This program will
appeal to travelers who don’t want to check in and out of hotels
every day, by using the historical city of Brasov as a hub. All you
really have to bring along is your camera, as we return to your hotel
in Brasov every day following a full day of exciting touring around
the heart of Transylvania. Enjoy a week of exploring some of the last
remaining truly medieval places in Europe: Beautiful churches, the famous
fortified citadels and villages with a marvelous fairytale look about
them. At the end of your trip you will know all about the seven principal
towns built by the Saxons in the 12th century, known under their collective
name of Siebenbürgen. But you will also treasure the countryside
of Transylvania. This part of the Carpathians offers some gorgeous sceneries,
including Poiana Brasov, a key skiing area in the winter, blooming meadows
and
dramatic mountainscapes.
Daily schedule:
Day
1: Bucharest – Brasov 180 km
Arrival
at the International Airport Bucharest Otopeni where you will be met
by your guide. Transfer to Brasov with accommodation at 3* a hotel.
Festive welcome dinner at the Carpathian Stag restaurant in the city
centre of Brasov.
Day
2: Brasov –Fagaras – Sibiu – Brasov 200 km
Departure
from Brasov to Fagaras, a medieval stronghold where you can see the
Museum of Fagaras County. On to Sibiu for a sightseeing tour on foot,
visiting the medieval citadel and the delightful Art Museum of Brukenthal,
the former residence of the governor of Transylvania, Samuel von Brukenthal.
Back to Brasov for accommodation and dinner.
Day
3: Brasov – Sighisoara – Brasov 260 km
Today
is dedicated to the best-preserved medieval site in Romania, the last
medieval citadel fully inhabited in Europe: the absolutely gorgeous
Sighisoara. Climb up the stairs of the famous Clock Tower for a lovely
view of the surrounding landscape or check out the weapons collection
and torture room downstairs. Sighisoara is also thought to be the birthplace
of Vlad Tepes aka Vlad the Impaler. Return to Brasov for accommodation
and dinner.
Day
4: Brasov – Rasnov – Prejmer – Bran 85 km
The
day starts with a visit to the most important peasant citadel in the
area: Rasnov citadel. Once a traditional fortress in the Middle Ages,
it is now an open-air museum. It contains the biggest gothic monument
in Romania, the Black Church. In the evening you visit what has become
a ‘must-see’ spot in Transylvania: Bran Castle. Better known
as Dracula’s Castle, it is an interesting place and a key stop
for fans of the count and curious bystanders alike. Festive barbecue
dinner in Moieciu , a village near Bran, with folk singers and camp
fire. Return to Brasov to your hotel.
Day
5: Brasov – Tusnad – St. Ana Lake – Brasov 180 km
This
is a day to enjoy the countryside. You will spend some lovely time around
the natural volcanic lake of Santa Ana, possibly indulge in a little
sunbathing or walking among the trees of the Tusnad Spa resort.
Overnight in Brasov. Festive farewell dinner with a great show offered
by the Philharmonic Orchestra in Brasov, in a citadel restaurant.
Day
6: Brasov – Sinaia – Bucharest 180 km
Today
we visit Peles Castle in Sinaia, the former summer residence of King
Carol I of Romania, and built at the end of 19th century in Neo-Renaissance
architectural style. The name of Sinaia comes from the monastery established
here by Mihai Cantacuzino in 17th c., that can be seen a few steps below
Peles Castle. Back to Bucharest for a last night in Romania’s
captital. There will be some free time for shopping, followed by dinner
at a traditional restaurant in Bucharest. Accommodation and overnight
at 3* hotel in Bucharest.
Day
7: Bucharest – airport 30 km
Transfer
to Bucharest airport for your flight back home.
Included
services:
5 nights accommodation
at 3* hotel in Brasov (Capitol) or Poiana Brasov (Alpin)
1 night accommodation at 3* hotel in Bucharest (Central)
Meals on Half-board basis
Festive dinner on the first, 4th and 5th evening in Brasov
Transport by air-conditioned minibus/ coach
Entrance-fees to attractions
Services of a professional guide throughout (English speaking or other
languages, if requested)