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Saqqara

Saqqara is the name given both to a village 32 km to the south of the Egyptian capital of Cairo and (more particularly) to the extensive ancient necropolis on the plateau above the Nile Valley, the location of tombs and pyramids dating to the Predynastic, Old Kingdom, New Kingdom and Late Periods of ancient Egyptian history.

Understand

The desert plateau above the modern village of Saqqara formed one of the main cemeteries of the ancient Egyptian capital city of Memphis for thousands of years. As such, it attracted a large number of royal and high prestige burials, the remains of which can be seen in pyramids and decorated tombs scattered across the area. The site of Saqqara is quite extensive, stretching 6 km north-south and 1.5 km across at its widest point.

By taxi
Taxis can be hired from central Cairo to visit Saqqara. Negotiate with your driver for a daily rate.

By bus
Travelers may be told there is no bus to Saqqara. This is not true. Bus services do exist to Saqqara from central Cairo, but may entail a more lengthy journey and a potentially a long walk from the village up to the plateau.

Either way, it is possible to reach the plateau by taking a microbus from the Giza metro station. It should be expected to transfer to multiple microbuses as there is no direct microbus. Tell the driver you want to go to "Marishay and then Saqqara" and he should indicate where to transfer. Prices vary based on where the transfer points are LE3-5 Once in Saqqara village, take a tuk-tuk for a few pounds to the site.

Another possibility to get to Saqqara by public transport: From El Monib metro station (Line 2, the last station) take a microbus to El Badrasheen and there catch a tuk-tuk to Saqqara Archeological site & Imhoteb museum. The ride takes 25-30 min in microbus and 20 min in tuk-tuk, depending on the traffic. The microbus costs LE4-5, and tuk-tuk regular prices around LE15-30.

By train
There are local trains from central Cairo. The future east-west high-speed line will have two stops close to Saqqara.

See
Saqqara complex. Opening hours: 9AM-5PM, and till 4PM in winter. Entrance fees (as of Dec 2018), students are entitled to 50% discount:
 * General admission to the complex and Imhotep Museum: LE180 (March 2022)
 * Tomb of Mereruka: LE80
 * Tombs at the Unas Causeway ("Saqqara New Tombs"): LE60
 * Temple Tombs of the New Kingdom (Tomb of Horemheb): LE50
 * Serapeum: LE150
 * Step Pyramid of Djoser: LE100
 * Inclusive ticket: LE440

Tickets are sold at near the entrance.

Go next

 * Abusir
 * Cairo
 * Dahshur

title: Saqqara


text:
Saraburi

Saraburi (สระบุรี) is a city in the Chao Phraya Basin region of Thailand. It is home to one of the most beautiful religious sites in Thailand, a large botanical garden, and many other natural and historical sights.

Understand
Saraburi has been an important city since ancient times. It is assumed to have been established c.1549 during the reign of King Maha Chakkraphat of the Kingdom of Ayutthaya. It is assumed that the king had ordered the merging of some parts of Lopburi and Nakhon Nayok together to set up Saraburi Province with the aim of being a centre for mobilising citizenry in times of war. Therefore, from the Ayutthaya period, the story of Saraburi has usually related to battles and wars. As for the origin of the word "Saraburi", it is assumed that due to its location near a swamp called "Bueng Nong Ngong", when the town was established a combination of "sa" (a swamp) and "buri" (a town), it was suggested and the town was named "Saraburi".

By car
From Bangkok, take Hwy 1 or Phahonyothin Rd, past Wang Noi District, Nong Khae District, Hin Kong Sub-district to the intersection of the elevated bridge of Saraburi. Turn left into Mittraphap Rd or go straight on to the centre of Saraburi.

By bus
From Bangkok, there are normal and air conditioned buses of the Transport Co., Ltd. from the Bangkok Northern Bus Terminal (Mo Chit 2), Kamphaengphet 2 Rd, several times a day. For more information, contact Tel. +66 2 9362852-66.

By minibus
From Bangkok's Victory Monument, a minibus going to Saraburi costs 100 baht. It stops at Saraburi's train station.

By train
There are daily trains from Bangkok Railway Station (Hualamphong) to Saraburi, several times a day. Trains from Bangkok's main Hualamphong Train Station station take about 2-2½ hours. Some trains stop at Kaeng Khoi Station and Muak Lek Station. For more information, contact the State Railway of Thailand at Tel. 1690, +66 2 2204334, +66 2 2204444 (ticket reservations can be made by telephone 3 days in advance, but not exceeding 60 days).

Nature

 * Tham Si Wilai (ถ้ำศรีวิไล): A cave in which resides the Phra Phutthanaowarat Buddha image from the Chiang Saen period. The cave also features stalagmites and stalactites.
 * Thale Ban Mo (ทะเลบ้านหมอ): A deep and wide pond with a serene atmosphere, it is the habitat of various water creatures. From February until July, large flocks of migratory birds from Siberia can be found here.
 * Tham Narai or Tham Khao Wong (ถ้ำนารายณ์ หรือถ้ำเขาวง): It is a cave containing stalagmites and stalactites as well as ancient Mon people scripts at the entrance of the cave.
 * Tham Phrathat Charoen Tham or Tham Bo Pla (ถ้ำพระธาตุเจริญธรรม หรือถ้ำบ่อปลา): The cave is divided into 3 big rooms. In the cave resides Luangpho Yai, a stucco Buddha image with black lacquer applied and covered with gold leaf in the gesture of subduing Mara. It is from the Ayutthaya period.
 * Pha Sadet (ผาเสด็จ) It is the cliff where King Rama V and the Queen resided when the Bangkok – Nakhon Ratchasima railway was constructed in 1895. Both of them also inscribed their royal initials, Cho Pho Ro and So Pho at the cliff.
 * Tham Phra Phothisat (ถ้ำพระโพธิสัตว์): A bas-relief from the Dvaravati period can be found on the cave wall, depicting the preaching Buddha as well as Hindu gods. Outside the cave are many trees of various kinds as well as the royal initials, Cho Pho Ro, inscribed by King Rama V when he visited the waterfall. It consists of Tham Thammathat, Tham Lumphini, a stone garden and Tham Sa-ngat Chedi.
 * Chet Khot - Pong Kon Sao Nature and Ecotourism Study Centre (ศูนย์ศึกษาธรรมชาติและท่องเที่ยวเชิงนิเวศเจ็ดคด-โป่งก้อนเส้า): The centre features a large biodiversity of both plants and animals. It comprises many kinds of forests such as dry evergreen forest, moist evergreen forest, mixed deciduous forest and savanna. Animals living in this compound are wild elephants, gaurs, bears, deer, barking deer, lories, mouse deer, wild boar and approximately 158 kinds of birds.
 * Nature Study Routes (เส้นทางศึกษาธรรมชาติ): There are three overall. The first route is from the sightseeing spot 12 kilometres from the centre. The second route is from Sap Pa Wan Reservoir to Hin Dat Waterfall. The third route is from Sap Pa Wan Reservoir to Namtok Chet Khot Nuea, Klang and Tai. Other waterfalls are found in the area. Significant are the Namtok Khao Khaep, the Namtok Krok Fa Phanang and the Namtok Sap Pa Wan.
 * Sekeikyuseikyo Thai Headquarters (องค์การศาสนาเซไคคิวเซเคียวประจำประเทศไทย) lies the tropical Miroku Botanic Garden. There is also a pool, marble sculptures in various shapes, and a Japanese garden with. On the other side of the project lies an organic demonstration vegetable plot by using the Effective Microorganisms (EM) technology: a use of a micro-organism to reduce pollution in the environment.
 * Pa Sak Jolasid Dam (เขื่อนป่าสักชลสิทธิ์): It was selected as one of the "Unseen Thailand Destinations". It is the longest earth filled dam in Thailand with a length of 4,860 metres along the crest.
 * Phai Tam Sub-district Bird Garden (สวนนกธรรมชาติตำบลไผ่ต่ำ): The garden covers an area of approximately 3 rai and is the residence of more than 17 species of birds. These birds always find their food early in the morning and fly back to their nest at dusk.
 * Namtok Heo Noi (น้ำตกเหวน้อย): Proceeding further from this waterfall, there are high waterfalls in Khao Yai National Park. The best time to visit is from July to November.
 * Muak Lek Arboretum (สวนรุกขชาติมวกเหล็ก) and Namtok Muak Lek (น้ำตกมวกเหล็ก): The lively stream originates from its tributaries in the Khao Yai National Park that flow into the Pa Sak River which forms the border between two provinces. The stream has rocky slopes that form small beautiful cascades.
 * Namtok Chet Sao Noi National Park (อุทยานแห่งชาติน้ำตกเจ็ดสาวน้อย) The waterfall has seven levels. The height of each level is approximately four metres and has a spacious shaded swimming area.
 * Namtok Sap Heo (น้ำตกซับเหว): This waterfall has a large basin for swimming. On the right side of the waterfall is a path to a small cave which houses stalagmites and stalactites. Trekking to the waterfall is quite difficult.
 * Tham Dao Khao Kaeo (ถ้ำดาวเขาแก้ว): The distinguishing points of this cave are its red, black and brown spots on the ceiling as well as the stalagmites and stalactites and its large population of bats.
 * Tree Tunnel (อุโมงค์ต้นไม้) is an arch formed by trees bent towards each other on both sides of the road, forming a 200-metre long shaded "tree tunnel".
 * Namtok Sap Heo (น้ำตกซับเหว): This waterfall has a large basin for swimming. On the right side of the waterfall is a path to a small cave which houses stalagmites and stalactites. Trekking to the waterfall is quite difficult.
 * Tham Dao Khao Kaeo (ถ้ำดาวเขาแก้ว): The distinguishing points of this cave are its red, black and brown spots on the ceiling as well as the stalagmites and stalactites and its large population of bats.
 * Tree Tunnel (อุโมงค์ต้นไม้) is an arch formed by trees bent towards each other on both sides of the road, forming a 200-metre long shaded "tree tunnel".

