Cover in just a few days three of the four main cultural areas of Romania: Wallachia, with its own brand of Renaissance, and Transylvania, with both its Romanian and its Saxon region, with their own farming habits and villages, whose looks have barely changed in the last century, thus keeping the local aspect of the former set apart from the Central European character of the latter. Fly back to Bucharest to maximize your quality time.
Since the accommodation in Horezu is very specific and always on high demand, we cannot guarantee the availability, especially if booking is done within short notice. In such cases, the best available option will be offered.
The visit of the Turda salt mine should be considered depending on the hour of your in-tour flight.
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 all local airport transfers);
– Airfare and airport taxes for the in-tour flight;
– All transportation expenses;
– 3 to 6 nights in 5* hotels and one in a former manor house;
– All breakfasts;
– 1 dinner;
– All entrance fees and non-professional photo taxes;
– All costs associated with our suggested “frequent additions” as well as other visits you may decide to add to the itinerary (by yourself or with the assistance of our staff);
– Complimentary Wi-Fi internet in the vehicle.
The tour does not include:
– Airfare to and from Romania;
– Your meals other than specified;
– Fees for excess luggage on the in-tour flight;
– 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.
After leaving Bucharest behind, stop at the 17th century Potlogi Palace and courts, built by the Brancoveanu’s, one of the richest 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). Later on, 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. In the evening, find out about the defensive role of the local nobility’s residences, called “cule”. Spend the night in the best renovated of them, cula Maldar. Be our guest for a 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. Cross the Carpathians on the scenic Olt river gorge. Admire it from the terrace of the 14th century Cozia Monastery. In the afternoon you reach Sibiu. The streets of this German-looking town lie under the watchful “eyes” of the roof dormers. Despite its day-time tranquil feel, in the evening it becomes the host of numerous cultural events and festivals, especially since 2007, when it was the European capital of culture.
Follow the Carpathian mountain chain and get your camera ready for some of the most spectacular sights you can imagine, from the road or cable car, while making your way up the Transfagarasan road. You can find it on all the lists of the most beautiful roads in the world. After enjoying the perspective from over 6000 ft., return to the Transylvanian plateau and visit the Fagaras fortress. It is one of the few in all of Europe that is still surrounded by its original water filled moat. Return in the evening to Sibiu.
The church of Biertan (UNESCO), has impressed visitors for five centuries with its three distinctive lines of fortifications. Enter the reconciliation room, where couples about to divorce were being locked up. If you choose, we can also pay a visit to a local traditional gypsy craftsman. Meet the entire family and find out about the lifestyle of this unique ethnic group. A short distance away, lies the citadel of Sighisoara, another UNESCO site, 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 Sighisoara in 1431 – the house is still well maintained. After lunch go to the city of Medias. Take a walking tour through the colorful streets of this walled city and see the over 220 ft. high leaning tower of the main cathedral in town, before returning to Sibiu.
Before leaving the city, take a stroll through the bustling old market where the locals sell their produce every morning. As you advance further into the land, you discover Alba Iulia; ex-capital of Transylvania, surrounded by an impressive and wonderfully restored 18th century Vauban (star-shaped) fortification. This is where, a hundred years ago, Romanians from all across the country celebrated the union with Transylvania, in the purpose-built complex. Along with the thousand-year old Catholic cathedral and the Roman ruins, it provides the perfect background for the frequently performed battle reenactments. Depending on your flight schedule, later in the day you can choose to go underground and visit a former salt mine, turned into a futuristic-looking tourist attraction featuring a lake and an island. Continue North, to Cluj. The second largest city in the country is rapidly becoming known as “the Silicon Valley of Europe”. Get to know this vibrant cosmopolitan city, before your return flight to Bucharest. On arrival, private chauffeured transfer to your hotel.
Private chauffeured transfer to the airport, for your flight home. End of our services.
