Author: Jamie Ditaranto, SmarterTravel.com

The whole world watched in shock as Notre Dame burst into flames. But it’s not the only historic site that’s been ruined – and many were rebuilt.

The whole world watched in shock as Notre Dame burst into flames. But it’s not the only historic site that’s been ruined – and many were rebuilt.

Instead of major rivers like the Seine and the Danube, you travel down canals and small rivers and instead of a ship, you travel by barge.

There are plenty of exciting European destinations that may not be new, but they are worthy of a visit.

There are plenty of exciting European destinations that may not be new, but they are worthy of a visit.

From the fortresses of Alexandria to the recently constructed mansions of California, these castles are historic and worth visiting in their own right.