text:
Sisters

Sisters is a city of 2,800 people (2018) in Central Oregon. It is the headquarters of the Sisters District of the Deschutes National Forest. Hiking, biking and horse riding trails go from the city limits into the Three Sisters Wilderness.

Understand
Sisters (pop. 2,040) is named for the Three Sisters, a group which comprises three of the five tallest mountains in the state. The three volcanic peaks, North Sister ("Faith"), Middle Sister ("Hope") and South Sister ("Charity"), are located in the Three Sisters Wilderness about south of town.

By plane

 * Redmond Municipal Airport a short drive from Sisters and is served by three air carriers; Delta Air Lines, Horizon Air, and United Express with daily direct flights to Portland, San Francisco, Denver, Phoenix, Salt Lake City and Seattle.

Get around

 * Cycle: On several scenic highways which cross mountain passes from the Eugene and Salem area and lead to Redmond and Bend, the immediate Sisters area is relatively flat in a mountainous area, making for easy local cycling when there is no snow on the ground. A bicycle or walking is perhaps the only reasonable way to travel during the rodeo and other tourist festivals when the out-of-town auto traffic effectively blocks the roads through town. Its mountain biking trails, include the Peterson Ridge Trail and Suttle Lake trails.

Do

 * Camping- Feeling like camping? Well in the Deschutes National Forest there are countless places that you could camp. In Camp Sherman you could camp along the Metolius River, just stop at the Camp Sherman Store and they can tell you all the great places to either park your RV or pitch a tent. Plus if you are in to backpacking some great places you could hike to, would include South Sister, plus the Pacific Crest Trail isn't too far away either.
 * Fishing - There are two ways that you can fish, one being fly fishing: On the Metolius which on the upper part is only fly fishing and catch and release, this river is one of the more challenging rivers in Central Oregon because of the forested river banks and quick moving currents. The Metolius is also a guide-free river, so don't plan on hiring one to show you the secrets. Another great river to fly fish is the Deschutes River, you will have to venture further than Sisters to find it. Area attractions, like Long Hollow Ranch, are renowned for the abundant Rainbow Trout and Large Mouth Bass available in their ponds and streams.
 * Golfing - There are a couple of places to golf in Sisters. Black Butte Ranch offers two courses. Also just outside Sisters heading toward Redmond is the Aspen Lakes golf course. These course offer some Central Oregon's greatest views and also a few challenges as well.
 * Shopping - There is a variety of independent shops in the downtown core of Sisters.
 * Horseback Riding – A great opportunity to tap into Sisters’ Old West roots, guest ranches in the area, such as Long Hollow Ranch, offer excellent horseback riding experiences for visitors – allowing them to explore Sisters’ scenic byways the western way.
 * Stargazing - Sisters, enclosed by mountains, has a dark skies ordinance, so light pollution is controlled, creating the perfect conditions just outside of town to be shocked by the bright band of light known as the Milky Way crossing the sky. On a moonless night, the velvet black sky is packed with a visible star density almost unheard of within walking or bicycle distance from a town with several overnight accommodations.

Buy
Sisters has stores ranging from Quilting to year round Christmas supplies. Sisters also has a fly shop for your fishing needs, a general market and a larger mainline market.

 * Alpaca by Design 140 W. Cascade Ave., 10:30AM-5PM. One of the largest shops in the West dedicated to selling clothing and accessories made from alpacas and other natural-fiber animals. They have local as well as Peruvian-made items.

Eat
If you are feeling casual, Sisters offers many restaurants in their Western Themed downtown that would satisfy your appetite. Sisters offers restaurants from Asian to Mexican and a multitude in between. Also not to far away and a beautiful spot to have a bite of lunch, the Camp Sherman store has delightful little deli and the chance to relax along the Metolius River.

title: Sisters


text:
Sitamarhi

Sitamarhi is a city in the northern part of Bihar in India. A part of Gangetic Plains of north India, Sitamarhi is located around 50 km from Nepal. The city and places around are very active culturally and politically but one of the poorest in India based on almost all social indicators.

Get in
Sitamarhi is connected to other parts of India and Bihar via railway and roads.

By plane
The nearest airport is in Patna 120 km away. Patna airport is serviced by Indian and Air Deccan. There are direct flights to Delhi, Kolkata, Lucknow, Kathmandu and Varanasi from Patna airport.

By train
There are direct trains from Darbhanga and Narkatiaganj, which connects further to Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Bangalore, Pune, Patna and many other cities in the country and one train (Lichhvi) operating from Delhi to Sitamarhi via Kanpur, Varanasi, Balia, Samastipur, and Darbhanga.

By bus
There are buses every 15 minutes for Patna (3.5-4 hours) and Muzaffarpur (2.5-3 hours).

Get around
Most reliable and easily available local transport is cycle rickshaw. You can also get shared three-wheelers and buses from the railway and bus terminal. sitamarhi is a small city and you can easily walk around and see places of attraction.

Buy
Apart from the local markets and shops, the two complexes "JANKI COMPLEX", "SHANKAR COMPLEX" are very famous. Sitamarhi is very famous for designer jewellery available at SONA PATTI.

Eat
There are many fast food corners all across the city, Some famous hangouts for food: Surly visit some ISTOO HOUSE for some ultimate chicken and other nonveg items near NUTAN CINEMA
 * blue diamond at mahant shah cauraha.
 * Krishana Sweets at by pass chowk.

Sleep

 * Hotel Rajkumar: at By pass chowk.
 * Hotel Aashirwad: Near Old Ganesh talkies.
 * Hotel Sitayan: Near Railway station.

license: Creative Commons - Attribution Share-Alike - https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/4.0/

title: Sitamarhi


text:
Sitapur

Sitapur is a city in Uttar Pradesh.

Get in

Sitapur is located at 88 km from Lucknow on the main NH-24 highway connecting the state capital, Lucknow to the country's capital, New Delhi. This city is connected with Lakhimpur-Kheri too.

Do
One can stay here for few days and do nothing only take rest. Roam around local areas greenery, local people and local market. One of the best lively place on the earth.

Buy
Khairabaad handcrafts like Dari.

Go next

 * Naimisharanya — the pilgrimage place for Hindus.
 * Lakimpur-Kheri - the border district, home to Dudhwa National park and the terai forest trail.

title: Sitapur


text:
Sitges

Sitges is a seaside resort some 35 km southwest of Barcelona in Catalonia. It is known for its beaches, nightspots, and historical sites.

Sitges has one of the most vibrant and hippest gay scenes along the coast. The beaches are very colourful and fun! The city which overlooks the Mediterranean has large avenues, narrow streets, a museum and the gorgeous beaches of Costa Dorada/Golden Coast.

Understand
Sitges is a lovely town of 29,000 people (2018).

Tourist information

 * Sitges tourism website

Get in
From Barcelona: You can get there by train or by car. The easiest way is by the Spanish Railways (RENFE). The journey by train from Barcelona costs €4.60, and takes around 35 minutes. Direct trains leave from Passeig de Gràcia or Sants stations - from Plaça de Catalunya a change is required at Barcelona-Sants. There are four trains an hour: two fast trains and two stopping trains.

By car, there are two routes: either via the C-31 (a local road which winds its way around the cliff faces) or the C-32 (a toll motorway). The C-32 is recommended for speed and safety, however it costs around €5, while the C-31 is free.

By air, the closest international airport is Barcelona/El Prat de Llobregat(BCN) airport (Sitges is accessible by train, changing at El Prat de Llobregat). Reus/Tarragona(REU) airport is an alternative, for regional flights (Sitges is accessible by train changing at either Sant Vicenç de Calders or Vilanova i la Geltrú). Girona/Gerona (GRO) airport is 125 km away in Costa Brava.

 * Served by lines

Get around
Walk or taxi cab; it is a charming small city.

The best way is rent an electric bike.

Beaches
Sitges has 17 sand beaches. Four of them are in the east: the first one called Les Botigues at the beginning of the coast, next to the beaches of Castelldefels and the other three are following the coast of Garraf (Road C-31). One of them is Garraf village beach.

There are 11 beaches in the town and two to its west, which are difficult to access. All the eastern and urban beaches have flags indicating the state of the sea and most of them have quality diplomas and blue flags awarded by the European Union.

There are three main nudist beaches located in Sitges. One of which is Platja dels Balmins, the second nudist beach is Platja d'Aiguadolç, both of these beaches are populated by all members of the community. The third nudist beach is Playa del Muerto, which is more populated by the gay community. Platja dels Balmins and Platja d'Aiguadolç are located on the eastern side of Sitges while Playa del Muerto is on the western side of Sitges and is more difficult to reach.

Major events

 * Carnival (Carnestoltes) in February and March, according to the liturgical calendar. The festivities begin on Dijous Gras, or Fat Thursday, with King Carnestoltes’ arrival. They continue until the burial of the sardine — late afternoon on Ash Wednesday. Folk dances and xatonades (traditional local salad served with assorted omelets) are also characteristic carnival elements. The two most important moments are the Rua de la Disbauxa, or the Debauchery Parade, on Sunday night and the Rua de l'Extermini, or Extermination Parade, on Tuesday night. Around 40 floats with more than 2,000 participants fill Sitges.
 * Carnival (Carnestoltes) in February and March, according to the liturgical calendar. The festivities begin on Dijous Gras, or Fat Thursday, with King Carnestoltes’ arrival. They continue until the burial of the sardine — late afternoon on Ash Wednesday. Folk dances and xatonades (traditional local salad served with assorted omelets) are also characteristic carnival elements. The two most important moments are the Rua de la Disbauxa, or the Debauchery Parade, on Sunday night and the Rua de l'Extermini, or Extermination Parade, on Tuesday night. Around 40 floats with more than 2,000 participants fill Sitges.

Hiking
The GR-5 (viewpoints route) starts in the city and goes through the Parc del Garraf, the Montserrat Natural Park, Sant Llorenç del Munt i l'Obac Natural Park, the Montseny Natural Park and ends crossing the Parc del Montnegre i el Corredor in Canet de Mar

Buy
Local souvenirs, Catalan/Spanish music (Serrat), Spanish/Valencian music (Camilo Sesto).

In Sitges (unlike nearby Barcelona) all of the shops are allowed to open on Sundays. You will find a wide range of fashion stores around the city. Several of them carry top brands. Pedestrian streets on the city center get quite crowded on Sunday afternoons with tourists and people from Barcelona buying. Several shops open just after 17:30 and stay open until 21:00.

Eat
Xató is Sitges' most typical dish. The main ingredients of xató are endive salad, cod, tuna, anchovies, aubergine and black olives. However, the essence of the dish is its sauce, made with scalded chillies, toasted almonds, garlic, olive oil, salt, vinegar and hot peppers. The complete xató meal consists of some different omelettes or fricandó (a typical Catalan hot meal) and as a dessert, coca de lardons (typical Catalan cake, made from pork scratchings), served with a bottle of Penedès black wine.

Drink
The streets near the waterfront are filled with street cafes. Local youngsters gather on the beach after nightfall.

Malvasia is a delicate liquor wine served in Sitges, primarily with dessert. The name "malvasia" comes from the Peloponnesian port Monemvasía. In Sitges, the Hospital Sant Joan Baptista continues producing and marketing malvasia according to the traditional method from its own vines and within its own cellars. The proceeds go to charity. The annual production is approximately 4,000 bottles.

Go next
Barcelona, Lloret de Mar, Tarragona, Lleida, Valencia, Castellón, Alicante, Alcoy, Benidorm, Girona.

title: Sitges


text:
Sithonia

Sithonia peninsula (Χερσόνησος Σιθωνίας) is in Chalkidiki.

