Did you know there are more than 10,000 medieval castles in Europe? Germany comes in as the winner with the most historic castle and the oldest and largest inhabited castle goes to Windsor Castle in England, which was originally built in the 11th century. Castles made up a significant part of Medieval European history; they served as hubs for government and legislative power, provided military defense and were also used to showcase great power and wealth by aristocrats. Castles were designed to be difficult to attack and easy to defend, safeguarding residents and providing strategic powerhouses in wars and battles.
Today, European medieval castles are beautiful ruins or historic cultural sites for visitors from all over the world. Millions travel to these beautiful destinations to peek into the past and see how the rich and famous fared in medieval Europe. If you’re considering a castle adventure for your next vacation, check out these top AAA castle tours.
As a AAA member, you get members-only discounts and savings on top guided tours and enjoy the peace of mind of booking with an expert AAA Travel Agent.
1. Castles and Kingdoms
The creme de la creme of European castle tours! Across the fairytale British and Irish Isles, explore the rich history of London, Bath, York, Edinburgh, Belfast, Dublin, Kilkenny, Killarney and more.
·Price: Starting from $ 13,799 (land only)
·Operator: Luxury Gold
·Length: 20 nights accommodation
Start your castle adventure in modern-day London, a bustling metropolitan city that still holds glimpses of the past. Tour Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey before you head to the UNESCO World Heritage Site of Stonehenge. After that, head to the city of Bath for a visit to the original Roman Baths and Georgian Pump Room, showing you a glimpse of what ancient grooming rituals used to look like. Medieval York takes you for a long walk around the stunning city walls or a leisurely guided tour to the York Minster, the largest medieval cathedral in Northern Europe. With gorgeous Gothic architecture throughout, enjoy stunning forests and ancient grounds.
The second half of your epic castle adventure vacation takes you to Edinburgh Castle, Scotland's most visited landmark and the Palace of Holyroodhouse, the home to Scottish royalty. Tour Northern Ireland’s epic Titanic museum and the most spectacular geological wonders at the Giant's Causeway. Guided by a master storyteller, you’ll experience the magic of these storied lands. Adventure through Dublin, a mecca for literary buffs and Guinness lovers with a behind-the-scenes tour of the Guinness Storehouse. Tour Kilkenny Castle, Blarney Castle and Ashford Castle for more magical castle tours and take in the brisk ocean air along the Irish coast in Limerick as you wrap up the trip of a lifetime.
2. Castles and Kilts
Head across England and Scotland for a once-in-a-lifetime medieval experience.
·Price: Starting from $3,125 (land only)
·Operator: Trafalgar
·Length: 9 nights accommodation
Castles and Kilts is not your typical castle vacation; unique activities and roleplay opportunities allow you and your family to immerse yourself in medieval European life. An ideal vacation for the whole family, start in London with a glimpse of Harry Potter’s famous Platform 9 ¾ for the Hogwarts Express. Head over to Buckingham Palace to catch a glimpse of the royals, take a selfie at Big Ben and explore The Tower of London. After London, you'll visit the oldest castle in the world, Windsor Castle, to roam the ancient halls followed by the city of Bath, which is known for its ancient baths and gorgeous Gothic architecture. Plus, you'll experience Trafalgar's Stays with Stories, a special night’s stay that combines the magic of storytelling with an iconic overnight destination.
More gorgeous landscapes and architecture await at the elegant medieval manor house at Tatton Park and experience life as a brave Roman soldier on Hadrian's Wall. Edinburgh Castle finishes out your trip, one of the oldest and most exciting castles in Western Europe.
3. Christmas on the Danube
While specifically for the holiday season, a tour along the Danube River is an incredible way to view historic European castles in the snowy winter.
·Price: Starting from $2,999 (land only)
·Operator: AAA Member Choice Vacations
·Length: 7 nights accommodation
Cruising along the Danube River is an incredible way to view majestic castles that feel like peeking into the past. The Danube River flows through 1,770 miles of Germany, Austria, Slovakia, Hungary, Croatia, Serbia, Bulgaria, Romania, Moldova and Ukraine for an unbeatable immersion into medieval Europe.
