genii, " he finds, provide the strength of social identity in a world where famine and competing versions of Islam threaten to overpower traditional culture.
In its original French publication, "The Genii of the River Niger" was honored with an Alexandra David-Neel literary prize in 1989. Its powerful lyricism, combined with fascinating ethnographic depth, will delight general readers and specialists alike and will stir debates among specialists in African studies, the anthropology of religion, and literature.

A peculiar can be defined as something that 'has eccentric or individual variations to the general or predicted pattern'. And, as it turns out, London is overflowing with them. This pocket-sized book will accompany you around the capital, guiding you from the tent-shaped tomb designed for Victorian explorer Sir Richard Burton by his widow, Isabel Arundel Gordon; to what may be the last surviving porter's rest in London; to a stone niche by a long-demolished foundling hospital where almost 15, 000 infants were discarded over the course of the 18th century. Sometimes heroic, sometimes tragic, often amusing and always unexpected, these so-called 'peculiars' bring colour to the fabric of London. Whether you are a lifelong resident or a visitor passing through, London Peculiars is guaranteed to lead you on an adventure. Also in the series: Vinyl London ISBN 9781788840156 Rock 'n' Roll London ISBN 9781788840163 Art London ISBN 9781788840385

Veteran biker and author Colette Coleman's guide lays out 50 of the most scenic and adventurous tours in Europe's most breathtaking locations. Whether you are an experienced biker or just discovering the joys of touring, this is the perfect introduction to the most inspiring motorcycle routes in Europe. Packed with breathtaking photography and practical information, Great Motorcycle Tours of Europe contains everything you need to plan an unforgettable trip. Motorcycle adventurer Colette Coleman takes you bend-by-bend along the narrowest passes and up the steepest climbs as you ride through some of the most impressive scenery in Europe. Experience the snowy peaks of Norway's Arctic Circle, head to the balmy French Riviera, ride through the valleys and peaks of the Italian Dolomites, tackle the twists and turns of Romania's Transfagarasan Highway and cruise down to the Aegean Sea. Over 200 stunning images are accompanied by insightful commentary from an author who has been exploring the world by motorcycle for over 25 years. Each tour features a locator map together with a fact file giving practical information on the route's length and terrain (from rocky tracks to snowy roads), highlighting local colour such as sites, events and the wildlife you might encounter, and including a wide range of valuable tips that will enhance your ride. This beautiful book is the definitive, all-purpose motorcycle reference, whether you are planning your own adventure or just enjoying some of the best views on the continent.

The rock of Dunadd, a few miles north of Lochgilphead, marks the place where the Scots established their headquarters after landing from Ireland around 500AD, and it can rightfully claim to be the birthplace of Scotland. It is also at the heart of present-day Argyll, which roughly corresponds to the area covered by this guide. There are a range of routes across different terrains, including a walk around the Isle of Iona, with its wealth of ancient monuments, superb beaches and an ascent up Ben More, the highest peak on Mull.

Beautiful photography detailing the diverse, colorful, and historic range of Parisian doorwaysParis is one of the most romanticized cities in the world, already has location-based appealAuthor has a growing social media presence, with more than 4,800 Instagram followers (and counting)A small size, gorgeous package, and low price point make it a perfect impulse purchase, coffee-table book, or giftRecent popularity increase in global doorways-the New York Times has multiple articles about location-specific door photography, and the Instagram accounts about doors have explodedOrganized by arrondissement, appealing to travelers and locals for walking tour potentialPhotos paired with fun facts about buildings, history, neighborhoods, people, and more

This brilliant new guide for Londoners reveals hidden rivers, wooded lakes and Art Deco lidos, all within an about an hour of the capital on public transport, perfect for those who love to swim under the open sky. 150 locations cover the best of the Thames, Lea and Medway valleys and the area's numerous swimming lakes. The guide also showcases the best lidos and hotel pools, plus locations with organised swims. > discover secret islands on the Thames with river beaches, bucolic meanders and a bridge to jump from at Desborough Island > find the most beautiful of London's bohemian Art Deco lidos, including its best-kept secret in the heart of Soho > swim in a turquoise blue lagoon, like something from the Caribbean, at St Andrew's lake > spend the day sipping cocktails and eating sushi by the pool at a four-star Tudor hotel - Great Fosters