Understand
The narrow peninsula is also called the second "finger" of Chalkidiki. In the interior of Sithonia it is very mountainous, but the mountains are not as high as Mount Athos but much higher than those on Kassandra. Sithonia is not yet as well developed as Kassandra. Sithonia is more calm. The noisy discos that are typical on the neighboring peninsula are rare here. The hotels were built later and therefore the architectural is more sophisticated. Giant hotel complexes cannot be found here, with one exception: Porto Carras in the south of Marmaras on the west coast, which was built decades ago. Also, the beaches are not quite so overloaded here. Tourism and traffic in summer have increased significantly, especially due to tourism from Southeastern Europe.

Villages

 * and Diaporos Island.
 * and Diaporos Island.

Get in
In the south of Thessaloniki is the international airport. From here you can reach Sithonia within an hour. It is best to rent a car or go by bus. The roads to Sithonia are well developed. Until shortly after Nea Moudania you drive on the highway, then continue on a well-developed road. Getting there by bus from Thessaloniki you take the KTEL (KTEL)  busses, which travels three times a day from the bus station in Thessaloniki to Sithonia. From the airport you should best take a taxi to the bus station. The bus goes around the peninsula and stops at any place.

Get around
Sithonia is connected to the bus network of Halkidiki. There is a reliable timetable. At important bus stops the departure times are displayed but the buses often delay. When the bus arrives you also have to get up and wave, otherwise it will not stop.

The best way to explore the peninsula is by car or motorbike. The main roads are quite well developed, the signs in order. Only when you leave the main roads, it can be quite adventurous. Many are also traveling by bicycle here. But Sithonia is very mountainous and the routes are not suitable for inexperienced cyclists. And cycling is also not without danger, because many drivers, especially buses and trucks, hardly take account of cyclists.

See

 * The excavations of ancient Olynthos, with the oldest mosaics (5th c. BC) ever found in Greece.
 * The old traditional villages of Parthenon, Sykia and Nikiti.
 * The Porto Carras vineyard and wine cellar.
 * The Toroneos cross swimming race in July from Nikiti to Kallithea.
 * The ancient ruins of Toroni and its ancient harbour Porto Koufo.
 * The spectacular view of Mt. Athos from Kartalia cliff cape.
 * The thousands of goats grazing free on the mountains.

Beaches
There are many and various beaches, and many small bays that invite you to swim.Nudist beaches, for which Sithonia used to be famous, are scarcely available during the season, except for few hardly accessible bays. The following have Blue Flag status: Armenistis, Platanitsi, Sarti, Sykia, Toroni, Porto Carras, Anthimou (Elia 2), Lagomandra and Makrya Lagada.

Go next

 * Ammouliani -island
 * Kassandra

title: Sithonia


text:
Sitia

Sitia (Greek: Σητεία) is a city in the Sea of Crete region of Greece.

Understand
Sitia, 18 km from Palekastro and 60 from Ierapetra, with a population of 9500 people, is the easternmost city on Crete and perhaps the least developed. Even during the busy summer peak, Sitia retains a certain charm and laid-back style. On the other hand, this means that it is not deserted in the winter, like other tourist resorts of Crete.

During the Venetian occupation the town of Sitia was destroyed three times. In 1508 by a terrible earthquake, in 1538 by the pirate Barbarosa and in 1651 by the Venetians so as not to fall in the hands of the Turks. For two centuries Sitia ceased to exist as a town, until 1869. The present city was built in 1870.

Sitia is the seat of administrative and public services for the county.

By plane

Scheduled services

Domestic:
 * Olympic Air from Alexandroupolis, Athens, Karpathos and Preveza-Lefkas
 * Sky Express from Athens and Heraklion

There is no public transport from the airport to the city center. Your options are walking 5 kilometers or taking a taxi (€12, September 2023).

By bus
There are regular KTEL bus services from Heraklion and Agios Nikolaos as well as from Ierapetra. The frequency of connections depends on the time of year.

By boat
Sitia has sea connections with Heraklion, Santorini, Pireaus and other Aegean islands.

See
The region has been inhabited since the Minoan period. At Petra, to the east of the town, a section of an ancient settlement has been excavated.

 * Vai forest and beach, the largest natural palm forest in Europe.
 * Gorge of the Dead (at Kato Zakros).
 * Gorge of the Dead (at Kato Zakros).
 * Gorge of the Dead (at Kato Zakros).

 * Ha Gorge (at Ierapetra).
 * Various archeological sites with ancient Greek and Minoan settlements, such as in Itanos and Mochlos.
 * There is a waterfront with restaurants and cafes, a large public beach, and an archaeological museum which holds many of the findings from Palekastro.

Do
Strolling on the streets of Sitia

There is not too many tourists in Sitia, therefore you can really observe daily life of Sitians by walking through the town. You can pick into the small shops, and stores, listen to old ladies gossiping, watch old men sipping their coffee.

Sitia's harbour

Sitia has beautiful harbour full of colourful small fishing boats, and good restaurants, tavernas and cafes. This harbor is much different then the one in Rethymno or Chania because it is not too commercialized yet. This harbour serves more Sitia's citizens and their families rather than tourists and that's what is good about it.

Information Centre on Sitia's harbour There is a little building on the corner of K.Karamanli and A.Papandreou, on the harbour. You can get there lots of information on where to go and what to see. You can get there a list with all the events for July and August, such as shows, fiestas, concerts etc. You can get there a phone number to Hotel Union of Sitia 2843 0 28428. They can help with finding a room in Sitia, especially if you are on the budget and want to have your room booked ahead. Phone: +30 2843028300 Address: corner of K.Karamanli & A.Papandreou- on harbour Directions: little building on the corner of K.Karamanli and A.Papandreou, on the harbour.

Eat
Kali Kardia Tavern Kali Kardia Tavern is located two blocks from Sitia harbour. Phone: +30 2843022249 Address: Foundalidou street 22 Directions: Foundalidou street between N. Kazantzakis and Metaxaki (2 blocks from the harbour)

Sitia Cafe Great atmosphere. Bathroom clean. Address: K. Karamanli street, Sitia Directions: on the corner of K. Karamanli street and A. Papandreou street

Tzivaeri Rakadiko Popular with locals for dinner. This food is a fusion of Greek cuisine and fast food, meaning, that it was still Greek food, but mostly deep fried, Greek salads however are huge and superb. Address: the corner of E. Venizelou and Kapetan Sifi - on the harbour

Zorbas People go there for meat dishes, however veregtarian options are available. The whole place has nice decor with beautiful view. Address: E Venizelou & N. Kazantzaki corner - on the harbour

To Limani Right beside Zorbas, great food, vegetarian options available. Very friendly staff. Beautiful views of the harbour. Address: Corner of E Venizelou & N. Kazantzaki - on the harbour

Sleep
There are a lot of choices for accommodation in Sitia. There are some hotels near the harbour of the town. There are also one or two luxurious hotels, category A. But you can find cheap and expensive rooms or apartments as well. Some of them are new built and there are ideal for spending your holidays. Either in town or a suburb all of them are very close to the sea and keep the conditions for a good stay either you choose a cheap or an expensive option.

 * Hotel Krystal (Crystal). It is a nice building, conveniently located and easy to find. Front desk person is very nice and professional. Corner rooms on the 4th floor have nice view of the entire Sitia bay. Rooms are nice and clean, and have long balcony with great view. Nice size bathroom, TV and AC. Breakfast is more than enough, although boring after 4 days. Prices: US$20-40. Phone: +30 28430 - 22284. Address: 17 KAPETAN SIFI 723 00, SITIA Greece. Directions: located in the center of Sitia, 70 m from the sea and few blocks from Sitia boardwalk. Other Contact: info@ekaterinidis-hotels.com.

Go next

 * Ierapetra
 * By ferry, to Kassos and Karpathos

title: Sitia


text:
Sitka

Sitka is a city of about 9,000 on the Pacific Ocean coast of Baranof Island in Alaska. First settled by Tlingit Aboriginal people, Sitka also has history as a Russian settlement, established in 1799 by Alexander Baranoff of the Russian American Company, which became the Russian capital of Alaska. In 1867, when Russia sold Alaska to the US, the transfer ceremony took place on Castle Hill at Sitka on October 18, a day celebrated as Alaska Day. Sitka now attracts about a quarter million visitors a year.

Get in
On the outer waters of Alaska's Inside Passage, on Baranof Island, Sitka is accessible only by air and by sea.

By plane
Sitka Tours provides an airport shuttle to the downtown area or to any accommodations. May–September, $6 one-way; $8 round-trip.

By sea

 * Sitka is a popular port of call for many cruise ships that sail the Inside Passage from May through September. The majority of large cruise ships dock at the  at Halibut Point, about  north of the downtown area. From the dock, you'll take a free 15-min shuttle bus ride to Harrigan Centential Hall in downtown Sitka. When the dock is in use, cruise ships anchor offshore in Crescent Harbor, and smaller boats are used to tender passengers ashore to the Crescent Harbor Lightering Facility (near the Centennial Hall) or the O'Connell Bridge Lightering Facility (at the foot of Castle Hill).  The town has a free municipal Wi-Fi system that was paid for by the docking fees that the cruise ship pay.
 * Alaska Marine Highway, . The Alaska Marine Highway ferries provide year-round service for passengers and vehicles.  Although you can not drive to Sitka by land, the Alaska Marine Highway ferries can get you and your vehicle there.

On foot
The downtown area of Sitka can be explored by foot. A walking map, with two suggested loops, one westward to the Sitka Channel, the other eastward to the Alaska Raptor Center, may be obtained from the Summer Information Desk in the Harrigan Centennial Hall near the Crescent Harbor Lightering Facility. Bring your mobile devices to help you get around downtown; Sitka has a free municipal Wi-Fi system paid for by the cruise ship docking fees.

By bus

 * The Ride . Founded by the Sitka Tribe of Alaska, Sitka Community Ride has been serving Sitka's Community since 2002. Operates three bus lines – Green, Red, and Blue – M–F 6:30AM to 6:30PM. Holidays Observed: New Years Day, Memorial Day, Labor Day, Alaska Day, Thanksgiving Day, Christmas Day.

See

 * The Russian Bishop's House open mid-May through September daily 9AM–5PM. Ranger-led tours are offered every 30 minutes. October through mid-May open by appointment only. 12 years old $4, under free. This original log structure built in 1843 is one of the last remaining buildings from the Russian colonial period. Not wheelchair accessible.
 * Park Trails open mid-May through September daily 6AM–10PM; October through mid-May daily 7AM–8PM. Free. Walk in a temperate rain forest under towering trees, observe migrating salmon, explore the intertidal zone, and study wildlife. A pleasant walk through the Alaska woods with interesting totem poles interspersed. The Village Watchman, the Raven in Human Form, the Raven and a Bear are some of the figures displayed.
 * Park Trails open mid-May through September daily 6AM–10PM; October through mid-May daily 7AM–8PM. Free. Walk in a temperate rain forest under towering trees, observe migrating salmon, explore the intertidal zone, and study wildlife. A pleasant walk through the Alaska woods with interesting totem poles interspersed. The Village Watchman, the Raven in Human Form, the Raven and a Bear are some of the figures displayed.

Buy
Russian and native handicrafts are featured products.

Eat
There are a nice mix of restaurants in Sitka including: Mediterranean, Mexican, Japanese, and Chinese. Despite the town being relatively small, there are about 17 restaurants and a dozen or so other places serving food. The only franchises are McDonald's and Subway.

title: Sitka


text:
Sittard

Sittard is a city in the region South Limburg, in the Dutch province of Limburg.

Understand
Sittard is a city in the Dutch province of Limburg, which is the southernmost province of the Netherlands. On the east Sittard borders on Germany (municipality Selfkant, in North Rhine-Westphalia). It has some 48,400 inhabitants (including those of neighbouring villages Munstergeleen, Limbricht, Einighausen and Guttecoven). Sittard is part of the municipality of Sittard-Geleen.

