Fodor's upCLOSE Europe [Paperback]

Fodor's (Author)

Book Description

Series: Fodor's Upclose Europe | Publication Date: January 27, 1998

Fodor's newest travel series is designed for travelers who want to travel well and spend less. With candid reviews and a fresh outlook, Fodor's upCLOSE points the way to authentic experiences that will take travelers away from the crowds and close to the culture -- without having to spend a fortune.


Fodor's upCLOSE Europe is smart, fun, and informative. It gives you quirky, never-obvious facts about major sights, as well as the lowdown on the minor ones. It's in-the-know about what's going on. It reveals the essence of each country and helps you get the most Europe for your travel dollar. In short, it's the best of all possible travel companions.


All the places to go, from Stockholm to Sofia
Sprawling castles, crumbling abbeys, and ancient ruins
What to do and when, from the midnight sun to the running of the bulls
Mountain walks, riverside bike trails, and unspoiled beaches
Choice views: spires, ramparts, and piazzas to ease the eyes
Tell-all reviews of small hotels and pensions
Where to stay that's charming (and doesn't cost an arm and a leg)
Hotels from top to bottom: what to expect when you arrive
Hostels with character (and characters)
Bonding with locals: how to stay in a private home
The buzz on restaurants, cafés, and nightlife
Great pints in great company: where to go after dark
Unwinding to jazz and hip-hop, retro and techno, opera and fado
Restaurants for every craving, and how much you'll spend
Historic coffeehouses, chippies in a pinch, fab bistros, and hot tapas
Practical info, great maps
Airfare deals and how to get around
Tips on traveling smart and losing the crowds
Clear, easy-to-read maps

Editorial Reviews

From the Inside Flap

Fodor's newest travel series is designed for travelers who want to travel well and spend less. With candid reviews and a fresh outlook, Fodor's upCLOSE points the way to authentic experiences that will take travelers away from the crowds and close to the culture -- without having to spend a fortune.


Fodor's upCLOSE Europe is smart, fun, and informative. It gives you quirky, never-obvious facts about major sights, as well as the lowdown on the minor ones. It's in-the-know about what's going on. It reveals the essence of each country and helps you get the most Europe for your travel dollar. In short, it's the best of all possible travel companions.


All the places to go, from Stockholm to Sofia
Sprawling castles, crumbling abbeys, and ancient ruins
What to do and when, from the midnight sun to the running of the bulls
Mountain walks, riverside bike trails, and unspoiled beaches
Choice views: spires, ramparts, and piazzas to ease the eyes
Tell-all reviews of small hotels and pensions
Where to stay that's charming (and doesn't cost an arm and a leg)
Hotels from top to bottom: what to expect when you arrive
Hostels with character (and characters)
Bonding with locals: how to stay in a private home
The buzz on restaurants, cafés, and nightlife
Great pints in great company: where to go after dark
Unwinding to jazz and hip-hop, retro and techno, opera and fado
Restaurants for every craving, and how much you'll spend
Historic coffeehouses, chippies in a pinch, fab bistros, and hot tapas
Practical info, great maps
Airfare deals and how to get around
Tips on traveling smart and losing the crowds
Clear, easy-to-read maps

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

Take an overnight train. Shop for a picnic. Hike the Alps. Have a coffee. Prowl a flea market. Go to a festival. Commune with nature. Memorize the symphony of the streets -- then get lost. And if you want to experience the heart and soul of Europe, whatever you do, don't spend too much money.


The deep and rich experience of Europe that every true traveler yearns for is one of the things in life that money can't buy. In fact, if you have it, don't use it. Traveling lavishly is the surest way to turn yourself into a sideline traveler. Restaurants with white-glove service are great -- sometimes -- but they're usually not the best place to find the perfect kebab. Doormen at plush hotels have their place, but not when your look-alike room could be anywhere from Düsseldorf to Detroit. Better to stay in a more intimate place that truly gives you the atmosphere you traveled so far to experience. Don't just stand and watch -- jump into the spirit of what's around you.


If you want to see Europe up close and savor the essence of the continent and its people in all their various glory, this book is for you. We'll show you the local culture, the offbeat sights, the bars and cafés where tourists rarely tread, and the B&Bs and other hostelries where you'll meet fellow travelers -- places where the locals would send their friends. And because you'll probably want to see the famous places if you haven't already been there, we give you tips on losing the crowds, plus the quirky and obscure facts you want as well as the basics everyone needs.


Our Gang

Who are we? We're artists and poets, slackers and straight arrows, and travel writers and journalists, who in our less hedonistic moments report on local news and spin out an occasional opinion piece. What we share is a certain footloose spirit and a passion for all things Euro, which we celebrate in this guidebook. Shamelessly, we've revealed all of our favorite places and our deepest, darkest travel secrets, all so that you can learn from our past mistakes and experience the best part of Europe to the fullest. If you can't take your best friend on the road, or if your best friend is hopeless with directions, stick with us.

Product Details

• Paperback: 880 pages
• Publisher: Fodor's (January 27, 1998)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0679033955
• ISBN-13: 978-0679033950
• Product Dimensions: 8.2 x 5.4 x 1.6 inches
• Shipping Weight: 1.8 pounds
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (2 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #4,940,024 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5.0 out of 5 stars I loved this book., March 24, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Fodor's upCLOSE Europe (Paperback)

I loved this book! I love the whole series. Whenever I'm in Atlantis, Pantagonia, or Italy I carry my Fodder around like a bible! Keep up the good work!

5.0 out of 5 stars I loved this book., March 24, 1999

By A Customer

This review is from: Fodor's upCLOSE Europe (Paperback)

I loved this book! I love the whole series. Whenever I'm in Atlantis, Pantagonia, or Italy I carry my Fodder around like a bible! Keep up the good work!