Lonely Planet Middle East

Average customer rating:

This book covered all areas of my interest
Lonely Planet Turkey--great preparation for your trip
Good, but not as good as other Lonely Planet
Inaccurate and out-of-date
Reliability is 50-50

Lonely Planet Turkey
Verity Campbell , Jean-Bernard Carillet , Dan Elridge , and Frances Linzee Gordon
Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Lonely Planet Greece
Turkey (Eyewitness Travel Guides)
Lonely Planet Istanbul
Lonely Planet Egypt
Lonely Planet Greek Islands

ASIN: 1741045568

Amazon.com

From Antarctica to Zimbabwe, if you're going there chances are Lonely Planet has been there first. With a pithy and matter-of-fact writing style, these guides are guaranteed to calm the nerves of first-time world travelers, while still listing off-the-beaten-path finds sure to thrill even the most jaded globetrotters. Lonely Planet has been perfecting its guidebooks for nearly 30 years, and as a result has experience and know-how similar to an older sibling's "been there" advice. The original backpacker's bible, the LP series has recently widened its reach. While still giving insights for the low-budget traveler, the books now list a wide range of accommodations and itineraries for those with less time than money.

This bestselling guide is the ticket to no-nonsense travel in Turkey. Far-reaching coverage of the sights--from the modern to the ancient--is complemented by a Turkish food guide, useful language section and glossary, and thorough accommodation coverage (from hostels to hotels). A section devoted to Turkish carpets explains everything from traditional patterns to making a good buy. --Kathryn True

Book Description

Imagine Byzantine chariot teams clashing as you cross the Hippodrome in Istanbul. Hear the whoosh of the flame in the balloon as you float over the fairy chimneys of Cappadocia. Tackle Yusufeli Gorge's mighty 'King Kong' rapids on the Coruh River. Learn how to cut your raki with water to lessen a hangover.

Eight authors, more than 300 days of in-country research, 123 detailed maps, dozens of doner kebaps consumed.

Special trekking chapter, complete with resources section, by trekking specialist Kate Clow.

From the caravan trail to tips for daredevils, explore Turkey your own way with our in-depth itineraries.

Content updated daily: visit lonelyplanet.com for up-to-the-minute reviews and traveller suggestions.

Customer Reviews:

This book covered all areas of my interest.......2007-06-06

From pensions to informative summaries on the ruins this book covered all basis. The guide was accurate in their description of places and allowed us to travel around freely without assistance even though we had only about 20 words of Turkey under our belt. It came back well worn and happy.

Lonely Planet Turkey--great preparation for your trip.......2006-11-04

This book provides a well rounded view of the country, from its history and culture to the best places to stay, eat and shop. It's easy to read and navigate and a great help in planning a trip.

Good, but not as good as other Lonely Planet.......2006-10-07

As a disclaimer, I am a huge fan of the Lonely Planet travel guides. I like to travel, and have lately traveled to quite a few countries following recommendations from Lonely Planet. Just before going to Turkey, I was in Greece "with Lonely Planet".

Compared to other Lonely Planets, this book on Turkey is weak and the part about Istanbul in particular has been a disappointment.

My comments apply to the 9th edition published in April 2005. I have sent very specific comments to Lonely Planet, and I do certainly hope that future editions will improve on the weaknesses of the 9th edition.

The bottom line is that if you are looking for a travel guide to Turkey, you might still want to consider getting the Lonely Planet, but I recommend you shop around and also look closely at other alternatives.

Inaccurate and out-of-date.......2006-10-03

This guide is seriously out of date. This applies not only to prices, and relative prices, but also to critical information about what is available and how to find it. Having used it (Sept., 2006), my advice is not to rely on it without checking independently that what it says is available and how to get there is correct. Otherwise you may find that you have been expensely (in time or in money) misled. Since you should check with other sources, you might as well simply forget this guide, which is one of the worst I have ever used. Its recommendations about what is worth seeing and the state of hotels, while often useful, can also be wildly wrong.