Sittard has a small historic city centre with numerous architectural monuments, including several old churches (St Peter's, St Michael's, Basilica of Our Lady of the Sacred Heart) and a few half-timbered houses. The city has retained part of its city wall. On the south-eastern side of the city centre, the St Rosa chapel crowns the Kollenberg hill. Museum "Het Domein" is situated in a converted nineteenth century school building in the city centre. It focuses on contemporary art, urban history and archeology.

By train
The main train station is a 10-minute walk from the city center. Sittard is served by intercity and regional train services. The intercity trains coming from the north (thus from the directions of Amsterdam, Utrecht, 's Hertogenbosch, Eindhoven, Weert, Roermond) are split in two here, with one part continuing to Heerlen and another to Maastricht. In the opposite direction, the two trains are combined here to continue north as one.

Regional trains pass through from the directions of Echt, Roermond, Heerlen and Maastricht.

Trivia: According to NS (Dutch Railways), the Sittard train station has the longest train platforms in the Netherlands, as of 2021.

By bus
The bus terminal is next to the train station. The bus operator in Sittard and surrounding cities is Veolia, with lines to most of the smaller town in the region but also to larger destinations like Heerlen, Maastricht, Roermond, and Geleen.

On foot and bike
As nearly all stores, restaurants and bars are located in the center, walking is a good way to get around Sittard. From the main railway station, it's a 10-minute walk through the Steenweg to reach the Market and most of the sights. The streets in the center are pretty much free of cars and bicycles.

Bike rentals:

By bus
Arriva offers bus connections from Sittards railway station to the surroundings. You can plan your trip door-to-door using 9292.nl, though results vary. Busses run twice an hour to most locations. Bus tickets cost € 4.10 and can only be purchased using a debit or credit card. To save money, it is recommended to travel using an OV-chipkaart instead, or to check in with your debit or credit card using the OVpay system.

By car or taxi
If you have a car, try parking outside the city center as it is much cheaper or even free. Renting a car is only useful if you want to head to the outskirts of town or even other cities or villages. The city center is small enough to do on foot, but also mostly car free. Taxis are a fairly expensive way to get around, but you can find them at the trainstation.

See
Sittard has a quite interesting and historic city center. Just wandering around for a while will give you a fair idea of the town, but make sure to include some of its ancient churches in your tour.

Do

 * Football: Fortuna Sittard play soccer in Eredivisie, the country's top tier. Their home ground (capacity 12,500) is 2 km southwest of town centre.
 * Football: Fortuna Sittard play soccer in Eredivisie, the country's top tier. Their home ground (capacity 12,500) is 2 km southwest of town centre.
 * Football: Fortuna Sittard play soccer in Eredivisie, the country's top tier. Their home ground (capacity 12,500) is 2 km southwest of town centre.

Buy
The lively city centre is a popular place for general shopping. On any sunny Saturday afternoon you'll find large crowds combining a day of shopping in the charming streets with a bit of relaxing on the market square terraces.

Eat
The Markt and surrounding streets are your best bet when looking for a place to eat. Popular places include:

Drink
Sittard is not only a reasonably large town, but it also has a large higher education institution, whose students of course encourage the city's nightlife. Most of the café's and bars are located on and around the market square, so just head there and explore the different establishments, especially on Saturday nights.

Connect
As of July 2022, Sittard has 5G from all Dutch carriers.

title: Sittard


text:
Sittingbourne

Sittingbourne is industrial town in the Swale district, in Kent, southeast England, beside the Roman Watling Street, an ancient British trackway used by the Romans and the Anglo-Saxons.

Get in
It is 17 miles (27 km) from Canterbury and 45 miles (72 km) from London.

By plane
The nearest major airport is London Gatwick Airport, which is away.

By train
Sittingbourne is served by regular trains from London Victoria and London St Pancras International, Canterbury, Dover, Ramsgate, Margate, Whitstable, the Medway Towns Faversham and Sheerness.

By bus
Most services are provided by Chalkwell Buses linking Sittingbourne with Chatham and the surrounding areas.

Some services are provided by Arriva Kent & Surrey linking Sittingbourne with Maidstone and the surrounding areas.

See

Go next

 * Faversham east via the A2.
 * Canterbury east via the A2.
 * Maidstone southwest via A249.
 * Rochester west via the M2.

title: Sittingbourne


text:
Sittwe

Sittwe or Akyab (Burmese စစ်တွေမြို့) is a city (pop. 148,000 as of 2014) and district in Rakhine State, Western Myanmar.

Understand
Sittwe is in the far west of Myanmar and has been a hub for tourists travelling to Mrauk U via plane, e.g. from Yangon.

By car or bus
The road to Sittwe (via Pyay) is quite comfortable if you have your own car. Buses also travel the route. Either way, set aside two days for the journey from Yangon. The coastal route is still long and arduous.

From specific destinations
 * Yangon – 26 hr, 25-35,000 kyat.
 * Mandalay – The bus from Mandalay stops at Magway near the bridge across the Irrawaddy river.
 * Bagan – If you starting from Bagan, you have to take a bus to Magway and switch to the bus to Sittwe (or Mrauk U) near the bridge across the Irrawaddy river or in front of the K.H.M. Fashion store. The bus from Bagan to Magway leaves the bus station near the airport at 10:00, 12:30 and 23:00, and costs 4,000 kyat. The bus from Magway to Sittwe is about 25-30,000 kyat and 18 hr. A similar trip is possible via Kyauk Padaung, best ask your guesthouse or travel agent of choice.
 * Ngapali – The bus from Thandwe bus station starts at 11:30 & 13:30, and takes 17 hr to Mrauk U and is about 20,000 kyat.
 * Taungup – Mostly the same buses that start in Thandwe bus station (Ngapali). They will stop at 14:30 & 16:30 in Taungup and take 14 hr for about 17,000 kyat to Mrauk U.
 * Pyay – Served by the Yangon buses that stop in Pyay. Advisable to book in advance. 18 hr, 22,000 kyat.
 * Mrauk U – There are various local buses, pickups and vans available for the 70 km. 1½ hr, 2-3,000 kyat.

By boat
The journey through the backwaters and then up the river is a wonderful trip. There are some concerns regarding the security on the boat, robberies have occurred. Please get updated information on-site.

There were, although thae current situation is unclear, 2 large ferries running from Mrauk U to Sittwe: the ex-government boat (XGov, now privatised) and the Aung Kyaw Moe (AKM) double-decker boat. Prices for both are US$10 (tourists) and they take 7 hr. An express boat is $20, which takes 3 hr. Also ask for private boats/places on private boats (5 passengers+, $20, 6 hr, one-way), which may be useful if it goes that afternoon, as you save a night in Sittwe.

Sittwe to Mrauk U: a ferry goes Monday (AKM); Tuesday (XGov); Friday (Xgov); Saturday (AKM) at 07:00. Express boat Wednesday, 14:00 and there one more sailing of the Aung Kyaw Moe, Thursday (possibly Wednesday).

Mrauk U to Sittwe: a ferry goes Tuesday (AKM); Wednesday (XGov); Friday (AKM); Saturday (Xgov); Sunday (AKM) at 07:00. Express boat Thursday, 07:00.

Food is available for purchase. The ferry is not in good condition, but seems safe enough. The ferry has been known to skip a day or two every now and then so, if relying on it for travel, keep a reasonable buffer to avoid being stuck. Private boats are available for rent in Sittwe and may do the trip considerably faster (4 to 6 hr) for $80 (as of 2008) depending on your negotiating skills and the number in your party. The principal advantage of renting a private boat is that you are no longer tied to the ferry schedule. In high season 2011 there were private boats leaving Mrauk U seemingly every day, which you could join for negotiated fare. Flights from Yangon arrive in Sittwe in the afternoon and it is easy to rent a boat and be in Mrauk U in the evening, which means a travel time of one day from Yangon. With the government ferry, count on at least two days to get from Yangon to Mrauk U (including flight), longer if you arrive the day before a ferry off-day.

Get around
Most sights can be reached on foot if you stay in one of the guesthouses in the centre. Trishaws and motorbike taxis are readily available and the easiest way to get around for destinations outside this range. A private ride to Sittwe Bus Station is 1,000 kyat or more. Shared pickups are about 500 kyat for 10-15 km.

As always, you can also rent a bicycle for 1,000 kyat or more from most hotels and guesthouses.

See

Do
Most people use Sittwe as a stopping point for Mrauk U and rarely spend time in the city. However, a brief visit is well-rewarded.

Eat
Sittwe is a much better place for trying Rakhine food than Mrauk U. Rakhine food is spicy and is a nice change from the blander Burmese curries. Mondi, the Rakhaing version of the Burmese mohinga, is thinner and spicier. Rakhaing fish curries, catfish is the local favourite, are fiery and can be enjoyed at several hole-in-the-wall (or rather shack-on-the-ground) eateries that dot the main street and side streets of Sittwe. Restaurants, such as City Point, Nyein Chan, and in the Shwe Thazin Hotel in Sittwe tend to serve blander Burmese or Chinese food, so forget about them.

Go next
Road travel is becoming more and more popular. In the past it was only possible to fly into Sittwe and take a boat to Mrauk U, or the other way around, due to travel restrictions on tourists.

 * Mrauk U – Famous for is ancient sights and traditional, surrounding Chin Villages, and 70 km away. Many buses leave from the Bus Station northwest of the city. But there are also local pickups and vans available, try the bus stand near the central market. 1.5 hr, 2-3,000 kyat. Also boats are available to Mrauk U. One leaves in the afternoon at 16:00, takes 3 hr and is 20,000 kyat. Try: 09 49660076, 09 421720296, www.mraukutraveler.com, www.mraukukyawmoe.com, email mraukukyawmoe@gmail.com. For more information on boats have a look at.
 * Taungup – Is nothing special, but there exist some tourist accommodation options. It can be a convenient hub for road travel between Sittwe, Mrauk U, Pyay and Ngapali. There are at least two buses a day heading for Ngapali with a stop in Taungup. The trip is quite unpleasant due to the terrible condition of the road - expect to arrive very tired and make sure to get a decent seat in front. 14 hr, 17,000 kyat. Taungup also has a harbour where boats from Sittwe depart on Monday & Thursday, leave Sittwe at 06:00, arrive in Taungup at 15:00.
 * Ngapali – Has the most beautiful beaches in Myanmar, but is mostly a resort place with few budget options available. There are at least two buses a day heading for Thandwe Bus Station, 6 km away from Ngapali at the highway, with a stop in Taungup. The road conditions are terrible. 17 hr, 20,000 kyat.
 * Bagan – One of the most famous attractions in Myanmar. There are no direct buses available to Bagan, you will have to take a bus to Magway (07:00 & 10:00, 18 hr, 25-30,000 kyat) or Mandalay (similar times) and get off at Magway or Kyauk Padaung (19 hr, same price as Mandalay), respectively. From there it should be easy to catch onward transport, pickup/van or another bus. Check the bus does goes through there (Kyauk Padaung), especially when entering the bus. Often the ticket seller and the bus are different companies, because passengers are shuffled around depending on availability. The Kyauk Padaung route is preferable, because Kyauk Padaung is very close to Bagan and you can stop at Mount Popa on the way to enjoy the sunrise on top of the pagoda. 22 hr, from 30,000 kyat.
 * Pyay – Famous for the nearby and ancient Pyu city. Mostly served by the morning buses to Yangon. 18 hr, 22,000 kyat.
 * Mandalay – Famous for the U Bein Bridge, the Buddha face washing, as well as the nearby mountains by train. 07:00-10:00, 23 hr, 25-35,000 kyat.
 * Yangon – Most buses to Yangon leave early morning between 06:00 to 09:00. You have to get to the bus station early, even at 05:30, to ensure you get a seat, or book sufficiently in advance. The last bus is around 12:00. All buses will make a stop in Pyay after 18 hr. Overall duration 26 hr, costs 25-35,000 kyat.

title: Sittwe


text:
Siuntio

Siuntio (Swedish: Sjundeå) is a municipality in Uusimaa.

