6 Day Private Romania Tour: Bukovina and Maramures
Day 1: Bucharest
Arrival in Bucharest at the International airport Otopeni. Meeting with our polyglot guide and transfer to the city. Sightseeing tour of the capital city and transfer to the train station. Night train to Suceava (first class sleeping car).
Day 2: Bucharest - Suceava - Sucevita
Sweet Bukovina. Situated in the North of Moldavia, Bukovina, a region blessed with a luxurious nature, wrapped in a diffuse light which tones down colours and blends them with the blue of the sky, presents itself to you like an art album with its frescoes monasteries, written on it.
Here history lies asleep in monasteries and citadels, in churches containing treasures of old Romanian civilisation, traditions and beliefs sprung from the rich Romanian folklore. The exterior frescoes of the churches represent one of the most astonishing treasures of Moldavian art, which has been preserved for almost 5 centuries. They are a genuine illustrated Bible, unique of their kind in the world whose unparalleled artistic value was confirmed and reconfirmed.
You will arrive in Suceava, former capital of Moldavia in the 15Th century.
Sightseeing tour of the city visiting St. Dumitru Church from 15Th century, St. Ioan cel Mare Metropolitan Church build on 1522 will be your first contact with the painted churches Bukovina is famous for. The visit includes also 'Cetatea de Scaun', old fortress from 1388, where the Romanians resisted to Mohammed II, the conqueror of Constantinople.
A short drive will take you at Dragomirna Monastery, built on 1609, which is the highest monastery in Bukovina. The strong walls and the impressive gate together the slender shape of the Church dominates the surroundings.
Intinerary:
- Arrival in the morning at Suceava station
- Sightseeing tour of the former capital of Moldavia feudal state, Suceava it includes the County History Museum, the former Citadel, the St Ioan cel Mare Church- the Metropolitan Church.
- In the afternoon visit Dragomirna and Arbore monasteries
- Overnight in 'Bukovina Inn' Hotel (3*) nearby Sucevita monastery
Day 3: Sucevita - Marginea - Moldovita - Cimpulung Moldovenesc - Borsa
Today you'll visit Marginea black pottery workshop and the monasteries of Sucevita and Moldovita. Build in 1586 Sucevita monastery, is like 'A Poem in Green and Light. Surrounded by gentle mountain landscape, Sucevita appears like a strong stone citadel, with massive towers, buttresses and watch roads. It is the monument with the greatest number of images.
The Northern wall displays a monumental composition, 'The Scale of Virtues, with scenes symbolizing the people's belief in the first judgement of souls after death.
Visit of Moldovita Monastery, 'A Parchment in Red'; build in 1532 by Prince Petru Rares. The outside walls are clad in frescoes. One of the most valuable scenes at Moldovita is the siege of Constantinople
Intinerary:
- After breakfast visit the monastery of Sucevita
- Stop at Marginea black pottery workshop
- Visit to Moldovita Monastery
- Drive to Maramures via Campulung Moldovenesc where visit to the museum of wood
- Overnight in Borsa in 'Pearl of Maramures' mansion (3*) or similar
Day 4: Borsa - Sapanta - Valea Izei - Botiza
Further north near the border the Ukraine stands the village of Sapinta, which lies on the Tisa riverbank. What made the fame of Sapinta is its original 'Merry Cemetery', founded by Ioan Stan Patras in 1935. It is a unique sight. And it is 'merry', because the carved and coloured crosses caricature the qualities and defects of the deceased.
Then, return on Iza Valley toward Botiza. First stop at Bogdan Voda village, once the capital of Prince Bogdan' state. You will discover here the ruins of the princely church and the wooden church (1722) with its valuable frescoes.
The tour goes on to Ieud where there is the oldest wooden church of Maramures (1364). Next you will visit the wooden church at Rozavlea, build to evoke the battles against the Tartars 1717.
