text:
Achill Island

Achill Island is an island just off the coast of County Mayo in the west of Ireland, linked by a bridge to the mainland. It's Ireland's largest island, with some farming but mostly uncultivated heath and hills. The two main settlements are Achill Sound by the bridge and Keel straggling into Dooagh near the west tip; in 2021 its population was 2350. Everyone speaks English but many residents are Irish speakers, especially on the east side of the island.

Understand
The 2023 film, The Banshees of Inisherin, was largely filmed on location on Achill Island, and partially shot on Inis Mór in County Galway.

 * Achill Tourism website

Get in
Achill Island is reached by road. From Dublin follow N5 to Castlebar, R311 to Newport then N59 to Mulranny. Branch off onto R319 which crosses the bridge to the island and continues west to Dooagh. Or from Mulranny take the lonely scenic lane, clearly signposted off N59 before the R319 turnoff, which loops around the south coast of Corraun Peninsula to rejoin R319 near the bridge.

Bus 450 follows the coast from Louisburgh via Westport (which has trains from Dublin Heuston),  Newport and Mulranny, then across Achill Island via Bunacurry, Dooninver (for Inishbiggle), Doogort, Slievemore (for deserted village), Keel and  outside Lourdie's Pub. It runs M-Sa every 2-3 hours, with only three on Sunday.

A ferry crosses the sound to Inishbiggle, from both Achill Island and the mainland. It's a route to Inishbiggle not a practical way of reaching Achill.

Get around
It's a sparse bus service so you need your own wheels. The terrain is low-lying and the distances not great so a bike will do nicely. Bike hire is available at the bridge from Clew Bay Bike Hire and Westport Bike Hire, and in Dooagh from Achill Bikes.

Don't ride the ghostly railway! — ooo you'll never be seen alive again. The 17th-century Mayo prophet Brian Rua U'Cearbhain foresaw that "carriages on wheels with smoke and fire will come to Achill and the first and last carriages will carry dead bodies" — and twas so. In 1894 the Westport-Newport railway was extended to Achill Sound, the track now forming the Greenway. Its first run brought home the 32 victims of the Clew Bay drowning disaster. At Westport, young men of the island were transferring first by currachs to low-sided sailing Hookers, then to the steamer that would take them to Scotland for seasonal work picking potatoes; the first Hooker was overcrowded and capsized. And in 1937, it was almost the last run before the railway closed that returned the bodies of ten Achill men from Kirkintilloch in Scotland: they were picking potatoes but died in a fire at their bothy accommodation. And on dark windy nights on the island, you often hear a shrilling noise... nah, just a burglar alarm going off.

See

 * is how you cross onto the island. It's a swing bridge to let boats pass, first opened in 1887 and named for the founder of the National Land League. Modern road traffic and salt corrosion have worn out two bridges so the present structure from 2009 is the third. Achill Sound village is mostly on the island side, with the mainland side called Polranny. Nice views up and down the Sound, use the car parks either side.
 * Saula (Sáile) is the peninsula and settlement north of Achill Sound village. It's low-lying heathland.
 * (Cill Damhnait) is a straggling village near the island's south tip. Kildavnet Tower is a sturdy 15th century turret; you can't go in. It's billed as "Grace O'Malley's Castle" which is accurate enough, since in Elizabethan times she owned the county. 500 m north past the coastguard station, Old St Dympna's Church is a medieval ruin. From the top end of the graveyard (where many famine victims lie), you may spot the abandoned village of Ailt. Kildavnet means "small church of St Dympna", herself 7th century and presumably teensy-weensy even before her father beheaded her for refusing to be his incestuous bride, tis said.
 * - "Little Achill" - is the island off the south tip, uninhabited since 1965. There's a lighthouse, walking trails and sea cliffs. Boats may visit from Cloughmore near Kildavnet but there's no ferry.
 * (Bun an Churraigh) is a small village with a heritage centre, a distillery (see Drink) and the tumbledown remains of a Franciscan friary established in 1852. This engaged in many aspects of social welfare but of all the rousing campaigns of the Church Militant and Triumphant on the island in that era, none were as spirited as the battle between the friary and the rival Protestant Mission at nearby Doogort.
 * is a settlement of 80 derelict single-room cottages, with their vegetable patches, fields and potato plots. Its residents left when famine struck in 1845, mostly moving to Dooagh to take up fishing. However until the 1940s it was still used as a "booley village": summer huts for herdsmen, when the cattle were moved up from the lowlands. In Irish bó means "cow", and "booley" features in many place names, showing that this was a common form of transhumance. The site is free to enter, park by the modern graveyard and walk up the track.
 * A megalithic tomb lies on the hillside 1 km east of the deserted village.
 * on the north coast can only be reached by hiking over the hills or by boat. There's a wild attractive valley, a freshwater lough backed up behind a glacial moraine, and an excellent beach. Just west are the remains of another "booley village".
 * is the attractive cove and beach at the end of R319, with Croaghaun rearing up behind. In the 1950s / 60s it was a base for catching basking sharks: in a strange juxtaposition, they launched frail open currachs that Saint Patrick would have recognised to hunt the sharks for liver oil, a lubricant for the aerospace industry - think Vickers VC10s, Telstar and Concorde. A walking trail heads up the valley and west for 1.5 km to the tip of the island at Achill Head. The sea cliffs on the north side are spectacular, with a tumult of sea birds.
 * is the only settlement on the north coast, with good beaches and accommodation. East is an area of woodland and little lakes embellished into a twee "Faerie Trail". Valley House (now a pub) has a shocking history, echoed in fiction such as Playboy of the Western World: in 1894 the landowner fell out with her bailiff and evicted him. He attacked her, set fire to the house and left her for dead. She survived with terrible burns, he fled to the US and never faced trial, while the house was re-built in 1902. The writers Heinrich Böll and Graham Greene often holidayed in Doogort.
 * (Dún Ibhir, Ivor's Fort) has a good beach and views north. The Inishbiggle ferry sails from here: the channel is only 90 m but has fierce currents. There was a grand scheme to build a cable-car to the island, which never happened so you'll have to visit Dursey Island in County Cork for that experience.
 * is a small farmland island in the sound east of Achill Island. No sights or amenities, you just day-trip for the relaxed remote atmosphere. In summer a foot-passenger ferry sails from Achill Island and from Gubnadoogha near Ballycroy on the mainland.

Do

 * Beaches: lots, those facing west are exposed and good for water activities.
 * Surf: Achill Surf School are in Keel. They organise other activities such as kayaking.
 * Hill-walking: Slievemore (671 m) can be climbed from above the deserted village, but is usually approached from the east along the ridge from Doogort.
 * - Croaghaun is accessed from Keem Bay. The summit is at 688 m but most visitors veer west onto the southwest top of 664 m. To the northeast, the land falls away in dramatic sea cliffs.
 * - Minaun is the ridge east of Keel Bay rising to 466 m. Ascend from Keel Bay, or in wet weather you might prefer the longer but firmer lane from the southeast.

 * Golf: Achill Island Golf Club on R319 east of Keel is nine holes. Twice around is 5446 m, par 70, visitor fee €20.
 * Great Western Greenway is a cycling and walking route, 42 km from Westport to Newport, Mulranny and the bridge to Achill Island. It's off-road, along the trackbed of the old Great Western Railway.
 * Banshees of Inisherin Locations Trail

Buy

 * Do your main shopping in advance at Westport or Castlebar, and fill the tank before heading down these lonely roads.
 * Sweeney's SuperValu in Achill Sound is open M-Sa 8AM-8PM, Su 9AM-6PM.
 * Barretts in Keel is open M-Sa 9AM-7PM, Su 9AM-2PM.

Eat

 * Achill Sound has Hot Spot Takeaway for pizza and similar, daily 4-11:30PM.
 * Bunacurry has The Diner for fast food, F-Su 4-9PM.
 * Keel also has Islander Takeaway (daily 5:30-10PM), and Dooagh has Gieltys (daily 10AM-10PM).
 * Doogort has Masterson's (daily to 11:30PM) and Valley House which also has a hostel dorm.
 * Doogort has Masterson's (daily to 11:30PM) and Valley House which also has a hostel dorm.

Drink

 * Achill Sound has McLoughlin's Bar, open daily 11AM-12:30AM. Saula 4 km up the road has Ted's Bar, daily 11AM-11:30PM.
 * Lynott's is a pub along the road between Saula and Bunacurry, almost hidden behind a building supplies yard.
 * Irish American Whiskeys are based in Bunacurry. Distillery tours are €15.
 * Dooagh pubs include The Cross Bar, Amethyst Bar (daily 10AM-12:30AM), Annexe Inn (daily noon-midnight) and Lourdie's (daily 2-11:30PM).

Sleep

 * Achill Sound just beyond the bridge has Achill Sound Hotel, Hy Breasal and Murrayville B&B.
 * Dooega on the southwest coast has Lavelle's.
 * Bunacurry mid-island has Achill Lodge.
 * Keel and Dooagh near the end of the cross-island road is the main strip of accommodation. This includes Achill Cliff House, Ferndale, Roskeel House, Achill Isle House, Atlantic Breeze, Achill West Coast House, Teach Cruach and Achill Head Hotel.
 * Keel Sandybanks is a clean well-run campsite and caravan park near the beach and golf course, dog-friendly, open Apr-Sep.
 * Doogort has Seal Caves camping and caravan park (open Jun-Sept, tent €5, tourer pitch €30) and Strand Hotel.
 * Doogort has Seal Caves camping and caravan park (open Jun-Sept, tent €5, tourer pitch €30) and Strand Hotel.

