Europe Castles & palaces + Central pictures

• World

The city that nurtured genius, whose buzz still crackles among its monumental museums, grandiose palaces, sublime churches and astonishing opera houses.

With gorgeous countryside, cultural cities and charming villages along its shores, the largest lake in Switzerland and France is a vacationer’s dream.

Uncover centuries of royal history amid the halls, gardens and art exhibitions of this 15th-century castle set in the shadow of the Cotswold Hills.

This town in England’s picturesque Cotswolds region is famous for regency architecture, pristine parks, lively shopping districts and horse racing.

From the history-strewn glories of Buda hills, to the elegant avenues of Pest, Budapest is a city greater than the sum of its halves.

Tour the historical buildings on the grounds and try the activities offered at a sprawling country estate, once the seat of the Earls of Edgcumbe.

Walk up the hill to this mighty imperial fortress to learn about civic life and warfare in medieval times while enjoying breathtaking views over Assisi and the surrounding valleys.

Reach this elegant Renaissance castle via a secret tunnel and learn the legend of the rebel baron who resided in the largest cave castle in the world.

Walk up the hill to this mighty imperial fortress to learn about civic life and warfare in medieval times while enjoying breathtaking views over Assisi and the surrounding valleys.