WINTER IN ROMANIA: PRE - CHRISTMAS TOUR

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 3

Breakfast at the hotel.

Early morning departure to Sibiu. Located only 170 miles northwest from Bucharest, you will enjoy the time spent to take in this city and the varied attractions the regions passed by have to offer.

Stop over in 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 churches 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 want to stop for a look at Cozia Monastery, a historical monument, 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.

DAY 4

Breakfast at the hotel.

This morning, having a walking tour of the old part of Sibiu (the Europe’ s Cultural capital in 2007), 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. Enjoy the Pre-Christmas atmosphere, customs and fairs.  The city is home to the Brukenthal Museum of Art and History,one of the largest in Romania and of Dumbrava Folk Art Open Air Museum, where you may find unique traditions and gifts. Late morning departure to Sibiel village, to see its renowned collection of handmade glass icons, and to enjoy lunch in a peasant house. Early afternoon departure to Brasov. 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 dinner. (Accommodation could also be in Brasov.) (B, L, D)

DAY 5                                                                                                    

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.

Morning sightseeing tour of Brasov, a mediaeval trading center, the second largest city 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 17th and 18th century Anatolian carpets. 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. Lunch en route in a native restaurant. Continue on 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 (niece  of  Queen Victoria of England). Only in 1958, Bran Castle was turned into a museum and opened to visitors. Late afternoon drive to the quiet resort of Poiana Brasov, just in time to get ready for a nice dinner with folk music. Overnight in Poiana Brasov or Brasov.(B, L, D)

DAY 6

Breakfast at the hotel.

This will be the day of another mediaeval town visit, rich in history and dabbled in folklore. Morning departure to Sighisoara, a perfectly preserved town, trapped in the Middle Ages. Perhaps the best known site in Sighisoara is the 15th century house Casa Dracula, where Prince Vlad Tepes was born. The house has been turned into a restaurant and a museum full of interesting flavours and artifacts. Lunch in Sighisoara area. Afternoon return to Poiana Brasov. Dinner in Poiana Brasov or

Brasov. Overnight in Poiana Brasov or Brasov. (B, L, D)

DAY 7

Breakfast at the hotel.

Winding your way southwards, stop at 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. Romania is well known for its wines, so enjoy a special wine tasting with traditional lunch en route. Departure to Bucharest. Farewell dinner at a local restaurant and overnight in Bucharest.(B, L, D)

DAY 8

Breakfast at the hotel. Departure transfer to the airport.

                                                                                                               

PRE- CHRISTMAS Tour Features:

· 7 overnights at  4/5 star hotels as specified (3 nts in Bucharest in a 5* star hotel, 1 nt in Sibiu in a 3* star hotel, 3 nts in Poiana Brasov in a 4* hotel)

· Buffet Breakfast, Lunch and Dinner Daily (3 course menu, mineral water, coffee and a glass of wine)

· Entrance fees to tourists sites as per the program

· Transportation throughout itinerary by minibus

· R/T airport transfers

· English speaking guide assistance throughout itinerary

· All local taxes (luggage handling is not included)

Note:   - Museums are closed on Mondays.

            - Peles Castle is closed on Mondays and Tuesdays

            - The Black Church is closed on Sundays.

- The Palace of Parliament, due to international conferences or meetings, could be closed without prior notice. Visit of Cotroceni Palace can be reserved instead.

- In case the weather and/or roads are not proper for a safe and pleasant trip, Intravel reserves the right to alter the program, without affecting the quality and quantity of the services provided.

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