Reliability is 50-50.......2006-04-04

My wife and I just returned from a two-week trip to the Aegean coast of Turkey. While we were certainly better off with the LP than without it, we found the sections on the Aegean coast to be unreliable.

What I need from a guide book like LP is solid information on places to stay & eat and realistic assessments of cities. This is not the case. The LP consistently praises cities that have few if any redeeming qualities. Their recommendations for pensions are hit or miss. Here are a couple of examples.

In the first, LP's overly optimistic assessment of a city wasted our time. We spent two nights each in Kuşadasi and Bodrum. In both cases the towns were described as laid back, low key and charming during the off season. While the Bodrum entry does say that it is a bit nicer than Kuşadasi, we were left with the general impression that the two towns were similar. (Note that criticism of Kuşadasi should be under the entry for Kuşadasi not Bodrum.) The two could not be more different. Kuşadasi is a bloated, dirty place whose urban core is made of that lovely concrete and re-bar construction. The streets have few signs. Driving is, therefore, difficult. There is simply no real reason to stay in Kuşadasi. One can reach sites from either Selçuk or Bodrum. Both of these cities are far nicer than Kuşadasi. The highlight of our visit was the kindness of our proprietors and our departure from the city. Bodrum, by contrast, was a nice sea-side town filled with white houses and good restaurants. The city is walkable and drivable. It was a truly enjoyable place to stay. LP's editors should criticize a town where it is warranted and not pretend that all Turkish towns are equally nice.

In the second instance, we were left wondering if the editor had bothered to visit the Bergama pension that was recommended. For most of the day the lobby was inhabited by "friends of the establishment" who appeared decidedly strung-out. For the rest of the day, they rattled up and down the stairs flipping on lights. Unwashed louts, loud noises, bright hall lights and glass room doors do not make for a pleasant sleep. (Hint: the map for Bergama is wrong. If your pension is not where it is supposed to be, choose another pension.) This is in contrast to the lovely place, Homeros' Pension, in Selçuk that was also recommended.

In short, with the LP you will sometimes have good recommendations and other times you will not. Do not trust the city descriptions. You could end up spending part of your vacation in a dump. If you are relying on it for good places to sleep you may or may not get what you wanted. Shop around.

But, this, for me, defeats the purpose. Reliability in a guide book allows me to get more out of my time in another culture. I do not want to spend a bunch of time inspecting rooms at pensions; I want to drop my stuff bedside and head out to see the country.

Average customer rating:

Very good book - it saved my neck in Egypt!
Thorough & helpful - another LP winner
A must-have for any Egypt trip
A "must-have"
Seems straightforward and comprehensive

Lonely Planet Egypt
Virginia Maxwell , Mary Fitzpatrick , Siona Jenkins , and Anthony Sattin
Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1740597419

Book Description

The voracious energy of Cairo, the grandeur of Luxor's monuments, the laid-back vibe of Dahab and the remote beauty of the Western Desert oases: Lonely Planet's bestselling guide to Egypt packs in more treasures than Tutankhamun's tomb. MEET THE PHARAOHS - an illustrated Pharaonic Egypt chapter by world-renowned Egyptologist Dr Joann Fletcher brings the ancient rulers to life CRUISE THE NILE - for felucca fun, Agatha Christie-style nostalgia or kid-friendly cruising, our expert tips make finding the right trip a breeze DIVE IN - the definitive Red Sea diving guide will get you underwater and feeling on top of the world SLEEP IN STYLE - whatever your style, opinionated reviews bring you the best city hotels, Nile flotels, budget hostels and sunny resorts GET ORGANISED, STAY CONNECTED - tap into authoritative advice on transport, safety, Internet access and digital photography.

