Indulge in the allure of royalty, from the ancient castles of Ireland to the fortresses of France. These european castles you can stay in offer a seductive glimpse into centuries of history and heritage. Relax in lavishly adorned rooms, stroll through manicured gardens, and dine like nobility in elegant banquet halls.  To sleep in a castle and wake up on a site that’s witnessed the greatest European empires come and go is an incredible feeling.

Whether you seek a romantic getaway, a family retreat, or a fairytale celebration venue, spoil yourself with fine dining, spa treatments and lavish amenities that even the former royal residents would even blush at.  So why not upgrade your vacation from ordinary to extraordinary with a castle stay on your next visit to Europe? To help you out, we’ve selected some of our favorite European castles you can stay in, sone of which are included on our Luxury Gold journeys.

Discover more about the exceptional hotels that bookend each day with Luxury Gold: Magnificent Stays

Ashford Castle, Ireland

Over 800 years of magnificence rests along the shores of Lough Corrib at Ashford Castle. The estate was once owned by the Guinness family and carries over the intimate yet unashamed luxury for its hotel guests to enjoy. The historic boathouse is an especially peaceful stay, located on the waterside as a stand-alone residence for guests who desire 24-hour butler service and total privacy.

Travel to Ireland with Luxury Gold and enjoy more centuries-old estates of Ireland and the United Kingdom, with the opportunity to call Ashford Castle home for two nights. Here, you’ll dine in the George V Dining Room, take a guided tour of the estate, and meet the birds of prey at Ireland’s oldest established falconry school.

Enjoy a decadent stay at Ashford Castle on: Ultimate Ireland and Castles & Kingdoms

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Locanda Don Ferrante, Italy

Photo credit: @donferrante on Instagram

In Monopoli’s old town, a small fortress sits on the south side of the town’s defensive walls. History knows it as Charles V Castle, but locals and visitors alike only know the name Don Ferrante. One of the most fascinating European castles you can stay in, when you start your morning with breakfast in a 16th-century gunpowder store, you won’t help but wonder what stores these walls heard when the Viceroy of Bari called this luxurious seaside abode home. Wonder not when you hop in the hotel’s tuk tuk for a sightseeing tour of the old town, followed by a wine tasting, cooking class, and full immersion into the history of Bari written long before the castle walls were built.

Experience the best of Italy on: Ultimate Italy

Bookmark for later: The Luxury Gold Guide to Private Wine Tasting in Italy

Hotel de la Cité Carcassonne, France

Photo credit: @hoteldelacite on Instagram

The discerning traveler who wants to sleep in a castle yet desires doing so surrounded by refined French aesthetics will simply love Hotel de la Cité in medieval Carcassonne. There are fewer than 60 rooms in this 19th-century neo-Gothic luxury castle hotel in Europe, which means the garden terraces, outdoor pool and Michelin-starred gourmet restaurant are anything but crowded. Gaze at the ramparts from a superior suite and take in the medieval scenery. During the Luxury Gold Ultimate Southern France tour, you’ll stay in this castle when you’ve finished drinking in the Languedoc wine region’s vineyards and partaking in a traditional French cooking class with a Michelin-starred chef.

Stay here on : Ultimate France and Ultimate Southern France 

Meet the Travel Concierge who makes your journey exceptional: Sophisticated and Stylish: why Southern France is Unmissable

Glenapp Castle, Scotland

Photo credit: @glenappcastle on Instagram

When it comes to European castles you can stay in, Scotland is a treasure trove of once royal residences. Glenapp Castle is an exceptional example of the standard the castle hotels of Europe should aspire to achieve. Located in Ayrshire, the expansive castle penthouse suite spoils you with a personal butler, a private chef and a private rooftop terrace with 360° views of the coastline. Should you choose to live like a humble lord, you’ll be pleased to discover grand sea view suites that are just as comfortable, an award-winning restaurant with plates sourced only from the Ayrshire, and a host of lavish activities like falconry, croquet, trout fishing and a Hebridean sea safari.

Discover the highlights of Scotland on: British Royale

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Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg, Germany

Photo credit: @schlossbensberg on Instagram

A Baroque castle in Cologne’s countryside, Althoff Grandhotel Schloss Bensberg was once known as the “Rhenish Versailles”. It was built as a hunting lodge for Prince-Elector Johann Wilhelm II of Dusseldorf as a hunting lodge and designed to resemble France’s Versailles. Today, this castle hotel in Europe is open to you, granting you exceptional views of Cologne Cathedral and the Rhine Valley. The 2-starred Michelin Vendôme serves a delectable dinner that is complimented by a nightcap of tea in the 4 Elements Spa’s sauna.

