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20 Famous Castles Everyone Should Visit at Least Once

Casey Hatfield-Chiotti is a journalist and photographer with more than a decade of experience producing travel, food, and lifestyle articles for publications including The New York Times , Travel + Leisure , Robb Report , Afar , Sunset , and Bon Appétit .

Elizabeth Rhodes is a special projects editor at Travel + Leisure , covering everything from luxury hotels to theme parks to must-pack travel products. Originally from South Carolina, Elizabeth moved to New York City from London, where she started her career as a travel blogger and writer.

Millions of tourists flock to famous castles around the world every year to take a peek into the lives of royalty. Whether you're visiting the picturesque Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany or Bangkok's gold-spired Grand Palace , there's something about wandering through manicured gardens, temples, and ornate rooms that makes visitors return year after year. We've rounded up 20 famous castles around the world that are worth visiting at least once — some are museums now, while others still house royalty on occasion.

The Forbidden City, Beijing, China

Each day, tens of thousands of visitors pour through the Forbidden City to see the 180-acre walled compound that once shielded the Imperial Palace from public view — while housing Chinese emperors and their extensive entourages. Bright red buildings topped with golden pagodas exemplify traditional Chinese architecture, while the Palace Museum showcases art, furniture, and more.

The Louvre Museum, Paris, France

The largest and most famous museum in the world — displaying masterpieces like La Gioconda (the Mona Lisa ) and the Winged Victory of Samothrace — got its start as a palace. The U-shaped Louvre housed generations of French kings and emperors beginning in the 12th century, and the remnants of the original fortress that occupied the site (built for King Philippe II in 1190) can be seen in the basement of the museum. The building was extended and renovated many times. Head to the decorative arts wing for a glimpse of Napoleon III and Empress Eugénie’s opulent state apartments, built between 1854 and 1861.

Grand Palace, Bangkok, Thailand

Royal offices are still used within the Grand Palace , and state visits and royal ceremonies are held there each year. This was also the official residence of Thai kings from 1782 to 1925, with numerous buildings, halls, and pavilions set around open lawns and manicured gardens. The palace’s Temple of the Emerald Buddha is considered one of the most sacred sites in Thailand. Its Buddha was carved from a single block of stone, and his garments, made of pure gold, are changed in a royal ceremony three times a year to reflect the Thai seasons.

Topkapi Palace, Istanbul, Turkey

Topkapi Palace was a royal residence for about 400 years until the collapse of the Ottoman Empire in the 1920s. Look for the Privy Chamber with its gilded fireplace and walls decorated with blue, white, and coral Iznik tiles from the 16th century. The complex also includes courtyards, gazebos, gardens, and the Imperial Treasury.

Palace of Versailles, Versailles, France

When Louis XIV built Versailles in the late 1600s, it became the envy of other European monarchs, and the opulent estate retains an unmistakable allure. Versailles gets many more visitors than any other château in France (apart from the Louvre); it helps that it’s easily accessible from Paris. No other palace in the world can match the grandeur of Versailles’s Hall of Mirrors, dripping with chandeliers, and Marie Antoinette’s bedroom, decorated with hand-stitched flowers. The vast grounds are free most days and an attraction in themselves, with 50 water fountains, a parterre (formal garden), a grand canal, and other sites like the Grand Trianon, built for Louis XIV as a refuge from court life, and Marie Antoinette’s Petit Trianon.

The Winter Palace, St. Petersburg, Russia

Catherine the Great and Nicholas I are among the Russian royals who occupied this green-and-white baroque palace along the Neva River from 1762 to 1917. Today, the palace is a museum with one of the finest collections in Europe, including works by Titian, Raphael, and Leonardo da Vinci. Much of the palace was destroyed by fire in 1837, but the beautifully-restored interiors speak to the opulent tastes of the Russian elite. St. George Hall (a large throne room) features two tiers of windows, double Corinthian pink marble columns, patterned parquet floors, and gilt bronze details.

Tower of London, London, England

This medieval fortress on the north bank of the River Thames was built to intimidate Londoners and keep out foreign invaders. The oldest part of the structure, the White Tower, dates back to the 12th century. While it originally served as a royal residence, the tower has become notorious for its use as a prison and the site of executions that included Henry VI and Lady Jane Grey. Millions flock to the tower today to see historical reenactments as well as the British Crown Jewels, among them, the Sovereign’s Sceptre containing the Great Star of Africa, the largest colorless cut diamond in the world.

Schönbrunn Palace, Vienna, Austria

Austria’s most-visited site is this Rococo palace , a summer retreat for Hapsburg emperors from the 1700s until 1918. Of the 1,441 rooms, the most famous is the Mirror Room, with white and gold Rococo decoration and crystal mirrors, where Mozart is said to have performed his first concert at age six. The Grand Tour provides access to all 40 rooms open to the public, including the Gobelin Salon with tapestries from Brussels and the Millions Room, an office paneled in rare rosewood.

Shuri Castle, Naha, Japan

Shuri Castle was the seat of the kings of Ryukyu for more than 400 years. The castle was completely destroyed during the Battle of Okinawa in 1945, and reconstruction work was only completed in the early 1990s. The historic castle was partially destroyed again in 2019 because of a fire, but reconstruction efforts are underway, so it is currently closed to visitors.

Alhambra, Granada, Spain

Rory Fuller/Travel + Leisure

Refined and expanded over centuries, this hilltop palace and fortress complex combines fortifications, gardens, churches, and several palaces, notably the Alhambra, and the Generalife, the country estate of the kings of Grenada and Andalusia. Both are remarkable examples of Islamic architecture from Spain’s medieval period. Expect intricate arabesques, honeycomb vaunted ceilings, and courtyards with pools and fountains. Generalife’s Moorish gardens feature large boxwood trees, rosebushes, willows, and cypresses. Numbers swell in the spring and summer; to beat the crowds, consider a January visit.

Prague Castle, Prague, Czech Republic

The Czech president lives in Prague Castle these days, yet most areas are open to tourists, who stroll through the palace, buildings, and museums like the Prague Castle Picture Gallery. The castle, with history dating back to the 800s, still guards the Bohemian Crown Jewels, notably, the St. Wenceslas Crown, made of pure gold and decorated with pearls and precious stones. At 753,474 square feet, Prague Castle counts as the largest ancient castle in the world.

Kumamoto Castle, Kumamoto, Japan

A 17th-century feudal lord outfitted this castle with 44-foot-high outward curving stone walls intended to repel invaders. Many of the castle buildings were destroyed by fire during the Seinan War of 1877. The Main Tower was rebuilt in 1960 using original materials and methods. It now features a museum with displays on the castle’s history and construction as well as a collection of weapons, armor, and furniture. Time your visit to spring to catch the surrounding cherry trees in pinkest bloom.

Neuschwanstein Castle, Bavaria, Germany

This looks like the ultimate fairy-tale castle, though its backstory is anything but. Reclusive King Ludwig II was declared insane and deposed before the castle was completed; he died shortly thereafter of mysterious causes. Neuschwanstein Castle stands as a testament to his vision, with a two-story throne room inspired by Byzantine churches and a bedroom decorated with murals depicting the legend of Tristan and Isolde and furnished with an ornately-carved oak bed covered in blue silk.

Osaka Castle, Osaka, Japan

Skyscrapers encroach on this 16th-century castle, but thanks to 15 acres of parkland, it remains an oasis complete with cherry trees and waterways. Toyotomi Hideyoshi, a politician and lord regarded as one of Japan’s great unifiers, built Osaka Castle , which was a seat of power until the mid 1800s. Ravaged by war and fire, the castle has been reconstructed many times, most recently in the 1990s. The five-story-tall donjon, built on a stone foundation to protect it from attackers, now displays art and armor from the 16th century.

Edinburgh Castle, Edinburgh, Scotland

This historic stronghold sheltered Scottish monarchs like Queen Margaret and Mary, Queen of Scots during times of unrest. The castle became a military base in the 1600s, serving as a jail for prisoners of war. The imposing fortress on Castle Rock dominates the Edinburgh skyline. Like the Tower of London, Edinburgh Castle’s history is tumultuous and bloody — hundreds of supposed witches were burnt at the stake where the esplanade is today. Visitors who enter will see the Great Hall, with its medieval wooden roof, the alleged biblical relic, the Stone of Destiny, and the Scottish Crown Jewels.

Nagoya Castle, Nagoya, Japan

Golden dolphins, believed to be able to summon water, spring from the roof of Nagoya Castle, built in 1612 on the orders of general Ieyasu Tokugawa to ward off attacks from Osaka. It flourished until the late 1800s, even serving as a temporary residence for the Emperor of Japan. During World War II, many of the buildings were burned down in air raids; the iconic main tower was reconstructed in 1959, but it's currently closed due to structural issues. Hommaru Palace’s entrance hall, adorned with black lacquer and ornate metal fixtures, and main hall, with tiger screen paintings, reopened to the public in 2013; restoration work continues across the estate.

Catherine Palace, Tsarskoye Selo, Russia

A summer residence for Russian tsars, this palace southeast of St. Petersburg is named for the wife of Peter the Great, Catherine I, who ruled Russia for two years after his death. But credit for its lavish Rococo style goes to daughter Empress Elizabeth, who ordered her imperial architect to renovate it on a scale to rival Versailles. The palace stretches more than half a mile in circumference and is elaborately decorated with a blue and white façade with gilded reliefs. It’s most famous for the Amber Room, a chamber made completely of amber panels backed with gold leaf and mirrors.

Windsor Castle, Windsor, England

Thirty-nine British kings and queens have stayed in Windsor Castle , the longest-occupied palace in Europe. In the 1600s, Charles II set out to rival the achievements of his cousin, Louis XIV, at Versailles by modernizing the 11th-century castle’s interiors with painted ceilings and ornate wood carvings. The colossal Waterloo Chamber celebrates the defeat of Napoleon Bonaparte in 1815, while the State Apartments are furnished with some of the finest art from the Royal Collection, including paintings by Rembrandt, Rubens, and Canaletto.

Nijo Castle, Kyoto, Japan

Most castles in Japan were built from the late 1500s to early 1600s, when there were many warring city-states — and Nijo Castle is no exception. Ieyasu Tokugawa ordered the construction of this flatland castle in 1603, consisting of two rings of fortifications, with two palaces eventually added. Ninomaru Palace’s five buildings encompass 33 rooms, including a waiting room with intricate wall paintings of tigers and leopards, and a hall where the 15th Shogun (military governor) announced the restoration of imperial rule in 1867.

Doge’s Palace, Venice, Italy

When Venice was a powerful city-state, its highest official was the doge, and he lived in this pink-and-white marble palace , a masterpiece of Gothic architecture right by St. Mark’s Basilica. The structure standing today has been remodeled and expanded over the years (the oldest section dates back to 1340). The doge’s apartments are as ornate as any sovereign’s, with marble fireplaces, painted friezes, and ornate stucco work. This palace was also the seat of government, featuring council chambers and two prisons connected by the famed Bridge of Sighs.

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Germany has the most castles in the world—around 25,000! Here are a few of our European tours that visit German castles:

• Germany, Switzerland and Austria tour
• Central Europe for Solo Travelers
• New Year's Eve in Lucerne: Germany, Switzerland & Austria
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There are so many, the exact number remains unknown. While it’s not exactly easy to visit them all, we’ve chosen some of the best castles to visit, including Pena Palace in Portugal , the Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany , La Alhambra in Spain , and more. You can take many European castle tours on  Highlights of Scotland & England: Edinburgh to London , as well.

While many of our vacation packages visit castles, here are the tours that visit the most:

• Highlights of England, Scotland & Ireland
• Historic Germany: Berlin to Bavaria
• Germany, Switzerland & Austria
• Ireland: Traditions of the Emerald Isle

The oldest castle in the world is the Citadel of Aleppo in Syria—construction began in the 3rd millennium B.C. The second-oldest is the Reichsburg Cochem (1100) in Germany, the third-oldest is the Warwick Castle (1068) in England , and the fourth-oldest is Windsor Castle (1070), which you can visit on an excursion on our  London & Paris tour . On our tours, you can also visit Pena palace in Portugal , the Neuschwanstein castle in Germany , La Alhambra in Spain , and other castles.

They do! If you’re into the spookier sites, here are  8 scary cities and creepy castles you may want to check out. And if you’re interested in an entire trip dedicated to all-things haunted, you’ll want to check out  Haunted Halloween Tour: Dublin, Edinburgh & London .

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Medieval castles, grand châteaux & fairytale palaces

Discover the secrets of the world's castles with your Local Specialists. Hear thrilling tales of bravery and betrayal, learn the histories of feuding lords and ladies, and dine like Kings and Queens in stately castle rooms.

