scientific

Want to see the most beautiful scenes in one trip? A must-do country European road trip will take you to six countries, where you will see the sea, mountains, castles and breath-taking views

Hopping on a plane and getting to your holiday destination in hours is a luxury, but one thing that everyone should do at least once in their lives is a road trip.

TikTok account Living Our Memories shared the perfect itinerary, where the key stops included France, Switzerland, Liechtenstein, Germany, Luxembourg and Belgium. The total route is 23 hours and 49 minutes, non-stop.

Gathering over a million views, the couple, who shared their travels with their 5K followers, captioned the video: “An epic road trip across 6 countries you must have to do at least once in your life.”

Champagne, France

First stop, the French region of Champagne, known for its scenic vineyards. Located in the northeast of France, their sparkling white wine is what makes them so well-known. Visitors can see the cities of Reims and Épernay, as well as the villages like Hautvillers and Méry-sur-Ay.

Wine lovers can make a pit stop and tour the famous Champagne houses such as Moet & Chandon, Veuve Clicquot, and Taittinger. Those who prefer adrenaline can do some outdoor activities such as biking through the Côte des Blancs and Montagne de Reims.

Stausee Steg, Liechtenstein

Liechtenstein’s turquoise waters in the middle of the most gorgeous greenery scenes, facing the mountains. It’s the perfect place for a swim in the lake or a picnic with your loved ones.

If you’re feeling sporty or want to capture the perfect shot, you can hike the mountains and get the perfect scene. According to AllTrails, it’s best to bring water shoes for those who plan to swim or walk near the rocky edges.

Lake Eibsee, Germany

Nature lovers will love Lake Eibsee in Germany. The waters are crystal clear with views of the Zugspitze mountains.

Some of the activities for visitors are hiking the 7.5 km (4.6 miles) walk around the lake, as it provides stunning views. You can also rent a boat or a canoe to explore the lake and the surrounding islands. If you’re brave enough, you can also swim in the waters – but it’s super cold.

Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

Located in Bavaria, Germany, in the foothills of the Alps, Neuschwanstein Castle is just the exact layout as the ones in the Disney movies. In fact, it’s best known for the inspiration behind Disneyland’s Sleeping Beauty Castle.

The 19th-century historic castle overlooks the narrow Pollat gorge, and it’s close to the Alpsee and Schwansee lakes. Therefore, it makes it an ideal place to visit on the way to the upcoming location of the road trip.

Tickets cost 20 euros (£17.36), but children under the age of 18 can access the castle completely free of charge.

For more stories like this subscribe to our weekly newsletter, The Weekly Gulp, for a curated roundup of trending stories, poignant interviews, and viral lifestyle picks from The Mirror’s Audience U35 team delivered straight to your inbox.

Luxembourg City, Luxembourg

Luxembourg’s tourism has increased over the years, making it the perfect place for a city break or a day trip. The city has a unique blend of history and culture, with a lot to offer to visitors and locals alike.

Its historical sites include UNESCO World Heritage sites and famous landmarks such as the Grand Ducal Palace and the Cathédrale Notre-Dame. The best thing about Luxembourg is that you can enjoy it all year round, and the public transportation is free.

Dinant, Belgium

To conclude the road trip, what better way to do it than in Belgium? A more tranquil side of the country, with beautiful scenery and history. Its most popular tourist attraction is the Maison Leffe. The town’s location is also ideal along the River Meuse, as it overlooks the water and the pastel-coloured houses.

Visitors can walk through the cobbled streets, take a boat tour and even participate in water activities such as kayaking on the nearby Lesse River.

Bruges, Belgium

Perfect for a city break, a small yet fulfilling town with a lot to offer. If you’re a fan of medieval settings, this is the place for you. However, its popularity comes with big crowds and higher costs.

Bruges is also famous for its Belgian waffles, fries, chocolate and beer – so, come with an empty stomach to indulge the best sweet and savoury flavours.

Help us improve our content by completing the survey below. We’d love to hear from you!

Explore amazing Cornish landscapes where you can walk in the footsteps of Poldark’s Ross and Demelza this autumn — and stay at a huge historic country house where the drama was filmed

The period drama Poldark, which aired on the BBC from 2015 to 2019, captivated us with its stunning locations and compelling storyline, and the series, which starred Aidan Turner as Ross Poldark, was watched by eight million viewers per episode.

One of the highlights of the show was the breath-taking filming locations, and now, the National Trust is inviting fans to explore these sites this autumn and winter, as Cornwall celebrates a special Poldark anniversary.

Next year (2026) will mark 80 years since the publication of the first original Poldark novel, Demelza, which continues to enchant readers to this day.

The first TV adaptation of Winston Graham’s novels aired 50 years ago, running from 1975 until 1977, and it’s been 10 years since the acclaimed remake graced our screens in 2015, reports Cornwall Live.