Take in more delights of Europe on: Harmony of Central Europe

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Palácio Estoi, Portugal

Photo credit: @pousadapalaciodeestoi on Instagram

Queens and kings have stayed at the only 18th-century palace hotel in the Algarve, and now you can sleep in this castle all the same. Pousada Palácio Estoi welcomes you to rest your feet in Faro at one of the Small Luxury Hotels of the World. Make a note to visit the reception areas, both the old and new. The old Chapel hosts the new reception area, reminiscent of Spain’s Sagrada Familia design. The former reception area rivals its beauty with its own classic decor: Roman and Islamic exhibits curated in part by the Faro Municipal Museum. European castles you can stay in.

Enjoy the delights of Iberia on: Spain & Portugal in Style

Tantalize your tastebuds with this read: The Luxury Gold Guide to Portugal’s Fine Dining Seafood Restaurants

There’s something about river cruising that’s just so irresistible. You get intimate access to the hearts of cities and historic regions. You sail right through some of the world’s most spectacular landscapes, getting a different perspective from the water. And you get to experience it all from your own private, luxury vessel. It’s safe to say river cruises are as popular as ever in 2025, so we’ve rounded up some of the best cruises and itineraries to book this year, from the iconic Danube to the mighty Nile.

1. The Danube, Europe

Experience the dreamy Danube River on a cruise through Central and Eastern Europe. You’ll waltz through historic cities like Vienna, Budapest, and Bratislava, soaking up rich history and stunning architecture. Expect musical evenings, wine tastings, and guided tours that bring the regions’ stories to life.

Cruise the Danube on: Harmony of Central Europe

2. The Nile, Egypt

A journey back in time along the mighty Nile River remains one of the greatest river cruises in the world. You’ll sail from Luxor to Aswan and beyond, exploring ancient Egyptian temples, tombs, and the Valley of the Kings. As you watch daily life go by on the lush river banks, you’ll get a deeper insight into the significance of the world’s longest river and how it brings life to the region.

Cruise the Nile on: Elegance of the Nile

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3. The Mekong, Southeast Asia

As the longest river in Southeast Asia, the Mekong is the lifeblood of the region. You can sail its waters through Vietnam, Laos and Cambodia, learning how communities live on the water, with floating markets, restaurants and homes. Stop off in tranquil villages and ancient temples like Angkor Wat, or head to the bustling cities of Ho Chi Minh, Phnom Penh and Luang Prabang.

Cruise the Mekong on: Cambodia & Vietnam in Style

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4. The Seine, France

The Seine stretches for almost 500 miles through France, but it’s best known for its gorgeous stretch in Paris. A Seine River cruise remains a rite of passage for any traveler to France, as it’s a great way to see the famous monuments like the Eiffel Tower, Notre-Dame, the Louvre and the Grand Palais. Kick back with a glass of bubbles and soak up the City of Lights from the water.

Cruise the Seine on: Ultimate France

5. The Mississippi, United States

A cruise along the Big Muddy is one of the classic experiences of the United States. You’ll get into everything here, from the New Orleans jazz scene to the deliciously soulful cuisine. Visit Civil War historical sites and discover the unique culture of small bayou towns on your Mississippi River cruise.

Cruise the Mississippi on: Southern Grace

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6. Venetian canals, Italy

The waterways of Venice need no introduction. The historic canals have inspired countless artists and travelers over the decades, and they’ll always be one of the world’s most coveted spots for cruising. When in Venice, you can take a romantic gondola ride to see the iconic sites like Doge’s Palace and Rialto Bridge. Or learn more about the traditions of the Venetian waterways, like the glassblowing artists of Murano.

Cruise the canals of Venice on: Ultimate Italy

7. The Amazon, South America

As the lifeline of the world’s largest rainforest and the longest river in the Americas, a cruise down the Amazon is a very special experience. Here you’ll have the chance to spot rare and unique plants and animals, including sloths, monkeys, and even pink river dolphins, and learn how Indigenous communities live along this remarkable river.