See the best castles in Europe

Our castle tours will show you some of Europe's best, including the enchanting Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany and Bran Castle in Romania, once thought to be the home of Count Dracula. Enjoy a private tour of the famous Windsor Castle in England, or visit Doune Castle in Scotland , featured in films and shows like Monty Python and Game of Thrones.

Stay with Stories in real-life castles

With our castle travel experiences, you’ll get to spend the night in some of the grand castles and châteaux of Europe. Stay at the award-winning Lodge at Ashford Castle in Ireland, where you’ll enjoy a royal dining experience. Indulge in a delicious Welsh dinner in Ruthin Castle , before retiring to your regal sleeping quarters. Or step back in time with a stay in the elegant 16th and 17th-century Château de Beauvois in France.

Discover the history of Europe’s castles

We’ll reveal the secrets and stories behind Europe’s castles. Discover the eclectic refurbishments of Cardiff Castle in Wales, and visit Glamis Castle , once the home of the Queen Mother. Explore Stirling Castle in Scotland, home to Mary, Queen of Scots and several Scottish Kings over the centuries. You can even cruise past Wray Castle on England’s largest lake, which inspired the likes of Beatrix Potter and William Wordsworth.

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How many medieval castles are there in europe.

There are thousands of medieval castles in Europe, although the exact number is not known. Some of the most famous medieval castles in Europe include Windsor Castle in England, Edinburgh Castle in Scotland, Mont Saint Michel Castle in France, Bran Castle in Romania, the Castle of Coca in Spain, and the Ksiaz Castle in Poland.

Which country has most castles?

Germany has the most castles, with at least 20,000 castles, including the beautiful Neuschwanstein Castle and Heidelberg Palace. Most castles in Germany are over 100 years old. Wales has more castles per square mile than any other country. Known as the Castle Capital of the World, the country has over 600 castles, including Conwy Castle, Cardiff Castle and Raglan Castle.

What is the oldest castle in Europe?

Reichsburg Cochem is the oldest castle in Europe and one of the oldest castles in the world. It’s located in Cochem, Germany, and is believed to have been built around the year 1000 by the Palatinate count Ezzo. The first recorded documentation of the castle dates back to 1051 when Ezzo’s oldest daughter, Richeza, gave the castle to her nephew.

Which country has the best castles?

You’ll find the world’s best castles scattered all over the world. Our castle tours take you to Germany’s Gothic palaces, Romania’s medieval castles, France’s majestic châteaux, Japan’s feudal castles, Spain and Portugal’s romantic palaces, and the ancient fortresses of the United Kingdom. We also love Croatia’s medieval castles and the Czech Republic’s fairytale castles.

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Exploring Castles

Castle Vacations: Unforgettable Vacation Trips To Castles in Europe

Experiencing Europe’s Most Magnificent Castles Whilst on Vacation

It’s perfectly possible to stay in a Medieval castle hotel in Europe .

Or – if that’s potentially a bit chilly for you – there’re many tours and trips to help you discover the most magnificent castles within the continent.

Or – if you’ve got a car and the enthusiasm to explore – you could devise your own itinerary around Britain, Germany, Spain or Austria, and discover some magnificent castles en route . 

1. Castle Hotels: A Selection of Europe’s Finest

If you’d like to stay in a castle, there are plenty of hotels in Europe which’ll allow you to do just that.

There’s one thing I should bring up though before we begin, though. Although there are some exceptions to every rule, few hotels are in Medieval castles. This would be pretty impractical – and freezing cold.

Most castle hotels tend to be within ‘follies’ – c18th, c19th or c20th neo-gothic mansions, that were built to evoke the beauty of Medieval castles. These buildings have beauty and history in their own right – just bear in mind they won’t date to the Middle Ages.

Here are my picks of some of the most interesting castle hotels in Europe.

Stay in a Medieval Castle in England

Luxury-class Amberley Castle Hotel, in England, is unique – it’s a high end lodging in an authentic, bona-fide Medieval castle.

The castle has a truly fascinating history. The castle is more than 900 hundred years old and bloomed into significance in the early Modern period – it was visited by Henry VIII, no less, and was then leased to Elizabeth I between 1588 – 1603.

The little fortress is in the South Downs (driveable from London) and is a stone’s throw from an achingly quaint English village of the same name. As a cute touch, they even raise the drawbridge at night!

A Selection of Castle Hotels in Ireland

Ireland has a burgeoning market in luxury castle hotels, studded across the hills and dales of the Emerald Isle.

There’s, of course, a fair selection of hotels around Dublin – including Clontarf Castle, a modernised, neo-gothic mansion that’s enduringly popular with visitors.

If you’re more interested in a rural weekend in a country pile, world-famous Ashford Castle is housed in 350 acres of countryside, good for all manner of hunting and fishing.

Read more about my recommended Castle hotels in Dublin and Ireland. . .

2. Organised Castle Tours and Guided Daytrips

If you’re coming to Europe from an international flight, you’re almost certainly going to spend a few days in a capital city: London, Madrid, Paris, or perhaps to some of the hubs in Germany – such as Frankfurt or Munich.

These big cities are always great starting points for a guided tour to some of the greatest castles in the region.

Castle Tours from London, UK

There are loads of excellent castles to visit in London and its environs – and as a Londoner, I promise you an incredible time here 😉

Evidently, the Tower of London is unmissable – a brilliantly preserved piece of heritage in the heart of our city.

The other essential visit is within Greater London, to Henry VIII’s Hampton Court Palace. I know it’s not technically a castle but I can’t imagine you’d pass up an opportunity to visit.

Both these sites are within the central zones of the London transport system and are accessible from any hotel.

Slightly further from London – about 1hr each way in travel-time – you’ll discover Windsor Castle (the Queen’s official residence).

The other two castles I’d personally recommend in daytrip-distance would be storybook Bodiam Castle (you’ll need your own car) and Dover Castle, so-called ‘defender of England’ which is perfectly possible to reach by train.

I recommend Viator as a tour guide, as they run some excellent heritage trips from London to these points of interest.

Castle Tours within Germany

Munich is undoubtedly the European destination for anyone who’s keen to get out there and visit some of the world’s most famous castles.

It’s the access-point for visiting the castles of ‘Mad King Ludwig’ – including the spectacular Neuschwanstein and his smaller palaces of Linderhof and Hohenschwangu.

There are a number of other castles in Bavaria which, although somewhat less accessible, have a more authentic flavour than King Ludwig’s rather grand and chintzy creations.

If you’re heading to Western Germany on vacation, I’d personally recommend Heidelberg Castle to be an excellent daytrip from either Frankfurt or Stuttgart.

To get the most pleasure from a visit though, I would recommend an overnight stay.

It is technically possible to visit Neuschwanstein Castle (one of the world’s most famous sites) from either Frankfurt or Stuttgart, but Munich would be a much better stopping-off point.

Visiting Castles from Madrid, Spain

I adore Madrid – it’s seethingly busy at any hour of the day, and its compact size makes it easy to explore on foot.

The closest – and most famous Spanish castle is undoubtedly the Alcazar of Segovia – the inspiration behind the Disneyworld Cinderella Castle, it’s said.

Segovia is eminently possible as a daytrip from Madrid, but has a number of interesting heritage sites (including the Roman aqueduct) so you could certainly spend a night there.

Many tourists from the USA fall head-over-heels for Medieval Toledo – it’s not a castle, as such, but this is a gorgeous little town that’s a common day-trip from Madrid, and fulfils many fantasies of Don Quixote.

3. Self-Drive Itineraries to Take In Amazing Castles

If you’re planning on coming to Europe and exploring some of our beautiful castles under your own steam, I promise you that you’ll have a phenomenal trip.

My personal advice would be to fly into a European capital and enjoy the sights and sounds for a few days. You could take a couple of castle day-trips or private tours, as detailed above.

From there, I’d counsel that you should hire a car and embark on a road-trip.

Castles tend to be secreted away from main cities, and so the freedom of a car will free you from the restrictions of public transport.

This website is absolutely full of my favourite castles in Europe, so it’ll hopefully help you glean some inspiration to compile an itinerary.

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9 Incredible Castle Hotels Around the World

By Adrienne Jordan

It’s hard to find a childhood where fairytales weren’t commonplace, and staying at castle hotels can evoke a sense of living those stories in real life . Castles are a dream for romantics and history buffs alike; many around the world are still standing (and since refurbished) from hundreds of years ago. Some of these time-honored options have benefited from joining forces with modern hotels, or were created by modern architects in the storybook style. But all nine of the castle hotels listed here, whether historic or modern, are sure to fulfill all your dreams of living like royalty—whether you're visiting Sweden, Ireland, or New York.

Frederiksborg Castle, Denmark

All listings featured in this story are independently selected by our editors. However, when you book something through our retail links, we may earn an affiliate commission.

Kilkea Castle, Ireland

A medieval fortress that fits the images of childhood storybook tales, the Kilkea Castle sits on a 186-acre estate only 45 minutes from Dublin . This luxury property features a world class 18-hole golf course, a robust wellness center, and a traditional Irish pub. Outdoor enthusiasts can also sign up for tennis, fishing, archery, falconry, and equestrian activities. Or get your blood pumping while seeing the best of Ireland 's nature, with 4x4 off roading through the nearby Wicklow mountains.

Highlands Castle, New York

Perched on a mountain with panoramic views of Lake George, in the Adirondacks, the stunning castle is located only three minutes from downtown Bolton Landing. Guests have access to modern conveniences like gourmet restaurants and shopping along with adventurous activities like kayaking, canoeing, water tubing, and rafting during the warm weather months. The owners, John and Yvonne Lavender, used local granite when building the property in order to create the exterior's intricate stonework—a decades-long process. Guests have five room choices: the Royal Bedroom, King’s Suite, Castle Cottage, Castle Gatehouse, or you can go all out and rent the entire castle.

The Keila-Joa Manor, Estonia

Just a 20 minute drive from the capital of Tallinn, the boutique hotel Schloss Fall (located within the Keila-Joa Manor) sits on the shores of Estonia’s Keila River. Built in 1833, guests can now stroll the manicured grounds of the Neo-Gothic castle as it was previously closed to visitors. Reopened in 2016, the once bare-bones property now boasts amenities like an on-site winery and an elevated restaurant. History buffs can explore the in-house museum, while culture lovers can see performances at the concert hall. Need more space? The adjacent historical manor houses two suites and 14 deluxe rooms.

Romantik Hotel at the Wartburg, Germany

A UNESCO heritage site since 1999, this castle is planted in the scenic destination of Thuringia . Try the Finnish sauna or catch up on a book in the spacious sun room. The imposing and statuesque castle was built around the year 1067 by Louis the Knight. Some of the things to see are the castle museum and the sweeping views of the town of Wartburg from its towers. The history of the place is also fascinating: the reformer Martin Luther translated the New Testament of the Bible into German in eleven weeks at Wartburg Castle in 1521.

Hannah Towey

CNT Editors

Jessica Puckett

Steph Koyfman

Castle in Clarens, South Africa

Rapunzel's Tower might just be in South Africa. Sleeping up to four people in two bedrooms, you'll be treated like royalty with hyper-personalized service. Inside the castle, is gothic-style cupboards and artwork sourced from around the world, which includes tapestries from Dubai and a life sized mural of Rapunzel and prince that covers an entire wall in one of the bedrooms. You can explore the vegetable garden, small pathways, and wake up to views of the Maluti Mountains. Adventure activities in the area include horseback riding, hiking, fly-fishing, and rappelling.

The Kentucky Castle, Kentucky

If you’re looking for an American castle where you can partake in fun activities like goat yoga classes, horseback riding, and garden to table picnics, The Kentucky Castle is just a 20-minute drive from the city of Lexington. The 110-acre estate features something for every type of traveler, but perhaps the most alluring is the on-site restaurant that utilizes vegetables, fruits, and herbs from its no-till farm and greenhouse.

Chateau Herálec, Czech Republic

Whether you decide to arrive in style by helicopter or by the D1 Motorway from Prague or Vienna , the Chateau Heralec in the Czech Republic is worth the stop, with castle walls dating back to the 13 th century. Don't miss the spa by L’Occitane that includes four different types of saunas, a hot tub, and fitness center. For extra romance choose a room on ground level for original vaulted arches and classic Czech paintings.

