The Ultimate 30-Day Castles of Europe Travel Itinerary

The Alhambra Palace, Granada, Spain

Let's embark on a grand 30-day quest across Europe, focusing on some of the continent's most famous, beautiful, and historically significant castles! This itinerary balances iconic fortresses with fairytale palaces, spanning multiple countries and offering a journey through centuries of history, architecture, and intrigue.

Europe's Castle Trail: A 30-Day Journey Through Royal Realms & Fortified Legends

Why This 30-Day European Castles Guide is Valuable For You:

• Iconic Castle Collection: Features a curated selection of Europe's most renowned and visually stunning castles and palaces across key regions – Germany's fairytale creations, France's Loire Valley splendor, Scotland's dramatic fortresses, Austria's imperial residences, Czechia's hilltop marvels, and more.

• Historical & Architectural Diversity: Showcases a range of castle styles – medieval fortresses, Renaissance châteaux, Baroque palaces, romantic 19th-century creations – highlighting different eras and architectural influences.

• Balanced Pacing: While focused on castles, it mixes intensive exploration days with scenic travel (trains, drives), time to explore charming nearby towns, and occasional relaxing moments to prevent "castle fatigue."

• Logical Flow: Follows a generally coherent path across Central and Western Europe, utilizing efficient train travel between major hubs and recommending car rentals for regions with high castle density (Loire Valley, Rhine Valley/Bavaria) for flexibility.

• Beyond Just Castles: Includes time in key cities near the castles (Paris, Munich, Edinburgh, Vienna, Prague), allowing you to experience broader culture, food, and atmosphere alongside the castle focus.

• Flexibility Notes: This 30-day European castles travel itinerary provides a strong framework but acknowledges that individual castle visiting times vary. Offers potential swaps or suggests focusing based on interest, allowing for some personalization.

  
  

Europe's Castle Trail: The 30-Day Travel Itinerary

Pacing Legend:

• (R) Relaxing: Focus on atmosphere near castle, town exploration, slower pace.

• (M) Moderate: Mix of castle visit(s), local sightseeing, travel.

• (A) Active: Intensive castle exploration (large complexes), potentially combined with hiking/significant walking.

• (T) Travel: Significant train/driving time involved between regions/countries.

  
  

Essential: Book tickets ONLINE and WELL IN ADVANCE for high-demand castles like Neuschwanstein, Versailles, Edinburgh Castle, potentially Alhambra (if added), and popular palace tours (Schönbrunn). Book high-speed/international train tickets ahead for best prices. Car rental highly recommended for specific regions.

Part 1: Germany's Fairytale South (Days 1-5)

• Day 1: Arrival in Munich & Residenz Glimpse (T/R)

  • Arrive Munich Airport (MUC). Transfer to city center accommodation.

  • Orientation walk: Marienplatz, Neues Rathaus. Visit the Munich Residenz courtyards and potentially the Treasury (Schatzkammer) for a first taste of Bavarian royal splendor. Welcome Bavarian dinner. Value: Arrival hub, first palace experience.

    
    

• Day 2: Neuschwanstein & Hohenschwangau Castles (A/T) - Car Recommended

  • Pick up rental car. Drive to Füssen/Schwangau area (approx. 1.5-2 hrs).

  • Visit Hohenschwangau Castle AND the iconic Neuschwanstein Castle. Book timed tour tickets MONTHS ahead! Walk/bus/carriage up. Visit Marienbrücke bridge for photos. Stay overnight near Füssen/Schwangau. Value: World-famous fairytale castles.

    
    

• Day 3: Linderhof Palace & Travel towards Rhine (T/M)

  • Visit Linderhof Palace, Ludwig II's smaller, opulent Rococo gem with beautiful gardens and grotto (near Oberammergau).

  • Begin scenic drive north/west towards the Rhine Valley region OR towards a convenient train hub like Stuttgart/Frankfurt if switching to train. Long driving day. Stay overnight en route (e.g., Ulm or scenic Romantic Road town if time allows). Value: Ludwig II's intimate palace, positioning for next region.

    
    

• Day 4: Rhine Valley Castles - Marksburg OR Eltz (T/M)

  • Continue to Middle Rhine Valley (UNESCO site) OR Moselle Valley. Choose ONE major castle focus for today:

  • Option A (Rhine): Visit Marksburg Castle near Braubach – the only completely preserved medieval castle on the Middle Rhine.

  • Option B (Moselle): Visit the stunningly picturesque Eltz Castle (Burg Eltz) nestled in a forest valley (requires walk/shuttle from parking).