Explore South America on: Classic South America

8. The Ganges, India

The Ganges River is an important pilgrimage site and one of the most sacred rivers in India. A cruise on the Ganges will take you on a voyage through ancient cities, temples and spiritual traditions and rituals. Bask in the pink sunrises and witness daily life on the Ganges as locals bathe in the sacred water and worship the rising sun.

Explore India on: Essence of India

9. The Rhine, Europe

Sail through the heart of Europe on the Rhine, famed for its riverbanks dotted with fairy-tale castles, vineyard-clad hills, and medieval towns. The river begins in the Swiss Alps and continues to run through Germany and the Netherlands. With stops in cities like Cologne, Strasbourg and Basel, a Rhine River cruise dishes up the perfect blend of history, culture and scenery, making it one of the best river cruises in Europe.

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10. The Murray, Australia

As the longest river in Australia, a cruise along the Murray offers a glimpse into the unique ecosystems and communities of the region. From the arid landscapes of the Outback to the lush vineyards and historic riverside towns, the Murray is a fascinating journey. You can learn more about the Indigenous cultures and explore nature reserves to see local wildlife like kangaroos, koalas and turtles.

Explore Australia on: Inspiring Australia

11. The Douro, Portugal

Cruise through Portugal’s pastoral wine region along the Douro River. Famed for its centuries-old tradition of wine production, the Douro is flanked by breathtaking hills blanketed in terraced vineyards. You can start by tasting the locally-grown grapes in the renowned cellars of Porto on the Atlantic Coast and journey all the way to Vega de Terron, the golden city of Salamanca in Spain.

Explore Portugal on: Spain & Portugal in Style

12. Rio Serrano, Chilean Patagonia

Venture to the ends of the earth with a cruise down the Rio Serrano in Chilean Patagonia. You’ll pass by the most breathtaking natural wonders including the Southern Icefield as the river takes you to Seno Ultima Esperanza (Fjord of the Last Hope). Here you’ll see pristine rainforests and if you continue through the fjord by boat, you’ll also see the dazzling Balmaceda and Serrano Glaciers.

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13. The Loire, France

If you’re looking for the quintessential European cruise, filled with fairytale castles and stunning wineries, look no further than the Loire Valley. Renowned for its magnificent chateaux, lush vineyards, and Renaissance architecture, a cruise through the Loire is like stepping into a storybook.

Explore France on: Ultimate Southern France

14. The Yangtze, China

China’s longest river offers up a grand voyage through lush mountains, ancient history and surreal landscapes. Cruise down the Yangtze River to see natural wonders like Three Gorges, the Wu Gorge, the Shennong Stream, and riverside towns like the shrines and temples Fengdu Ghost City. It’s an unforgettable journey.

15. The Dutch Waterways, the Netherlands

As a low-lying country, the Netherlands is almost built on water, with plenty of canals and rivers to explore. One of the best times to go is spring, when the gardens and tulips are in full bloom. Whether you glide down Amsterdam’s canals, or sail into the countryside to see the windmills and farmland, you’ll have plenty of opportunities to sail in the Netherlands.

Your frequently-asked questions about river cruising, answered:

What is the most beautiful river cruise in Europe?

There’s so many stunning river cruises in Europe, it’s impossible to say just one. Each river has its unique charm. The Danube has its enchanting cities like Vienna and Budapest while the Douro has its ancient wine-making traditions. The Loire is dotted with fairytale castles while the Rhine is home to the Rhine Gorge, a breathtaking UNESCO World Heritage Site. Whatever you choose, you won’t be disappointed.

Is a balcony worth it on a river cruise?

If you’re going on a river cruise with lots of scenic landscapes, a balcony is definitely worth it. You’ll be able to watch the scenery unfold from the comfort of your luxury room, and you’ll also have a private space to get some fresh air. There’s nothing like gazing out at the Wachau Valley along the Danube or the Rhine Gorge, all in your own cosy bubble.

What is the best time of year to go on a river cruise?

For European rivers like the Danube and Rhine, spring (April-May) and fall (September-October) offer mild weather and fewer crowds. For more tropical destinations like the Mekong or Amazon, it’s best to research the dry and wet seasons to decide what experience you prefer. While the dry season will have better weather (less rain), the wet season has greener scenery and high water levels that allow for more extensive exploration of smaller tributaries.

How far in advance should I book my river cruise for 2025?

It’s advisable to book at least 6 to 12 months in advance, especially for popular river cruises or during peak travel seasons. Early booking can also secure better deals and ensure you get your preferred cabin type.

