5 Must-Visit UK & European Travel Destinations for 2025
RabbiePosted on 21 Nov 2024
It’s already the end of 2024 and, while some may become frantic about the impending new year and all that it entails, we’re excited about all the new adventures we can go on, which is why we’re already planning our trips for 2025. But with so many incredible places on your travel bucket list, where should you go first? We’ve done some research for you and narrowed it down to 5 Must-Visit UK & European Travel Destinations for 2025.
From the mountains of Switzerland to the Jurassic coastline of England, we’re so excited to start travelling in 2025. How about you?
Coming up in this article:
Trending Travel Locations for 2025
Forget new year, new you. We’re excited for new year, new adventures. The world opens up when you travel and it doesn’t matter when or where you go, or for how long, on a solo adventure, with family, or even a small-group tour... as long as you travel, you’re winning.
We’ve already taken a deep dive into the Top 5 UK & Europe Travel Destinations for 2025, so check out that blog here. But we couldn’t just stop at 5... we wanted to look deeper. So, here are 5 more must-visit locations in the UK & Europe for 2025.
1. Sicily, Italy
Ah, Sicily. There’s something about an Italian adventure that whets the appetite... maybe it’s something to do with knowing what’s coming. Pasta. Pizza. Limoncello. Gelato. Cannoli.
Or, if you’re in Sicily specifically:
- Pasta alla Norma – This scrumptious pasta dish is made with fried eggplant, tomatoes, basil, and grated ricotta salata cheese. It is said to be named after the opera Norma by Catania-born composer Vincenzo Bellini.
- Pani câ meusa – Originating in the Sicilian city of Palermo, this ‘street food’ specialty sandwich is made with soft bread filled with sautéed spleen and lung, and often topped with cheese or ricotta.
- Pasta con le Sarde – Seafood lovers, get ready. This pasta dish is packed with sardines, fennel, pine nuts, raisins, and saffron, embodying Sicily’s mix of flavors from land and sea.
Hungry yet? And that’s just a few off the top of our heads! Sicily may not have previously been at the top of your Italian or European holiday bucket list, but more and more people are starting to notice the ‘Toe of Italy’.
And everything you love about Italy is packed into this tiny island, an ‘Italy in miniature’, if you will. If you’re torn about where you should visit in Italy – the striking coastal drives of the Amalfi Coast, the historical ruins of Pompeii, the enormous power of Vesuvius, the luscious green valleys of Tuscany – trust us when we say you can find all of that and more on the island of Sicily.
Replace the Amalfi Coast with the road from Palermo to Cefalù, a stunning coastal route that passes through lush countryside towards this charming seaside town. Be moved by the humble history of The Valley of Temples instead of Pompeii. Journey over the rugged landscape of Mount Etna rather than the angry Vesuvius. And instead of the hills and vintages of Tuscany, sample the wines of Western Sicily, home of the Grillo grape.
And you won’t be the first drawn to this stunning location. Over the years, many TV shows and movies have been filmed in Sicily, from Indiana Jones and the Dial of Destiny (2023) to The Talented Mr. Ripley (1999) and even season 2 of White Lotus, making this a prime film location travel destination.
The best part? We’ve got a new tour starting in 2025 that goes to Sicily. You’re welcome.
2. Lucerne, Switzerland
What is it about touring Switzerland that draws people in? Is it Switzerland’s breathtaking scenery that does the trick? Pristine lakes glistening under incredible mountain ranges like the Alps, luscious valleys leading to quaint fairytale villages. Is it their world-class chocolates and cheeses which have become legendary alongside their other delicious Swiss-made treats such as fondue and raclette? Is it Switzerland’s historic cities packed with incredible and unique architecture, from Bern to Zurich to Geneva? Many of these cities blend modernity with their well-preserved old towns, making them a delight to explore for history lovers and travellers.
One such city is Lucerne. If you’re a fan of history, art, or even incredible bridges... then Lucerne is for you. The striking landmark of Kapellbrücke (also known as Chapel Bridge) is one for the camera roll and will ignite in you a curiosity for times long gone. As Europe’s oldest covered bridge, it’s no wonder it’s given a place of importance in Lucerne. A stroll along this stunning wooden bridge is a must, so you can see for yourself how its adorned with beautiful paintings that depict scenes of Lucerne’s history, as well as the rest of Switzerland.
But that’s not all that awaits you in Lucerne. Don't miss taking in the Lion Monument, or a ride on the world’s steepest cogwheel railway to the summit of Mount Pilatus. Perhaps you’ll get to know German composer, conductor, and theater director Richard Wagner a little better at the museum?