Miscellaneous

 * The Dairy Farming Promotion Organisation of Thailand (องค์การส่งเสริมกิจการโคนมแห่งประเทศไทย (อ.ส.ค.)): The Danish government and the Danish Dairy Farming Association together offered a promotion project on the raising of dairy cows. They cooperated with the Thai government to establish the Thai-Danish Dairy Farm (TDDF) and a training centre in Muak Lek District, Saraburi.
 * Sao Ronghai (เสาร้องไห้): A gigantic post made from a hardwood tree known as Takhian, which is believed to possess a female spirit called "Takhian Thong". This post was submerged under water at this sub-district for more than 100 years until in 1958, the locals brought it out of the water and kept it in the shrine.
 * Ban Khao Kaeo (บ้านเขาแก้ว): A traditional Thai wooden house approximately 80–100 years old. It is the property of Achan Songchai Wannakun. The house was established as the "Thai Yuan Cultural Study Centre", collecting folk utensils, weapons, present day tools as well as ancient woven textiles of over 100 years old.
 * Bencha Sutthi Khongkha (เบญจสุทธิคงคา) refers to the sacred water from one of the five important rivers that flow through Sao Hai District. It is used for the Oath of Allegiance ceremony ever since the reign of King Rama IV to the present.
 * Thanon Phrachao Songtham or Thanon Farang Song Klong (ถนนพระเจ้าทรงธรรม หรือ ถนนฝรั่งส่องกล้อง): A road constructed during the reign of King Songtham who reigned from 1611 to 1628. About 9 kilometres of the path can still be seen. It starts opposite Wat Sang Sok. It was changed into a laterite and concrete road with a width of 6–8 metres.
 * Samnak Song Tham Krabok (สำนักสงฆ์ถ้ำกระบอก): A well-known rehabilitation centre for drug addicts. This monastic residence was established by a Buddhist nun, Mian Panchan, in 1957.
 * Bo Phran Lang Nuea (บ่อพรานล้างเนื้อ): A small stone well near Wat Phra Phutthabat. At the mouth of the well are knee prints. There are stone slopes and a deep hole the size of a can of milk near the well. The water that flows from the hole is believed to be holy water.
 * Phra Tamnak Than Kasem (พระตำหนักธารเกษม): This palace was built in 1633 during the reign of King Prasat Thong as his residence on his royal visit to pay respect to Phra Phutthabat. The base of the palace still remains.
 * Tham Thep Nimit Than Thong Daeng (ถ้ำเทพนิมิตรธารทองแดง): It is a prehistoric archaeological site. Artefacts of the late Neolithic period were discovered here.
 * Tamnak Sa Yo (ตำหนักสระยอ): A royal residence constructed at the edge of Than Thong Daeng by Somdet Phrachao Prasat Thong's command for his visit to pay respect to Phra Phutthabat.
 * Phra Tamnak Thai Phikun, the Ancient Palace (พระตำหนักท้ายพิกุล พระราชวังโบราณ) In the present, there are no remains left of the actual palace. Only the royal elephant mounting platform and the surrounding wall are left.
 * Khao Phra Phutthabat Noi (เขาพระะพุทธบาทน้อย) features undulating steep limestone mountains with many pointed summits. Inside lies a replica of the Buddha’s footprint, around 1 cubit wide and 3 cubits long imprinted deep into the ground.
 * Phra Bowon Ratchawang Si Tha (พระบวรราชวังสีทา): The compound of this residence was very large, covering an area of approximately more than 150 rai. There still remains the lotus base for a wooden house made of brick and cement. There is an area of around 4 rai left which the kamnan - village headman has reserved as a public area.
 * Ban Dong Nam Bo Archaeological Site (แหล่งโบราณคดีบ้านดงน้ำบ่อ): It is a cemetery where burial ceremonies were conducted and an archaeological site of the Pa Sak River culture. Also, iron and stone tools, jewellery, bangles and beads, aged approximately 2,000 years, were discovered.

Temples

 * Phra Phutthabat Temple: This temple is in Phra Phutthabat District, 28 km north of the town along Highway 1. It is one of the most beautiful religious sites in Thailand. The temple houses the footprint of Lord Buddha found on a stone panel near Suwan Banpot Hill. The footprint was found in the reign of King Songtham of Ayutthaya. A spired square pavilion or mondop was built to cover the footprint. Close to the temple, Wat Tham Krabok is famous for its drug detoxification regime. Also, it was the last of the Hmong refugee camps in Thailand.
 * Wat Phra Phutthachai: This temple is on a hillside. The main attraction is a picture of Lord Buddha appearing on a cliff wall. A wihara has been built to cover it. The surroundings are very pleasant and shady.
 * Phra Phuttha Nirarokhantarai Chaiwat Chaturathit (พระพุทธนิรโรคันตรายชัยวัฒน์จตุรทิศ): It is the Buddha image of the East and one of the four images made by the Territorial Defence Department to express loyalty to King Rama VI and King Rama IX. It resides in the cruciform pavilion of Wat Sala Daeng.
 * The Golden Buddha Image (พระพุทธรูปทองคำ): A Buddha image in the meditation posture. The Fine Arts Department examined it and analysed that it is 70% gold. Therefore, the locals named it "Luangpho Thongkham", the "Golden Buddha image".
 * Wat Phayao (วัดพะเยาว์): The golden Buddha image of Wat Phayao is considered as one of the major sculptures of Ayutthaya Kingdom. The believers built a viharn with a cruciform plan as a residence for the Buddha image to enhance its dignity and to bring honour to the people of Saraburi.
 * Wat Khao Kaeo Worawihan (วัดเขาแก้ววรวิหาร) When King Rama IV visited Sao Hai District, he ordered the renovation of this temple and promoted it as a royal temple. There has been a rumor that a bright crystal ball would appear over the viharn of Wat Khao Khaeo on some nights.
 * Wat Samuha Pradittharam (วัดสมุหประดิษฐาราม): Inside this temple one can find beautiful murals depicting the Khawi folk tale. The main Buddha image, in the posture of subduing Mara, was taken from Sukhothai's Ancient City. It is cast in bronze and covered with gold leaf.
 * Wat Chanthaburi (วัดจันทบุรี): The main attraction is the ubosoth, constructed in 1893 during the reign of King Rama III. Inside are beautiful murals of the same period as the ubosot. They are still in perfect condition and depict the gathering of angels and the story of the Lord Buddha.
 * Chedi Phrakhun Mae (เจดีย์พระคุณแม่): The chedi is surrounded by Buddha images representing the seven days of the week. It was constructed to encourage children to remember the kindness of their mothers and to be good in return.

Do

 * Rafting along the Pa Sak River (การล่องแม่น้ำป่าสัก): The mountains line up along the rafting route. At some parts stones and cliffs can be seen with strange shapes, similar to animals.
 * The National Dairy Cow Festival (งานโคนมแห่งชาติ) is organized in the Muak Lek District in January every year. Princess Maha Chakri Sirindhorn is the chairperson for the opening ceremony. It is the biggest event in Thailand for professional dairy farmers.
 * The Phra Phutthabat Homage Paying Fair (งานนมัสการรอยพระพุทธบาท) is held twice a year: starting on the first day of the waxing moon and continuing for 15 days until the full moon day in the third lunar month; and from the eighth day of the waxing moon, continuing for eight days until the full moon day in the fourth lunar month.
 * The Kam Fa Festival (ประเพณีกำฟ้า) is held on the second day of the waxing moon in the third lunar month. The eve of the festival features various forms of folk entertainment and activities including cockfighting and toasting sticky rice in bamboo. The Kam Fa Festival occurs on the third day of the waxing moon in the third lunar month. People perform merit making and attend sermons. The festival takes place annually at Phai Lio Sub-district, Don Phut District.
 * The Wat Sung Songkran Festival and Sao Nang Takhian Bathing (ประเพณีสงกรานต์สรงน้ำเสานางตะเคียนวัดสูง) is held annually on 23 April in front of Wat Sung's ordination hall, Sao Hai District. People perform merit making ceremonies and pour water onto elders and onto the Nang Takhian pillar.
 * Hae Phra Khiao Kaeo (ประเพณีแห่พระเขี้ยวแก้ว): Buddhists believe that Phra Khiao Kaeo was the tooth of the Lord Buddha. A festival is held on the first day of the waxing moon in the fourth lunar month. The people of Phra Phutthabat District take the tooth from Wat Phra Phutthabat Ratchaworamahawihan Museum and carry it in a procession around the town. They believe that if the procession is held, they will live in wealth and happiness. It is an annual tradition of the district.
 * The Chaopho Khao Tok Fair or Chaopho Khao Tok Procession (ประเพณีเจ้าพ่อเขาตก หรือ งานแห่เจ้าพ่อเขาตก) is held at Wat Phra Phutthabat Ratchaworamahawihan, Phra Phutthabat District, and is an annual fair. The event features supernatural power performances of Chaopho Khao Tok such as fire walking. There is also the Lo Ko dragon parade and Chinese opera performances. Mainly Chinese people, especially the followers of Chaopho Khao Tok, come from all over the country to celebrate this festival. The event begins on the first day of the waxing moon in the fourth lunar month, and continues for four days.
 * The Tak Bat Dok Mai Ceremony (ประเพณีตักบาตรดอกไม้) is considered a significant tradition of Phra Phutthabat District. This merit-making ceremony is held to coincide with the start of the annual three-month Buddhist Lent on the first day of the waning moon of the eighth lunar month. During the ceremony, people offer alms to monks and candles to Wat Phra Phutthabat, early in the morning. In the afternoon, they offer flowers to the monks at Wat Phra Phutthabat Ratchaworamahawihan, Khun Khlon Sub-district, Phra Phutthabat District. They go to collect a kind of flower similar to Krachai (Rotunda) or turmeric with yellow or white flowers called "The Flower of Buddhist Lent". This herb-like flower is found on the hillside only during the Buddhist Lent period and only in Saraburi. While the monks are walking up the staircase to take the flowers to pay homage to the Lord Buddha's footprint, people wait along the steps with bowls of clean water in which are floated bullet wood flowers. They pour the water onto the feet of the monks as a means of washing away their sins. The Flower of Buddhist Lent was listed as a new species of plant in the world in the International Flowers Fair in July 2001 at Jurong Bird Park in Singapore.
 * The Wat Sung Songkran Festival and Sao Nang Takhian Bathing (ประเพณีสงกรานต์สรงน้ำเสานางตะเคียนวัดสูง) is held annually on 23 April in front of Wat Sung's ordination hall, Sao Hai District. People perform merit making ceremonies and pour water onto elders and onto the Nang Takhian pillar.
 * Hae Phra Khiao Kaeo (ประเพณีแห่พระเขี้ยวแก้ว): Buddhists believe that Phra Khiao Kaeo was the tooth of the Lord Buddha. A festival is held on the first day of the waxing moon in the fourth lunar month. The people of Phra Phutthabat District take the tooth from Wat Phra Phutthabat Ratchaworamahawihan Museum and carry it in a procession around the town. They believe that if the procession is held, they will live in wealth and happiness. It is an annual tradition of the district.
 * The Chaopho Khao Tok Fair or Chaopho Khao Tok Procession (ประเพณีเจ้าพ่อเขาตก หรือ งานแห่เจ้าพ่อเขาตก) is held at Wat Phra Phutthabat Ratchaworamahawihan, Phra Phutthabat District, and is an annual fair. The event features supernatural power performances of Chaopho Khao Tok such as fire walking. There is also the Lo Ko dragon parade and Chinese opera performances. Mainly Chinese people, especially the followers of Chaopho Khao Tok, come from all over the country to celebrate this festival. The event begins on the first day of the waxing moon in the fourth lunar month, and continues for four days.
 * The Tak Bat Dok Mai Ceremony (ประเพณีตักบาตรดอกไม้) is considered a significant tradition of Phra Phutthabat District. This merit-making ceremony is held to coincide with the start of the annual three-month Buddhist Lent on the first day of the waning moon of the eighth lunar month. During the ceremony, people offer alms to monks and candles to Wat Phra Phutthabat, early in the morning. In the afternoon, they offer flowers to the monks at Wat Phra Phutthabat Ratchaworamahawihan, Khun Khlon Sub-district, Phra Phutthabat District. They go to collect a kind of flower similar to Krachai (Rotunda) or turmeric with yellow or white flowers called "The Flower of Buddhist Lent". This herb-like flower is found on the hillside only during the Buddhist Lent period and only in Saraburi. While the monks are walking up the staircase to take the flowers to pay homage to the Lord Buddha's footprint, people wait along the steps with bowls of clean water in which are floated bullet wood flowers. They pour the water onto the feet of the monks as a means of washing away their sins. The Flower of Buddhist Lent was listed as a new species of plant in the world in the International Flowers Fair in July 2001 at Jurong Bird Park in Singapore.

