JAPAN TOURISM

1.ONSEN

** Natural hot springs (onsen) are numerous and highly popular across Japan. Every region of the country has its share of hot springs and resort towns, which come with them.
There are many types of hot springs, distinguished by the minerals dissolved in the water. Different minerals provide different health benefits, and all hot springs are supposed to have a relaxing effect on your body and mind.
** Hot spring baths come in many varieties, indoors and outdoors, genderseparated and mixed, developed and undeveloped. Many hot spring baths belong to a ryokan, while others are public bath houses. An overnight stay at a hot spring ryokan is a highly recommended experience to any visitor of Japan.

==> Cherry Blossom Forecast
 
** Warm temperatures caused the cherry blossom front to move up the Japanese archipelago at a record-breaking pace this year. The trees reached full bloom in Hakodate on April 24 and in Sapporo on April 26, almost two weeks earlier than average. While our annual reportingof the seasonal spectacle will end on April 30 in Sapporo, the cherry blossoms will continue to delight hanami-goers in more eastern and northern areas of Hokkaido and higher elevations of northeastern Japan for a couple more weeks.       

** Below are the actual and forecast dates of cherry trees opening their blossoms this year (according to the Japan Weather Association,except Yoshino which is according to Yoshino Town) and the estimated best viewing periods (estimated by japan-guide.com based on the aforementioned forecasts). Rain, wind and temperatures can have a strong effect on the process of the season, for example, they can accelerate, delay or shorten it considerably. Use the forecasts on your own risk.

 ==>TEMPLES

** Temples are the places of worship in Japanese Buddhism. Virtually every Japanese municipality has at least one temple, while large cultural centers like Kyoto have several thousands.
Temples store and display sacred Buddhist objects. Some temples used to be monasteries, and some still function as such. Structures typically found at Japanese temples are:

 1.Main hall

** The sacred objects of worship, such as statues, are displayed in the main hall. Main halls are called kondo, hondo, butsuden, amidado or hatto in Japanese.


2.Lecture hall

** Lecture halls are for meetings and lectures and often also display objects of worship. Lecture halls are called kodo.

 

3.Pagoda

** The pagoda, a structure that has evolved from the Indian stupa, usually comes with three (sanju no to) or five (goju no to) stories. Pagodas store remains of the Buddha such as a tooth, usually in form of a representation.

4.Bell


** On New Year's Eve, temple bells are rung 108 times, corresponding to the Buddhist concept of 108 worldly desires.

==>MUSEUMS 

** Japan is home to a large number and variety of excellent museums. Whether it is about religion, science, history, geography or arts and crafts, museums of different subjects and interests can be found across the country. Below is a list of some of the best museums in Japan sorted by category:

Traditional Art

  1.Kofukuji National Treasure Museum 

**  Many temples in Japan have treasure houses of varying degrees of interest. Of these, the National Treasure Museum at Kofukuji Templeis probably the best despite its understated location and exterior - It is easily overlooked on a visit to Kofukuji. The museum has a great collection of Buddhist art that includes the three-faced, six-armed Ashura Statue, one of the most celebrated Buddhist statues in Japan.

 

2.Nara National Museum  

 ** Located in Nara Park, the outstanding Nara National Museum is an old fashioned, highly educational museum about Buddhist statues. The museum displays a permanent collection of Japanese Buddhist art and religious artifacts. It also hosts annual exhibitions of treasures from nearby Todaiji Temple every autumn.

 

 3. Adachi Museum of Art  

 ** This museum's star attraction is its beautiful garden, which is widely considered to be one of Japan's best. But the museum also houses an outstanding exhibition of Japanese paintings and tableware, most notably a large collection of paintings by Yokoyama Taikan.

 

 4. Kubota Itchiku Art Museum 

 ** The Kubota Itchiku Art Museum presents a collection of outstanding kimono created with the highly labor-intensive tie-dyeing technique by Kubota Itchiku. The intriguing museum buildings and surrounding gardens further enhance the appeal of this museum near Mount Fuji.

 

5.National Art Center Tokyo 

 ** The National Art Center Tokyo (Kokuritsu Shin-Bijutsukan) in Roppongi is one of Japan's largest museums. The museum maintains no permanent collection but hosts excellent exhibitions that change periodically. The facility's futuristic building is part of the attraction.