Intinerary:
- breakfast and drive to Sapinta Village via Sighetu MArmatiei and visit to the "Merry Cemetery"
- Visit the wooden churches on Valea Izei (Bogdana, Ieud, and Rozavlea)
- Overnight in Botiza at farm houses(2 daisies)
Day 5: Botiza - Voronet - Humor - Suceava - (Train) Bucharest
Breakfast. You'll leave the Land of Maramures to go back to Bukovina. The first visit of the day is to Voronet Monastery 'The Sistine Chapel of the Orient'.
It is a fairyland painted on a patch of sky, which thrills even the great lovers of Quattrocento art. Hundreds of paintings ranging from the frail child – the symbol of the soul in the scene of the Last Judgement, to the immense composition 'Jesse's Tree' everything develops amid an explosion of blue.
The tour continues with the visit of 'Humor' Monastery build on 1530. Painted on the outside from the eaves down to the foundation Humor Monastery looks like a page of a manuscript covered with miniatures, left lying on the lawn.
Intinerary:
- Drive back to Bukovina
- Visit the Monastery of Voronet
- Visit Humor Monastery
- Transfer to Suceava at the railway station
- Night train back in Bucharest
Day 6: Bucharest.
- arrival in Bucharest train station and transfer to your residence.
Services included:
* First class train tickets Bucharest - Suceava - Bucharest
* Accommodation (place in a double room) on bed and breakfast basis
* Entrance fee at the selected sites
* Transportation by car / van / minibus
* Driver expenses
* Polyglot guide
For 2 persons / double room 2,560 EUROS
7 DAY Castles and Palaces Tour: in Transylvania
Day 1: Bucharest .."Le Petit Paris"
Arrival in Bucharest at Otopeni airport. Transfer to "Lebada" hotel (4*) - an old princiary residence from the XVIII century located 15 min from center on Pantelimon island.
On the way to your hotel cross Victoriei bulevard,the oldest street of Bucharest called Mogosoaia Brige where famous french architects erected for romanian kings and princes houses and palaces in art nouveau style. Optional dinner at Count Dracula Club.
Intinerary:
- Meet our representative on Otopeni airport
- Transfer to hotel
- Accommodation at 'Lebada' hotel (4*)
Day 2: Cotroceni: The residence of romanian Kings
In the morning sightseeing tour start with a visit to Mogosoaia Palace built in 1698 -1702 by Constantin Bracoveanu - a famous Romanian Voivode. The Palace is an architectural monument having the façade dominated by traditional staircase balconies, and by the arcades and columns with capitals, specific to the "Brancovenesc" (Brancovan) style. Mogosoaia Palace has also some Byzantine decorative features and adornments which join stylistic elements characteristic both of the Italian Renaissance and the Baroque.
The Palace was linked with the centrum of the city trought Victoriei Bulevard,old Mogosoaia Bridge.We will continue our tour with Cotroceni Palace - main princely residence on Cotroceni Hill ,wich had become later the second royal residence. Damaged in 1940. the palace was restored again in 1950. After ample renovations following the earthquake that damaged it in 1977 Ceausescu made of it an official "guest house". In 1991 the Cotroceni Palace became the residence of the president of Romania. It also houses the Cotroceni museum in which important collections of mediaeval art are on display.We shall continue after with an outside visit of kings first residence.
The Royal Palace was the official royal residence from 1834. Its current facade dates from 1937 when Ferdinand was the King of Romania.We will leave Bucharest not before take an overlook of "The House of People"-the creation of comunist leader Ceausescu for wich were sacrified many historical houses and churches. Pass into Transylvania visiting the Cozia Monastery.Arrive in Sibiu in the evening.
Intinerary:
- sightseeing tour of Bucharest including Mogosoaia Palace,Royal Palace,Cotroceni Palace,Parliament house (House of People)
- drive to Sibiu trought Olt Valley
- visit Cozia Monastery
- Overnight "The Emperor of Romans"in Sibiu.3*
Day 3: Medieval cities and fortified churces
This morning you'll tour the beautiful city of Sibiu and visit Brukenthal Palace which hosts the largest Fine Art collection in Romania.Drive then 150 km to Vest-Transylvania to visit Huniazi Castle.