Buy

 * Products from the Dairy Farming Promotion Organisation of Thailand, Muak Lek Dairy Cooperatives, and private organizations are sold, including sweetened beef, salted beef, curry puffs, vegetables and seasonal fruits like Nong Saeng mangoes, oranges, custard apples, pomegranates, dragon fruit, and grapes.
 * The area is also home to the Caroline cheese factory, one of Thailand's oldest family-owned cheese producers.
 * Other local food products are "herbal Chinese pork sausage with iodine" (kun chiang), "sweet dried pork" (mu sawan), "pounded pork" (mu thup) and "pork stewed in gravy" (mu phalo) and "Krayasat" (cereals and nuts in honey caramel).
 * Local hand-woven fabrics are Tin Chok, silk, and Mudmee textiles of the Thai Yuan people.
 * On Saturdays and Sundays, a trustworthy Thai rice wine called "sato" can be purchased from roadside vendors in Nong Kae.
 * Weaving Centre of Tambon Ban Ton Tan (ศูนย์การเรียนรู้ทอผ้าตำบลบ้านต้นตาล): This centre is an educational facility for the youth and general public. There are various kinds of woven fabric on display such as loincloth, plain coloured cloth, Pha Si Khao, and fabric in the Dok Phikun – bullet wood flower – pattern, which is a traditional Thai Yuan style.
 * Weaving Centre of Tambon Ban Ton Tan (ศูนย์การเรียนรู้ทอผ้าตำบลบ้านต้นตาล): This centre is an educational facility for the youth and general public. There are various kinds of woven fabric on display such as loincloth, plain coloured cloth, Pha Si Khao, and fabric in the Dok Phikun – bullet wood flower – pattern, which is a traditional Thai Yuan style.

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

title: Saraburi


text:
Sarafovo

Sarafovo (Bulgarian: Сарафово) is an outlying neighbourhood (suburb) of the city of Burgas on the Bulgarian Black Sea Coast. A separate village until 1987, it's been dubbed "the Beverly Hills of Burgas" due to its well-off population. Burgas itself is the fourth largest city in Bulgaria, with a university, pedestrianised shopping areas, city parks and an excellent beach.

Understand
The combination of sea, sun and convenient transport connections makes Sarafovo an attractive resort. The number of hotels and apartment complexes increases every season. The area is particularly popular with Irish and Norwegian tourists seeking a break in an authentic Bulgarian village. There are no high-rise buildings and the area retains its sense of peace and relaxation. Tourism is the main economic activity in Sarafovo, but unlike some larger resorts, Sarafovo does not close down at the end of the main holiday season, and retains a 'lived-in' atmosphere all year round.

By bus
Bus no. 15 goes between South Bus Station and Sarafovo. Regional and long distance buses stop at the roundabout near the airport.

By road
Sarafovo is conveniently close to Burgas city centre (10 km), the seaside town of Pomorie (7 km), Nesebar, and the beach resort of Sunny Beach (25 km).

By plane
Sarafovo is 500 m from Burgas International Airport. There are dozens of flights each day, yet the flight paths do not go over Sarafovo. Visitors appreciate the proximity of the airport without being disturbed by it.

Do

 * Beach – Sarafovo has a wonderful wide, sandy beach, where you can do watersports and swimming.
 * Sports – If you are into extreme sports, a few minutes drive will take you to an amazing Quad Bike/ATV safari around the hills of Marinka, a village near Burgas with splendid nature.

Buy
There are numerous boutiques in Sarafovo, selling clothes and electrical goods as well as beach toys and inflatables. Fruit and vegetable stalls can be found on the main streets. There are also mini supermarkets, pharmacies and an Internet cafe.

There is a Billa supermarket on the street going to the airport.

Drink
All the hotels and complexes have good bars, including Sarafovo Residence, Plaza, Atlantis and others.

Sleep
There are a range of accommodation options in Sarafovo.

Go next

 * Burgas – The city Sarafovo is officially a part of. There are several bus stops in Sarafovo where the bus no. 15 going downtown stops—Timetable here.
 * Pomorie – 10 km east of Sarafovo. Buses run regularly from the roundabout near the airport. The Pomorie Thracian Tomb is located near the village of Pomorie. It is open for visitors only in summer. There is another salt lake (Lake Pomorie) with free mud baths and Salt Museum. You can also take advantage of the paid services of the local specialized hospitals like saltwater pools/jacuzzi and mud baths.
 * Nesebar – A small town under the UNESCO World Heritage conservation program. It is extremely picturesque and attractive. There you can see the Old Metropolitan Church (4 A.D.) and amazing architectural details from the Byzantine epoch. Buses run regularly from the roundabout near the airport.
 * Sunny Beach – A large holiday complex just 1 km from Nesebar. In summer the two villages almost merge in one big party and holiday center. Sunny Beach is sometimes called the summer party capital. There are more than 200 hotels and thousands of clubs, bars and pubs. Buses run regularly from the roundabout near the airport.

title: Sarafovo


text:
Sarahan

Sarahan is a village in the north-west of Southern Himachal Pradesh.

Understand
Sarahan is s fairly remote mountain village on the way into the Kinnaur Valley in Eastern Himachal Pradesh, about 7 km above the Satluj River.

By bus
There are a few direct buses to/from Shimla, but it is more practical to take any of the frequent buses between Shimla and Reckong Peo and get out in on the main road (NH 22).

Jeori is connected with Sarahan by frequent local buses, the uphill journey taking 1 hr, cost ₹26 in a government bus and ₹60 in a private bus.

See

 * Sarahan Palace (Shanti Kunj) — Fantastic Raja architecture.
 * Sarahan Palace (Shanti Kunj) — Fantastic Raja architecture.

Buy

 * Do try the locally grown apples, from some of the many surrounding orchards.

Eat
There are some simple dhabas near the temple and a couple of somewhat better hotel restaurants.

Go next

 * Shimla
 * Sangla
 * Kalpa

title: Sarahan


text:
Sarajevo

Sarajevo is the capital of Bosnia and Herzegovina, and its largest city, with 420,000 citizens in its urban area (2013). Sarajevo metropolitan area that has a population of 555,000 also includes some neighbourhoods of "East Sarajevo" that are a part of Republika Srpska. Sarajevo is very tourist friendly, especially pedestrian area in the Old Town in the centre of the city.

History
Sarajevo is one of the most historically interesting and diverse cities in this part of Europe. It is a place where the Western and Eastern Roman Empire split; where the people of the Roman Catholic west, Eastern Orthodox east and the Ottoman south, met, lived and warred. It is both an example of historical turbulence and the clash of civilizations, as well as a beacon of hope for peace through multicultural tolerance. The city is traditionally known for its religious diversity, with Muslims, Orthodox Christians, Catholics and Jews coexisting here for centuries. Additionally, the city's vast historic diversity is strongly reflected in its architecture. Parts of the city have a very Central-European look, while other parts of the city, often blocks away, have a completely distinct Ottoman, some Soviet-like or Socialist modernism feel.

Some important events in Sarajevo's history include the 1914 assassination of Austrian Archduke Franz Ferdinand, which led to World War I; the 1984 Winter Olympics; and the 1992-1996 siege.

The city has physically recovered from most of the damage caused by the Yugoslav Wars of 1992–1995, although bullet holes can still be found in some buildings. Sarajevo is a cosmopolitan European capital with a unique Eastern twist that is a delight to explore. The people are very friendly, be they Bosniaks, Croats, Serbs or anyone else. There is little street crime, with the city ranking as one of the safest in Southeastern Europe.

Orientation

The city of Sarajevo stretches west–east along the river Miljacka; the main arterial road and tram routes tend to follow the west–east orientation. It is set in a narrow valley, surrounded by mountains on three sides.

Most tourists spend a lot of time in Old Town (Stari Grad). The eastern half of Old Town consists of the Ottoman-influenced Bascarsija (BAHS CHAR she ya; etymologically baš (head, main), čaršija (bazaar, trading area) in Turkish), while the western half showcases an architecture and culture that arrived with Austria-Hungary, symbolically representing the city as a meeting place between East and West.

 * [Visit Sarajevo
 * "Sarajevo Navigator" is an online guide magazine in English and Bosnian, the latest issue being March 2019.
 * "Sarajevo Navigator" is an online guide magazine in English and Bosnian, the latest issue being March 2019.

Climate
Sarajevo has a humid continental climate, since mountains surrounding the city greatly reduce the maritime influence of the Adriatic Sea. Summers are typically hot (record high of 41 °C in 2008) with an average of 46 days per year above 32 °C, while winters are snowy and cold with an average 4 days per year below -15 °C. Rain can be expected in every season, with an average of 75 days of precipitation per year, which in winter often falls as snow.

By plane

This is Bosnia's principal airport, hemmed in by mountains and fog-prone, so flight delays are common in winter. The only passenger terminal is Terminal B; it's closed overnight 23:00–05:00. In the groundside main hall (after customs on arrival, before security on departure) there are currency exchange booths, car rental desks, a bookshop that sells local SIM cards, and a fast food area upstairs; there's no luggage storage. Airside is small, with a cafe and duty free shops accepting major currencies. New terminal facilities are under construction, to open in 2021. About 1 km away, walkable by the route to the trolleybus (below) then keep straight on, is the East Bus Station for destinations in Republika Srpska.

The most important hub connections are from Frankfurt (by Lufthansa), Vienna (by Austrian), Istanbul (by Turkish Airlines), Dubai (by flydubai) and Doha (by Qatar Airways) as well as flights to neighbouring countries (Belgrade by Air Serbia and Zagreb by Croatia Airlines) amongst others. Service to London-Luton is operated by Wizz Air, and to London-Stansted from April to October.

While you're at the airport, consider visiting the Tunnel of Hope Museum (Tunel Spasa). This saves you a trip from city centre later on, though you'll probably have to drag your luggage along. The museum is southside of the runway (the terminal being north), which they tunnelled beneath in 1993 to create a lifeline to the besieged city.

Getting there and away:
 * By bus – Centrotrans bus runs daily between airport and Baščaršija in city centre. It runs roughly hourly 05:30-22:00, timed to connect with flights, taking 20-30 mins. A one-way ticket is 5 KM, return 8 KM, the first bag (up to 23 kg) per person is included and each extra bag is 5 KM. You pay on boarding the bus. It stops on request at central bus stops, which may not be specifically marked for the airport bus but they're usually next to tram stops.
 * By taxi – Taxis are notorious for scams! To the city centre should not exceed 20 KM, although some drivers try for double that from foreigners. Flagfall is 1.90 KM then it's 1.20 KM per km for 6–7 km; any "airport supplement" is bogus. Some drivers will refuse to use the meters; insist on them, and if they don't, then walk away. One scam is to wave a "fixed price list" at you, but it's just the product of a greedy imagination. Your hotel may offer an airport transfer, with rates varying from the competitive to the silly. A further option is to walk through Dobrinja as described below to pick up a taxi, though the saving on an honest fare is small.
 * By trolleybus – This involves a walk of 600 m through the nearby neighbourhood of Dobrinja to reach the stop on Bulevar Mimara Sinana. You might want a map or a compass: the general direction is northeast with the terminal directly behind you, but it involves a zigzag. You exit the airport at the main gate onto Kurta Schorka highway. Turn right (southeast) and walk 200 m, there's no sidewalk. Take the first left, Andreja Andrejevića, and cut through residential Dobrinja passing near Hotel Octagon. Emerge onto the main road and turn right (again southeast) along Bulevar Mimara Sinana. On the opposite side (with westbound traffic) after 200 m, before you reach Mercator Center, is the bus stop Dobrinja škola B. Trolleybus 103 runs every 6 – 7 minutes daytime to Trg Austrijski, in the centre on the south riverbank, taking 25 min; walk across the Latin Bridge to come into Old Town. (Don't take the 107 or 108 if you're aiming for Old Town.) The fare is 1.80 KM, pay the driver, and note there are frequent ticket inspectors.

Tuzla Airport is another way in, as it has budget flights by Wizz from across Germany and Scandinavia. The airport is 120 km north of Sarajevo. An airport bus runs direct from Sarajevo to meet the Wizz flights, taking 2 hours and costing €22 each way. Or you can travel via the frequent standard buses to Tuzla, taking a leisurely 3 hours.