6.Otsuka Museum of Art 

 ** The Otsuka Museum of Art is the largest museum in Japan. It houses a huge collection of life-size reproductions of Western art masterpieces from antiquity to the 20th century, including works by Michelangelo, El Greco, Goya, Monet and Picasso.

 

==> SNOW TIMES

**During winter, cold air masses from Siberia blow towards Japan, picking up moisture from the Sea of Japan in the process. The wet cold air collides with the mountains along the Sea of Japan coast, resulting in heavy snowfall. Some areas experience extreme amounts of precipitation with snow depths of three to six meters.
 

**Fittingly, Japan offers many popular destinations for snow seekers. While most of Japan's major cities, including Tokyo, Kyoto and Osaka, receive only small amounts of snow, locations offering snow experiences are readily accessible from them. The snow season in Japan is long and in some places begins as early as November and lasts into May, with the peak being in February.

1.Kusatsu Onsen of Gunma Prefecture 

**It is blessed with large volumes of quality hot spring water and is consistently ranked the top onsen destination in Japan. The large Sainokawara Rotemburo outdoor bath offers pleasant views of the winter landscape.

 

2.Manza Onsen
 
** Manza Onsen is a hot spring resort town located 1800 meters above sea level, high up on the slopes of Mount Shirane. The mountain provides the onsen town with the country's most sulfuric waters. Large amounts of snow in the winter make the town one of the best places near Tokyo to enjoy an outdoor bath in the snow.

==>FLOWERS

** Colorful leaves (koyo) are to the Japanese autumn what cherry blossoms are to spring. The viewing of autumn leaves has been a popular activity in Japan for centuries and today draws large numbers of travelers to famous koyo spots both in the mountains and in the cities.
** Each year, starting in mid September, the "koyo front" slowly moves southwards from the northern island of Hokkaido until it reaches the lower elevations of central and southern Japan towards the end of November. Some trees around Tokyo and Kyoto remain colorful into early December.

KANSAI REGION

 


 Koishikawa Botanical Garden

The garden's cherry trees still hung on to many of their leaves .

 The maples around the Momojiyama part of the park were still very green

 Wet maple leaves on the ground

A massive ginkgo tree

AUSTRIA TOURISM ATTRACTIONS


** Austria is a country rich with history, beautiful places, traditions and activities that are distinct to the area. Along with neighboring Switzerland, it is the winter sports capital of Europe. However, it is just as popular for summer tourists who visit its historic cities and villages and hike in the magnificent scenery of the Alps. In order to help guide you in building a trip itinerary, below are some of the top tourist attractions in Austria that are sure to make your trip extra special.

10.MELK ABBEY :>

** Melk Abbey is one of the most famous monasteries in the world. Situated high up on cliff, overlooking the calming waters of the Danube river, rests the peaceful Benedictine abbey. Previously the castle of Leopold II, the structure was given to the monks, who transformed it into a place of tranquility and learning in 1089. The impressive spiritual center has become one of the greatest examples of Baroque architecture and the flourishing musical and liberal arts of its time.

9.VIENNA STATE OPERA:>

** The Vienna State Opera is a stunning architectural structure in the middle of Austria’s capital. and quite possibly the most celebrated opera house of all time. The orchestra is recognized as one of the top in the world. While there, take in one of history’s most famous operas or ballets, offered in both classical and modern versions for viewers to choose from.
                                                      

8. SEEFELD :>

** Two time home to the Winter Olympics, Seefeld is an important cross-country skiing center with terrain that is compatible for beginner and intermediate skiers. Located on a spectacular nature reserve, it is the perfect spot, not only for cold-weather sports, but for warm-weather strolls and hiking. Offering the most luxuriously upscale accommodation, Seefeld is your relaxing resort getaway.

7.SALZBURG :>

** This magnificent Salzburg castle is one of largest and most well-preserved medieval castles in Europe. Strategically located at the top of Festungsberg mountain, the mighty fortress towers over the city of Salzburg, breathing life into its magnificent skyline. This castle houses the “Salzburg Bull”, an organ with more than two hundred pipes. A truly stunning piece of medieval architecture, representative of the heart of Salzburg, Hohensalzburg Castle is one of the top tourist attractions in Austria.

