There’s nothing like setting foot in centuries-old castles, helping you get the most out of your trip in Europe, and experience a real-life fairy tale get-away. Each structure will transport you to a mix of serene gardens, luxurious canopy beds, vibrant gardens, and stone towers, helping you relive the experience at a fair price.
So, sit back, relax, use the best brain training apps before you leave so you can drink in the scenery, information, and history throughout the trip and get the most out of the experience. After all, exploring the best castles in Europe is indeed the trip of a lifetime.
Here are some of them.
Amberley Castle
The 900-year-old Amberley Castle is one of the most famous palaces in Europe and is only a two-hour trip from the bustling area of south London. It’s a luxurious Relais and Chateaux property, surrounded by a centuries-old 60-foot stone wall and iron portcullis remaining open to welcome guests from afar. Like traditional castles, visitors get greeted by suits of armor throughout the castle corridors. Since its creation, it has been turned into a five-star hotel.
Palace of Versailles
The Palace of Versailles is one of the most iconic landmarks in the world. It has been the official home to the Kings of France since 1662 and is famous for its strategic place and symbol of the absolute Monarchy system. You can ‘visit’ and explore the palace through the internet before your actual visit to marvel at some of the best artworks and artifacts in the castle, letting you see what got to look forward to on your next trip.
Buckingham Palace
One of the most well-known castles worldwide is Buckingham Palace, and if you’re considering going to the United Kingdom in your European venture, don’t forget to book a trip to this iconic landmark. It’s often at the center of state occasions and royal hospitality — serving as the British people’s focal point during national celebrations. You can also visit this place virtually if you’re looking to experience it through the screen before the actual site. However, like the real deal, certain parts of the castle are prohibited from being seen by the public.
Dromoland Castle
Dromoland Castle is one of the most famous baronial castles in Ireland, boasting luxurious fabrics, chandeliers, and ornate wallpapers. It boasts a grand staircase and several ornate fireplaces, taking visitors back to a bygone era, allowing modern individuals to feel like true royalty. This 16th-century castle is surrounded by gorgeous greenery and trails. Visitors can explore this 400-acre property and do several activities, ranging from archery to horseback riding.
Borgia Castle
Italy’s Borgia Castle is a seven-bedroom medieval castle situated in Tuscany and Umbria’s border, and it’s one of the few castles that you can rent in its entirety. It provides any visitor a ‘true’ Italian countryside experience with a dash of luxe and glamour from its terrace overlooking Lake Trasimeno’s panoramic views and surrounding green rolling hills — you can never get enough of the beauty at Borgia Castle. You can also stay at the property on a daily basis.
Château de Bagnols
The Chateau de Bagnols is an impressive structure that’s been around since 1217. Its honey-hued fortress is situated atop a hill overlooking the serene Beaujolais vineyards and sprawling countryside. It has since been converted into a five-star castle hotel, boasting historic murals, tapestries, and four-poster beds with canopies adorning guest rooms, allowing you to feel like a true royal.
Royal House of Norway
Located in Norway’s capital is the Royal House of Norway, where the monarchy still resides. It’s open to the public during the summer when the royal family enjoys their annual holiday get-away. You can go on a guided tour through its stunning Nordic-designed staterooms from the King Haakon VII suite to the famous family dining room.
Glenapp Castle
Glenapp Castle is situated near Scotland’s southwest coast, drawing travelers into a world of tranquility and five-star elegance. Gorgeous gardens and woodlands surround the castle’s centuries-old sandstone battlements and towers while visitors get to enjoy a roaring fire inside the lounge. Travelers can stay in the gorgeous palace in some of the country’s finest rooms, providing a genuinely luxurious experience without being ‘stuffy.’
No trip to Europe is complete without visiting one of its many gorgeous and legendary castles. Each one is more than just a fairy tale get-away from modern living; they trace political and cultural history over the years. Book a trip to one of the castles mentioned for a journey of a lifetime, allowing you to see, explore and feel what it’s like to be ‘true’ royalty without spending a fortune.