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

You may also enjoy reading: These Are the 10 Best Luxury Hotels in the World

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

You may also be interested to read: The Ultimate Luxury Shopping Guide to Edinburgh

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

You may also enjoy: 10 of the World’s Most Famous Luxury Train Rides

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

A commemoration of durability, strength and beauty, your silver anniversary deserves a celebration like no other. Creating memories for many more years, travel is an ever-popular 25th wedding anniversary trip idea. So why not go all-in on a destination that you and your partner have dreamed of since the early days of dating?

We invite you to mark this special occasion with Luxury Gold, and take a look at our favorite 25th wedding anniversary trip ideas, including excursions through Japan’s Onsens, Peru’s ancient cities and Australia’s wild Outback.

Redefine intimacy in Italy

Food, frescos and fascinating history rank Italy among the best 25th anniversary getaways. A flawless mix of curated experiences and private, personal time, our Ultimate Italy tour is full of moments to savor. In Tuscany you’re treated to a private wine tasting tour with the owners of Guardastelle Estate. Savor lunch with rolling hills and vineyards setting the backdrop for an unforgettable meal. In Venice where you’ll embark on a private after-hours tour of Doge’s Palace accompanied by a local historian. Explore Ancient Rome and the Vatican, cruise around Capri, visit the towns of Cinque Terre, and sit hand-in-hand with your love on a dreamy gondola ride through the canals of Venice.

Discover this on: Ultimate Italy

Recapture your thrill for adventure in Australia

When it comes to 25th anniversary destinations, the Land Down Under is on top. A quarter-century of marriage certainly hasn’t dimmed your spark, but if you and your partner are looking for the thrills of yesterday, Australia awaits. Experience this wild and wonderful country with a journey into the Outback. Venture into Kings Canyon and, as the darkness settles on the day, gather around the campfire for a moonlit barbecue and listen to a didgeridoo as you dine.

A very popular 25th anniversary trip idea, consider spending your silver anniversary on the Luxury Gold Inspiring Australia tour. Journey from Cairns to Sydney, soaking up the scenery, savoring the Hunter Valley wine region, and cruising to the Great Barrier Reef.

Discover this on: Inspiring Australia

Relive simple pleasures in Cambodia & Vietnam

A sweet and simple 25th anniversary trip idea involves a return to your earliest date nights.  When’s the last time you and your beau have truly been on a date? Return to the simpler days of your courtship and embrace the date nights of years past. Enjoy a quiet dinner together in romantic Hoi An, share nibbles of street food while touring the food stalls of Hanoi, and take in an unforgettable sunset from Angkor Wat’s marvelous temples.

The Luxury Gold Cambodia & Vietnam in Style tour grants you two-weeks of travel in two of Asia’s most fascinating countries. Travel with your beau through the Angkor Archaeological Park before learning how to brew Vietnamese coffee in Ho Chi Minh City and indulging in a steam bath together at Pilgrimage Village in Hue.

Discover this on: Cambodia & Vietnam in Style

Celebrate the big 25 with the Big Five in South Africa

A remarkable 25th anniversary getaway with an unrivaled safari experience, buckle up for one of the most awe-inspiring moments in your relationship. Witness lions, elephants, rhinos, buffalo, leopards, and more on a luxury safari experience in Kruger National Park. Here you’ll spend three days eyes wide and mouth agape as you walk through the bush and drive through the trees in search of Africa’s Big Five.

Spend an anniversary like no other on our Luxury Gold Spectacular South Africa tour. Visit Cape Town, toast your anniversary at Boschendal Wine Estate, summit Table Mountains, and make a poignant visit to Robben Island.

Discover this on: Spectacular South Africa

Give a gift they’ll treasure in Peru

While you can’t wrap wonder, you can watch as your partner’s eyes light up when viewing Machu Picchu for the first time. We invite you to explore this ancient site before the troves of day-trippers arrive, spoiling yourselves with ample opportunities for photo ops. Go beyond simple souvenirs and let your partner pick out a traditional Peruvian Cusqueñan textile from the artisans of the Sacred Valley, a colorful gift that symbolizes your vibrant journey over the last 25 years.

The Luxury Gold Treasures of the Incas tour lets you and your partner uncover the mysteries of Peru. From Machu Picchu and the Sacred Valley to art-filled streets of Lima and the serenity of Lake Titicaca, this 12-day adventure is one of the most unique 25th anniversary getaways you can imagine.

Discover this on: Treasures of the Incas

Binge on a bucket list experience in Japan

You’ve had this 25th anniversary trip idea on your radar for years. Now’s the time to book it. As you and your partner get ready to embark on the next 25 years of your journey together, make sure the first chapter on the road to your 50th anniversary is as captivating as can be. Japan welcomes you to celebrate your love in the Onsen baths of Oirase, renewing your souls and love for one another in these crystal-clear streams. Sushi, sake and other savory delights line the menu of this 11 day adventure.

Discover Tokyo, admire Hirosaki Castle and sip tea on the island of Sendai on: Majestic Japan

To see where you could celebrate your 25th wedding anniversary with Luxury Gold, take look at our worldwide collection of small-group journeys.

The Golden Age of luxury train travel evokes old-world images of opulent carriages, mahogany-lined cars, and slow-moving scenery at your fingertips. But this is no bygone era. Train travel is celebrating a revival with record numbers of people embracing luxury train rides. The world’s 5-star train journeys are elevating the experience, with everything from personal butlers and Michelin-star fine dining to luxury suites with bathtubs and marble floors. If you love the journey as much as the destination, here are 10 of the world’s most famous luxury train rides to inspire your next adventure.