Built in the 14th century, on the place of an old fortification, on a rock at which bottom flows the little river Zlasti, the castle is a great building, with high and diversely coloured roofs, towers, windows and balconies adorned with laces from carvings in stone.
In the yard of the castle, near the chapel built also during Iancu de Hunerdoara's ruling, is a well, 30 meters deep. The legend says that this fountain was digged by three Turkish prisoners, to whom their liberty was promissed if they reach water. Aftre 15 years, when they have finished the well, the masters did not kept their promisse. It says that the inscription from the wall of the well means "you have water, but not soul". But the specialist decripted the inscription and it means "he who wrote this inscription is Hasan, who lives as slave at the giaours, in the fortress near the church". The castle was restored and transformed into a museum.
Cross Alba Iulia,an ancient Transylvanian town,a Dacian settlement called Apulum.Short visit of the citadel including The Citadel Gate,The Roman-Catholic Catedral,the Union Museum(Babilon.Continue our journey to Cluj where we will overnight in a central historical hotel.
Intinerary:
- Sightseeing tour of Sibiu including the Main Square, the Small Square, the Catholic Cathedral, the Liars Bridge, the Orthodox Cathedral
- Visit of Brukenthal Museum
- Visit Huniazi Castle in Hunedoara
- short sightseeing of Alba Iulia
- overnight Continental hotel in Cluj3*
Day 4: Cluj
The city of Cluj-Napoca is the historic capital of the region, and the site of an important university. The numerous palaces around the central square, Piata Unirii, were built by Hungarian nobles in the 17th and 18th centuries and are now museums, as is the Franciscan Monastery.
We will start our visit here with Banffy Palace.This late Baroque palace also has some Rococo Viennese elements and was built between 1774-1785. Home to the Cluj Art Museum, Banffy Palace's rooms feature exhibits of icons, Persian carpets, Oriental weapons, medieval tools and furniture as well as works by Romanian and foreign painters and sculptors.
We will end our sightseeing here with St Michael Church built in Gothic style between 14-15 century and Tailors'Bastion.Drive them to Targu Mures where we will start our visit with the Palace of Culture built betweeen 1911 and 1913 with rich ornamentation, as blue-white-rosy porcelain roof cover, monumental mosaic, carved porticoes and frescoes. Its giant hall is made of Carrara marble and has Venice mirrors, while the concert hall boasts a large organ with 4463 pipes.
We will continue with The County Hall, another landmark, a "secession" building erected in 1907, with a hall similar to the famous Knight's Hall of Hunedoara Castle. Its 60 meter-high tower can be seen from every side of the city, a reassuring sight for the wandering tourists.
We will end our visit with a walk trough the oldest multi-floored house in the city. It was also the most beautiful at the time of its erection (1554) and, for centuries, it enjoyed special "privileges" (it was tax-exempt) as the guest-house for the visiting princes and high-officials of the Austro-Hungarian Empire.
Not far from here is some friendly competition from the early 19th century, the neo-classic Gorog House (the current Army Center).Drive to Sighisoara where we will overnight in a 500 year old house.
Intinerary:
- sightseeing of Cluj including Banffy Palace and St Michael Cathedral
- drive to Targu Mures
- sightseeing including Palace of Culture,the Country Hall, Appolo Palace
- drive to Sighisoara
- overnight in the medieval Citadel "Stag House" or similar
Day 5: From Sighisoara to Brasov
We will start with a walk trough the medieval houses of the Citadel.The town of Sighisoara is the most enchanting of all the Transylvanian towns. Its medieval buildings, gilded roofs and towers have been unspoiled by war or modern industry. The Citadel, built by the Saxons in the 12th Cent., rises above the town and is preserved as a museum. The famous Vlad Tepes, popularly called Dracula, was born in this town.