6.HOFBURG IMPERIAL PALACE:>

** Located in Vienna, the Hofburg Imperial Palace serves as the official residence of the President of Austria. It was the Habsburg’s principal winter residence, while Schönbrunn Palace (also located in Vienna) was their preferred summer residence. From 1438 to 1583 and from 1612 to 1806, it was the seat of the kings and emperors of the Holy Roman Empire, thereafter the seat of the Emperor of Austria until 1918.
                               

5. INNSBRUK ALTSTADT:>

** Surrounded by snowcapped mountains, Innsbruck makes you feel quite insignificant in the midst of nature’s striking Alpine mountain range. Said to have a duel personality, the area offers both pristine landscapes and a sophisticated urban center. Altstadt, the medieval town of Innsbruck, draws you in with its unique architecture and many shops. While you are strolling the streets of the Altstadt you can visit one of its famous landmark, the Golden Roof. This house was constructed for the Holy Roman Emperor, Maximilian I, and it was decorated with thousands of gilded copper tiles that create the appearance of pure gold.

4.AT ANTON AM ARLBERG :>
 
 ** Another famous ski resort area worth visiting in Austria is called St Anton am Arlberg. Located in Tyrol, this village offers serious, legendary ski terrain for those who are seeking a challenge. Often attracting adventurous youths, St Anton is notorious for living up to the saying “work hard, play hard”. The vast landscape welcomes its loyal winter crowd, as well as its summer mountaineers, who come to trek the landscape each year. If you are looking for a good time, St Anton is the place to be.

3. ALPINE ROAD :>

**  Grossglockner Alpine Road is a panoramic road which takes you up to the Kaiser Franz Josefs Höhe Visitor Center. From there, you get the unobstructed view of Austria’s highest mountain, the Grossglockner. The Grossglockner Alpine Road is a toll road, but the fabulous high alpine scenery more than makes up for the expenses. The road is normally open from the beginning of May to the end of October.

2. HALLSTATT :>

** Another great tourist spot is Hallstatt, a small village in the Salzkammergut region, famous for its salt production. As salt has long been a desired commodity used to preserve and provide flavor to food, the village has a long-standing history of wealth and prestige. The wealth accumulated from the salt industry transformed it into a glamorous baroque village. Visit Hörnerwerk cavern’s subterranean salt lake and see the prehistoric man preserved in salt. Truly one of the most unique places in Austria, you must experience Hallstatt.

1.SCHONBRUNN PALACE :

#1 of the best Place to Visit in #Austria

** Last on the list is Schönbrunn Palace, one of the major tourist attractions in Vienna. Comparable in grandeur to Versailles, this 1,441 room palace was built between 1696 and 1712 at the request of Emperor Leopold I and turned into the imperial summer palace by Maria Theresa. The Palace Park offers a lot of attractions, such as the Privy Garden, the oldest zoo in the world, a maze and labyrinth, and a marble summerhouse situated on top of a 60 meter high hill.

SPAIN TOURISM

** Spain is a beautiful and diverse country located in the southwest of Europe. It shares the Iberian Peninsula with Portugal, Gibraltar and Andorra. To the Northeast it borders with France and the tiny principality of Andorra. To the West its limits are defined by the Balearic Islands located in the centre of the Mediterranean Sea. Its Southern most territories are the picturesque Canary Islands, in the Atlantic Ocean and the cities of Ceuta and Melilla located in the North of Africa. This is why travelling to Spain is likely to be a enriching experience since tourism in the country offers a wide variety of destinations, activities and landscapes.

** Spain is a country of large geographical and cultural diversity, often a surprise for tourists who are expecting to find a country mostly known for beach tourism. Travel to Spain and you will find everything, from lush meadows, green valleys, hills and snowy mountains in the Northern regions to almost desert zones in the South. Its beaches are also famous and worth visiting, small and charming creeks in the North and wide white sand beaches on the South and Western parts of the country, without forgetting the exotic black sand beaches of the volcanic Canary Islands.
Every year millions of tourists decide travel to Spain, the country has been one of the most important tourist destinations of thelast decades becoming the third most popular travel destination in Europe.


** One of the better known cities is Madrid, capital city of Spain. Due to its central location, in the heart of Spain it has excellent communications with the rest of the provinces and is seat to the Spanish government and to the Royal Palace where the kings of Spain usually dwell. The city features distinctly winding streets, all of which seem to be heading either up or down and gather in the central square in the centre of the city.


