DAY 1

Early morning departure for the mountain resort of Poiana Brasov, driving through Prahova Valley. A  perfect chance to relax in the quiet mountain resort town of Poiana Brasov, this two-day excursion takes you north from Bucharest and across the Carpathian Mountains into Transylvania.

En route, stop-over in Sinaia mountain resort, well-known as the "Pearl of the Carpathians". Situated on the outskirts of this resort city, amidst sculpture gardens and fountains, Peles Castle is an exquisitely detailed landmark. Rivaling the castle itself is the beautiful natural setting in which it stands. Once the summer residence of Romania's kings, this spectacular castle, built at the end of the 19th century, is now one of Romania's most beautiful museums. Boasting priceless collections of weaponry, hand woven silk rugs, and furniture, Peles Castle is a unique look back at life under monarchy.

A stop in Sinaia would not be complete without an hour spent visiting Sinaia Monastery, a copy of St. Catherine Monastery on Mount Sinai.

A short ride from Sinaia will take you to the fabled Bran Castle, also  known as Dracula's Castle, built at the beginning of the 13th century, by Knight Dietrich of the Teutonic Order. In 1377, the people of Brasov built a new citadel here to protect the way of access to their town. Later on it was fortified, its walls enlarged, and between 1920-1930, the Castle was used by the Romanian royal family, namely by  Queen Maria (a niece of Queen Victoria of England). Only in 1958 Bran Castle was turned into a museum and opened to visitors.

Sighişoara is considered the most beautiful and well preserved inhabited citadel in Europe, with an authentic mediaeval architecture. In Eastern Europe, Sighişoara is one of the few fortified towns which are still inhabited.

SiGHISOARA'S recognition as a "Mediaeval Jewel of Romania" and subsequent award by the 2009 Swiss Tourism Awards (STA), should considerably enhance the city’s notoriety and attractiveness as a historical destination.

Founded by Transylvanian Saxons during the 12th century, when it was known as Castrum Sex (Fort Six), it was further strengthened and extended in the 15th century. The name must have existed long before, as the Saxons built their walled town on the ruins of a former Roman fortress. In 1298, the town was mentioned as Schespurch, while in 1367 it was called Civitas de Seguswar. The name of Sighisoara was first noted in a written document, issued by Vlad Dracul, Vlad the Impaler's father, in 1431.

Departures: December 9, 16, 2013

2013 rates/pax in EURO:           min 10 pax/group

-       sharing a double room                     999.-

-       single room supplement                   330.-

DAY 1

Arrival transfer from airport to the hotel in Bucharest. Dinner and overnight. (D).

DAY 2

Breakfast at the hotel.

Half day sightseeing tour of Bucharest. The tour includes a visit to theVillage and Folk Art Museum - the largest in Europe, containing over 110 houses and old wooden churches and 11,000 objects of folk art, transported from all over the country - and a visit to the Metropolitan Church. Drive by the Romanian Athenaeum, the former Royal Palace, the Town Hall, the Opera House, Cotroceni Palace, theMilitary Academy. Visit the Palace of Parliament - the second largest building in the world, being surpassed only by the Pentagon building in Washington.(3 h ½) Drive by the University Square and the Arch of Triumph,  which gives the city a taste of Paris. Lunch in a local restaurant. (Optional visit to Cotroceni Palace – 1 h – Euro 11.-/pax)  Welcome dinner and overnight. (L, D).

DAY 1:

Morning departure to Sibiu. Located only 170 miles northwest from Bucharest, you will need two days, including your travel day, to take in this city and the varied attractions the regions passed by have to offer.

Stop-over in Targoviste, former throne residence of Wallachia between 1396-1659. In the course of the centuries, the town was burnt down eight times. It is known for its Chindia Watch Tower built in the 15th century, during the reign of Vlad Tepes "The Impaler",nicknamed Dracula,  and for the Princely Court (14th-17th centuries).

Continue on to Curtea de Arges for a visit to the Monastery, built between 1512-1515, an outstanding church in Romania, famous for its architecture, where, according to the legend, Master Manole, the builder, entombed his wife in the stone walls.

Travelling north across the Olt Pass into Transylvania, you may  stop for a look at Cozia Monastery, a historical monument of architecture built by Mircea the Old, the ruler of Wallachia (1386-1418), a remarkable warrior and prince, buried here. The monastery was built between 1387-1388, having frescoes from the 14th and 18th centuries.

Late afternoon arrival in Sibiu. Dinner and accommodations in Sibiu.