By train

There are no international trains to Bosnia: Coming from the west, the work-around route is to travel first to Zagreb in Croatia. From Zagreb main station (Glavni Kol) take the local train at 09:00 to Hrvatska Kostajnica, arriving by 10:45: see Croatian Railways timetable. The fare's about €8. You're now 3 km from the Bosnian borderpost, either take a taxi, or walk south into town then east and cross the river by the first bridge. Once you've entered Bosnia, find a taxi to Banja Luka, 100 km southeast, costing around 100 KM and taking maybe 90 mins. You'll reach Banja Luka in plenty of time to catch the 15:49 local train to Sarajevo via Zenica, arriving by 20:41. The train is a modern Spanish Talgo and the fare is about 26 KM. When checking the Bosnian Railways website, use the timetable menu not the ticket menu, as the latter only offers the main towns and bookable trains.

For the reverse journey, be on the 10:15 train from Sarajevo to Banja Luka in order to make the 19:15 from Hrvatska Kostajnica and reach Zagreb at 21:00. And confirm that your taxi driver has agreed to take you to the correct Kostajnica on the Croatian border (ie north-west, a printed map may help), not accidentally-on-purpose to some other Kostajnica, e.g. the one 80 km east near Doboj.

The only other railway route you're likely to get in by is Čapljina - Mostar - Sarajevo, with only two trains a day, departing from Sarajevo at 07:15 and 16:49 and taking around 2 hours to reach Mostar. Since 2015 there are no passenger trains south of Čapljina into Croatia and the port of Ploče (which has transport to Dubrovnik, Split and the Adriatic islands), though the line is still open for freight.

If your accommodation is in the west of the city, e.g. the Ibis Styles Hotel, then coming from Banja Luka you could change at Zenica for the local train to Sarajevo, which also stops at on Safeta Zajke. But it doesn't save much time or effort. The trains from Čapljina and Mostar trundle through this station without stopping.

By bus
There are two bus stations in Sarajevo, Main Station for most long-distance services and East Station for Serbia and towns in Republika Srpska.

On all intercity buses you pay a fee for luggage, usually 2 KM or €1 per piece (as of July 2024). The driver will insist on exact change in one or the other currency pretty much at random, and then get picky about the denomination of the exact change you give him.

Major bus routes within the country are to Tuzla (hourly, taking 3 hours, fare 11 KM), to Mostar via Konjic and Jablanica (hourly, taking 2 hours 30 min, fare 14 KM) and to Banja Luka via Zenica (every couple of hours, taking 3 hours, fare 11 KM.)

To reach East Station, take trolleybus 103 from Austrijski Trg to the end and then walk for 400 meters, or a taxi for around 15 KM. There are no controls to cross into Republika Srpska, it's just like crossing any internal border. There's not much at the station except a ticket counter and the obligatory cafe/grill. Travellers reported harassments by a drunk guy hanging around at the east bus station (see e.g. Google Maps Reviews).

Sarajevo East Station asks you to pay a station tax which is 2 KM per person (as of July 2024). Insist on your receipt that indicates the 2 KM as the staff usually tries to scam tourists and keep the money for themselves or asks for twice the price.

East Sarajevo has cafes, shops and ATMs, e.g. in TOM shopping centre 200 m southwest along Radomira Putnika.

By car
The main route from the west is past Zagreb east on E70, then south on E661 to enter Bosnia and towards Banja Luka thence Sarajevo via the A1 highway from Zenica. You can also reach the city from the East via the suburbs of Ilidža or from the north via M18/A1 from the direction of Tuzla.

By thumb
Hitching is easy to moderate, though make sure your sign is in the local language. Sarajevo is a long, thin city: if you can't get a lift into the centre, at least get yourself dropped by the tram tracks.

Get around
Sarajevo is a medium-sized, beautiful city with many landmarks. Getting lost is always possible, but much less so if you have a map; however, getting lost in Bascarsija's winding streets can be part of the fun, and may reveal some interesting surprises.

Very good free maps can be obtained from the tourist information office, shopping centres and hotels. Some bookshops may also sell printed maps of the city. Map apps on a smartphone are particularly useful.

Asking Sarajevans for directions is an exercise in futility. People might not know the names of streets a block from the building they've lived in all their lives. Taxi drivers can't be expected to find anything other than the most obvious addresses unless you tell them where to go, in Bosnian; showing the driver on your map may be necessary.

Avoid driving in the Old Town. The steep and narrow streets, with a one way system, means you are likely to get lost and possibly damage your car. Also, it is next to impossible to find a parking spot.

Otherwise, a car might be invaluable to reach the sights farther away from the city center, especially East Sarajevo which belongs to Republika Srpska.

On foot

In Sarajevo, street signs are few and far between, and small and on the sides of buildings too far away to see when you're standing on a street corner. Building numbers are more or less consecutive. The city is mostly walkable, especially the city centre and the part of the city which is built on the slopes of Mt. Trebević.

By tram
Sarajevo's tram network operated by KJKP GRAS is among the oldest in Europe, and it looks it. A single line runs east from Ilidža passing within 2 km of the airport: an extension to the airport has been planned and intermittently constructed since the 1990s. It runs up the middle of the main highway into the city, with a spur north (Trams 1 & 4) to the main railway and bus stations. At Marijin Dvor it divides into an anti-clockwise loop, same direction as the traffic flow. All trams go east along Hiseta and the riverbank through Baščaršija (Old Town) as far as City Hall. Here they loop to return west along Mula Mustafe Bašeskije (a few blocks north of the river) and Maršala Tita to Marijin Dvor. Only Tram 3 runs the entire line out to Ilidža, the others go part route, e.g. the 1 & 4 terminate at the railway station. The length of the route is around 12 km. Old trams from Amsterdam were donated to Sarajevo and can still be seen touring the city, with the Dutch stickers still on it.

Buy tickets in advance from kiosks labeled tisak, duhanpromet, inovine on the street (1.60 KM) or from the driver, where they cost slightly more (1.80 KM, paid in cash). Validate your ticket immediately on boarding: it's only good for one trip, with no transfers. A day card for unlimited travel on all local public transport in Zone A costs 5 KM. There are frequent ticket inspections: if you can't reach the validator because the tram is too crowded, then don't board. If you are caught without a valid ticket, you will be escorted off and fined 26.50 KM.

By bus
You would only use these for the few sights or accommodation well off the tram route, e.g. the airport and nearby Tunel Spasa, (see "Get in"), Sarajevo East bus station or Vratnik district east of the centre, Buses 51, 52 or 55.

Bus tickets are always bought at the driver for 1.40 KM. You can not use pre-bought tram tickets in busses.

The planned departures of busses and trams can be found in the Moovit app (iOS, Android).

By bicycle
Only for seasoned urban cyclists: Sarajevo traffic is as hostile to cyclists as it is to fellow-motorists, only with worse results.

Nextbike has a bike rental scheme here and in Tuzla. First you need to register and pay a 20 km deposit, easiest done online. It may take 24 hours to activate but if you're already registered with them in another country, you should be good to go. There are 14 pick-up / docking stations all along the tram lines out to Dobrinja near the airport, their map shows real-time availability. The first 30 mins per day are free, a further 30 mins cost 1.50 KM.

By taxi
Taxi scams are common especially at the main train & bus stations and the airport. Try to avoid using taxis when possible, as even supposedly legitimate operators can scam. Know roughly what the honest fare should be, and insist on them using the meter. All legitimate taxis have a "TAXI" sign on top, licence plates with "TA", and have a meter. Flagfall is 1.90 KM then it's 1.20 KM per km, plus maybe 1 km for luggage, so a trip between Baščaršija and airport shouldn't exceed 20 KM. Pay in cash, the driver will issue a receipt upon request. Some official operators are

The best way to find a reputable Taxi is to ask a local person you trust which one they would use. Ownership and management of official operators can change frequently.
 * Paja Taxi 1522 or
 * Žuti (Yellow) Taxi
 * Samir & Emir Taxi 1516
 * Holand Taxi tollfree 0800 2023

By shared electric scooter
Renting an electric scooter is available in Sarajevo like in many other European cities. You can use the app BeeBee to access them.

See
With the exception of the Tunnel Museum and the Bosna spring, all landmarks are in or within walking distance of Old Town. Several walking tours are available, a free/tip based walking tour starts every day at 10:30 at the crossing of Gazi Husrev begova street and Mula Mustafa Baseskija street (address: Velika Avlija 14) and covers most of the Baščaršija.

The municipality of Sarajevo provides an app called "Guide2Sarajevo" (Android, ios). It contains a map with sights and restaurants as well as several themed routes to walk in the city (ranging from 2 to 6 hours) on which you use your phone as audio guide (works even without mobile internet, because the files are downloaded on installation). It's remarkably well made.

Baščaršija

Baščaršija is the historic district of Sarajevo. The cobbled streets, mosques and oriental-style shops at the heart the city feel like a world away from Europe when the call to prayer starts. You could be walking by a Catholic church, Orthodox church or a synagogue and hear the Islamic call to prayer at the same time. In this old bazaar you can find dozens of shops selling copperware, woodwork and sweets. Many historic monuments are situated around Gazi Husrev-begova street.

Museums

Sarajevo has numerous museums on a variety of topics. The museums can offer an air-conditioned refuge from heat during Sarajevo's hot summers, or a place to warm up in the chilly winter months.

War memorials

Scars from the Bosnian War can still be seen in many parts of the city, as bullet holes in walls or abandoned buildings. The unresolved conflict (see box The Yugoslav Wars) left traumatic memories, and museums and memorials associated with the Bosnian War are scattered around the city.

 * Sarajevo Roses are scars left in the concrete from mortar blasts during the Siege of Sarajevo, filled with red resin. Around 200 can be found throughout the city.
 * ICAR Canned beef monument In the vicinity of the National Museum and the Bosnian Historical museum. A giant can of beef meant as a sarcastic sneer at inadequate help from the European community during the siege. The infamous canned beef was inedible, and according to popular legend even refused by stray cats and dogs. The city was also supplied with 20 years out-of-date rations from the Vietnam war, and pork for a muslim-majority population.
 * Sarajevo cemetery Bare.jpg
 * Cemeteries: those who died in the 1990s war were buried in pre-existing cemeteries. In these you find old Ottoman turbe, Austro-Hungarian dignitaries, casualties of two World Wars, Yugoslav citizens - and then row upon row upon aching row of simple white marble stones for people in their twenties slain in the latest conflict.
 * A good example is (Alifakovac grobljanska cjelina) on the headland south of the river where it emerges from the canyon.
 * See also Martyrs' Memorial Cemetery in Vratnik, and St Mark's (Groblje Sveti Marko) north edge of the city with the mausoleum of Gavril Princip.
 * Sarajevo cemetery Bare.jpg
 * Cemeteries: those who died in the 1990s war were buried in pre-existing cemeteries. In these you find old Ottoman turbe, Austro-Hungarian dignitaries, casualties of two World Wars, Yugoslav citizens - and then row upon row upon aching row of simple white marble stones for people in their twenties slain in the latest conflict.
 * A good example is (Alifakovac grobljanska cjelina) on the headland south of the river where it emerges from the canyon.
 * See also Martyrs' Memorial Cemetery in Vratnik, and St Mark's (Groblje Sveti Marko) north edge of the city with the mausoleum of Gavril Princip.

