Taking a trip to Europe is special enough in and of itself, but if you really want to do it up right, skip the hotel and stay in a castle! Get in touch with your inner king and queen by booking time at one of these 10 European castles ... but don't blame us if you want to quit your day job and spend your days jousting!

Up Next: Todi Castle

Location: Todi Castle makes its home high on a hilltop in the heart of Umbria.
Details: This 13th century property sleeps 10 in the north wing and three in the west, and grants visitors the joy of Italian breakfasts, use of a swimming pool and maid service six days a week. But if you really want to go all out, opt to hire the private chef to serve you the finest Italian cuisine, incorporating locally-sourced olive oil, cheeses and superb wine, grown and produced nearby or on the estate itself.

Up Next: Ballygally Castle

Location: On scenic Antrim coast and faces the soft, sandy beaches of Ballygally Bay
Details: Ballygally Castle is a true Irish original -- the only 17th Century building still used as a residence in Northern Ireland today. The hotel is reputedly haunted by the friendly ghost of Lady Isabelle Shaw, wife of Lord James Shaw. Guests staying at Ballygally can dress up and dine as Lord and Lady Shaw would have done at a Medieval Banquet, enjoying a feast of honey glazed ham as magicians, jugglers and fire-eaters entertain.

Up Next: Inverlochy

Location: Scenic West Highlands in Fort William, Scotland
Details: With 17 gorgeous rooms, some of which overlook stunning lake and mountain views, Inverlochy features the best of Scotland all on one property. You'll love walking the hidden trails, eating gourmet meals and having afternoon tea in the parlour, as the Inverlochy's attentive staff makes sure you're more than enjoying your stay.

Up Next: Castelo de ?bidos

Location: Village of Obidos,
Details: The Castelo is built within centuries-old castle walls that are so rich with history that it was declared a historical monument. The rooms feature all the modern trappings you're used to, but you'll have more than your fill of activity to keep you from watching TV, with options like carriage drives, horseback riding, country walks and boat trips.

Up Next: Castell Deudraeth

Location: Subtropical woodlands of the Portmeirion Estate -- a private peninsula along the coast of Snowdonia
Details: Sure there are the usual modern-day comforts, but they're blended with the old-school feel -- like, for example, the authentic slate floors that boast under-floor heating. Many of the castle's more charming attributes have been lovingly restored to their former glory, like classic oak paneling and restored ceilings. And once you settle in for a meal in their ?165k kitchen, you'll truly know the saying "a feast fit for a King!"

Up Next: Swinton Park

Location: Yorkshire Dales
Details: Swinton Park feels exactly how you'd expect staying in a castle to feel, but also features modern hotel miracles like a spa, cookery school, and a variety of activities from golf to fishing to shooting. You'll also find landscaped parkland with gardens, lakes and woodland -- oh my! And if that's not enough, they also boast a four-acre walled garden where they grow their own fruit, vegetables, herbs and flowers for the hotel and cookery school.

Up Next: More Travel Stories

Location: Ballygally sits on the scenic Antrim coast and faces the soft, sandy beaches of Ballygally Bay.
Details: Ballygally Castle is a true Irish original -- the only 17th Century building still used as a residence in Northern Ireland today. The hotel is reputedly haunted by the friendly ghost of Lady Isabelle Shaw, wife of Lord James Shaw. Guests staying at Ballygally can dress up and dine as Lord and Lady Shaw would have done at a Medieval Banquet, enjoying a feast of honey glazed as magicians, jugglers and fire-eaters entertain.

Up Next: More Travel Features

As you're thinking about how to spend this summer's vacation time, consider taking some time out from stressful travel (i.e. crowded airports, expensive plane tickets, & the like) and hit the open road! What better way to spend some quality time with your family? Take a trip with no time table, no mandatory stops, and see how relaxing exploring the good ol' U.S. of A can be. For more summer vacation ideas, check out:

• Top 10 Family Theme Parks
• 10 Undiscovered National Parks
• Mexico's Best Adventures

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