THREE NIGHTS IN TRANSYLVANIA - THE HEART OF ROMANIA

DAY 1

Morning departure to Sibiu. Located only 170 miles from northwest 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,  Here you will see Master Manole's Church, one of the outstanding churchesin 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 want to stop for a look at Cozia Monastery, a historical monument of architecture built by Mircea the Old,  ruler of Wallachia (1386-1418), a remarkable warrior and prince who is buried here. The monastery was built between 1387-1388, having frescoes from the  14th and 18th centuries. Late afternoon arrival in Sibiu. Dinner and accommodation in Sibiu.

DAY 2

Breakfast at the hotel.

This morning, having a walking tour of the old part of Sibiu, with its narrow streets, you will find out that this is one of Romania's most romantic cities, a great place for history and art lovers. It is home to the Bruckenthal Museum of Art and History, one of the largest in Romania. After a short stop inSibiel, to see its renowned collection of handmade glass icons, you will head to Sighisoara, a perfectly preserved town, trapped in the Middle Ages.

Perhaps the best known site in Sighisoara is the 15th century house, where Prince Vlad Tepes, nicknamed Dracula, was born. The house has been turned into a restaurant and museum full of interesting flavours and artifacts. Dinner and overnight in Sighisoara.

DAY 3

Breakfast at the hotel.

A long scenic drive begins your trip southward towards Brasov, nestled in the Central Carpathian Mountains.

A short sightseeing tour will reveal this mediaeval trading center, one of the largest cities in Romania, strategically situated at the meeting point of the three Romanian principalities: Wallachia, Moldavia and Transylvania. Today, together with Poiana Brasov resort, it is regarded as the chief tourist area of Romania. You may visit the lofty Black Church, so called because of a 1689 fire. It is famous for its imposing Gothic architecture, its 4000 pipe organ and the valuable collection of Anatolian carpets of 17th and 18th centuries. Drive slowly to old Schei District of Brasov, to visit St. Nicolas of Schei Church, built between 1518-1598, with the help of both Wallachia's and Moldavia's princes. You should spare a little of your time to enter the "Schei Museum" great asset of the Romanian cultural heritage, where you can see actual 16th century books and documents of great value, as well as the first printing machines.

Finally, a lightly winding road will carry you high above the city lights to Poiana Brasov. This resort town is awaiting you to check in the hotel and get ready for a nice dinner with entertainment. Overnight in Poiana Brasov.

DAY 4

Breakfast at the hotel.

Waking up this morning you will realize that all twisting and turning of the last evening final ride has placed you on a mountain plateau, overlooking the city of Brasov and surrounded on three sides by the best ski slopes in the country, Poiana Brasov being  truly a jewel set in a ring of nature. The clean crisp air of Poiana Brasov is known throughout the country. Enjoy a morning walking tour of it.

Winding your way southwards, stop at 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 tovisitors.

From Bran, continue on to 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 the monarchy.

In the late afternoon, a short ride through Prahova Valley will take you back in Bucharest.                      

Rates/person in Euro:

Single Supplement: Euro 90.-

Rates for 2 - 8 day trips include :

-3 star accommodations,

-half board according to the program, 

-transportation by private car/minibus/w/driver, 

-English speaking guide,

-sightseeing of the attractions mentioned in the program,

-entrance fees at the museums,

-lunch (3 course menu & mineral water; alcoholic beverages not included).