Understand
Siuntio is a municipality of some 6,000 inhabitants about 50 km west of Helsinki situated on the King's Road (Kuninkaantie). It consists of a few villages, the largest being Siuntion asema ("Siuntio station", railway station and administrative center), Siuntion kirkonkylä ("Church village") and Sjundby. The Finnish national poet Aleksis Kivi lived in Siuntio. The municipality has a 30% Swedish-speaking minority.

By car
From Helsinki follow highway 51 for about 50km towards Raseborg and Hanko, then turn right to the local road 115 to Siuntio. It's a 45-min drive, but watch out for the speed cameras along the highway. If you're coming from Turku, exit the motorway at Lohja, drive a few kilometres south along highway 25 and take local road 115 to Siuntio.

By train

Take the commuter train from Helsinki. Siuntio is served by lines Y, X and L on the Helsinki commuter rail network, for which it is one of the termini along with Helsinki railway station. The station is part of HSL fare zone D. If you're coming from Turku, either change to the commuter train in Leppävaara, Espoo, and backtrack, or get off in Karis and take a bus, as the long-distance trains no more stop in Siuntio.

By bus
See Helsinki for information about public transport fares and tickets

There are a few buses each day from Helsinki, catering to commuters. For some of the buses you need to transfer in Kirkkonummi. The current bus timetables are available at the national public transport journey planner website.

By bicycle
You can well get in by bike from the neighbouring municipalities. Traffic is generally low. If you're coming from west or east, why not bike along the historical King's Road?

Get around
See Helsinki for information about fares and tickets

In the villages the points of interest are within walking distance from each other. However driving is definitely the best way to move around between the villages. On workdays there are a few buses a day along the main roads, but you will likely be in for a long wait. If you have time, getting around by bike or foot might be an option in the summer.

By taxi
See Uusimaa for information about companies and fares

Do

 * Swimming – in the summer there are at least two popular swimming beaches in Siuntio, in at the sea and in  near the hamlet of Karskog. In the winter the Spa hotel would likely be your best bet.
 * Swimming – in the summer there are at least two popular swimming beaches in Siuntio, in at the sea and in  near the hamlet of Karskog. In the winter the Spa hotel would likely be your best bet.

Buy
There are not really any places for "shopping" in Siuntio.

Go next
From Siuntio your choices are more or less east or west along the King's Road:
 * Ingå
 * Kirkkonummi
 * Lohja

title: Siuntio


text:
Sivakasi

Sivakasi is a town in Tamil Nadu, India.

Get in
Sivakasi is located:
 * 77 km southwest of Madurai via BH 44 and NH 42
 * 18.5 km northwest of Sattur on NH 187
 * 28 km southwest of Virudhunagar on NH 42
 * 21 km east of Srivilliputhur on NH 42

By plane
There are direct flights from Mumbai (Bombay), Chennai (Madras), and Bangalore to Madurai.

By bus
It is well connected to all parts of Tamil Nadu by bus. Bus service is available from Sivakasi to Madurai throughout the day.

Bus times from Sivakasi:
 * To Coimbatore: 6:50, 10:20AM; 12:30, 1:25, 8:30, 9:10, 10:10PM.
 * To Trichy: 	3:15, 5:30, 6:00, 7:45AM; 12:40, 3:10, 4:20, 5:40, 8:40PM.
 * To Dindugul: 	5:20, 7:52, 9:50AM; 2:55, 7:50PM.
 * To Karaikudi: 	3:55, 5:00, 9:00AM; 12:45, 2:45, 3:00, 7:57PM, midnight
 * To Rameswaram: 	6:50, 8:20, 10:20AM; 1:40, 4:45PM
 * To Tirupur: 	9:07AM; 8:35PM
 * To Palani: 	7:07AM
 * To Virudhunagar and Madurai: 24-hour bus service available (once in every 10 minutes)
 * To Chennai: 	6:30PM - State Transport; 6:30PM - Parveen Travels; 6:30PM - Sonai Meena; 6:30PM - Muthu Mari Travels; 7:30PM - Parveen Travels

By train
Trains to all major cities of India are available from Virudhunagar junction which is 25 km from Sivakasi.

From Sivakasi railway station: And also Chennai Egmore to Sengottai No.2661 also runs on all days via Sivakasi at 6AM.
 * Pothigai Express Train No.2662 from Sengottai to Chennai Egmore runs on all days via Sivakasi at 9PM.
 * Twice daily passenger - to Madurai via Virudhunagar, Tirumangalam
 * Twice daily to Tenkasi via Srivilliputhur, Rajapalayam, Sankarankoil

From Sengottai to Erode via Thenkasi, Sankarankoil, Rajapalayam, Srivilliputhur, Sivakasi, Virudhunagar, Madurai, Dindigul, and Karur.

Get around
You can get around Sivakasi in
 * Taxi & tourist van
 * Auto rickshaw
 * Mini bus

See

 * Kasi Viswanatha Swamy Temple
 * Sri Badrakaliamman Temple - the Rajagopuram is believed to be the tallest of all kali temple towers in the state.
 * Sri Mariamman Temple
 * Ninranarayanaperumal koil, Thiruthangal, Sivakasi
 * Printing Press
 * Fireworks Industries
 * Safety Match Industries

Do
Sivakasi is known for printing industry and match boxes and its highly industrious nature and was given the nickname Kutty Japan (meaning "Little Japan" in Tamil) by Jawaharlal Nehru.

Sivakasi may be called as "A town of three industries", namely - printing/offset printing press, fireworks, and safety matches & colour matches.

Sivakasi has the second-most offset printing machines in the world, next to Gutenberg, Germany.

Cinemas

 * Adlabs Cinemas
 * Thangamani Cinemas
 * Palaniyandavar Cinemas

Theatres

 * Palaniandavar Theatre
 * Adlabs Ganesh Theatre
 * Adlabs Balaganesh Theatre
 * Thangamani Theatre
 * Rasi Theatre
 * ChinnaKani Theatre

Major festivals

 * Panguni Pongal (Apr 1/2 week)
 * Chithirai Pongal (May 1/2/3 week)
 * Karthigai (Nov/Dec)
 * Aathirai (Dec/Jan)

Eat
The list of hotels in Sivakasi:
 * Bell Hotels & Lodging
 * DOSA Corner
 * Karpagam Hotel
 * Kali Das Mess
 * Vijayam Mess
 * Hotel Palson
 * Hotel Murugesh
 * Hotel Aruna & Vasanth
 * Hotel Chidambaram
 * Hotel Pandy-by-night
 * Hotel Appans
 * Hotel Megha
 * Selvam Mess
 * Appans Hotel
 * Kathick Hotel

Sweet & snack shops

 * Ayyanar sweets and snacks - Thiruthangal Road
 * Velayutham sweets and snacks - main bazaar
 * Nandhini sweets and snacks - Thiruthangal Road
 * Tamilnadu sweets and snacks - opp to bus stand
 * Ayankar sweets and snacks - near Ratnavilas bus stop
 * Malgudi Mithai

Specialties of the area include: Parotta, Dosai, Idli, pakkodaa, halwa, and Vadai.

Drink

 * Ayyanar Iceland
 * Kanmark soft drink in all petty shop
 * Pandiyan Iceland
 * Vinayaka Iceland
 * Velayutham Iceland
 * Ganesh coffee bar

Bar and restaurant

 * Hotel Chidambaram
 * Muhil Bar and Restaurant

Sleep

 * Sri Sivasakthi a/c Lodge (+91 04562 226833)
 * Sakthi Complex (Lodge) (+91 04562 221172)
 * Bell Hotels & Lodging
 * Hotel Palson
 * Hotel Murugesh
 * Hotel Aruna & Vasanth
 * Hotel Chidambaram
 * Nadar Lodge
 * Bala Krishna Lodge
 * Thai Lodge
 * Arun Lodge
 * Sapna Lodge
 * Sangeetha Lodge
 * Pandiyan Lodge
 * Palaniappa Mansion
 * Deepak's enclaves
 * Deepak's enclaves

Connect
Newspapers: Dinathanthi, Dinamalar, Dinakaran, Dinamani & all leading Tamil & English dailies are available at Bus station & City centre.

Cable TV: Local Cable TVs are telecasted nearly at all lodges.

Internet Cafe: Sify cafe are at main areas in the city. BSNL - Dataone Broadband is also available at many places.

title: Sivakasi


text:
Sivas

Sivas is a city in Central Anatolia, with a population in 2020 of 335,570. By road it's 450 km east of Ankara, and stands at 1278 m elevation. It's industrial but has several 13th century Seljuk buildings, and is a transport hub.

Understand
In the first century BC, the Romans called this place Sebaste for their emperor. There are scant remnants of those times as a series of conquerors came, smashed the place and marched on. However in 1174 it fell to the Seljuks, the Turkic people who supplanted Byzantine Rome in this region, and their fine medreses remain. The Ottomans arose in the 13th century and captured Sivas, but in 1400 Tamerlane stormed all the way from Kabul, occupied much of present day Turkey, and almost crushed the Ottoman dynasty. They regained the town in 1408 and held it until the modern republican era. It was here at the congress of 1919 that Atatürk cemented his position of leadership and launched the War of Independence.

Sivas stands on a high-altitude plain with hot, dry summers and bitterly cold, snowy winters. Summer nights can still be chilly, especially if the breeze picks up, so bring along at least some cold-weather clothing regardless of season. This climate suits hardy varieties of wheat, so the main industry is based on agriculture, such as manufacture of cereals.

By plane
There are two flights a day from Istanbul IST and from SAW, taking 90 min. All other connections involve changing in Istanbul. The airport is big enough for its limited flights and has car hire.

By train
High speed YHT trains run three times daily from Ankara to Sivas at 08:00, 13:00, and 18:10, with the same return times. They take 2 hr 30 min via Kırıkkale and Yozgat; an adult single in 2023 is 240 TL economy, 360 TL business class. Two daily services also continue to and from Istanbul.

Conventional trains from Ankara run daily and take 11 hours via Kayseri (bypassed by the YHT). These have couchettes and a sleeping car, some carry a buffet but don't rely on it, bring your own rations. It's expected that these services will change radically once the YHT service is bedded in, as the Ankara trains could instead terminate in Sivas.

 * Vangölü Express continues eastwards to Elazığ and Tatvan, which has buses and an occasional ferry to Van, for trains to Tabriz and Tehran in Iran.
 * Guney Kurtalan Express runs via Malatya to Diyarbakır and Kurtalan.
 * Dogu Express runs via Divriği, Erzincan and Erzurum to Kars. There's also a twice daily regional train between Erzincan, Divriği and Sivas.

Additionally, the regional Hattı train runs daily from Samsun on the Black Sea coast, taking eight hours via Havza and Amasya. It departs both ways around 08:30.

By bus
Direct buses run from Istanbul five or six times a day, taking 12 hours for a fare in 2022 of 600 TL, otherwise change in Ankara. Buses from Ankara run every two hours and take 7 hours, for a fare of 350 TL. They may continue east to Erzincan (3½ hours) and Erzurum (6 hours), or southeast to Elazığ, Tatvan and Van, or south to Gaziantep and Adana. The main operator on these routes is Flixbus; another is Metroturizm.