Art

 * Academy of Fine Arts (Sarajevo).jpg
 * The grandiose Academy on the south bank facing Festina Lente bridge was originally a church, built in 1899 to Karl Pařík's design. It's now the Academy of Performing Arts within the University of Sarajevo, but no longer fit for purpose and they plan to move elsewhere. So just admire the facade.
 * Academy of Fine Arts (Sarajevo).jpg
 * The grandiose Academy on the south bank facing Festina Lente bridge was originally a church, built in 1899 to Karl Pařík's design. It's now the Academy of Performing Arts within the University of Sarajevo, but no longer fit for purpose and they plan to move elsewhere. So just admire the facade.
 * The grandiose Academy on the south bank facing Festina Lente bridge was originally a church, built in 1899 to Karl Pařík's design. It's now the Academy of Performing Arts within the University of Sarajevo, but no longer fit for purpose and they plan to move elsewhere. So just admire the facade.
 * The grandiose Academy on the south bank facing Festina Lente bridge was originally a church, built in 1899 to Karl Pařík's design. It's now the Academy of Performing Arts within the University of Sarajevo, but no longer fit for purpose and they plan to move elsewhere. So just admire the facade.

Administrative buildings

Islamic

Christian

 * The Franciscan Monastery (Franjevački samostan na Bistriku) next to the church was built in 1894, also in Gothic Revival style and designed by Karel Pařík. It's still a monastery and therefore seldom open to visitors, but its collection of paintings, sculptures, organ, manuscripts and books are occasionally put on view.
 * The Franciscan Monastery (Franjevački samostan na Bistriku) next to the church was built in 1894, also in Gothic Revival style and designed by Karel Pařík. It's still a monastery and therefore seldom open to visitors, but its collection of paintings, sculptures, organ, manuscripts and books are occasionally put on view.

Jewish
The Jewish population was first established in 1492-97 when Sephardic Jews fled the Inquisition in Spain and Portugal, and settled here and in other Ottoman cities. The Ashkenazi Jews mostly arrived during Austro-Hungarian rule in the late 19th century. Inter-community relations were mostly amicable and the population was relatively unharmed by the First World War, collapse of Austria-Hungary and formation of the Kingdom of Yugoslavia. By 1940, their numbers peaked at around 14,000, 20% of the city population. In 1941 the Nazis invaded, placing the country under the control of the Croatian Ustaše, who vigorously set about the deportation and extermination of minority groups. Those who could, fled to the west, and after the war most exiles remained abroad. Some 2000 Jews did remain or return, but when the 1990s civil wars broke out, there was a mass evacuation to Israel of Jews living in former Yugoslavia. Fewer than 1000 remain in Bosnia and Herzegovina today, perhaps half of them in Sarajevo.
 * The Jewish New Temple (Il kal muevus) next door, built in 1820, is now an exhibition space open Su-F 15:00-19:00.Aškenaška sinagoga (14143483781).jpg
 * The Jewish New Temple (Il kal muevus) next door, built in 1820, is now an exhibition space open Su-F 15:00-19:00.Aškenaška sinagoga (14143483781).jpg

Ottoman bridges

During Ottoman rule of Sarajevo, 13 bridges were built over the Miljacka River and Bosna River. Four stone bridges remain: the Latin Bridge, the Šeher-Čehajina Bridge, the Goat Bridge and the Roman Bridge.

Goat's Bridge
The bridge had an important ceremonial function, as it served as the place where each Ottoman vizier was welcomed by the previous vizier and citizens of Sarajevo. The bridge is constructed from white marble, has a single arc with two circular apertures, and is 42 m long and 4.75 m wide. The span of the main arc is 17.5 m. According to the legend, before the bridge's existence, a poor shepherd noticed his goats sniffing on a shrub along the Miljacka River. Upon inspecting the shrub, he found a treasure with golden coins, which he used to finance his own education. After he became wealthy and influential, he had the bridge constructed at the shrub where his goats found the treasure, which gave the bridge its name. The truth in the legend was lost in history, but the bridge was almost certainly built between 1565 and 1579, a time when the road network underwent major infrastructure upgrades under reign of Mehmed-paša Sokolović.

If you came to the bridge on the cycle/pedestrian path along the river by foot, you can continue the road after the goat bridge uphill to Vakuf Isa-bega Ishakovića (a view point) and then few hundred meters further on the cycle path to Pale turn right to Jarčedoli. Once you reached the, you'll have majestic views over Sarajevo, especially the hills and ruins on the opposite site.

From there follow many stairs and narrow streets down to Alifakovac which ends at the city hall.

Vratnik

In the 17th century conflict between Austria-Hungary and the Ottoman Empire, the decisive battle came at Zenta (now in Serbia) in 1697, when the Ottomans were routed, and their grip on central Europe was broken. The Austro-Hungarian forces then devastated Sarajevo before marching home. Further attacks were likely so a fortified city was built here 1727–1739, east of the old centre of Baščaršija. Later suburbs surrounded it, and the name Vratnik (probably meaning "gates") applies to this wider district, but the sights of interest are all in the Vratnik redoubt.

From Baščaršija either walk up Kovači past the war cemetery onto Jekovac and Carina (Buses 51, 52 & 55 run this way); or follow the river upstream taking the right fork just before the road goes into a tunnel, then ascend right for White Fortress or left for Yellow Fortress.

 * Jajce Kasarna are Austro-Hungarian barracks 200 m east of Yellow Fortress. They're derelict and unsafe to enter.
 * Jajce Kasarna are Austro-Hungarian barracks 200 m east of Yellow Fortress. They're derelict and unsafe to enter.
 * Jajce Kasarna are Austro-Hungarian barracks 200 m east of Yellow Fortress. They're derelict and unsafe to enter.
 * Jajce Kasarna are Austro-Hungarian barracks 200 m east of Yellow Fortress. They're derelict and unsafe to enter.

Olympics
Sarajevo hosted the 1984 Winter Olympic Games. These (officially the XIV Olympic Winter Games) were the first held in a socialist state, although Moscow had hosted the 1980 Summer Olympics. Some structures remaining from that era are in a sorry state.

Recreation parks

 * Sarajevo City Centre mall has a large play area for children. BBI Centar a smaller one. Both malls are slightly west of the city centre on the main road.

Sports

 * Watch football (ie soccer) at
 * Or watch football at
 * From May to August there are white-water rafting trips down the river Neretva. The usual base for trips is Konjic midway between Sarajevo and Mostar. Operators who do package day-trips from Sarajevo include Sarajevo Funky Tours, Sarajevo Insider, Meet Bosnia Travel and Balkland. These cost about 100 KM including transport and lunch.
 * See Sarajevo Region for the ski resorts of Jahorina, Bjelašnica and Igman, all about 35 km away.
 * See Sarajevo Region for the ski resorts of Jahorina, Bjelašnica and Igman, all about 35 km away.

Events
Sonar compiles the city's regular calendar of events.
 * Nights of Baščaršija: throughout July the old town centre has theatre performances, classic and rock music concerts and folklore dances. Various locations but concentrated around Ćemaluša.
 * Nights of Baščaršija: throughout July the old town centre has theatre performances, classic and rock music concerts and folklore dances. Various locations but concentrated around Ćemaluša.
 * Nights of Baščaršija: throughout July the old town centre has theatre performances, classic and rock music concerts and folklore dances. Various locations but concentrated around Ćemaluša.

Buy

Most shopping centres and upscale restaurants accept credit cards. Small cafés, clubs and souvenir shops mostly require cash, but might jib at notes larger than 20 KM.

Baščaršija
In addition to the usual types of souvenirs, such as key rings, are more distinctive carpets and copperware, not all of which are locally made. Over a century ago, each street in this area hawked a specific ware: for example, one street had all the coppersmiths, shoes were on another, jewellery on another. An underground souk (open 08:00-20:00) stretches along the west side of Gazi Husrev-begova street. Prices are generally fixed, and so whilst haggling for a 4 KM keyring is pointless it may be possible for bulk purchases or the odd 2,000 USD carpet.

Shopping malls
Sarajevo offers numerous shopping malls, the most notable being the Sarajevo City Center in the commercial district. Most shopping malls in Sarajevo have been newly constructed or renovated, and offer a modern shopping experience to those who can stand the annoying pop music they play all day long.

Money
The local currency is konvertibilna marka (KM, Convertible Mark, international abbreviation BAM), fixed at €1 = 1.95583 KM (~1 KM = €0.51)), and is used throughout the country. Informally, restaurants may accept euros at €1 = 2 KM. The odd rate is because the Convertible Mark was originally pegged 1:1 against the Deutsche Mark, which was replaced with the euro at that rate.

There are many banks along Maršala Tita at the north boundary of Old Town, usually open M-F 08:00-18:00, Sa 09:00-13:00. Money can also be exchanged at any post office or at currency exchange booths, which stay open till 21:00: as always take care to check both the exchange rate and level of commission.

Eat

It is said in Bosnia that some people eat to be able to drink, others eat to be able to live and work, but true Bosnians work and live to eat. A lot of attention is devoted to the preparation and consumption of food in Sarajevo. Gastronomy in the city was developed under Eastern and Western influences, and Bosnian cuisine focuses on local produce like meat, vegetables, fruits and dairy products. For information on typical Bosnian foods, see Bosnia.

Budget
Cheap food on the go, from a myriad small shops and cafés, is burek, ćevapi or pita. Burek is meat pie. Ćevapi are grilled meats; the word derives from "kebab" and the traditional Sarajevo style is minced beef and mutton in a somun flatbread. Pita is a filo pasty or pie, typical varieties being meat (meso), cheese (sirnica, similar to ricotta), cheese and spinach (zeljanica), pumpkin (tikvenica) and spicy potato (krompirusa).

Drink
Sarajevo has vibrant night life with a plenty small thematic bars. Clubs are usually opened until early morning. Thursday, Friday and Saturday are hot days to hang out despite the rest of the week offers quite good night life. There are probably over 100 cafés in the city, centred in the old town, but a clear distinction is made whether the traditional Bosnian coffee is served or not.

Sleep

You need to register with the local police within 24 hours of arrival. Your hotel or hostel should do this on check-in, but if you wild-camp or stay at a private residence, you need to organise this yourself. Failure to register doesn't normally bother the authorities but could result in a fine or deportation.

Budget

 * You can wild camp in the park by the River Miljacka. Chances are you'll see tents already there. Follow the road west and stay close to the river. In summer there is a public toilet. No guard or services.
 * Locals may unofficially let you stay in their property, payment to be negotiated.

Mid-range

Connect
There are four mobile operators in Sarajevo: BH Telecom (060, 061, 062), m:tel (065, 066, 067), HT Eronet (063) and Haloo (064). Since Bosnia and Herzegovina is not part of the EU or EEA, the international roaming charges are not capped as those have been since 2017, and can be much higher. However Bosnia and Herzegovina is part of a Balkan roaming zone with Montenegro, Serbia and North Macedonia, capped at €0.20 per MB from July 2017. But that only applies if you have a local SIM card, from any of the operators, which can be purchased in one of the many kiosks around the city. BH Telecom, m:tel and HT Eronet have offers aimed towards tourists, starting from 20 km for 5 GB.

The local area code is +387 33 (Kanton Sarajevo) and the local postal code is 71000.

 * Central Post Office BH Pošta is a sight in itself, see "Administrative buildings" listing earlier. It's at Obala Kulina bana 8 next to the National Theatre.
 * There's another big post office next to the railway station, open M-F 07:30-18:00 and Sat 08:00-16:00.
 * There's another big post office next to the railway station, open M-F 07:30-18:00 and Sat 08:00-16:00.