Customer Reviews:

Very good book - it saved my neck in Egypt!.......2007-05-24

I am so glad I bought and digested Lonely Planet Egypt before setting foot in Egypt recently. While the book is very good about places to see and things to do, it also has excellent information of what to watch out for. I can't stress enough some of the points made in the book about being vigilant, counting your change, respecting the religion, and not being swindled left and right. The book makes a point of how to deal with taxi drivers, hotel staff, tipping, and even shopping insights. Obviously the book paints a pretty positive picture of Egypt, but few people come back with positive attitudes about Egypt when they return, but no other book tells you point blank what to expect when you get there and how best to enjoy the sights and sounds of Cairo and the rest of the country. I can safely say that if I had not bought Lonely Planet Egypt, I may have even had much worse things happen to me there, so I really credit this book for saving my neck since Egypt is not the safest destination for American tourists nowadays - be sure to read the US State Department info before departing. Buy the book and be sure to think on your feet while you are there - those are the two most important things to have on hand in Egypt.

Thorough & helpful - another LP winner.......2007-03-09

As always, from health to history, from the Nile to the necropolis, Lonely Planet does it again--assaulting you with helpful information you need before traveling. I did not check to see if there was a "Footprints" guide (which I highly recommend for South America and Peru over the LP guides) for Egypt. But I have been very satisfied with LP's work with Egypt.

A must-have for any Egypt trip.......2007-01-05

My friends and I took both the Rough Guide and Lonely Planet on a recent two-week trip to Egypt. RG had better maps, but it was the LP we repeatedly turned to for reference on dining, shopping and sightseeing. Some prices were slightly inaccurate, but the guide was extremely accessible and easy to understand. The descriptions of museums, temples and tombs were concise while offering enough information for us to grasp what it was we were seeing.

We would especially recommend LP for younger adults who are traveling on a budget but can afford the occasional splurge.

A "must-have".......2006-09-09

The collaborative effort of travel experts Virginia Maxwell, Mary Fitzpatrick, Siona Jenkins, and Anthony Sattin, Egypt is now in its newly updated and expanded eighth edition as the author-researched, traveler-tested guide from Lonely Planet to experiencing the wonder of the Land of the Pharaohs, whether on a business or pleasure trip. Black-and-white and color maps and photographs illustrate this information-packed guide to key locations in Cairo, the Nile Valley, the Western Desert, the Suez Canal, the Red Sea Coast, and much more. History, hours and admission costs of landmarks, a handful of useful words, and a crash-course in adapting to unfamiliarities of Egyptian culture are among the many useful features that make the 8th edition of Egypt a "must-have".

Seems straightforward and comprehensive.......2006-06-27

Although my trip is still in the planning stages - leave in 2 months - this book has been a real help. I'm learning about Egyptian customs, how to travel in a Muslim nation without undue problems and how to take their beliefs and customs into account. Hopefully this will make me not only a better guest in their country, but a better ambassador for my country.

Average customer rating:

A favourite guide for a favourite city
Functional
Nice book, Great City
Lonely Planet Istanbul
Oversells the city. Functional.

Lonely Planet Istanbul
Virginia Maxwell
Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1740594835

Book Description

Istanbul is a cultural mosaic, a heady mix of the hip and the classical, the ultramodern and the ancient - discover the great intercontinental city with Lonely Planet. Whether you want to shop for carpets, behold architectural treasures, catch a Bosphorus ferry or smoke a nargileh, this stylish and street-smart guide is your essential companion.

• TAP INTO THE PULSE of the metropolis with our Entertainment listings and City Life coverage

• HAGGLE LIKE A PRO - we give you the lowdown on the arcades of the Grand Bazaar, Beyoglu's designer boutiques and the best antique and curio shops

• TRAVEL THROUGH TIME with our walking tours highlighting Byzantine and Ottoman glories and the city's atmospheric neighborhoods

• EAT AND SLEEP LIKE A SULTAN - discerning listings cover Istanbul's burgeoning culinary scene and best rest-your-head options

• GET OUT, GET ABOUT with our Excursions chapter and easy-to-use, full-color maps

Customer Reviews:

A favourite guide for a favourite city.......2007-02-11

I love Istanbul, having lived there in the early 1990s. In 2005 I made my first return visit since then, and although I feel confident I know the city well, much has changed. This guide contained information which locals I stayed with weren't aware of, particularly public transport info.

My main criticism of LP books is that the maps are pretty useless, and this is once again the case. You really need to get a separate map f you are going to venture beyond the really well trodden path. (There are a couple of bookshops on Istiklal Cadessi that sell good maps).