  • Enjoy Rhine/Moselle river scenery. Stay overnight in a charming Rhine/Moselle town (e.g., Bacharach, St. Goar, Cochem). Value: Iconic German medieval castles.

    
    

• Day 5: Rhine Cruise & Travel Towards France (T/R)

  • Take a scenic Rhine River cruise (e.g., KD line from Bingen/Rüdesheim to St. Goar) past numerous castles and the Loreley Rock.

  • Afternoon: Travel towards France. Drive or take train (via Koblenz/Mannheim/Frankfurt) towards Strasbourg or Paris (long journey). Let's aim for Strasbourg initially. Arrive Strasbourg, check in. Value: Scenic river cruise, crossing into France.

    
    

Part 2: French Châteaux & Royal Grandeur (Days 6-12)

• Day 6: Haut-Koenigsbourg Castle (Alsace) & Travel to Loire (T/M)

  • Morning: Visit the impressively restored Château du Haut-Koenigsbourg overlooking the Alsace plain (requires car or careful bus/taxi planning from Sélestat station).

  • Afternoon: Long travel day. Drive across France OR take TGV train from Strasbourg towards the Loire Valley (requires change, likely in Paris). Aim for Tours, Amboise, or Blois as a base. Pick up rental car if arriving by train (car essential for Loire). Check in. Value: Impressive Alsatian fortress, travel to château heartland.

    
    

• Day 7: Loire Valley - Chambord & Cheverny (M/A)

  • Explore the Loire Valley: Visit the magnificent Château de Chambord (largest, iconic double-helix staircase).

  • Visit nearby Château de Cheverny (beautifully furnished, Tintin connection - Marlinspike Hall). Value: Grandest Loire château, elegant interiors.

    
    

• Day 8: Loire Valley - Chenonceau & Amboise (M)

  • Visit the stunning Château de Chenonceau, gracefully arching over the River Cher. Explore the château and gardens.

  • Visit Château Royal d'Amboise overlooking the Loire river, with royal history and Leonardo da Vinci's tomb (in chapel). Visit Clos Lucé nearby (Da Vinci's final home - optional). Value: Iconic river château, royal & Da Vinci history.

    
    

• Day 9: Loire Valley - Villandry Gardens & Azay-le-Rideau (M/R)

  • Visit Château de Villandry, renowned primarily for its spectacular Renaissance gardens (vegetable, ornamental, water). Explore the château interior too.

  • Visit the elegant Château d'Azay-le-Rideau, seemingly floating on the Indre river. Value: World-class gardens, charming moated château.

    
    

• Day 10: Travel to Paris (T/R)

  • Enjoy a final Loire Valley morning. Return rental car (e.g., at Tours St-Pierre-des-Corps TGV station).

  • Take TGV train back to Paris Montparnasse (approx. 1 hour). Check into Paris accommodation.

  • Evening: Relaxing walk along the Seine or explore neighbourhood like Saint-Germain-des-Prés. Value: Efficient return to Paris.

    
    

• Day 11: Versailles Palace & Gardens Revisited (A)

  • Take RER C train to Versailles. Dedicate the day to the Palace and extensive Gardens. If visited briefly earlier, use this day for deeper exploration of Gardens, Grand/Petit Trianon, Hameau de la Reine. Pre-book Palace tickets! Value: Deeper dive into Versailles.

    
    

• Day 12: Pierrefonds Castle OR Fontainebleau Day Trip (M/T)

  • Choose another major castle day trip from Paris:

  • Option A: Train/bus towards Compiègne, then taxi/local transport to Château de Pierrefonds, a stunningly restored medieval/fantasy castle redesigned by Viollet-le-Duc.

  • Option B: Train to Château de Fontainebleau, a vast palace showcasing centuries of French royal history and diverse architectural styles, set in a large forest. Value: Choice of impressive medieval revival or vast royal history.

    
    

Part 3: UK Calling - London & Scotland (Days 13-19)

• Day 13: Travel Paris to London (Eurostar) (T/R)

  • Take the Eurostar train from Paris Gare du Nord to London St Pancras International (approx. 2.5 hours, book well ahead!). Remember time difference (-1 hour).

  • Check into London accommodation. Afternoon: Visit the Tower of London (UNESCO site - see Crown Jewels, White Tower). See nearby Tower Bridge. Value: Efficient cross-channel travel, iconic London fortress.

