This guide to Syria and Lebanon covers the latest developments in this fast-changing region. The handbook features comprehensive background material on history, religion, culture and politics, including a useful illustrated glossary of architectural terms, detailed practical travel information - with tips on getting visas; hotels and restaurants to suit all budgets; where and when to change money; how to phone home or access the internet; and the best public transport options. The route descriptions allow the visitor to explore the winding back-roads of Mount Lebanon or rarely visited areas such as Syria's Jebel Ansariye mountains. Also included is a special section on the overland routes from Europe to the Middle East.