The Best European Castles to Visit

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The Best European Castles to Visit
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Best European Castles to Visit

• The ancient castles of Europe are a remarkable
  window to the past for visitors on a European
  river cruise who want to go beyond shopping and
  dining. Representing vast changes in culture,
  architecture, and history, they invite us to see
  how historys rich and famous lived in their own
  time and place. Each castle is distinct, most
  with a full roster of wine festivals and events
  that reflect local traditions and the changing of
  the seasons.

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Neuschwanstein Castle

• Rising gracefully above Hohenschwangau Valley in
  the Bavarian Alps, Neuschwanstein Castle evokes
  everyones vision of a fairytalejust as it did
  for Walt Disney, who took it as inspiration for
  his Sleeping Beauty Castle. Built by the 19th
  century King of Bavaria, known as Mad King
  Ludwig II, the castle was a tribute to composer
  Richard Wagner. Poor Ludwig died before its
  completion, but today, visitors view its restored
  splendor and admire its stunning artworks and
  furnishings.

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Prague Castle

• Extraordinary even among the many European
  castles, Prague is the largest. It is also one of
  the oldest, dating back a thousand years to early
  Czech rulers. Within its grounds, visitors wander
  gardens, palaces and museums, and tour famous St.
  Vitus Cathedral. As much a self-contained city as
  a castle, its famous residences and workshops
  include the house of writer Franz Kafka. Showing
  the progression of architecture and history
  through time, it serves as a venue for lively
  cultural events all year.

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Buda Castle

• An ideal spot to see the two sides of this
  historic city, Buda and Pest lie across the
  Danube River. The castles history transcends
  time, and the passage of many cultures. Within
  the castle youll find multiple palaces, as well
  as galleries and churches. Originally occupied in
  the 13th century, the Baroque era saw its
  blossoming, together with the entire Castle Hill
  area. Despite near-total destruction of Buda
  during World War II, many historic buildings
  survive, including houses from the 14th century.

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Les Baux de Provence
A visit to the Chateau des Baux de Provence
offers a rare interactive experience. Seemingly
carved out of stone beginning in the 10th
century, it was expanded until its destruction in
the 17th century. Visitors are entertained with
frequent events recreating medieval life. Try
your hand at crossbow shooting or watch as
ancient catapults are fired. Known for songs of
courtly love sung to castle maidens, todays
Chateau des Baux provides an entertaining chance
to time-travel in breathtaking surroundings.
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Heidelberg Castle

• Visit Heidelberg Castle in historic Speyer.
  Buildings were constructed in varying periods
  around a courtyard and garden, with amazing views
  of the area. See the famous Heidelberg Tun, the
  worlds largest wine barrel, from 1751. The
  Apothecary Museum contains a complete
  pharmacists office and medicines from the 17th
  century forward.
• Summer fireworks commemorate the castles
  periodic destruction through time.

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Hohenwerfen Fortress

• Journey high above the Salzach valley to the
  900-year-old Hohenwerfen Fortress. See impressive
  fortifications and the historic weaponry and bell
  tower. Rooms occupied by the castles regents are
  beautifully preserved, along with the chapel and
  many furnishings. Enjoy traditional falconry
  demonstrations, and check for the full schedule
  of seasonal events and explorations that bring
  this magical setting to life.

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Chateau de Versailles

• Originally a hunting lodge for the Sun King,
  Louis XIVs Palace of Versailles exceeds all
  superlatives. Its gilded halls, glittering
  chandeliers, and mirrors tell of lavish royal
  life in the 17th century. Explore the extensive
  grounds and smaller palaces, including Marie
  Antoinettes Petit Trianon. As famous as the
  palaces, the extensive Gardens and Park have been
  largely restored to their original beauty.

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Contact Us

• AmaWaterways is an award-winning river cruise
  operator, providing all-inclusive excursions that
  open cultural doors along the great waterways of
  Europe, Asia and Africa. Our rapidly growing
  fleet of custom-designed ships leads travelers to
  life-changing, restorative experiences that
  always exceed expectations. For more information,
  please visit www.amawaterways.com.