After a lunch in the house where Dracula was borned we will drive to Biertan, a small German village dating from 1283 and visit the fortified church sourounded by defending walls.We will drive them to Brasov with a stop to visit pheasant fortified church of Rupea. ed.
Intinerary:
- Sightseeing tour of Sighisoara including the Clock Tower,the Army museum,Catholic Church and Wood Staircase.
- Optional lunch in Vlad Dracula house
- Drive to Biertan. Visit the fortified church and German Village
- Leave for Brasov
- Stop to visit Rupea fortified church
- Optional dinner at medieval restaurant"Citadel"in Brasov
- Overnight in Brasov "Golden Crowne"hotel (2*)or similar
Day 6: Bran Castle and the Royal summer rezidence
This morning we will start with a shightseeing of Brasov including Black Church.This was the largest church between Vienna and Istanbul, was built in 1385 over an earlier church destroyed by Mongol invasion. It can be seen from Piata Sfatului (Sfatului Square). His name cames from its black walls at the time after the "Great Fire" 1689, when a large part of Brasov city was on flames. The church survived to the Turkish raids in 1450.
We continue with St Bartolomeu church,the old monument of brasov built in 1223 in roman architecture,followed by St Nicolae Church with first romanian school back to 1495,The Old City hall,Ecaterina's Gate. Drive them to Bran Castle a dark and gloomy edifice towering over a bed of stone - a gruesome though beautifully preserved fortress.
On the way to bran Castle we will stop to Rasnov fortressFold peasant fortress, unique for its style and position.
From Bran continue South through the resort town of Sinaia where quick stop at the monastery will prepare you for a visit to the spectacular Peles Castle. This exquisitely detailed landmark, set amidst sculpture gardens and fountains, was the summer residence of Romanian Royal family. Inside you'll see beautiful collections of mediaeval weaponry, stained glass, silk rugs and furniture.
We will sleep tonight at"Economat"3* where use to be hosted the servants of the Castle, in the courtyard of Peles.
Intinerary:
- Sightseeing of Brasov including Black Church,Old Town and St Nicolae church.
- Leave Brasov for Bran to visit the Castle
- Stop to Rasnov fortress for a short visit
- Departure to Sinaia via Paraul Rece
- Visit the Peles Castle and Sinaia Monastery
- Overnight "Economat"3* or similar
Day 7: Prahova Valley and a strange Castle.
In the morning we will leave Sinaia-the Pearl of Carphatians and we will cross the Prahova Valley on our way to Bucharest.We will stop in Campina to visit the strange castle build by novelist Hasdeu in the honour of his died daughter Iulia. The Temple Castle at Câmpina is built of stone, iron and wood, all in perfect architecture. A tower is situated on each side of the central higher tower, which hosts the "church", the divine space which is entered through the massive door made of stone, with the beautifully chiselled inscription of the Hasdeu family's coat-of-arms with the words: " E PUR SI MUOVE "
Intinerary:
- drive trough Prahova Valley to Bucharest
- Visit Hasdeu Castle in Campina
- arrival at Otopeni airport
Supplements (optional): Single room supplement 100 EURO, Optional dinner at Count Dracula restaurant 12 EU, Extra night in Lebada hotel 4*(place in double) 50 EURO, Optional dinner at Cetate Brasov 25 EURO
Services Included:
* 6 nights accommodation in historical hotels (place in a double room)with breakfast included
* Transportation by airconditioned car/minibus with driver including arrival/departure transfers
* Polyglot guide assistance
* entrance fees to museums included in the program
Cost for 2 persons 2,880 Euros
7 DAY CLASSIC DRACULA TOUR: "...Enjoy my beautiful land. Your friend, Dracula"
Day 1: Bucharest - In the safety of ignorance
Arrive in Bucharest, capital of Romania, first mentioned by this name in a document dated September 20, 1459 and signed ‘Prince Vlad Dracula’. Our representative will join your dinner tonight and hand you ‘The Transylvanian Diploma’ - your passport to the worlds beyond and a fine memory to store. Ask your questions - there may be some answers.
