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	<title>Country Guides 360 &#187; Rafting</title>
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		<title>Russia tourist attractions – An Adventurous Experience rather than a Holiday Destination</title>
		<link>http://www.countryguides360.com/russia-tourist-attractions.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.countryguides360.com/russia-tourist-attractions.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Wed, 17 Feb 2010 07:05:00 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Europe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Cruising]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kamchatka]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kayaking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rafting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Russia tourist attractions]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Siberia]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Steam Baths]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Caucasus]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[The Russian Riviera]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trans-Siberian Express]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Volgograd]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.countryguides360.com/?p=844</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Russian Federation, popularly known as Russia, is the country encompassing more than 100 varied nationalities and languages with Muslim, Jewish, and Buddhist inhabitants from Chechnya to Alaska. Almost offering all types of visitors’ Russia tourist attractions, Russia is more of an adventurous land in its all aspects irrespective of whether it is short historic or [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Russian Federation, popularly known as Russia, is the country encompassing more than 100 varied nationalities and languages with Muslim, Jewish, and Buddhist inhabitants from Chechnya to Alaska. Almost offering all types of visitors’ <strong>Russia tourist attractions</strong>, Russia is more of an adventurous land in its all aspects irrespective of whether it is short historic or big museum trips, St. Petersburg&#8217;s gems, or a long trip to several other locations. Explore this trilling adventurous itinerary turn by turn from the mountains of the Caucasus, the Black Sea beaches, the great Volga River, the Taiga tracks in Siberia, enchanting Lake Baikal, to the Kamchatka volcanoes.</p>
<p>All the <strong>Russia tourist attractions</strong> are often at a vast distance from each other that calls for flying trips – the convenient mode of roaming all around. However, the exciting Trans-Siberian railway is also an option to discover more sights of Russia.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.countryguides360.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Russian.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-848" title="Russian" src="http://www.countryguides360.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Russian.jpg" alt="Russian" width="535" height="399" /></a></p>
<h5><strong>Tourists’ Attractions</strong></h5>
<ul>
<li style="padding-bottom:15px;"><span style="color: #fe6e04;"><strong>Red Square: </strong></span><br /> Considered as the heart of the Russian capital Moscow, the Kremlin enclosed within a thick red citadel wall holding 20 towers is situated on one side of the square. Do also explore here the Uspensky Cathedral (1475-79) that hosts three most ancient icons of Russia.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom:15px;"><span style="color: #fe6e04;"><strong>St Basil&#8217;s Cathedral:</strong></span><br /> Known as the symbol of the country due to its charming onion domes and icons, this monument was constructed in the mid 16th century that overlooks the entrance to Red Square. To prevent the creation of anything beautiful than this, Ivan the Terrible made the architects of this monument blind after the completion.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom:15px;"><span style="color: #fe6e04;"><strong>Lenin&#8217;s Mausoleum:</strong></span><br /> Pioneer of first communist state in the world is paid homage here. The queues extend until the Red Square.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.countryguides360.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Lenins-Mausoleum.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-846" title="Lenins Mausoleum" src="http://www.countryguides360.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Lenins-Mausoleum.jpg" alt="Lenins Mausoleum" width="535" height="401" /></a></p>
<ul>
