Tour the Palazzo Reale, which today houses ceremonial swords and weapons, then visit the Reggia di Venaria, which was formerly a barracks during Bonaparte's conquest of Italy.

France's Loire Valley is explored, including Chenonceau, also known as the Castle of Ladies, in reference to its successive female residents.

Enter Hohenzollern Castle, the cradle of the last Prussian reigning family and a symbol of their power; then, after visiting a snail farm, discover Ludwigsburg Castle, a pleasure pavilion that became one of Europe's largest baroque residences.

Explore the Palacio da Pena, the Palacio Nacional de Mafra, and the Palace of the Marquis of Fronteira.

Tour the baroque, allegedly haunted ruins of Appuldurcrombe House, located on the Isle of Wright; then, on the mainland, visit Blenheim Palace, the birthplace of Sir Winston Churchill.