Images of Romania

After breakfast meet your driver and travel through the Carpathian Mountains to the charming mountain town of Sinaia and majestic Peles Castle. Set in a region of outstanding natural beauty Peles Castle is a masterpiece of German Renaissance architecture and dates to the 1880s. The summer residence of the Romanian royal family, no expense was spared and the castle boasts sumptuous interiors, priceless paintings and priceless artefacts. If time permits, visit the 300 year old Sinaia Monastery then continue on to Brasov for a two night stay. (B/D)
Accommodation in Brasov: Residence Hirscher (or similar)

Today explore Brasov with your guide. Founded by Teutonic Knights at the start of the 13th century, and settled by the Saxons, Brasov has one of the best preserved medieval old towns in Europe. A key trading city, over the centuries Brasov accumulated great wealth and today the city is blessed with some of the finest gothic, renaissance and baroque architecture in the country. Highlights of the city include the Black Church, the largest gothic church in Romania, the medieval Council Square and the towers, gates and crenelated walls that once protected the city. (D)
Accommodation in Brasov: Residence Hirscher (or similar)

This morning leave Brasov and drive north to Zalanpatak for an overnight stay at the delightful Prince of Wales Guest House. Originally built as a farmhouse for a 17th century judge, the building was acquired by HRH the Prince of Wales in partnership with Count Kalnoky in 2010 and has since been renovated in sympathetic style in keeping with local practices. Comprising of several farmhouse buildings, the guest house has five double rooms with en-suite bathrooms and provides a unique opportunity to experience rural Romania. (B/D)
Accommodation in Zalanpatak: Prince of Wales Guest House

After breakfast leave Zalanpatak and continue to Sibiu for an overnight stay. One of the oldest cities in Transylvania, Sibiu is also one of the most elegant. An important Saxon centre, most of the historic defensive fortifications remain, there are a number of beautiful churches and many of the 17th century buildings are still intact. On arrival enjoy a guided walk of the medieval centre including the UNESCO protected Great Square, Evangelical Cathedral and the Bridge of Lies then travel outside the town to visit the Zosim Oancea Museum of Icons on Glass in the nearby town of Sibiel. (B)
Accommodation in Sibiu: Noblesse Boutique Hotel (or similar)

Leaving Sibiu, this morning a stop will be made in the small town of Biertan to visit the astonishing 500 year old Biertan Fortified Church and, later, continue to medieval Sighisoara for an overnight stay. Like the Fortified Church in Biertan, Sighisoara’s historic centre is also UNESCO protected and remains virtually intact with charming cobbled alleyways, historic burgher homes, 14th century Clock Tower, Dominican monastery and 500 year old Church on the Hill. Sighisoara was also the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler who was to famously inspire Bram Stoker’s epic tale. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Sighisoara: Taschler Haus Boutique House (or similar)

This morning drive from Sighisoara to Gura Humorului stopping for lunch in a local restaurant in Campulung Moldovenesc. Afterwards continue the journey on to Gura Humorului where you will stay for the next two nights. Located in the north-east of Romania, Gura Humorului is the gateway to the extraordinary UNESCO protected painted monasteries of the Bucovina region. In the afternoon visit of the most famous – the Moldovita Monastery. Built in the early 1500s, Moldovita’s perfectly preserved frescoes detail the Siege of Constantinople and the Tree of Jesse. (B/L/D)
Accommodation in Gura Humorului: La Conac Hotel (or similar)

Today further explore the very best of the Bukovina region. Start the day at the International Museum of Eggs Lucia Condrea which showcases fine examples of Romania’s intricately painted Easter eggs then visit two Bukovina’s finest monasteries – Voronet and Agapia. Masterpieces of Byzantine art, the monasteries of Bukovina are elaborately decorated with colourful and detailed frescoes depicting everything from the life of Jesus and notable saints and prophets to pivotal Bible scenes and representations of heaven and hell. (B/D)
Accommodation in Gura Humorului: La Conac Hotel (or similar)

Driving through pretty Moldavian villages, today make your way towards Cluj-Napoca for an overnight stay. On the way stops will be made to view Bicaz Gorge and have lunch at Lacu Rosu. Romania’s second city, Cluj-Napoca was once a prominent Saxon stronghold and today a lively university town of galleries, museums, bars, restaurants and cafes. Highlights include gothic St Michael’s Church, the Matthias Corvinus Monument and baroque Banffy Palace. (B/L)
Accommodation in Cluj Napoca: Grand Hotel Napoca (or similar)

This morning you will be met and transferred to Cluj-Napoca Airport for the flight to Bucharest and, on arrival, you will be taken to your hotel for an overnight stay. In the afternoon tour Romania’s capital city with your guide. Places of interest include the opulent Romanian Athenaeum concert hall, Palatul Primaverii, the Patriarchal Cathedral and the colossal Palace of Parliament which was constructed during the Ceausescu-era and is the second biggest government building in the world with over 1000 rooms. (B)
Accommodation in Bucharest: Epoque Hotel (or similar)