Eight European countries all lay claim to part of the massive Alpine range that extends through the centre of Europe. Mont Blanc is the range's tallest mountain, at almost 3 miles (4,807 metres) high, and it attracts climbers, walkers, and sightseers from around the world. Where you base yourself to visit this mountain depends on what you want to do. Chamonix, in France, or Courmayeur, in Switzerland,​ are good locations from which to hike the Tour du Mont Blanc trail. Meanwhile, Chamonix is the place to go if you want to take the rack and pinion railway​ up to the Mer de Glace glacier.
The third-highest mountain in the Pyrenees, Monte Perdido is the focal point of the Ordesa y Monte Perdido National Park. The mountain itself, which is best accessed from Spain, offers challenging climbs while the national park has instant appeal for bird-watchers, as it is home to the rare lammergeier. Mammal species include wild boar and alpine marmots.
Mythical home of the Greek gods, Mount Olympus today is a magnet for trekkers. It is also part of the Olympus National Park and is a UNESCO "Biosphere Reserve". Holidays here focus around walking and bird-watching, with the opportunity to spend nights in remote mountain huts.
The UK's highest mountain sits amid the splendour of the Cairngorms National Park. If you want to reach the summit, the mountain has a variety of climbing trails suitable for all abilities from novices to experts. The surrounding area offers a wealth of outdoor activities including golf, fishing, skiing, and even dog-sledding.
Often overlooked in favour of the larger Mount Etna in Sicily, Mount Vesuvius is a must-visit for anyone interested in the fate of Pompeii and Herculaneum. Still an active volcano, the trek towards the crater is a fairly challenging walk through a landscape studded with steam vents, while the panoramic view takes in the nearby Bay of Naples. Exploring the crater edge itself requires an official guide.