Connect
As of Feb 2021, the island has a mobile signal from Three, but next-to-no signal from Eir or Vodafone. 4G has reached the adjacent mainland but not the island.

Go next

 * The road east rejoins N59 at Mulranny. Continue east for Newport and  Westport.
 * Turn north at Mulranny to follow the coast, eventually to Killala and Ballina.

title: Achill Island


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Achiltibuie

Achiltibuie is a community straggling along the west coast of Ross and Cromarty, north of Ullapool in the Scottish Highlands. As well as the village, the name (which in Gaelic means "field of the yellow-haired boy") applies to all the coast between Achduart and Reiff, taking in the hamlets of Polglass, Polbain and Altandhu.

Get in
Follow A835 north from Ullapool or south from Ledmore (the junction with A837) to the turn-off at Drumrunie, then take the narrow single-track lane west. There's no through road along the coast from Ullapool, though the historic "postman's path" came this way via Ardmair and you can hike the ten miles. You can also drive south from Lochinver along a twisty, hilly, narrow but scenic and well-tarmacked lane.

KSM Bus 811 runs from Ullapool to Achiltibuie, twice M-F and once on Saturday, taking 80 minutes.

See Ullapool for buses to Inverness and ferries to Stornoway on Lewis.

Get around
You'll need a car or bike, or be a hard-core hiker.

See

 * a mile offshore is the largest of the Summer Isles. Boat trips sail from Bardentarbet Pier at the north end of the bay.
 * a mile offshore is the largest of the Summer Isles. Boat trips sail from Bardentarbet Pier at the north end of the bay.

Do

 * is the Table Mountain of this area, a six-mile ridge of Torridonian sandstone weathered into striking shapes. The summit is 743 m (2438 feet), very prominent as it rears up from sea level. The simplest approach is to drive to the road's end at Culnacraig and ascend from the southwest. It can also be climbed from the car park at Bleughasary from the southeast. Trying to traverse the ridge, to ascend one way and descend the other, is much harder than it looks, with bogs, fast streams and scrambles; allow at least four hours.
 * Rock climbing: Rieff has sandstone sea-cliffs suitable for all levels of ability.
 * Made in Altandhu is a music festival in Achiltibuie, next held 30 Aug - 1 Sept 2024.
 * Made in Altandhu is a music festival in Achiltibuie, next held 30 Aug - 1 Sept 2024.

Buy

 * Achiltibuie Garden opposite Summer Isles Hotel is just a garden centre speciaising in hydroponics, there's no garden to view.
 * Summer Isles Smokehouse at Altandhu is famous for its smoked venison, lamb, beef, eel, haddock, sea trout and five varieties of smoked salmon.
 * Summer Isles Smokehouse at Altandhu is famous for its smoked venison, lamb, beef, eel, haddock, sea trout and five varieties of smoked salmon.

Eat

 * Summer Isles Hotel (see "sleep") has a good restaurant.
 * Catch your own mackerel off Badantarbet Pier and cook it fresh on a barbeque.
 * Catch your own mackerel off Badantarbet Pier and cook it fresh on a barbeque.
 * Catch your own mackerel off Badantarbet Pier and cook it fresh on a barbeque.

Drink

 * Am Fuaran and the Summer Isles Hotel are the only bars.

Connect
As of July 2022, Achiltbuie has no mobile signal from any carrier, nor has its approach road.

The Post Office is the contact point for information and booking for the Summer Isles boat. +44 1854 622200

Go next

 * Take a boat across to the Summer Isles, where you can rent a cottage.
 * To go north, if the weather's decent take the twisty back lane to Lochinver.
 * Otherwise it's back to the main road for routes south towards Ullapool and Inverness or north to Kinlochbervie and Durness.
 * North Coast 500 is a motoring itinerary, with Achiltibuie as a side-trip.

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

title: Achiltibuie


text:
Achinsk

Achinsk is a city in Krasnoyarsk (region) on the Trans-Siberian Railway.

Get in
You will almost certainly arrive via the Trans-Siberian Railway.

See

 * Kazansky Cathedral
 * The old Synagogue (no longer active)
 * Aidashinskaya caves (outside the city)
 * A paleolithic archaeological site (outside the city)

Go next
The next big stop to the east is Krasnoyarsk; to the west, Novosibirsk. Kemerovo and Tomsk to the west are reachable by branch lines from junctions Yurga and Taiga respectively.

title: Achinsk


text:
Achterhoek

The Achterhoek is a region in the east of Gelderland (the Netherlands). The region is filled with untouched nature and a combination of farmland and astonishing landscapes. The Achterhoek is an area well suited for vacations by bike.

Other destinations

 * Bronkhorst - Smallest city in the Netherlands, with a population of about 157.
 * 's-Heerenberg - Village most known for the Bergh castle.

History
The Achterhoek was inhabited by Germanic tribes and was never a part of the Roman Empire. At Christianization around the year 800, it was not a region of its own - the west belonged to the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Utrecht and the east to the Roman Catholic Diocese of Münster. The region only came to exist as the Zutphen Country during Medieval times. The area encompassed many castles, many of which stand to this day. Most were owned by the royal families of Bronkhorst and Van Heeckeren, which fought several succession wars against each other. Until the 19th century the Achterhoek had a feudal system.

Due to the region's location at the border, it was invaded several times - mostly by German entities during the Guelders and Eighty Years War. Battles were fought mostly around the Bergh Castle and Keppel Castle, as well as the cities of Bredevoort and Groenlo. The Battle of Grolle of 1627 is reenacted bi-annually in Groenlo.

During industrialisation, a large part of the Achterhoek was still feudal. Much of the land was still undeveloped, consisting of forests and sand flats. Industrialisation had an effect only on the cities along the Oude IJssel river and in the far east. As the ground contained bog iron, a hype for metallurgy hit Doetinchem, Ulft and Keppel, under the Dutch brands of ATAG, DRU and Pelgrim. In the east of the Achterhoek, textile industries boomed and continued in Aalten, Neede and Winterswijk until the end of the Second World War, when due to competition from low-wage countries the industry was no longer viable. During the time that it thrived, the textile industry made large invests in the region, especially by Winterswijkse magnate Jan Willink who funded many railroads throughout the region. This helped the textile industry survive in the rather remote east. Of these railroads, only the lines between Arnhem and Winterswijk and Winterswijk and Zutphen remain. Additionally, a heritage railroad, formerly spanning between Doetinchem and Hengelo (Overijssel) remains functional between Haaksbergen and Boekelo, both located just across the provincial border in Overijssel. These lines initially improved industry in the region, and now do the same for tourism.

Since the beginning of the 21st century, decreasing profits have caused many companies to fold or leave. For example, the local pilsner brand, Grosch, for one, left the region in order to remain profitable. Replacing it is a new wine industry, which nets between 20,000 and 40,000 bottles annually.

 Geography  The Achterhoek, compared to the Netherlands as a whole, is not densely populated. Aside from the relatively urbanised regions of Doetinchem, Winterswijk and Zutphen, there are no large cities.

Some of the natural landscapes from Roman times still remain. Sand flats still exist near Doetinchem and large forests in Montferland. Due to its both flat and sloped terrain, the region is ideal for cycling by all levels of cyclists. All in all, the Achterhoek features large amounts of pastureland divided into small hedged fields interspersed with groves of trees. Highlights include the Lochemse Berg, the Ruurlo Woods and the Slangenburg. Some peatlands still exist near the German border.

Many castles are spread throughout the region with Vorden having a total of eight.

Traditions
Though the culture is considered to be dying, parts of the Achterhoek still have traditions. These include dauwtrappen on Ascension Day (getting up very early to go cycling), carbidschieten (filling a milk churn with carbide, putting a ball in the churn's opening and igniting it) and the consumption of Krumkake during New Years. At Easter, many bonfires (Paasvuur) are lit, and at the completion of a building, a maypole may be erected. Further, local 'sports' include spiekerboksehangen, or hanging a pair of jeans above a body of water and competing to determine who can keep himself out of the water the longest. Typical in the east is noaberschap, literally translated as 'helping of neighbours', but it's really general kindness.

Talk
All of the Achterhoek speaks Dutch, and in more rural areas many people also speak the local dialect, Achterhooks, which is part of Low German. In the cities and larger towns, many people speak English, especially the younger generation, and also German.

From Amsterdam/Schiphol
To get to Zutphen or Winterswijk, take the Intercity train to Apeldoorn and change in Apeldoorn to the small diesel train connection Zutphen and Apeldoorn in 20 minutes. It leaves from Apeldoorn at --:10 and --:40, a few minutes after the Intercity from Amsterdam arrived. It usually departs from the opposite side of the platform. Alternatively, you can reach Zutphen via Arnhem by changing there, but it will take about 10 to 15 minutes longer and doesn't cost more (i.e. with a ticket to or from Zutphen, you can choose between the Apeldoorn and Arnhem routes). See the article on Zutphen for more extensive information. For Winterswijk, trains leave at --:07 and --:37, and depending on the route taken (Amsterdam-Apeldoorn-Zutphen) or (Amsterdam-Arnhem-Zutphen) will take either 135 or 153 minutes.