Get around
Town bus routes are:

 * 1-A, 1-B, 1-D, 2-A and 2-B passes Sivas Train Station.
 * Except 6-A, 6-B, 6-C, 11-B and 11-C, all bus lines go to the Coach Station.
 * 6-B, 6-C and 11-B passes Sivas Police Headquarter.
 * 6-C and 11-B passes the "Eğriköprü" which is a historical bridge.
 * 2-A and 2-B passes the "Kesikköprü" which is a historical bridge.
 * 5-A and 5-B passes the Tomb of Abdulvahhabi Gazi.
 * 11-B and 11-C go to the Cumhuriyet University.

Taxi fares in 2022 average 6 TL flagfall then 11 TL per km. So to city centre reckon 30 TL from the railway station, 40 TL from the bus station and 250 TL from the airport.

See
Sivas is famous for its three madrasas - Islamic schools - built by rival patrons in the late 13th century and vying with each other for splendour.

 * Behram Paşa Han the ancient caravanserai and market is now a hotel, see Sleep.
 * 10 km west of town is a children's amusement park. Within it is an exhibition of war horses, admission 10 TL.
 * Behram Paşa Han the ancient caravanserai and market is now a hotel, see Sleep.
 * 10 km west of town is a children's amusement park. Within it is an exhibition of war horses, admission 10 TL.
 * Behram Paşa Han the ancient caravanserai and market is now a hotel, see Sleep.
 * 10 km west of town is a children's amusement park. Within it is an exhibition of war horses, admission 10 TL.
 * Behram Paşa Han the ancient caravanserai and market is now a hotel, see Sleep.
 * 10 km west of town is a children's amusement park. Within it is an exhibition of war horses, admission 10 TL.
 * Behram Paşa Han the ancient caravanserai and market is now a hotel, see Sleep.
 * 10 km west of town is a children's amusement park. Within it is an exhibition of war horses, admission 10 TL.
 * Behram Paşa Han the ancient caravanserai and market is now a hotel, see Sleep.
 * 10 km west of town is a children's amusement park. Within it is an exhibition of war horses, admission 10 TL.

Do

 * Football: Sivasspor play soccer in Süper Lig, Turkey's top tier, and sometimes qualify for European tournaments. Their home ground is New Sivas 4 Eylül Stadium (capacity 27,500), opened in 2016. It's 3 km west of city centre near the junction with D200 - that's one km beyond the former stadium, don't let the taxi driver fob you off.
 * Football: Sivasspor play soccer in Süper Lig, Turkey's top tier, and sometimes qualify for European tournaments. Their home ground is New Sivas 4 Eylül Stadium (capacity 27,500), opened in 2016. It's 3 km west of city centre near the junction with D200 - that's one km beyond the former stadium, don't let the taxi driver fob you off.

Buy
handcrafted silver, handcrafted cigarette holder and pen, famous carpets and rugs

Eat

 * Local specialties: Sivas Köfte somewhat resembles pork sausage. Others are pezük pickle, Sivas döner, Sivas kebap, sübüra, hurma and yumurta erişte.
 * Around Meydan are Lezzetçi (below), Serkan Bey, Komagene Çiğ Köfte Salonu, Serender, Pizza Point and 3N Sofra.

Drink
Just east of Meydan are Rain Pub, Merkez Türkü Bar, Sis Pub and Kervan Biranesi.

Sleep

 * Buruciye Otel is next to Beyaz Inci, cleanliness varies.
 * Kosk Hotel is at Atatürk Blv 7, 200 m east of Meydan.
 * Malia Hotel is next to Keykavus, similar prices.
 * Malia Hotel is next to Keykavus, similar prices.
 * Malia Hotel is next to Keykavus, similar prices.
 * Malia Hotel is next to Keykavus, similar prices.
 * Malia Hotel is next to Keykavus, similar prices.
 * Malia Hotel is next to Keykavus, similar prices.

Connect
As of Nov 2022, Sivas and its approach highways have 4G from all Turkish carriers. 5G has not rolled out in Turkey.

Go next

 * Yıldız Dağı is a mountain resort 50 km north, with ski lifts.
 * Soğuk Çermik is a spa 20 km east on D200, near a lake.
 * Kangal on the road to Divriği is the source of the Kangal breed of sheepdogs. The town spa touts its fish pedicures, a fashion that came and went in the west with little benefit to feet or fishes.
 * Divriği, with its impressive UNESCO World Heritage listed mosque, is 180 km southeast, reached by bus or train from Sivas.
 * Kayseri also has Seljuk heritage and serves as an entry point into Cappadocia.

title: Sivas


text:
Siwa

Siwa is an oasis and town in the Western Desert of Egypt. It is the most remote of Egypt's five western oases. The oasis is 80 km long by 20 km wide, with a population in 2016 of some 33,000. It has a scattering of villages but only one large settlement, here referred to as "Siwa town" for clarity. Its main sight is the Temple of the Oracle, which even Alexander the Great came to visit.

Understand
Siwa is in a great depression in the Sahara, so although it is 300 km from the Mediterranean coast at Marsa Matruh, it lies at sea-level or even a few metres below. This brings it close to a great aquifer of sandstone and limestone, containing "fossil water" - rain that fell 40,000 years ago. All the oasis water comes from this non-renewable resource. The depression was scoured out by wind-blown sand and salt, and the water is only usable if it is not salty. Most of Siwa's water is salty and the town is surrounded by large bitter lakes, which support wildlife (eg migratory birds, which gorge on the insects and grubs) but not agriculture. Wells nowadays have to drill down 300 m to access fresh water, so the area remains fertile but its development is constrained - tourist hotels are notoriously profligate users of water. Siwa's aquifer continues across the border into Libya, where it emerges as the Jaghbub oasis. Some 200 km east of Siwa is the even larger and deeper depression of Qattara, where all the water is saline and useless, so it is not an oasis.

The inhabitants of Siwa are ethnically Berber and their mother tongue is a Berber language called Siwi. They also speak Egyptian Arabic, and many can speak a little English.

Like the other western oases, the climate is hot desert, near 40°C summer and 5°C in winter. There is almost zero rainfall.

Get in
There are no flights to Siwa so the only approach is along two very long roads.

By road
550 km west of Cairo (but 750 km by either road) or from Alexandria, the best approach is by the coast road to Marsa Matruh, then it is 300 km southwest across the desert to Siwa. This road is asphalt throughout—beware blowing sand. It is a long way with no filling stations though there is a café midway.

The other way is to Bahariyya oasis then west across the desert. This road is asphalt. From there a dirt track heads west to Siwa. It is being upgraded and buses previously ran this way, but in 2019 it was closed by the military.

West of Siwa is the border with Libya (50 km), which is closed throughout, and south are only the trackless sands of the desert.

By bus

From specific destinations:
 * Cairo – Nightly around 8PM from Cairo bus terminal West Delta Bus line and heading back at the same time. 12 hr. LE200 (Jan 2022). This bus can be cold and drafty in the winter.
 * Marsa Matruh – At least daily from the coast. 4 hr. You might prefer to take a day-time bus through Marsa Matruh from Cairo.
 * Bahariyya – In 2019, there was no bus or taxi service, or least foreigners were not allowed along that road.

By taxi
A taxi on the Marsa Matruh route might cost LE1,000.

By bicycle
Bicycles are the best way to explore Siwa and surroundings, and Chinese gear-less models can be rented for LE10 per day (LE5 half day). Before accepting a bike, however, check that it is sturdy, that the brakes are functioning well and that the handle bars are not cracked or bent. Driving on sand-covered streets can be quite a challenge for inexperienced cyclists.

By donkey cart
Donkey cart drivers are mostly children who have been riding donkeys for several years. Prices for this mode of transport are negotiable - just make sure the price is clearly agreed before setting off - and run from around LE3 for a short trip within the downtown up to LE30 for longer journeys. To get a few people and their backpacks from the bus station to town center can be as cheap as LE1.50. An afternoon trip to Cleopatra's Well will probably cost about LE20-25.

See

 * Siwa town
 * King Farooq Mosque
 * Tomb of Sidi Suleiman

 * There are other wells and springs at Ain Qureishad, Abu Shuruf, Ez-Zeitun and Ain Safi. Abu el-Auwuf has a necropolis and chapels.
 * There are other wells and springs at Ain Qureishad, Abu Shuruf, Ez-Zeitun and Ain Safi. Abu el-Auwuf has a necropolis and chapels.
 * There are other wells and springs at Ain Qureishad, Abu Shuruf, Ez-Zeitun and Ain Safi. Abu el-Auwuf has a necropolis and chapels.
 * There are other wells and springs at Ain Qureishad, Abu Shuruf, Ez-Zeitun and Ain Safi. Abu el-Auwuf has a necropolis and chapels.
 * There are other wells and springs at Ain Qureishad, Abu Shuruf, Ez-Zeitun and Ain Safi. Abu el-Auwuf has a necropolis and chapels.
 * There are other wells and springs at Ain Qureishad, Abu Shuruf, Ez-Zeitun and Ain Safi. Abu el-Auwuf has a necropolis and chapels.
 * There are other wells and springs at Ain Qureishad, Abu Shuruf, Ez-Zeitun and Ain Safi. Abu el-Auwuf has a necropolis and chapels.
 * There are other wells and springs at Ain Qureishad, Abu Shuruf, Ez-Zeitun and Ain Safi. Abu el-Auwuf has a necropolis and chapels.
 * There are other wells and springs at Ain Qureishad, Abu Shuruf, Ez-Zeitun and Ain Safi. Abu el-Auwuf has a necropolis and chapels.
 * There are other wells and springs at Ain Qureishad, Abu Shuruf, Ez-Zeitun and Ain Safi. Abu el-Auwuf has a necropolis and chapels.

Do

 * Excursions – By 4x4 to the various outlying sights, either as day-trips or as overnight safaris.
 * Equinox sunrise – Timasirayn temple is a ruin 12 km west of town, accessible by 4x4. On the morning of the equinox (Mar 21 and Sep 23, plus or minus a day in some years) the sunrise viewed from here is over the Temple of the Oracle, prominent on its hill. Tourist entrepreneurs and flaky archaeologists have tried to play this up—there is maybe a secret tunnel to Chichen Itza and Angkor Wat hereabouts—but its significance remains unclear. You cannot see much without powerful binoculars or zoom lenses, and even the ancient Egyptians knew it was unwise to look at the sun through those.
 * Excursions – By 4x4 to the various outlying sights, either as day-trips or as overnight safaris.
 * Equinox sunrise – Timasirayn temple is a ruin 12 km west of town, accessible by 4x4. On the morning of the equinox (Mar 21 and Sep 23, plus or minus a day in some years) the sunrise viewed from here is over the Temple of the Oracle, prominent on its hill. Tourist entrepreneurs and flaky archaeologists have tried to play this up—there is maybe a secret tunnel to Chichen Itza and Angkor Wat hereabouts—but its significance remains unclear. You cannot see much without powerful binoculars or zoom lenses, and even the ancient Egyptians knew it was unwise to look at the sun through those.

Buy

 * Popular items are local crafts, jewelry, and baskets woven from date palms.
 * Or splurge on your wedding dress—these have red, orange, green and black embroidery, embellished with shells and beads.

Eat
Siwa Dates are the best in Egypt, and perhaps the whole world. Apart from regular dates, they are also sold stuffed with almonds and chocolate. Shops specialising in dates are found around Market Square, and prices range from LE7-8 for a 500-g box.

Drink
Siwan Tea – This is a red tea that is commonly found on desert safaris and is available in most restaurants. 500 g boxes of red (or green) tea leaves are sold in date/olive shop and cost about LE15.

Stay safe
As a very conservative and traditional town, Siwa is extremely safe. There is no risk of theft or physical violence as long as travelers behave according to expected norms (see 'Respect' below)

Mosquitoes can be a small nuisance.

