Itinerary

Day 1

Highlights

*Bucharest city tour - to find out why the Romanian capital was once surnamed "the little Paris".

*Bucovina's Monasteries - UNESCO World Heritage sits, Voronet, Moldovita, Sucevita.

*Sighisoara Medieval Citadel one of Europe's most beautiful and still inhabited fortified cities with a UNESCO World Heritage status.

*The fortified Church of Biertan - a UNESCO World Heritage Site, one of the finest Saxon fortified churches in Transylvania

*Sibiu - the European Capital of Culture in 2007, one of the best preserved medieval cities in Romania

*Bran Castle - also known as Dracula's Castle, a legendary Transylvanian fortress dating back to 1377.

*Brasov City tour - explore the Medieval Saxon city with its outstanding medieval atmosphere, one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe.

*Peles Castle - one of the most beautiful royal residences in Europe

*Rasnov Peasant Citadel - The largest peasant fortification ever built in Eastern Europe

*Danube Delta - Europe's wildlife sanctuary, a unique eco system home to an incredible variety of species of birds, fish, plants and trees.


Day by day itinerary:

DAY 1 Sunday, Bucharest

Welcome to Romania! You'll connect with our English speaking guide at the Bucharest Airport. Relax in an exquisite 5* hotel, centrally located. For an authentic Romanian culinary experience we recommend for dinner Pescarus Restaurant, one of the finest restaurants in Bucharest where the tasty traditional Romanian cuisine is complemented by the lively and animated atmosphere with Romanian folk music

Day 2

Monday, Bucharest

Explore today the capital city of Bucharest and find out why the Romanian capital was once surnamed The little Paris. Visit major highlights such as the Old Princely Court, built in the 15th century by Vlad Tepes, the Romanian ruler also known as Dracula. According to the local folklore, Vlad kept his prisoners in the dungeons of this court, dungeons which extended under the city. A more recent and long disputed attraction is the Parliament's Palace, the second largest building in the world after the Pentagon, built by the dictator Nicolae Ceausecu. An architectural jewel, Stavropoleos Church is a must see as well. Built in 1724 by a Greek monk the edifice is a combination of Romanian and Byzantine architecture with beautiful frescoes and wood painted icons. An excellent restaurant option for lunch or dinner would be Carul cu Bere (Beer Cart Restaurant) dating back to 1879, an exquisite neo-gothic building which will surely rise up to your culinary expectations.

Day 3

Tuesday, Bucharest - Suceava

Before saying good bye to the Romanian capital visit in the morning the Village Museum, located on the shores of Herastrau Lake in Herastrau Park. It is the largest outdoor museum in Europe displaying peasant settlements representing the history and design of Romania's rural architecture. To fully enjoy Herastrau Lake and the park you'll enjoy lunch on board while gently sailing on the quiet waters. Late in the afternoon transfer to Bucharest Airport for the flight to Suceava, the old Moldavian capital. Accommodate in a 3* hotel.

Day 4

Wednesday, Suceava - Marginea � Sucevita - Moldovita - Gura Humorului

Good morning Moldavia! Discover today the treasures of North Romania. Start with the renowned Black Pottery Center in Marginea, an excellent place to shop for genuine souvenirs. Continue with Sucevita Monastery the largest monastery in Bucovina and the last one built. Dating back to 1581, the monastery is located in a beautiful green valley and is fortified like a citadel. Green is the predominant colour. Another fine example of Moldavian architecture and painting is Moldovita Monastery. The Church of the monastery has a UNESCO World Heritage Site status. Built by the ruler Petru Rare� in 1532, the most spectacular fresco of Moldovita is considered The Fall of Constantinople. To complete your experience with the Moldavian�s monasteries you could enjoy a home cooked monastic lunch prepared by the nuns. Accommodate in a 4* hotel in Gura Humorului. The Moldavian cuisine is not something you should miss. The mouth-watering Moldavian specialities could be tasted at Casa cu Pridvor Restaurant.