<li style="padding-bottom:15px;"><span style="color: #fe6e04;"><strong>Golden Ring:</strong></span><br /> This encompasses the old towns of architectural and spiritual importance situated around Moscow. Mostly, kremlins (citadels), monasteries, cathedrals, and fortresses are included that might take you a day or two to visit.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom:15px;"><span style="color: #fe6e04;"><strong>St. Petersburg: </strong></span><br /> Built by Peter the Great in 1703, this is the charming city that covers 42 islands in the delta of the River Neva. Do visit the monuments of the Italianate architecture, vast boulevards, and the neoclassical Palace Square and the Winter Palace that is the home to an excellent Hermitage Art Museum exhibiting old Egyptian riches and Picasso&#8217;s Blue Period. In addition, Yusupov Palace is also worth visiting due to superb embellishment style of 19th century, a fine mini-theatre, and a waxwork exhibition holding the assassinated Rasputin.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom:15px;"><span style="color: #fe6e04;"><strong>Nevsky Prospekt:</strong></span><br /> This area of St. Petersburg is famous for its spire of the Admiralty Building and luxurious buildings. Among them are the Kazan Cathedral and the Church on the Spilled Blood.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom:15px;"><span style="color: #fe6e04;"><strong>Imperial Palaces:</strong></span><br /> Located in the periphery of St. Petersburg and belonging to the Tsarist era, Peterhof – the summer palace of Peter the Great holding attractive cascades and fountains and the Grand Catherine Palace at Tsarskoye Selo dedicated to Peter&#8217;s wife are worth observing.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom:15px;"><span style="color: #fe6e04;"><strong>Russian Wildlife:</strong></span><br /> If you are a wildlife lover, explore the Kursche Spit that is a sand peninsula of 100 km on the coast rich in plants and animals. Next is near Vladivostok, the Ussuriysk Taiga that is the home of plants of the pre-glacial period along with tigers, leopard, bison, boar, and bears. This is one of the biggest <strong>Russia tourist attractions</strong>.</li>
</ul>
<p><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-845" title="Russian Wildlife" src="http://www.countryguides360.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Russian-Wildlife.jpg" alt="Russian Wildlife" width="535" height="350" /></p>
<ul>
<li style="padding-bottom:15px;"><span style="color: #fe6e04;"><strong>Volgograd (Stalingrad):</strong></span><br /> Located on the junction of the Volga and Don rivers, this historic site witnessed the World War II&#8217;s most cruel battle. The entire city being a monument to this full year battle, the Victory Museum marks the victory against Nazis.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom:15px;"><span style="color: #fe6e04;"><strong>Siberia:</strong></span><br /> Holding the famous Taiga region of extensive marshy forest, this is a land of million lakes, 53000 rivers, and numerous natural resources. The Altai region of southern Siberia is in competition with Switzerland due to its enchanting undulating hills, snow-clad peaks, flora, and pine forests.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom:15px;"><span style="color: #fe6e04;"><strong>Bolshoi Opera and Ballet Theatre:</strong></span><br /> Situated at Teatralnaya Square in Moscow, visit this monument at night for its interior color scheme of red and gold.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom:15px;"><span style="color: #fe6e04;"><strong>Steam Baths: </strong></span><br /> Traditionally, a steam bath in Russia is known as the banya that fills you with real relaxing experience. You can find this right away from a small matter in a garden to lush and costly places available for the rich to come and enjoy with friends.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom:15px;"><span style="color: #fe6e04;"><strong>The Caucasus: </strong></span><br /> The outstanding charming Caucasus holds the highest pinnacle of Europe, Mount Elbrus at an altitude of 5,642 m. Spanning across the border between Russia and Georgia to the south, this is very famous for walking and climbing. Snow being covering the mountain all the year round, skiing is the most popular sport in the Caucasus and in the eastern peninsula of Kamchatka. For Cross-country skiing, visit Karelia on two big lakes in Europe.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom:15px;"><span style="color: #fe6e04;"><strong>The Russian Riviera:</strong></span><br /> <a href="../wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Kamchatka.jpg"><img class="alignright" style="padding:3px;" title="Kamchatka" src="../wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Kamchatka-768x1024.jpg" alt="Kamchatka" width="235" height="313" /></a>Located near Sochi on the Black Sea, this is a site to calm and relax. Since time immemorial, this place is the hot favorite as the holiday destination of both locals and foreigners who are hunting for sun and dunes.