At the ‘Count Dracula' Club you can eat exactly the same meal as Jonathan Harker, 100 years ago: ‘I dined on what they call ‘robber steak’ - bits of bacon, onion and veal, seasoned with red pepper and strung on sticks and roasted over the fire’.
Intinerary:
- Arrival at Otopeni airport. Meet our representative
- Short sightseeing tour of main boulevards on the way to hotel
- ‘Jonathan Harker’ dinner at ‘Count Dracula's Club’
- Overnight in Bucharest at ‘Lebada’ Hotel (4 *)
Day 2: The Night of Prince Vlad the Impaler - Dracula
The Dracularian parts of Bucharest, like the ruins of his court, but also the Military Museum, will begin your initiation today.
Then drive across the vast Danubian plains to the mountains, to Curtea de Arges - the Court on river Arges - for a second revelation, a legend you can touch with your fingers, and drink a certain water that deepens the humanity of each of you.
Now, take a dive of 500 years and picture in your mind a row of boyars punished to carry river stones all the way up and rebuild a fortress. Tonight, around a bon-fire, the descendants of Arefeans will tell you what they remember of Vlad Dracula, and show you some of their ancient dances, and songs.
Intinerary:
- Sightseeing of Bucharest including Old Court, Manuc's Inn, Military Museum, Stavropoleos Church
- Departure to Curtea de Arges. Visit Manole's church
- Departure to Poienari - the ruins of historical fortress Dracula. (Climbing to the ruins is optional / 1450 steps)
- Optional (only for min. 20 people groups : the initiation show: ‘Night of Prince Vlad Dracula’ performed by 20 farmers in traditional costumes
- Overnight in Aref, at farmhouses
Day 3: Beyond Transylvania
Stamp your Diploma in Aref village and cross the mountains into Transylvania via the spectacular Pass of Rucar-Bran; you should know that nobody has entered Transylvania and left unchanged. Transylvania does exist, you know? This ancient province of Romania added so many literary and cinematography fictions to its own folk-stories, that it became a ‘Utopia’, a ‘Disneyland’. Pass the trial and trap of Castle Bran, a fake Castle Dracula, set in the way to the genuine castle in order to stop the mobs from pestering the solitude of the Count. Most are stopped, but not on our tour.
Intinerary:
- Departure to Bran, via Rucar
- Visit Castle Bran
- Departure to Poiana Brasov via Rasnov
- Optional: dinner with typical music at ‘Coliba Haiducilor’ Restaurant in Poiana Brasov
- Overnight in Poiana Brasov ‘Alpin’ Hotel (3*) or similar
Day 4: The Witch-trial
The best-preserved 15Th century town in Europe is Sighisoara, in the centre of Transylvania, 2 hours away from Brasov. Optional lunch in the very house in which prince Vlad Dracula was born, in 1431
Then witness a Witch-trial, a page in our history as humans and initiation step on your way to Castle Dracula. ‘... For Dracula is knowledge’, as a Knight of Count Dracula Order has once said.
Intinerary:
- Sightseeing of mediaeval Brasov including Black Church, Councillor Square
- Departure to Sighisoara
- Mediaeval Sighisoara: Clock Tower, Weapons Museum, Evangelical Church
- Optional lunch in Vlad Dracula's birth-house
- Optional: (only for min 20 people groups)‘The Witch-trial’, an initiation show performed by 25 actors
- Transfer to Tg. Mures and overnight at ‘Continental’ Hotel (3*) - Tg. Mures
Day 5: The centre of the Draculistic world - Castle Dracula
Cross the buffer zone prior to Count Dracula's domain and approach Bistrita. One hundred years ago, Jonathan Harker, the unsuspecting English solicitor on his way to the Castle - left a few notes in his diary, as published in Bram Stoker's novel ‘Dracula’. The Count appointed Harker to ‘The Golden Crown’ Hotel in Bistrita. We have to follow into Harker's footsteps as closely as we can, so welcome at ‘The Golden Crown’ you. Proceed along the Borgo Valley, as Harker did, and recognise the same villages, orchards and people that he had encountered, till the mighty Borgo Pass will rise majestically above the forest line. Welcome to Castle Dracula! ‘Enter freely and of your own will’ as the Count said.