    
    

• Day 14: Windsor Castle Day Trip (M/T)

  • Take the train to Windsor. Visit Windsor Castle (oldest/largest occupied castle). Explore State Apartments, St. George's Chapel. Return London. Value: Essential English royal castle.

    
    

• Day 15: Travel London to Edinburgh (T/R)

  • Take the high-speed train (LNER) from London King's Cross to Edinburgh Waverley (approx. 4.5-5 hours, scenic east coast route).

  • Check into Edinburgh accommodation (Old Town/New Town). Walk part of the Royal Mile, see St Giles' Cathedral exterior. Value: Scenic train travel to Scottish capital.

    
    

• Day 16: Edinburgh Castle & Holyrood Palace (M)

  • Visit Edinburgh Castle perched on Castle Rock (book ahead!). See Scottish Crown Jewels (Honours of Scotland), Stone of Destiny.

  • Walk down Royal Mile to the Palace of Holyroodhouse (King's official residence in Scotland - optional tour). Value: Iconic Scottish castle & palace.

    
    

• Day 17: Stirling Castle Day Trip (M/T)

  • Take the train (approx. 45-60 mins) to Stirling. Visit Stirling Castle, strategically vital in Scottish history. Explore the Great Hall, Royal Palace. See nearby Wallace Monument (optional). Return Edinburgh. Value: Major historical Scottish castle.

    
    

• Day 18: Eilean Donan & Travel to Highlands/Skye Prep (T)

  • Pick up rental car in Edinburgh OR take long train/bus journey west towards Highlands. Car recommended for next section.

  • Long driving day. Drive towards Kyle of Lochalsh. Stop at the iconic Eilean Donan Castle (mainland near Skye bridge) for photos/visit.

  • Continue towards Isle of Skye OR stay near Kyle/Plockton. Value: Transition to Highlands, most photographed castle.

    
    

• Day 19: Dunvegan Castle (Isle of Skye) OR Urquhart Castle (Loch Ness) (M/T)

  • Option A (Skye): If base near Skye, drive onto island, visit Dunvegan Castle & Gardens (seat of Clan MacLeod). Explore some Skye scenery.

  • Option B (Loch Ness): Drive from Inverness/Highlands area towards Loch Ness. Visit the ruins of Urquhart Castle overlooking the famous loch. Take a Loch Ness cruise (optional).

  • Begin journey south towards Central Europe (long drive towards ferry/airport OR position for train). Value: Island clan castle or famous lochside ruins.

    
    

Part 4: Central Europe - Austria & Czechia (Days 20-25)

• Day 20: Travel Day - Scotland towards Austria (T) - Flight Essential

  • Major travel day. Drive to Edinburgh (EDI) or Glasgow (GLA) airport. Return car.

  • Fly to Vienna (VIE) or Salzburg (SZG), Austria (likely requires connecting flight).

  • Arrive Austria, transfer to accommodation (Vienna or Salzburg). Value: Efficient travel bridging UK & Central Europe.

    
    

• Day 21: Vienna - Schönbrunn OR Hofburg Palace (M)

  • Explore Vienna: Choose ONE major imperial palace complex today:

  • Schönbrunn Palace: Former summer residence, vast gardens, Gloriette.

  • Hofburg Palace: City centre complex, Imperial Apartments, Sisi Museum, Silver Collection. Value: Habsburg imperial grandeur.

    
    

• Day 22: Salzburg - Hohensalzburg Fortress OR Hohenwerfen Castle (M/T)

  • Option A (Salzburg City): Explore Salzburg Old Town (UNESCO). Visit Hohensalzburg Fortress dominating the city via funicular. See Mozart's Birthplace.

  • Option B (Nearby Fortress): Day trip south of Salzburg (requires train/bus or car) to visit the impressive Hohenwerfen Castle, a dramatic medieval fortress often with falconry displays. Combine with Eisriesenwelt Ice Caves (seasonal, strenuous). Value: Major city fortress or dramatic medieval fortress.

    
    

• Day 23: Travel Austria to Czechia (Český Krumlov) (T/M)

  • Travel from Salzburg/Vienna area towards Czechia. Options: Shuttle services (like CK Shuttle - convenient but pre-book), train (via Linz), or drive. Aim for Český Krumlov (UNESCO site). Approx 3-4 hours travel.

  • Check in. Explore the fairytale medieval town nestled in the Vltava river bend. First views of the castle complex. Value: Scenic travel, arrival in fairytale town.