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom:15px;"><span style="color: #fe6e04;"><strong>Kamchatka:</strong></span><br /> This is the volcanic Far East region that offers climbing on the volcanoes. Here, the most thrilling experience is to view the Valley of the Geysers from the sky, as only Helicopters can take you there.</li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li style="padding-bottom:15px;"><span style="color: #fe6e04;"><strong>Trans-Siberian Express:</strong></span><br /> Many tourists consider this as the greatest train trip on the Earth. You can take a tourism of the real countryside through this express track and it is convenient, reliable, and thrilling too. Do include the visit from Murmansk to Vladivostok that will cover the complete countryside view.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom:15px;"><span style="color: #fe6e04;"><strong>Cruising, Kayaking, and Rafting:</strong></span><br /> All this is possible on the vast rivers of Russia. The Volga, Ob, and Lena provide cruise boats, while the Altai is a challenging region for those who love adventures.</li>
</ul>
]]></content:encoded>
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		<title>Finland – A Land of Maximum Islands and Trees More than People</title>
		<link>http://www.countryguides360.com/finland-tourist-attractions.html</link>
		<comments>http://www.countryguides360.com/finland-tourist-attractions.html#comments</comments>
		<pubDate>Mon, 25 Jan 2010 07:18:49 +0000</pubDate>
		<dc:creator>admin</dc:creator>
				<category><![CDATA[Europe]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Featured]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Canoeing]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Dog Sledding]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Festivals]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kilpisjarvi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Kuopio]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Midsummer]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Oulu]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Pohjanmaa]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Polar Night Lights]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rafting]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Rovaniemi]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Saunas]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Trekking]]></category>
		<category><![CDATA[Water Sports]]></category>

		<guid isPermaLink="false">http://www.countryguides360.com/?p=768</guid>
		<description><![CDATA[Finland, a Nordic country in the northern Europe, is an innate wonder and land of admiration. The nation holds first rank in the world for its maximum number of islands. One will just wonder at these figures &#8211; 30,000 islands off the Finnish shore, 98,000 among its 1,88,000 home lakes, and the Saimaa Lake system [...]]]></description>
			<content:encoded><![CDATA[<p>Finland, a Nordic country in the northern Europe, is an innate wonder and land of admiration. The nation holds first rank in the world for its maximum number of islands. One will just wonder at these figures &#8211; 30,000 islands off the Finnish shore, 98,000 among its 1,88,000 home lakes, and the Saimaa Lake system in the southeast &#8211; the largest inland water system of Europe. This waterlogged land of the Finns is edged by the Gulf of Bothnia and the Gulf of Finland and its 10% is underwater.</p>
<p><a href="http://www.countryguides360.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Finland-tours.jpg"><img class="alignleft size-full wp-image-775" style="padding:3px;" title="Finland tours" src="http://www.countryguides360.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Finland-tours.jpg" alt="Finland tours" width="315" height="252" /></a>Enclosed by Sweden on its west, Norway on north, and Russia to the east, the state holds trees that in count are far more than its population. The 69% of the northern coniferous region itself is occupied by the pine forests, while the south and southwest are covered pine, fir, and birch. In Lapland to its far north, the spread dwarf birches take you to the Arctic tundra. Being managed from a long time, the national forests offer timber that is required for furniture, paper, fibreboards, domestic heating, and warming 1.6 million saunas.</p>
<p>If on one side the nation provides amazing opportunities for trekkers, mountain-bikers, cross-country skiers, and water sports enthusiasts; on the other hand, 35 national parks scattered 8,000 sq. km. offer spot birds, reindeer, elks, and bears. Finland is famous for its technological innovations, the renowned one being Nokia.</p>
<h5>Finland Tourist Attractions</h5>
<ul>
<li style="padding-bottom:15px;"><span style="color: #fe6e04;"><strong>Helsinki: </strong></span><br />