Day 5

Thursday, Gura Humorului - Voronet - Gura Humorului

The most accomplished example of Moldavian painting and architecture, a UNESCO World Heritage site, considered the Sistine Chapel of the East - Voronet Monastery is on your schedule this morning. The magnificent frescoes are set against an incredible blue background, colour which has made the monastery famous worldwide. Further more "Voronet Blue" was added to the lexicon of art alongside colours like "Titian Red". One of the first of Bucovina's monastery will open its gates for you, Humor Monastery. Its is one of the best preserved monasteries in Bucovina boasting frescos from 1535 realised by the most famous church painter of that time Toma of Suceava. The predominant colour is reddish brown. In the evening relax in your 4* accommodation in Gura Humorului.

Day 6

Friday, Gura Humorului - Bistrita - Sighisoara Citadel

Leave Moldavia with its peacefully monasteries behind and head for the magic realm of Transylvania. Enjoy a city tour of Bistrita Citadel, where the main character of Bram Stocker�s novel, Jonathann Harker enjoyed his last meal before meeting the dark Count. You can delight yourself with Jonathann Harker's menu in Golden Crown restaurant. Next stop, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, Sighisoara Medieval Citadel. Founded by Saxons during the 12th century, Sighisoara still stands as one of Europe's most beautiful and still inhabited fortified cities. Sighisoara is also the place where Vlad the Impaler, known as Dracula, was born. Accommodate in a 3* hotel of an outstanding medieval charm, located in the heart of the medieval citadel. For dinner we recommend Casa Vlad Dracul Restaurant, the very place where Vlad Dracul was borne, turned today into a cosy restaurant.

Day 7

Saturday, Sighisoara � Biertan � Sibiu

Enjoy the medieval atmosphere at its best. Stroll around the old streets of the citadel and visit its main attractions: The Clock Tower, built in 1360 and standing 60 meters tall on top of the citadel's hill, it hosts a museum and offers a great view over the citadel, The Torture Room, the same room where prisoners were tortured and confessions were extorted during the Middle Ages, The Medieval Weapon Collection containing an interesting selection of medieval weapons. Delight your eyes with the Church of the Dominican Monastery, known for its Transylvanian renaissance carved altarpiece, baroque pulpit, Oriental carpets and 17th century organ. Around noon you�ll reach the traditional Saxon village of Biertan set high on a hill. The village has the best known of all the Saxon fortified churches, a UNESCO World Heritage Site. The local Saxon cuisine is strongly recommended. You can enjoy lunch in Unglerus restaurant to convince yourself. Evening in Sibiu, the European Capital of Culture. Accommodate in a 4* hotel.

Day 8

Sunday, Sibiu � Sibiel � Sibiu

Explore and enjoy this outstanding medieval city. Among the numerous tourist attractions you shouldn�t miss Liar�s Bridge � the legend says the bridge will collapse if one utters any lie while crossing it, Brukenthal Palace, built at the end of the 18th century at the order of Baron Sammuel Brukenthal. Today, the baroque edifice reigning over the west side of the Grand Square in Sibiu, houses the works of some famous artists: Rubens, Van Dyck. Spend the afternoon in the country side in Sibiel Village, 20 km away from Sibiu. Visit here the Icon Glass Painting Museum and stop for a shot of Romanian fire water at the village�s alembic. In the evening return to your welcoming 4* accommodation in Sibiu. For dinner we recommend one of Sibiu�s oldest and finest restaurants, Crama Sibiul Vechi (Old Sibiu Cellar).

Day 9

Monday, Sibiu � Fagaras � Brasov

Morning drive to Fagaras Citadel. The citadel was built in 1310 by the Transylvania ruler Ladislau Apo as defence measure against the Turks and it had an important role in Romania �s history both old and new. Continue your journey with the Medieval Saxon city of Brasov, a city with an outstanding medieval atmosphere. Three quarters of the city is surrounded by mountains, and it is one of the best preserved medieval cities in Europe. Accommodate in an outstanding 5* hotel and enjoy a city tour. The fresh air in the evening will surely do you good before dinner. The delicious Saxon cuisine could be experienced at Butoiul Sasului Restaurant (Saxon�s Barrel Restaurant) offering genuine Saxon dishes.