I found the tone of the book suited me - it is enthusiastic about an amazing city, and the author certainly knows the place well. I don;t usually follow guide book suggestions for places to eat, preferring to discover those on my own. I am gald I allowed Maxwell to lead me to a couple of cafes and bars, however, as they were excellent.

I recommend this book for both the novice and experienced traveller to the city (which I don;t with all LP City Guides - some, like Paris, I think reather too basic for the experienced visitor to that city).

Functional.......2006-11-29

This book is already annoyingly out of date, but is still the best guide to Istanbul out right now. The prices are off and for some reason given in Euros, even though most places only want Turkish Lira. Maxwell's opinions are loud, even for a Lonely Planet guide, and I found myself disagreeing with a lot of them. Still, a good size to fit in your coat pocket while running around and discovering Istanbul.

Nice book, Great City.......2006-04-20

I am going back to Istanbul and Turkey for the fourth time. I am buying a copy of this after seeing the library copy.
Istanbul is fun! and this will help with a few details, like the ferry's up the Bospherus. Ignore the review saying Istanbul is not a cool place to go.

Lonely Planet Istanbul.......2006-01-31

This guide is loaded with information about Istanbul. I have found it very useful in planning my trip. i had at first bought another istanbul guide and found it to be really lacking in substance. Mostly pictures, not much text, lots of platitudes designed to dazzle you, and made of heavy paper that is a drag to carry around. the lonely planet guide is lightweight, informative, good maps, and enough pictures to satisfy.

Oversells the city. Functional........2005-12-03

This books makes Istanbul sound better than it is. While the "relative" descriptions were accurate (such as place A is better than place B) I was not nearly as impressed by the city as it was described in the book.

Walking tours are fairly useless. Prices are way off - but that could be due to inflation (though this is 2005 edition and I went there in 2005).

Overall - disappointing for a Lonely Planet book but functional.

Lonely Planet Israel & the Palestinian Territories (Lonely Planet Israel)

Average customer rating:

Lonely Planet Israel & the Palestinian Territories (Lonely Planet Israel)
Michael Kohn
Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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Israel A Spiritual Travel Guide: A Companion For The Modern Jewish Pilgrim

ASIN: 1864502770

Book Description

Listen for church bells and the call to prayer as the golden light of late afternoon illuminates Jerusalem, p. 88. Dig your feet into the sand at a Tel Aviv beachside bar, p. 175. Tend organic vegetables and fertilize your mind at Kibbutz Lotan, p. 344. Start a conversation in the West Bank - how do you pickle olives? p. 295. Six authors, 234 days of research, 12 army roadblocks, countless falafels. History and Environment chapters by renowned experts. The only guidebook with detailed coverage of the West Bank and Gaza. You asked for it, we researched it: more sustainable travel experiences than ever, from eco-hotels to hiking trips.

Average customer rating:

Lonely Planet Jordan

Lonely Planet Jordan
Bradley Mayhew
Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1740597893

Customer Reviews:

Lonely Planet Jordan.......2006-07-05

I bought this book after my trip to Jordan. I usually buy my Lonely Books before I make the trip. Even after the trip, the book was very useful. I was able to better understand and appreciate the sights I saw while in Jordan. I have had very good impressions with all the Londly Planet books I have used.

Average customer rating:

Good Guide
Great for Women going to Dubai
LP = Awesome
Believe the hype!
Mediocre

Lonely Planet Dubai
Terry Carter , and Lara Dunston
Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Asia | Travel | Subjects | Books

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Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, United-Arab-Emirates & Yemen | Middle East | Travel | Subjects | Books

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Lonely Planet Best of Dubai (Lonely Planet Encounter Series)
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The Rough Guide to Dubai & Uae Map (Rough Guide Country/Region Map)