    
    

• Day 24: Český Krumlov Castle Exploration (A)

  • Dedicate ample time to exploring the vast Český Krumlov Castle complex: tour interiors, climb Castle Tower, visit unique Baroque Theatre (tour essential!), wander Castle Gardens. Value: Major castle complex, UNESCO site.

    
    

• Day 25: Hluboká Castle & Travel to Prague (M/T)

  • Option to visit nearby Hluboká Castle (requires car/taxi/tour from Český Krumlov or nearby České Budějovice) – stunning romantic castle.

  • Travel by bus (most direct) from Český Krumlov to Prague (approx. 3 hours).

  • Check into Prague accommodation. Evening walk: Old Town Square, Charles Bridge. Value: Optional romantic castle, arrival in Czech capital.

    
    

Part 5: Prague & Departure (Days 26-30)

• Day 26: Prague Castle Complex (A)

  • Explore Prague Castle: St. Vitus Cathedral, Old Royal Palace, St. George's Basilica, Golden Lane. Revisit if only glimpsed previously. Value: Iconic Prague landmark.

    
    

• Day 27: Karlštejn Castle Day Trip (M/T)

  • Take an easy train day trip (approx. 40 mins) from Prague Main Station to Karlštejn.

  • Visit the impressive Gothic Karlštejn Castle, built by Emperor Charles IV to house imperial regalia. Requires uphill walk from station. Take a guided tour. Value: Important Gothic castle near Prague.

    
    

• Day 28: Prague Old Town & Charles Bridge Revisited (M/R)

  • Enjoy Prague: Explore Old Town Square, Astronomical Clock show. Walk Charles Bridge again (early morning best). Explore Malá Strana (Lesser Town). Relax at a cafe. Value: Deeper exploration, soaking in atmosphere.

    
    

• Day 29: Buffer Day / Konopiště Castle Option (R/M/T)

  • Use as buffer day. Final souvenir shopping. Revisit favourite spot.

  • Optional Day Trip: Visit Konopiště Chateau (associated with Archduke Franz Ferdinand - requires train/bus, approx 1 hour south).

  • Farewell dinner. Value: Flexibility, optional chateau.

    
    

• Day 30: Departure (T)

  • Enjoy a final Czech breakfast.

  • Travel to Václav Havel Airport Prague (PRG) for your departure. Leave Europe with memories of countless magnificent castles!

    
    

Essential Tips for Your 30-Day European Castle Tour:

• Book Castle Tickets & Trains EARLY: Essential for major castles (Neuschwanstein, Versailles, Edinburgh, possibly Prague/Český Krumlov circuits) and high-speed/international trains (Eurostar, TGV, ICE, Railjet, AVE if Spain included) for best prices/availability.

• Car Rental: Highly recommended for specific regions (Loire Valley, Rhine/Moselle, Bavaria, potentially Scotland outside Edinburgh/Glasgow, Czechia beyond Prague). Be aware of different driving rules (LEFT in UK/Ireland!), tolls, vignettes, parking challenges/costs in cities. Cross-border rentals can be complex/expensive - consider domestic rentals within key regions.

• Accommodation: Book well in advance, especially near popular castles or during peak season. Mix hotels, guesthouses, B&Bs, potentially apartments. Staying near but not in the most famous village can sometimes offer better value/availability.

• Castle Fatigue: Be mindful of potential "castle fatigue"! Mix castle visits with time in towns, nature walks, relaxing meals. Prioritize quality over quantity – don't try to see every minor ruin. Choose castles based on varied styles/history.

• Opening Times & Tours: Check castle opening times/days carefully (vary seasonally, some closed Mondays). Many require guided tours for interior access; check languages offered and book if necessary.

• Packing: Comfortable walking shoes are paramount! Layers for variable weather. Waterproof jacket. Smart casual often suitable. Consider slightly nicer attire if planning upscale dining/events.

• Currencies: Multiple needed! Euro (€) in Germany, France, Austria, Slovakia (if transiting). Pound Sterling (£) in UK. Czech Koruna (CZK) in Czechia. Swiss Franc (CHF) if transiting. Cards widely accepted, carry cash for smaller sites/villages .

• Language: Many! English widely understood in major tourist areas/castles. Basic phrases in German, French, Czech appreciated.

  
  

Bon voyage / Gute Reise / Šťastnou cestu! Have an absolutely magnificent 30-day adventure exploring Europe's incredible castles!

💛 Enjoyed this itinerary or found it helpful?

Support my work with a small donation.

It helps keep these travel guides free for everyone.