And with cobbled streets to wander, with colourful buildings and charming squares at every turn, not to mention the glistening beauty of Lake Lucerne and the majestic Swiss Alps as a backdrop, you’ll find Lucerne makes for the ideal postcard-perfect holiday.
Our new 6-day tour of Switzerland departing from the city of Zürich will take you to Lucerne, among other incredible destinations.
3. Cambridge, England
Now to slow things down a little bit, and we don’t mean in a bad way. We’re talking... a quiet stroll down a cobbled street, your scarf bundled up to your nose, a takeaway hot chocolate in hand, grand buildings whispering stories as you meander past.
The peace and tranquility of a town like Cambridge in England, just one of the many reasons we love touring England.
It’s a place of beauty, both manmade and natural; a hub of intellectual vigor and artistic legacy that is loved by both locals and visitors alike.
Talk to people who have lived in Cambridge a long time and they’ll tell you stories. Maybe one of them was there to see Emma Thompson timidly standing on a stage as her career was coming to life. Maybe another has spent their life punting visitors up and down the River Cam on those flat-bottomed boats that are now synonymous with Cambridge. Maybe another has studied in the same halls as Charles Darwin and Stephen Hawking at the University of Cambridge.
There is endless history here. Endless. And that history, those stories, are woven into everything you see around you. The epic masterpiece of English Gothic architecture, the striking King’s College Chapel, even the tiny backstreets you might not take notice of...at first.
And, as you gaze up at the golden Corpus Clock, or count the some-8000 plants within the University of Cambridge Botanic Gardens or peruse the 8 million tomes within Cambridge University Library, you’ll realise what a special place Cambridge is.
Explore the history, science, art and natural beauty of Cambridge on our day-tour from London.
4. Toulouse, France
Voulez-vous... voyager à Toulouse avec moi? And none of this ‘ce soir’ business – we're saying let’s go maintenant – now.
The magic of Toulouse is in its petitesse – it's smallness, which is why it’s often referred to as “Paris in miniature”, much like the Scottish Isle of Arran is 'Scotland in Miniature'. And within its city walls are maze-like streets packed with art galleries, moreish restaurants, and picture-perfect scenery along the canal banks.
But there’s another nickname you should be aware of. Toulouse is known as "La Ville Rose" (The Pink City) due to the distinctive pinkish-orange terracotta bricks that make up many of the buildings. It’s a photographer’s dream, trust us.
This warm and inviting city is perfect for those who love a vibrant culture surrounded by rich history and striking cityscapes. Toulouse is a bit of a contradictory city, too. Its Roman roots whisper of ancient history in the streets and museums, and yet Toulouse is also a global centre for aviation and space research. The bold and bright future sits alongside the humble and historic past, yet another reason we adore this city.
It’s the kind of place where your day can look as varied and interesting as you like. Perhaps in the morning, you’ll find yourself exploring the Cité de l'Espace (City of Space), an interactive space museum and theme park. Then, in the afternoon, you wander the UNESCO World Heritage halls of the Basilica of Saint-Sernin, marvelling at intricate carvings, a towering bell tower, and Romanesque architecture of one of the largest churches of its kind in Europe.
So, how about it? Time to go. Maintenant.
5. Jurassic Coast, England
Don’t worry, this isn’t like Jurassic Park. You won’t find any living dinosaurs here, only the echoes of these once great creatures. England’s ‘Dinosaur Coast’ is rich with fossils dating back 185 million years, but it's about the place as well as the people... or dinosaurs.
The Jurassic Coast is the kind of place where you’ll witness cliffs bathed in golden light. Hidden coves and rugged cliffs watch over sweeping beaches. Quaint seaside villages delight in a blend of history and charm, not to mention fresh seafood and striking views. Seals, dolphins and seabirds come out to play – you only have to look up from your phone to see them.
This 95-mile stretch of absolute perfection reaches from Dorset to East Devon, and between is a playground of natural beauty with iconic landmarks like Durdle Door and Old Harry Rocks waiting to be marvelled at along the way. Jurassic Coast is waiting for you and we’d be happy to introduce you to her on our day-tour from Bath.
Escape in 2025 with Rabbie’s
We get it, even those 5 options might be too much for one year... because you want to visit all of them now, don’t you? Us too. And should you wish to explore some of these places with us, we’d love to welcome you on board one of our 16-seat mini-coaches, with knowledgeable driver-guides to lead the way. We're thrilled to have just won a gold award for ‘Best Travel Company for Escorted Group Holidays’ at the British Travel Awards 2024. A huge thank you to everyone who voted, and we hope to see you on another adventure very soon!
If you’re looking for inspiration before you pack your bags, make sure to sign up to our newsletter and be one of the first to know about the new destinations we’re going to explore.
Popular Posts