Intinerary:
- The Dracularian parts of mediaeval Bistrita
- Optional lunch at ‘Golden Crown’
- Arrival at Castle Dracula and overnight at hotel ‘Castle Dracula’ (3 *)
A few hints: Any house may be a haunted house, The Borgo woods around the Castle, at night, are a Grade III trial,Mosquitoes are very small vampires.
Day 6: Return from the realm beyond
Exit the domains of the Count and return into this world via the route of river Bistrita, also flowing in the pages of Bram Stoker's novel, touching on the Magic Mountain and Alexandre Dumas' site for this ‘The Castle of Carpathians’. Cross back into Transylvania through the most spectacular gorges of Romania - Bicaz, and arrive in mediaeval Brasov by sunset.
Intinerary:
- Sightseeing of spectacular Bicaz Gorges and Red Lake
- Transfer to Brasov
- Optional: dinner with classic music at mediaeval restaurant ‘Cetate’, Brasov
- Overnight at ‘Capitol’ Hotel (3*) in Brasov
Day 7: So long, Dracularians!
Early departure to Otopeni airport; plenty of time to think of a full blown Grade 2 ‘Twilight Zone Dracula Tour’ or a steadier ‘Week on Count Dracula domains’.
Intinerary:
- Departure to the airport
- Visit royal Castle Peles in Sinaia (closed on Monday and Tuesday)
- In the afternoon, departure from Romania
Supplements (optional): Single room supplement 90 EUR, Lunch at ‘Vlad Dracul’ Restaurant in Sighisoara 15 EUR, Lunch at ‘Golden Crown’ Restaurant in Bistrita 15 EUR, Dinner at ‘Cetate’ Restaurant in Brasov 25 EUR
Services Included:
* 6 nights accommodation on bed & breakfast basis at the hotels mentioned in the program
* entrance fee at the selected sites
* polyglot guide assistance
* transportation as per itinerary including arrival/departure transfers
COST of 3,080 Euros for 2 persons
7 DAY DANUBE DELTA TOUR: & Carpathian Mountains. Fascinating nature beauties of Romania...
Day 1: Bucharest
Arrival at Otopeni airport
Meet Romantic Travel guide and transfer to the hotel in Bucharest
Dinner and overnight at Lebada Hotel (4*)
Day 2: Bucharest - Murighiol
Classic sightseeing tour of Bucharest featuring Parliament’s Palace and Village Museum
Lunch at local restaurant in Bucharest
Departure to Uzlina in Danube Delta. Transfer by boat to the hotel
Dinner and overnight at Cormoran Hotel (3*)
Day 3: Murighiol
Possibility to either take an half a day trip to Danube Delta by motor-boat (including lunch) or to rent rowing boat, fishing tools and to have their own cruise and fishing game on the channels and lakes
Dinner and accommodation at Cormoran Hotel (3*)
Day 4: Murighiol - Tulcea - Buzau - Sinaia
Transfer by boat to Uzlina where the car/minibus is waiting for us
Departure to Sinaia via Tulcea, Braila (crossing the Danube by ferry) and Buzau
Lunch at local restaurant in Buzau and visit to the “Muddy Volcanoes”
Drive to Sinaia. Dinner and accommodation in Sinaia Hotel (3*) or similar
Day 5: Sinaia – Varful cu Dor – Piatra Arsa chalet – Babele – Busteni - Sinaia
Take the cable car from Sinaia to “Level 1400” – Alpin hotel. The altitude offers a beautiful view over Sinaia resort
Starting “Level 1400” hike to “Varful cu Dor” (level 2030). The path crosses the plateau to the “Piatra Arsa” chalet (Level 1950) where we stop for lunch, then climbs gently to the “Babele” chalet (2200)
Meet the mysterious formations of eroded rock : “The Old Women” – Babele in Romanian and the “Sphinx”
Take the cable car down the mountain to Busteni resort where from the car/minibus will transfer us back to Sinaia
Dinner and accommodation in Sinaia Hotel (3*) or similar
Day 6: Sinaia – Bran - Bucharest
Driving back to Bucharest we visit Bran Castle and Peles Castle
Lunch at Economat restaurant located inside the Peles Castle domain
Evening arrival in Bucharest
Farewell dinner at Count Dracula Club” and accommodation in Bucharest at Lebada Hotel (4*)
Day 7: Bucharest
