1. Neuschwanstein Castle – Germany

• Highlights: A picturesque castle in Bavaria, famous for its romantic architecture and as the inspiration for Disney's Sleeping Beauty castle.

• Notable Features: Dramatic towers, mountainous surroundings, and lavish interiors.

2. Windsor Castle – England

• Highlights: The oldest and largest occupied castle in the world, serving as a residence for British royalty.

• Notable Features: Stunning State Apartments, St. George’s Chapel, and rich royal history.

3. Château de Chambord – France

• Highlights: A Renaissance masterpiece in the Loire Valley, known for its distinctive French architecture.

• Notable Features: Double-helix staircase, elaborate spires, and expansive grounds.

4. Himeji Castle – Japan

• Highlights: Known as the "White Heron" castle for its elegant, white façade, this is one of Japan's best-preserved medieval castles.

• Notable Features: A complex maze of defensive walls and strategic gates, intricate wooden interiors, and breathtaking sakura (cherry blossoms) in spring.

5. Edinburgh Castle – Scotland

• Highlights: A historic fortress overlooking the city of Edinburgh, rich in Scottish history and legend.

• Notable Features: St. Margaret’s Chapel, the Crown Jewels of Scotland, and panoramic views over Edinburgh.

6. Bran Castle – Romania

• Highlights: Often associated with the Dracula legend, this Transylvanian castle offers a mysterious Gothic allure.

• Notable Features: Towering turrets, medieval furnishings, and haunting legends surrounding Vlad the Impaler.

7. Alhambra – Spain

• Highlights: A stunning example of Moorish architecture in Granada, showcasing intricate Islamic art and design.

• Notable Features: Ornate tilework, tranquil courtyards, and the breathtaking views of the Sierra Nevada mountains.

8. Pena Palace – Portugal

• Highlights: A colorful 19th-century Romanticist castle that looks like something out of a fairytale, located in Sintra.

• Notable Features: Vibrant colors, whimsical design, and lush surrounding gardens.

9. Prague Castle – Czech Republic

• Highlights: One of the largest ancient castles in the world, overlooking Prague and encompassing centuries of history.

• Notable Features: St. Vitus Cathedral, the Old Royal Palace, and scenic views of Prague.

10. Peleș Castle – Romania

• Highlights: Summer residence of King Carol I, renowned as one of the most beautiful and well-preserved castles in Europe.

• Notable Features: Neo-Renaissance architecture with Baroque and Gothic influences. Lavish interiors featuring intricate woodwork, stained glass, and tapestries. Surrounded by beautifully landscaped gardens and the Carpathian Mountains.