** Barcelona is probably one of the favourite destinations for tourists, a worldwide known city whose name recalls the awesome art of the architect Gaudi, the celebration of the 1992 Olympic games, and the cosmopolitan atmosphere of its streets. Tourism in the city offers also the possibility of enjoying its beaches and water sports.If you are travelling with your family renting a car can be a good option for your holiday. You will find family holiday cars in Spain at the airports and most train stations.

BARCELONA ** Barcelona

is the second largest city in Spain and the capital of the Spanish region of Catalonia, in the north eastern corner of the country. The city is located by the Mediterranean Sea and next to the Pyrenees mountains, enjoying the benefits of the sea and the mountain. The city has a population of over 1.5 million in habitants.

** Barcelona is probably the most famous city of Spain, although it is Madrid which is the capital of the country. It is also a polemic spot since the region of Catalonia is one of the most nationalist and independent of the country. This feature is especially noticeable in their speech, since Catalonia has its own language, and although both Spanish and Catalan are official languages most people will only use Catalan to communicate. Catalan is somehow similar to Spanish and it is not difficult to understand if you have some notions of "Castellano", as they usually call Spanish.
The streets of Barcelona have been carefully planned and the city map shows an organised array of squares where the streets are in straight lines. The centre of the city is crossed by La Rambla, the main avenue of the city, going from the Square of Catalunya to the Mediterranean sea and to the Old Port of the city. Visiting the city you will discover astonishing works of architecture. In fact, the city has become a point of reference for architects from all over the world following the steps of the famous Antonio Gaudi, author of master pieces of the Spanish modernism such as the Sagrada Familia cathedral in Barcelona, still unfinished today.
Barcelona is also known for being the city of the famous Camp Nou stadium and of the Barça football team.

 ** One of the main achievements of the city was the hosting of the Olympic games in 1992, thanks to this event Barcelona became famous to the eyes of the world and is now one of the main tourist attractions of Spain. Tourists have many options to find a great hotel in Barcelona during their stay in the city. It also gaining importance as a business centre, benefiting from its strategic location and historical links with France and other Mediterranean countries.
The hosting of the Forum of cultures in 2004 was again a successful international event, this time focusing on culture and arts.

 ** Barcelona and the surrounding areas can be an excellent beach destination; it enjoys a mild climate throughout the year, with an average temperature of 10ºC in winter and 25ºC in the summer, although rains are frequent.If you plan to visit other cities in Spain or want to get to some of the beach resorts in the coast of Catalonia you can use the trains or buses. Hiring a car in Barcelona can also be a good idea for travelling around.


CACERES

** Caceres gives its name to a province of Extremadura region. It’s a small city with a population around 90.000 habitants. The city is situated on Westside of Spain, bordering Portugal border on the west and Castilla La Mancha on the east and Badajoz province in the south. It is connected to Madrid by railway and motorway at about 250km away from the capital.
Its history can be traced back for thousands of years in the surrounding area since there are evidences of being settlements at Neolithic times in Maltravieso caves. The actual city was founded by the Romans in 25 BC.

Caceres was declared a World Heritage City by UNESCO in 1986 because of the city's blend of Roman, Islamic, Northern Gothic and Italian Renaissance styles, as a result of the evolution of the city throughout the centuries. While walking around the old town, you will be immersed in a medieval city, plenty of palaces and surrounded by a wall. This special atmosphere has been used by many directors to make the setting for their movies.The weather is quite warm in winter, although it is very hot in summer, reaching 35 ºC easily.In its Gastronomy, Caceres is heavily influenced by its typical ploughman’s meals, examples like "migas", lamb and cured pork products, take a very important role in Caceres cooking.

MADRID



** Madrid is the capital city of Spain, located right in the centre of the Iberian Peninsula. Its geographical location grants good communications of the city with other Spanish regions. As capital of the country, it is the seat to the Spanish government institutions and the city of residence of Spanish Royal family.

 ** Madrid is also the largest Spanish city with more than 3 million inhabitants in the metropolitan area. You will find in the city a rich mixture of cultures, since besides the native "madrileños" people from other countries and especially from Latin America have made of Madrid their second hometown.Madrid is indeed a very active city with a bustling nightlife, busy business centres and lively streets either by day or night.Most of Spain's main companies have established their headquarters here profiting from the wide range of services available in the city: conference resorts, good public transport and of course its leisure facilities which include some of the best restaurants of Spain, shopping centres, theatres, opera, famous museums and more. Its international airport "Barajas", with three terminals, is the busiest airport in Spain receiving domestic and international flights from most major cities in the world. If you are not staying in Madrid and your plan is to travel around in Spain, consider hiring a car at Madrid Airport as a good way to explore the country.