Explore charming Christmas markets and visit the 900-year-old Benedictine Melk Abbey, one of Europe's largest Baroque monasteries. Enjoy German holiday traditions at a Glühwein Party and each night, indulge in unlimited wine and beer on the river cruise ship. Stroll through Nuremberg’s Imperial Castle and the oldest Christmas market in Germany. Head onward to Regensburg, one of Germany's best-preserved medieval cities, for another charming Christmas market and a Roman gate built in A.D. 179. Get a glimpse of stunning Baroque architecture as you tour Passau, a 2,000-year-old fairytale city, full of stunning cathedrals and well-preserved castle complexes. The final stop of your Christmas castle adventures takes you to Vienna, home of the Hofburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House, the Ringstrasse and St. Stephen's Cathedral as you say goodbye to the Danube River!
4. Best of France
Vive la France! Nothing quite says “iconic castle luxury” like French castles in the Best of France guided tour.
·Price: Starting from $3,895 (land only)
·Operator: Trafalgar
·Length: 12 nights accommodation
Kick off your adventure in none other than Paris, the City of Lights. Visit the medieval town of Beaune before reaching Lyon, the third largest city in France. Spotted with darling pastel houses and quaint stress from another age, enjoy a delicious French dinner before heading to Avignon, Monaco and the French Riviera. Stroll through the fields of Provence, luscious landscapes that inspired Van Gogh and Cézanne before enjoying an intimate dinner in Monaco.
Next, the French Riviera is a dream destination for celebrity sighting, yacht spotting and indulging in true French luxury. Relax on the beach, tour Saint-Paul-de-Vence or simply people-watch — the activity is up to you! After soaking up the sun, you'll explore Arles and Carcassonne, two ancient towns full of history and ruins.
A drive to Lourdes and Biarritz takes you past the famous Basilica atop St. Bernadette's Grotto before entering Bordeaux, the wine capital of the world. Gorgeous architecture and delicious dining are highlights here before heading to a chateau in the Loire Valley for one of Trafalgar’s iconic Stays with Stories. You’ll enjoy a uniquely French experience backed with magical storytelling that makes the night memorable. Head back to Paris for more exploration of gorgeous architecture, fine dining and the French lifestyle on your grand tour of historic France.
5. Belmond Royal Scotsman Western Scenic Wonders
All aboard an epic train journey around Scotland! With 24-hour steward service and entertainment onboard, plus all meals, appetizers and drinks included, this is one ride you won’t want to hop off.
·Price: Starting from $10,299 (land only)
·Operator: Railbookers
·Length: 12 nights accommodation
At the start of your vacation, meander through the famous city of London through the lens of Big Ben, the London Eye, St. Paul's Cathedral, Buckingham Palace and Westminster Abbey. As one of the most metropolitan modern cities in the world, London has a rich history and home in medieval storybook Europe. After journeying through the London streets, head north to the Scottish Highlands, home to an abundance of culture, history, a beautiful Old Town and the stoic Inverness Cathedral. Take the Caledonian Canal to Loch Ness and explore Urquhart Castle by water, a ruined castle that embodies the Scottish Highlands.
Adventure to Edinburgh, the Scottish capital, for a day of touring the cobbled streets that take you back in time. Next up is the part you’ve been waiting for. A three-night ride aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman takes you through Loch Lomond, Ben Nevis, the Isle of Bute and Mount Stuart. Journey through the Cuillin Mountains and tour the Glenfinnan Monument with an authentic Highlander before ending your day with tea at Inverlochy Castle, a ruined 13th-century castle. Wrap up your Scottish and British castle adventures with another day exploring London.
Step back in time with medieval castle tours across Europe! There’s no shortage of fantastical and ruined castles alike across Europe and AAA’s selection of castle adventures takes you on the trip of a lifetime. With access to authentic, local experiences, AAA members can book through AAA for exclusive savings. Enjoy members-only discounts plus the confidence in knowing you’re booking your dream vacation with expert guides and travel agents who take the stress out of travel planning.