ASIN: 1740598407

Book Description

Flashy, fun, very now, yet distinctly Arabian, Dubai's allure lies in its contrasts. The sound of the muezzin's call to prayer cuts through DJs spinning the latest wax at hip clubs. Traditional architecture blends with modern constructions like something out of science fiction. Modern souqs are fairytale interpretations of old-school bazaars. Whatever your bent, this smart and streetwise guidebook has the city covered. TREAT YOURSELF - from sprawling souqs to mammoth malls, our authors have hand-picked the best places to bag yourself a bargain DINE OUT - from a simple street shawarma to haute cuisine, our reviews pinpoint the best of the bunch FIND THE NIGHTLIFE - whether you're here for the sheesha or the shakin', we'll help you find your scene SLEEP IN STYLE - informative reviews of the best luxury hotels, beach resorts and top-value budget options make the decisions easy MAKE TRACKS with day trips to Hatta, the Buraimi Oasis and Abu Dhabi

Customer Reviews:

Good Guide.......2007-06-09

We used this guide extensively during our recent trip to Dubai. We found the information to be accurate and comprehensive. We tried a few or the reviewed restaurants, shops, and excursions and were very pleased.

Great for Women going to Dubai.......2007-05-05

Not know much about Dubai when I was first asked to go, I learned a great deal from this book. I learn about different areas, where to go and what the culture was like. Specificly I found the section on "women traveling to Dubai" very helpful. It pointed out how to expect to be treated when going out to eat, what to wear, and where to stay.
I highly recommand this book and even more so if you're a woman.

LP = Awesome.......2007-02-22

LP hits another grand slam. I have not bought one LP that wasn't great. I own about 12.

Keep up the good work.

This one has alot of great information on this amazing city. The maps are a little dated, but what can you expect when youa re mapping the fastest growing city in the world.

Believe the hype!.......2006-04-04

My '5 stars' are for Dubai. I'm one of the authors and lived in the UAE for almost 8 years. I guess we do believe the hype, because we've lived it. Dubai is an extraordinary city, the country offers one of the best lifestyles in the world, and the Emirati people - Dubai locals in particular - are incredibly dynamic, funny, laidback, hospitable and tolerant. Having travelled all over the world (to over 50 countries) and recently moved to Europe, Dubai remains one of my favorite cities.
I'd rather not risk repeating what's in our books, but it's true that Dubai has glorious year-round weather (if you like it hot), access to some truly spectactular desert and mountain scenery, some of the world's best shopping (souqs, malls and a growing number of independent stores), restaurants, bars and hotels (and I'm not referring to Burj Al Arab), and a culture that is comprised of both the local and traditional, contemporary and multicultural, that is hybrid and mobile, fresh and alive. Unfortunately, however, we've been just as guilty as the next writers in focussing too much on the city's sun, sand and shopping. Fed up with people criticising the city as being souless (which we know it isn't) and without culture (which we know it has - many complex layers of local, regional and world cultures, in addition to a growing and buzzy arts scene) - in our update of this guide, we try to introduce people to the 'real Dubai' and 'backstreet Dubai' via boxed texts and walking tours that will take visitors off the beaten track. We're hoping these will guide travellers to get beyond the hype and experience more than the beach, desert safaris and malls, and taste a little of the real Dubai - the Dubai that keeps many expatriates in the city so long, and lures vistors back to the city time and time again.

Mediocre.......2006-02-26

Of all the LP books I've read (probably 30 or 40), this is my least favorite. The authors seem to be working way too hard to sound hip and cool and impress their readers to produce an interesting book for travel addicts. Perhaps they've just been into Dubai a bit too long and have bought into the hype...

Lonely Planet Farsi (Persian) Phrasebook

Average customer rating:

surprisingly good
Excellent value and quite unpretentious
Lonely Planet Farsi (Persian) Phrasebook
Handy Travel Farsi Book
VERY INFORMATIVE AND EDUCATING.....the language of Iran

Lonely Planet Farsi (Persian) Phrasebook
Yavar Dehghani
Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications
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Binding: Paperback

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Lonely Planet Iran

ASIN: 0864425813

Book Description

From mystics to musems, barbers to bazaars, and art to archaeology, jump into the event with this phrasebook. <ul>

extensive food section </li>

transliterations throughout for easy pronunciation </li>

concise grammar section geared towards immediate and practical use </li>

insider tips on culture and social etiquette </li>

comprehensive two-way dictionary </li></ul>

Customer Reviews:

surprisingly good.......2007-05-10

Although this is a mini-sized paperback that could easily fit into your shirt pocket, it's remarkably useful.