** Traffic is heavy in Madrid and driving in the city can be quite and adventure for visitors. Taking the "metro" (tube) or the bus can be a wise alternative when you are visiting Madrid. From here you can easily travel to most Spanish cities by train, plane or bus.
In Madrid you will find all kind of interesting things to do and to see, whatever your interests are. The city has a wide offer for tourism, culture, business and for ludic activities with excellent facilities and services. A great acknowledgement in this sense was the election of the city as European Capital of Culture in the year 1992.Madrid was also candidate city to host the Olympic games in 2012, although finally the winning city was London, Madrid had been one of the favourites and reached a third position in the competition.

VALENCIA

**
Valencia is one of the three provinces composing the Valencian Community, a region located in the West of Spain by the Mediterranean sea.
The city of Valencia is one of the main business focuses of the Mediterranean, it has become a renowned European Congress Centre as well as an important venue for trade and fairs. Valencia is also undoubtedly a cosmopolitan city and can be the perfect place for commercial and cultural exchange.

** Deeply linked to the sea since its foundation, Valencia’s relationship with the sea is as strong today as it has been in the past. Thanks to this maritime tradition, to the city’s experience in celebrating important events and also to the support from the Spanish government, Valencia has been selected among other 65 cities in the world, as the Host City of the 32nd America's Cup. Valencia has been chosen due to its reliable weather conditions, which will help to avoid delays in the competition, and to its project for transforming the commercial port area into a race village.

** This beautiful Mediterranean city tempts the visitor with its mild temperatures, its delicious cuisine, its celebrations and cultural events. Among the main appeals of the city we may mention “Las Fallas” festival which takes place in March, the famous “Paella Valenciana”, a traditional rice dish, and the City of Arts and Sciences, a zone devoted to leisure, education and technology with amazing buildings and museums.You can reach Valencia from Madrid using the new high speed train AVE. If you fly to Valencia you can hire a car at Valencia airport to travel in the region.


 MALAGA

** Malaga is one of the most popular provinces of the Spanish region of Andalucia.Malaga is a synonym of golden sand beaches, sun, warm weather and holiday. It has been a popular tourist resort for years and the influence of the English and German speaking tourist is present in the city and in the most popular beach towns where most information is available in English and German besides Spanish, specially in restaurants and travel related services.

** When we talk about Malaga we are talking about a Spanish province containing the city Malaga itself and other popular towns like Benalmadena, Torremolinos, Fuengirola and Marbella, and included in the Coastal Spanish area known as Costa del Sol. Visitors can easily find a hotel in Malaga or a hotel in any of the other popular towns. But Malaga is not only tourism, as part of Andalusia it keeps the charm and spirit of the South, and you will find the imprint of Flamenco and traditions in its warm people and its monuments. Have a look at our section What to do in Malaga to find out more about interesting sights and activities in the city.

** Malaga has a rich history resulting from the mix of cultures. It is a gate to Africa and it was an important point of communication with the New World.
Malaga is well connected with other cities of Andalusia, with the ports of the North of Africa and with Madrid the capital of Spain, making of this city a perfect starting point for a tour in Andalusia or a visit to other destinations. If you fly to Malaga you can find cheap car hiring at Malaga airport.
Find out more in our section Travel in Malaga.

*** From a cultural point of view we can’t forget that Malaga was the hometown of Picasso and has a museum dedicated to the famous painter.The city has a busy port and lively streets, full of bars, restaurants and shops. Its beaches are a meeting point for young people from all over the world and you can even spot famous people, mainly from Spanish social life.  In the old city centre you will find a calmer atmosphere, amazing historic monuments and impressive churches. While you enjoy discovering Malaga, don’t forget to try its delicious dishes like fried fishes and the typical white wines from Andalusia like fino or manzanilla

BRAZIL TOURISM

ANGRA DOS REIS


 ** Angra dos Reis es una ciudad litoránea brasileña ubicada en el Estado de Río de Janeiro, a una distancia de 151 km de la capital del estado. Tiene una superficie total de 816,3 km², correspondiendo 193 km² del total a 365 islas -la mayor de las cuales es Ilha Grande- e islotes.Las actividades económicas más importantes de la ciudad son las actividades portuarias, el comercio y los servicios, algunas industrias, la producción de energía nuclear (los dos reactores nucleares brasileños de la Central nuclear Almirante Álvaro Alberto están ubicados en el municipio) y el turismo en sus playas, islas y buceo.

