Get carried away by captivating castles
ROYAL ROMANCE
GET CARRIED AWAY BY CAPTIVATING CASTLES
Mysteriously haunting yet irrevocably romantic, ancient castles are places of fairy-tales and drama. Whether you dream of wandering the rustic stone of an Italian castle or feeling the breeze of the Loire Valley as you quietly bike to a French château, a step into Europe’s extravagant history will surely captivate you. If the storied walls could whisper their tales, will you be there to listen?
STAY IN A 13TH CENTURY IRISH CASTLE
ASHFORD CASTLE, IRELAND
This regal beauty is one of Ireland’s oldest castles. It was, in fact, once the Estate of Lord Ardilaun and home to the Guinness family. The 82-room property is set on 350 woodland acres against the shores of Lough Corrib, the country’s second largest lake. Spend your leisurely days as royalty would – set off on horseback through the greenery, stroll through the gardens, learn a new skill at Ireland’s first school of falconry, savor an afternoon tea, or visit the state-of-the-art spa. Despite being over 800 years old, the modern facilities at Ashford Castle are nothing short of exquisite. For a more private experience, request the lakeside Hideaway Cottage, a secluded former boathouse a stone’s throw from the castle with private access.
Private Perks: Resort credit, complimentary daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, complimentary upgrade, and more.
PEDAL THROUGH THE LOIRE VALLEY
BACKROADS BIKE TOUR, FRANCE
The Loire Valley, located two hours southwest of Paris, embodies the extravagance of French nobility from centuries past and is the perfect setting for a royal Backroads bike tour. As you pedal through lush forests toward the façades of centuries-old castles (like Château de Chamboard, pictured above), you’ll feel as though you are entering your own personal fairytale. You can’t help but admire the sense the pride that went into these architectural masterpieces, from manicured gardens to the stone walls. It’s no wonder the Loire Valley was a historical escape for artists and writers. In fact, even Leonardo da Vinci spent his last years here.
SLEEP IN AN RUSTIC TUSCAN MONASTERY-TURNED-CASTLE
CASTEL MONASTERO, ITALY
Less than 20 miles from Siena, nestled in the heart of Chianti, Castel Monastero is a lovingly restored monastery on one of the most picturesque stretches of the Tuscan countryside. Unlike most castles, the minimalist, natural design of the 74 guest rooms strays far from opulence and instead offers the luxury of tranquility against the rolling hills and vineyards outside. You may never want to leave, and when it comes to gourmet dining, you won’t need to. Focusing on culture, emotion, and memory, fine Tuscan cuisine and its wines are perfectly at home at Contrada (gourmet dining facing the piazza) and La Cantina (relaxed dining in a medieval wine cellar).
Private Perks: Welcome bottle of wine, resort credit, complimentary daily breakfast, early check-in, late check-out, complimentary upgrade, and more.
SAIL BY CASTLES ALONG THE RHINE
UNIWORLD RIVER CRUISES, BASEL – AMSTERDAM
Prepare for romance and soul-stirring beauty as you sail along the fabled Rhine aboard your floating hotel. Each bend brings to view the same spires of medieval churches, fortresses of medieval castles and hillsides of climbing vineyards that inspired some of Europe’s greatest great poets, painters and composers. Through the lens of Uniworld, these historic scenes are still yours to experience. On a special excursion, you’ll have opportunity to get an insider’s look at one of the only castles on the Rhine that has never been destroyed, Marksburg Castle, pictured above. Step back in time to the Middle Ages as you enter the fortress through the drawbridge gate and vaulted tunnel. Later on your journey, you will take a ferry ride across the Rhine to Rheinstein Castle, originally built in 1316. Here, you’ll be welcomed by the Count and treated to a Knight’s Reception.
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