Each page typically has three columns: the leftmost is the English, the middle is the Farsi in romanized letters, and the right column is the Farsi in Arabic script. But it's not merely a phrasebook: there are paragraphs scattered throughout to relieve the monotony.

For example, there are many, many notes on culture and linguistic usage. Considering how much information this book contains, it's astonishing it's so small. If the pages were made bigger, it could conceivably serve serve as a freshman-level text!

Really after studying from this I was impressed by how handy I became in Farsi, although in all honesty this is likely ascribable neither to my perspicacity nor the boon of this volume, but simply to the fact that Farsi is Indo-European, and so much of its grammar and sensibilities are readily apprehended by a Westerner.

But this book was a major help. When I reflect on how little it cost me versus how much use I got out of it, Lonely Planet's "Farsi Phrasebook" may have been one of the most profitable purchases of my life.

Excellent value and quite unpretentious.......2007-01-10

An excellent little work, mainly through the obvious teamwork of author and editors in producing it to what must be a proven template by this publisher. I find I get endless and informative entertainment just by dipping into it. And you can do this on day one of learning Farsi, and just as enjoyably and profitably once your studies have advanced. Even the short dictionary section is very good. This is one Farsi language resource book that won't disappoint you.

Lonely Planet Farsi (Persian) Phrasebook .......2006-11-10

A little bit of everything Persian. This would be a good suppliment to any language learning program and a "must have" for the person traveling to any of the Persian (Farsi) speaking countries. A very interesting compact book snd an excellent value.

Handy Travel Farsi Book.......2006-03-15

this was invaluable for my last trip to Iran... small, easy to use.

VERY INFORMATIVE AND EDUCATING.....the language of Iran.......2005-02-21

What a good move I made by purchasing this book FROM Amazon!!!
I will be traveling out to the Middle East this year and have been trying to catch up with my Persian language, better known as Farsi. I have been receiving some tutoring, which was very well received, but this book has put me right on to where I want to be.
You will find this Persian phrasebook suitable for travelers with all those important questions you will need to ask at the airport, in the market when purchasing items, finding your way around, almost anything for that matter. I highly recommend this book to those traveling to the East and please keep it on you for easy reference. It is such a handy book and can fit right into the smallest pocket book or jeans pocket. Well done!!!
SUGAR-CANE 20-2-05

Average customer rating:

An OK Book, but LP is getting more chinsy by the moment

Lonely Planet Middle East
Anthony Ham , and Andrew Burke
Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

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ASIN: 1740599284

Customer Reviews:

An OK Book, but LP is getting more chinsy by the moment .......2006-05-08

First of all, let me say I always travel with Lonely Planet books (even in my native Pacific Northwest) as there is no better product on the market for the independent traveler. Others may have their niche: Let's Go! for the college party crowd, Footprints Handbooks for the snooty, Frommer's and Fodor's for those who don't know any better, etc etc etc.

With that said, I cannot believe that LP's definition of the "Middle East" contains Egypt and Libya, but not Morocco, Algeria, and Tunisia. The nerdy geographically conservative will certainly protest that those are part of Africa. But even they would not defend the omission of virtually the entire Arabian peninsula from a book on the Middle East. That's right, Lonely Planet's guide to the Middle East does not include Saudi Arabia, U.A.E., Qatar, Bahrain, Kuwait, Yemen, or any other countries located on the Arabian peninsula. They might say it's due to space constraints, but I doubt it. This book has 716 pages. Yet my LP Mexico, which costs $1.00 less according to the SRP on the back, has 1028 pages. And we all know that whenever and wherever LP has a more specific guide covering an area, it always errs on the side of excessive skimping on info in the wider guide. That is certainly no exception even in this half of a travel guide. Since Algeria is off limits to travelers, I am sure they could have covered the rest of North Africa (Tunisia and Morocco) in 100 pages. And 200 more pages to cover the Arabian peninsula (how many non-Muslims venture to Saudi Arabia anyways?) would have been a cinch for information-pinching LP editors. Such a tome would still have had less pages (1016) than LP Mexico, as well as leaving an extra buck for profit. As it sits now in order to get LP's take on the whole Middle East you need to buy four books and shell out around $100 bucks.