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**    Tourism is becoming a major industry in Brazil, Rio de Janeiro and São Paulo are two of the most visited destinations in the country, offering visitors (whether in the country on business or pleasure) a fabulous peek into the complex heritage and natural spectacle of Brazil. Tourism rates sky-rocketed from the year 2000 onwards as awareness of its multifaceted appeal rose. There was a period between 2006 and 2008 that economic issues hindered the tourism industry somewhat. However, Brazil is the most visited country in the continent of South America today.



**  While the major draw-cards to Brazil continue to be its unique cultural integrity coupled with its absolute beauty, it is also a viable business-related destination. Services, industry and agriculture make up the vast majority of its annual GDP, and ensure that corporate personalities from around the world visit the manufacturing plants, corporate giants, and so on that have their headquarters based in Brazil.

The main natural attractions in Brazil are:
• The Amazon Jungle
• The Amazon River
• The many other rainforests of this tropical and subtropical region
• The extensive beaches and bays that line the coast
• The many unique and fascinating plant and animal species in Brazil.

** Rio de Janeiro never fails to impress us with its modern outlook that reflects its progression through the times of yore. The historic sites, sparkling beaches, green belts and jubilant attitude of the locals embrace the tourists to the world where heaven meets the earth. If Ronaldo played football at the Maracanã stadium, then Christ the Redeemer puts Rio on the world map. Rio's carnival with its effervescent samba dancers jiggling their hips attracts thousands of tourists around the world. The rain-forests, museums, beaches and the glitz of the cit have made Rio what it is today - Brazil's top-notch tourist attraction..

Top 10 Rio de Janeiro Landmarks

  

Christ the Redeemer
Standing atop the Corcovado Mountain with his arms spread out, this enormous statue of Christ the Redeemer (Cristo Redentor) has been embracing the people of Rio since its inauguration in 1931. One of the Seven Wonders of the World, the imposing structure of soapstone and cement provides panoramic views of Rio beyond compare. Book a cog train to the statue through the trails of theTijuca Forest National Park. The Corcovado Mountain is a tourist destination in itself with every inch occupied by frantic visitors. So arrive early to get a surreal view of the statue and an amazing view of the city. Entry is free.

  

Maracanã Stadium (Estádio Jornalista Mário Filho / Estádio do Maracana)

Fans of legends like Ronaldo, Pele, Romario, Carlos Alberto and Nilton Santos will surely love to pay a visit to the Mecca of Football; the Maracanã Stadium. Officially inaugurated during the 1950 World Cup, this all encompassing stadium features a capacity to hold 100,000 cheering fans. If you are lucky enough, it is possible to catch one of your favourite players in action. Otherwise, pay a visit to the sports museum with treasuries in store. The stadium is hosting the 2014 World Cup and the 2016 Summer Olympics Opening Ceremonies.

  

Sugarloaf Mountain (Pão de Açúcar)
Named after the traditional sugarloaves used during the yesteryears, the Sugarloaf Mountain is a tall 395 meter peak rising at the Guanabar Bay in the Atlantic Ocean. Right at the top, tourists will have the chance of their lifetime to capture photo opportunities of the sparkling Rio beaches, statue of Christ and the green forests. Although, most visitors arrive by a cable car, which takes 2-3 minutes, others can test their enthusiasm and energy by climbing the mountain. The best time to visit the peak is at sunset when the flickering colours of the sun make way for a blanket of stars.

  

Rio de Janeiro Botanical Gardens (Jardim Botânico do Rio de Janeiro)
The Rio de Janeiro Botanical Gardens is a complete resource on Amazonian tropical species including 5000 varieties of plants explicating the rich botanic diversity of Brazil. The garden showcases a fine collection of excruciatingly large Victorian water lilies and Japanese plants. Sitting on the edge of Tijuca Forest, Dom João VI designed the garden himself in 1808 to include plants of artistic, archaeological and historical importance. Visit the parks on the weekdays to avoid weekend crowds.