Breakfast and transfer to the airport
Supplements (optional): Single room supplement 140 EURO
Services Included:
* 6 nights accommodation on full board basis
* Transportation with driver, fuel and taxes
* Cable car tickets
* Polyglot guide
* Entrance fees to attraction and Danube Delta biosphere tax
Cost of 4,080 Euros for 2 persons
8 Day Discover Romania Tour:
Day 1: Bucharest
Arrival in Bucharest at Otopeni airport. Meet our representative and transfer to you hotel. On the way you will have a brief sightseeing of Bucharest, including main boulevards, palaces in French neo-classical style. The University, Romanian Athenaeum, Royal Palace, the Palace of Parliament.
Then, you'll arrive at 'Lebada' hotel, a former princely residence located into a quiet district of Bucharest, surrounded by lakes, on Pantelimon Island, a perfect place to relax after you long journey.
Intinerary:
- Meet our representative at Otopeni Airport
- Short sightseeing tour of Bucharest
- Accommodation at 'Lebada' hotel (4*)
Day 2: Bucharest
After breakfast you'll visit Cotroceni Palace, a princely residence on Cotroceni Hill. In the 19th century, the edifice became a second royal residence. After ample renovations following the earthquake that damaged it in 1977, Ceausescu made of it an official 'guest house'. In 1991 the Cotroceni Palace became the residence of the president of Romania; the Military Museum, In the afternoon you visit the Palace of the Parliament, the second building in the world. Then walk along Calea Victoriei, the former cosmopolitan avenue of Bucharest, to the historical down town. Visit Stavropoleos Church, Manuc's Inn and the Lime Tree Inn.
Intinerary:
- Visit Cotroceni Museum and Military Museum
- Visit the Palace of the Parliament and Village Museum
- Sightseeing tour of the historical area including Stavropoleos Church, Manuc's Inn and the Lime Tree Inn
- Overnight al 'Lebada' hotel (4*)
Day 3: Bucharest – Tirgoviste – Curtea de Arges – Olt Valley – Cozia – Sibiu
Leave Bucharest for Tirgoviste where you'll explore the ruins of the Princely Court and Chindia Watch Tower. Continue on to Curtea de Arges for lunch. Here you'll see Master Manole's church where, according to legend, he entombed his wife in the stone walls. Travel North across the Olt pass into Transylvania, visiting the Cozia Monastery. Sightseeing tour of Sibiu.
Intinerary:
- Leave Bucharest for Sibiu on Olt Valley, via Tirgoviste and Curtea de Arges
- Visit at Tirgoviste the Princely Court and Chindia tower
- Visit at Curtea de Arges the Princely Court, the Princely Church and Arges Monastery
- Stop at Cozia Monastery for a visit
- Arrival at Sibiu. Sightseeing tour of Sibiu including the Main Square, Catholic Cathedral, the Council Tower, the Liars Bridge, the Evangelical church, the Orthodox Cathedral
- Overnight in Sibiu at Imparatul Romanilor Hotel (3*)or similar
Day 4: Sibiu – Sighisoara – Bistrita – Tihuta
This morning you will head to Sighisoara, ancient cradle of Romanians, which is located in Transylvania, in a landscape of peculiar beauty in the Tirnave Plateau. On the present 'Hill of the Citadel' ('Dealul Cetatii'), the upper town, was erected a stronghold in the 2nd half of the 12th century, used by the population as a shelter in hard times. Nowadays, Sighisoara is synonym to the European Middle Age in Romania. Here lived, between 1431-1435, Vlad Dracul (Vlad the Devil), future Prince of Wallachia, thus called because the German Emperor knighted him as Knight of the Dragon. He was Vlad the Impaler's father known as Dracula (the son of the Devil), born most probably here in Sighisoara, on 1431.The actual 15th century house where Prince Vlad Dracul was born has been turned into a restaurant and museum full of interesting flavours and artefacts. The tour continues Northwards to Tg. Mures, Bistrita and finally to ‘Count Dracula’ Hotel.
