Sweden Travel guide

In Sweden, tourism relies on broad horizons of forests and lakes as well as the virtues of a bracing climate. A trip to Sweden offers an ideal territory for hiking in all kinds, whitewater rafting, explore Lapland, midnight sun and northern lights!

ID card
- Capital: Stockholm
- Currency: Swedish krona (SEK)
- Holiday: Flag Day, June 6
- Time difference: No time difference
- Official Language: Swedish
- Major cities: Gothenburg, Malmö, Uppsala, Orebro, Norrkoping, Västerås, Linköping, Jönköping, Helsingborg, Boras
- Religion: Protestant (Lutheran) include a large majority of the population. The Church is separated from the state since 1983, minorities of Catholics, Pentecostals, Greek Orthodox, Muslims and Jews.

population
- Population: 9.1 million people

climate
The climate is continental in Sweden south and subarctic in the north. The winters are cold (especially in the north) and the summers are pretty cool. The weather is very sunny in June but the light is scarce in winter when snow falls in abundance. Pleasure travelers, Sweden is also the land of the northern lights and midnight sun observable beyond the Arctic Circle.

geography
Central countries of the three Scandinavian countries took scissors between Finalnde and Norway, Sweden is also one of the three that is sinking further south than Denmark, seeming to want to hit the northern coast of Germany.

AREA
449,964 square kilometers

ACME
Kebnekaise 2,117 m

LENGTH OF COASTS
3 218 km

TYPES OF LANDSCAPE
Sweden is covered by vast forests and dotted with lakes. Its coasts, jagged have donnné birth to hundreds of islands, many of which are uninhabited. North of its territory on the border with Norway, mountains rising to over 2000 meters.
NATURE AND LEISURE
National parks (hiking), National Park Tyvesta national park Gotska Sandön, Gotland
Lapland (hiking, midnight sun, northern lights, wildlife)
Lakes (fishing), Gota Canal (cruising)

Winter sports
Dog sledding, snowmobiling, cross country skiing
when to go
The best time to go to Sweden period lasts from May to July, rainfall is low and mostly sunny. For lovers of winter sports prefer the period from December to April.
wildlife
Renne; Castor; Lynx; Ours; Cerf; Elan; fox
flora
orchid; Pin; birch; willow; Spruce; oak
Agenda festivities
- January 13: Feast of Saint Knut
- March 25: "Waffle Dagen", day waffles
- April 30: Feast of Walpurgis
- June 6: National Day
- June 24: Midsummer (St. John)
- August: Feast of cancer
- Late August: Feast of the eel
- November 10: Saint Martin, where traditionally the day when a goose is eaten
- Dec. 13: Festival of Lights to celebrate the longest night of winter
more
- A vocation for nature tourism and appropriate structures
- A trip for all seasons
- The growth of low-cost flights
less
The cost of tourist life remains quite high
trends
The "modern" activities of such expeditions by dogsled or snowmobile, for example Jukkasjärvi, are decidedly in tune with the times
precautions
Like other Nordic countries, Sweden, for the tourist, a very peaceful country. So no major problems to report.
gastronomy
SPECIALTIES
- Kottbullar: meatballs served with a puree
- Renstek: roast reindeer
- Crayfish
- Gravlax Salmon: Marinated salmon in lemon juice flavored with dill
- Smörgåsbord: large plate that can be made ​​pickled herring, smoked eel or meats
- Goose stuffed with prunes
- Varm Korv: sandwich which is similar to hot dog
- Waffles, "Waffle"
- "Semlor" pastry cream topped with a marzipan
- Kanel Bulle cinnamon cake
- Roedgroed soup with red berries (blueberries, raspberries, blackberries, berries, wild strawberries)
- Rhubarb jelly

LOCAL PRODUCTS
- Cheese: The Graddost, the St. Olof, Västerbotten and Vadenost
- Blueberries
- Berries
- Wild Strawberries
- Potatoes
- asparagus
- herring
- Reindeer meat and momentum

San francisco

More European than its neighbor Los Angeles, San Francisco is one of the favorite destinations of American French. Known for its steep streets, which hosted many races cinematic pursuits, its colorful wooden houses, and "Cable Car" (trams) that go up hills, this multiethnic city is noted for its rich culture. Capital and beatnik hippie movement, San Francisco is home to many quaint neighborhoods, the gay Castro District and a huge Chinatown, symbols of freedom and tolerance that characterize the mythical city of gold rush.