  

Sambadrome (Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí) 
During the Carnival season, the fervour gains ground in Sambadrome Marquês de Sapucaí where samba school dancers compete to become the best in town. Dancers performing to the school’s samba anthem impress the crowd with their music, elaborate costumes and most importantly heart stomping samba dance. The Sambadrome, also known as the Apoteose Square, holds a capacity to accommodate 90,000 people who come to watch the enthralling Carnival parade every year.

  

Copacabana Beach
Rio will never be complete without the mention of Copacabana Beach. The stimulating 4.5 km of crescent coastline never sleeps, as visitors play beach soccer, soak in the sun or swing and dance until the wee hours of the morning. One of the culturally richer neighbourhoods of Rio, the borough is filled to the brim with bars, restaurants and upscale hotels. Tourists of all ages will have some or other activity to do at the beach, be it soaking in the sun, snorkelling or water sports. The place will be one of the hosts for the 2016 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup and also is favoured by revellers who want to bring in the New Year celebrations with great enthusiasm.

  

Ipanema Beach
The wealthier sibling of Copacabana, Ipanema is a glitzy neighbourhood located between Leblon and Arpoador. Favoured by the Rio's locals (las cariocas), Ipanema’s beauty lies in its dusky stretch of sand dotted by greenery with cafes, bars and restaurants weaving up the place. The waters at Ipanema are dangerous at times, so swim or surf in areas allotted by the many lifeguards.

Centro
As the historical and financial hub, Rio’s central district holds many jewels in its purse. Despite the bustling traffic and skyscrapers, the lanes provide an insight to how Rio was discovered and then consequentially developed in the years that followed. There are a numberof historic landmarks that distinguish Central Rio – The National History Museum, displaying relics from Imperial days, the 17th-century Mosteiro de São Bento church, the 1905 Theatro Municipal, The Paço Imperial; seat of former Portuguese rulers, the baroque styled Igreja Sao Bento church, the 18th-century Passeio Público garden and the 1750 built Arcos da Lapa aqueduct. Today, these restored structures include many restaurants, art galleries, tea houses and speciality shops for tourists and locals alike.

  

Tijuca National Park (Parque Nacional da Tijuca)
Covering some 32 km², Parque Nacional da Tijuca is the world's largest urban forest in the city of Rio de Janeiro. Hand-planted in the 19th century to recover the damage caused by extensive coffee plantations, the wildlife park population includes many insects, ocelots, birds, howler monkeys and other endangered species known only to the Amazon basin. The park's summit, where the symbolic Christ the Redeemer statue is situated, offers fantastic views over the city and ocean. Although many visit the park by car, hiking tours for the more adventurous type are arranged by a number of local travel agents.

  

Petrópolis (The Imperial City)
About an hour drive away from Rio is Petrópolis, a town also known as 'The Imperial City of Brazil'. Petrópolis unique location at the foothills ofSerra dos Órgãos National Park bestows it with a cool climate, compared to the muggy surroundings of Rio. A popular resort town, the main attraction of Petropolis is the Summer Palace of the former Brazilian Emperors, which is now restored into a museum displaying Imperial memorabilia. Other notable buildings are the Palacio Cristal glasshouse and the Cathedral.

Top 5 Bars

  

Bar do Gomez
Located in Santa Teresa, Bar do Gomez opened its doors in 1919 but back then itwas a simple grocer store for Rio’s thriving migrant population. The bar is still known by the name Armazem São Thiago for this exact reason. To this day it still keeps hold of its humble roots with old fashioned tins and jars on display containing olives and other tinned sundries. Gomez has run the place for many years so there’s a distinctive homely feel about the establishment. The bar attracts all sorts of local characters that are more than willing to share a friendly, although usually slightly inebriated conversation with a newcomer.

  

BeerJack HideOut
A beer drinkers paradise....For those drinkers who have grown bored of Rio’s incessant cans of Skol or draught Brahma chopp; this is the place for you! With over 180 different local and imported beers on offer you’ll be spoilt for choice. Beer (drinking and brewing) is a serious business for the folks that run and those that frequent BeerJack’s, there is a monthly tasting session upstairs and the excellent bar-style food is always served with a matching strong flavoured brew on the side. Once again…an absolute beer drinkers paradise!