The Pousada Castelo Estremoz, Portugal

Located in the Alentejo region of Portuga l, in the walled city of Estremoz, Pousada Castelo Estremoz is a palace with gorgeous canopied beds, manicured gardens, and an outdoor pool. The remote castle was built by King Dom Dinis for Sainted Queen Santa Isabel in the 13th century and now offers five categories of rooms and suites. Take in sweeping views of Estremoz from the hight marble Torre de Menagem or meditate on the castle terrace.

Häringe Castle, Sweden

Featuring Sweden's first outdoor Olympic-size swimming pool , a bowling alley from the 1930s, and sweeping river views, the Häringe Castle is an imposing presence in Södermanland, Sweden. One of the standout experiences available at the 17 th century property is the “castle murder" package, where you get to attempt to solve a crime during a dinner experience. Guests can also take part in cooking classes with the castle chef, horseback riding excursions, tennis, and relax in the property sauna. When time to rest, you can reach your rooms through underground tunnels that connect with the main building.

Six Castles You Can Visit in the United States

You don’t have to travel to Europe to see turrets, gate houses and other architectural features reminiscent of the Middle Ages

Jennifer Nalewicki

Travel Correspondent

You don’t have to be royalty to visit a castle. Here in the United States numerous castles are open for exploration, and while they may not date back to Medieval times, their elaborate architectural characteristics—turrets, moats, gate houses, drawbridges and other features commonly associated with castles found in England and elsewhere in Europe—are equally impressive. One even has a fire-breathing dragon!

Hearst Castle, San Simeon, California

From 1919 to 1947, William Randolph Hearst and architect Julia Morgan built a castle fit for a king—or in this case, a publishing magnate. Located on 250,000 acres of land equidistant from San Francisco and Los Angeles, the idea for Hearst Castle began as a “modest dwelling” but eventually grew to a multi-million-dollar project that included multiple buildings, including Casa Grande, a palatial home featuring 38 bedrooms, 42, bathrooms and 14 sitting rooms. But perhaps the most iconic parts of the property are the two swimming pools . The first, Neptune Pool, stretches 104 feet in length and holds 345,000 gallons of water while the indoor Roman Pool features intricate mosaics inspired by ancient Roman baths. The castle now hosts a variety of themed tours, including evening tours where visitors an experience the property during twilight.

Biltmore Estate, Asheville, North Carolina

It’s easy to see why this is considered one of the most iconic estates in the United States. With a square footage measuring more than 178,000 square feet, the Biltmore Estate is considered the largest privately owned home in the United States. Construction of the sprawling chateau was completed in 1895 for then-owner George Washington Vanderbilt II, a successful art collector and an heir to the prominent Vanderbilt family. Designed by architect Richard Morris Hunt, the finished estate contains 250 rooms, 43 bathrooms and 65 fireplaces, as well as prominently appointed turrets and pitched roofs, two features common in French Renaissance architecture, which Hunt looked to for inspiration. Landscape architect Frederick Law Olmstead designed the property’s collection of gardens (you may recognize his name as the designer of New York City’s Central Park and Prospect Park). More than a century later, the estate is still abuzz with activity and hosts a calendar of events that includes self-guided and audio tours, carriage rides around the property, exhibitions (currently on view is “Downton Abbey: The Exhibition”), wine tastings at the onsite winery and more.

Iolani Palace, Honolulu, Hawaii

Long before Hawaii became the 50th state, it was ruled by King Kalakaua and later his sister, Queen Lili'uokalani , and Iolani Palace served as the monarchy’s home base. Completed in 1879, the 37,100-square-foot palace is noteworthy for its unique style of architecture, known as American Florentine , and considered the only example of its kind in the world, combining the square symmetric style of Italian Renaissance architecture popular in Italy with Hawaiian touches, including the incorporation of local koa wood in the construction. After the overthrow of the monarchy in 1893, the sprawling property served as a government building for some 80 years. Then, beginning in the 1970s, Iolani Palace was restored to its royal glory, with looted furnishings from Queen Lili'uokalani's era returning to their rightful place in recent years. Now a National Historic Landmark and a museum, the palace offers both guided and self-led audio tours, including visits to the Imprisonment Room, where Queen Lili'uokalani served an eight-month imprisonment for allegedly having “knowledge of a counterrevolutionary attempt” during her reign, and the Throne Room, a gold-and-crimson-adorned room that showcases the monarchy’s two thrones.

Bishop Castle, Rye, Colorado

When Jim Bishop began building a summer cottage in 1969, on a two-and-a-half acre plot of forested land he purchased ten years earlier at the age of 15, little did he know he would wind up building a castle. With the help of his father, Willard, the pair gathered nearby rocks and, without using a single blueprint, set out to create a stone cottage of epic proportions. By 1995, the massive structure towered 165 feet in height, nearly as tall as a 16-story building. Today, the stone castle draws crowds from around the world to marvel at the creation. Bishop’s creativity can be seen throughout the property. How many castles have a fire-breathing dragon hovering 80 feet in the air constructed of repurposed stainless-steel warming plates, after all? Despite a number of setbacks, including a cancer diagnosis several years back, Bishop, now in his 70s, continues to greet visitors to Bishop Castle looking to explore its stained-glass ballroom and scale the castle’s spiraling staircase to reach the top of a turret that offers sweeping views in every direction far above the tree line.

Smithsonian Castle, Washington, D.C.

A number of iconic buildings border the National Mall, but one sticks out from the rest. Completed in 1855, the Smithsonian Institution Building (often called the Castle) serves as home base for the Smithsonian Institution and houses its information center. The Castle—constructed in the Norman style of architecture popular in the 12th century using red sandstone quarried from Seneca Creek, Maryland— is the work of architect James Renwick, Jr., who also designed St. Patrick’s Cathedral in New York City and Renwick Gallery in Washington, D.C. Renwick's original cardboard model of the Castle is on display inside the building. Visitors can also pay their respects to James Smithson , the British scientist who bequeathed his estate to the United States for the establishment of an institution dedicated to "the increase and diffusion of knowledge," at his crypt near the Castle's north entrance.

Bannerman Castle, Beacon, New York

As a successful munitions dealer, businessman Francis Bannerman VI needed adequate space to store the bounty of equipment used during the Spanish-American War of 1898 that he had purchased at military auctions. During a canoeing trip in 1900, he happened upon just the spot to store his vast collection: Pollepol Island. Located roughly 60 miles north of New York City on the Hudson River, the island’s seclusion and distance from the city made it an appealing location for a storage facility to house cannons, boxes of gun powder, uniforms, scrap metal and other military paraphernalia. However, while much of the building did reach completion, construction of Bannerman Castle was abandoned upon Bannerman’s death in 1918. An explosion in 1920 destroyed the island’s powder house, leaving behind structural damage to the castle that can still be seen today. Over time, much of the remaining structure has crumbled due to the passage of time and weather, but the castle’s side wall still proudly proclaims “Bannerman’s Island Arsenal.” Kayak and guided walking tours of the island remain popular activities for city dwellers looking for an urban escape.

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Jennifer Nalewicki is a Brooklyn-based journalist. Her articles have been published in The New York Times , Scientific American , Popular Mechanics , United Hemispheres and more. You can find more of her work at her website .

Neuschwanstein Castle Travel Guide

Perched over one of the world's prettiest gorges, Neuschwanstein Castle is everyone's fantasy dream. It's the image you've seen everywhere that makes you want to start planning your trip to Germany. Why not rent that Porsche and hit the romantic road ? We'll give you what you need to know.

Neuschwanstein Castle, one of the most popular destinations in Europe, is located in the German State of Bavaria close to Germany's border with Austria , not far from the popular ski resort of Garmisch-Partenkirchen. The closest airport is Munich, 128km to the northeast.

Tickets and Guided Tours

Entrance tickets to the castle must be purchased at the ticket center in Hohenschwangau before you start the climb to the castle. Cost is 9 Euros for an adult. The mandatory tour takes a little over half an hour. There are 165 stairs to climb on the tour, and 181 to descend. A recent traveler reports that there is now a cafe inside. Tours for the disabled in wheelchair and walkers are held on Wednesdays. 

Best Views 

You can get good pictures of the castle and waterfall from Marienbruecke (Mary's Bridge). Between the bridge and the castle is a view of Hohenschwangau castle. Photography is not allowed inside the castle.

Getting There

• By rail: Take the train to the town of Füssen, then bus 9713 to Hohenschwangau. 
• By car: Take the A7 to Füssen, then on to Hohenschwangau where you'll find parking. From Hohenschwangau, you can walk to the castle in 30 minutes. You can get​ a 5-minute ride by horse-drawn carriage for 5 euros uphill and 2.50 euros on the return downhill. A bus is also available from Schlosshotel Lisl, Neuschwansteinstraße in Hohenschwangau.

Where to Stay

We recommend staying spending the night in Hohenschwangau.​ The Hotel Mueller has views of both castles and a good restaurant. You can also stay nearby in Fussen, as many do.

Description and History

Neuschwanstein Castle was built by King Ludwig II, sometimes known as Mad King Ludwig although less and less these days. His aim was to replicate medieval architecture, especially the Romanesque, and to pay homage to the operas of Wagner. You may think you've already seen it--it's Disney's Sleeping Beauty Castle, but real.

The foundation stone was set on September 5th, 1869. When Ludwig II died in 1886, the castle was still not complete.

The building site near Pöllat Gorge is probably one of the most beautiful in the world.

Interesting Facts

• The Castle is under tremendous tourism pressure; in summer over 6000 people wind through the castle per day - 1.3 million per year.
• Since 1990, the state has spent 11.2 million euros on renovation and maintenance of the castle and improvement of the visitor service.
• Neuschwanstein Castle was opened to the public 7 weeks after the death of King Ludwig II.
• Although the Castle was designed to look medieval, it had quite modern refinements: hot air, running water, automatic flush toilets were all part of the royal residence.
• The kitchen at Neuschwanstein has been preserved in its entirety, featuring automatic spits and cupboards that could be heated with hot air from the large kitchen stove.
• From Neuschwanstein Castle , there are great views of alpine lakes, especially the ​Alpsee. Hiking trails abound near the ​Alpsee, and the one circling the lake is protected as a nature reserve.

Around the Area

Germany's "Romantic Road", which runs from Würzburg to Füssen can be combined with a visit to the castle.

The Best Places to Photograph Neuschwanstein Castle

The Best Cities to Visit in Bavaria: Munich and Nuremberg

Neuschwanstein: Germany's Fairytale Castle

Top 10 Things to Do in Bavaria, Germany

Germany's Best Scenic Drives

The Top Places to Visit in the South of Germany

The Best UNESCO Sites in Germany

Best Medieval Cities to Visit in Bavaria

How to Get to Rothenburg ob der Tauber

Most Romantic Locations in Germany

The Top 23 Things to Do in Munich

15 Best Castles and Palaces in Germany

Best Hikes in Germany

Best Stops on Germany's Romantic Road

Regensburg: Planning Your Trip

The Top 9 Day Trips From Munich

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• 1 Ashford Castle, Cong, County Mayo, Ireland
• 2 Çırağan Palace Kempinski, Istanbul, Turkey
• 3 Culzean Castle, Ayrshire, Scotland
• 4 Pousada Castelo de Óbidos, Óbidos, Portugal
• 5 Chateau de la Barre, Loire Valley, France
• 6 Castillo de Santa Catalina, Málaga, Spain
• 7 Peckforton Castle, Cheshire, UK
• 8 Castello di Petroia, Gubbio, Italy
• 9 Kronovalls Vinslott, Tomelilla, Sweden
• 10 Chateau Rhianfa, Anglesey, North Wales
• 11 Dornröschenschloss Sababurg, Hofgeismar, Germany

The World’s Best Castle Hotels Let You Live Like Royalty

From medieval exteriors and opulent, modern interiors to gourmet tasting menus and underground wine cellars galore, the world's best castle hotels lavish guests in luxury. Get ready to eat, sleep, and drink like royalty in these 11 castles befit for reigning kings and queens.

A Brooklyn-based writer and editor, Chelsea's work has appeared in Matador Network, The Huffington Post, the TripAdvisor blog, and more. When not planning her next trip, you'll usually find her drinking way too much iced coffee (always iced—she’s from New England) or bingeing a Netflix original series.

See recent posts by Chelsea Stuart

Ashford Castle, Cong, County Mayo, Ireland

Are you ready for the pedicure to end all pedicures? After checking into the grand 82-room Ashford Castle , the leather pedicure chairs—nay, thrones—in the estate's mosaic-walled spa await your arrival. Couple your paint job with an indulgent lime and ginger scrub, then partake in afternoon tea at the Inglenook Room (we're all about those finger sandwiches, homemade scones, and macaroons). With canopied antique beds dressed in rich Egyptian cotton linens, you may never want to leave the sheets, but don't skip the hawk walk. This castle hotel just so happens to be the oldest Falconry School in Ireland and instructors will help you handle your own trained bird of prey.

