THREE DAY TRIP TO POIANA BRASOV AND SIBIU

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.

Finally, wind up the twisting roads leading to Poiana Brasov, placed high on a mountain plateau overlooking the city of Brasov and surrounded by the best ski mountains in the country.

The resort is also host to several athletic complexes with pools and training facilities. The clean crisp air of Poiana Brasov is known throughout the country.

Enjoy dinner and entertainment at a native restaurant.

Overnight in Poiana Brasov.    

DAY 2

Breakfast at the hotel.

Waking up this morning, have a walking tour of the resort .

From here, you'll venture down into Brasov. Brasov, one of the largest cities in Romania, a medieval trading center, was 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 loftyBlack 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 the 17th and 18th centuries. Drive slowly to the 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 kings. 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.

Late morning 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.From here, an afternoon ride takes you to Sibiu where dinner awaits you. Overnight in Sibiu.

DAY 3

Breakfast at the hotel.

This morning, having a walking tour of the old part of Sibiu, with its narrow streets, you'll 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.

On your way back to Bucharest, 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 has you back in Bucharest.

Rates /person in Euro

Single supplement:  Euro 70.-

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).