  

Aconchego Carioca
Located near the world famous Maracanã stadium, Aconchego Carioca is a city-famous bar, known for its great atmosphere and amazing bar food. The queues for tables are an obvious clue that this is a special place in the hearts of the locals. From their own take on the Brazilian staple feijoada stew – little deep friend balls of flavour to the 150+ beer menu. A trip to Aconchego Carioca will not be forgotten…

  

Bip Bip
It its music and a drink you’re after (in that order) then this is the barto spend an evening in. There are tables and chairs for the band…but that’s it and perhaps standing room only for six to seven people. Be warned, music is taken very seriously in this establishment. If you talk to load during the tunes be prepared for a very public telling off by the proprietor.

  

Bar Urca
Affording wonderful views of the Guanabara Marina, Bar Urca is a two storey place with a bar downstairs and a more inviting restaurant upstairs. A charming cosy little corner, few places in Rio can beat its bayside location. It’s one of those easy places where you grab a slice without all the humdrum. Just cross the street to order an incredibly cold beer and tasty bar snacks like empadas pies and shrimp pasties. Pictorial views of the Niterói and the statue of Jesus Christ make it a perfect junction for an afternoon.

Top Activities

City Tours & SightseeingCity tours & sightseeing offer you many more ways to discover Rio de Janeiro's beaches, mountains and rainforests! These affordable tours allow you to experience the cultural vivacity of the city at your own leisure and good time. Choose from a range of tours lasting from a couple of hours to a whole day. Hire a bus coach, jeep or simply walk with similar minded tourists to the vantage points of Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountains, Tijuca Rain Forest, Corcovado Mountain, Santa Teresa and historic Rio. The onboard guide is always omnipresent to quench your thirst for knowledge.

Day Trips
A day trip gives you the chance to rejuvenate without spending a night away from Rio de Janeiro. These types of recreational activities are possible through guided tours of the neighbourhoods of Rio de Janeiro such as Buzios, Angra dos Reis, Sepetiba Bay & Petropolis. Get away from the hustle and bustle of Rio de Janeiro to enjoy the cool climate, turquoise blue waters and fascinating history that awaits you.

Cruises
The romantics love the cruising part of Rio de Janeiro where they get to travel down the sparkling Atlantic waters and visit the nearby Sepetiba Bay, Guanabara Bay and islands of Angra dos Reis. Embark on leisurely day / half-day trip cruise, arresting the beautiful views of Christ the Redeemer, Sugarloaf Mountains and the panoramic Rio de Janeiro.

Cabarets & Concerts
Rio de Janeiro has always enjoyed the glamour of stardust sprinkled over its traditional cabaret shows and concerts. A trip to Rio de Janeiro is incomplete without experiencing the shimmer and jiggle of brilliant samba dancers. Along with the exciting music and dance carnival, the delectable Brazilian steak surely will do the wonders. If you are a trueblue sports fan and want to kiss the field where your favourite players practised his moves, book a Maracanã Stadium tour to attend a Brazilian football match.

Nature & Eco Tours
Most will agree that experiencing the stunning natural beauty of Tijuca Forest National Park is like climbing the stairway to heaven. A man-made forest, it is home to some endangered species and presents amazing, breathtaking views of waterfalls, Rio's Christ the Redeemer statue, beaches, Corcovado & Sugarloaf Mountains. If you're enthusiastic enough, book a hiking tour to the top of the Sugarloaf Mountain or Pedra Da Gavea granite mountain. Many of these tours also cover the charming 19th century district of Santa Teresa.

Jeep Tours
Ride in an open jeep to visit the Santa Marta favela where Michael Jackson shot the video for his famous song 'They Don’t Care about Us.' Jeep tours also include an outing to the Tijuca Rainforest where tourists can hike, giving them the opportunity to spot howlers monkeys, butterflies, etc. Since the Tijuca Rainforest and the Botanical garden grant such an explicit display of rich flora and fauna, some companies offer a combo tour to help you make the most of your trip to Rio de Janeiro.

Water Sports
What with the sparkling blue beaches surrounding Rio de Janeiro, water sports are one of the favourite outdoor activities for a water baby. Go scuba diving at Arraial do Cabo, take private surfing lessons or go Ocean Kayaking to Cotunduba Island; you are spoilt with innumerable choices.
Aerial Tours
From the deep bottoms of the ocean, take out time to touch the fluffy clouds through a sightseeing tour of Rio de Janeiro in a helicopter. Revel in the incredible, unseen and unimaginable views of the Atlantic Ocean, Christ statue, the Rainforests, Copacabana beach, Sugarloaf and Corcovado Mountains.