Itinerary

Day 1

Day 1: ROUTING: BUCHAREST - SINAIA - BRASOV - Morning departure from Bucharest (if you require any extra nights in Bucharest inquire for details) - Depart the city enroute to Sinaia. - Visit the Peles Castle, former summer residence of the kings of Romania, the Peles Castle is 44 kilometres far from Brasov, in Sinaia, a well-known mountain resort as well. Nowadays the Castle is one of the most important museums in Transylvania where one can admire furniture and ornamental objects, carpets, tapestry, sculptures, paintings, collections of weapons from the 15th up to the19th centuries. Than stop at Sinaia Monastery which was founded by Prince Mihai Cantacuzino in 1695 and named after the great Sinai Monastery on Mount Sinai. As of 2005 it is inhabited by 13 Christian Orthodox monks lead by hegumen Macarie Bogus. It belongs to the archdiocese of Bucharest. - End the day in Brasov with a visit of the medieval center of Brasov, The main sites are: Concil Square, Black Chuch, White and Black Towers, Weaver's Bastion and Ecaterina's Gate, St Nichola's Church, The Rope's street, and more - Overnight in Brasov ACCOMMODATION: Casa Wagner ***, or similar

Day 2

Day 2: ROUTING: BRASOV - RASNOV - BRAN - BUCHAREST or GIURGIU* (*Romania/Bulgaria border crossing) - Breakfast - Today we'll visit two of the most fortified castles from south Transylvania. First one is Rasnov Fortress. Built in 1331, the Fortress had a defense role and it was a shelter for the inhabitants of Rasnov in case of enemy attacks. - In the middle of the courtyard there is a well 146 metres deep and the ruins of an 11th - 12th century - Orthodox church were discovered here. Nowadays the Fortress houses an interesting museum - Continuing the journey to Bran with it's famous Bran castle. Also called Dracula's Castle, it is situated not far from Brasov (25 kilometres) at the entrance in the Bran - Rucar passage. The castle got its fame from Dracula`s legend written in 1897 by Bram Stoker and later on made into a film by Francis Ford Coppola.. The first documents about the Bran Castle appeared in 1377. Along the history, the Castle had a strategic mission being the border between Transylvania and Wallachia. First it was under the rule of the King of Hungary Sigismund of Luxemburg, than under the Romanian voievodes Mircea cel Batran and Vlad Tepes and later on it came under the jurisdiction of the City of Brasov. In 1912 it was donated by the municipality of Brasov to the romanian royal family, in order to became their residence. After the Bran Castle visit you can spend some time for souvenires shopping - Return to Bucharest in the evening or continue this tour to Bulgaria with our partners

Extra Information

Inclusions -

The Tour Includes: , 1 night accommodation , English,Speaking Specialist driver/guide for the duration of the tour , Credit card transaction fee , Local Taxes

Exclusions -

Not Included: , Airfare , Alcoholic drinks , Gratuities , Entrance fees for the Castles and Monastery , Extra charges of hotel, eg. Laundry, telephone or fax charges, room service, etc.. , Insurance

Extras -

This overnight excursion from Bucharest is perfect to get out of the city, and return to ancient Romania. Departing from Bucharest, our English-speaking guide will escort you first to the world famous Peles Palace in Sinaia. Built by King Carol of Romania, this palace is beyond belief in its detail and scenery. After touring the palace, we will stop for lunch at a wonderful restaurant in Sinaia. We will also tour the Orthodox Monastery in Sinaia.

Then onto the famous Bran Castle, the home to the legend of Dracula. After a visit here we will head to Brasov, the historical centre of Transylvania. Here your will spend the night in a city center hotel located by the main square. Bran Castle, the home to the legend of DraculaPiata Sfatului, the main square of Brasov, is one of the finest in Europe and home to a great selection of restaurants and bars with terraces you may choose to explore this night.

The following day we will depart for Rasnov fortress on the way back to Bucharest to return you to your final destination.

{italic}A Castle Tour that will take you back in time!!!{-italic}