From the time-forgotten Southern Transylvania, to the Wallachian villages of the Carpathian Mountains, spend the days witnessing the rural lifestyle of the peasants, and the nights in the mansions of their rulers.
From the time-forgotten Southern Transylvania, to the Wallachian villages of the Carpathian Mountains, spend the days witnessing the rural lifestyle of the peasants, and the nights in the mansions of their rulers.
The tour includes:
– The company and expenses of an experienced, licensed and knowledgeable tour guide, fluent in your language, throughout your tour;
– Private chauffeured transport in new luxury sedan or van throughout your tour (including airport transfers);
– All transportation expenses;
– 3 nights in Bucharest in a 5* hotel and 3 nights accommodation in former manor houses;
– All breakfasts;
– 3 dinners;
– All entrance fees and non-professional photo taxes (even if you decide to add visits to the tour);
– Complimentary Wi-Fi internet in the vehicle.
The tour does not include:
– Airfare to and from Romania;
– Your meals other than specified;
– Gratuities for accompanying staff (only if satisfied and entirely up to your discretion).
Private chauffeured transfer from the Bucharest airport/border to your downtown hotel.
Along with your tour guide, you will discover Bucharest’s wide squares and avenues, bordered by 19th century art nouveau French-inspired architecture, which during the age earned the city the nickname “Little Paris”. The political struggles of the last century have changed the city landscape, leaving behind a remarkable diversity, ranging from the palaces and concert halls of old to the worker neighborhoods and megalomaniacal projects of the communist decades, who’s ultimate expression is the largest parliament building in the world. The colorful pedestrian Old Town offers a variety of choices for a leisurely evening, with its beehive of activity around its restaurants, bars and coffee shops.
Passing through the ski resorts of the Carpathian Mountains, you’ll stop and visit Peles Castle, one of the most astonishing royal residences of Europe. Undeterred by its sinister reputation, you then cross into Transylvania, the mythical land named by the Romans and hectically fought over by Romanians, Hungarians, Ottoman Turks and Austrians. In the nearby walled city of Brasov, you will walk through the streets of the Medieval old town and be dwarfed by its majestic 14th century Gothic cathedral. Proceed with the UNESCO peasant-built multi-story fortification complex of Prejmer, where the foremost local families had a refuge room to run to during the frequent invasions. In the early evening, after entering the Hungarian ethnic enclave of Covasna, check into an old baron’s estate turned into a cozy luxury hotel. Take a swim or just have some rest, waiting for your carriage ride over the fields to a sheepfold, where you will join the shepherds for a memorable dinner of their self-made cheese, moonshine and steaming lamb stew around the open fire.
You now change the Hungarian enclave for the Saxon village of Viscri, that in the 90’s was slowly becoming a ghost town due to the massive migration of the ethnic Germans. Its fate was changed by the personal involvement of the Prince of Wales, that raised awareness about the danger of losing skills, crafts and architectural treasures that had developed over centuries. Enjoy this living museum, climb the lard tower and step into the traditional forge. Onwards to your next UNESCO site, the citadel of Sighisoara, a place so medievally correct that you could believe you’ve stepped back in time. You may still walk the cobbled streets and marvel at the defense towers. On one of them, the bullet marks from the last siege of the city are still visible. The real Dracula was born in town in 1431; the house is excellently preserved. Leave the beaten path behind and head for Malancrav. Feel like a noble as you step up the porch of this late 16th century manor house, elegantly renovated, also with the involvement of Prince Charles. Dinner will be prepared especially for the Lord of the Manor!
A short distance away, the church of Biertan, another UNESCO site, has impressed visitors for five centuries with its 3 distinctive lines of fortifications. Enter the reconciliation room, where couples about to divorce were being locked up. Then, pay a visit to a local traditional gipsy craftsman. Meet the entire family and find out about the lifestyle of this unique ethnic group. The city of the day is Sibiu, host to numerous cultural events and festivals, especially since 2007, when it was the European capital of culture. The streets of this German-looking town lie under the watchful “eyes” of the roof dormers. Cross the Carpathians once more, this time through the scenic Olt river gorge. Admire it from the terrace of the 14th century Cozia Monastery. After two nights spent on the estates of Transylvanian nobles, it’s time for you to experience Wallachia’s best: cula Maldar. This is the best preserved example of a nobleman’s residence that doubled as a stronghold, locally called “cule”. Be our guest for one more memorable dinner.
Find more about the Orthodox traditions and art style during your visit of Horezu Monastery, an architectural gem included on the UNESCO heritage list. Visit the oldest capital of Wallachia, the setting of a spectacular monastery, which is not only featured on the Romanian bills, but is also tied to the oldest local oral poem, based on a widespread legend. The architectural complex is also the resting place for the last Romanian dynasty. On your way to Bucharest, stop at the 17th century Potlogi Palace and courts, built by the Brancoveanu’s, one of the wealthiest families in all of Europe during those years. It’s the quintessential example of the architectural style they patronized, which would later become known as “brancovan” (Romanian renaissance).
Private chauffeured transfer to the airport, for your flight home. End of our services.