One might be tempted to blame LP founder Tony Wheeler directly for such extravagance, but I think slurking corporate insiders might have more to do with it. Mr. Wheeler has made enough dough to keep his whole clan in the sauce for at least a few more generations. As his company has developed and he has grown more distant from day to day operations, he has probably succumbed to more and more "professional" business types who invent scams like this one to make more money in order to justify their salaries. Here's hoping that the Rough Guide and Moonbooks start getting their products up to snuff ASAP so we can all stop subsidizing this type of underhanded customer abuse.

Lonely Planet Bahrain, Kuwait & Qatar (Lonely Planet Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar)

Average customer rating:

Qatar section terribly out of date
Great tips for Kuwait & Bahrain
Useful, but way out of date...
Great guide, great places, enjoy!

Lonely Planet Bahrain, Kuwait & Qatar (Lonely Planet Bahrain, Kuwait and Qatar)
Gordon Robison , and Paul Greenway
Manufacturer: Lonely Planet Publications
ProductGroup: Book
Binding: Paperback

General | Asia | Travel | Subjects | Books

Guidebooks | Reference & Tips | Travel | Subjects | Books

Lonely Planet | Guidebook Series | Travel | Subjects | Books

Bahrain, Kuwait, Oman, Qatar, United-Arab-Emirates & Yemen | Middle East | Travel | Subjects | Books

General | Middle East | Travel | Subjects | Books

General | Travel | Subjects | Books

Look Inside Travel Books | Trip | Specialty Stores | Books
Similar Items:

Qatar
Kuwait Explorer : The Complete Residents' Guide (Living & Working for Expats)
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Qatar Complete Residents' Guide
Qatar Berlitz Pocket Guide (Berlitz Pocket Guides)

ASIN: 1864501324

Book Description

Whether you're an expat or an independent traveller, you'll discover all you need to know about these three Gulf States - from chaotic camel races to traditional teahouses - with this indispensable guide. <ul>

12 maps, including a full-colour regional map </li>

up-to-date political, historical & cultural information </li>

extensive accommodation & restaurant options for all budgets </li>

helpful advice on getting around, including tips for self-driversuseful Arabic language chapters </li></ul>

Customer Reviews:

Qatar section terribly out of date.......2004-12-15

I bought this book to prepare for my relocation to Qatar (from Australia).

The book is so out of date it is downright useless. For example, even basic information such as visa requirements is wrong (you *can* get a tourist visa when you turn up at Doha airport). And recommendations about what's on, what's good, what's bad are meaningless - many of the things described don't exist any more or have been superceded.

I was seriously considering sending my book to Lonely Planet and asking for my money back, but it's easier to hop onto the web and complain instead. More useful too!

Having said that, I don't know of any other guides to buy instead. My suggestions are:

If you're planning on moving to Qatar, do. Quality of life here is fantastic, except that outdoor activites are curtailed by the heat most of the year. Recommend you get in contact with someone who lives here for tips.

If you're planning on a holiday to Qatar, don't. There is almost nothing here for tourists, except for 4WD'ing on the dunes which is unique and fun (go for Arabian Adventures, they're the best operator). I would recommend instead Oman (for the scenery and Arabic culture) and Dubai (shopping, astonishing real estate developments)

Back to the book: Completely out of date, and you can pick up the history bits off the net. And I'm just talking about the Qatar section here, no comment on the other two countries (but I would *really* question why you would want to go to them)

Great tips for Kuwait & Bahrain.......2004-11-18

I purchaed this book as was traveling extensively between Bahraina and Kuwait - and it was perfect for this. I found the information contained within to be very accurate, and useful in planning my trip.