Itinerary:
- Leave Sibiu for Sighisoara
- Visit of the best preserved town of 15th century in Europe - Sighisoara
- Optional lunch at the ‘Vlad Dracul’ House in Sighisoara (the birth place of Vlad the Impaler, Dracula)
- Overnight at ‘Count Dracula’ Hotel (3*) at Piatra Fintinele
Day 5: Piatra Fintinele – Moldovita – Sucevita - Humor - Voronet
Today's itinerary will take through Bukovina crossing the invisible threshold into Moldavia, land of the painted monasteries. Your first stop is Voronet, a 15th century church built by Prince Stephen the Great. Often called 'the Sistine Chapel of the Orient', Voronet frescoes are painted primarily in a unique shade of blue known to painters throughout the world as Voronet Blue. Next stops are at Humor, the first painted monastery, Moldovita Monastery and Sucevita Monastery.
Intinerary:
- Leave Tihuta for Suceava
- On the way visit of the monasteries: Voronet, Humor, Moldovita and Sucevita
- Overnight in Voronet at ‘Elena’ Mansion (3*) or similar.
Day 6: Voronet - Suceava – Dragomirna – Piatra Neamt – Bicaz Gorges - Brasov
After visiting the tallest monastery in Bukovina, Dragomirna, back on the road again, heading towards the most impressive natural rock formations in central Romania, the Bicaz Gorges. These ancient cliffs, carved by millennia or raging waters, rise like walls on either side of the winding roads leading to the town of Lacu Rosu, The Red Lake. The crimson waters of this natural phenomenon are stained by a rich concentration of minerals and algae. Continuing Southward you'll reach the city of Brasov in time for dinner.
Intinerary:
- After breakfast, visit the monastery of Dragomirna
- Departure for Brasov.
- Cross from Bukovina back in Transylvania through the spectacular Bicaz Gorges
- Overnight in Brasov at ‘Capitol’ Hotel (3*)
Day 7: Brasov – Bran – Sinaia - Bucharest
After breakfast, sightseeing tour of Brasov. A main stop will be the Black Church that houses a priceless collection of Oriental rugs as well as a 4,000 pipe organ. Winding your way Southward, stop at the Bran Castle, also known as Dracula's Castle. From Bran continue South to Sinaia where you'll visit the spectacular Peles Castle. Set amidst sculpture gardens and fountains, Peles Castle was the summer residence to many of Romania's king. Inside you'll see valuable collections of mediaeval weaponry, stained glass, silk rugs and furniture. In the late afternoon, a short ride through the Prahova Valley will have you back in Bucharest.
Intinerary:
- Short sightseeing tour of Brasov
- Visit Bran Castle
- Stop at Sinaia to visit the Peles Castle
- Overnight in Bucharest at ‘Lebada’ hotel
Day 8: Bucharest
Intinerary:
- Transfer to Otopeni International Airport
Supplements (optional): Optional lunch at the ‘Vlad Dracul’ House in Sighisoara 15 EURO, Single room supplement 90 EURO
Services Included:
* 7 nights accommodation on breakfast basis
* transportation according to the itinerary including arrival/departure transfers
* Polyglot guide assistance
* entrance fees to museums included in the program
Cost of 3,360 Euros for 2 persons
