These 4 historic castle tours will transport you into a fairy tale

For those who dream of epic battles, twisting spires and the stories contained within centuries-old stone walls, sometimes everyday life just doesn’t cut it. 

In a changing world, sometimes we need some escapism. An Ipsos survey indicates that of Canadians who intend to travel this year, 81 per cent say they desperately need a vacation. The 2025 CAA Travel Intention survey also indicates that 62 per cent of Members are likely to travel to Europe this year. If you’ve been considering a trip, touring castles in Europe could be the perfect fantasy retreat. 

Whether you want to see the rugged ruins of Scotland’s highlands or the sparkling palaces of France, your adventure awaits with these Trafalgar tours. 

Castles and Kilts (UK)

Every step you take through the UK is packed with history, which is why the Castles and Kilts tour is like walking through time. 

You'll go on to London, where the imposing structures of Big Ben and the Tower of London complement the elegance of Buckingham Palace. The alcoves and greens of Oxford will follow before your journey to the hometown of Shakespeare in Stratford-upon-Avon. 

Next, you'll travel to Wales and traverse the Horseshoe Pass, known for sweeping vistas and rolling peaks. Travellers get to stay overnight at Ruthin Castle Hotel, a charming medieval Welsh castle nestled in Denbighshire. 

In North Wales, Caernarfon Castle’s sturdy turrets cut a striking figure over the River Seiont. From there, you’ll travel through the iconic Lake District, which inspired artists and Romantic poets alike. Follow the journey of a Roman soldier along Hadrian’s Wall, much of which still stands despite its two millennia of existence.

Your journey concludes in Edinburgh, where you’ll admire the neoclassical facades of the historic buildings and squares. 

Castles and Manors (Ireland)

The Emerald Isle awaits intrepid explorers on the eight-day Castles and Manors tour. The trip begins in Dublin with a visit to St. Patrick’s Cathedral and the Georgian Squares. 

On day two, Galway’s hospitality opens its doors to you. Stroll through Eyre Square and visit Galway Cathedral before your overnight stay at The Lodge at Ashford Castle, elegant country quarters on the shores of Lough Corrib. 

After visiting the sheep at Glen Keen Farm, you’ll relax like a lord or lady at Abbeyglen Castle, in a luxurious and inviting room with a view. 

The region of Connemara awaits next, famous for its sweeping vistas that inspired the likes of Oscar Wilde. Kylemore Abbey follows, home to an order of Benedictine nuns since 1920. The stately castle walls are tucked into a green hillside with Victorian gardens for you to lose yourself in. 

Walk in the footsteps of literary giants like George Bernard Shaw and WB Yeats at Dunguaire Castle before taking a once-in-a-lifetime trip to the striking Cliffs of Moher. 

Your trip concludes with a stop at the Rock of Cashel, the seat of the ancient kings of Munster, before swinging back to Dublin.

Best of Scotland

On the Best of Scotland tour, spend a week exploring the winding streets of Glasgow, plumbing the depths of Loch Ness and walking along the battlements of the highlands’ many castles. 

The tour departs from Edinburgh, where you’ll first climb Castle Rock to learn about Edinburgh Castle’s hundreds of years of history. Walk through the Portcullis Gate, wander across the Great Hall and even witness the Royal Edinburgh Military Tattoo on tour dates that overlap with performances. St Margaret’s Chapel inside the castle is the oldest surviving building in Edinburgh, dating to the early 12th century. 

The grassy hills of the Scottish Highlands await next, where you’ll drive across the Firth of Tay to the university town of St. Andrews. Enthusiasts can join an optional visit to Blair Castle, the ancestral home of Clan Murray, with its photogenic whitewashed walls and intricate gardens. 

Wander Culloden Battlefield, where the last battle of the “Forty-five Rebellion” was fought between the Jacobites and the British forces. The 13th-century castle of Eilean Donan is steeped in history for you to discover, with the structure itself a patchwork of centuries of work and destruction. 

En route to Glasgow, you’ll pass through Glencoe, where nature enthusiasts can learn all about the wildlife of the Highlands. 

Stirling Castle is next, a cultural marvel that once served as the seat of Scottish royalty, including Mary, Queen of Scots. The week ends in Glasgow’s eclectic streets as you wave goodbye to an enriching and exciting adventure through Scotland. 

Best of France

If you’ve ever dreamed of feeling like the prince or princess in a fairy tale, the Best of France tour holds the key to your heart’s desire. With 13 days and 18 cities on the itinerary, this packed schedule shows the best France has to offer. 

The tour begins in Paris, then meanders to the medieval town of Beaune, where you can admire the intricately tiled 15^th-century buildings. You'll then head to the heart of Provence to explore Avignon’s Old Town before enjoying the balmy weather of Monaco. 

In Arles, the Roman ruins and golden streets give way to some of Van Gogh’s most famous painting locations. The tour continues to Carcassonne, a walled city concealing a magical medieval citadel. 

Your pilgrimage continues to Lourdes, where you’ll visit the basilica built atop a grotto. After stopping in Bordeaux and Saint- Émilion, the tour will pause in the Loire Valley, home to Château de Beauvois, the 15^th-century country retreat of Louis XIII, and the Renaissance gardens of Château de Villandry. You’ll then travel to Mont-Saint-Michel, a storybook island topped with a medieval abbey.

Paris is the end of the road, with a city tour of its iconic landmarks and secret lanes. For a final castle visit, royalty enthusiasts can take an optional excursion to Versailles, the opulent palace of the Sun King. 

Start your quest to castles with CAA

If you’re ready to be a part of history, book a spot on one of these Trafalgar tours today. Consult a CAA Travel Agent now to embark on your fairy tale trip.