ID card
- Currency: Dollar
- Holiday: Independence Day, 4 July (1776)
- Time difference: When it is noon in France, it is 3 am in San Francisco.
- Official language: English has gradually evolved into "Anglo-American."
- Religion: The majority of people are protesting, but many religious minorities have found their way to San Francisco, given the multi-ethnic character of the city.

population
- Population: 750,000 inhabitants

climate
In San Francisco, the temperature differences from one season to another are low. In summer, it's hot but the wind can sometimes blow hard. In winter, the temperatures are mild, with very cool nights.

geography
Without Francisco is located in the county of the same name, at the tip of a peninsula about fifty kilometers. The city is situated on several hills, some of which gave their name to the neighborhoods (Pacific Heights, Nob Hill, Twin Peaks ...). The center is home to several historic neighborhoods including the Mission, the oldest district of San Francisco where Latinos are now in the majority, the gay Castro district, or Haight Ashbury, which saw the birth of the hippie movement. In the north of the city, overlooking the San Francisco Bay Area, there are several residential areas (Russian Hill, North Beach ...) and a huge Chinatown.

AREA
130 square kilometers

- San Francisco Museum of Art (photographs and modern paintings)
- Asian Art Museum (America's largest museum dedicated to Asia)
- California Palace of the Legion of Honor (European Art)
- Chinatown
- Golden Gate (the bridge and the park)
- Berkeley Art Museum
- Haight Ashbury and (neighborhood birthplace hippie movement)
- The former prison Alcatraz
- Seals of Pier 39
- The fisherman's Wharf (restaurants and shops on rehabilitated docks)
when to go
At any time of the year or in the summer for those who wish to enjoy the sun. Famous for its fog, the weather in San Francisco is rather temperate cool summer and mild winter. The average temperature is 14 degrees. In spring and summer the days are very sunny but rarely hot. The best time is from April to September.
Agenda festivities
- In mid-February: Chinese New Year. Large parades and marches dragons in Chinatown in San Francisco to celebrate the Chinese New Year
- April: Cherry Blossom. Cherry blossom festival in the Japanese community
- End of June: Gay Pride Parade. Parades of floats and music to the largest gay festival
- Last Sunday in June: the Castro Street Fair. Gay party in the Castro District
- April-May: International Film Festival.
more
A great cultural diversity.
less
- The absence of old stones and distant past to contemplate
- A relatively high cost of tourist life.
gastronomy

SPECIALTIES
San Francisco enjoys a unique culinary diversity. According to the desires and neighborhoods where you will find you will have the opportunity to sample nearly every cuisine in the world
- Clam chowder: clam soup served in a bread
- Pizza in the Little Italy neighborhood
- Hamburger: prepared based on fresh beef in real restaurants
- Caesar's salad: romaine lettuce, chicken and croutons with Caesar dressing
- Hash browns: shredded potatoes and fried in a pan
- Biscuits and gravy: hotcakes and bechamel sauce
- Sandwich ten loaves choice, vegetables, meats, cheeses, there's something for everyone
- Mexican and Asian dishes: burritos, tacos, beef with broccoli, it's everywhere
- Pumpkin pie: pumpkin pie

LOCAL PRODUCTS
- The California wines
- Beef
- Fruits

Lyon travel guide

High place of the French gastronomy, Lyon invites you to enjoy its most famous dishes (rosette, jesus, dumplings, fritters) in the famous "caps", these typical small and quaint restaurants. A rich architectural and religious remarkable heritage, the city of Lyon delight for walkers, with its old neighborhoods, the ancient theater, churches and large pedestrian squares, lively day and night. Often wrongly described as a bourgeois town, sleepy, Lyon has been known for thirty years an important cultural and demographic renewal, confirming its status as a European crossroads.
To discover Lyon, we must lose in Old Lyon: walk towards the Basilica of St. John and head towards that of Fourvière. Also inescapable. Museum of Fine Arts of Lyon, home to the second artworks collection of France after the Louvre ... The tour will continue in the historic heart of Lyon to visit the peninsula and up Bellecour. Going back to the north-west of the city, the walker will stop up Soils before reaching the area of ​​Croix-Rousse, a great place to have a panoramic view of the city. It should also visit the many museums in Lyon: the Textile, the printing or the Gallo-Roman Museum. Of mini cruises are offered on the Saône towards the island of Barbara. And the traveler will not leave Lyon without eating in one of the famous "caps."
when to go
Lyon knows the harsh winters, better from the spring and early fall for évitre the tourist season (July-August).
Agenda festivities
Do not miss to Lyon:

- In late January-early February: Chaos dance festival in Lyon-Villeurbanne
- End of March: International Fair of Lyon
- In late March and early April: Festival From one world to another (world music)
- May: sound Nights (electronic music)
- June-September: Fourvière Nights in the Roman theater of Fourvière (concerts, dance, theater)
- September: Biennial Dance and Contemporary Art
- Early December: Festival of Lights (street performances, lighting to thank the Virgin for saving Lyon from the plague)
more
- Lyon offers one of the richest and most varied cuisines of France.
gastronomy
SPECIALTIES
We must discover the rich gastronomy of Lyon in the famous caps, typical restaurants
- Sausages (rosette, sausage, jesus ...)
- Lyon Caviar: lentil salad
- Firefighter Apron: slice of tripe marinated in wine and fried
- Dumplings: dish made of semolina, milk and egg in pike flesh, poultry or veal
- Andouillette white wine served in a mustard cream and accompanied by fried potatoes
- Brain weaver: cottage cheese with sour cream, flavored with vinegar, olive oil, white wine, shallots and herbs (parsley, chives)
- The donut: sweet pastry and fried in oil
- The Catch: brioche with candied fruits and chocolates

LOCAL PRODUCTS
Lyon's reputation is well established for:

- The charcutailles (rosette, sausage, sausage ...) and poultry
- Fish
- Vineyards

Japan the Golden Pavilion

Too far, too expensive, too inaccessible, for a long time, Japan has been likened to a kind of planet Mars in the Far East. A fascinating archipelago, a highly refined civilization, a distant star, appealing, but unaffordable.
With falling airfares and the growing strength of the euro since 2000 (the exchange rate has become favorable for European travelers), everything changed. It is possible to travel to Japan in backpacker, with a small to medium budget. Add to that the will of the Ministry of Tourism of Japan to open the country to a new more economical tourism.
Megacities first: Tokyo, the largest city in the world, an electric urban world, fast-paced, sparkling. Kyoto, the ancient imperial capital, a city of art and geishas, tea and ikebana. Nara, artistic and religious cradle, spiritual city of monks, aristocracy and Buddhism, but Nikko perched high in the mountains, Kamakura to the seaside, Hakone door of Mount Fuji, the majestic symbol of Japan, see the spring when the cherry blossoms bloom.

Connected to the archipelago of high technology reserve all new, this is especially the kingdom of robots! It is also the land of manga and video games. The nature lovers will not be disappointed either. As soon as one moves away from the coast, we find an almost savage Japan: mountains with slopes covered with forests, snow-capped volcanoes, mountain lakes.
And what about the hot springs, famous onsen? This is the ultimate in Japanese etiquette

Thailand

There are several Thailand. First, Bangkok, more than 12 million people, and urban megalopolis hyperactive monster when you get lost with pleasure. Then south, islands, beaches and rocks rising up from the sea, its spicier cuisine, has a slightly different and Muslim influences. Finally, the North, deep Thailand, with former original founding kingdoms, its relaxed pace of life, its Buddhist temples, its fertile land, its mountains and forests ... Three Thailand so physically and culturally different.
However, from one end to another in Thailand found the national qualities: a strong identity, Siam never colonized and have developed arts, culture and even own alphabet. Acumen and social conventions of politeness, modesty too much, peace and dignity. A strong religiosity and jointly an almost reverence for the Royal Family, God's chosen (openly criticizing the king is punishable by imprisonment!). Finally, a lot of humor, and a strong appetite for everything from fun especially - Thai Epicureans, always ready to party, eat well and drink well.
Unfortunately, the mercantile spirit and increasing tourism could distort places the amiable character of Thais. So: coastal strip sacked, transformation privileged sites in ghettos tourists, rising prices, profitability takes precedence over the service, etc.
That said, Muang Thai (etymologically, "the land of the free") remains one of the last countries in the world that so many quality ingredients for a successful recipe for an ideal holiday: wooden bungalows on sleepy beaches, vast rice fields and jungle-covered hills, living traditions, speedés businessmen and ancestral tribes, refined and varied cuisine at prices (still) ridiculous.


Martial law was declared May 20, 2014, following a military coup. Remember, it is always recommended to keep away from possible events (although now banned by the ruling junta) and keep abreast of the situation on the website of the Embassy of France in Thailand.
The Department of Foreign Affairs advises against the far south of Thailand, where a state of emergency is in effect provinces Narathiwat, Pattani, Yala, Songkhla and.
In addition, the caution in the border areas of Burma (risk of robbery and various traffic).

GREECE - The reasons to go

no need to go far to discover wonderful things ... that's exactly what we said when we arrive in Greece. Moreover, he will have more than one travel through this beautiful country. Just the colors illuminating the sky at bedtime is a breathtaking spectacle. This is also in Oia, a small town of Santorini, the followers of that time are found.
There are countless tourist attractions of the country as they are numerous. Many of us have already understood since each year the country is overrun by tourists. The coast of mainland Greece and the Greek islands are truly taken over, including Crete, Corfu or Rhodes. Cyclades seem more sensitive despite liners passing through them. If an image needs to be borne in mind here are of course those little white buildings with blue shutters with lime. But hard not to stop in Athens, where the Acropolis reflects the rich history of the country, like Mount Olympus and its divine legends. What immerse themselves in ancient times and take a little for a god ...