To get to Doetinchem, take the Intercity to Nijmegen and change trains in Arnhem. The train to Doetinchem and Winterswijk leaves 2 minutes after the arrival of the Intercity from Amsterdam, at --:04 and --:34, usually from platform 9. These trains take 34 minutes to Doetinchem and 68 minutes to Winterswijk, during the morning and afternoon rush there are 2 more to Doetinchem, at --:15, and --:45. For Winterswijk it's better to travel through Zutphen instead of Arnhem when coming from Amsterdam. To Doetinchem this should take 102 minutes, but it's likely to take 30 minutes longer because there's only a 2 minute change in Arnhem, which one is likely to miss.

Not all towns can be reached by train. The ones that can be reached are: Doetinchem, Zutphen, Winterswijk, Lochem, Vorden, Ruurlo and Aalten

From Germany
To get to any of the cities above, head to Oberhausen (GER) first, whether by train or car. By car, use the A3 in the direction of Arnhem, Utrecht or Amsterdam. To get to Doetinchem or Zutphen from there, leave the A3 as soon as you cross the border, at Exit 30. Jin the N812 heading for Beek. At the end of the N812, join the N335 heading for Didam. Then join A18 in the direction of Doetinchem.

When travelling to Zutphen, take the route above, but leave the highway at Exit 3 - Doetinchem. Use the N316/N317 in the direction of Doetinchem. To avoid getting stuck in traffic, take the N317 (Liemersweg) after crossing the rail line, and head right onto the Energieweg at the next traffic lights. After crossing the Oude IJssel river, head left at the end of the Energieweg, onto the Keppelseweg, heading for Zutphen. Follow this road until you reach the roundabout after Langerak. There take the first exit onto the N314. When you reach Hummelo, head left on the roundabout, and head in the direction of Zutphen. From there on, the road goes directly to Zutphen.

Get around
The Achterhoek can be travelled by train, but as there are no train stations between Arnhem and Winterswijk via Zevenaar and Doetinchem, as well as Zutphen and Winterswijk via Vorden and Lievelde, a bus is recommended for most destinations. Bus service is provided primarily by Arriva. Train service is also provided by Breng. To plan travel by public transport, 9292 is recommended. Or you can rent a car or bike. Bike routes are of high quality and are well maintained.

See

 * The Achterhoek has many Castles. Vorden alone has seven of them. Though not all can be visited, many are open to the public for a reasonable entry fee. Must-sees include Kasteel Huis Bergh (Bergh Castle), located in 's-Heerenberg and Kasteel Keppel (Keppel Castle) in Laag Keppel
 * Museums in the Achterhoek are mostly local town museums. They generally display only items of interest to locals. Visiting these isn't a must, but they might appeal. Doetinchem and Winterswijk have the Openbaar Vervoer Museum and GOLS Museum, both of which highlight the role of public transport, especially trains and trams, for the region.
 * Oost Gelre has several large events, including the De Zwarte Cross which is held annually. It is the largest motocross event of Europe featuring not only motorised vehicles, but live music as well.  In addition, annually, Lichtenvoorde houses one of the largest flower parades of the Netherlands, if not Europe, called Bloemencorso Lichtenvoorde.
 * Beautiful landscapes are common in the Achterhoek due to its semi-rural character. Terrains are flatter in the northwest of the region, and more sloped in the Montferland area in the south. The rivers in the area meandered a lot more i the past but have straightened somewhat over time. Their smaller branches are now mostly small lakes.  All of these rivers and lakes provide opportunities for beautiful photos. The Oude IJssel river around Keppel is especially beautiful during the summer.

Do

 * The Achterhoek is ideal for hiking, especially in the well-forested area of Monferland which is great for a long walk during summer or fall. The Pieterpad also passes through this area.  Every year a four-day hiking event is held sometime during the month of May (in 2017, from the 24th to the 27th). The Achterhoekse Wandelvierdaagse usually takes place in and around Doetinchem. Its routes are available online (although only in Dutch) if you wish to participate.
 * Cycling is the most common mode of transport for the Dutch, including for Achterhoekers.  Routes vary, with the above mentioned Montferland area having off-road routes with terrain that varies in elevation.  The terrain becomes flatter towards the German border.  You can easily travel from one town or city to another within half a day, making a vacation by bike an ideal option.
 * Recreational waters are a popular with locals. Many former sand mining operations have been intentionally flooded to transform them into recreational lakes. The Liemers has three of these, and another can been found just south of Zutphen.
 * Canoeing or Kayaking is not possible on many of the rivers as they are used for freight transport. However, the Oude IJssel river, is perfect for this canoeing or kayaking.  Routes start in Doetinchem and upstream near Terborg, and end in Doesburg.

Eat

 * The Achterhoek does not have many local products to its name, except the city of Doesburg which has its own mustard. If you like mustard, it's definitely worth a try.

Drink

 * The beer brand Grolsch (English: from Grol), founded in Groenlo and based in Enschede, just outside the Achterhoek, supplies pilsner in the entire country and many parts of the world. Trips to the brewery are interesting.

Go next
From the Achterhoek, you can easily go further north towards Twente, Overijssel, Drenthe, Groningen and Friesland. You can also head south towards North Brabant, Limburg and Zeeland. If you prefer to visit large cities, head for the Randstad in the provinces of North- and South-Holland or Utrecht.

title: Achterhoek


text:
Aci Trezza

Acitrezza is a city in Sicily.

See
Riviera dei Ciclopi - Small islands formed from ancient Mt Etna lava flows providing a fascinating view. Mythology claimed that these were the giant stones thrown by the Cyclops as Jason and the Argonauts were escaping the island on their ships. . From the shoreline, you can walk along the Lungomare and enjoying the sights and sounds with Ciclopia always in view. During the summer, it is possible to have a fisherman take you to the island for a small price. There you can lay a towel on the ground and soak up the Mediterranean sun!

Go next

 * Catania

title: Aci Trezza


text:
A Coruña

A Coruña (Spanish: La Coruña) is the second most populous city in Galicia, and capital of its own province. It is home to a very busy port as well as the main industrial and administrative centre of the area.

Orientation
A Coruña is located on a peninsula on the northwestern corner of Spain. Originally, it was just a tiny strip of land, but over time, sand and rock built up to form the area we see today. In A Coruña, autumn and winter are usually unpredictable, with everything from overcast to snow. Summers are mostly sunny, and rain is rare. Spring is the most stable season in the city, with cool temperatures and calm weather.

A Coruña has a ring road that runs around the edge of the coast. The city is divided up into five parishes.

A Coruña is also known for its characteristic glazed window balconies, called galerías. These balconies were first designed as a naval solution for bad weather and rainy days. However, in the 18th century, workers at the Royal Dockyards had the idea of putting these balconies on modern buildings: and the fashion was born.

Most of A Coruña's historic sights can be found in its Old Town, or Cidade Vella. Notable buildings in the Old Town are the Royal Galician Academy, the churches of Santiago and Saint Mary, As Bárbaras Monastery, and the headquarters of the Operational Logistics Force of the Spanish Army. Each year in July, a Medieval Fair also takes place in the Old Town.

Climate
Being exposed to Atlantic winds and low-pressure systems bringing plenty of rainfall for most of the year, it has the coolest summers of Spain's major urban areas, but likewise has very mild winters for its latitude.

By plane
The (larger) airport of Santiago de Compostela (Labacolla) is an alternative, 50 km from A Coruña.

By train
San Cristóbal is the city's main railway station. It receives long distance RENFE trains from destinations within Spain. Two railway lines terminate at this station. They begin in León and Zamora and connect A Coruña with central Spain. High-speed trains connect the city with Santiago de Compostela, Ourense-Empalme, Pontevedra and Vigo-Guixar. Regional lines also connect the city with Lugo, Monforte de Lemos and Ferrol. Intercity trains arrive from Madrid, Barcelona, and the Basque Country, passing through many other important northern Spanish cities.

By bus
The bus station has numerous connections both international (operated mainly by ALSA) and local, operated by (among others) Arriva Noroeste, Autos Cal Pita or Monbus. Some local connections include the immediate metropolitan area (municipalities of Oleiros, Culleredo, Sada, Betanzos...), as well as most of the Costa da Morte area, Ferrol/Rías Altas. There are relatively frequent connections with the Lugo coast (Ribadeo, Viveiro, Foz).

Get around
If you want to go along the seafront promenade (paseo marítimo), you can use the tram for, which will carry you from the football stadium (Riazor) to the other side of the city, near the town hall.

Taxis are white in color. If they have a green light on the top, this shows they are available for hire. A ride from the centre within the city might cost you around, depending on the traffic.

