Day 1 - arrival in Bucharest, followed by city tour

Upon your arrival, you will be greteed by your private guide and start discovering the city right away. With a population of just over 2 million, Bucharest is the largest city between Berlin and Athens. Nicknamed "The little Paris" between the two World Wars, Bucharest is, nowadays, a city of contrasts. 45 years of Communist rule changed the aspect of the city dramatically, but still, traces of the old, bohemian times can be found, especially in the French architecture of the residential districts and the famous churches that still survive throughout the Romanian capital.

The city tour will give you the opportunity to admire some of the landmarks of Bucharest, such as the Arch of Triumph (inspired by the one in Paris), the Atheneum (Romania’s most famous concert hall), the Revolution Square (where the 1989 anti - Communist revolt went nationwide), the Romanian Patriarch’s Church, and the Palace of Parliament (the world’s second largest building, after the U.S. Pentagon), built by Ceausescu, Romania’s Communist dictator.-

Accommodation in Bucharestat a 3*, 4* or 5 * Hotel.

Meals: N/A-

Day 2 - Bucharest - Sinaia - Bran - Brasov

In the morning, we depart from Bucharest and head for the mountains of Transylvania. After a 2 hours drive, we arrive in Sinaia, a little town which has always been linked to the Romanian Royal family. Here we visit Peles Castle (entrance included), an astounding Royal residence, built by Carol I, Romania’s first king. Next, we make a quick stop at the Sinaia monastery (entrance included), the very first building to be built in these parts, after which the whole town was named. After the visit, we cross the historical border into Transylvania and we reach the village of Bran.

Here we visit one of the most famous landmarks of Romania, the Bran Castle, also known as Dracula Castle. The castle was built in the 14^th century by the Transylvanian merchants as a military fortress to defend the area against the frequent Turkish attacks. After 1900, it was donated to the Romanian Royal Family and it became the favourite place of Queen Maria. Extensively renovated, it became a residence, and later a museum. Nowadays it is one of the most visited sites in Romania.

After the visit of the castle, we will have free time for souvenir shopping. In the late afternoon, we drive to Brasov and check in at our hotel.

Accommodation in Brasov at a 3* or 4* Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast-

Day 3 - Brasov - Sighisoara - Bucharest

After breakfast, we will start the day with a walking tour of Brasov’s Old Town (approx. 1 hour). Brasov is one of the seven cities founded by the Saxon colonists in Transylvania, some 800 years ago. Thanks to its location on the Transylvanian border, Brasov became a trade center for the region. Most of the Saxon architecture is still present and, the Black Church (entrance included), the largest Gothic church in South-Eastern Europe, is definitely worth a closer look.

After the walking tour, we drive to Sighisoara. The drive will take us through the Saxon part of Transylvania. On the way, we’ll be able to admire a few Saxon villages, with their specific architecture. After arrival in Sighisoara, we will enjoy a guided walk in the citadel.

Sighisoara is also a city built by the Saxon colonists, but it stands out from the others through the fact that it is the only inhabited Medieval citadel in Europe, and wholly integrated in the UNESCO World Heritage. The Old Town literally resides in the citadel enclosure, and this is where some of the most important buildings are found, such as the History Museum (an ancient Clock Tower, from the top of which a beautiful panorama of the whole city can be admired, guided visit is included), the Arms Museum (included), the Church-on-the-Hill (included), and the 300 year-old wood covered staircase, built to facilitate students’ access to the school on the hill.

Sighisoara is also famous as the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, also known as Dracula. The house he was born in, in 1431, is still standing, and is nowadays one of the best known restaurants in town.

After our visit is over, we will leave this beautiful city behind and we’ll head back for Bucharest.

Accommodation in Bucharest at a 3*, 4* or 5* Hotel.

Meals: Breakfast-

Day 4 - Bucharest - departure

Today you will say goodbye to Romania, and the friends you made here. Your private guide will escort you to the airport for your departure.

Accomodation: N/A

Meals: Breakfast