VISIT REAL LIFE LOCATIONS FROM THE STAR WARS UNIVERSE…

In a galaxy, far, far away (err, no!) actually, these places are so real, all you super fans can actually enjoy them, and you do not even need to jump on a star-cruiser or hitch a ride on The Millennium Falcon – riding pillion with Wookiee first mate, Chewbacca – to get there!

The latest instalment in the Star Wars saga, The Last Jedi, is released on December 15 and fans of the franchise will be bubbling with excitement.

At this time of year, many will be planning their 2018 getaway so why not take inspiration from Star Wars?

Any room in the inn? No.

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Across the depths of Europe, Culturedemandsgeeks brings you the destinations that mirror the famous locations of the films so closely that you’re left with the ultimate Star Wars travel bucket list.

1. Finse, Norway

Finse was the backdrop for icy planet, Hoth in The Empire Strikes Back and is the perfect serene spot for anyone hoping for a white Christmas.

Instead of the epic battle scene that took place here, you’ll find an Arctic-like expanse of fresh snow glistening in the sunlight.

2. Skellig Michael, Ireland

So far, we don’t know the name of this island, or where it actually is in the Star Wars universe, but it has great significance at the end of The Force Awakens and is sure to play an even bigger part in The Last Jedi, featuring heavily in each of the trailers.

Located off the Southwest coast of Ireland, you’ll recognise this as the place Luke Skywalker has been hiding out in the most recent movie.

Steeped in history, Skellig Michael was home to monks between the 6th and 8th centuries, who practiced Christianity for around 600 years.

3. Bardenas Reales National Park, Spain

One of the most famous landscapes throughout the rich history of Star Wars has to be the other-worldly desert of Tatooine, the planet with two suns and home to Anakin and later Luke Skywalker.

Though there’s only one sun here at Bardenas Reales National Park in Spain, it still manages to drench this huge park that reaches across 100,000 acres of clay, chalk and sandstone, that have been eroded away by wind and rain to leave shapes that look like they’re straight out of a sci-fi film set.

4. Krafla Volcano, Iceland

For Star Wars, the volcanic landscape at Krafla brings us right up to date, featuring in both The Force Awakens and Rogue One as the Imperial Starkiller Base.

With Iceland being so high up on so many bucket lists, it’s well worth tying in a visit during your trip.

5. Whippendell Woods, Watford

It’s true that Jar Jar Binks was one of the franchise’s characters that made fans well and truly cringe during the prequels, but even he can’t ruin this beautiful English woodland, especially when bluebell season hits.

In The Phantom Menace, Whippendell is the location the Gungan first meets Obi-Wan Kenobi, in Naboo Forest.

6. Villa del Balbianello, Italy

The relationship between Anakin Skywalker and Padme Amidala may have been ill-fated, but their happiest times were spent on Naboo, in Attack of the Clones.

It was here, on the terraces of her beautiful lake-side home that the pair were married in secret, with just the droids C-3PO and R2D2 as their witnesses.

The real-life setting for these scenes was Villa del Balbianello, a gorgeous villa overlooking the shores of Lake Como in Italy.

This dramatic spot draws visitors from all over the world, hoping to wander around the lush gardens, while soaking up the panoramic views across the lake.

All Photo credit: J Olley/Lucasfilm/Disney/Kobal/REX/Shutterstock