Cidade Vella
In the Cidade Vella (old town), you can find (among others):

Do

 * Beaches. The beaches of Orzán and Riazor (situated on the Western side of the peninsula) provide a nice sandy beach within the city itself. However, if you are used to swimming in the Mediterranean, you might find the water slightly cold.
 * Paseo Marítimo. The seafront promenade that surrounds the peninsula provides an opportunity for nice strolls. Starting by the La Marina, you can proceed on to the Castelo de San Antón, the Dique de Abrigo, towards the Torre de Hércules, Casa de los Peces, Casa del Hombre, Orzán and Riazor beaches, Millennium monument, and proceed towards the area known as O Portiño, on the flanks of Monte de San Pedro. This last bit of the promenade is outside the main city.

Buy
A Coruña has many interesting and huge shopping malls to choose from. Here are a few:

Eat
You will find a huge selection of typical Spanish cafés. Most restaurants offer sea food dishes of good quality.

You will also find a good number of hamburgueserias, a few Italian restaurants/pizzerias and at least one authentic Mexican restaurant.

Prices are similar to the rest of Spain.

Between the Obelisco and the Praza de Azcárraga
There are several budget-friendly restaurants in this area.

Drink
The local beer is called Estrella Galicia.

Go next

 * Santiago de Compostela, an ancient place of pilgrimage for its magnificent cathedral, is an easy day trip by bus or train and well worth it.

title: A Coruña


text:
Acre

There is more than one place called Acre:

Brazil

 * Acre (Brazil) - A state in Brazil.

United Kingdom

 * Acre (England) - A village in Lancashire in England.

Israel

 * Akko - A city in Israel.

title: Acre


text:
Acre (Brazil)

Acre is a state in the North of Brazil, on the border with Peru. Acre is the greenest state of Brazil, with over 50% of its territory protected somehow. Important figures on the national environmentalist movement, such as Chico Mendes and Marina Silva, come from here.

Cities

 * — the capital and the biggest city of the state is a pleasant town with interesting architecture, usually inspired by forest or native culture elements
 * — across the Xapuri River from the Bolivian city of Cobija
 * — most important tourist and economic center in the interior of Acre, it has many buildings and monuments that symbolize and preserve the history of Acre
 * — on the right bank of the Envira River, which is the main means of transporting production for riverside dwellers
 * — on the left bank of the Abunã River, across from the Bolivian town of Puerto Evo Morales
 * — it has the oldest church in Acre, built in 1910
 * — known as "the land of the giant pineapple", where the fruit weighs around 15 kg
 * — it draws visitors to its monuments to the Acre War and the house of Chico Mendes, and it has an eco-lodge at the Seringal Waterfall

Other destinations

 * — in the extreme west of the state, most of its territory is covered by the Amazon rainforest. The main rivers are the Juruá and the Moa, on the banks of which the Nukini Indians live. Authorization from Ibama is required for visitation.
 * — with an important area covered by forest, it preserves the local flora and fauna, in the same place where the Itucumã rubber plantation was located, 10 km from Rio Branco.

Understand
Acre lives in Brazilian popular culture as "the state that doesn't exist", as in a conspiratory theory. Nothing could be more unfair, given this was the one state in the federation that went through an armed struggle to become part of the country.

Acre is inhabited by various indigenous groups of the Panoan language family, including Kashinawa, Jaminawa and Xanenawa. There are also three groups of other language families, Madiha (Kulina) of the Arawan family as well as Yine (Manchineri) and Ashaninka (Kampa) of the Arawakan family.

History
Until the beginning of the 20th century, the territory occupied by Acre belonged to Bolivia. Intense extractive activity in the rubber industry attracted Brazilians from many regions to the state. In 1899, Brazilian settlers from Acre created an independent state in the region called the Republic of Acre. Bolivians tried to gain control of the area, but Brazilians revolted and there were border confrontations. This resulted in what was known as the Acre War. On November 17, 1903, with the signing over and sale in the Treaty of Petrópolis, Brazil received final possession of the region.

By plane
Flights from Rio Branco, state capital. Connect in Brasilia on Gol and Porto Velho  on Trip.

Cruzeiro do Sul International Airport provides helps access to the Alto Juruá region. .

By bus
Buses connect Rio Branco to Puerto Maldonado in Peru (9 hours) and with Porto Velho in Rondônia state (6 hours).

By car
The highways that run through Acre are the BR-364, which connects the state to Rondônia and the Center-West, passing through the capital and reaching the extreme west, in Cruzeiro do Sul, and the BR-317, which goes from Rio Branco to Assis Brasil, on the triple border (Brazil, Bolivia, Peru).

Get around
There are only 200 km of state highways, mostly near Rio Branco.

By boat
River transport, concentrated on the Juruá and Moa rivers, in the western part of the state, and the Tarauacá and Envira rivers in the northwest, is the principal form of transportation, especially between November and June. Heavy seasonal rains frequently make the BR-364 impassable in those months; it usually connects Rio Branco to Cruzeiro do Sul.

See
In Rio Branco, visit the Palácio Rio Branco and Museu da Borracha museums to learn about the region's history.

Do
Serra do Divisor has a range of undeveloped terrains and wildlife. In one month, ecologists counted: 43 large mammal species, more than 100 amphibian and 30 reptile species, 485 bird species, 55 species of bats, and 29 spider families.

Eat
Acre cuisine mixes Northeastern, Pará, Bolivian, indigenous and Arab cuisine. From this mixture came duck in tucupi, tacacá, sun-dried meat with baião de dois, fish stew, tapioca, spicy chicken and cigars. Exotic fruits yield excellent juices and desserts: graviola, cajá, cajarana, cupuaçu, etc. From the forest come peach palm, Brazil nut, guarana, buriti and açaí.

Acre state is one of the biggest producers of açaí in Brazil. This purple juice extracted from the fruit of a palm tree gained international fame as a superfood, consumed in form of a frozen cream to which fruits or nuts are added. However, the local way to consume it is to mix the fresh unsweetened juice to a bit of manioc flour (for crunchiness) and then add sugar, condensed milk and/or powdered milk.

Another local delicacy is tacacá, a broth made with manioc water and jambu, a leaf that causes an effect between hotness and light numbness of the mouth. When asked how much goma you want, start with "little" because this goey paste is an acquired taste, but don't skip it as it dissolves into the broth, giving it a nice thickness. It is served in a bowl, and you are supposed to drink directly from it, Japanese-style.

title: Acre (Brazil)


text:
Across Australia by train

 * See Rail travel in Australia for general information about travelling by train in Australia

Australia can be crossed by two great railway journeys, The Ghan, which crosses north to south straight through the heart of Australia, from Darwin to Adelaide, and the Indian Pacific, which crosses east to west, from Sydney to Perth.

Understand
"The Indian Pacific she goes rollin' down the track. Five thousand miles to travel before she's there and back."

- Slim Dusty - "Indian Pacific"

History of the Ghan
The Ghan is named after the Afghan cameleers that transported goods to Australia's remote centre prior to the construction of the railway. The sand and heat made the trip entirely unsuited to horses. The cameleers overwhelmingly weren't from Afghanistan, they were just known as Afghans in the Australian vernacular.

The construction of the original Ghan from Adelaide started in 1878, with Oodnadatta reached in 1891 and, after a thirty-year break, Alice Springs in 1926. A separate but unconnected track from Darwin to Katherine in the north was also completed in the same year; this line was closed in 1976.

Unfortunately, the original Ghan was twisty, narrow-gauge and built straight through many valleys prone to flash floods that washed away tracks and bridges. A decision was thus made to rebuild nearly all of the line in standard gauge, over 100 km to the west. The new line to Alice Springs opened in 1980, and the remaining section across the continent to Darwin opened in 2004.

History of the Indian Pacific
A single train journey from Sydney to Perth (linking the Indian and Pacific Oceans) became possible with the completion of the standard gauge railway in 1969 when the last standard gauge link was completed between Broken Hill and Peterborough. Prior to this, travelling across Australia by train between Perth and Sydney was a relay of trains. At certain times in history there were four changes of railway gauge, at Broken Hill, Peterborough, Port Pirie, and Kalgoorlie. The great mining town of Broken Hill was linked by the narrow-gauge railways to Port Pirie (north of Adelaide) before it was linked with Sydney. You can see some of this history in the Sulphide Street Railway Museum in Broken Hill, at Steamtown in Peterborough, and at the museum in the old station at Port Pirie. The railway line in Port Pirie ran right down the main street of the town. In the 1930s, the transcontinental trip was over five days, with changes of trains through Albury, Melbourne, Adelaide, Port Pirie and Kalgoorlie.

The breaks of gauge were due to the states each having their own gauge, and the Commonwealth completing the missing link between Port Pirie and Kalgoorlie in standard gauge (the same as New South Wales).

Some towns along the line enjoyed several services a day during their heyday. The full Sydney to Perth service ran three times a week. Today, however, the irony is that railway buffs can see more of the rail history of the line and the towns along it travelling by car than by train. You can spend a good half day exploring the history of Peterborough and of Port Pirie, but passenger trains no longer stop in either of them.

Find time
These are not high-speed transcontinental trains. They are slow, laid back and luxurious trains that know how to take their time and let you enjoy the scenery. The trains are privately run by Journey Beyond. The current iteration of both routes was not built for passenger traffic, but rather to serve the very lucrative freight business.