One review of the 2015 series sums up the enthusiasm people had for Poldark: “This is the most artistic, photogenic, captivating series ever made. Besides an outstanding, lovely cast, the excellent performance by the lighting men, cameramen, director, scenery experts, colour specialists, costume creators, music score, and quality scriptwriters is beyond all expectations.

“Their outstanding teamwork often makes me freeze the image in order to better appreciate the beauty and magic of the shots: outside and inside. Breathtaking scenery and, extremely cosy, authentic cottages, and overwhelming, rich mansions—even the flower bouquets—are mind-blowing.

“So grateful to the whole crew, they made a genuine masterpiece. A treasure to cherish forever!”

The show’s spectacular filming locations span from the wild Tin Coast and vast sandy shores to the “ancient and atmospheric” Godolphin estate, which served as Trenwith in the 1975 Poldark series.

These breathtaking spots have attracted devoted fans from across the globe. The medieval gardens and historic house at Godolphin represent just one of the numerous National Trust sites that played a crucial role in bringing the Poldark tale to life.

The enduring phenomenon of “Poldark tourism” continues to fund essential conservation efforts throughout Cornwall, and visitor numbers have played a vital role in safeguarding threatened wildlife and habitats across the county.

Autumn presents an ideal opportunity to explore the striking landscapes that sparked the beloved saga. The cooler months offer a wonderful opportunity to explore Poldark country, as visitor numbers remain lower than during the summer peak, allowing you to truly savour the tranquillity that Cornwall provides.

Since its first appearance in 1946, Winston Graham’s “love letter to Cornwall”, the Poldark saga, has won hearts across the globe, whisking readers and viewers away to 18th-century Cornwall.

The dramatic vistas of mining heritage locations and rugged coastal cliffs took centre stage in the narrative when the original television adaptation was broadcast in 1975, and once more in 2015 when the reimagined series introduced an entirely new generation to Ross and Demelza’s Cornwall.

Poldark transformed into a worldwide phenomenon, motivating thousands to journey to Cornwall and discover the scenery they had witnessed on their screens.

By 2019, approximately 14% of Cornwall’s visitors were believed to have made the trip in some capacity due to Poldark, and this enthusiasm delivered a tourism windfall to the county whilst raising crucial funds for the conservation and maintenance of Cornwall’s natural and historic locations.

A significant portion of this support has been reinvested into preserving these remarkable landscapes for generations to come, with efforts along the Tin Coast concentrating on protecting natural areas and wildlife habitats. At West Wheal Owles, better known to Poldark fans as Wheal Leisure, conservation efforts have been put in place to protect the endangered Cornish choughs.

This area is now off-limits to the public, creating a safe haven for this iconic bird species.

For those who are fans of the 1975 TV series of Poldark, Godolphin will be familiar as it was the home of Francis Poldark and the fictional grand house, Trenwith.

Back when Godolphin was still a private residence, it served as a filming location. The National Trust bought the estate in 2007 and began extensive and careful conservation work to preserve the house for future generations.

In 2006, Godolphin was recognised as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Since then, the estate has become renowned for its historic gardens and 500 acres of protected parkland — and the house is available as a holiday let for most of the year.

Autumn is the ideal time to explore Poldark country with its quieter paths, sweeping sea views, and a feeling of stepping back into history.

From rugged clifftop walks and mining heritage trails to exploring historic houses and gardens, Cornwall’s National Trust sites offer visitors a chance to experience the landscape that inspired a legend.

In Tallinn, Estonia, you will find the most beautiful Christmas market in the world

Last Christmas, Life reporter Christopher Megrath opted to forgo the typical British yuletide markets and venture to a less frequented European destination steeped in history. Christopher is chuffed he did because the Old Town Christmas market in Tallinn, Estonia, was hands down the most stunning one he has ever seen.

Unlike its renowned Christmas market competitors in cities like Vienna, Cologne, or Salzburg, Tallinn’s market is humble in size. He had never heard it brought up in chats about Christmas markets, nor did he know anyone who had even set foot in the country, yet what it lacks in global recognition it more than compensates for with its captivating setting, snug atmosphere and magical allure.

The Tallinn Christmas Market is nestled in the Town Hall Square. At its heart is the Christmas tree, which holds the title of the most significant Christmas tree in Estonia and has been erected in Town Hall Square since 1441, making it the first Christmas tree ever to be showcased in Europe.

The Town Square is relatively compact – you could stroll from one side to the other in a brisk minute. Christopher managed to clock up more than an hour during his visit thanks to the plethora of stalls, live music and scrumptious food on offer.

