Have you ever dreamt of traveling to a real-life castle? Many visitors flock to castles because of their unique allure, rich histories and grand facades. They are magnificent structures that vary in size, shape and detail. Many castles were built by monarchs and governments dating back thousands of years and still stand today representing each country’s rich history. When you’re ready to travel again, here are a few castle destinations you may want to add to your bucket list. Let’s take a little tour of some of the great castles around the world!

Neuschwanstein Castle, Germany

This Cinderella-like castle was built in the 19^th century and was commissioned by King Ludwig II of Bavaria. He was known to romanticize the Middle Ages and wanted his castle to resemble one from that era.  The picturesque towers and windows help make this castle a marvel to view. It sits high on a hill above the Bavarian plains with the Alps as a stunning backdrop. The surroundings are idyllic and breathtaking. Here’s a fun fact. Neuschwanstein Castle is famous because it was featured in the film “Chitty Chitty Bang Bang”.¹

Catillo San Felipe del Morro, Puerto Rico

This 16th century citadel in Puerto Rico was used as a fort by the Spanish for hundreds of years. It’s protected by a moat and sea cliffs. In the past, it was attacked by French pirates as well as US forces during the Spanish-American War. The castle now serves as a popular tourist attraction.

Windsor Castle, England

Windsor Castle has been home to the British royal family for over 900 years. A statue of Queen Victoria greets its many visitors outside the front gates. The castle was originally built by William the Conqueror to guard London. Now it serves as one of the many residences of Queen Elizabeth II. She spends most of her private weekends there.²

Himeji Castle, Japan

Nicknamed “White Heron Castle” for its bird-like architecture, this beautiful Japanese structure is considered a national treasure. It is made up of over 80 buildings, which are connected by a series of gates and winding paths. The top floor houses a small shrine and visitors can peer out the windows to see the maze of buildings below. They can also get a great view of the city of Himeji, where the castle is located.

Château de Chambord, France

Built in the French Renaissance style, Château de Chambord is a glamourous and impressive building. It has hundreds of rooms, fireplaces, staircases and a decorative moat. The castle was constructed by King Francois I in the 1500s as a symbol of his power and influence. Oddly enough, he only spent several weeks there throughout his reign. Today, the castle hosts many events during the year and is lit up beautifully with thousands of lights around the holiday season.

A visit to any one of these castles can leave you feeling like you’re in a fairytale. Before you make plans, you may want to check out their individual websites to stay informed about closures and re-openings. When you’re ready to venture out to one of these great destinations, don’t forget to consider travel protection. Travel Insured offers a variety of plans that include benefits like trip cancellation, trip interruption, and trip delay. Plus, each plan includes 24/7 non-insurance assistance services such as concierge and emergency services worldwide that can help with booking restaurant reservations, event ticketing, and more. Consider checking out our plans today at travelinsured.com!

1. https://www.romanticroadgermany.com/schwangau/neuschwanstein.php
2. https://www.rct.uk/visit/windsor-castle


This blog links to websites for the following companies, which are not affiliated with Travel Insured International or United States Fire Insurance Company: Romantic Road Germany, Royal Collection Trust

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