Save up
Any way you look at it, The Ghan and the Indian Pacific are expensive. The more economical "Red Service" has been discontinued, and both trains now cater exclusively to the luxury market with an all-sleeper configuration. The lowest class of service is "Gold Service", which has single cabins (shared shower), twin cabins (shower en suite) and includes all meals in the dedicated restaurant car. This will set you back at least $2,115 on The Ghan, and $2,475 on the Indian Pacific in the low season, increasing to $2,845 on the Ghan and $2,835 on the Indian Pacific during the peak season. Add another $2000-4000 on top, and you can get a double-sized "Platinum Service" cabin, which also gets you a quieter dedicated lounge on board, and complimentary transfers from and to your place of accommodation at the start and end of your journey respectively.

If you have a car in Australia, the value proposition can improve slightly, if you take your car with you. On the premium fare there are often deals available to take a car for $99 extra, which you can then offset against the price of renting a car at your destination, or if you drive one way, the prospect of the 3000 km drive home. Taking your car with you is only possible when travelling from Adelaide to Perth and vice versa on the Indian Pacific, and when travelling from Adelaide to Darwin and vice versa on The Ghan. You will need to call Journey Beyond to make arrangements in advance if you want to take your car with you.

You cannot get off and board a few days later at most intermediate stations, as these trains are meant to be luxury rail cruises rather than practical modes of transportation. The exceptions are Adelaide, which is allowed as an intermediate stopping point for passengers on the Indian Pacific, and Alice Springs, which is allowed as an intermediate stopping point for passengers on The Ghan. Both these intermediate stops have to be arranged in advance, and you will need to book each leg separately if you want to stop off.

Get in
Darwin and Adelaide can be reached by plane from all major Australian cities and a few international destinations like Singapore, Denpasar, or Kuala Lumpur. Darwin does not serve any other passenger trains, while other passenger trains in Adelaide are limited to a twice-weekly service from Melbourne and its suburban rail network.

Sydney and Perth are well-connected by air, each with services to all other Australian capital cities and international destinations. There are public train services from the country towns of New South Wales to Sydney, as well as trains from Canberra, Brisbane and Melbourne. Perth is also served by trains connecting it to nearby country towns in the southern part of Western Australia.

The Ghan

This itinerary assumes you start from Darwin and head south, but it's also possible in the opposite direction. The Ghan takes 54 hours to travel. The Ghan only operates between March and November, and does not operate between December and February as that is the rainy season in northern Australia.

 * — From Darwin (0 km), there is a departure every Wednesday at 10AM between March and November. The three-day, two-night journey takes around 50 hours from end to end. The station is a fair way from central Darwin, about 20 minutes drive. The railway's primary purpose is freight, and the line goes straight to the port at East Arm, without passing through any built-up areas. Dedicated buses connect between the Darwin Transit Centre in Mitchell St and the rail station for an additional fee.  Taxis are possible, but expensive. There is no scheduled bus.

From Adelaide (2979 km), departures are on Sunday 12:15PM between March and November, with an additional train on Wednesdays at the 12:10PM between April and October.

 * (312 km) — The Ghan stops here for around five hours, with an optional guided "Whistle Stop Tour" available. The old railway from Darwin to Katherine stopped in central Katherine, and you can visit the site of the railway station. You can walk the old high level railway bridge across the Katherine river following the old alignment. However, it is around 10 km from the old station to the new one, so if you want to see Katherine, the tour may be your best option. You may not begin or end your journey here.

 * (1420 km) — Alice Springs is the former northern terminus of The Ghan and the largest town by far en route. The train stops here for around four hours, long enough for a quick peek around town. The station is on the edge of the CBD, a couple of blocks walk to the Todd mall. Many people opt to break their journey here for a few days and visit Uluru, about 400 km away, but there is plenty to do for a few days in Alice and surrounds even if you don't venture to the Rock. Alice Springs has all the services to make it possible.

 * — Marla is a purpose built highway service centre with nothing else there except the highway, train line and the station. The highlight of any visit there is to see The Ghan when it passes through, and the desert stretching off into the distance, if you are actually on The Ghan looking at the desert stretching off into the distance, best to stay on board. Only the northbound train stops here, during which you may step off the train to stretch your legs and watch the sunrise, but you may not begin or end your journey here.

 * — Only the southbound train stops here, and only between on journeys made between March and November, during which you can get off to stretch your legs and gaze at the stars, but you may not begin or end your journey here.

 * (2979 km) — The end of the line — unless you switch onto the Indian Pacific and continue onward to Perth or Sydney.

The Indian Pacific

This route connects the Perth on the Indian Ocean with Sydney on the Pacific Ocean. The 4,352 km trip takes about three days and is distance-wise by far the longest in the Southern Hemisphere and one of the longest domestic rail journeys in the world. It's notable for the 478 km long section across the Nullarbor Plain, which is the longest straight railway stretch in the world. Unlike The Ghan, the Indian Pacific runs year-round. From Sydney, the train departs every Wednesday at 1:55PM, while from Perth, the train departs every Sunday at 10AM. Motorail service (taking your car onto the train) is only available between Perth and Adelaide.

 * — Either the destination of the Indian Pacific journey, or the point of departure, Perth is a useful terminus. The train Indian Pacific departs from the East Perth terminal, just two stations away from the Perth CBD. The city caters for all levels of travellers, with budget backpackers well catered for in Northbridge, the suburb immediately north of the city railway station - to the hotels in the CBD which cater for the high spenders.
 * — Only the eastbound train stops here. An alternative to the long distance train Indian Pacific, the local Prospector rail service runs a daytime service daily between Kalgoorlie and Perth, but covering the distance in half the time it takes the Indian Pacific to do so. The Kalgoorlie railway station itself is easy walking distance to the centre of town and accommodation Passengers on the eastbound train may join at tour of the town here while the train is stopped, but this is not available to westbound passengers as the train passes through in the middle of the night. The train passes through the picturesque Avon Valley on its way between Perth and Kalgoorlie.
 * — Only the westbound train (towards Perth) stops here, and there is a live music performance on the platform. During the summer months, dinner is served on the platform, while at other times of the year, you will return on board the train to have dinner in the restaurant car.
 * — Originally founded to service the railway, today it is a ghost town, where you will be allowed to walk around the station while your train is refuelled.
 * — The capital of South Australia has many attractions and facilities, and is the gateway to many more. The Keswick station has been renamed the Adelaide Parklands Terminal, on account of it being on the outside of the Adelaide city greenbelt. There is no suburban rail service from Adelaide Parklands Terminal to Adelaide Railway Station in the City, and the nearest bus stop is a 15 minute walk from Adelaide Parklands Terminal. Taxi to the city is expensive, around $20, or you can call Uber. There are no real facilities or attractions in the station vicinity. The station itself is very basic, its only purpose being to serve the Indian Pacific, Ghan and Overland trains that arrive a couple of times a week. You can get your car off here, and transfer between the two transcontinental services.
 * — Only the westbound train stops here. Tours are offered here in the couple of hours that the train is at the station, with the coaches pulling up at the station at the same time as the train. If you choose not to take the coach tour, the railway station is right in the centre of town, and you can easily walk and spend time browsing the windows of a few galleries, returning to the station for breakfast. The tour is not available to passengers on the eastbound train as the train passes through in the middle of the night.
 * — Only the eastbound train (towards Sydney) stops here. Passengers may get off here to join a tour of the Blue Mountains, and you will be later transported onwards to Sydney on one of NSW Trainlink's trains.
 * — The orange-coloured Sydney Central station is located just south of the Central Business District, and is smaller than you might expect. In addition to being the eastern terminus for the Indian Pacific, it is one of the main nodes in the city's public transport system. Things to see at the station itself include the flags of Australian states and territories hanging from the ceiling and the small exhibition of Australian railway history. If you've just arrived by train, exit the main entrance, and walk straight on for half an hour or so and you'll see the Opera House on your right-hand side and Harbour Bridge on your left.

Stay safe
Though the journeys are long, and there are few chances of people just wandering in onto the train like in other countries, it is nevertheless wise to secure your room or items.

On a connecting train
The Overland (which is also a Journey Beyond train) operates between Adelaide and Melbourne. Unlike the Indian Pacific or The Ghan, The Overland is a day trip and takes 10 hours, and it also stops at more intermediate stations to pick up and let off passengers. As it is subsidised by the Victorian and South Australian state governments, fares tend to be cheaper than for Journey Beyond's other trains.

Sydney and Perth are both served by country rail services that connect to various country towns. Country rail services from Sydney are operated by NSW TrainLink, while those from Perth are operated by TransWA. NSW TrainLink also operates the Melbourne XPT from Sydney to Melbourne via Canberra, as well as the Brisbane XPT from Sydney to Brisbane. From Brisbane, the Gold Coast is easily accessible on the suburban network of Queensland Rail, which also operates the long distance Spirit of Queensland all the way to Cairns.

And see what you missed
Australia's pioneers had a grand vision for the railways, to cover a continent, and there are many places where this grand history can be seen. If you are catching the train one way, and travelling by car the other way, you can catch up with some of the interesting railway history you may have missed.

