Category: Italy

An Italian-Style Christmas Season
December 31, 2009 · Category: Italy 

As a foreigner visiting Italy during the winter holidays, it seems logical to question just how Italians celebrate the Christmas... [Read the full story]

Marvelous Marseilles, France
December 30, 2009 · Category: Provence & Cote D'Azur 

When I was working as an English teacher at a lycée (high school) in Gassin, France, I frequently took day or weekend trips to... [Read the full story]

Sanssouci: The Palace of Frederick the Great
December 29, 2009 · Category: Berlin 

Having visited the palace of Versailles in France, I had a feeling that I would not be impressed by King Frederick II’s Sanssouci... [Read the full story]

Turda, Romaina: Religious Freedom and a Pinch of Salt
December 28, 2009 · Category: Romania 

Turda, Romania, is a smallish town with larger-than-life tourist attractions. These include a big salt mine, a church where one... [Read the full story]

Berlin’s Kreuzberg Kultur: Shopping and Eating
December 27, 2009 · Category: Berlin 

Bordering the Berlin Wall, Kreuzberg borough was home to students, artists, leftist radicals and a large Turkish population throughout... [Read the full story]

The Sherlock Holmes Museum on Baker Street, London
December 26, 2009 · Category: London 

It’s not often you find museums depicting the home life and work of fictional characters, but that’s the case with The Sherlock... [Read the full story]

The Secret to Perfect Paris Crepes
December 25, 2009 · Category: Paris 

On  our first trip to Paris, we climbed the steps to the landmark Sacre Coeur Basilica. And finally, I saw what I had only... [Read the full story]

Kenmare, Ireland – The Jewel on the Ring of Kerry
December 24, 2009 · Category: West Coast 

Kenmare, Ireland, founded in 1670, is a well-preserved little town set at the foot of the Cork and Kerry mountains. Here the River... [Read the full story]

Lovely Little Herm Island
December 23, 2009 · Category: Channel Islands 

After reading a beautiful little book called The Guernsey Literary and Potato Peel Pie Society, my two daughters and I chose to... [Read the full story]

Uffizi Gallery – Stepping into The Florentine Renaissance
December 22, 2009 · Category: Florence 

Recognized as one of the most important art museums in Italy, the Uffizi Gallery in Florence is home to the works of numerous... [Read the full story]

A Visit to Finland’s Santa Claus Village
December 21, 2009 · Category: Finland 

If you’re anything like me – single, with no young kids, and not 10 years old myself – then you might share my reluctance... [Read the full story]

The Joys and History of Irish Beer
December 20, 2009 · Category: Ireland 

Discussions of Irish beer usually begin and end with one word: Guinness. There is no doubt that Arthur Guiness’ great creation... [Read the full story]

Free Lodging in Paris
December 19, 2009 · Category: Paris 

We followed her up to the top floor, this friendly French girl who I had never seen before in my life but knew I could trust.... [Read the full story]

Three Cheers for Green Helsinki, Finland!
December 18, 2009 · Category: Finland 

In 2005, Finland was rated the #1 environmentally sustainable country in the world. While old Finish traditions mix with the latest... [Read the full story]

Viewing the Lives of Pompeii, Italy’s Elite
December 17, 2009 · Category: Italy 

Pompeii is one of the leading sights in all of Italy because it takes visitors into the past, one that not only surrounds them... [Read the full story]

Provence Weather, Wines and Culture
December 16, 2009 · Category: Provence & Cote D'Azur 

Provence, in the south of France, is a fabulous place to visit to enjoy the  weather, the culture and, of course, the wine! Provence... [Read the full story]

EuropeUpClose has a Winner!
December 15, 2009 · Category: News and Views 

Yesterday, the Travel Bloggers’ Caravan stopped at EuropeUpClose.com.   Today we have a winner. We used a free program... [Read the full story]

Kecskemet, Hungary’s Art Nouveau Style
December 15, 2009 · Category: Hungary 

Kecskemet, Hungary, is a city of about 100,000 inhabitants in the dead center of the country. This quiet city has a large, flat... [Read the full story]

Travel Bloggers’ Caravan Stops Here Today: Win a Camera
December 13, 2009 · Category: News and Views 

EuropeUpClose.com is your insider guide to Europe, with news, travel deals, and destination information designed for you –... [Read the full story]

Avebury, England and its Stone Circles
December 13, 2009 · Category: The South of England 

Thousands of years before there was a country called England, the people who lived in what is now County Wiltshire constructed... [Read the full story]

Winter Ice Skating in Glasgow and Edinburgh, Scotland
December 13, 2009 · Category: Scotland 

Traditional outdoor winter ice skating has soared in popularity in recent years, both amongst children and families, those just... [Read the full story]

Holiday Gifts for Travelers: a “Visual Voyage” Through Europe
December 12, 2009 · Category: News and Views 

Are you looking for original, sophisticated holiday gifts for travelers? Look no further! Last month, I had the pleasure of visiting... [Read the full story]

A Winter Wonderland at Hyde Park, London
December 11, 2009 · Category: London 

For six weeks each year, London’s Hyde Park is transformed into a magical Winter Wonderland. Set in 20 acres of parkland and... [Read the full story]

Holiday Decorations with European Flair
December 10, 2009 · Category: Europe 

As I look out into my living room at all of my Christmas decorations, I am immediately reminded of trips I have taken and the... [Read the full story]

Ronda, Spain: Where the Rain Falls Up
December 9, 2009 · Category: Andalucia 

I was in the historic Andalusian town of Ronda for less than an hour before I realized that an umbrella will only do you so much... [Read the full story]

Christmas Markets in Prague
December 8, 2009 · Category: Prague 

If you’re looking to combine your souvenir shopping with your Christmas gift search, save yourself the stress and exhaustion,... [Read the full story]

Berlin’s Schoenberg District and Kulturforum Berlin
December 7, 2009 · Category: Berlin 

As I was searching for a place to stay for a week in Berlin ,  I was drawn to Schoenberg (in former West Berlin, near Charlottenberg)... [Read the full story]

Eco Paradise in the Greek Islands
December 6, 2009 · Category: Greece 

Many people travel to the Greek Islands to study world history and see ruins, younger travelers may want to experience the night... [Read the full story]

France’s Southern Alps Snow Train
December 5, 2009 · Category: Southeast France 

Touristic trains are a great way to discover non-mainstream France.  During the ski season, they take you to relatively lesser-known... [Read the full story]

Foodie Break: Street Food in Berlin
December 4, 2009 · Category: Berlin 

When I’m out and about in a different country, I make it a point to eat lots of street food. This is one of the best ways to... [Read the full story]

Venice on a Budget!
December 3, 2009 · Category: Venice 

Visitors to Venice can’t help but admire its bridge-crossed canals, cobblestone streets and romantic rides down the canal... [Read the full story]

Meet the Experts: 2009 Travel Bloggers’ Caravan & Giveaway
December 2, 2009 · Category: News and Views 

As we mentioned yesterday, for the next two weeks 15 top travel bloggers are banding together to spread holiday cheer to their... [Read the full story]

The Secrets of Genovese Pesto
December 2, 2009 · Category: Northern Italy 

The Italian city of Genoa is not recognized for its beauty. Its massive industrial port blocks views of the Mediterranean, and... [Read the full story]

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