Stay safe

There are still many minefields and unexploded ordnances in the broader Sarajevo area (although not in any urban area). Never go into damaged buildings (which are really rarely seen) and always stick to paved surfaces avoiding grassy hills that surround the city. As of 2020, Trebević has been completely demined. Areas that are not cleared are marked by yellow tape or signs, but still not all minefields have been identified due to the lack of resources and the lack of international help. Paved roads are always safe. Crime against foreigners is very rare and the city is safe to visit. (As with any country in former Yugoslavia, be careful not to get into sensitive discussions about politics with people you do not know, but even those can be very educational when you come across a person who's willing to discuss it.) Be aware of pick pockets who usually operate on public transportation.

Bosnia and Herzegovina has double the traffic fatality rate in Europe as a whole, and in the early 2020s there have been a few high-profile accidents with pedestrians. Be alert whether driving or crossing the street.

There are an incredible number of pickpockets working in the city and very few police officers on patrol; police are rarely seen. Pickpockets are very sloppy and it's pretty easy to spot them, but with that number of people picking the pockets they probably will succeed eventually.

Due to being surrounded by hills the air in Sarajevo in winter months (November-February) can be noticeably thick with pollution, so that asthmatics or those with other chest problems may find themselves short of breath a lot of the time, particularly at night. Ensure you have ample medication, just in case.

Avoid areas of the city such as Alipašino Polje, Švrakino and the surrounding areas of the Novi Grad municipality as those are mainly dangerous zones with high crime rates, shootings, violence and poverty. Go there only with locals and not during the night. Anyway it is off the tourist trail and you most likely won't have any reason to even go to those parts. Getting there accidentally is next to impossible as these rough neighbourhoods are far from the city centre and any of the sights in outlying areas.

Stay healthy

 * Water from fountains and taps in Sarajevo is safe to drink, but it may have an unpleasant chlorine odour. The mains supply may be turned off overnight.
 * The main risk to your health, land mines aside, is the strong sunlight. Usual precautions: hat, long-sleeved shirt, seek the shade and apply sun screen.
 * Pharmacies (Apotheka) are dotted around the city. Two handy for Old Town are Al-Hana on Ulika Patka, and Apoteka Baščaršija at Obala Kulina bana 40 by the riverside.

Respect
Cultural heritage from the Ottoman, Austro-Hungarian and most recently Yugoslav periods has been assimilated into modern Sarajevo as a multicultural, multireligious metropole. Catholic and Orthodox Christians and Muslims share the city, and as such, common sense regarding respect towards people of these religious backgrounds should be upheld. Even the younger generation is on average very religious in comparison to other European capitals, although not all religious traditions may be followed equally strictly. For example, young Muslims may choose to drink wine but refuse pork, while older Muslims likely abstain from both. Keep this in mind when offering presents to your host family. When visiting mosques, skin-covering clothing should be worn, and women should wear a scarf covering their hair. At the most touristic mosques, scarfs are available for visitors to borrow.

Although the Bosnian War ended with a UN enforced cease fire, the underlying conflicts between the different ethnic groups in Sarajevo are far from resolved. Many inhabitants have survived the siege of the city from 1992–95, and almost everyone has lost relatives and/or friends in the conflict. Strong anti-Serb sentiments may be present among the Bosniak population, and scars from the war are left in memory. While the war is not a taboo subject, as evidenced by the many memorials and museums scattered around the city, it remains a sensitive topic that easily brings up negative memories, if addressed uncomprehendingly. Aside from anti-Serb sentiments, many also feel dismay or anger towards the United Nations, which are blamed for the Srebrenica massacre and inadequate protection of Sarajevo citizens during the Siege.

There is an ongoing dispute between Bosnian unionists and Serb separatists, striving for the independence of Republika Srpska. Since the neighbouring town of East Sarajevo is on the territory of Republika Srpska, opinions will vary depending on where you ask in the city, although the relations are less tense than in other parts of the country and people don't have issues crossing the geographical borders. The political situation in Sarajevo in particular is complex, and outsiders taking a position may be accused of uninformed interference in internal Bosnian affairs. In general, it is advised to abstain from discussing politics, unless your conversation partner brings up the topic him/herself and asks for your opinion.

Embassies

 * 🇦🇺 Australia
 * 🇦🇹 Austria
 * 🇧🇪 Belgium
 * 🇧🇷 Brazil
 * 🇧🇬 Bulgaria
 * 🇨🇳 China
 * 🇭🇷 Croatia
 * 🇨🇿 Czech Republic
 * 🇪🇬 Egypt
 * 🇫🇷 France
 * 🇩🇪 Germany
 * 🇬🇷 Greece
 * 🇭🇺 Hungary
 * 🇮🇩 Indonesia
 * 🇮🇷 Iran
 * 🇮🇹 Italy
 * 🇯🇵 Japan
 * 🇰🇼 Kuwait
 * 🇲🇾 Malaysia
 * 🇲🇪 Montenegro
 * 🇳🇱 Netherlands
 * 🇳🇴 Norway
 * 🇵🇰 Pakistan
 * 🇵🇱 Poland
 * 🇶🇦 Qatar
 * 🇷🇴 Romania
 * Russian Federation
 * 🇸🇦 Saudi Arabia
 * 🇷🇸 Serbia
 * 🇸🇰 Slovakia
 * 🇸🇮 Slovenia
 * 🇪🇸 Spain
 * 🇸🇪 Sweden
 * 🇨🇭 Switzerland
 * 🇹🇷 Turkey
 * 🇬🇧 United Kingdom
 * 🇺🇸 United States

Go next

 * Konjic – 43 km southwest of Sarajevo, has Tito's enormous bunker and white-water trips down the River Neretva.
 * Jablanica – 20 km west of Konjic, has a notable necropolis and the railway bridge scene of the Battle of Neretva.
 * Mostar – 30 km south of Jablanica, rightly famous for its picturesque old bridge and Ottoman centre. You'll most likely pass through en route to the Adriatic coast.
 * Belgrade – The capital of Serbia, 200 km northeast of Sarajevo, is a lively cosmopolitan city.

title: Sarajevo


text:
Sarajevo Region

The Sarajevo Region in Bosnia and Herzegovina hosts the capital city Sarajevo.

Cities, towns and villages

 * is the federal capital of Bosnia, Herzegovina and the Republika Srpska.
 * is a university, sport and tourism centre, with winter sports on Jahorina mountain.
 * — The most isolated village of Bosnia and Herzegovina, located on the Bjelasnica mountain. Consists of Donji (lower) Lukomir and Gornji (upper) Lukomir, the latter being more popular. Can be reached by day trip from Sarajevo, or by private car although the route to it is quite challenging.
 * is a base for white-water rafting, hikes through deep canyons, and climbing Bosnia's highest peak.
 * has a 1521 printing house and the 2011 "Blessed Martyrs of Drina-beatified". It's near the Neolithic site of Lug in Zupčići.
 * sights include the Mehmed Pasa Sokolovic Bridge, a.
 * is famous for not having . Flaky "archaeologists" make wild claims, but they're just hills.
 * is a mountain town with a Franciscan monastery.
 * also has a Franciscan monastery.
 * has the Bijambare Caves.
 * has Bronze Age remains, an ancient necropolis and old churches.

Get in
The city of Sarajevo is the main gateway, with international air and road connections, plus rail, bus & road links across the country.

You can also fly into Tuzla to the north, which has budget flights and connecting buses.

Stay safe
Many land mines and unexploded ordnances are left over from the 1992-95 Bosnian Civil War. Although intensive efforts to clean up the explosives have been undertaken since the early 2000s, with help of the international community, there are still many mine fields present in the hills around Sarajevo and along the former front line between Bosnia and Republika Srpska. Always stay on the paths, look out for mine warning signs, and never wander into the forests!

Go next

 * To the northwest, Zenica and Banja Luka are on the route to Zagreb in Croatia and so to western Europe.
 * To the north, Tuzla has budget flights.
 * To the south, Mostar has a picturesque centre. It's on the route to the Adriatic coast.

title: Sarajevo Region


text:
Saranac Lake

Saranac Lake is a village in the Adirondacks in New York state. It lies in the towns of Harrietstown, St. Armand, and North Elba, inside the boundaries of Adirondack State Park.

Understand
The area was first settled in 1819; a dam and sawmill were built in 1827, a school was built in 1838, and the first local hotel opened in 1849. Dr. Edward Livingston Trudeau arrived in 1876, believing the cold, clear mountain air to be helpful in the treatment of pulmonary tuberculosis; his Adirondack Cottage Sanitarium was established in 1884. The Trudeau Institute, an independent medical research organisation established in 1964, is a successor to Dr. Trudeau's 1884 Saranac Laboratory for the Study of Tuberculosis. Doonesbury cartoonist Garry Trudeau, the doctor's great-grandson, grew up in Saranac Lake and maintains connections there.

Hundreds of "cure cottages", private residences with large, glassed-in porches where patients could benefit from the clear mountain air, were constructed in this era. The 1944 introduction of antibiotic drug streptomycin largely supplanted prior treatments for tuberculosis by the 1950s; the buildings were re-purposed, with sixty-three of those still extant in Saranac Lake listed on the US National Register of Historic Places.

The "great camps of the Adirondack Mountains", elaborate summer homes for the wealthy, became common in the region near the end of the 19th century as rail travel placed upstate vacation areas such as the Adirondacks and the Thousand Islands within easy reach for New York City's well-heeled elites.

Five thousand people live in the village. North Country Community College, a two-year public college established in Saranac Lake in 1967, has 1500 students, 143 permanent and 300 adjunct faculty. Paul Smith's College, a private four-year college in the adjacent hamlet of Paul Smiths NY, was established in 1946 and now has a thousand students.

By bus

 * Adirondack Trailways runs from Albany or Montreal.

By car
Saranac Lake is within the Adirondack park and relatively isolated; there are no Interstate highways in the immediate area.

 * From Lake Placid, take NY 86 seven miles (11km) northwest.
 * From Plattsburgh and I-87, take NY 3 (the highway through the park to I-81/Watertown) some fifty miles (80km) southwest.

Get around
One quality of Saranac Lake is lack of heavy vehicle traffic. Walking is the perfect way to explore the town.

There is local bus service twice daily to Lake Placid.

See

 * There is a small, but nice, museum in the basement of the Saranac Lake Free Library.
 * During the winter, there is a grand castle of ice located on Lake Flower.
 * There is a small, but nice, museum in the basement of the Saranac Lake Free Library.
 * During the winter, there is a grand castle of ice located on Lake Flower.

Do

 * Water Sports
 * Lake Colby has a nice beach and places to picnic in the grass near the water.
 * Water Sports
 * Lake Colby has a nice beach and places to picnic in the grass near the water.

Events

 * First Night Saranac Lake, New Years Eve, fireworks and festival of the arts.
 * Daffest, spring daffodil festival, late April/early May (two weekends)
 * 4th of July Celebrations, a week of celebration with a July 4 kids' parade down Main Street, fireworks near Lake Flower.
 * Can-Am Rugby Tournament, end July/first week in August.
 * Plein Air Festival, landscape painting and art festival, mid-August.
 * Canoe Classic - 90 Miler, three-day race from Old Forge to Saranac Lake, weekend after Labour Day.
 * Artist at Work Studio Tour, tours of artists' studios on the last Saturday of July, August, September.
 * Cycle Adirondacks, the first fully supported road-bike tour of the Adirondack Park, late August.
 * Cycle Adirondacks, the first fully supported road-bike tour of the Adirondack Park, late August.

Buy

Saranac Lake has several very pleasant Art Shops. It also has book stores (one new, one used) and a fine Army Surplus store. Next door, is a beautiful Native American shop. For healthy, organic food, herbs, and peaceful atmosphere, try Noris. There are some antique stores, but if you want a real adventure, search through The Gold Mine.