With Rick Steves, Norway is yours to discover! This slim guide excerpted from Rick Steves Scandinavia includes: * Rick's firsthand, up-to-date advice on Norway's best sights, restaurants, hotels, and more, plus tips to beat the crowds, skip the lines, and avoid tourist traps * Top sights and local experiences: Wander through Viking history, and admire snowcapped mountains and mighty glaciers. Stroll through a lively fish market, and grab lunch and people-watch over a picnic at a scenic park. Enjoy a meal of savory cured fish or hearty local stew, and relax in a cozy fjordside hamlet * Helpful maps and self-guided walking tours to keep you on track With selective coverage and Rick's trusted insight into the best things to do and see, Rick Steves Snapshot Norway is truly a tour guide in your pocket. Exploring beyond Norway? Pick up Rick Steves Scandinavia for comprehensive coverage, detailed itineraries, and essential planning information.

A Naturalist's Guide to the Reptiles & Amphibians of New Zealand is an introductory photographic identification guide to all 141 reptile and amphibian species of New Zealand. High-quality photographs from the author and the country's top nature photographers are accompanied by detailed species descriptions, which include nomenclature, size, distribution, habits and habitats, and conservation information. The user-friendly introduction covers geography and climate, habitats, reptiles and amphibian identification and a glossary. Also included is an all-important checklist of all of the herpetofauna of New Zealand encompassing, for each species, its risk category and New Zealand conservation status.

A Naturalist's Guide to the Mammals of India is an introductory, easy-to-use identification guide to 200 mammal species most commonly seen in India, Pakistan, Nepal, Bhutan, Bangladesh and Sri Lanka. Compact and fact-filled, it is perfect for resident and visitor alike. This new 2nd edition includes updated taxonomy and many new images. High quality photographs from India's top nature photographers are accompanied by detailed species descriptions, which include nomenclature, size, distribution, habits and habitat. The user-friendly introduction covers the early study of mammals in India, types of habitat, and details of orders and families. Also included is an up-to-date checklist of all of the mammals of India encompassing, for each species, its common and scientific name, and its global IUCN status.

In centuries long past, a vast swath of grassland swept down the center of North America, from Canada's Prairie Provinces to central Texas. This once-plentiful prairie has now all but disappeared. Humans have grazed, mowed, and plowed the plains, dammed the rivers, and imposed their will on the land and its creatures. Fortunately, some remnants have survived, including the Joseph H. Williams Tallgrass Prairie Preserve in northeastern Oklahoma. In this visually stunning volume, wildlife photographer Harvey Payne and historian James P. Ronda offer an intimate look at and into one of America's Last Great Places. Spanning nearly 40,000 acres in Oklahoma's Osage County, the Preserve is a living witness to a world that once existed. But the Osage prairie is not a museum or theme park - and it is not frozen in time. Under the stewardship of The Nature Conservancy, which has overseen its restoration, the Preserve lives on as a fully functioning ecosystem. And for twenty-five years, Payne and Ronda have explored these lands, together and in solitude. Rendered here in brilliant color and paired with Ronda's informative yet deeply personal commentary, Payne's photographs open our eyes to the ever-changing world of the Tallgrass Preserve. In chapters focused on grass, sky, birds, bison, and fire, Ronda and Payne reveal that the ""Big Empty"" is, in fact, teeming with life. Through interwoven images and words, Visions of the Tallgrass shows that our nation's grasslands are sacred ground, a priceless piece of our American past - and future.

Make Adventure Your StoryTM DREAM IT Best Easy Day Hikes Seattle, Second Edition includes concise descriptions and detailed maps for twenty easy-to-follow trails, for an accessible range of abilities. LOOK INSIDE TO FIND - Casual hikes to full-day adventures - After-dinner strolls to full-day hikes - Hikes for everyone, including families - Mile-by-mile directions and clear trail maps - GPS coordinates