Explore More: See hotel details | See all Cong, Ireland hotels

Çırağan Palace Kempinski, Istanbul, Turkey

Turkish baths, saunas, whirlpools, yes please. Every luxe room here has a private balcony, and most overlook the Bosphorus Strait with continental Asia right on the other side. The plush beds come with six pillows, but should you want more, just consult your pillow menu. You can also take your pick when it comes to pools—indoor, outdoor, heated, whirlpool, there's one to fit just about any mood. Come Sunday, cancel any and all plans that don't include brunch. The hotel's Laledan Restaurant in the palm garden hosts a legendary feastathon with made-to-order risotto, Turkish meats and cheeses, freshly squeezed juices, and a mobile Bloody Mary bar.

Explore More: See hotel details | See all Istanbul, Turkey hotels

Culzean Castle, Ayrshire, Scotland

Just 50 miles from Glasgow and 100 from Edinburgh, the Culzean Castle is a cliffside marvel on the fertile Ayrshire Coast. President Eisenhower himself was gifted the top floor of this Scottish keep during WWII as a gesture of goodwill on behalf of the National Trust for Scotland. Today, guests can stay in his revamped apartment quarters, which have Georgian-style furnishings and views of the Isle of Arran. Other highlights? The neoclassical tower library, a grand armory, and a dramatic oval staircase that gives us *major* Titanic vibes.

RELATED: Forget the Highlands—THIS is Where to Stay in Scotland Now

Pousada Castelo de Óbidos, Óbidos, Portugal

Tucked away behind crenelated stone walls, this seaside castle hotel has all the trappings of a medieval fortress—right down to echo-y stone corridors, traditional battlements, and lofty watch towers. One glance at the secluded gardens and surrounding whitewashed village and it should come as no surprise that it was once a dowry for Portuguese queens. Today, guests can choose from cottage rooms, classic rooms, or, for the authentic castle experience-seekers, tower rooms. The nearby village is a natural extension of the castle grounds with winding cobbled streets. Slip through flower-walled corridors, in and out of book shops hidden in old churches, and don't forget to try Ginjinha—a fruity Portuguese liquor served in a chocolate cup.

Explore More: See hotel details | See all Obidos, Portugal hotels

Chateau de la Barre, Loire Valley, France

Chateau de la Barre feels more like the intimate and lavish home of your fanciest friends than a 100-acre hotel. Twice a week, the owners, the Count and Countess de Vanssay, roll out antique family silver, embroidered linens, and porcelain to host a champagne cocktail, four-course French dinner, and coffee and brandy nightcap in the Grand Salon. Upstairs, your royal room awaits (think gilded chairs and mirrors, silk, damask wallpapers and bedspreads, and covetable Hermès toiletries). JS tip: Look to the Countess for local insight. She's known to go out of her way to help guests organize their itineraries.

RELATED: 8 Gorgeous Wine Regions in France That Aren't Bordeaux

Castillo de Santa Catalina, Málaga, Spain

The neo-Moorish Castillo de Santa Catalina looks out on the bay of Málaga and rests just minutes from the Picasso Museum, La Caleta beach, and the city's historic center. Check into one of the eight luxe rooms and you'll feel like Spanish royalty; each has its own design scheme that riffs on classical Spanish and Arabian motifs with marble floors, bold columns, and sky-high arches. Just beyond the castle windows are endless views of the Med, hillside gardens, and stone terraces perfect for sipping sangria in the sun (we suggest Tinto de verano).

RELATED: Where to Stay in Barcelona Now: 12 Hotels We LOVE

Peckforton Castle, Cheshire, UK

Built in the 18th century, the 48-bedroom Peckforton Castle functioned as a single (!) family home until 1939. After brief stints as a WWII hostel, private club, and popular movie and television location ( Robin Hood , Sherlock Holmes , Doctor Who ), it was finally converted to a castle hotel in 1988. Hang up the 'Do Not Disturb' sign and hole up in your suite, complete with four-poster bed, clawfoot tub, stone fireplace, and heated floors. Should the great outdoors beckon, the surrounding 4,000 acres of forest have more than enough to keep you entertained, from air rifle shooting and "off road" Land Rover experiences, to team treasure hunts and giant games in the garden (think life-size Jenga, Dominos, and Connect 4).

Explore More: See hotel details | See all Tarporley, United Kingdom hotels

Castello di Petroia, Gubbio, Italy

The stylishly spare rooms at Castello di Petroia take a graceful backseat to views of the Umbrian countryside with their vaulted oak ceilings, enormous whirlpool bathtubs, and warm palettes that maximize natural light and wide open space. For dinner, the hotel restaurant Accomandugi Hall serves standout local dishes—try the basil pesto and burrata dumplings, honey and anise glazed duck breast, and Chianina beef. JS Tip: Pre-dinner, join hotel farmer Jassine and resident dog Stella on a black truffle hunt—you'll bring your finds back to the castle for dinner that night.

Kronovalls Vinslott, Tomelilla, Sweden

With room names like Chardonnay, Pinot Noir, and Negroamaro, the 15-room Kronovalls Vinslott  is all wine (though you won't find too many vineyards in this part of the world). Curated weekend packages at the castle include afternoon tea complemented by Italian sweets, five-course dinners revolving around seasonal delicacies, and expertly paired wine tastings. Feel free to sip away, knowing that your night will end in a plush four-poster bed, cloaked in a romantic 18th-century canopy.

RELATED: 8 Stunning Scandinavian Castles You Can Actually Sleep In 

Chateau Rhianfa, Anglesey, North Wales

The history of Chateau Rhianfa reads like a real-life fairytale. Enter Prince Charming—Sir John Hay Williams, the Baronet of Bodelwyddan, and his wife Lady Sarah. John gifted Sarah the castle in 1849 and she single-handedly took charge of decorating the grand interiors, putting a Welsh twist on popular French styles and architecture. Over 160 years later, the chateau has 22 contemporary rooms that still manage to honor the estate's original design. Brightly patterned yet delicate wallpapers adorn bedroom walls, plush tufted headboards grace king-size beds, and porcelain freestanding bathtubs with views of the Menai Strait take center stage.

Dornröschenschloss Sababurg, Hofgeismar, Germany

This name just rolls off the tongue, right? Dating back to 1334, the Sababurg (for short) has the distinct honor of having inspired the Brothers Grimm Sleeping Beauty castle. It's not as decadent as other castlesz—there are no TVs or Wi-Fi in the rooms—but that works in its favor. You can stroll the gardens and oak forest, kick back with a home cooked meal in the main dining room, and tour the neighboring property of Tier Park Sababurg—the world's oldest animal park.

• 18 Beautiful Places in Europe to Add to Your Bucket List
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21 Enchanting Scotland Castles You Can Visit

Home » Blog » Europe » United Kingdom » 21 Enchanting Scotland Castles You Can Visit

Whether you’re chasing fairytales or interested in history, you’re never too far from a castle in Scotland. In this guide, we dish out all the most enticing Scotland castles you can visit and actually tour or see up close!

It’s said that no matter where you are in Scotland, a castle is only a stone’s throw away. 

At its peak, there were over 3,000 castles in operation across all of Scotland. While some are now in ruins, albeit still incredibly picturesque, many are still running as legendary family estates. 

No two castles in Scotland are the same as each represents a different piece of Scottish history. They all have different stories, art collections, and architecture to showcase, making them small pieces of a large and complex puzzle. 

Out of the hundreds of castles and ruins dotted throughout Scotland, narrowing it down to a solid few would be a seemingly endless task. 

Lucky for you, we’ve done loads of research (like—boots on the ground research!) and rounded up the most enticing Scotland castles you can actually visit in this guide. 

Other resources for planning your perfect Scotland road trip

• How to Plan the Ultimate Scotland Road Trip
• Best Campervan Hire in Scotland: Ultimate Guide
• Scotland Camping Guide: Essential Tips + Best Campsites
• Best Places to Visit in Scotland

Be sure to download our  complete packing list for Scotland !  It’s packed with good suggestions and  insider tips  to help plan your Scotland trip. And it’s completely  FREE , so why not!?

1. Edinburgh Castle

Sitting atop a 350-million year old dormant volcano, Edinburgh Castle has stood as one of the most important and impressive landmarks in Scotland since the 12th century.

As one of the largest castles in Scotland, it would take multiple visits in order to see everything inside, but you can see a good chunk in just a few hours. Once you step into the castle grounds, you’ll travel through nearly 900-years of history.

Good To Know : We’d recommend getting an audio guide ( £3.50) so you can explore the castle at your own pace but still soak in the information.

While you’re here, you cannot miss the Crown Jewels of England, Margaret’s Chapel, and the stunning Great Hall.

If you want to experience an afternoon tea, you can make a reservation at the castle. While it’s not as fancy as some of the other spots in the city, it is one of the most affordable options and it is kid friendly. 

Plus, your tea includes an entry ticket to the castle, so you can experience 2 of the top activities in one place! 

2. Inverness Castle

In the heart of the Scottish Highlands, Inverness Castle sits on the seat of power in the north of Scotland. Due to its sought-after location, all the fortifications built on this hill previously were attacked and burned down. 

Once the last stronghold was destroyed in 1746, the red sandstone walls of Inverness Castle were built and have stood tall since. 

The entire castle will be open to the public for the first time in over 200 years after a few years of renovation. The tentative reopening date is in 2025.

Want to save time and energy on planning?

We traveled in Scotland for about 2 weeks and were able to visit most of the highlights of the country, including most of the top places to visit.

We took our 2-week travels and created the perfect Scotland road trip itinerary.  We’ll send you our complete 2-week itinerary, filled with tips and advice. Just click below to get your  2-week Scotland road trip itinerary  today!

3. Dunvegan

On the shores of Loch Dunvegan is the stunning 42,000 acre estate of the Clan Macleod. In the heart of the estate is Dunvegan Castle, one of the greatest Hebridean castles and the oldest continuously inhabited castle in Scotland.

There is a wealth of history to explore inside Dunvegan. Each of the five buildings onsite presents its own unique story and character. 

You’ll learn about the history of Clan Macleod,  browse through heirlooms and artifacts, and read about the preserved legends over centuries.

This castle is one of the best things to see while touring the Isle of Skye. The rolling green hills and vibrant loch make the location just as picturesque as the castle.

This spot is a nice (albeit kind of far) view of the castle where you can spot the woodlands, sky, mountains, and sea all in one frame.

4. Eilean Donan

Built strategically upon an island where three great lochs confluence, this castle is one of the most photographed and recognized images of Scotland from around the world.

Traditional castles in Scotland were built for the Royal Family and for members of the community to seek help, but Eilean Donan Castle was built to keep people out and to protect the people and land from being controlled by enemies. 

It was built in the 13th century due to power struggles, raids, and clan wars that were ongoing issues during that time. Eilean Donan served as a defense for the land and today stands at about ⅕ of its original size, but is still magical nonetheless.

The best view (in our opinion!) of this castle is from a road that overlooks the lake. You park here to get this view. We were the only ones there!

5. Urquhart Castle

Nestled along Loch Ness, these castle ruins (some of the largest in Scotland!) played a massive role in the Wars of Scottish Independence during the 14th century. 

While it may seem like there isn’t much to explore as far as ruins are concerned, many of Scotland’s castles are very well-preserved, which makes exploring them unique and leaves a lot of room for your imagination to run wild.

Urquhart is a prime example of this since it’s one of the most visited castles in Scotland. Explore artifacts and a full-size, working trebuchet (medieval catapult) that will take you back through 1000 years of history. 

We visited this as part of a Loch Ness boat tour . If you plan to take a tour of the lake, we’d recommend adding a stop at this castle so you get to see a bit more than just the water from the boat.

6. Holyrood Palace

The Palace of Holyrood House is the official residence for the British Monarch when they’re visiting Scotland. 

The palace holds over 800 years of Scottish royal history. Your ticket comes with a multimedia tour that will take you through the State Apartments, royal gardens, and the Queen’s Gallery. 

Once you’re finished inside the Palace, head behind the grounds to explore Holyrood Abbey, ruins of a 12th century abbey founded by King David I.

During our time in Edinburgh, Holyroodhouse was closed because Queen Elizabeth had just died. We were only able to see the palace from the outside. However, we’ve heard that the tour is great if you are interested in the Royal family, as it is still used as a Royal residence.

