A right royal outing: 10 palaces and castles to visit in Europe

At a glance: Storybook castle inspired by medieval legends.

Neuschwanstein was built by King Ludwig II in the 1800s, and you get a real sense of his grand vision from the moment you see the pointed turrets peeking above the pine trees. The interiors are extra special too, so join a guided tour to take a look inside. You’ll start in the Lower Hall, where frescoes showing Norse sagas line the walls. Then wander through the Throne Hall and Hall of Singers, with their marble columns, tapestries and gold leaf-lined walls. And in the king’s private chambers, look out for the solid silver washstand, which is designed to look like a swan.

How to visit
Simply book a TUI day trip from Alpbach, Achensee or Seefeld in Austria.

At a glance: A one-time island home where exotic gardens surround an original Baroque villa.

Isola Bella on Lake Maggiore has been owned by the noble Borromeo family for centuries, and you can still see how their ancestors lived the high life by visiting the villa they built here in the 1600s. No expense was spared when it came to the decor – ballrooms and bedrooms are decked out with antique furniture and silk tapestries, and in the Galleria Berthier, over 130 Renaissance paintings cover every inch of wall space. The gardens that cover the island are every bit as beautiful too. Enjoy the scent of flowers as you wander among tiered terraces designed to look like the decks of a ship.

How to visit
A short hop by boat from Baveno or Stresa.

At a glance: Austria’s biggest castle, towering over the streets of Salzburg.

This 11th-century fortress isn’t just big, it’s also one of Europe’s best-preserved and its high stone ramparts are just the spot for city views over spires and domes. Venture inside, and you can find out more about its past and see weapons from the Middle Ages in the museum. You can also see the Salzburg Bull – a huge, 500-year-old organ, which is still played each day. And keeping on the musical theme, pop into the castle’s puppet museum to see props from The Sound of Music and Mozart’s opera, The Magic Flute.

How to visit
Stay in Salzburg or head here on a TUI day trip from one of our other Austrian resorts, like Kitzbühel, Kaprun, Söll or Zell am See.

At a glance: Military stronghold meets Renaissance palace.

This place may have lavish looks today, with its stuccoed ceilings and works of art, but back when it was built in the 10th century it was all about defence, and you can still get feel for those times in the armoury. Don’t miss the giant suit of armour made for a knight who was 2.4m tall, as well as some more unusual items, like a trick chair designed to trap unsuspecting visitors. In the banqueting hall, get a glimpse of the past from the life-size paintings of kings and queens from days gone by. Then out in the formal gardens, look out for the castle’s current residents – a group of rare white peacocks.

How to visit
A simple trip on public transport from Achensee, Alpbach or Mayrhofen.

At a glance: An island castle where you can discover over 1000 years of history.

Built on its own manmade island, the Rocco di Riva has watched over the town since the 1100s, and there’s no missing its chunky, square towers as you walk along the waterfront. Cross the drawbridge to reach the entrance and learn all about the story of Riva in the local museum. Inside, old photos and paintings help bring the history of the town to life. And you can also see interesting archaeological finds from further back in time, like Roman coins and a collection of Bronze Age statues.

How to visit
Stay in Riva or take a day trip from one of the other lakeside towns.

At a glance: Picture-perfect Swiss scenery from a turreted castle.

This Swiss heritage site dates way back to the 12th century, and its four pointed towers have got wrap-around views of Thun’s medieval streets, the lake and snow-capped peaks in the distance. The castle itself hasn’t changed much over the years, and up on the top floor, you can still see the original woodwork that holds up the roof. And while you’re up there, you can get hands-on with replica tools in the museum to learn what it took to be a carpenter in the Middle Ages.

How to visit
An easy morning or afternoon outing by train from Interlaken.

At a glance: Clifftop setting with knockout views and lots to do, from coffee stops to traditional crafts.

The castle was built in 1001, and you can still walk along the original battlements – follow them from the gatehouse to get to the upper courtyard and the best views in Bled. From here, you can see the entire lake, with its island church, and the forested slopes of the Julian Alps dotting the horizon beyond. Hungry? The castle restaurant is a must for a scenic lunch stop or coffee break. And when you’re able to tear yourself away from the scenery, you can have a go at bottling your own wine or learn how to work a medieval printing press.

How to visit
A 20-minute walk or short bus ride from the centre of Bled.

At a glance: A must-visit for 360° views of Lake Garda.

The Scaligeri family also built lakeside castles in Sirmione, Lazise and Torri del Benaco – but this is the one to visit to get your camera finger clicking. Climb to the top of its 70m-tall tower, and you’ve got head-turning views of the Monte Baldo peak, Malcesine’s terracotta roofs and down the whole length of the lake. Then once you’ve snapped your last pic, you can learn all about the local flora and fauna in the castle’s little museum.

How to visit
On your doorstep in Malcesine, but also an easy boat trip from Garda, Riva or Limone.

At a glance: Peaceful ruins surrounded by olive trees and watched over by its resident birds of prey.

Vezio castle was built in the 11th century to protect the little village of Varenna on the shore of Lake Como. Nowadays, it’s ivy not invaders climbing the walls, and the whole place has a tranquil atmosphere that’s a million miles from its military heyday. The central keep has been partially restored, and you can head inside to look around the dungeons and climb up to the battlements. Back outside, look out for the birds of prey that live in the castle grounds and watch them as they take to the skies for daily falconry displays.

How to visit
Take a trip on the ferry from Bellagio, Tremezzo or Menaggio.

At a glance: Ruins of a hilltop town with far-reaching views over Arco and Lake Garda.

Lace-up your shoes for a scenic stroll from the centre of Arco up to the ruins. Along the way, you’ll pass through olive groves and vineyards, and from the top of the rocky outcrop, you’ve got fabulous views over fields, and woods to the town of Arco and Lake Garda beyond. The castle itself was more of a walled village, complete with homes and workshops, but most of it was destroyed by Napoleon’s army in the 1800s. Three sides of an outer tower still stand though, and inside you can get a sense of its former glory from the restored 14th-century frescoes that cover the walls.

How to visit
Take a local bus to get here from Limone, Torbole or Riva.