Top Castle Adventures in Europe

Did you know there are more than 10,000 medieval castles in Europe? Castles made up a significant part of Medieval European history. Castles were designed to be difficult to attack and easy to defend.

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. 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.

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 $ 14,775 (land only)
• Operator: Luxury Gold
• Length: 20 nights accommodation

Start your castle adventure in modern-day London. Tour Big Ben, the Houses of Parliament and Westminster Abbey before you head to Stonehenge. After that, head to the city of Bath for a visit to the original Roman Baths and Georgian Pump Room. Medieval York takes you for a leisurely guided tour to the York Minster, the largest medieval cathedral in Northern Europe

The second half of your epic castle adventure vacation takes you to Edinburgh Castle and the Palace of Holyrood house. Tour Northern Ireland’s epic Titanic Museum and the Giant's Causeway. Adventure through Dublin, and experience 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.

Castles and Kilts

Head across England and Scotland for a once-in-a-lifetime medieval experience.

• Price: Starting from $3,395 (land only)
• Operator: Trafalgar
• Length: 9 nights accommodation

Castles and Kilts is an ideal vacation for the whole family.  Start in London with a glimpse of Harry Potter’s famous Platform 9 ¾. Head over to Buckingham Palace, 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, followed by the city of Bath. 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.

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 $3,399 (land only)
• Operator: AAA Member Choice Vacations
• Length: 7 nights accommodation

Cruising along the Danube River is an incredible way to view majestic. Explore charming Christmas markets and visit the 900-year-old Benedictine Melk Abbey. Enjoy German holiday traditions at a Glühwein Party. Stroll through Nuremberg Imperial Castle and the oldest Christmas market in Germany. Head onward to Regensburg. Get a glimpse of stunning Baroque architecture as you tour Passau. The final stop takes you to Vienna, home of the Hofburg Palace, the Vienna Opera House, the Ring Strasse and St. Stephen's Cathedral.

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 $4,118 (land only)
• Operator: Trafalgar
• Length: 12 nights accommodation

Kick off your adventure in none other than Paris. Visit the medieval town of Beaune before reaching Lyon in France. Head to Avignon, Monaco and the French Riviera. Stroll through the fields of Provence before enjoying an intimate dinner in Monaco.

Next, the French Riviera. Relax on the beach, tour Saint-Paul-de-then you'll explore Arles and Carcassonne.

A drive to Lourdes and Biarritz takes you past the famous Basilica atop St. Bernadette's Grotto before entering Bordeaux. After you’ll head to a chateau in the Loire Valley for one of Trafalgar’s iconic Stays with Stories. Head back to Paris for a grand tour of historic France.

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 $9,799 (land only)
• Operator: Railbookers
• Length: 12 nights accommodation

At the start of your vacation, meander through the famous city of London. After journeying through the London streets, head north to the Scottish Highlands, home to the stoic Inverness Cathedral. Take the Caledonian Canal to Loch Ness and explore Urquhart Castle by water, a ruined castle.

Adventure to Edinburgh for a day of touring the cobbled streets. Next up is a three-night ride aboard the Belmond Royal Scotsman, go through Loch Lomond, Ben Nevis, the Isle of Bute and Mount Stuart. Journey through the Cuillin Mountains and tour the Glenfinnan Monument before ending your day with tea at Inverlochy Castle. Wrap up your adventures with another day exploring London.

Plan Your Dream Vacation: Exclusive EU Travel Discounts from AAA

There’s no shortage of AAA’s selection of castle adventures which take 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.

For more information, call 1-800-222-1469 to talk to a local AAA Travel agent, click AAA.com/TripCanvas or visit your local AAA office today.