Are river cruises suitable for families?

River cruises are traditionally popular with older adults, however many river cruise lines are now offering family-friendly itineraries and activities. It’s a great way for families to go on holiday, as you can unpack once and don’t need to hop around between destinations as frequently.

What are your favorite river cruises? Let us know in the comments below!

In the high-end dining scene, sustainability is now more than a buzzword: it’s a layer of design and operations built into the fabric of a new dining venue, with budding restaurateurs and top chefs alike keen to limit waste and make the most of what’s local and seasonal to them. In fact, the world’s cutting-edge hospitality moguls know that making a restaurant greener can be huge fun, finding innovative ways to channel sustainable power sources, or out-of-the-box ways to use food waste in everything from biofuel to sauces and cordials. 

Sustainable fine dining is one of the most progressive categories of all, with luxury consumers eager to spend on lavish dinners they can feel good about.

Fyn, Cape Town

Photo credit: @fynrestaurantcpt on Instagram

South African pioneer Fyn won this year’s Flor de Caña Award for sustainability in the World’s 50 Best Restaurants awards. With a name inspired by the country’s national fynbos flower (pronounced “Fayn”), Peter Tempelhoff’s restaurant employs hyper-local ingredients and uses Japanese techniques to make delicate creations; the team pays close attention to foraged local wonders like kelp, sea lettuce and dune spinach, as well as partnering with the country’s most ethical producers and fishermen for meat and fish. 

More than half of the menu is vegetarian or vegan-friendly, and staff are trained in foraging and careful water management to avoid waste. There’s a social enterprise element, too: they work with a Cape Town initiative to train up young chefs from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Experience South Africa in gourmet style on Luxury Gold’s 9-Day Spectacular South Africa journey

nôl, Tokyo

Photo credit: @nol.jp on Instagram

This moodily-lit, chef’s table style restaurant was awarded the Michelin Green Star this year, taking Tokyo’s Green Star restaurants to 11 ‒ the most sustainable fine dining restaurants in a single city. Chef Tatsuya Noda refers to the dining room as a “kitchen space”, creating dishes passed down through his family, such as his grandmother’s home pickles and his mother’s roasted rice, for just a small group of diners. 

Noda’s “Garbage Soup” was singled out by Michelin as an exceptional waste-preventing dish; another low-waste initiative includes creating dishes from sturgeon fish, which are usually discarded after their caviar is removed.

Immerse yourself in Japan’s time-honored traditions on Luxury Gold’s 11-Day Majestic Japan journey.

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Apricity, London

Photo credit: @apricityrestaurant on Instagram

Vegans will feel right at home at this soothing, light-filled space in London’s Mayfair, with veg-stacked dishes like butterhead lettuce with cultured miso aioli and crispy kale and celeriac orzotto with confit chestnut gracing the a la carte menu. 

Awarded a Michelin Green Star in 2023, Chantelle Nicholson and team have also won Innovator of the Year at the National Restaurant Awards and a Grosvenor Sustainability Award for its circular economy values. Pared-back, distressed walls are pepped up with hanging plants and trendily upcycled furniture and fixtures: recycled tiles and chairs made from old Coca-Cola bottles, saving them from going to landfill.

London’s calling on Luxury Gold’s 10-Day British Royale journey 

Toyo Eatery, Philippines

Winner of the Flor de Caña sustainability award 2023 in the 50 Best Restaurants in Asia, this Manila restaurant does everything it can to champion Filipino people and their produce. Shockingly for a Filipino eatery, there’s no beef on the menu ‒ owners Jordy and May Navarra deemed cattle farming methods too harmful to the environment, and, though they serve other meats, there’s an entirely vegan tasting menu option. 

Every ingredient here is local, organic and traceable ‒ think black rice, coconut, banana and taro ‒ making sure local workers benefit from the supply chain; and the team has bought forest and farmland with an aim to become zero-waste by 2025, growing their own produce using any food waste as compost. 

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Aponiente, Cadiz, Spain

Seafood lovers should sail, paddle or swim to this waterside spot in southwestern Spain, where chef Ángel León is on a mission to showcase the marine ingredients we don’t typically see on a Michelin-level plate. Abundantly available fish like mackerel and hake crop up on his menus, but also sea urchin, tuna milt, deep sea algae and sardine scales ‒ plus inventive moments like “sea bacon” made from thinly sliced sea bass. It’s an approach that’s earned him three Michelin stars and the 2022 Flor de Caña award for sustainable fine dining. Set inside an old tidal mill with a newer, wow-factor building attached, this is a real sensory experience.