Respect

 * Women should not wear clothing that reveals the shoulders, breasts, or legs.
 * Public displays of affection are prohibited.
 * Alcohol should not be consumed in public.
 * Male travelers should avoid contact with the local women as doing so is considered a rude and hostile act.

Connect

 * Gas stations – Beside the mosque in Shali and behind Hotel Arous al-Waha
 * Telephone office, post office, police – Across the street from Hotel Arous al-Waha
 * Telephone office, post office, police – Across the street from Hotel Arous al-Waha

Go next

 * The only open route is back to the Med coast at Marsa Matruh. Explore the wartime sites then continue to Alexandria or Cairo.

title: Siwa


text:
Magic Mountain

Six Flags Magic Mountain is a theme park in Valencia, California. It opened on Memorial Day 1971 (May 30, 1971). Six Flags Magic Mountain is often called "The Thrill Capital of the World", and rightfully so. The park has 19 roller coasters, more than any other park in the world. The park is also home to the roller coaster "Full Throttle" that has the world's tallest vertical loop at 160 feet (49 m). The park is also home to many rides that have held world record titles. This includes "Superman: Escape from Krypton" which held the record for the world's tallest roller coaster from its opening in 1997 until 2003 when "Top Thrill Dragster" was opened at Cedar Point in Ohio.

Get in
The park is off the Magic Mountain Parkway exit from the Interstate 5 in Valencia at 26101 Magic Mountain Parkway. The phone number is +1 661-255-4100.

Admission and tickets

 * General Admission - Admission for anyone over 48 inches - $76.99
 * Children Under 48" - Children under the height of 48 inches - $51.99
 * Children 2 & Under - Toddlers 2 and younger - Free
 * Parking - One day parking - $20 per vehicle

Season passes and discounted tickets are available; it's common to be able to get discounts of $20-$25 on a general admission ticket if you purchase your ticket online several days in advance.

Get around
Walking is the primary way to get around the park, but wheelchairs and strollers are available. There is a simple trolley that takes visitors to the top of "Samurai Summit" called the Orient Express so you don't have to walk the hill.

Roller coasters
Six Flags Magic Mountain has more roller coasters than any other park in the world, 18!

Buy
The gift shops and eateries in the park are not cheap! Expect to pay very high prices on trinkets that are "customized" merely with an imprint of the Six Flags moniker.

Eat
The quality of the food available at Magic Mountain is comparable to fast food fare, and you can expect to spend $20 for lunch for two not including drinks.

Drink
Various alcoholic drinks are sold in the park; ID is required and is often strongly enforced even if you look of age. Outside food and drinks are not allowed; however, most people do not have problems with bringing in a water bottle.

Sleep
Six Flags Magic Mountain unlike the Disneyland Resort or Disney World does not offer on-site hotels, but there are plenty in the immediate surrounding area.

Stay safe
Heat and dehydration can be a problem for some people, mainly during the summer months. Drink lots of water in the park. Pain killers may not be a bad idea as some of the rides can cause headaches for some people, especially if you are not drinking enough water.

You can find a first aid office on the southeast side of the park near the "Wonder Woman Lasso of Truth" ride.

title: Magic Mountain


text:
Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval

Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval is classified amongst the "Most Beautiful Villages of France" with regard to its rich 9-century-old architecture. Sixt's ski area is linked with Grand Massif (265 km of alpine ski trails) via the fabulous "Piste des Cascades", a 14 km blue trail from the resort of Flaine (1700m of vertical descent) to Sixt. In summer, hikers can wander in the largest Natural Reserve of Haute-Savoie and access the 5 mountain refuges of the community. The "Cirque du Fer à Cheval", the "Rouget waterfall" and the Tines' Gorges" are scenic sites that should not be missed while here.

Do
The famous Cirque du Fer-à-Cheval is the largest  mountainous cirque in the Alps, with impressive walls and  waterfalls.

title: Sixt-Fer-à-Cheval


text:
Skadar Lake National Park

Skadar Lake National Park is the Montenegrin side of Lake Skadar. It is the largest lake of the Balkans.

Understand
Lake Skadar is a vast freshwater lake, two thirds of which is in Montenegro and the remainder in Albania. It is surrounded by dramatic karst mountains and hosts a thrilling array of wildlife with more than 260 species of birds, traditional fishing villages, islet monasteries and pristine beaches.

It has been a protected National Park since 1983 and was added, in 1996, to the World's List of Wetlands of International Importance by the Ramsar Convention.

History
Lake Skadar has a long, proud history. Once part of the ancient Slav province of Zeta, it was invaded by the Turks in the 13th century and occupied for five centuries with many battles witnessed by now crumbling fortresses such as Besac in Virpazar and Lessendro in Vranjina.

When the Turks were expelled from Montenegro in the late 19th century, Skadar town (once the capital of Zeta) was incorporated into Albania and is also called Shkoder. Meanwhile several Albanian villages on the southern shores such as Ostros and Donji-Murići became part of Montenegro.

During the fighting days against the Ottomans, Montenegro's rulers established their ruling seat and bastion in the north-west wetlands, at Žabljak Crnojevići, until they were forced to move their capital to Cetinje in 1482.

By the 19th and early 20th century, with an independent Montenegro, the lake returned to royal glory with King Nikola setting up his summer court at the attractive lake town of Rijeka Crnojevića.

In World War II, Lake Skadar made history again as Virpazar provided the scene of the first Partisan uprising in Montenegro.

Landscape
Lake Skadar is the largest freshwater lake in the Balkans. It is fed by the Morača river and a series of underwater springs. An unusual feature, creating a special eco-system, is the annual expansion of the lake's circumference from 370 km² in summer to 530 km² in winter.

On average it is 44 km long, 10 km wide and 8 metres deep.

Flora and fauna
The variety of different habitats offered at Lake Skadar attract an incredible range of wildlife and provide one of the five most important birding sites in Europe with more than 260 different species to see. They include pygmy cormorant, the rare southern dalmatian pelican, storks, herons, egrets and ibises.

The surrounding hinterland is home to wild tortoises, lizards, amphibians, snakes and even wild boar.

The lake is also famous for its medicinal plants and wild orchids.

Climate
The climate is Mediterranean with long hot summers and a short cold winter made very wet by the mountainous nature of the region.

Get in
By train Virpazar, the main settlement at the lake, has a train station on the Bar-Belgrade line operated by Serbian Railways, with several trains visiting daily.

By bus You can also get to Virpazar by bus from Montenegro's capital, Podgorica, or nearby coastal town Sutomore. Note that public transport is not available to reach other settlements around the lake.

Fees and permits
A small fee is payable for a day's access to the national park and permits are required for fishing. Contact the Visitors' Centre of the National parks of Montenegro in Vranjina for more information. Opening hours: during the summer tourist season, daily 08:00-18:00; Out of season: M-F 08:00-16:00. Contact details: np-skadarlake@t-com.me; +382 20 879 103.

Get around
Public transport is not available around the lake, but there are tourist agencies in Virpazar who can arrange lifts for you. Private car hire highly recommended.

See
Boat tours and cultural attractions Skadar Lake features very rich cultural and historical assets dating from prehistoric times. Visit archaeological sites, fortresses, Middle Age churches and monasteries, water-mills, unique fishing settlements and more. Special events Ecotourism Day – Skadar Lake National Park, in June. Ecology, tourism, culture and sports days, in several places around Skadar Lake (Plavnica, Murići, Rijeka Crnojevića, Žabljak Crnojevića), in July, August and September.

Scutari Lake Trophy, an international fishing contest, organized every year in July.

The festival of vine and bleak is organized at Virpazar every December.

Do
Birdwatching With its 271 bird species, four bird-watching towers on Stanaj, Radus, Plavnica and Zabljacke and eight organized bird-watching tours offered by the National Park, Lake Skadar is a real attraction for bird-watchers and nature lovers. Skadar Lake is also the habitat for the protected, rare curly pelican. Since 1995 it has been a designated Wetland of International Importance by the Ramsar Convention as a habitat for water birds.

Especially interesting bird species are: Dalmatian Pelican colonies (Pelecanus crispus); the Pygmy Cormorant (Phalacrocorax pygmeus) (the biggest world colony of approximately 2000 bird pairs); the Whiskered Tern (Chlidonias hybridus); The Great Cormorant (Phalacrocorax carbo); the Ferruginous Duck (Aythya nyroca); the White-tailed Eagle (Haliaeetus albicilla); as well as several hundreds of Grey Heron (Ardea ralloides); There are five ornithological reserves at Skadar Lake: Manastirska tapija, Grmozur, Omerova gorica, Crni zar, Pancevo oko.

Hiking This is a good destination for walkers, although not as challenging as Montenegro's North, where the mountains are far higher. The National Park authorities have marked some paths and provided info-boards. Contact the visitor centre for more information. Cycling Marked routes available throughout the National Park and surrounding areas. A great 55 km circular route is - Virpazar, Boljevici, Stari-Bar, Ulcinj (overnight), Ostros, Murici, Godinje, Virpazar.

Speleology Around the lake there are various interesting caves to visit including Obod, Grbocica, Bobosuta and Ispila.

Boat tours Easily arranged when you reach Virpazar.

Buy
Virpazar offers a grocery store for essentials and has a weekly farmers' and fishermens' market on a Friday morning. In summer, the tree-lined streets offer little market stalls selling tourist souvenirs, home-produced olive oil and wines.

Camping
Camping is not permitted within the National Park borders.

title: Skadar Lake National Park


text:
Skagafjörður

Skagafjordur is a municipality in North Iceland. It comprises of town of Sauðárkrókur, the villages of Hofsós and Varmahlíð and several rural districts. It also includes the historic cathedral site of Hólar which is the site of a growing university today.

Get in
Skagafjörður can be reached from anywhere in the country from road one. Bus 57 links the munciplity with Reykjavík, arriving both in Sauðárkrókur and Varmarhlíð. Taking a plane here is not advisable as the nearest airport with regular service is in Akureyri, 94 kilometers away from Varmarhlíð.

Get around
The town of Varmarhlíð is an entry point into the muncipality. From there road 75 can be taken to Sauðárkrókur or road 76 to Hofsós. In order to get to Hólar road 76 and road 767 are taken. Bus 57 can be taken between Varmarhlíð and Sauðárkrókur, but the other towns do not have any bus service. When travelling whithin any of the towns walking is reccomended as the longest walking distance is 3.2 kilometers.

See

title: Skagafjörður


text:
Skagen

Skagen is a town in North Jutland.

In the Danish language, the town is namesake of the very sand spit it is located on, and the name 'Skagen' can refer to both. In the English language, the spit is known as the Skaw Spit.

Understand
Skagen (Danish: [ˈskɛˀjn̩]) is the northernmost town in Denmark, with the northernmost point in Denmark, Grenen. This is where Kattegat (waters between Denmark and Sweden) and the Skagerrak (part of the North Sea) meet.

It is a town where the main turnover are the fishing fleet and the connected industries - food industries and different industries supporting the fleet. Second income is tourism. There are 7,500 permanent habitants in the town (2023), but in the main tourist season the population increase up to 60,000.

By bus

 * # 99 from Blokhus, stops in Hjørring and Hirtshals, ending in Skagen.

By train
The semi-private Nordjyske Jernbaner railway runs between Frederikshavn, interchange with the national railway system, and Skagen.

By car
The easiest option is following the E45 highway to Frederikshavn and take national road 40 from there. To the port of Hirtshals with ferry connections to Norway, catch road 597 Skagensvej/Hirsthalsvej and make a turn in the village Ålbæk.

Get around
A very popular way of transport in the area is by bicycle on a distributed net of bicycle paths. Between Easter and wk43, there is also a "sand train" at Grenen, called Sandormen, carrying tourists between the parking lot and the northernmost point of Denmark. It is a sort of a special vehicle driving through the sand, so it can be an experience taking it. You can only pay cash and the first run starts at 10:00. It also makes the hike between Skagen and Grenen shorter, if you decide to do this by foot.