The Oodnadatta Track basically follows the original alignment of the Ghan before it was moved. There are sections of track still in place, and you can walk on large sections of the alignment from the road. The Oodnadatta station looks largely unchanged from when it saw its last train service 40 years ago.

title: Across Australia by train


text:
Across Canada by train

While most Canadians choose to travel between major cities by airplane, there still exists today a continuous series of connecting train services from the Pacific to the Atlantic, and a trans-continental journey on the passenger trains of Canada remains one of the greatest railway journeys in the world.

Understand

Canada is the second largest country on earth, yet with a population of almost 38 million in 2020, it has just the 39th largest population. The sheer size of the country, which spans 9,984,670 km² (3,854,085 sq mi) and six time zones means that vast areas are either sparsely populated or completely uninhabited. This itinerary explains how to book, travel and experience the scheduled passenger rail services that exist between:

 * Halifax (Nova Scotia)
 * Montreal (Quebec)
 * Ottawa (Ontario)
 * Toronto (Ontario)
 * Winnipeg (Manitoba)
 * Saskatoon (Saskatchewan)
 * Edmonton (Alberta)
 * Jasper (Alberta)
 * Vancouver (British Columbia)

This itinerary covers 6,351 km (3,946 miles), crosses eight Canadian provinces and passes through some of North America's most vibrant and exciting cities. Whether experienced from the comfort of a private sleeping compartment or in the sociable and affordable seated coaches, it is a once-in-a-lifetime trip that demonstrates Canada's social and geographic diversity, from sea to sea, in line with the motto from Canada's coats of arms, A mari usque ad mare.

There are many other passenger rail services in Canada. Information on all other rail services in Canada can be found on Rail travel in Canada page.

Find time
Canada does not have any high-speed railway lines, and much of the infrastructure was built before World War II. In modern times, Canada's railways are primarily used for freight traffic, with passenger services generally given lower priority. The train services listed here are thus not high speed services, but rather are laid back services that primarily cater to tourists with ample time on their hands to enjoy the scenery.

Whom to travel with
A handful of private luxury train operators offer exclusive rail tours; however most passenger rail services in Canada are provided by VIA Rail Canada, the state-owned Crown Corporation that provides national passenger rail services. This itinerary uses only the services of VIA Rail Canada.

Which direction to travel in
Travelling from one side of Canada to another by train is a great itinerary for an exciting and varied holiday. Travelling both ways is not: the vast landscape of the country will become infinitely less interesting if you have to turn round and go back again. However, the return trip will most likely have different passengers, so you will have a new group of different people to get to know during your voyage.

Decide whether to start your trip in the west (Vancouver) or in the east (Halifax). Check the timetables of the trains you'll be riding on to see how this affects the arrival times in towns and cities you want to stop off in. Many travellers express a preference in going from east to west, since this follows the direction that European settlers populated the country and rewards you after the seemingly endless prairies with the breathtaking Rocky Mountains, but the decision of which way to travel is yours.

Additional side trips by train to other destinations are possible at various points along the transcontinental route. See the Rail travel in Canada page for more information on these other routes.

When to go
Canada's train services run throughout the year, although in some cases with reduced frequencies and shorter trains in the low season. Low season (October–April) fares are lower than in the high season (May–September) although when travelling during the winter months you should remember that shorter daylight hours will significantly affect your sightseeing opportunities from the train. While summer can be warm and pleasant, winter temperatures in central and eastern Canada plunge well below freezing - sometimes to or below. A winter train trip can be fun, but you may find it hard to leave the nice warm train when you arrive at intermediate stations.

For many independent passengers, spring and autumn are the most convenient times to travel, when the climate is comfortable and when low-season fares are available at either end of the high season booking period.

How to book
VIA Rail Canada has an excellent website that provides travel information and online ticket sales in several languages. Within North America, you can contact VIA Rail Canada by telephoning (1-888-VIA-RAIL).

Tickets and rail passes
Fares in the low season (16 October to 31 May) are less expensive than those in the high season (1 June to 15 October). Advance booking is recommended for all tickets and passes. VIA Rail Canada maintains information about its fleet of trains and train cars on its website.

'Comfort' (coach/economy) class

'Comfort' class gives you a comfortable reclining seat in an open coach with either one or two seats either side of the aisle. An amenity pack, pillow and blanket are provided, and it is reasonably easy to sleep comfortably during the night. Older passengers or those who might experience discomfort sleeping in a reclining seat may prefer to travel in sleeper class (see below).

Sleeper classes: Halifax to Montréal
VIA Rail Canada offer two different classes of sleeper accommodation on the Ocean between Halifax and Montréal throughout the year, with an enhanced sleeper class called 'Easterly Class' during the high season. All services are now operated by modern 'Renaissance' trains, which have replaced the older 'stainless steel' trains used elsewhere in Canada.

 * Double bedrooms have two berths and an en-suite washroom with toilet, handbasin, mirror and power outlet. They are lockable from inside and outside, and can also accommodate a child when two adults are in the two berths.
 * Deluxe double bedrooms are the same as double bedrooms, but with an en-suite shower.
 * Easterly class is offered on the Ocean during the high season from early May to the end of October, and is marketed as an enhanced class based on the deluxe double bedroom. Presentations affording cultural and historical insights of the region through which the train passes are offered, and passengers have exclusive access to the lounges and panoramic section of the luxurious Park car. Easterly class tickets include meals in the restaurant car.

Sleeper classes: Montréal to Toronto
Overnight sleeper services between Montréal and Toronto have been discontinued. You should travel by day, spending at least one night in Toronto or Montréal before boarding your next train.

Sleeper classes: Toronto to Vancouver
The Canadian is VIA Rail Canada's flagship service, and offers the widest choice of sleeper accommodation on the network. All trains are operated by heavily refurbished 1950s 'stainless steel' trains. All sleeper tickets are marketed as Silver and Blue class and access to the luxurious Park Car at the end of the train and include all meals in the restaurant car.

 * Berths are wide facing banquette seats that convert into cosy bunks at night. A curtain that can be fastened shut separates you from the corridor, and toilets and a shower are near-by. Upper and lower berths priced differently, since upper berths are accessed by a small ladder, and require a certain nimbleness. Upper berths also lack a window, so you do not get the view that a lower berth afford you.
 * Single Bedrooms are one step up from a berth. A wide seat folds down at night to form a bed in a private room, with one either side of the corridor. A sliding door closes off the bedroom from the corridor, and there is a private basin and toilet in the room (the toilet is easily covered and does not detract from the room).
 * Double bedrooms have two beds arranged one above each other at right angles to the side of the train. Each bedroom features two armchairs, a small closet, fan, electrical outlet, private washroom, sink and mirror. The door locks from the inside and there is a shower down the corridor.
 * Triple bedrooms are like double bedrooms, but with an additional lower bunk and slightly more room.
 * Romance by rail is a special package normally taken by honeymooning couples for travel between Toronto and Jasper or Jasper and Vancouver. Two double bedrooms have had their upper bunks and the wall between removed to create a double width room with a double bed.
 * Prestige Sleeper Class

What to bring
Sleeper passengers should

 * pack one or two lightweight bags with all the clothes, toiletries and personal items (including valuables) for their on board cabin
 * pack items and clothing not required during the journey into separate luggage for the baggage car. It is not possible to gain access to the baggage car between your originating and destination stations.

Unlike on board the services of Amtrak in the United States Comfort Class (coach) passengers on VIA Rail Canada are provided with an amenity kit to make passing the night in coach a cinch. This includes a pillow, blanket, toothbrush, toothpaste, eye mask and ear plugs. However you might like to supplement this with:

 * at least one additional inflatable pillow
 * lightweight soft clothes to change into for sleeping
 * your own ear plugs (the better quality the easier it will be to sleep)
 * a small toiletry bag with your personal items
 * wet wipes for easy hygiene
 * bottled water (this can be refilled on the train)
 * snacks, sandwiches, etc. (although these are on sale on board)

Again, luggage that has been checked into the baggage car cannot be accessed during the journey, so pack a smaller bag with everything you'll need during the trip.

Get in
Depending on which side of the country that you start your transcontinental train trip in, see either the Halifax or Vancouver pages for information on getting in.

Overview of route and trains

This itinerary presents a journey that travels from east to west, however it is quite possible and equally enjoyable to make the journey in the opposite direction. The three trains that make up the basic coast-to-coast route are:

 * The Ocean from Halifax to Montréal
 * The Corridor from Montréal to Toronto
 * The Canadian from Toronto to Vancouver

As of 2021, schedules are still affected by the COVID-19 pandemic. Check the VIA Rail Canada website for updates before making travel arrangements.

The Ocean
The Ocean departs Halifax three days per week at 1:00PM. The train travels overnight to Montréal, arriving at 10:03AM the following morning. In the other direction, the Ocean departs Montréal at 7:00PM, arriving in Halifax 5:51PM the following afternoon.

Both east and west bound trains are scheduled to operate over the most scenic parts of the route during the day time, so you will travel through most of Québec along the south shore of the Saint Lawrence river by night. Bear in mind the late night departure or early morning arrival if you want to leave the Ocean at Sainte-Foy for the bus transfer to Quebec City. Perhaps the most scenic part of the route is east of Matapédia, where the line enters the province of New Brunswick and then follows the south shore of the Baie de Chaleurs, offering splendid views across the water to the receding coastline of the Gaspé Peninsula. Heading west, this is in the late evening; heading east, this is in the early morning, and makes for a spectacular distraction to breakfast in the restaurant car.

