Castle hotels to stay in during your European vacation

If you're making your summer plans and your vacation destination is Europe, think about soaking up the continent's culture and history by choosing a castle hotel vacation.

From the hills of Tuscany to the Rhine Valley to the Loire Valley, discover the best castle hotels in Europe and plan your trip through good old Germany, France, or Italy.

Below is a list of imposing, cozy castles that will make your European holidays an unforgettable experience.

This family-run Tuscan castle village is not far from Florence. It dates back to the 13th century and has been owned by the Guicciardini family since the 17th century.

Castello di Gargonza is one of the first historic hotels in Tuscany, and it was Mr. Guicciardini's father who set the pace and fashion in the region. He inherited a dilapidated farm with an abandoned village and transformed it into a hotel. Others followed suit. Meet Mr. Guicciardini and learn about his daily operations.

Located in the Indre-et-Loire department of central western France, about 180 km from Nantes, this chateau has been family-run since it was purchased in 1992 from French painter Pierre-Laurent Brenot.

The chateau was mentioned in Francois Rabelais' Gargatua, when it was given as a reward to a fictional officer for his merits. The 4-star hotel has 10 suites and two restaurants. The estate has beautiful gardens where you can admire both nature and art.

The chateau also produces wine that you can taste. Learn more about the connection between Joan of Arc and the chateau.

Burg Rheinstein is a truly unique castle in every way, as it was the first romantic castle on the Rhine to be rebuilt from ruins in the 19th century.

It is located at the southern gateway to the UNESCO World Heritage "Upper Middle Rhine Valley" and is run by the Hecher family. Its head, Markus Hecher, says the castle is absolutely ghost-free as he has lived in the castle since 1763 and hasn't seen anything supernatural!

Imagine staying in a suite in the tower or the knight's parlor and enjoying your meal with a glass of white burgwine watching the Rhine! Meet the Hecher family and book a room.

Owned by Pilar Fernandez de Trocóniz Tapia, Buen Amor Castle in Salamanca, Spain is a true medieval gem. It was originally built in the 11th century during the Reconquista.

Thanks to the owner's grandparents, the castle was transformed from a warehouse into an eco-friendly hotel. It relies on geothermal and solar energy systems for heating and air conditioning.

Because of its thick walls and rural location, this castle hotel could be good for... your digital detox in an atmosphere of love - the name Buen Amor translates as Good Love. But why? You can find out here.