Do

 * Fishing: The harbour in Skagen is a good place to fish, because of the two seas meeting at Grenen.
 * Bird watching: 'Grenen' and the areas right south west of it is one of the best spots in Denmark watching migrating birds and the town is visited by hundreds of bird watchers in spring and fall.
 * Beach Life: Skagen is surrounded of fine white beaches.

Sports

 * Skagen Kultur & Fritidscenter: Indoor swimming, Handball, Volley, Badminton. Does also have a small restaurant.
 * SkawBowling: A bowling center with 8 bowling lanes, pool tables, slot machines and a restaurant.

Tours

 * Skagen Turist arranges guided tours in Skagen.
 * Bike rental: Bikes can be rented at Skagen Cykeludlejning

Buy
Amber and different handicrafts

Eat
Skagen is well known for its fish products in general and for its fresh cooked shrimps in particular. Enjoy them on the quey at the small restaurants in the old fishing houses or bring them with you home.

title: Skagen


text:
Skagway

Skagway is a town with a population of less than a thousand in Southeastern Alaska. It is the northern terminus of the Alaska Marine Highway System. It sprang up during the Klondike Gold Rush of 1896-1899, and now subsists almost entirely on tourism. The historical interest and natural beauty of the area make it a worthwhile place to visit.

By boat

The most common way to get to Skagway is by boat, whether cruise ship or Alaska Marine Highway ferry.

By car
The only road access to the remainder of the continent is on Highway 98, which travels to Whitehorse, Yukon via Carcross, Yukon. The highway is named Highway 2 (South Klondike Highway) in Canada within British Columbia and Yukon.

By plane
Skagway is accessible by commuter flight from Juneau.

Get around
The city is only a few blocks wide and a couple dozen blocks long, on level ground; walking works just fine. S.M.A.R.T. City Transit provides small buses around town and to and from the cruise ship docks. Bus fare for the short route that travels from the cruise ship docks to Broadway and 8th Street costs $2 per trip or $5 for an all-day pass. Buses run from May 1 - October 1, 7AM-9PM, 7 days a week. The fare for the bus route that goes from Broadway and 8th street along State Street to Jewel Gardens and Klondike Gold Fields is $5.

See

Start by stepping away from any buildings and turning 360 degrees for an impressive view of the nearby peaks that enclose Skagway.

Buy
There is no shortage of shops along Skagway's main street (actually Broadway Street, one block from Main), offering an array of standard tourist souvenirs, native/local crafts and imported imitations, jewelry, and other goods. Here are a few:

Eat
A few restaurants and bars along the main street offering a variety of brews and cooking provide a pleasant alternative to - or break from - shopping and excursions.

Connect
As of 2013, cellular users in Skagway and Haines have reported substantial network delays due to the load placed on existing infrastructure when passengers from multiple arriving cruise ships access the system simultaneously. An upgrade to 4G is planned but not yet implemented.

title: Skagway


text:
Skala

Skala is a sea resort in South Kefalonia.

Get in
KTEL run infrequent buses to/from Argostoli and other towns.

See
Skala is well known for its fantastic beach (one of the largest sandy beaches of Kefalonia). Being the largest resort of the southern part of Kefalonia, Skala welcomes thousands of visitors every summer, who come to enjoy the large sandy beach of the village and its crystalline waters boarded by pine trees. Make sure to visit the old village Skala in the hills - about an hours walk up the hill.

On the edge of the village remain some interesting ruins of a Roman villa where a magnificent mosaic floor can still be admired.

Here, the wide Kaminia beach is ideal for families with young children, as the shallow waters of the golden, sandy beach provide for a safe swim.Potamakia is also a wide beach, its fine and warm sand have made it the home of the Mediterranean turtle Caretta - Caretta.

Loutraki beach lies between the cape of Mounta and the Rocks of Spithi: the sea here is famous for its clear, deep blue and exceptionally warm waters. The picturesque villages of Alimatas, Koutrokoy, Fanies and Spathi lie a short distance out of Old Skala.

Do
Skala is set on a very long golden sandy beach on the southernmost tip of the island, 37 km from the island's capital and is the most renowned beach resort of Kefalonia. The distinguishing feature of Skala is the forest of pine trees which separates the land from the sea. Its lovely beach is a mixture of sand and shingle which stretches for miles along the coast towards the resort and port of Poros 12 km away. You have a choice of lively beach life with its beachside snack bars, sunbed and beach umbrellas for hire and water sports, or you can opt for the quieter beach by walking along the shoreline until you find your own secluded piece of paradise. You really will know you have got away from the beach crowd when one of the local cows starts grazing at grassy bank of your personal sand dune!

In the village and resort of Skala you will find a selection of tavernas, restaurants, bars and supermarkets to cater for all your needs along the main street which leads down to a small square.

Skala is an ideal resort for walkers who can discover a wealth of natural beauty in the surrounding countryside and wonder at the Roman mosaic floors found in the middle of a sun-lit olive grove.

The local scuba diving school Bubbles offers various diving programs for young and old and organises snorkelling trips.

Take a trip on the local glass bottom boat Nautilus with Captain Vangellis who is the owner and guide of this boat. Cruises set off at mid-day and take about an hour with small groups to the shipwreck of Perseus and the beach at Mounda where you may see turtles

Take the Skala 'train' from the village square and for €3.50 for the half an hour journey, you can travel in leisurely style along the coast to San Georgio Hotel.

Transfer time from the airport about 2 hours.

Drink
in addition to its uniquely beautiful landscape and beaches, southeastern Kefalonia offers extensive dining and entertainment facilities that will make your holiday enjoyable.

In any one of the many picturesque restaurants and taverns in Skala you will enjoy a tasty meal by the sea or in the natural shade of a thick vine. The charming cafés found along the seafront offer cooling moments of relaxation throughout the day. In the evening you'll enjoy your drinks in one of the numerous bars offering unique décor and atmosphere.

During the summer months there is a series of concerts, cultural events and festivals that will entertain you and give you the opportunity enjoy the region's unique traditions.

Connect
Area code is 2671

title: Skala


text:
Skanderborg

Skanderborg is a city in East Jutland. It has a population of about 25,000 and is a generic, quiet Danish provincial town. With a quiet life of its own, it is strongly linked to the regional capital, Aarhus, which is only a 20 minute commute away. Although not as beautiful or well known as nearby Silkeborg, Skanderborg can make for some picturesque and relaxing days enjoying nature. It makes a great stop on a tour of the region, or as a base for a few days.

By train
Skanderborg is on the main rail network and accessible from the rest of the country. Trains run around 3-4 times per hour to Aarhus, same goes to the South towards Horsens, eventually Germany or Copenhagen.

By bus
Aarhus is reached by line 200. Horsens to the south served by line 107. These lines run frequently. Several regional bus lines are connecting the smaller towns in the surroundings, with less frequency.

By car
Skanderborg is located on the E45 Highway.

Get around
The town center is small and can easily be navigated on foot or bike. There is one public bus route going down the min street, as well as tying the north-east and south-west parts of the town together. Taxis are at stand by the train station.

See
Picturesquely situated, Skanderborg especially makes for some pleasant walks in beautiful surroundings of both the lake and the forest (Dyrehaven).

There is a tourist office located in the Culture house right in the city center. They can help with maps, brochures and information about the city and whole area.

Do

 * Renting canoes Canoes can be rented at the youth hostel, which is a great way of exploring the lake, including a range of small islands to set anchor on.
 * Movies. The culture centre "Kulturhuset" has a small movie theatre, showing 1-2 movies a day. Nothing extraordinary, but the theatre is modern and well-equipped with good technology.
 * Movies. The culture centre "Kulturhuset" has a small movie theatre, showing 1-2 movies a day. Nothing extraordinary, but the theatre is modern and well-equipped with good technology.

Buy
Most shops are located along the main street.

Shopping center Bloms from 2012 is also found at the main street.

Drink

 * Marius Øltapper. On the main street, Adelgade. Local waterhole that everybody knows. In the basement of a significant old building, this place can be pretty dead during weekdays, but still manages to fill up more than it's suitable for during weekends.
 * Walther's Musikcafé.On the main street, Adelgade. Named after the mascot of the annual music festival of the town, this place hosts gigs of local and national bands in an informal setting.

Sleep
Budget

Mid-range
 * Skanderborg Park Hotel. Is placed close to the train station and yet hidden away in beautiful nature. Close by is the sea and other restaurants. The hotel is also used for conferences and meetings.
 * Skanderborg Park Hotel. Is placed close to the train station and yet hidden away in beautiful nature. Close by is the sea and other restaurants. The hotel is also used for conferences and meetings.
 * Skanderborg Park Hotel. Is placed close to the train station and yet hidden away in beautiful nature. Close by is the sea and other restaurants. The hotel is also used for conferences and meetings.

Go next

 * Aarhus
 * Ry
 * Silkeborg
 * Horsens

title: Skanderborg


text:
Skaneateles

Skaneateles is in the Finger Lakes region of New York.

Understand
Pronounced "skinny atlas", the name means "Long Beautiful Lake" in Iroquois. It is the primary source of drinking water for nearby Syracuse.

Get in
Skaneateles is a "drive to" destination in the Finger Lakes region of Central New York.

Auburn, New York is a small city just West of the Village and has a remarkable offering of history, theater and dining.

Get around
Although you will need a car to get here, after you are in the Village, everything is an easy walk to everything else. There is also a local airport located on Benson Road. Skaneateles is on the north shore of Skaneteles Lake. It is a storybook village with beautiful houses, a quaint downtown, and one of the cleanest lakes in the world.

See
The most obvious thing to see is the Lake, and fortunately it is impossible to NOT see it. The Village, population 2500, is on the Northern edge of the lake. Two public parks bookcase the very small central business block.

If you choose to drive around the lake, expect spectacular views especially if you travel South on West Lake Road (Route 41A) and return by East Lake (Route 41). It is fairly easy to seem lost at the extreme south end, just remember you are in a distinct valley. Keep your eyes on the horizon and keep going in that direction.

Mid-Lakes Navigation Company offer seasonal boat rides to see the lake. One is the morning Mail Boat Cruise which actually delivers the U.S. Mail to lakeside cottages (July 1-Tuesday after Labor Day). This is a tradition on Skaneateles Lake for over 100 years. Evenings is a fabulous Dinner Cruise, tel: 315-685-8500 or 800-545-4318 for more info on their lake and Erie Canal Cruises or vacations (ask for Aimee or Gail). Visit Mid-Lakes Navigation at

Do
Be sure to come back this summer for the Skaneateles Antique and Classic Boat Show. Over 80 beautiful boats grace the shore of Skaneateles Lake. This event is free and open to the public.

Buy
Skaneateles has over 40 unique shops and boutiques. Make sure you get off the main street (Genesee Street) and check out the shops on Jordan and Fennell Streets.

Drink
You can get a great coffee drink at Vermont Green Mountain. The Sherwood Inn tavern offers a great fireplace to enjoy a glass of Finger Lakes wine. The Bluewater Grill has great margaritas!

title: Skaneateles


text:
Skara

Skara is a town with about 18,000 inhabitants in the region Västergötland in Sweden.

By train
The X 2000 train takes you to Stockholm (2 hours) and Gothenburg (1 hour).

By car
The european route E20 passes through Skara.

Get around
Walking, public transport  or car. Short term parking is free.

Go next

 * Götene

title: Skara


text:
Skardu

Skardu is a town in the region of the same name in Gilgit-Baltistan, Pakistan.

