Travel Destinations: The Nelles Guide takes you between the Mediterranean and the Euphrates to historically significant sites such as the Monastery of St. Simeon, the desert city of Palmyra, the temples of Baalbek, and the mighty Crusader castle of Krak des Chevaliers. Stroll through the atmospheric souks of Damascus and Aleppo or the modern shopping streets of Beirut, and enjoy hiking in the cedar forests of Lebanon. History: Numerous cultures have left their mark in Syria and Lebanon - ancient palaces from the Bronze Age, monumental colonnades, theaters and baths from the Greco-Roman era, venerable basilicas from the early Byzantine period, intricately decorated Arab mosques and Quran schools, as well as large khans as an Ottoman legacy. Travel Information: The Nelles Guide provides information at the end of each regional chapter about restaurants, transportation, attractions, and more.