This is the capital of Finland that offers parks, forests, and water. For the historians, its marvelous architecture exhibits its Russian and Swedish events and contemporary structures are the gift of Finnish designers. It attracts tourists with its splendid museums, better quality shopping, and the Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress listed as the World Heritage site.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.countryguides360.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Suomenlinna-Maritime-Fortress.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-770" title="Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress" src="http://www.countryguides360.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Suomenlinna-Maritime-Fortress.jpg" alt="Suomenlinna Maritime Fortress" width="537" height="357" /></a></p>
<ul>
<li style="padding-bottom:15px;"><span style="color: #fe6e04;"><strong>Turku: </strong></span><br />
This is the most ancient town that stands across the Aland Sea in Sweden. Attractions here are its medieval fortress, cathedral, several captivating museums, and a boat trip in night along the Aurajoki River.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom:15px;"><span style="color: #fe6e04;"><strong>Lakeland: </strong></span><br />
Known as the Heart of Finland, this is an adventurous site for swimmers, canoeists, and boating. It is also famous for its serene tranquility of sunsets.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom:15px;"><span style="color: #fe6e04;"><strong>Karelia: </strong></span><br />
This district offers Orthodox Christian culture, conventional villages, and religious festivals whose origin dates back to centuries. The region is divided by the Russian border and is also the spiritual site of the Kalevala – an epic Finnish poem.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom:15px;"><span style="color: #fe6e04;"><strong>Aland Islands: </strong></span><br />
This is the region that is adjacent to Sweden culturally and geographically, this offers a pleasing sea legacy, oldest churches, and cycling and water sports in summers.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom:15px;"><span style="color: #fe6e04;"><strong>Jyvaskyla: </strong></span><br />
This is an attractive Lakeland university offering buildings belonging to the proud 20th century architecture &#8211; Alvar Aalto. Further, Jyvaskyla has also hosted the recent World Rally Championship.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom:15px;"><span style="color: #fe6e04;"><strong>Savonlinna: </strong></span><br />
After exploring the opportunities for camping, bird watching, and water sports on its forests and lakes, do visit its medieval fortress and its summer opera festival in July.</li>
</ul>
<p style="text-align: center;"><a href="http://www.countryguides360.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Savonlinna.JPG"><img class="aligncenter size-large wp-image-771" title="Savonlinna" src="http://www.countryguides360.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Savonlinna-1024x768.jpg" alt="Savonlinna" width="536" height="403" /></a></p>
<ul>
<li style="padding-bottom:15px;"><span style="color: #fe6e04;"><strong>Lapland: </strong></span><br />
This is the Arctic North that is famous for its overwhelming wilderness, Sami culture, three amazing national parks, and some 3,00,000 reindeer.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom:15px;"><span style="color: #fe6e04;"><strong>Inari: </strong></span><br />
This is a miniature hamlet and capital of Sami culture in Lapland. This offers the eye-catching Siida museum of Sami culture and the wilderness church where reindeer herders meet. For trekkers and gold panners, the close by Lemmonjoki National Park is ideal and is the largest in the nation.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom:15px;"><span style="color: #fe6e04;"><strong>Rovaniemi: </strong></span><br />
A region to access Lapland, this is a place for children where sites are themed on the Santa Claus. Do visit the Rovaniemi&#8217;s Arktikum where you can become familiar with the ecology and anthropology of the Arctic region and explore the iced-up life of Lapland.<a href="http://www.countryguides360.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Kuopio.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-772" style="padding:3px;" title="Kuopio" src="http://www.countryguides360.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Kuopio-300x240.jpg" alt="Kuopio" width="251" height="201" /></a></li>
<li style="padding-bottom:15px;"><span style="color: #fe6e04;"><strong>Kuopio: </strong></span><br />
This is famous for its outdoor activities in the lakes and forests, particularly, ski jumping and cross-country skiers in the winter trails at Puijo Hill.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom:15px;"><span style="color: #fe6e04;"><strong>Kilpisjarvi: </strong></span><br />
Lying between Sweden and Norway, just trek from this hamlet to reach the Saana or Haltia Fell &#8211; the highest peak that offers a stunning scene covering the three countries.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom:15px;"><span style="color: #fe6e04;"><strong>Pohjanmaa: </strong></span><br />