7. Dunrobin Castle

While many Scotland castles draw from medieval influences, this northern castle resembles more of a French chateau with its spire-topped towers and Versailles-inspired gardens.

The tour of the castle’s interior is entirely self-guided through the entrance hall, dining room, music room, bedrooms, gardens, and an impressive 10,000 book library. 

Arguably the best view of the castle is in the gardens, where you can look up at the massive, snow-white castle towering over vibrant gardens.

8. Balmoral Castle

Nestled in a sea of Caledonian Pine Forest within Cairngorms National Park, this 19th century castle serves as a summer estate for the British Royal Family.

Walk in the footsteps of the Queen while exploring the Ballroom, formal and vegetable gardens, and exhibitions around the castle grounds.

Since Her Majesty the Queen’s passing, visits to the castle are limited to only the grounds and gardens on certain days of the month. 

During this time, guided tours are unavailable and admission is free so visitors can pay respects to the Queen.   

9. Glamis Castle

With more than 600 years of rich history, this castle has been a defining feature in many key moments of Scottish history. 

You’ll be taken on Glamis castle’s grand journey through time as you walk through its halls and garden.

Not only was this the Scottish childhood home to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth The Queen Mother and HRH Princess Margaret, but the castle was once the inspiration behind Shakepeare’s most famous play, Macbeth! 

10. Caerlaverock Castle

Just before the border of Scotland and England is this abandoned, triangular-shaped medieval stronghold that is one of the most awe-inspiring of Scotland castles.

The most iconic feature about this castle is that it’s surrounded by a moat and only accessed by a singular footbridge. This feature was crucial in helping guard the gateway into the kingdom, but today, it makes for some show-stopping photos to take home.

While a lot of the structure is in ruins, a great majority still holds integrity to explore. You’ll learn about the castle’s turbulent history with border conflicts and other exhibitions during medieval sieges. 

11. Drummond Castle & Gardens

Walk among some of the finest, formal terraced gardens in Scotland at this centuries old castle. 

Many of the main components of this castle were built throughout history, so it’s a puzzle of different building periods with the earliest being the church, which was first mentioned in 1365. 

After the church was established, additions were made to the castle well into the 18th century.

The gardens are the most prominent feature of the castle that were revitalized during the 19th and 20th centuries after being abandoned during the Jacobite Risings. 

12. Stirling Castle

Just east of Edinburgh is the most historically and architecturally significant castle in Scotland. 

Stirling Castle served as both a palace for many historic Scottish royalties, including Mary Queen of Scots, as well as an important defensive position for the River Forth. 

Before the Union of Crowns in 1603, every single Scottish monarch had been crowned, resided, or passed away in this castle. 

It’s said that the castle has been compared to a massive brooch that clasped together the Highlands and the Lowlands. This castle is a prime example of Renaissance-style architecture with French, German, and English influences.

A stroll around this complex castle will tell stories of royal celebrations, wars for independence, and history dating back to 1110.

13. Castle Tioram

What was once one of the finest tidal castles in Scotland now sits in ruins along Loch Moidart. Pronounced “ Cheerum ” in Gaelic, Castle Tioram was a principal stronghold of Clann Ruaidhri. 

Because the castle is located on a tidal island, it’s best accessed on foot during low tide. The safest way to enjoy the castle is on the outside, since the interior is at risk of falling masonry. 

14. Dunnottar Castle

Once home to one of the most powerful families in Scotland, this unforgettable castle sits on top of 160-foot high cliffs surrounded by the North Sea.

While the castle is most famously known for safekeeping the Scottish crown jewels during the 17th century, it has seen many of the tragic and rich moments of Scottish history for over 1000 years. 

Its location on a picturesque outcropping makes it an ideal location for photographers and history lovers. 

15. Culzean Castle

This massive clifftop castle is a prime example of Scottish opulence. 

With its extensive grounds filled with swan ponds, sandy coastlines, fruit-filled glasshouses, formal gardens, and even an ice house, this castle makes for a jam-packed day trip.

During World War II, the Culzean had strong ties with President Eisenhower, who was granted a top-floor apartment after being recognized for his efforts in the war. 

If you want to fully immerse yourself at the castle, you can book a stay in the apartment!

16. Fyvie Castle

A shining example of Scottish Baronial architecture, this 800 year old fortress stands tall in the heart of Aberdeen.

The castle looks like it was taken straight out of a fairytale and holds endless folklore, legends, and even ghost stories. With antiquities, armor, and fine oil paintings, you’ll be transported into the stories within the castle walls.

Fyvie is an ideal destination for art lovers. Inside, you’ll find a massive portrait collection that includes Batoni, Romney, Gainsborough, Opie, and one of the largest private collections of Raeburn in the world.

17. Kilchurn Castle

Set against a backdrop of rolling Scottish hills on the shores of Lake Awe, these castle ruins are picturesque and full of wonder. 

The location alone makes it one of the most photographed castles in Scotland. On a still day, the ruins and surrounding landscapes are mirrored onto the lake.

The Clan Campbell built this castle in the mid-1400s. It served as a base for the strongest cadet branch of the clan for over 150 years until it was abandoned around 1770. 

While many Scotland castles were abandoned due to war and siege, Kilchurn was destroyed by a lightning strike that caused a fire on the grounds. 

18. Castle Fraser

Discover the history of the Frasier lairds while standing beneath the largest tower house in Scotland, built in the 15th century.

Walk through the magnificent Great Hall, admire family treasures and portraits, and discover the quirks of Castle Fraser: Laird’s Lug, hidden trapdoors, secret staircases, and the mysterious spyhole.

19. Doune Castle

Holding one of the best preserved Great Halls in Scotland, this 14th century castle attracts film and tv lovers to its grounds overlooking Ben Lomond and River Teith.  

Doune Castle has been a star on the silver screen since its cameo in Monty Python and the Holy Grail. It’s most commonly visited by both Outlander and Game of Thrones fans.

There are audio tours at the entrance of the castle that do an incredible job of telling stories and highlights of the castle. They even mention scenes from both Game of Thrones and Outlander at specific filming locations.

20. Inveraray Castle

Gothic Revival architecture is on a magnificent display at Inveraray. Conical towers topped with dramatic pointed spires are the defining features of this 14th century castle.

The castle’s exterior is dramatic and moody, while the interior is inspired by 1780s Parisian style, decorated with gold and pastels. 

Inside, you’ll find an assortment of heirlooms and artifacts like priceless fine china, swords from the Battle of Culloden, and precious artwork.

Inveraray Castle is the ancestral home of the Dukes of Argyll, the chiefs of the Clan Campbell. The family still resides here today, and has since the 15th century.

21. Cawdor Castle

Home to 23 generations of the Cawdor family, this romantic and charming estate is decorated with rich history, fine tapestries, and classic medieval details. 

You’ll cross the centuries-old drawbridge into 12 different principal rooms with rare collections of fine art, furniture, and sculptures.

Surrounding the estate is the Cawdor Big Wood, one of the most pristine woodland areas in the United Kingdom and Europe. The entire woods is woven with hiking trails to explore. 

The most interesting detail of the castle is the tower built around a legendary holly tree. 

Good to know : This castle is closed until spring of 2023.

Are you planning a trip to Scotland?

We have lots of resources on travel in Scotland and destinations throughout the country. Check out our  Scotland Travel Homepage  for everything you need to know, or read some of our favorite articles below.

• Unforgettable Things to Do in Scotland
• Best Time to Visit Scotland: When to Go & When to Avoid!
• Dreamy Scotland Glamping Stays

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Our mission is to serve the 50+ traveler who's ready to cross a few items off their bucket list.

8 Extraordinary Castles And Palaces To Tour When Visiting Italy

• Activities and Interests
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Stopping by a castle or palace on holiday in Italy is a great way to learn about the history of the region and the country, and it will often come hand in hand with some eye-popping views. Join me on a tour of some of Italy’s most spectacular castles, fortresses, and palaces, from the imposing mountaintop Rocca Calascio, the highest fortress in the Apennines, to the little-known Castello della Manta in the Piedmont region.

1. Rocca Calascio

Calascio, province of l’aquila, abruzzo.

Castles and fortresses are a common sight in Abruzzo, a stunning region that remains firmly off the tourist trail, set to the east of Rome. It is a beautiful region to hike in, not least for the extraordinary number of medieval castles and impressive fortresses immersed in the greenery of the national parks and nature reserves.

Rocca Calascio is possibly the best-known and most striking of the region’s forts. If you think it looks familiar, it may be that you recognize it from the film The Name of the Rose . Initially built as a watchtower, the 13th-century fort is perched on rocky cliffs at a height of 1460 meters, making it one of the oldest standing forts in Italy. It was developed further in the 14th century, and again in the 16th century by the Medici family, but suffered considerable damage in an earthquake in 1703. To get there, park in the village of Calascio, where you will find several bars and restaurants, and follow the winding path to the castle (around 3.5 kilometers each way).

Pro Tip: After your walk, visit the neighboring town of Santo Stefano in Sessanio, a restored medieval village, and one of the most popular stops on our Wilds of Abruzzo tour.

2. Castello Piccolomini

Celano, province of l’aquila, abruzzo.

Still in the Abruzzo, the enormous Piccolomini Castle sits in the historic center of the hilltop town of Celano, dwarfing the town below and set against the gorgeous backdrop of Monte Sirente. The location is perhaps less picturesque than Rocca Calascio but the imposing structure of the castle merits a visit in its own right. Built in the late 14th century, the vast rectangular castle is surrounded by massive walls, with large square towers at each corner, and is currently home to the Marsica Museum.

Pro Tip: Time to spare? Drive to the pretty town of Sulmona where colorful displays of sugared almonds (“confetti” in Italian) fill shop windows. Confetti production in the town began back in the 15th century.

3. Castello Malaspina

Massa, province of massa and carrara, tuscany.

Continue northwest to Tuscany where numerous castles and palaces are tucked away amid the familiar landscape of rolling hills intersected by lines of cypress trees. Many of the castles, originally built for protection, are an excellent way to delve deep into the region’s history and traditions.

Sitting on the border of Tuscany and Liguria , and one of the highlights of our tour to the area, Castello Malaspina di Fosdinovo is generally regarded as Italy’s largest and best-preserved castle. Built in 1340, the castle comes complete with crenelated round towers, and hanging gardens. Inside there are collections of art, ceramics, weapons, and — just what every good castle needs — a torture room! The castle is still owned today by the Malaspina family.

Pro Tip: Check opening times during the winter months on the Comune di Massa website.

4. Castello Monteriggioni

Monteriggioni, province of siena, tuscany.

Built by the Sienese in the early 13th century in a strategic hilltop location just 20 kilometers from Siena, Monteriggioni Castle is more of a walled medieval town than a standalone castle, although it did start as a castle. Today, the 14 towers and two gates on the fortified wall remain intact and the towers can be spotted from miles away.

If you happen to be in the area in early July, it is worth stopping by for a glimpse of the town’s spectacular medieval festival, complete with craftsmen and others in full period costume, and entertainment in the form of music, live performances, duels, and acrobats. You can get more information on the festival here .

Pro Tip: Park in the main car park at the bottom of the hill in Monteriggioni, just after leaving the main road.

5. Rocca Manfrediana

Brisighella, province of ravenna, emilia-romagna.

If you are looking for a classic medieval castle, look no further than Rocca Manfrediana near Ravenna in the Emilia-Romagna region. The village of Brisighella is surrounded by three spurs, on top of which stand the castle (La Rocca), a charming clock tower, and the Monticino Sanctuary. Built in 1310 by the Manfredi family, the castle was ruled for a few years in the early 16th century by the Republic of Venice, eventually ending up under the control of the Vatican states.

Leave time to explore Brisighella’s colorful streets and tiny squares, fringed by pastel-hued houses. Also, check out the extraordinary “Donkeys’ Alley” (Via degli Asini), originally a military outlook and latterly used, and lived in, by those transporting gypsum from the nearby caves on their donkeys.

Pro Tip: Olives have been cultivated locally since ancient times. Be sure to stock up on some of the town’s award-winning olive oil which has a distinctive spicy flavor. 

6. Reggia Di Caserta

Caserta, province of caserta, campania.

Get ready for grandeur on a whole different scale at the Caserta Royal Palace and Park. Situated to the north of Naples, the 18th-century palace was designed by the great Luigi Vanvitelli, under the instructions of the Bourbon king Charles III, to rival Versailles and the Palace in Madrid. Reputedly the largest palace in the world, the scale of the palace and garden is simply awesome. Exteriors include four courtyards, parkland, fountains, a waterfall, and gardens including the English Garden, which is recognized as one of the greatest of Europe’s gardens. 