Go next

 * Lake Placid
 * North Pole and Wilmington

title: Saranac Lake


text:
Sarandë

Sarandë, the gateway to southern Albania, is a small town of about 33,000 inhabitants, situated on a beautiful horseshoe bay between the mountains and the Ionian Sea. The name Saranda is derived from an early Christian monastery dedicated to Agioi Saranta (Forty Saints). In antiquity, Saranda was known as Onchesmus.

Opposite the Greek island of Corfu, Saranda is characterized by a Mediterranean climate and warm sea waters. Saranda typically has over 300 sunny days a year. Due to its location and warm weather, Saranda is one of the most attractive tourist towns on the Albanian Riviera, where honeymooners traditionally spend their holidays. Fronting the sea and along the main promenade, there are some hotels and restaurants.

Nearby Butrint is a UNESCO World Heritage site.

By boat
To the nearby Greek island of Corfu (New Port). The daily ferryboats are at 10:30; 13:00 and 16:30 (fewer out of season - check with the ticket office at the port). The 10:30 passage is a hydrofoil which takes about 25-45 minutes. The 16:30 is a car ferry. Corfu is one hour ahead of Albania. One way costs €19, return €38.

By bus
For buses to/from Tirana there are two itineraries: Tirana-Durres-Fieri-Vlora-Dhermi-Saranda or Tirana-Durresi-Fieri-Mallakastra-Tepelena-Gjirokastra-Saranda. If you travel through the Riviera (the first) you should pay more attention as the way is narrow.

There are lines to/from Vlore that go through the Riviera or "Bregu" (a line of picturesque, gorgeous Mediterranean beaches and villages; Bregu is the summer hostel of the Prime Minister and President). The line from Gjirokaster to Tepelene, Fier and Tirana also passes Sarandë. From Ioannina to Kakavi takes around 40 minutes by bus or taxi. When you reach Kakavi, you follow this itinerary: Kakavi-Gjirokaster-Jergucat-Qafe e Muzines-Sarandë.

From Igoumenitsa (Greece) there are 3 buses per day to the Mavromati - Qafe Bote border (3,50 €, 45 minutes). After crossing the border there are taxis: a ride to Butrint costs around 10-15 €.

For connections between Sarandë and Butrint/Ksamil check the timetable in the picture.

Otherwise, there is always Gjirafa.com to find connections in Albania.

By car
From Kosovo and North Macedonia follow this itinerary to reach Saranda: Struga-Qafe Thana-Librazhd-Elbasani-Rrogozhina-Fier and so on.

It is connected with Greece by land: (i) By the border of Qafe Bota with Igoumenitsa; (ii) By the border of Kakavi with Ioannina.

The tourists, who come here from Greece, reach the border of Kakavi in two ways: from Ioannina and Igoumenitsa. From Ioannina to Kakavi takes around 40 min. When you reach Kakavi, you follow this itinerary: Kakavi-Gjirokaster-Jergucat-Qafe e Muzines-Sarandë. Though Qafe-Bota, the itinerary is Igoumenitsa-Qafe Bote-Sarandë, but the roadway is narrower.

A Greek taxi from Igoumenitsa costs €105 (August 2022). Travellers report that there are KTEL buses on the Greek side (from the border to Igoumenitsa, a Greek taxi is €40). Neither the fastest nor the cheapest but maybe the prettiest option for Igoumenitsa is a speedboat Sarandë/Corfu (€25, pedestrians only) and a ferry Corfu/Igoumenitsa (€8).

By air
The idea of an airport in the village of Viron is of great interest, because it is only 5 km from Saranda. A facility is the urban service offered nowadays.

Get around
The local bus from Sarandë center to Ksamil costs 150 lek (last updated 2022-08-18). It at the roundabout behind the harbour and public beach (there's even a timetable hanging on a street light) but also stops few times on its way.

It runs once per hour in both ways between 06:30 and 19:30.

The same bus continues to Butrint.

The SH81 road connecting Sarandë, Ksamil and Butrint is heavily congested in high season, especially around sunset when beach day trippers return from Ksamil to Sarandë. This affects not only the cars but also the busses and taxis. This means that a bus ride does not take significantly longer than taking a taxi or own car.

Do

 * After visiting Ali Pasha Tepelena Castle, you could go to the Pulbardha Beach and enjoy some great food and relax on the sandy beach.
 * After visiting Ali Pasha Tepelena Castle, you could go to the Pulbardha Beach and enjoy some great food and relax on the sandy beach.
 * After visiting Ali Pasha Tepelena Castle, you could go to the Pulbardha Beach and enjoy some great food and relax on the sandy beach.

Buy

 * Skenderbeu Cognac
 * Miniature bunker from alabaster
 * Albanische Mythologie book
 * Souvenirs made from sea shells in Ksamil
 * LLogara honey is a local speciality - it is sold by various merchants on the road.
 * LLogara honey is a local speciality - it is sold by various merchants on the road.

Eat
Sarandë is bustling with restaurants, cafes and bars. Fast food places offer a surprisingly cheap and tasty variety of options: €1 will usually get you a good souvlaki (usually pork) or a very nice crepe. Look out for yoghurt flavoured ice cream on the boardwalk, near the tourist info office.

Fresh fish is abundant in Saranda and available at most restaurants. Establishments next to the sea and fishing ports provide the freshest fish but generally speaking good seafood can be had all around.

There are a few places you can eat in Ksamil. At least 4 restaurants in Ksamil are open year-round, but in the summer there are a lot more options and many are just seconds from the beach. Most serve either sea food or a mix of pizza, Greek dishes and heavy meat based fast food.

Drink
Albanian raki, the local firewater.

Go next

 * Albanian Riviera
 * Borsh (N 35 km) a maritime village
 * Corfu in Greece is the island of grace and politeness. It lies opposite the coast of Epirus mainland and it is separated from Albania in the north part of it by a narrow strait of 1.5 sea miles. Corfu is the capital of the seven Ionian Islands with an area of 592 km², it is the second largest island of the Ionian Islands, with a beautiful coastline of 217 km. Corfu is also the greenest island of all Greece. The impressive vegetation of the island consist mainly of olive and cypress trees
 * Dhërmi one of the finest of the many beaches along the coastal road, perfect for camping.
 * Gjirokastër (N )— another UNESCO city in the south, it is known for its unique Ottoman period architecture. There is a large castle on the hill in the middle of the city.
 * Korce (N via Tepelene several miles from the Greek border) —  this city is  full of life during the summer when you can find couples and families strolling through the city's main park, Parku Rinia. You can hike to the top of the beautiful mountain Moravia and view the city and its surrounding landscape.
 * Ksamil — Ksamil is located in southern Albania,near the city of Saranda. It is situated along the coast of the lonian Sea,close to the border with Greece. Ksamil is
 * 15 kilometers south of Saranda and is easily accessible by car or public transportation from the city center.
 * Përmet (NE approximately  from the Greek border.) — Nicknamed “The City of Roses,” Përmet is located in the Vjosa River Valley. The city is known for its clean environment and tradition of wine and raki making. Old Permet is worth a look. Around it: Benjë, and Leusë villages
 * Pogradec (NE ) — Overshadowed by its glitzy neighbors on the Macedonian side of the lake, the town of Pogradec has experienced a revival.
 * Tepelene (N ) there is a ruined citadel occupying a point 300 m above the Vjosë river
 * Fir of Hotova National Park (NE and  north of Permet)
 * Lukove part of the Albanian Riviera, here is Kakome, one of the most beautiful Albanian beaches
 * Vlorë (N ) lively seaside city, nice beaches south of town. Passenger ferries to and from Italy dock here.
 * Vuno (N ) a small village a few kilometres north to the town of Himarë
 * Himarë Greek/Albanian town on the seaside of the Albanian Riveria with beautiful beaches and an ancient old town

title: Sarandë


text:
Sarangkheda

Sarangkheda is a village in North Maharashtra India.

Understand
Sarangkheda, in Shahade Tehsil, is known for its lovely shrine of single-faced Dattatreya on the rising ground with its tall shikhar overlooking the village, thus attracting tourists. The idol of Datta is believed to have been brought from Mahur in Nanded district and is held in deep reverence. There is a fair held in honour of the deity on Margahsirsha Paurnima, when over 100 000 people are attracted to this place.

title: Sarangkheda


text:
Sarasota

Sarasota is a popular city on the Gulf Coast of Southwest Florida. It is known for its vibrant arts community, excellent restaurants, unique shopping, and beautiful beaches. Sarasota, although a mid-sized city, is considered to be the cultural center of West Central Florida. The city has a metropolitan flavor unique to cities of its size and to cities in Florida.

Understand
The Asolo Theater, Florida West Coast Symphony, Sarasota Opera, the Van Wezel Performing Arts Hall, and frequent art shows add to the cultural theme of the city, rivaling the facilities of Florida's largest cities. Sarasota is also home to the Ringling Museum of Art, the Selby Botanical Gardens, New College (Florida's public honors college), a USF branch, and the Ringling School of Art and Design.

Sarasota's downtown cityscape features office buildings and several upscale downtown condominiums. It is complemented by Saint Armands Circle, on Saint Armands Key, which is surrounded by Lido Key, across Sarasota Bay from downtown via the Ringling Causeway (with sweeping views of Sarasota Bay.) Saint Armands Circle is an upscale outdoor shopping area, with several cafes, reminiscent of Europe. The idea for Saint Armands was from John Ringling who also intended to build a Ritz hotel on Longboat Key. Today, Sarasota has a Ritz hotel downtown, and the Longboat Key Club on Ringling's original site. The Longboat Key Club includes two golf courses, tennis, and all other resort facilities and is located just north of Saint Armands on Longboat Key.

The fine white-sand beaches are a major draw to the area. Siesta Key Beach is consistently ranked among the most beautiful beaches on Earth. (Siesta Key was also the site chosen for the marriage of Chrissy and Brian, of Home Today fame.) Crescent Beach, Turtle Beach, Lido Beach, and the beach running the 15-mile (25-km) span of Longboat Key are equally beautiful and accessible. Indeed, much of Sarasota's charm comes from the fact that the beaches are so plentiful and accessible.

By car

 * Sarasota has one primary expressway, Interstate 75, which runs north to south.
 * The major roads in Sarasota include the Tamiami Trail (which is the name given to US 41 between Tampa and Miami), US Route 301, Beneva Rd., Tuttle Ave/Swift Rd., Honore Avenue and Cattlemen Rd., all running north-to-south, and Clark Rd., Proctor Rd., Bee Ridge Rd., Fruitville Rd. and University Pkwy., all running east-to-west.

Get around
The city includes the mainland downtown as well as three islands, called "keys." These are Longboat Key, Lido Key, and Siesta Key. Causeways to all these keys are free and very picturesque. Downtown Sarasota is very vibrant with a healthy mix of businesses, residences, restaurants, and city services.

Do

 * - located in Sarasota
 * - located in Sarasota
 * - located in Sarasota

Buy
Main Street in downtown also has several shops.
 * Historic Palm Avenue. Downtown Sarasota's "Best Walk in Town" one block from Sarasota's Bayfront, between the Ritz Carlton and Selby Gardens. Stroll the Galleries, Restaurants, Antique and Specialty Shops. "Palm Avenue's First Friday Art Walks" are held the first Friday of every month from 6PM-9PM. Enjoy gallery openings, live performances and hors d'oeuvres as Palm Avenue Merchants serenade the Avenue and its guests.
 * St. Armands Circle. Removed from the intensity of downtown Sarasota, St. Armands Circle has a great selection of original shops, galleries and restaurants. It is designed in a charming circular pattern that makes for a breathtaking shopping or afternoon strolling or evening dining experience. Take Tamiami Trail (US 41) to SR 780 W to St. Armands Key, travel over the Ringling Causeway and Sarasota Bay and you will run right into lovely St. Armands Circle.