Just like a scene out of a film, snow gently started to fall and accumulate on the ground throughout the day. The warm glow of lights draped across the square felt snug in an otherwise frosty wonderland, with the 15th-century Town Hall Tower dominating the backdrop of every snapshot, reports the Liverpool Echo.

The Christmas market has everything you could possibly want – handcrafted baubles, sweet delights like chocolate and toffee, tree ornaments and cosy winter wear like hats, scarves and gloves. As per his personal tradition, Christopher made sure to bring back a good assortment of knick-knacks for his foreign holiday memento collection, including a miniature cathedral and town hall for around €20.

You don’t have to go far for some genuine Estonian grub, as Christopher managed to get verivorst (blood sausage) without even leaving the square. Although it’s not something he would recommend, there’s a vast array of truffles, gingerbread and sweets to indulge in if you’re more inclined towards sugary treats.

After several rounds of the market in search of new finds, Christopher found myself settling on the designated sideline benches with a hot cup of glögg – the Estonian term for mulled wine. A stage was erected at the front of the square where children performed and music filled the afternoon, contributing to an already festive atmosphere.

Christopher couldn’t fathom how picture-perfect the Christmas market was until he witnessed it firsthand. The quintessential depiction of the winter experience is brought to life by Tallinn, from the scenic setting to the festive food, drink and goods available.

The gentle snowfall throughout the day felt like it could’ve been a hired actor at this point.

Moreover, once you’ve had your fill of the market, there’s a wealth of attractions in the surrounding area. You’ll find yourself amidst contemporary shopping venues and eateries, ideal for a brief respite or a return to normality.

Winding cobbled streets will guide you uphill to Tallinn’s Alexander Nevsky Cathedral, an Eastern Orthodox marvel where visitors can glimpse its breathtaking interior. The UNESCO World Heritage site is home to a plethora of hidden treasures if you’re up for the hunt, such as Maiasmokk, Tallinn’s oldest café dating back to 1864, and Pierre Chocolaterie nestled in the secluded Masters’ Courtyard.

Christopher would suggest simply losing yourself in the labyrinthine streets and secret pathways, allowing them to lead you to ancient castle walls and stunning town vistas.

If you’re on the hunt for a unique Christmas experience that still retains the holiday spirit, a trip to Tallinn’s Old Town Christmas market won’t disappoint.

Return flights to Tallinn from Manchester Airport are available for approximately £217, with a stopover in Helsinki en route. However, during his own visit, Christopher opted to stay in the Finnish capital and took a same-day return ferry to Tallinn for around €40, creating a relatively laid-back excursion that combined two holidays in one.

From its picturesque beaches to its vibrant community, there’s something for everyone in this charming Cornwall village

Nestled in a pristine corner of the north Cornish coast, St Agnes is a hidden treasure that proudly resides within both a designated Area of Outstanding Natural Beauty and a World Heritage Site.

This coastal hamlet thrives on its vibrant local community, which supports a plethora of independent shops and businesses. With its beautiful, dog-friendly beaches, top-notch pubs and restaurants, and access to some of Cornwall’s most stunning coastal paths and walks, it’s no wonder it’s hailed as a traveller’s paradise.

St Agnes, a charming seaside village situated on the north coast of Cornwall, offers several scenic beaches for travellers to discover including Trevaunance Cove, Chapel Porth, and Porthtowan, all incredibly popular spots for surfing, swimming, and sunbathing.

The area is steeped in nearly a century of Cornish industrial history, encapsulated in sites like the disused 19th-century tin mine Wheal Coates. The beauty and rich history of St Agnes have caught the attention of the United Nations, earning it UNESCO World Heritage Site status and impressing thousands of visitors.

Despite being one of the largest coastal villages in Cornwall, St Agnes maintains a compact charm. One of its most notable landmarks is St Agnes Beacon, offering panoramic views of the surrounding area and historically serving as a lookout point, reports Cornwall Live.

St Agnes, a quaint seaside village often dubbed as an underappreciated gem by travellers, boasts breathtaking coastal views complete with dramatic cliffs, sandy beaches, and idyllic countryside panoramas. It’s also the proud home of The Peterville Inn, previously crowned the UK’s best pub by the VisitEngland Awards for Excellence.

The village is steeped in a rich history of tin and copper mining, which was a major industry in the area during the 18th and 19th centuries. Today, remnants of this mining heritage, such as engine houses and mine shafts, still pepper the landscape.

This charming seaside town, with its labyrinth of lanes and delightful shops, is a paradise for holidaymakers. Its narrow streets brimming with Cornish charm make St Agnes a top pick among tourists.

Chapel Porth Beach is a must-see attraction, and the Chapel Porth Beach Café, renowned for its hedgehog ice creams made from cones, clotted cream and hazelnuts, comes highly recommended by visitors.