The interiors are no less impressive, boasting an extraordinary 1200 rooms, including royal rooms, the Court Chapel, and a theater modeled on the Teatro San Carlo in Naples. 

Pro Tip: Allow plenty of time! You can easily spend a day here if you want to visit the palace and park without rushing. 

7. Castello Reale di Racconigi

Racconigi, province of cuneo, piedmont.

Visiting a selection of castles and palaces in Piedmont is another giant history lesson. Before Italy’s unification in the 19th century, when it was ruled by numerous small principalities, Piedmont was the historical home of the Savoy family who left their mark in the form of turreted castles and glitzy palaces. 

The extraordinary UNESCO World Heritage Royal Castle of Racconigi, a palace and 170-hectare park in the province of Cuneo, near Turin, was the summer residence of the Carignano line of the House of Savoy. The French influence is evident, most notably in the landscaped gardens. The gardens were designed in the 17th century by the Parisian André Le Notre who also designed the gardens of the Palace of Versailles. Other highlights include the Salone d’Ercole, the Gallery of Portraits, and the Chinese apartments.

Pro Tip: There are no independent visits — all castle tours are guided. 

8. Castello Della Manta

Manta, province of cuneo, piedmont.

The Castello della Manta near the charming town of Saluzzo in Piedmont is rather more off the radar but a superb illustration of the power and wealth of the Saluzzo della Manta family.

The extraordinary 12th-century castle was enlarged and transformed in the 15th century into a lavish family home by Valerano, the ruler of the Marquisate of Saluzzo. With a backdrop of the Cottian Alps and spectacular Monviso massif, the castle is probably best known for its magnificent cycle of late Gothic frescoes in the Baronial Hall. Leave time to also visit the cellars and huge kitchen with its vaulted ceiling and vast fireplace. 

Pro Tip: Stay in nearby Saluzzo , one of Piedmont’s most atmospheric towns, with churches, castles, and historic arcaded streets. 

For more information on traveling to Italy , check out these articles:

• 17 Adorable Towns To Visit In Italy In 2023
• My 6 Favorite Restaurants On Capri, Italy
• 6 Tips For Making Amazing Homemade Focaccia Straight From An Italian Kitchen

Jackie Parsons is the co-owner of Hedonistic Hiking . She has been a tour guide since 1992 and has led walking tours since 2000. Together with her husband Mick, she creates and guides Hedonistic Hiking’s all-inclusive gastronomic hiking tours throughout Italy and in Australia. Alongside the hikes, all tours provide an unforgettable insight into the local history, art, culture, food, and wine, and all are graded for ability.

Tour Packages

Chris Oakes, Chief Vacation Officer, Co-Owner

As a co-founder of KTTC, Chris takes great pride in his work, and that of his travel advisors. Chris believes the best part of the job, is that each client’s trip is a unique experience and planning it with fine detail as if it was his own is an important quality Chris possesses. Chris and his family’s claim to fame is spending 30 nights at Walt Disney World in 2016!

Todd Odgers, Chief Financial Officer, Co-Owner

Todd’s love for Disney goes back decades as a child, but his renewed love of all things Disney came when he and his wife would take their four children! As a co-founder of KTTC, Todd knows the importance of having a stress-free vacation planned out for you at no cost. Personalized, detailed attention is one of Todd’s greatest strengths.

Kayla Shawley, Director of Digital Content

Kayla became a travel advisor in 2017, after helping numerous friends and family members plan their Disney vacations. She participated in three Disney College Programs throughout her early 20s and has had the privilege of being a Cast Member at both the Disneyland and Walt Disney World Resorts. Those experiences combined with her regular trips to Disney Parks (including an Adventures by Disney trip in 2019) have made her an expert when it comes to planning a Disney vacation. Since becoming a travel advisor, she has made traveling a priority in her life. While Disney is her passion, she loves to help families discover new destinations that they may not have otherwise considered.

Conor Brown, Director of Agent Development

Conor has been traveling to the Walt Disney World resort since he was 3 years old. He fell in love with Disney so much that he decided to work there, participating in the Disney College Program. Conor has fostered a love of travel, not just to Disney, but to destinations around the world. Since starting his Travel Advisor journey in 2019, he has helped plan hundreds of trips and loves helping to make the magic for his clients. As the Director of Agent Development he assists his fellow Travel Advisors by giving them the training tools, strategies and ideas necessary to create truly magical vacations for their clients.

Laura Oakes, Human Resources Manager

Laura loves traveling and believes that those experiences make her family closer. Laura’s work at KTTC helps to support all things related to our travel advisors.

Amy Odgers, Office Manager

Amy enjoys traveling the world, whether that’s around the International Showcase at Epcot, or around the actual world. As a member of KTTC, Amy’s helps to keep us social as the social media manager.

Travel Advisors

Allison mcallister, travel advisor.

Allison is a wife, Mom of 3, Disney enthusiast, and vacation planner. She grew up going to Disney World almost every year and has continued that tradition with her own kids. With over 25 trips to Walt Disney World, a Disney Cruise, a stay at Disney’s Vero Beach resort, and her personal favorite, Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa in Hawaii, it’s safe to say she knows all of the ins and outs of planning your dream Disney vacation! Even after all these experiences, she still tears up every time I walk down Main Street USA. She’d love to bring that feeling to as many families as possible and spread the magic of Disney to all!

In addition to Disney vacations, Allison specializes in honeymoon planning. She recalls how overwhelmed she was with planning her wedding that her honeymoon was an added stress rather than an exciting adventure. She loves working with couples to plan the honeymoon of their dreams and allowing them to be completely involved in the planning, or totally hands off. Either way, her goal is to remove stress from their wedding planning and give them an amazing start to their new life together!

Karen Salladino, Travel Advisor

Karen is new to the travel industry, but not new to travel! Traveling with family and friends has always been something she loves to do-especially if it involves Walt Disney World in Orlando or a Carnival cruise in the Caribbean! A life-long fan of all things Disney, taking her husband and her two children to the Walt Disney World Resort for the first time in 2007 was an amazing start to a tradition the whole family loves! After many, many trips back to Disney World, Karen’s family decided to become Annual Passholders and Disney Vacation Club Members so that they could enjoy even more magical family vacations! Karen’s husband introduced her to cruising more than 20 years ago and they took their oldest son on his first cruise when he was just six months old! Cruising is the family’s other trip of choice and they often combine a stop in Disney World with a trip on a ship! Relaxing on a cruise after fun-filled days in the Disney Parks makes for a great travel experience! Karen is excited to embark on this new adventure as a travel advisor helping families make the most of their time together! Planning travel for a family can be daunting, but using her experiences as a guide, Karen will make sure that your family has a trip that creates magical memories to last a lifetime!

Jenn Mangold, Travel Advisor

Jenn is a wife, boy mom, teacher and Disney fan! She has been planning trips for friends and family for years and was very excited to join Keys to the Castle! Her first trip to Disney was when she was 5 years old and she was hooked! She went to Disney every year (sometimes twice) with her 5 brothers and sister. They are just as obsessed with Disney as she is! She and her husband were married in 2009 and have 3 boys who keep them on their toes! The boys have a lot of energy and hit the ground running each morning. She is also a Special Education Teacher who loves spending time with her students. They make her smile every day and there’s nothing like the twinkle in their eye when they finally understand something they have been working on. She has a sign in her classroom from Walt Disney – “All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”

Ryan Viveiros, Travel Advisor

Ryan Viveiros lives in Duxbury, Massachusetts with his wife Courtney, daughters Grace and Hannah, dog Aladdin and cat Amelia. Ryan works full time as a CDL truck driver and constantly tries to associate things he sees on the road to Disney. Ryan had been to Disney a few times as a child but was not really a Disney fanatic until he met Courtney. Since they met in 2004 Ryan has been to Disney more than 15 times and also visited Disney’s Hawaii Resort, Aulani in 2018. Ryan’s favorite park is EPCOT and his favorite ride is Splash Mountain. His favorite resorts are Beach Club, Wilderness Lodge and Polynesian. His favorite thing to do in Disney is to take in all of the details most guests don’t notice. Ryan was excited when he was asked to join Keys to the Castle as Disney planning is one of his favorite things to do. He loves helping people plan and build vacations that are tailored to their families needs and interests.

Courtney Viveiros, Travel Advisor

Courtney Viveiros lives in Duxbury, Massachusetts with her two daughters, Grace and Hannah, her husband, Ryan, their cat, Amelia, and their dog, Aladdin. When she is not following all of the latest Disney blogs, her day job is a fourth grade teacher (in a Disney-themed classroom, of course!) in Kingston, Massachusetts. In addition to traveling to Walt Disney World, Courtney loves traveling to new and different places such as, Disney’s Aulani Resort in Hawaii, Maui, Hawaii, Ireland, England, Scotland, Puerto Rico, and all around New England.

Courtney has been an avid Disney lover all of her life and has been there countless times as a child and as an adult. Thankfully she was able to share her love of all things Disney with Ryan and they had a Mickey and Minnie themed wedding in 2008. Their children, Grace and Hannah, have also inherited this love and as a family they “live Disney” everyday and spot “hidden Mickeys” wherever they go.

Courtney’s favorite Walt Disney World park is the Magic Kingdom, her favorite ride is Splash Mountain, her favorite resort is Polynesian, her favorite Disney treat is Dole Whip, and her favorite thing to do in Disney is to sit on Main Street USA with an iced coffee to people watch and to take in all of the extraordinary details of Main Street.

Courtney has always been the “go-to” Disney expert for her friends and family members who were planning trips to Disney. She has always enjoyed answering all of their questions, big and small, and helping them to have magical experiences in her favorite place on Earth. Courtney was very excited when she was asked to be a part of Keys to the Castle Travel because now she can help even more people enjoy even more places and make lasting memories with their families.

Denise Citarelli, Travel Advisor

Denise has been a Disney traveler for over 40 years and takes Making Magic to a whole new level! She travels to Orlando and beyond at least five times a year. She especially loves to help her clients experience all of the hidden gems within the Disney parks, how to find relaxation amid the whirlwind, and how to make a Disney trip feel like it is a “Once in a Lifetime” even if it is your 50th trip. She has been to Disney’s Aulani Resort and Spa in Hawaii twice and sailed with Disney Cruise Line on a huge family reunion, where she planned every detail, including individual itineraries for 15 people.

Denise loves everything about Orlando and vacations at Universal Studios frequently. As a Ravenclaw House member, Denise can ensure your trip to The Wizarding World of Harry Potter feels like you just received your Hogwarts acceptance letter. She loves a good thrill ride, excellent eating, and has attended nearly every special event in both theme parks.

Denise is especially attentive to individual needs. Do your kiddos need a midday break but you don’t want to leave the park? She has the tips and tricks. Are you a couple on a get-away? Denise will set your trip itinerary for the perfect blend of adventure and romance. Does a family member have specific allergies or medical needs? She can help with that. As a Disney Vacation Club owner and Annual Passholder for 8 years, and now a Travel Advisor, Denise is ready to do all the hard work for any of your travel interests so that all you have to do is enjoy the magic!

Brandi Simmons, Travel Advisor

Brandi’s love for Disney started at a very young age when her parents first took her to Disneyland when she was 3 years old. She has since been to Disneyland more times than she can count, and she has shared her love of Disney with her husband and children. Brandi has not only visited Disneyland, but she used to work at Disney World in her 20s and she has been on Disney cruises.

Kelsey Hankewycz, Travel Advisor

Kelsey started travel planning in 2018. She loves helping her clients plan a magical vacation, and helping families create lifelong memories. Kelsey enjoys traveling with her spouse and two children.

Danielle Cohen, Travel Advisor

Danielle grew up going to Disney every year with her family. Danielle’s passion for the things she loves (including Disney vacations) is no secret to her friends. She found a passion in the nursing profession. After almost 10 years at the bedside, she recently completed her Doctorate in Nursing practice and works as a pediatric nurse practitioner. With a more stable schedule, Danielle is excited to dive back into her passion for Disney as a travel advisor for KTTC. Danielle has visited Disney World almost 30 times, Disneyland 3 times, has been on a Disney cruise, and stayed in Disney’s Vero beach property. Any chance she gets, she is telling people to go to Disney, and to go back to Disney, because each trip is unique. One of her favorite memories of Disney was being proposed to in front of Cinderella’s Castle, by her (now) husband Kevin. Kevin was not a Disney person at the time, so he needed some help from his friend, Chris Oakes, who happened to be in the park and coordinated the whole thing! Needless to say, Kevin is now a Disney guy!