The Corridor
The Corridor is the broad name given to the collection of intercity routes that connect Quebec City, Montréal, Ottawa, Brockville, Kingston, Belleville, Oshawa, Toronto and other destinations in southern Ontario. There are multiple daily departures on modern trains that carry Economy class and Business class. There are no more overnight or sleeper services. Ottawa is served by direct trains from both Montréal and Toronto, but is not on the route of most of the direct services between the two cities. Quebec City is only served by a spur line from Sainte-Foy, so you will need to book a spot on the shuttle and change trains at Sainte-Foy if you are coming from the east. If you are coming from the west, Quebec City is served by direct trains from Ottawa and Montreal.

The landscapes of southern Quebec and Ontario don't make for a particularly scenic route, but the route is the fastest in Canada and offers a rapid cross section through some of the country's most important industrial manufacturing cities. You'll catch glimpses of Lake Ontario just as you approach or leave Toronto.

The Canadian
The Canadian departs Toronto at 9:45AM on Wednesdays and Sundays, arriving in Vancouver 4 days later at 8AM. It leaves Vancouver at 3PM on Mondays and Fridays, arriving in Toronto 4 days later at 2:30PM. (Schedule as of 29 Apr 2019.)

The twice-weekly departures of the Canadian are likely to be the most important factor to consider when planning your coast to coast trip.

Many travelers will agree that the Canadian's primary selling point (the vast distance that it covers; 4,466 km or 2,775 miles) can also be its weakness. The train takes more than a day to cross from Toronto to the border with Manitoba, largely covering the distance through a repetitive scenery of lakes and forests. While exceptionally beautiful, this landscape can quickly become boring, so it's a good part of the journey in which to get to know your fellow travelers. Note that the Canadian can on advance notice be stopped at any point along its route between Sudbury and Winnipeg, whether it's at an actual station, named halt, milepost or simply a given number of kilometres from the last city. Canoes, bikes and other equipment can be carried in the luggage car, allowing you to take advantage of northern Ontario's vast landscape for outdoor activities.

Almost immediately after leaving Ontario, the Canadian enters the prairies and will not leave them until the Rocky Mountains emerge a full twenty four hours later. European travelers in particular might find this part of the trip to be the least beautiful, but possibly the most symbolic part of the trip. The sheer scale of Canada becomes undeniable as the train picks up speed over dead straight stretches of track that cross the bread basket of the country. Small communities and the occasional farm flash past, but it could well be the enormous skies that catch your eye the most.

Traveling across Canada by train from east to west makes the most sense when you first catch sight of the Rocky Mountains. After two days crossing the largely flat and forgettable landscapes of Ontario, Manitoba, Saskatchewan and Alberta, the scale and grandeur of the mountains is incredible to behold. The schedule of the east- and westbound Canadian are designed to ensure that you get the best possible daylight hours for viewing the mountains between Edmonton and Kamloops.

Itineraries
Coast to coast, it is possible to make the journey from Halifax to Vancouver on board just three different trains, and in as little as five days traveling. Here are four recommended itineraries, based on the length of time traveling.

Check the VIA Rail Canada website for schedules before making travel arrangements.

Five days
Few travellers choose to do this journey straight through, not only because it can be quite hard work in coach class, but because it misses out on the opportunity to experience so many different and exciting cities. However, seasoned travelers who already know Canada well and who have limited vacation time (or just a hankering to ride the train) may relish the sound of this near-non-stop trip.

Seven days
It's possible to combine the basic coast to coast itinerary with one extended layover. Again, this itinerary is probably better suited to those who have already visited Canada before, so the choice of which city to stop off in is largely up to you. Any stop on the route of the Canadian between Toronto and Vancouver would necessitate a stop of at least two, if not three days, because of the frequency of service of the Canadian. This applies in both directions.

Therefore, a seven day itinerary would probably be best expanded on the five day itinerary above by adding extra days in just one of the following cities:

 * Halifax
 * Montréal
 * Toronto
 * Vancouver

You can find out more about each one on their respective travel pages. All four offer excellent public transit systems and compact downtown cores that can easily be explored on foot. With just two days, you would be well advised to research ahead, and be realistic about what you expect to see and do in the time that you have.

Fourteen days
With two full weeks, you can reasonably make two or three stops en route. A two-week itinerary is probably the shortest that a first-time visitor to Canada can reasonably manage. The shorter itineraries suggested above are for the serious train fans, since after one or two days on board, you are likely to want a break off the train. . Days when you are not on board a train don't count towards your final total, but that if you depart a city at 8PM one day and arrive at 8AM the next day, you will have used two traveling days.

There are several options. You can consider a stop in any of the following major cities:

 * Halifax (Nova Scotia)
 * Montréal (Quebec)
 * Ottawa (Ontario)
 * Toronto (Ontario)
 * Winnipeg (Manitoba)
 * Saskatoon (Saskatchewan)
 * Edmonton (Alberta)
 * Jasper (Alberta)
 * Vancouver (British Columbia)

For example, for travellers who want to see more the big cities:

 * Day one in Halifax (all day)
 * Day two in Halifax (AM); dep. Halifax (midday)
 * Day three arr. Montréal (AM); in Montréal (PM)
 * Day four in Montréal (all day)
 * Day five in Montréal (AM); dep. Montréal / arrive Ottawa (PM)
 * Day six in Ottawa (AM); depart Ottawa / arrive Toronto (PM)
 * Day seven in Toronto (all day)
 * Day eight in Toronto (all day)
 * Day nine dep. Toronto (AM); on board the Canadian
 * Day ten on board the Canadian
 * Day eleven on board the Canadian
 * Day twelve arr. Vancouver (AM); in Vancouver (PM)
 * Day thirteen in Vancouver (all day)
 * Day fourteen in Vancouver (all day)

Or, for travellers who want to see more of Canada's west:

 * Day one in Halifax (AM); dep. Halifax (midday)
 * Day two arr. Montréal (AM); breakfast in Montréal; depart Montréal / arrive Toronto (PM)
 * Day three dep. Toronto (AM); on board the Canadian
 * Day four on board the Canadian; arrive Winnipeg (PM)
 * Day five in Winnipeg (all day)
 * Day six in Winnipeg (all day)
 * Day seven in Winnipeg (AM); dep. Winnipeg (PM)
 * Day eight on board the Canadian; arrive Jasper (PM)
 * Day nine in Jasper (all day)
 * Day ten in Jasper (all day)
 * Day eleven in Jasper (AM); dep. Jasper (PM)
 * Day twelve arr. Vancouver (AM); in Vancouver
 * Day thirteen in Vancouver (all day)
 * Day fourteen in Vancouver (all day)

As before, it is recommended to decide what interests you the most and which cities you would like to see, remembering that if you alight from the Canadian (between Toronto and Vancouver) at any stop, you will have to spend two, if not three days there until the next train comes through. An exception to this is possible in Jasper, where you have the choice of two alternative connections to Prince Rupert with VIA Rail Canada and to Vancouver with the Rocky Mountaineer train service.

Travellers who want to visit the western and prairie cities of Canada as part of this two week itinerary may find themselves choosing between:

 * Winnipeg (Manitoba)
 * Saskatoon (Saskatchewan)
 * Edmonton (Alberta)

It is recommended to carefully research your choice, and to consider when and where you will be arriving. Both the east- and west-bound Canadian trains call at Edmonton and Winnipeg during the daytime, but both services arrive at and depart from Saskatoon in the very early hours when you'll be dependent on a taxi and a hostel or hotel that will let you check in during the middle of the night. The Saskatoon rail station is approximately 8 km (5 miles) from downtown. Similarly, the Edmonton station is approximately 6 km from downtown with no public transit between the two. The Winnipeg station is located almost in the heart of downtown.

One month
The basic fourteen-day itineraries above can easily be expanded with longer stopovers in the cities and destinations that interest you the most.

Quebec City is an excellent destination for rail travellers, and it's close to the route of The Ocean between Montréal and Halifax with transfers available. The basic day required for sightseeing in the nation's capital Ottawa could easily be extended to two or three allowing time to see the city's impressive museums. Further west, any three of the cities of Winnipeg, Saskatoon or Edmonton make great bases from which to explore the vast prairies, although you're likely to need to hire a car if you want to cover any real ground. During the summer months they're also essential stops on the festival tour, as each city puts on their own lively Fringe Festival. If you want to get off the beaten track (and are prepared to do some serious pre-trip planning) take a detour from Winnipeg on board the government subsidized Hudson Bay train to Churchill, the world capital of polar bears, beluga whales, and various other transient Arctic critters. Beware though: the Hudson Bay runs over tracks that are bedded on the permafrost, so it's a more than 40-hour crawl to the far north and the Hudson Bay.

And if you're passing through the Rocky Mountains during the winter months, it would be foolish not to spend anything from a couple of days to a week in Jasper on the slopes.

