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EuropeUpClose.com is a Europe Travel Guide and Community

We are inveterate travelers who love Europe and want to share our insider's experience with you. We hope you enjoy reading our blogs about European travel as we bring you the best advice, tools, tips and websites for planning your next trip.

France

Gladiators and Madators and Bono… Oh My! The Roman Amphitheater of Nîmes, France

The city of Nîmes is located in Southwest France and is the capital of the Gard Department in the Cévennes Region. Among tourists, it is best known for its well-preserved Roman structures. The most famous... [Read more]


Italy

Locanda dell’Isola Comacina, A Restaurant Like No Other

Comacina, a quiet, pleasant island in Lake Como, holds one of Italy’s lesser-known treasures:  Locanda dell’Isola Comacina. At this unique restaurant, I enjoyed one of the memorable meals of my life.... [Read more]


England

Exploring Dorset: The Sherborne Castles

If you’re in the Dorset area of southwest England, then it’s well worth scheduling a visit to the town of Sherborne – especially if you enjoy history and castles. Although only a relatively small... [Read more]


Germany

Frankfurt, Germany: Not Just a Stopover

For many travelers, Frankfurt am Main is the initial stop on a European tour, but not a destination in and of itself. The tendency is to swoop in and grab the connecting flight to Venice or buy train tickets... [Read more]


Austria

Family Fun in Vienna

Vienna may seem like the place for cafe culture, but it offers so much more. Families of all ages will enjoy the many opportunities for fun in this light-hearted city. Museums that kids will love ZOOM... [Read more]


Latest Posts

Frankfurt, Germany: Not Just a Stopover

For many travelers, Frankfurt am Main is the initial stop on a European tour, but not a destination in and of itself. The tendency is to swoop in and grab... [Read the full story]

Boating in France: Celebrating France’s Summer Festivals

All over France there are cultural festivals, musical performances, dance, theater, art shows, and sporting events that are held to celebrate summer. Many... [Read the full story]

Strolling Through Les Baux de Provence, France

One of the benefits of meeting up with locals while traveling is that they take you to places you’ve never heard of, like Les Baux de Provence. Well,... [Read the full story]

Sardinia: Italy’s Hidden Gem

The island of Sardinia lies off the west coast of Italy and is second in size to Sicily. It’s an often overlooked destination, but the island of... [Read the full story]

Nice, France - a City for Wanderers

When I worked as an English teacher in a French lycée (high school), I lived in a small town near Saint Tropez called Gassin.  Gassin was incredibly... [Read the full story]

Free Lodging in Europe

Budget travel is not just for students; there are lots of ways to travel in Europe on a budget without staying in a dorm or hostel. Here are just a few ways... [Read the full story]

A Stop in Lourdes, France

On a recent trip to France, I made it a point to stop in Lourdes. To be quite honest, Lourdes had never really been on my radar during previous trips and... [Read the full story]

Last Minute European Cruise Sale

Save Up To 65% Off 7&11 Night Europe Cruises with MSC Cruiseline. Don’t miss this  opportunity to experience Europe’s most beautiful and historic... [Read the full story]

Featured Posts

Special Feature: Boating In France

Boating in France: Celebrating France’s Summer Festivals

All over France there are cultural festivals, musical performances, dance, theater, art shows, and sporting events that are held to celebrate summer. Many are internationally famous,... [Read more]


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Travel Deals

Last Minute European Cruise Sale

Save Up To 65% Off 7&11 Night Europe Cruises with MSC Cruiseline. Don’t miss this  opportunity to experience Europe’s most beautiful and historic destinations. From... [Read more]


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News & Views

Boating in France: Celebrating France’s Summer Festivals

All over France there are cultural festivals, musical performances, dance, theater, art shows, and sporting events that are held to celebrate summer. Many are internationally famous,... [Read more]


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