Taste Spanish passion on Luxury Gold’s 13-Day Spain & Portugal in Style journey 

Locavore, Bali

Photo credit: @locavorenxt on Instagram

Simple, polished wooden tables, a charcoal-grey bar and a high, barn-like ceiling set the scene for Locavore, a champion of Indonesian produce and cooking. Set in the island’s spiritual old capital, Ubud, it was named both Asia’s Most Sustainable Restaurant and Indonesia’s best restaurant overall in 2019. It’s a showcase for all things Balinese: 95% of ingredients are sourced within the island, from coffee to beef and salt, while crockery and ceramics are all made locally by artisans. They have a vegetarian and non-vegetarian tasting menu, with quirky and intriguing dish names like “Who says lobsters don’t like chocolate?” Dishes might include prawn ceviche with plenty of garden herbs and spices, or roasted bone marrow in a pandan broth.

Saint Peter, Sydney

Photo credit: @saintpeterpaddo on Instagram

Another fish fanatic, Josh Niland, is the brains behind this Sydney destination restaurant; his brand of sustainable fine dining is using available and plentiful fish (working carefully with local fishermen) and the shelf life of each fish to serve them at the perfect time, minimizing waste.  Like Spain’s Ángel León, Niland makes use of the offal or less-loved parts of the fish, from crispy skin crackers to fish-liver pates, with bones used to make stock and “fish-eye chips” just one signature snack. The trendy, modern restaurant has exposed brick walls and a long marble counter, with plenty of exciting Australian wines on the menu.

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Amber, Hong Kong

Photo credit @rekkebus on Instagram

Michelin green-starred since 2022, as well coming out on top in 2022’s Food Made Good sustainability awards, Amber is a Hong Kong institution. You’ll find it in the city’s Mandarin Oriental hotel, a striking white-and-pine dining room with fluid-looking gold light fixtures and dainty ceramics. All seafood here is sourced sustainably, with fair-trade policies on tea, coffee, chocolate and vanilla; meanwhile only ethical egg and meat producers are used, and no dairy products are featured on the menu, to eliminate any carbon emitted by dairy production. There’s also a strict 35:65 ratio of animal products to plant-based products when it comes to ingredients.

Tèrra, Copenhagen

Photo credit: @_terrarestaurant_ on Instagram

Named for mother earth, this high-end Italian in Denmark’s capital was awarded a Michelin green star in 2021. A zero-waste kitchen, its menu is largely based on seasonal vegetables and fruit, topped up with seasonal and ethically-sourced meat and fish here and there. Dishes might include “Celeriac and mussels”, with the root vegetable forming an oyster-like shell, creative bite-sized snacks made from offcuts, kombucha or cookies made from coffee grounds, and foraged flavors like sea kale and violets. A pared-back dining room of stone walls and simple seating puts the focus on the dishes, served New-Nordic style, like little works of art.

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Restaurante Manu, Curitiba, Brazil

Photo credit: @manubuffara on Instagram

This exciting destination venue in the southern Brazilian state of Paraná won the most sustainable restaurant award at Latin America’s 50 Best Restaurants awards earlier this year. An impressive 80% of its suppliers come from within a 300km radius, while the chefs actively connect with family farming businesses and smallholdings to support the local community. They’re obsessed with biodiversity, nurturing local species and even keeping their own beehives; curious combinations might include seared fish with bacon and caramel, or lamb with seafood and custard apple.  Even more feelgood? The team feeds the homeless, distributing 400 healthy meals per week to unhoused residents in Curitiba.

Experience Brazilian cuisine on Luxury Gold’s 12-Day Classic South America journey 

Harbor House Inn, California

Perched on the wild California coastline of Mendocino, Harbor House is a beacon of sustainable American cooking. Chef Matthew Kammerer was awarded a Michelin green star in 2020, while the restaurant holds a rarefied two stars from the foodie guide; 90% of his ingredients come from local sources, including their own cattle ranch and kitchen garden. Porcini mushrooms are foraged from nearby woodland and lichen from the clifftops, and the building itself is 100% powered by sustainable energy, including solar and geothermal. Little details make it charming: fryer oil is turned into candles for the tables, for example. Even more soul-soothing is the wild sea view from the classic wood-paneled dining room.