Stay safe

Rail travel in Canada is incredibly safe. The only precautions to take relate to personal belongings and valuables. While it is almost always safe to leave your possessions at your seat while you go to the restaurant or observation car, don't advertise valuable and easily stolen items such as personal music players or computers. To be really safe, check your luggage into the baggage car. Theft from luggage while it is in the care of VIA Rail is unheard of, and you'll be reunited with your bags when you reach your destination.

Go next
Depending on which side of the country that you start your transcontinental train trip in, see either the Halifax or Vancouver pages for information on getting out.

title: Across Canada by train


text:
Acton

There is more than one place called Acton:

Australia

 * Canberra/Acton — A suburb of Canberra.

Canada

 * Acton (Ontario) — A town in Ontario.
 * Acton Regional County Municipality — A RCM in Quebec.
 * Acton Vale — A town in Quebec.

United Kingdom

 * London/Acton — A town in London.

United States of America

 * Acton (California) — A town in California.
 * Acton (Massachusetts) — A town in Massachusetts.
 * Acton (Maine) — A town in Maine.
 * Acton (Montana) — A town in Montana.

title: Acton


text:
Acton (Massachusetts)

Acton is a town in Massachusetts with a population of 24,000 in the 2020 census.

Boxborough is a town with a population of about 6,000 (2020).

Maynard is a town with a population of 11,000 (2020).

Stow is a town with a population of 7,000 (2020).

By car
Acton is five miles (8 km) from I-495 and ten miles (16 km) from I-95/MA-128 or around 21 miles (34 km) from Boston. Massachusetts Routes 2, 2A, 27, 62, 111, and 119 run through the town.

By train
The MBTA Commuter Rail Fitchburg Line train stops at the South Acton station. South Acton is a major station on the line at which many trains terminate. Besides the urban stops at Cambridge (Porter Square) and Boston (North Station Terminal), it is the only station on the line at which all trains stop. The MBTA Fitchburg Line provides service to Fitchburg, Leominster, Shirley, Ayer, Littleton, Concord, Lincoln, Weston, Waltham, Belmont, Cambridge, and Boston.

By foot
Some Streets have sidewalks, and people frequently walk on the edges of streets without sidewalks. However, everything is very spread out, which makes walking difficult.

By car
This is the best option. Things in Acton are almost always accessible by driving and it does not take very long to travel between any two places in Acton by car. Businesses normally have free parking available.

title: Acton (Massachusetts)


text:
Acton (Ontario)

Acton is a community of about 9,400 people (2021) in the Town of Halton Hills in Halton Region. It sits above the Niagara Escarpment, and the Bruce Trail passes to the south and east of the community, with the Guelph Trail branching off and passing south of town.

Understand
From 1842 until 1986, the town was a major centre for the tanning and leather goods industry. In the early years, it was often referred to as "Leathertown".

History
In 1825, the area now known as Acton was settled by the Rev. Ezra, Rev. Zenas, and Rufus Adams. These men were Methodist preachers who took a sabbatical and began farming here on a branch of the Credit River. A fourth brother, Eliphalet, also settled here later. In the 1840s, the community had a grist mill and tannery. The community was named Danville when settler Wheeler Green opened a dry-goods store in 1828. It was later called Adamsville, after the three original settlers.

In 1856 the Grand Trunk Railway arrived and helped spur growth in the area, especially along Mill Street. By 1869, Acton had businesses that included woodworking mills, tanneries, glove makers and carriage works. Acton's principal trade was in grain, lumber, cordwood, leather and hops. In 1883, postmaster Robert Swan named the village Acton after the area of Acton, London in England.

Significance of the leather industry Tanning has been an important industry in Acton since 1842, when the first tannery was established by Abraham Nelles, as the area was attractive to the leather industry because of the large numbers of hemlock spruce trees. These provided the tannin required for a firm, high quality leather of a reddish colour.

The Beardmore family purchased it in 1865 and ran it for over 50 years. At one time, it was the largest tanner in Canada. The Beardmores also opened tanneries in other parts of southern Ontario. By 1889, their main tanneries in Acton covered 100,000 m². They also built a large brick warehouse that year beside the railway tracks. Hides arrived by rail and were taken for processing by horse-drawn wagons and then shipped by rail to customers.

In 1969, the business was sold to Frank Heller and Company, who consolidated it into one large building in 1980. The business was closed at times because of bankruptcy and other reasons, but is now in operation. Other specialty tanners and leather products manufacturers were also established in the town.

Get in
Acton is at the junction of Highway 7 and Regional Road 25.

GO Transit provides bus and rush-hour rail service between Acton and Toronto. (See also: GO Transit)

See

Sleep
See Georgetown 17 km to the east on Highway 7. There is camping in Rockwood Park 12 km to the west on Highway 7.

Go next

 * Glen Williams — a hamlet of artists and historic buildings on the Credit River.
 * Guelph — a vibrant city known for limestone architecture, festivals, and a downtown with a variety of pubs and bars.

title: Acton (Ontario)


text:
Actun Tunichil Muknal

Actun Tunichil Muknal (often abbreviated as the ATM) is a cave formation in the Cayo region of Belize.

Understand
The Actun Tunichil Muknal (literally translated as "Cave of the Stone Sepulcher") is a relatively recent discovery and can be considered to be more of an eco-tourist destination rather than a traditional caving experience. Guides take great pains to stress the importance of Actun Tunichil Muknal as both a natural formation and a site of historical interest.

History
The cave was discovered in 1992, and was featured on the National Geographic Explorer film, Journey Through the Underworld. Actun Tunichil Muknal represents one of the most well-preserved examples of pre-classical Mayan culture (around 700 - 900 AD), featuring skeletal remains of human sacrifices and scores of Mayan pottery and other ceremonial objects. Since then, the cave has been completely mapped and explored, covering about 5.3 km (3.3 miles).

The cave was opened to the public in 2000, and the artifacts within are in the same position as they were when the cave was explored by researchers. These skeletal remains and Mayan objects are properly demarcated by archeologists and the Belize Tourism Board to prevent damage unwittingly caused by tourists.

Get in
Although the cave is relatively close to San Ignacio, the only road leading out of the town to the site is a bumpy and rural road that crosses a part of the Mopan River. In any case, a guide is required in order to have access to the caves, so taking a package tour with one of the licensed tour companies in San Ignacio would be the best option. Reputable tour companies offering the Actun Tunichil Muknal tour include: Katun Ahaw Tours, Mayatour , Pacz Tours and KaWiil Tours, each only several steps from the others in the heart of San Ignacio. There are also US tour operators who tour the ATM cave. These companies work with local, licensed guides: Adventure Life, Intrepid and Wildland Adventures. During Belize's wet season (late June-August), the cave may be flooded and unavailable to travellers.

The cave is located in the Tapir Mountain Nature Reserve. To reach the cave, requires an easy 45-minute hike into the jungle. The entrance to the cave is shaped like an hour glass and is flooded with water. Travelers need to be prepared to get wet, and remain relatively wet to damp during their time in the cave. The cave system consists of a series of chambers, ending at "The Cathedral" where sacrificial ceremonies once took place. Here 14 skeletal remains have been found, and numerous examples of ancient Mayan pottery remain. It takes roughly 1 1/2 to 2 hours to reach "The Cathedral," so travellers should be prepared to be in the cave for 4 to 6 hours. Quick-dry clothing is recommended, as most guides will insist on shorts and a shirt, as a sign of respect. This is a very sacred site. Sandals are not allowed in ATM for safety reasons. Travelers must remove their shoes, and must wear socks while in "The Cathedral" to protect the site from oils on the skin. Guides typically carry a dry pack; however, personal items such as cameras are no longer permitted in the cave due to damage caused by a tourist dropping a digital camera on one of the artifacts. In some locations, the only source of light is from helmets (required for entrance) and/or flashlights. Guides should supply these items.

Buy
There is no gift store associated with this attraction.

Eat
As there are no dining establishments within the preserve; most tours will include a packed lunch, and recommend that you bring along a water bottle and snacks.

Stay safe
As with any cave tour, the best way to remain safe is to comply with guide instructions and to keep with your group, refraining from exploring areas by yourself. As you get deeper into the cave, there is no natural light, and many areas require traversal through chest-high areas of water, as well as short rock formations to climb to get to the main chambers. At no point should you separate from your guide/group.

Additionally, because preserving the pristine nature of the cave - both its natural formations and its Mayan artefacts - is so important, following guide directions closely is a must. Help to retain the undisturbed nature of Actun Tunichil Muknal by complying with guide instructions on acceptable behaviour when exploring the cave. Planning is underway to create more clearly delineated paths in order to avoid inadvertent damage to the cave.

title: Actun Tunichil Muknal


text:
Ada

There is more than one place called Ada:

Ghana

 * Ada (Ghana) - A place in the southeast of Ghana.

Nigeria

 * Ada town - a town in Osun State, South West Nigeria

Turkey

 * - Adana Şakirpaşa Airport, Cilician Plains

United States of America

 * Ada (Michigan) - A town in West Michigan.
 * Ada (Oklahoma) - A city in the Chickasaw Country of Oklahoma.
 * Ada (Ohio) - A town in Northwest Ohio.

title: Ada