Day 10

Tuesday, Brasov � Bran � Risnov � Brasov

Start the day with a prayer. Visit Brasov�s main point of attraction, the Black Church, the largest gothic edifice in South Eastern Europe. Transylvania�s symbol Bran Castle is next on your itinerary. The edifice owes its fame both to its unique charm and to the myth Bram Stoker created around Dracula. Documentary evidence of the castle dates back as far as 1377. Queen Mary, the niece of Queen Victoria of Great Britain, turned the castle into a beautiful summer residence. Close to the castle there is a shrine set in the wall of a mountain which once sheltered her heart. Lunch could be served in Bran village, Wolf restaurant is strongly recommended. The largest peasant fortification ever built in Eastern Europe is your next destination. Standing on top of a hill, the ruins of Rasnov Citadel overlook an incredible Transylvanian landscape. In the evening return to your accommodation in Brasov.

Day 11

Wednesday, Brasov � Sinaia � Brasov

You�ll explore today the pearl of mountain resorts in Romania, Sinaia. The main point of attraction is the royal Peles Castle. The edifice was built in 1873 and is an architectural mixture of the German School and neo-renaissance style. The castle has 160 rooms, all of them opulently decorated in leather and wood from the most valuable tree species and it is one of the best preserved and the most beautiful royal residences in Europe. For lunch we recommend Palace Restaurant, the very place where the passengers of the famous train Orient Express used to dine. In the evening return to Brasov for a delicious folk show dinner in one of Brasov�s top restaurants.

Day 12

Thursday, Brasov � Tulcea � Mahmudia

It�s time to change the scenery. Leave the thick forests and the narrow winding roads of Transylvania behind and drive to Tulcea to meet the mighty Danube. The entire journey is an adventure revealing the impressive change of scenery, from impressive mountains to the endlessplain. Accommodate in an exquisite 4* hotel in Mahmudia located on the banks of one of Danube�s channels. The outstanding welcoming design of the guest rooms, the great view over the Danube, the first class restaurant and terrace as well as the relaxing pool turn the hotel into the ideal location to fully enjoy the beauty of the Danube.

Day 13

Friday, Mahmudia � Tulcea

Morning visit of the city of Tulcea, the main harbor on Danube. Prepare next fora boat trip on Danube Delta. Exploring the wilderness of the Danube Delta is the experience of a lifetime. One of Europe�s best kept secrets, the Delta is a world class conservation area and a paradise for outdoor enthusiasts. The lakes, channels and estuaries of the vast Danube Delta are a paradise for birds and a large variety of fish species as well. You�ll enjoy a delicious lunch on board. In the evening return to Tulcea and transfer to Mahmudia to relax in your 4* accommodation, admire the incredible Danube sunset.

Day 14

Sunday, Tulcea � Bucuresti

With a lot of memories and surely some regret say good bye to the wild green paradise and drive to the capital city of Bucharest. Relax in a 5* hotel, centrally located

Day 15

Monday, Bucharest

Time for last minute shopping before your transfer to the airport for the flight back home.

Extra Information

Inclusions -

Transportation: by microbus / coach - air conditioned, depending on the number of travellers, all land transfers included as well as an internal flight from Bucharest to Suceava. To fully enjoy the itinerary luxury coaches are available. Attention: for a luxury coach a minimum of 15 tourists is required

Exclusions -

other not mentioned.

Extras -

For 2008, the tour {italic}Best of Romania with Danube Delta{-italic}, departs on :

June 28

July 12

Minimum group size is 8 persons .


Customized Tour:

Here is an itinerary to your taste but the departure dates are not suitable or you don't like to travel with big groups. Don't worry! You can take it as a private journey, with the preferred departure dates and your chosen travel companions, whether it is for a family vacation or a fun relaxing holiday with a small group of friends. For any question or inquiries about the tour please contact us.

Private tour price on this itinerary based on 2 persons travelling together
£4384*/ $9042* / €6119 per person, double occupancy
Single Supplement: £1024*/ $2111*/ €1429


Please note that customized tours can take up to two weeks to ensure that all your requirements are met and that you are satisfied with the tour, so please plan in advance.

For private tours based on 1 to 2 people travelling together, a standard European car will be provided. For private tours based on 4 people travelling together, a more spacious off road vehicle will be provided.

The prices above are based on buying the itinerary as listed on tour page. We can customize the tour to meet your exact travel needs: change hotels, shorten or lengthen the tour.

For any customization implying a new base itinerary, a tailor made fee of �159* +VAT / $302* + VAT / �240 + VAT) is required and will be added to the tour cost.