Stay safe
Sarasota is a rather safe city, although regular precautions should be taken just to be safe. The only real place a tourist should avoid is Newtown. Located right near downtown, Newtown is rather small and is normally fine to drive through during the day. However vigilance is required if traveling through Newtown at night.

There is a nice downtown park at the Five Points intersection of Main Street,Pineapple and Central Avenues. Some homeless people congregate there but there is a city ordinance against panhandling and sleeping outdoors.

The northern end of Tamiami Trail near University Parkway is also known for run-down motels and some prostitution arrests. However there are also college campuses nearby and several coffee shops and a comedy club so people do safely walk around the area.

Go next

 * Myakka River State Park – 9 miles (14 km) east of Sarasota on SR 72. One of the oldest and largest state parks, Myakka protects one of the state's most diverse natural areas. The Myakka River, designated as a Florida Wild and Scenic River, flows through 58 square miles (150 square kilometers) of wetlands, prairies, hammocks, and pinelands. Visitors can enjoy wildlife viewing from a boardwalk that stretches out over the Upper Myakka Lake, then take to the treetops with a stroll along the canopy walkway. The park's river and two lakes provide ample opportunities for boating, freshwater fishing, canoeing, and kayaking; a boat ramp provides access to Upper Myakka Lake. Hikers can explore trails that cross large expanses of rare Florida dry prairie. Scenic lake tours are offered daily on the world's two largest airboats. Safari tram tours of the park's backcountry are offered from mid-December through May.
 * Tampa and St. Petersburg are an easy drive North via I-75 and the Sunshine Skyway. Professional Football, baseball, NHL, and most other sports venues can be found there.  Tampa also has more shopping at International Plaza and Westshore malls.  Ybor City and the University of South Florida are also in Tampa, as is a Museum of Science and Industry (MOSI) and Busch Gardens.
 * Disney World

title: Sarasota


text:
Saratoga

You could be looking for:

Australia

 * Saratoga (New South Wales) - A village in New South Wales.

United States of America

 * Saratoga Springs - A city in upstate New York (state).
 * Saratoga (California) - A small city in the South Bay in California.
 * Saratoga (Wyoming) - A small town in Southeast Wyoming.

title: Saratoga


text:
Saratoga (California)

Saratoga is a city in Silicon Valley at the southern tip of the San Francisco Bay.

Understand
Saratoga has been promoted as a spa town and the Bay area's gateway to the redwood groves in the Santa Cruz Mountains since the early 1900s. There are wineries in the hills and parks and open green spaces within driving distance. The downtown area is quaint and expensive. If it's in your budget, it's easy to spend an afternoon shopping and then wind up the evening with dinner at one of the many restaurants.

Get in
The nearest airport with scheduled passenger service is in San Jose. By car, it's about a 20-minute drive from the airport to downtown Saratoga. There is no train service, and getting from the airport to Saratoga often requires three different bus routes.

Get around
If you're in the downtown area, plan to park your car and then walk.

Eat
Saratoga is one of the places that Silicon Valley goes to celebrate, so there are plenty of fancy restaurants if you want to splurge. In addition to steakhouses, expect to find plenty of upscale Italian and Asian fusion restaurants.

Stay safe
This is a low-crime area, especially during daylight hours.

title: Saratoga (California)


text:
Saratoga Springs

Saratoga Springs is located just south of the Adirondacks in upstate New York. Long a vacation destination for New Yorkers, Saratoga Springs is a pleasant town filled with swanky shops, spas and horse racing. A key battle in the Revolutionary War happened nearby. The city is home to Skidmore College and Empire State College (SUNY).

Understand
Saratoga is most known for its great horse racing track (oldest in the country) and harness racing track. Victorian visitors came to take the waters at springs. The spring waters are located at different pavilions around the city and surrounds. They vary tremendously in flavor from a light mineral water to frosty and hard. This city of 28,000 people (2020) is a major tourist destination during its summer horse racing season. Yaddo, the famous writers retreat is located near the "flat track" on Union avenue. If you call ahead, you may be able to tour.

By plane
Albany International Airport  in Albany.

By car
Saratoga Springs is just off Interstate 87 about 45 min north of Albany and 4 hours from New York City and 3.5 hr south of the Canadian border. Enjoy this tree lined drive along I-87, also called the Adirondack Northway.

By train

 * Routes stopping at Saratoga Springs:
 * Adirondack operating daily between Montreal and New York City including stops along the way in Saint-Lambert, Rouses Point, Plattsburgh, Westport, Ticonderoga, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady, Albany (Rensselaer), Hudson, Rhinecliff, Poughkeepsie, Croton-on-Hudson, and Yonkers.
 * Ethan Allen Express operating daily between Burlington and New York City including in Middlebury, Rutland, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady, Albany (Rensselaer), Hudson, Rhinecliff, Poughkeepsie, Croton-on-Hudson, and Yonkers.
 * Ethan Allen Express operating daily between Burlington and New York City including in Middlebury, Rutland, Saratoga Springs, Schenectady, Albany (Rensselaer), Hudson, Rhinecliff, Poughkeepsie, Croton-on-Hudson, and Yonkers.

By bus

 * Capital District Transportation Authority (CDTA) operates local buses in the Albany area. Several routes operate to and within Saratoga Springs, including a Saratoga Visitors Trolley.
 * Greyhound, in conjunction with other bus carriers, offers service to Saratoga from both the north and south. Buses that originate in New York City, Albany, and Montreal stop here several times a day.
 * Megabus has a service from New York City and Burlington. The bus stops at the Saratoga Raceway Casino, near the Nelson Avenue entrance and CDTA bus stop. Fares from $1.

Get around
The downtown walking area is centered on Broadway, but you will need to use public transport or a car to reach the world famous Saratoga Race Track, Saratoga Casino, Natural Museum of Dance, Roosevelt Spa, Saratoga SPA State Parkor SPAC. However, there is a lot to see and do in the downtown area of Saratoga Springs.

Visitor center

 *  Saratoga Springs Urban Cultural Park Visitor Center, 297 Broadway, Phone: +1 518 587-3241. Daily 9AM-4PM (closed Su Dec-Mar).

Do

 *  Saratoga Lake lies 4 miles southeast of Saratoga Springs. This 8½-mile-long lake has a public boat launch at the north end, and several private marinas. Popular activities include bass fishing, sailing, boating, water skiing, and ice fishing.
 *  Saratoga Lake lies 4 miles southeast of Saratoga Springs. This 8½-mile-long lake has a public boat launch at the north end, and several private marinas. Popular activities include bass fishing, sailing, boating, water skiing, and ice fishing.
 *  Saratoga Lake lies 4 miles southeast of Saratoga Springs. This 8½-mile-long lake has a public boat launch at the north end, and several private marinas. Popular activities include bass fishing, sailing, boating, water skiing, and ice fishing.

Horse-racing
The time to come to Saratoga is during the Thoroughbred season, which is five or so weeks in July, August and September. The premier race here is the Travers, but every day in the season thousands flock from around New York and points behind to the see the ponies. That said, if you find yourself in town during other times of the year, check out some of the smaller tracks. Indoor gambling places are available for those who have a gambling urge during the winter months.

 * Oklahoma Training Track

Walking
Aside from walking on park trails, one really fun thing to do in good weather is to simply walk up and down Broadway in Downtown. There are lots of beautiful 19th- and early 20th-century buildings lining the street.

Events

Learn

 * Adirondack Community College, 6 Mountain Ledge Drive, Gansevoort 12831, +1 518 584-3959.
 * Empire State College, 111 West Avenue, +1 518 587-2100 ext. 2297.
 * Skidmore College, 815 North Broadway, +1 518 580-5000. Offering bachelors and/or graduate degrees in over 30 areas of study, as well as the "University Without Walls" degree completion program.

Buy
Saratoga isn't Manhattan, but it does have plenty of boutiques and shops that cater to that particular crowd. No matter what your style is, Saratoga Springs is full of chic boutiques, trendy antique stores and a wide variety of eclectic shops to satisfy any style. Start on Broadway and find local crafts, haute fashion and other merchandise for that platinum card.

 * Celtic Treasures 456 Broadway +1 518 583-9452. Open Daily. This Irish gift shop has only the best from Ireland, Scotland, and Wales. Pottery, china, jewelry, music, books, posters and prints, sweaters and caps are all available at this charming establishment.
 * Lifestyles 436 Broadway, +1 518 584-4665. Open Daily. V/MC/AE accepted. This specialty boutique in downtown is known for elegant fine fashions and accessories. Designers include Eileen Fisher, Singrid Olsenand, and Michael Stars.
 * Saratoga Farmers Market High Rock Park. +1 518 893-2669 Open W 3-6PM, Sa 9AM-1PM. This open air market is home to a variety of homemade goods, crafts, and foods. The market is a must and has been serving the locals for over 25 years.
 * Lifestyles 436 Broadway, +1 518 584-4665. Open Daily. V/MC/AE accepted. This specialty boutique in downtown is known for elegant fine fashions and accessories. Designers include Eileen Fisher, Singrid Olsenand, and Michael Stars.
 * Saratoga Farmers Market High Rock Park. +1 518 893-2669 Open W 3-6PM, Sa 9AM-1PM. This open air market is home to a variety of homemade goods, crafts, and foods. The market is a must and has been serving the locals for over 25 years.
 * Saratoga Farmers Market High Rock Park. +1 518 893-2669 Open W 3-6PM, Sa 9AM-1PM. This open air market is home to a variety of homemade goods, crafts, and foods. The market is a must and has been serving the locals for over 25 years.
 * Saratoga Farmers Market High Rock Park. +1 518 893-2669 Open W 3-6PM, Sa 9AM-1PM. This open air market is home to a variety of homemade goods, crafts, and foods. The market is a must and has been serving the locals for over 25 years.

Eat
Saratoga has some of the best dining in upstate New York. Chefs from New York City have emigrated northward to ensure that there's food for every palette. Most of the finest restaurants can be found on or near Broadway. Keep in mind that some places aren't open outside of the tourist season.

There's also plenty of choice for those less discriminating taste buds or smaller budgets. Pub grub, American specials and small diners abound. And if you're hungry at 2AM, be sure to ask a local where you can get a doughboy. They're great.

Drink
Saratoga has no lack of choices if what you desire is a hop-or-two. Fine Irish Pubs to trendy ultra-light-serving watering holes abound. If wine is what makes you feel fine, you will. Mare, 43 Phila, Doc's and, of course, The Wine Bar will be more than happy to help you. Even if they have to run across town to get exactly what you want, literally!

The wineries from New York's Fingerlakes region have been maturing very well and can be found on most lists. The pages of more established varieties from California, Australia, France and Italy sometimes make your head spin before you sip. If you get the chance attend one of the many wine tastings. They are available both for the novice and the Guru of the Grape.

Sleep
Saratoga Springs has a number of different accommodation options ranging from budget chain motels to quaint (and often historic) bed and breakfasts.

Connect
Saratoga Springs is in the 518 area code. The ZIP code is 12866.

Publications

 * Albany Times-Union
 * Glens Falls Post-Star
 * Saratoga Living, quarterly magazine; also covers nearby Warren and Washington Counties
 * The Saratogian, Saratoga Springs and Saratoga County's daily newspaper

Religious services

 * Church of Saint Peter , +1 518 584-2375
 * St. Clement's Church, +1 518 584-6122
 * St. Paul's Lutheran Church, +1 518 584-0904

Stay safe
Saratoga Springs is relatively safe for a city its size. However, the bars along Caroline Street can get a bit rowdy late in the week and on weekends.

Go next

 * Lake George and the Adirondacks

title: Saratoga Springs