Located along the west coast near Vaasa, this area is also known as Ostrobothnia. Attractions here are long beaches, forested islands with elks, and pretty wooden villages such as Jakobstad and Kristinestad.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom:15px;"><span style="color: #fe6e04;"><strong>Oulu: </strong></span><br />
This is among the most captivating cities in Finland during summers where you are invited by the stalls full of wild berries and seasonal items. Do not forget to visit the Hailuoto Island that is situated offshore as the home of birds.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom:15px;"><span style="color: #fe6e04;"><strong>Trekking: </strong></span><br />
Do take your hiking boots and use them on one of finest trekking routes particularly interesting in Lapland. Do so in early autumn when trees and vegetation sprung up exhibiting multiple colors for the Ruska season.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom:15px;"><span style="color: #fe6e04;"><strong>Skiing: </strong></span><br />
The most thrilling time for this sport is during the icy winters when cross-country skiing is what one can look for. Offering many tracks throughout its area, Finland also has tracks in its national parks. For downhill skiing and snowboarding, access the hills of Lapland.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom:15px;"><span style="color: #fe6e04;"><strong>Water Sports: </strong></span><br />
These include water-skiing, jet skiing, and sailing on the superb more than 1000 lakes of the Lakeland region. Skiing is both memorable on snow and waters. All facilities are provided by several holiday cottages and outdoor centres.<a href="http://www.countryguides360.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Dog-Sledding.jpg"><img class="alignright size-medium wp-image-773" style="padding:3px;" title="Dog Sledding" src="http://www.countryguides360.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Dog-Sledding-200x300.jpg" alt="Dog Sledding" width="183" height="262" /></a></li>
<li style="padding-bottom:15px;"><span style="color: #fe6e04;"><strong>Dog Sledding: </strong></span><br />
This is famous in the traditional and snowy Arctic region and its several centres exist in Lapland along with Harriniva. The first Arctic Barents Race will occur through Russia, Finland, Sweden, and Norway in 2010.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom:15px;"><span style="color: #fe6e04;"><strong>Saunas: </strong></span><br />
Lighten yourself in a typical steamy sauna experience in hotels and holiday cottages. The most famous ones are offered by the Kotiharjun public sauna in Helsinki&#8217;s Kallio district and the Jätkänkämppä smoke sauna in periphery of Kuopio.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom:15px;"><span style="color: #fe6e04;"><strong>Polar Night Lights: </strong></span><br />
Referring to the captivating Northern Lights (Aurora Borealis), these rays reach until skies and make you feel as there is some light show going on in the sky. This occurs at the polar night (kaamos) &#8211; November to May.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom:15px;"><span style="color: #fe6e04;"><strong>Midsummer: </strong></span><br />
This is the time when sun seems to never go down the horizon and during which the region enjoys 24-hour daylight. Thousands of native people flock to their mokkit (summer cottages) to make holiday in outdoors.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom:15px;"><span style="color: #fe6e04;"><strong>Festivals: </strong></span><span style="color: #fe6e04;"><strong><br />
</strong></span>In Oulu, air-guitarists participate in strange rock mimes, while in the Wife-Carrying World Championships in Sonkajarvi, husbands pull their wives. In Naantali, every 27th July observed as the Sleepyhead Day, the laziest inhabitant is thrown into the sea.</li>
<li style="padding-bottom:15px;"><span style="color: #fe6e04;"><strong>Canoeing and Rafting:<br />
</strong></span>This is possible due to lakes and rivers. Best sites are Saimaa, Lake Oulujarvi, and Lake Inari for paddlers, while for white-water rafting; sites are Kukkolankoski rapids and Oulanka National Park.</li>
</ul>
<p><a href="http://www.countryguides360.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Oulanka-National-Park.jpg"><img class="aligncenter size-full wp-image-774" title="Oulanka National Park" src="http://www.countryguides360.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/Oulanka-National-Park.jpg" alt="Oulanka National Park" width="536" height="352" /></a></p>
<ul>
<li style="padding-bottom:15px;"><span style="color: #fe6e04;"><strong>Design Tours: </strong></span><br />
Finland is world wide popular for its designer tours of Helsinki, architectural tours, jewelry, ceramics, glassware, and traditional wooden structures tours too.</li>
</ul>
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