For an entertaining and educational travel experience, a castle tour should be at the top of your bucket list.
Castles have been around for centuries, and there is a reason why they continue to fascinate us. They are steeped in history and often reflect the power and wealth of the rulers who lived in them. So, if you’re looking for an exciting travel destination that will give you a glimpse into another era, then a castle tour should be at the top of your bucket list!
This blog post will discuss some of the top reasons castles make for an unforgettable travel experience.
Rich History
One of the best things about visiting a castle is learning about the rich history surrounding it. Castles were often built in strategic locations and played an essential role in defense of a region. Many courts also have fascinating stories, such as tales of heroic battles or tragic love affairs. As you tour a castle, you’ll get to hear all about the people who lived there and the events within its walls. (Read about our tour of Ludwigsburg Castle, for example.)
Beautiful Architecture
Castles are also renowned for their beautiful architecture. Many castles were built using the latest techniques of the time, and they often incorporated unique features that made them stand out from other buildings. As you explore a castle, you’ll be able to admire the intricate details of the architecture and get a sense of how the building would have looked when it was first built.
Antiques and Artifacts
Another reason to visit a castle is to see some fantastic antiques and artifacts. Many castles have extensive collections of art, furniture like bookcases with drawers, vanity sets, and other items used by the people who lived there. You can even see original paintings and tapestries that date back centuries in some castles.
Seeing all of these artifacts up close is a unique experience that you won’t find anywhere else. You’ll get to see how the wealthy and influential people of history lived and learn about the items that were important to them.
Stunning Scenery
Castles are often located in stunning scenic areas. Whether situated on a cliff overlooking the ocean or nestled in the mountains, a castle always makes for an impressive sight. As you tour the grounds of a castle, you’ll get to enjoy the beautiful scenery and maybe even snap some photos to remember your trip.
Best Castle Tour Ideas for Planning
Now that we’ve discussed some of the top reasons to visit a castle, you might be wondering which one is the best to see. There are many incredible castles all over the world.
- Neuschwanstein Castle in Germany. This 19th-century castle was built for King Ludwig II and is considered one of the most romantic castles in the world. It’s located in the Bavarian Alps and features stunning views of the surrounding mountains.
- Bran Castle in Romania. This castle is also known as “Dracula’s Castle” because it was once owned by Vlad III, who was the inspiration for Bram Stoker’s famous vampire novel. The castle is located in Transylvania and has a long and dark history. Click for a popular day trip to Romania’s most famous castles: Peles and Bran, along with a tour of the historic city of Brasov.
- Prague Castle in Czechia (Czech Republic). Dating from the 9th century, the Prague Castle complex is the largest in the world. Click for a skip the line ticket to Prague Castle, or for a best-selling small group tour of the Prague Castle complex.
- Windsor Castle in England. This castle is the largest occupied castle globally and has been home to the British royal family for over 900 years. It’s located just outside of London and is a popular tourist destination.
- From Riga, Latvia, consider visiting Siguida and Turaida castles, dating from Medieval times. Located in a lush region known as “the Switzerland of Latvia,” the castles are located in the Gauja River Valley, which is home to a Latvian National Park by the same name.
If you’re looking for an incredible travel destination that will teach you about the history and give you a glimpse into another era, then a castle tour should be at the top of your bucket list. So many stunning castles all over the world are waiting to be explored. So start planning your trip today!
Tips for Trip Success
Book Your Flight
Find an inexpensive flight by using CheapOAir, a favorite of ours because it regularly returns less expensive flight options from a variety of airlines.
Book Your Hotel or Special Accommodation
We are big fans of Booking.com. We like their review system and photos. If we want to see more reviews and additional booking options, we go to TripAdvisor.
You Need Travel Insurance!
Good travel insurance means having total peace of mind. Travel insurance protects you when your medical insurance often will not and better than what you get from your credit card. It will provide comprehensive coverage should you need medical treatment or return to the United States, compensation for trip interruption, baggage loss, and other situations.
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