Краткое описание: This island does a stellar job of luring people to its shores and making the experience as easy as possible. Few visitors coming here need to bother with visas, and some don’t even need to have valid passports. Matter of fact, Bermuda is a popular last-minute getaway spot for many Americans.

Bermuda is an upmarket destination and would be a challenge for travelers on a very tight budget - there are no hostels, campgrounds or other facilities geared to backpackers. But even though food and accommodations prices are higher than in most other destinations, the bottom line won’t necessarily strain

Краткое описание: With one foot planted in the Central American jungles and the other dipped in the Caribbean Sea, Belize blends the best of both worlds. Offshore, kayakers glide from one sandy, palm-dotted islet to another, while snorkelers swim through translucent seas, gazing at a kaleidoscope of coral, fish, dolphins and turtles. Inland, explorers investigate ruins of ancient civilizations, and birders aim their binoculars at some 570 species. Between national parks, wildlife sanctuaries and marine reserves, more than 40% of the country’s area is protected in one form or another, creating a haven for countless creatures of land, sea and sky.

Краткое описание: There’s nothing quite like daydreaming about chocolate shops fit for royalty, linger-as-long-as-you-like cafés, and beer menus that simply go on and on and on. But to loose your head in the clouds and arrive in Belgium and Luxembourg with no preparation is inviting challenges. With a good plan, you’ll know whether it’s your French, German or Flemish that needs brushing up, whether you should you go by train or plane, and where to find discounted accommodation.

Краткое описание: Capital of the country set to dominate the 21st century, Beijing is the indestructible heart of China. Just as all roads used to lead to Rome, now the world is beating a path to Beijing to discover the city that holds the key to the planet’s most populous nation.

Краткое описание: Compact and easy to get around by public transport, Barcelona is geared to tourism and you will find plenty of information on all major tourist attractions. At the same time, it is full of mystery and invites you to spend long days of meandering and discovering. The monuments and museums, mainly concentrated in a relatively small area, could keep you busy for a week or more, but inevitably some of your time will be dedicated to simply hanging out in cafés, bars, eateries and at the beach. Consider setting aside a day or two for excursions p244.), most easily done by train.

Краткое описание: Bangladesh is designed for the traveler who revels in genuine adventure. There is little here that can be described as organized, comfortable or reliable, and the backpacker scene of next-door India is completely unheard of. The fact that there are so few tourists in Bangladesh means that you won’t have to contend with crowds at hotspots or with booked-out accommodation, but it also means that the going can be rough.

Краткое описание: Since the late 18th century, the history of Bangkok has essentially been the history of Thailand. Many of the country’s defining events have unfolded here, and today the language, culture and food of the city have come to represent those of the entire country. This role is unlikely, given the city’s origins as little more than an obscure Chinese trading port, but today boasting a population of 10 million, it is certain that Bangkok will be shaping Thailand’s history for some time to come.

Краткое описание: Bali is commonly described as a heaven for its cheery, offering-proffering residents but it is a romanticism worthy of a tourist brochure at best. Life is often hard and the average Balinese person has a hardscrabble existence that would be familiar to people worldwide. However, the Balinese do excel in one key area - they have an undeniable talent for making use of every resource on the island: bamboo, vines, flowers and shells for their imaginative offerings. Even the tourist is a resource to be painted, oiled, massaged, manipulated, tattooed or plaited.

Краткое описание:

Первый том получившего всемирную известность груда английского историка XVIII века посвящен периоду римской истории от века Антонинов до объединения Константином Великим империи. В нем описывается не только жизнь и деятельность императоров Марка Аврелия, Каракаллы. Элиогабала; автор рисует масштабные картины повседневной жизни и нравов германцев, персов. италийцев. Особое место уделено «солдатским императорам», началу набегов германских племен и анализу краха некогда могучей державы.

Краткое описание:

Во втором томе своего монументального труда Э. Гиббон обращается к бурной истории Римской империи первой половины IV в. Автор блистательно описывает эволюцию христианства, отношение к нему римского государства, реформы, произведенные императорами, и, наконец, триумф новой религии. Под пером историка оживают характеры Константина Великого, его сыновей, молодого Юлиана Отступника, Ария, Афанасия Александрийского - людей, определивших лицо этого непростого периода римской истории.