Skardu, capital of Baltistan is perched 2,438 metres above sea level in the backdrop of the great peaks of the Karakorams. Balti people are a mixture of Tibetan and Caucasian stock and speak Balti, an ancient form of Tibetan. Due to the similarity of its culture, lifestyle and architecture with Tibet, Baltistan is also known as the "Tibet-e-Khurd" (Little Tibet).

It borders on the Chinese province of Xinjiang and Ladakh. The tourist season is from April to October. The maximum temperature is 27 C and minimum (October) 8 C. Apart from its incomparable cluster of mountain peaks and glaciers Baltistan's five valleys, - Shigar, Skardu, Khaplu, Rondu and Kharmang are noted for their luscious peaches, apricots, apples and pears.

By car
Skardu can be reached by bus from Islamabad. The drive takes you all the way over the KKH (Karakoram Highway).

KKH is a newly built fully carpeted road. However, some areas alongside it are prone to landsliding, due to which it can get blocked and some patches might not have fully carpeted road. The road can take 16 to 20 hours by public transport (cost approx. 1500 Rupees).

It's also possible to get to Skardu from Gilgit. Though it's less than 200 km the journey takes close to 8 hours by public transport.

Get around
Most places in Skardu town are within a 30 minute walk. It's easy to get a taxi or hire a driver for trips outside of the town.

See

 * Skardu city center
 * K2 Museum, near K2 Motel, displays pictures
 * Satpara Lake About 8 km (5 miles) north of Skardu and 20 minutes by jeep lays Sadpara Lake, surrounded by glacial mountains, which are mirrored in its crystal clear waters. The lake has a fairytale island in the middle, which can be reached by country boats that one can row. This lake also abounds in fish and provides good fishing.
 * Shangrila Lake About 32 km (20 miles) from Skardu and 1 hour by jeep lies the shimmering peaceful deep Shangrila lake, also called Kachura Lake, teeming with brown trout. During spring many exotic and colourful flowers adorn its banks, while peach, apricot and apple trees are laden with blossoms in April. Later in the summer one can taste the apples, which are a delicious variety. Also see Shangrila resort.
 * Shigar Valley: The gateway to the great mountain peaks of the Karakorams, Gasherbrum, and K2, is only 23 km away from Skardu via jeep road. Shigar valley’s gentle, irrigated slopes are filled with terraces of wheat, maize and barley. Its orchards of apricots, mulberries, peaches, plums, pears, apples and nuts are unique to Baltistan. The wooden mosque in the middle of the town was built by Kashmiri carpenters several hundred years ago.
 * Shigar Valley: The gateway to the great mountain peaks of the Karakorams, Gasherbrum, and K2, is only 23 km away from Skardu via jeep road. Shigar valley’s gentle, irrigated slopes are filled with terraces of wheat, maize and barley. Its orchards of apricots, mulberries, peaches, plums, pears, apples and nuts are unique to Baltistan. The wooden mosque in the middle of the town was built by Kashmiri carpenters several hundred years ago.

 * Khaplu Valley: This beautiful valley of the Shyok River is 103 km east of Skardu. Khaplu is the starting point for most trekking and climbing expeditions. Many famous mountains such as Masherbrum, Saltoro, Sia Kangri, K-6, K-7 are here. Chaqchan Mosque is one of the earliest mosques in Baltistan (1504 AD), attributed to Syed Ali Hamdani. There is a Palace of Raja of Khaplu and remains of Thors
 * Narsok village, here you will find a large pure spring flowing from the base of the monolith.
 * First Organic village
 * Buddha Rock Carvings: Dating back to 8th century AD, a huge Buddha figure surrounded by small Buddhisatvas is carved on a rock, 3 km from Skardu across Sadpara Nullah on Skardu-Sadpara Road. Pre-historic men and animal figures are carved on rocks along Kachura Lake. Some rock carvings and diagram of a monastery near Perkuta (Mehdi Abad) Nalah are also found.

Do

 * Karakoram Air Safari
 * Mountaineering, Trekking and Hiking: The area is ideal for mountaineering, trekking and hiking. Permission for mountaineering and trekking for restricted zone is issued by the Ministry of Tourism, Government of Pakistan, Pakistan Sports Complex, Kashmir Highway, Aabpara, Islamabad (Telephone: 92-51-9203509). Fishing permits are issued by the Fisheries Department at Gilgit and Skardu.
 * Do the K2 base camp trek
 * Fishing: at Satpara Lake (8 km) and Kachura Lake (32 km) from Skardu abound in trout. Fishing permits are issued by the Fisheries Department.
 * Flora & Fauna: Roses, lilies, pansies, willow, pine and fir trees are found in abundance. Apples, apricots, peaches, plums mulberry, walnuts and grapes are available from June to October and almonds from October to March.
 * Wildlife: Baltistan boasts of wildlife such as Markhors, ibexes, snow leopards and birds, namely Chakors, partridges and ducks. Most of the animals and birds are protected but limited shooting is allowed. Hunting permits are issued by the local administration.
 * Biking
 * Walking excursions: A stroll around the eastern end of the Skardu rock will take you to the nearby village of 'Narsok', where you will find a large pure spring flowing from the base of the monolith. To reach Narsok, walk to the far end of the Skardu Polo field and pick up a trail that skirts the rock slopes beneath Zowar Singh's fortress. The mighty Indus snaking along just a few yards beneath your feet among the silvery white sands is an awesome sight. on the west bank of the Satpura Nala is a tall rock with a vertical, beige-colored northern face. Carved here circa AD 900 is a lovely image of a meditating Maitreya Buddha framed by Bodhisattvas.

Buy
Baltistan is known for its "Pattu" - hand woven woollen cloth for jackets and coats. Also, colourful intricately embroidered "Chugas" (Baltistani gown) and wooden spoons at Skardu bazaar.

Shopping centres
Naya Bazar, Old Bazar, Botto Bazar, Hussain Chowk, Alamdar Chowk, Kazmi Bazar, Gamba Bazar, Benazir Chowk, Yadgar Chowk etc.

Baltistan Gems, Jewellery and Antique(regd), cell 0092-344-620-10-60, email: baltistan.gems@yahoo.com. Baltistan Gems is a big gem and jewellery exporters. Address: New Bazaar, Near Qatal Gah Chock.

Handicraft shops

 * Topaz Gems, Yadgar Chowk, Skardu.
 * Sahabaz Gems, Kazmi Bazar, Skardu.
 * Topaz Gems, Yadgar Chowk, Skardu.
 * Sahabaz Gems, Kazmi Bazar, Skardu.
 * Topaz Gems, Yadgar Chowk, Skardu.
 * Sahabaz Gems, Kazmi Bazar, Skardu.

Eat
Web.www.dewanekhas.com.pk Email dewanekhas@gmail.com ph.+92 5815 455494 Mob.+92 3009091494
 * Hotel & Restaurant Dewan-E-Khas, near the SCO office, offers a wide variety of Pakistani, Western and Chinese food. Dewan-E-Khas is the only family restaurant (this means that it has a room for families/Women to eat in) in Skardu.

 * Pagoda Restaurant, part of Shangrilla resort, offers a sumptuous Chinese cuisine. The Pagoda is on an island amidst the Honeymoon Lake linked to the Shangrila Resort by a short bridge.
 * The Lake View Restaurant, part of Shangrilla resort gives a panoramic view of the Shangrila Resort and offers Pakistani and Continental cuisine.
 * Tandoori Village offers traditional dishes such as, chicken tikka, seekh kebabs, mutton tikkas, grilled fish with home made tandoori rooti.
 * Cafe DC-3, part of Shangrilla resort This code name of original DC-3 aircraft was Alph Alpha Foxtrot (AAF) . This unique cafe situated in an airplane, which crash landed on the riverbed and was brought to the present site in the 1950s.
 * Karakoram Café, near Benazir Chowk across from the frozen goods store. WiFi available.

Mid-range
ph. Mob.
 * Skardu Inn, in the main Bazaar
 * Indus Hotel
 * Karakuram Hotel in the main bazar

Splurge

 * K2 Motel is a PTDC motel in Skardu
 * K2 Motel is a PTDC motel in Skardu
 * K2 Motel is a PTDC motel in Skardu

Go next

 * Travel the Karakoram Highway, part of the old Silk Road.

title: Skardu


text:
Skåneleden

Skåneleden is a 1000 km (600-odd miles) hiking trail that goes around all of Skåne. The trail runs from the west to east and from north to south and passes through a highly diversified landscape such as rocky coastlines, undulating ridges, deep forests and white sandy beaches.

Understand

The trail is included in the 6,000-km-long North Sea Trail, which passes through Sweden, Norway, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands and the United Kingdom.

Prepare

The trail is 1250 km long, and divided into five separate trails, with a total of 107 sections.

The trail can easily be recognized by the orange trail marks along the footpath. Parts of the trail are accessible by wheelchair.

The trail is divided into several sub-trails:
 * Kust till kust (coast to coast trail)
 * Ås till Ås (ridge to ridge trail)
 * Nord till syd (north to south trail)
 * Österlensleden (Österlen trail)
 * Öresundsleden (Öresund trail)
 * Vattenriket (being constructed)

Along the trail, there are about 90 permanent shelters at camp sites.

Kust till kust

The Coast-Coast trail, totalling 370 km, is divided into two main sections:
 * Part 1 of the Coast-to-Coast trail begins at the Yndre rest stop in . The last stage ends at the campsite at.
 * Part 2 of the Coast-coast trail begins at the campsite at Hårsjön lake. The final stage ends at Örlid.

Ås till Ås
Starts in on Söderåsen and goes to Agusa on Linderödsåsen, totalling 162 km. Passes through Söderåsens nationalpark.

Röstånga to Åstorp
This section can also be used as a separate weekend hike. Fantastic trip that goes through one of Skåne's most beautiful national parks called Söderåsen (known as Skåne's Grand Canyon). A lengthy hike but not too hard if you are fit. About 45 km. Trains leave to Malmö/Lund/Helsingborg every hour. Change trains in Helsingborg or Ramlösa if you are going to Malmö/Lund.
 * Day one: Take the bus to on Friday afternoon, hike to Liagården and camp there.
 * Day two: Hike from Liagården to Krika skog (Krika forest) and camp there. 17 km
 * Day three: From Kirka skog hike to Åstorp and take the train back. 23 km

Nord till syd
The North-South trail, totalling 325 km, is divided into two main sections. Part 1 of the North-South trail begins at the campsite in Hårsjö. The last stage ends at the campsite in the Rövarekulan nature reserve. Part 2 of the North-South trail begins at the campsite in Rövarekulan. The final stage ends at S:t Knutstorg square in Ystad, where you also find the town's tourist information office (but according to Wikipedia it goes to Trelleborg).

Rövarekulan to Trelleborg

 * The route passes, a small national park, oldest in Skåne.

Österlenleden
The Osterlen trail begins in totalling 188 km. The last stage finishes at Snogeholm, a few hundred meters from Raftarp farm. In the northern part it passes through the hills of Brösarp.

Simrishamn to Kivik

 * The route passes through Stenshuvuds nationalpark.

Öresund
The route goes from Utvällinge in the north to Malmö in the south (172 km). There is also a part not contiguous to the rest from Foteviken to Falsterbokanalen.

Vattenriket
Vattenriket is planned to be ca 150 km long, and to be inaugurated in 2023. The route goes from Bökstad through Vattenriket in Kristianstad to Drakamöllan. The first four sections, Norra Lingenäset to Nyehusen, were to be finished 2020.

Sleep
There are some 100 lean-to shelters along the route, as well as many hotels and hostels.

title: Skåneleden


text:
Skælskør

Skælskør is a city in Zealand.

Drink
Skælskør is home to the Harboe brewery, located at the harbor. Harboe owns Gourmet Bryggeriet. You will find many beers from Harboe and Gourmet Bryggeriet in Skælskør.

title: Skælskør