Bahrain information was spot on - and we managed to follow the complex directions contained to find the Burial grounds, Fort, and basket weavers without hassle. The information on arrival and departure tax into Bahrain was very useful - without this information prior to our travel we might have been refused entry!

I haven't used this book to travel to Qatar, but for Kuwait and Bahrain the information was very useful, and a definite must read before you travel for etiquette and language tips.

Useful, but way out of date..........2003-03-29

I bought this book for a recent business trip to Qatar, and was dissapointed to find quite a number of things that were very out of date. The phone system has been updated since publishing, and now all numbers are 7 instead of 6 digits. you can fix most by adding a 4 at the beginning of most listed numbers, or a 5 for cell phones. Also, some crucial info, like the address to the US Embassy, was wrong. The Embassy moved several years ago. I found most of the societal and historical info to be very handy in preparing for the trip, however, so it was worth it for that.

Great guide, great places, enjoy!.......2001-02-12

I have spent time in all three countries and can say that this book will be invaluable for first time vistors and seasoned traveller alike.

Bahrain with its charming city of Manama, is a Gulf delight, with so many things to see and do. Qatar and espcially Doha is a gem, and Kuwait is exotic, enchanting and modern all at the same time.

There are some great places to eat in all of these places and at good prices (has anyone had a bad meal in the Gulf?) and gives sound advice for people touring the area on a wide range of subjects.

If you are planning to go to Bahrain I would recommend the Mishal Gardens for a Shisha (apple or mixed fruit hubbly bubbly) and the Diplomat Hotel for its great floor show, amongst many things. Also, don't forget to visit the siouk (old shopping markets and shops including gold and real pearls).

Great book! Great destinations!

regards,

Book Description

Bustling bazaars and ancient sights, parched deserts and snowcapped mountains, awesome architecture and simple hospitality - discover Iran's myriad attractions with this bestselling guide to the Persian heartland. Lonely Planet knows Iran better than anyone - discover its treasures with us.

• CONNECT WITH CULTURE - History, Culture and Arts chapters offer in-depth coverage of the country's rich Persian and Islamic heritage • BE INSPIRED - new highlights, itineraries and planning sections help you plot your path • DISCOVER THE HIDDEN GEMS with comprehensive coverage of regional Iran's castles, archaelogical sites and picturesque villages • STAY IN STYLE with recommendations of Iran's best rest-your-head options, from mosaferkhuneh to five-star hotels • GET AROUND with detailed maps, including a full-color country map and customized itineraries maps

Customer Reviews:

Lonely Planet Iran.......2007-05-13

Great to refresh my memory of a visit some 35 years ago in preparation for a re-visit later this year

2004 Edition.......2006-09-27

There have been some rumors concerning a previous edition. I have just been to Iran (in September 2006). The 2004 edition is as witty and informative as any Loney Planet book. When compared with two German books for travelers it is a notch above the others. I haven't found any insensitive or belittling remarks only the usual sarcasm, just as the description of Ahvaz: "Unremitting Iraqi bombing during the Iran-Iraq War didn't beautify it and subsequent redevelopment has faild to offer much inspiration." Some telephone numbers and addresses are however outdated.

A welcome replacement for the previous edition........2006-05-21

These are some excerpts from the new edition from the section entitled 'The National Psyche':

"Iranians are the most surprising people. Where you might expect them to be austere they are charming; rather than dour, they are warm, and instead of being hostile to foreigners, they are welcoming and endlessly curious".

"Iranians are not frightening people. They are generally warm and welcoming to an extent that can be embarassing to Westerners."

"...the Iranian system of courtesy [...] makes Iran a haven for travellers - you will be treated with unfailing politeness wherever you go."

Now compare this with the attitude taken by the racist idiot who wrote the previous (third) edition and one realises what a huge difference it makes when the guide authors actually appreciate and enjoy being in the country about which they write.

A welcome (and IMO absolutely necessary) new edition of the guide. Lonely Planet has shown shrewd judgment in replacing the previous one as well as its author.

Lonely Planet Books:

Lonely Planet Books

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