Embark on an Enchanting European Road Trip Visiting 7 Delightful Castles in Just One Day

Whether you're gliding across the glassy surface of Lake Bled in a Pletna boat or boarding a train into a cave with baby dragons, Slovenia feels like stepping into a storybook. The cobblestone streets of city centers transition into lush valleys dotted with around 150 castles, with Posavje standing out as perhaps the most enchanting region. 'These magnificent castles each narrate their own tales, collectively offering a rich tapestry of cultural heritage experiences,' the tourism board mentions on its website.

The cluster of seven castles in Posavje — Brežice, Kunšperk, Mokrice, Rajhenburg, Sevnica, and Svibno, along with the former Cistercian monastery Kostanjevica na Krki — is affectionately known as The Royal Seven. This delightful ensemble can be explored in a single day through a year-round day tour. 'Each castle possesses a unique charm to captivate visitors,' the organization adds. 'You'll uncover a treasure trove of experiences during your journey through Posavje's castles.'

The journey begins at the thermal riviera in Terme Čatež, featuring highlights such as tours of Mokrice Castle with its English park, Brežice Castle boasting its painted Knight’s Hall, and Sevnica Castle where you might meet Countess Mathilde Arco Zinneberg, the last owner.

Included in the experience is a visit to Rajhenburg Castle, where guests can craft their own horseshoe in the blacksmith workshop, make chocolate, and savor lunch at the on-site eatery, Restaurant A3. At the Kostanjevica na Krki Monastery, after a tour of the printing house, visitors can also create personalized graphics.

Guests can enjoy a stroll along the Sava River’s Savus educational trail, followed by a traditional four-course meal at Gostilna Jež in Radeče. Throughout the journey, participants will 'uncover the most captivating castle tales and legends from the past, transporting you back to the eras of powerful noble families and their fates,' as described by the tourism board, highlighting the “carefully interwoven and coordinated learning experience about cultural heritage.”

English-language tours are priced starting at approximately $900 per person for groups of at least seven; $1,127 per person for a maximum of four participants; or $1,290 for two individuals. For further details, visit the tour’s webpage or contact [email protected] to make a reservation.