Other attractions in and around St Agnes include the St Agnes Museum, Perranporth Airfield, the Chapel Porth to St Agnes Circular Walk, and the St Agnes to Trevellas Porth Circular Walk.

St Agnes is also famed for its lively community of local artisans, shops, and eateries that offer a taste of Cornwall’s unique culture and culinary delights.

The television connection

St Agnes Head, a scenic spot on the Cornwall coastline, features a beach tucked within a cove which is accessible via a coastal path.

Fans of the dashing Ross Poldark will be thrilled to know that Winston Graham, the mastermind behind the Poldark series, lived just a stone’s throw away and drew inspiration from the entire Parish for his novels, affectionately naming it ‘Poldark Country’.

This Cornish gem, under the care of the National Trust, has gained global fame due to its association with the beloved British telly series and has been hailed as one of the most breathtaking spots on the planet.

The site is instantly recognisable, with its chapel rising majestically amidst swathes of heather and gorse, serving as the perfect backdrop for the BBC’s smash hit TV series Poldark.

Venice is one of the most visited cities in the world, but there’s a nearby Italian city that’s just as beautiful and historic – and without the crowds of tourists

Venice – the jewel of Italy‘s lagoon – draws in millions of tourists each year.

However, its immense global appeal is causing a strain on both the locals and the city’s infrastructure, leading to the local government implementing a series of measures in recent months to mitigate the effects of overtourism.

Despite the temporary entry fee imposed on day-trippers this summer and restrictions on group tours, tourists continue to flock to Venice. But for those seeking to dodge the crowds, there are plenty of alternative destinations nearby.

READ MORE: European city has award-winning Christmas market and almost no crowds

OPINION

Milo Boyd

Padua, or Padova as it’s known to Italians, is a historic city just 25 miles west of Venice. Situated in the same region as the lagoon, Veneto, Padua boasts two UNESCO World Heritage List entries.

The first, the botanical garden – Orto Botanico di Padova – is the world’s oldest still in its original location, dating back to 1545. Covering approximately 240,000 square feet, the Orto Botanico is renowned for its collections, including one of insectivorous plants and another of medicinal and poisonous species.

The second UNESCO-listed site in Padua is the Scrovegni Chapel, an awe-inspiring church adorned by Italian artist Giotto at the start of the 14th century. Padua also houses one of the world’s oldest universities, where history-making figures such as Galileo Galilei and Nicolaus Copernicus either studied or taught.

Padua is an ideal spot for those who enjoy city centre strolls, with Piazza delle Erbe, one of its main squares, being a hub of local activity since medieval times.

Much like its famous neighbour Venice, it boasts its own canals, including a petite one that meanders through the breathtaking Prato della Valle square.

READ MORE: Full list of EU countries taking Brits’ fingerprints from today

Padua also serves as an excellent base for exploring the wider region, reports the Express. With train tickets to Venice costing as little as £4.21, tourists can experience the lagoon city, just half an hour away, while saving on accommodation costs.

Likewise, holidaymakers in the area can take a trip to Verona, internationally renowned due to Shakespeare’s Romeo and Juliet. The journey ranges from 45 to 90 minutes, depending on the chosen train service.

Vilnius, the capital of Lithuania, has been named European Christmas Capital 2025 – and it’s easy to see why. The city has a stunning Christmas market and barely any crowds.

If you’re dreaming of a festive getaway complete with Christmas markets and cosy eateries, but can’t bear the thought of battling through crowds, then some destinations are off the table.

For instance, Paris, despite its charm and beauty, welcomed 22 million tourists last year, while Vienna, another popular winter destination, saw an astonishing 19 million visitors.

Over tourism can turn a holiday into a stressful experience, particularly during the festive season when all you want to do is unwind.

However, there’s one stunning European city that remains relatively crowd-free – and it boasts an award-winning Christmas market.

Lithuania’s capital, Vilnius, attracted just 1.2 million tourists last year – a mere fraction compared to Europe’s busiest hotspots.

With the holiday season fast approaching, now is the ideal time to consider a trip to this extraordinary city.

Vilnius has been crowned European Christmas Capital 2025 by the Christmas Cities Network, backed by the European Parliament.

It offers a spectacular Christmas tree, a UNESCO-listed Old Town, and of course, markets brimming with mulled wine and handmade crafts, reports the Express.

The holiday season in Vilnius kicks off on 29 November with its most eagerly awaited tradition, the lighting of the Christmas Tree in Cathedral Square.

Each year, the tree showcases a fresh bold design, drawing people to the city to celebrate with their loved ones.

If you fancy being there for the big switch-on, Skyscanner is currently offering return flights from London to Vilnius starting at just £42 – arriving on 29th November and departing on 1st December.

As for digs, prices kick off from a mere £21 per night, making it an ideal budget-friendly getaway – just remember to save some suitcase space for all those pressies.