Liz Parsons , Travel Advisor

Liz Parsons lives in Plymouth, Massachusetts with her husband and their two young children. Her first trip to Walt Disney World was in kindergarten and she's visited countless times since! As a child, she fondly remembers going to the local travel agency to collect Disney brochures and helping her mother diligently plan their next trip to The Most Magical Place on Earth! Her love of Disney continued through college as she began to plan her own trips with friends. In 2008, Liz and her husband, Jeff, were married at the Wedding Gazebo at Disney's Yacht Club Resort surrounded by fifteen of their closest family and friends. Naturally, Liz provided their guests with detailed informational packets outlining favorite Disney attractions, restaurants and trivia. During their wedding vacation, Liz and Jeff were asked to be the Grand Marshals in the "Disney Dreams Come True" parade at Magic Kingdom! Liz was eager to share her love for Disney with her children and has already taken them on a few trips to her happy place. As a mother of a child with special needs, Liz has experience with the Disability Access Pass and can share tips and tricks for navigating the parks to meet the needs of all travelers. This includes members with dietary needs, as Liz herself has a food allergy. Liz has always been the go to person for Disney advice amongst family, friends and colleagues and she’s thrilled to be able to help others plan their dream vacations!

Melissa Melo Burns, Travel Advisor

Melissa lives on the South Shore of Massachusetts. 

Melissa fell in love with Walt Disney World as a child (age 9). Her mother planned her first magical vacation in 1984. Every last detail was meticulously planned out on a yellow legal pad. And, as the old saying goes, “the apple did not fall far from the tree”. Each and every detail is carefully attended to when Melissa is planning your Disney vacation.

Melissa will help you achieve a magical and memorable vacation, no matter what your planning needs are. She always puts as much time and effort into planning your vacation, as she does her own. 

Melissa will put your mind at ease when planning a vacation with a loved one with special needs. She is the proud mother of a child on the Autism spectrum. Melissa will help you plan and backup-plan for each step or bump along the way, so you can relax and enjoy being together as a family. 

Melissa also specializes in Universal, Cruises and other special destinations. 

Chase Smith, Travel Advisor

Amanda Hankewycz, Travel Advisor

Samantha katcher, travel advisor.

Samantha, a born and raised New Yorker, has always had an insatiable desire to travel. Her childhood trips to destinations like Hawaii, the Caribbean islands, Israel, and numerous trips to Disney ignited a lifelong love for exploring new places and cultures, which only grew stronger during her college years. Studying abroad in Italy and extensively traveling on weekends fueled her wanderlust. Samantha continued to explore the world with her husband, including their unforgettable honeymoon in South Africa, as well as with her son and husband on trips to remarkable locations such as Costa Rica and the Caribbean. She also loves taking girls’ trips to experience live music all across the US.

With over 15 years of experience in the real estate industry, Samantha has developed exceptional skills in negotiation and client relations, and now she has decided to dedicate her time to helping people plan their dream vacations. Samantha’s extensive knowledge of travel destinations, keen attention to detail, and unwavering commitment to exceptional service make her the perfect partner to plan your next adventure. Whether you’re seeking a quick weekend getaway, a family trip to Disney, or an epic adventure around the world, Samantha will work tirelessly to ensure that your travel plans exceed your expectations. So pack your bags, relax, and let Samantha help you create unforgettable memories.

Kimberly Humbert, Travel Advisor

Kimberly is a Disney loving wife, mother of two, and teacher from Pittsburgh, PA. She began traveling to Disney World in 2018 and was instantly hooked. She has returned to Disney World several times since then and has loved each trip more than the last! Kimberly spends months researching to plan her own trips and loves trying new resorts, restaurants, and experiences. And although she loves her family trips to Disney World, she is looking forward to traveling to new destinations such as Universal Studios, Disneyland, and Disney’s Aulani resort. She also hopes to one day set sail on the Disney Cruise line.

Kimberly’s passion for travel combined with her love of helping others has inspired her to join Keys to the Castle Travel. She is excited to assist others in planning memorable trips, and she has many tips and ideas to share with her future clients. Kimberly will go above and beyond to help you plan a trip that best meets your travel wants and needs!

Melissa Mayberry, Travel Advisor

Melissa is a new travel advisor. Her love of Disney and travel made this a great move! Living in Arizona you would think Disneyland would be her park of choice, but nope! Her and her husband travel with small children to share Walt Disney World with them. After a honeymoon trip in 2015, this became their family vacation spot, visiting once a year since. As an educator, she is very organized and loves planning. She is taking these two things and turning to helping others make their most magical vacations!

Katie Gretchen , Travel Advisor

Deanna vignolini, travel advisor.

Deanna is new to the travel industry but not to Disney. She has enjoyed Disney World, Disneyland, Disneyland Paris and the Disney Cruiseline. Her favorite trip was the one planned by Keys to the Castle and is looking forward to helping others experience how magical it can be when you aren’t the one stressed out about every little detail.

Amber Abbitt , Travel Advisor

Sam kiefer, travel advisor.

Everyone knows, Disney vacations are fun, exciting, and STRESSFUL! Rides, Restaurants, Shows, Parades…where to begin? Well, that is where we can help! Samantha Kiefer awill be your individual Disney World/Universal Studios guide. She is working with Keys to the Castle, and trust us when we tell you, she will not only give you the key, but open up “A Whole New World” for you and your loved ones. You may ask, how is she going to help us? Well, as a Disney “Pro”, she knows all of the secrets of planning a great vacation. Disney Parks have been a part of her world since she was born. Growing up in Delaware County with her parents and siblings, the love for Disney was ingrained in her soul because they vacationed there a couple of times a year. As she grew into adulthood, she took the tricks of the trade from her parents taught her, added a few of her own, and began planning all of her family and friends “Vacations of a Lifetime”, and she loves every minute of it! Being able to share her knowledge and experiences to help other people have a wonderful vacation is her dream come true. She also has experience in the special needs side of Disney and universal. By day, she makes people look beautiful and glamorous as a hairstylist/make-up artist. By night, she love to help people’s dreams come true when planning their Disney Vacations. So if thoughts of Disney are on your radar, do the right thing, and PLAN with SAM!

David and Sarah Staats, Travel Advisors

Sarah and David, from the Philadelphia area, always love traveling. Vacationing with family and friends is the highlight of their year — especially if it involves Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida! Cruises with Disney Cruise Line or Royal Caribbean, as well as traveling up and down the east coast with their travel trailer take Sarah, David, and their two kids on adventures all year long.

Life-long fans of all things Disney, Sarah and David were married at the Grand Floridian wedding chapel in 2004. Now, as Disney Adults, and annual passholders to Walt Disney World, Sarah and David love a quick weekend escape to one of Disney or Universal seasonal festivals. Trust us, you don’t need to bring kids to have a great time in Disney or Universal!

Planning a vacation for a family can be stressful, why not let us work out the details so that you can focus on the fun? Sarah and David will make sure that you and your family have vacations that create magical memories that last a lifetime

Tim Brooks, Travel Advisor

Tim has been going to Walt Disney World since 1977 and has always loved going to the parks first as a kid and now as a parent. He enjoys planning vacations whether they are his own vacations or vacations for his clients. He believes that no two vacations are the same which is what he loves about planning them. He will take the time to listen to what you want out of your vacation and come with a plan to help you best achieve that plan.

In recent years, Tim has fallen in love with cruising whether on the ocean or now on the river. His favorite cruise line is Disney Cruise Line and his favorite ship is the Disney Magic. He also enjoys going Virgin Voyages adult-only cruise line and went on his first river cruise in March of 2024. The best thing he can say about river cruises is that ocean cruises take you to countries but river cruises allow you to explore countries.

Whether you want to plan a Disney vacation or plan a cruise through the Caribbean or Europe, Tim will help you find the vacation that best suits you!

Mariah Gilmore, Travel Advisors

Mariah is a mother of two, wife, and travel enthusiast. Vacations with her family are always the highlight of each year. She looks forward to providing a stress free vacation planning experience for her clients, that will foster a growing relationship.

If you can dream it, she can book it!

Tracey Tevis, Travel Advisor

Tracey is a new advisor with the team but is not new to Disney! Tracey is a former cast member of the Walt Disney Company, having worked at Walt Disney World’s Magic Kingdom at both Pirates of the Caribbean and Splash Mountain. Tracey was also a cast member at The Disney Store in Lexington, Kentucky. Tracey’s love for Disney was inspired by her parents when she and her sibling were young, visiting the parks at least once a year! Outside of Disney, Tracey was an elementary teacher for six years and has recently relocated from Kentucky to Waco, Texas to work at Baylor University. Tracey loves engaging with students of all ages (including college-age) and fostering relationships for learning and growth. In her free time, Tracey enjoys traveling, reading and going home to Kentucky to visit with family and friends!

Beyond the Conventional Vacation

• Machu Picchu 7 days - 6 nights from US$ 780
• Galapagos Islands 5 days - 4 nights from US$ 895
• Arequipa and Colca 4 days - 3 nights from US$ 499

Expert advice and discounted domestic airfares !!

"Customized Peru trips and tours... no extra charge"

Castle Travel Peru since 1996

Dear Traveler, Welcome to a great Vacation in Peru at an affordable price. Perú is a magical country which has one of the richest biodiversities of Earth, it also has an important hotel infrastructure and accessibility by air and land. Compare Castle Travel tours against anybody and everybody: polished, complete and fun!

Examples of our quality Peru Vacation Packages are: The Inca Trail to Machu Picchu in the city of Cusco, the Amazon Rainforest, Nazca Lines, Colca Canyon Excurtion, Chicama Surf Trip, etc.; they all include complete sightseeing, professional guides and great itineraries, organized by this IATA travel company.

We work with the best suppliers who provide intimate knowledge of the areas into which we operate, discover for yourself why smart shoppers and experienced travelers have chosen Castle Travel Peru for over 21 years.

Happy Travels,

Castle Travel

Special Machu Picchu Deals

Machu picchu tour.

• Salkantay Trek

Machu Picchu and Galapagos Islands Combo

PERU: Definitely your next destination...and why not combine your adventure with a travel extension to the incredible Galapagos Islands. This amazing site is located on the west coast of South America as well, an easy connection from Lima. Contact us for more details and availability...

In 1983, UNESCO named Machu Picchu as Peru’s World Heritage Site.

UNESCO cited the city’s magnificent site, its architecture and its significance as an almost perfectly preserved example of Incan technology and social organization.

Machu Picchu Tours

• Peru Independent Tours
• Machu Picchu Deluxe
• Inca Trail Reservations
• Inca Trail Tours
• Choquequirao Trek
• Inca Trail Reviews
• Inca Trail Permits
• privacy policy

Peru Vacations

• Northern Peru
• Central Peru
• Southern Peru
• Arequipa Area
• Titicaca Lake
• Colca Canyon
• Amazon Jungle
• Nazca Lines

© Castle Travel Peru

Planning your Disney Cruise vacation with Castles and Cruises Travel

MOBILE, Ala. ( WALA ) - If you’ve been thinking about booking a Disney trip - and get overwhelmed by all of the choices and the planning - a travel agent may be a good option for you. Using a travel agent will not cost you any extra money, and you may even save money instead. They oftentimes get access to deals you may not even know about!

We were joined on Studio10 by Sandi Sadlock, a Travel Agent with Castles and Cruises Travel, to talk about what travel agents can do for you, and how she can help you plan your next Disney Cruise or Disney vacation.

If you want to get in touch with Sandi to book your next Disney vacation, you can  contact her on her Facebook page.

About Sandi:

Sandi has been a Travel Agent for over 8 years. As a child, Sandi lived in Florida for several years and grew up going to Disney World. Sandi has either stayed at or visited every Disney resort on the property. In addition to Disney World, Sandi has also been to Disneyland, on several Disney Cruises, and even an Adventures By Disney Rhine River Cruise. Sandi has been on several VIP tours and has even toured the underground corridors and been in Cinderella’s Castle suite. She has also completed 5 Run Disney Half Marathons.

Castles and Cruise agents are required to graduate from the College of Disney Knowledge and keep up their certification each year. Sandi has been selected to do onsite training with Disney,  in both the classroom and resort visits to keep up with all the updates at the parks and resorts at Disney World

Copyright 2024 WALA. All rights reserved.

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Coleman Concierge

25 Stunning Castles in America You Can Visit This Weekend

Posted: April 30, 2024 | Last updated: April 30, 2024

Do you love all things “Royals”, but you’re on the left side of the pond? We have a solution for you. Here are the 25 best castles in America you can visit this weekend. Each of these American castles is unique with a backstory all their own, and you can see them all on a castle tour of the U.S.

