October 17, 2015 Read time - 3 minutes There's nothing quite like a castle to spark the imagination. Looming walls and magnificent towers, labyrinthine networks of rooms and tunnels contained within. A good castle seems to hold countless stories in its ancient stonework. There are countless incredible castles to explore the world over, but here are just five of our absolute favourites. Best Castles across the Globe Bran Castle Bran Castle, Transylvania Standing high and proud amidst Transylvania’s undulating forested hills, standing sentry over the nearby town of the same name, Bran Castle was the legendary home of Count Dracula, the greatest of all the mythological undead. It’s not hard to see why Bram Stoker chose this fortress as the roost of his archetypal vampire – its grandiose structure dominates the Romanian landscape, towering spires and colossal walls immediately evoking the mythic and mystic. Take me there: Bran trips The Black Castle The Black Castle Japan Matsumoto’s huge castle is an elegant construct of layers and wing-like rooftops, with an imposing outer wall of jet-black stone; this distinctive appearance, at once flamboyant and imposing, earned it the name “Crow Castle”. The Black Castle is considered one of Japan’s national treasures, having stood its menacing watch for over five hundred years, and undergone several careful restorations. Take me there: Tours of Japan Trakai Castle Trakai Castle Lithuania On a secluded island, just off the shores of tranquil Lake Galvė in Lithuania, stands the orange-hued castle of Trakai. Don’t be fooled by its quaint demeanour, though – Trakai Castle has a long history of intrigue and warfare, stretching back to the fourteenth century. After crossing the long footbridge to the castle proper, you’ll be greeted by majestic Eastern European architecture and a treasure trove of culture and history, just waiting to be discovered. Take me there: Trips to Lithuania Fasilides Castle Fasilides Castle Ethiopia Amidst the ancient ruins of a fortress city, where the Emperors of Ethiopia once held their court, stands one castle grander than all the rest – Fasilides Castle, named after the founder of the city itself. Sturdy and blockish, yet at once intricate and complex, the castle is a remarkable feat of engineering and artistry – its architecture is a unique blend of cultural influences found nowhere else in the world. Take me there: Tours of Ethiopia Neuschweinstein Castle Neuschweinstein Castle This icon of design is younger than the other castles listed here, but all the more impressive for it. It stands on a high hill, overlooking a land of Alpine foothills that can only be described as fairytale. Walls of glittering white stone ascend from the tops of sheer cliffs, surrounded by tapered turrets in a gorgeous Disney-esque array – after seeing this masterpiece, you won’t be surprised to learn that it was, in fact, the inspiration behind several Disney castles. Take me there: Bavaria trip Find out more about our trips that let you discover these magnificent castles below.
Discover the Baltics 39 reviews Visit three countries in twelve days, through Estonia, Latvia and Lithuania Culture Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Leisurely 12 Days from £1,299 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Ancient & Modern Japan 87 reviews Explore Zen gardens, temples and the most iconic sights of Japan Culture Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Moderate 14 Days from £3,999 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Ethiopia in Depth 19 reviews Journey along Ethiopia's magnificent northern circuit, including Tigrai. Culture Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Leisurely / Moderate 13 Days from £2,549 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Transylvania and the Carpathian Mountains Explore fairytale castles and traditional churches Walking & Trekking Suitable for: Age 13+ Activity level: Moderate 8 Days from £1,659 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details
Highlights of Romania Journey through Romania, starting in the North and heading South. Culture Suitable for: Age 16+ Activity level: Leisurely 10 Days from £1,479 Guided (Excl. Flights) View More Details