CRETE

Crete, attached to Greece since 1913 island spans 260 km from east to west and 60 km from north to south. Often called the Island of the Gods, it is surprising in its history. According to Greek mythology, Minos, son of Zeus and the beautiful Europe, was born there.
Mountainous with three ranges, it is of plots of green through the trees that are found through the land. This is also one of the regions of Greece where most oil is produced olive. In the East, warm the orange groves often rocky aspect of Crete.
The island attracts hikers by the diversity of its landscape. The gorges are amazing journey, often achieve the pebble beaches, where everyone can enjoy a drink or rest. Those of Samaria, with their 16 km, are are reputed to be the longest in Europe.
Throughout the journey, you come face to face with monasteries and chapels white, reminiscent of the Cretan tradition, mixed today a modern twist. Fishing ports, such as Sitia offers color palette and sense of serenity. Heraklion, the capital, we marvel at its cultural wealth. Crete is finally a place where sea, sun, mountains and plains are involved in attracting researchers of fresh air

Porto undefeated city

1) Porto "undefeated city"

City of 238,000 inhabitants, the second most populous city in Portugal after Lisbon, Porto is located in the north at the mouth of the Douro.

She was named "Portus" (the port) by our dear good old Romans, there are more than 2,000 years. She knew become known thanks to its maritime and commercial activity.

But go to visit Porto, firstly you should know that since 1996 Porto was declared World Heritage by UNESCO, which can give you an idea of ​​the incredible architecture of this wonderful city. 

Besides the inhabitants (O Porto, pronounced u'po you - thank you wiki) are incredibly sympathy! 

Ok, it's beautiful stuff, but I know not at all Porto !! It's not too far !? 

Nay, you are only two hours flight! 

The fare varies according to the season, as everywhere else! But if you take in advance you can easily find a ticket for less than 50 €, to spend a weekend in the city of Porto. 

The airport is named "Francisco Sá Carneiro," once you get there, the E subway line connecting the airport to the rest of the network will allow you to get to the center of Porto. Ticket price: € 1.75 for 35 minutes of travel. The ticket is valid for one hour, so you can come and go during that time! 

Once in the center of Porto, the ticket price is 0.90 € (well since the last time!). 

To best use the Porto Metro, so you need to get a pass (for each person), but importantly you must purchase the ticket "go", via this ticket "pass" you can use for web other trips into town by simply changing the area.

The lines A, B and C themselves, through the city from west to east. Line D that she traveled to the city from South to North (Porto has 5 subway lines). 

Idea of ​​night on the tram: 

See the sea in Matosinhos (you will find several restaurants grilled fish - you will find them in the last street before the sea.) 

Walk walk to Foz do Douro

Vinhas of Alho (Muro dos dos Bacalhoeiros 139 - 4050-492 Porto) 

restaurant in porto, porto discovery 

4) How to visit Porto 

You Rua do Almada, another small market street near the Santa Catarina Street and the big market of Porto: the Mercado do Bolhão!

You should definitely take a stroll in this market, everything is authentic, rustic ... This is a real village market, where we see the real local, which makes the charm of this market. 

D on the map, you have the area of ​​Vila Nova de Gaia. Here you will find several cellars of port, this area is also a center for manufacturing this famous Portuguese wine: Vinho do Porto

Porto but is also known for its monuments and its bridges over the Douro! 

So it is imperative that you cross their bridge walk, a symbol of Porto! Dom Luis Bridge. 

But first take a break and join the Ribeira quay on the banks of the Douro (Cais da Ribera), you will be able to admire the traditional houses of this beautiful city. This place is very lively at night and you will see that it is also very lively day. It was at Ribeira you will find plenty of bar with music.

Besides, I think this is the place that offers the best view of the Dom Luis I Bridge (minute info wikipedia: "built in 1886 by Théophile Seyrig assistant Gustave Eiffel"). 

Note: This bridge connects the old town to Vila Nova de Gaia.

Other ideas for visiting Porto 

The Stock Exchange Palace (Palácio da Bolsa), and the famous Arab area. 

Idea for a day trip: Barcelos (you will find medieval buildings) 40 minutes. 

Braga (30 minutes), nicknamed the "Rome of Portugal" 

The church of Bom Jesus do Monte with its majestic staircase (10 minutes from Braga)