The Castillo de San Marco is a true American castle built for military purposes and never defeated in battle. Built in 1695 to protect the port of St Augustine, it’s oldest masonry fortification in the continental United States. Castillo de San Marcos has been attacked several times and twice besieged, but was never taken by force. The fort changed possession five times among four different governments, but they were all peaceful. After 251 years of continuous military service, it was deactivated in 1933 and entered into the National Park Service system.

Perhaps the most visited American castle is the Belvedere Castle in the middle of Central Park. It was designed by Calvert Vaux and Jacob Wrey Mould to be purely ornamental, but today it’s one of the park’s most popular attractions. Visitors climb the castle stair for sweeping panoramic views of the Turtle Pond and Delacorte Theater.

Continuing the theme of New York castles, we head upstate to the Thousand Islands region to visit the extraordinary Boldt Castle This six-story dream home was bought for $1 in the 70s, but we’re jumping ahead of ourselves. Construction began in 1900 by millionaire George C Boldt, as a gift for his wife, but she died four years after construction began and he never finished the project. The Thousand Island Bridge Authority bought the island in 1977 for $1 and completed the building. Today visitors can tour the castle and grounds leaving from Alexandria Bay or Clayton.

On the subject of millionaire houses, the Biltmore Estate is the biggest private residence in the United States. Built by the Vanderbilts in the late 19th century as a country home for the family, it’s one of the highlights of a visit to Asheville. Visitors can tour the house and grounds including 16th-century tapestries and a banquet hall with 70’ tall ceilings.

John Hays Hammond Jr. was many things: inventor, entrepreneur, philanthropist, and a lover of all things medieval. He’s known. as “The Father of Radio Control” pioneering foundational developments in modern radio remote control devices, including modern missile guidance systems and UAVs. In 1922 he built a stone castle in Gloucester Massachusetts to serve as his home, laboratory, and gallery for European artifacts. Today, the Hammond Castle is open for tours including highlights from his private collection and the well manicured grounds.

Like their European counterparts, some American castles are in varying states of disrepair and ruin. The Bannerman Castle in New York still towers high above the Hudson River, but is deemed unsafe for visitors. The Bannerman Castle trust still leads walking tours of the island and many paddlers enjoy seeing the castle from the water. These tours let you learn how the castle was built in 1901 by Frank Bannerman to serve as a military surplus warehouse. A series of accidents occurred including an explosion in 1920 and a fire in 1969.

The Ha Ha Tonka Castle ruins have a much darker backstory than Bannerman Castle. Coleman Concierge states – “Kansas City businessman, Robert McClure Snyder, started construction on the castle in 1905, only to die in a car crash in 1906. His sons, Robert Jr., LeRoy, and Kenneth, completed the project in the early 1920s, just in time for the stock market crash. It struggled as a hotel during the Great Depression, only to burn to the ground in 1942. Initially designed as a 16th-century European fairy tale, these buildings more closely resemble a turn of the century American gothic.” Today, the castle is protected in Ha Ha Tonka State Park and offers some of the best sunset views in the Lake of the Ozarks area.

Loveland Castle, aka Château Laroche, is built in the style of a Medieval castle on the banks of the Little Miami River. It was built by Harry Delos Andrews, who served in the military during World War I and was prematurely declared dead from meningitis. He recovered, but not before his fiancée , presuming her beloved dead, had married another man. He took life in stride and took a grand castle tour throughout Europe. He returned to the United States and built a castle that resembled castles he visited in France. It’s open to visitors as a museum, wedding venue, and Boy Scout camping destination.

Heading to sunny California, we come to America’s most famous castle – Hearst Castle. Built by newspaper magnate William Randolph Hearst and architect Julia Morgan, this 165-room mansion has 123 acres of gardens of exotic flowers, ornate pools, and an extensive art collection. Located halfway between San Francisco and Los Angeles on the Big Sur Coast, it’s a popular stop for road trippers on one of the most scenic routes in the country.

Farther up the California coast is Castello di Amorosa, a Tuscan-style castle in the heart of Napa Valley. It’s an award winning winery with a tasting room and food pairings with architectural features like a drawbridge and moat. You’ll need a reservation to enter the grounds, but you’ll have options for unique experiences including a complimentary tasting of 5 wines from our extensive wine menu or upgraded paid tastings at The Castle of Love.

Oheka Castle is the second largest private residence in the United States, with a backstory that resonates with us. When Jenn was growing up, her family wasn’t allowed in the Cherry Hills Country Club because they were Jewish. Otto Hermann Kahn built his namesake (Ot. He. Ka.) castle in response to Jews being forbidden entry to clubs in New Jersey. Because his previous country home, Cedar Court, was destroyed by fire, he built Oheka from steel and concrete, making it one of the first totally fireproof residential buildings, with very castle-esque styling. Today, it’s a 32 room boutique hotel and a popular wedding venue for socialites, celebrities, and dignitaries.

The Fonthill Castle was built between 1908 and 1912 by archaeologist and tile maker Henry Chapman Mercer. It’s an early example of poured-in-place concrete construction and features 44 rooms and 18 fireplaces. Since Mercer was a tilemaker, the home is filled with tile designs, mosaics, and an extensive collection of ceramics embedded in the concrete of the house. Today it’s a museum where visitors can see other artifacts from Mercer’s travels, including Mesopotamian cuneiform tablets dating back to over 2300 BCE.

Lyndhurst is a prime example of the gothic revival style of architecture in America. Gothic style features narrow hallways, sharply arched windows, and highly vaulted and ornamental ceilings. It’s simultaneously gloomy and romantic in a beautiful interplay between light and space. Its grounds are aesthetically pleasing as well with one of the largest private gardens in the country. It’s so beautiful that it shows up frequently in movies and TV shows and was the home to the Westminster Dog Show during the pandemic.

Iolani Palace is the only American castle to actually house a royal family and serve as a royal residence. Built in 1882 by King Kalakaua, it was the home of Hawaii’s last reigning monarchs until the overthrow of the monarchy in 1893. Iolani Palace is the hallmark of Hawaiian renaissance architecture, a rebirth of traditional Roman architectural principles of aesthetics with concepts derived from Hawaiiana. Its crenelated parapets and towers resemble a medieval castle, but it symbolizes the Hawaiian spirit.

Gresham’s Castle is one of those places that just looks haunted with its Victorian-stylings and stone construction. There have never been any tragedies associated with the property. In fact, it withstood the Great Hurricane of 1900 and sheltered refugees whose homes were destroyed. It also was the residence for Bishop Christopher E. Byrne of the Catholic Diocese of Galveston. Still people claim to see apparitions of Walter and Josephine Gresham, who commissioned the estate and lived in the house from 1892 to 1920.

Gillette Castle is a 24-room, 14,000 sq ft home has 24 rooms and stands three stories high (not including the tower). It’s designed as an American fairy tale mixed with European flair, but what else would you expect from a castle was designed and built by William Gillette, an actor famous for his portrayal of Sherlock Holmes on stage. Gillette died in 1943 with no heirs and a will that precluded the possession of his home by any “blithering sap-head who has no conception of where he is or with what surrounded” so the State of Connecticut took over the property and opened it as Gillette Castle State Park.

The Breakers is a Newport castle built by Cornelius Vanderbilt and designed by Richard Morris Hunt, the designer of the Biltmore Estate in North Carolina. It’s a Renaissance Revival style mansion with 70-rooms and a gross area of 125,339 square feet. It was completed in 1895 with marble imported from Italy and Africa, rare woods and mosaics from around the world, and architectural elements purchased in France. It is now the most-visited attraction in Rhode Island, but the family continues to live on the third floor, which is not open to the public.

Thornewood Castle might actually be the oldest castle in the country since it was imported brick by brick from England in 1907 and completed construction in Washington State in 1911. It’s a 500-year old Elizabethan manor filled with art and stained glass windows from around Europe. It’s known as one of the most romantic places in Washington, but Steven King fans might recognize it as a filming location for Red Rose.

Coral Castle has walls, carvings, furniture, and a castle tower formed from 1,100 tons of stones. It was built by the eccentric Edward Leedskalnin, who claimed to have used reverse magnetism or supernatural abilities to move and carve the stones. He even published pamphlets about reverse magnetism. His motivations to build the castle were equally mysterious, with allusions to his “Sweet Sixteen”, which might have been an unrequited love or an idealistic notion. Regardless of his means of motivation, Coral Castle is the work of a master craftsman where stones are fastened together without mortar and using their weight to keep them together. The joints are constructed well enough that no light passes through them.

This 16-room mansion was built in 1913 by a shoe manufacturer named Thomas Gustave Plant for his second wife, Olive Dewey. It was originally named “Lucknow”, perhaps based on a poem by Olive which read – “In the twilit hall, by the open fire / Each one agrees, ‘I’m in Luck Now at last.” Their luck didn’t hold, and the house was foreclosed upon in the 1930s, but the creditors allowed Plant to stay in the mansion until his death. Today, the property is known as the Castle in the Clouds owned and operated by the Castle Preservation Society, a private 501(c)(3) non-profit corporation.

Montezuma Castle is a mysterious pre-Columbian cliff dwelling located in the Verde Valley of Arizona. It was constructed between 1100 and 1425 CE with a main structure comprising five stories and about 20 rooms. The name represents to mistaken attributions the European explorers who discovered the abandoned site in the 1860s. First, they believed it to be an ancient Aztec site, hence the name Montezuma. Secondly, it was never a castle but a large dwelling like a prehistoric high rise apartment complex.

The Smithsonian Institution Building, AKA the Smithsonian Castle or simply The Castle, is a building on the National Mall that houses the Smithsonian Institution’s administrative offices and information center. It was built in the Gothic and Romanesque revival styles and completed in 1855. This style was chosen to evoke the English Collegiate Gothic ideas of knowledge and wisdom. More than 25 million people visit the National Mall each year, making the Smithsonian Castle the most visited castle in America.

Albert Loeb of Sears, Roebuck and Company fame built Castle Farms as a model farm to showcase livestock in addition and farm equipment sold by his company. Over the years, it has been a rock concert venue for the likes of Iron Maiden, Metallica, Bon Jovi, Aerosmith, AC/DC, and The Beach Boys. However, today it’s primarily used for wedding receptions and to host the Charlevoix Renaissance Festival.

Scotty’s Castle (aka Death Valley Ranch) is a two-story Mission Revival and Spanish Colonial Revival style villa located in Death Valley National Park. Despite its name, it’s not a castle and it was never owned or occupied by Death Valley Scotty, aka Walter E. Scott. Walter was a con man, who sold a fraudulent mine claim to Chicago millionaire Albert Mussey Johnson. Even after learning of the fraud, Albert was so enamored with Death Valley that he purchased a large tract of land in Grapevine Canyon and began construction on his villa. The Johnsons lost a lot of money during the Great Depression, so Scotty convinced them to rent rooms out in their villa to stay solvent. The plan worked and they retained possession of the property until their deaths in the 1950s.

Feargus B. Squire, an executive with the Standard Oil Company, purchased 525 acres of land with the intention of building a traditional English estate. The Romanesque Revival style gatehouse was completed in 1895, but the main house was never built. His wife disliked the house so much that they sold the estate and gatekeeper’s house to developers in 1922, which in turn ceded the property to the city in 1925 through bankruptcy. Today, it’s an iconic structure within the Cleveland Metroparks system.

These American castles offer a great combination of history and romance, but they’re just the tip of the iceberg. We’d love to hear from you about some of your favorite castles in America and keep expanding this list until we’ve covered every corner of the United States. Until then, thanks for reading and we hope to see you down the road on your next adventure.

What is the oldest castle in America? The oldest castle in America is Bacon’s Castle in Surry, Virginia. It was built in 1665.

What is the biggest castle in North America? Biltmore Estate in Asheville, North Carolina is a 250-room castle. 

How many castles are in the USA? It is estimated there are approximately several thousand castles or castle-like buildings in the US.

Read More From Coleman Concierge:

Could Ha Ha Tonka State Park be the most beautiful place in Missouri? Conde Nast Travel thinks so! Read on for all of the exciting things to do in Ha Ha Tonka State Park, from historic castle ruins on the bluff tops to the crystal blue springs at lake level to the woodlands and karst features in between.

25 Must See Castles In America To Visit This Weekend

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San Francisco is considered one of America’s greatest cities. We’ve designed 5 self-guided San Francisco walking tour routes that are not just easy to follow, they take you to all of the famous sites in one full and photogenic day. What’s more, these tours are 100% designed around public transportation!

San Francisco Walking Tours – Self Guided Routes You’re Going to Love

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