Europe

Although the word chateau is most often translated as castle in English it most often means palace or manor house in the French language.

Europe has approximately one castle for every twelve towns (don’t fact-check us on that), so building a list of the most beautiful castle towns requires conviction and strong opinions held loosely.

Steeped in romance and history, this elegant northern Italian city is famed for its timeless charm and literary connections.

You are probably thinking about Swiss chocolate, Swiss cheese, and clocks, too. These are some of the things that you know about Switzerland already.

Framed by the Mediterranean Sea, this sun-soaked southern region blends dramatic coastlines, rugged mountains, and fertile landscapes with one of the richest histories in Europe.

Often overshadowed by more famous Italian destinations, this historic city rewards visitors with a rich blend of culture, architecture, and authentic atmosphere.

This magnificent alpine country has some divine scenery on offer, and nestled away among its natural wonders you’ll find an astounding array of picturesque cities, dripping in baroque architecture, that allude to Austria’s imperious past.

Although Spain is only home to a limited number of National Parks, they really pack a punch! These parks hold the drama and beauty of some of the world’s most pristine and interesting landscapes, and have become distinct for their ecological wealth.

London conjures up images of royalty and power.

Bordered by the Alps in the north, Italy is renowned around the world for its stunning scenery, which consists of picturesque countryside, beautiful coastline, and the idyllic islands of Sardinia and Sicily.

Set along the Adriatic coast, this historic port city blends centuries of maritime history with a lively Mediterranean atmosphere.

So, you have three days to explore London?

It’s Austria. The mountains are filled with the sights of castles! They’re imposing, impressive, usually undefeatable and impregnable.

Lying right in the center of Europe, Slovakia is a delight to explore.

Portugal is a country with exceptional scenery, gorgeous beaches and a rich heritage.