Day 1: Bucharest / Sibiu
We will meet in Bucharest or Sibiu, depending on your flight arrangements. Transfer to Sibiu, via spectacular Olt Valley. The rest of the day will be your free time to explore Sibiu. The city is the former centre of the Transylvanian Saxons and, according to Forbes, Europe's 8th most idyllic place to live in. We will dine at Crama Sibiana, located in the Old Town, a magnificent place surrounded by preserved medieval buildings and laden with history. Overnight at Ramada hotel 4*, Sibiu.
Day 2: Sighisoara
After breakfast we will visit the historic centre of Sibiu with its mix of Gothic, Renaissance, and Baroque architecture and distinctly Germanic feeling. Brukenthal National Museum and The Bridge of Lies are the next objectives on our list. After lunch we continue our route to Sighisoara, one of the few fortified towns which are still inhabited. The medieval city, exemplary preserved, is listed as a Unesco World Heritage site. After a short sightseeing tour we will visit the History Museum. The museum comprises the medieval city's landmark - the clock tower, a torture chamber and a medieval arms exhibition. We will dine at Casa Cu Cerb, located in the heart of Sighisoara citadel. Overnight at Korona hotel 4*, Sighisoara.
Day 2: From Transylvania to Bucovina
Breakfast and departure to Targu Mures, a picturesque city first attested in the 14th century. After a short and relaxing walk on the Roses Alley with our guide we continue our route to Bistrita. Tour of the city central square and visit "Casa Argintarului" (En. Silversmith House) a 16th century building, built in Gothic style. After lunch we continue our route to Campulung Moldovenesc, our first stop in the historical Bucovina region. It's been a long day so we will dine and rest at Eden Hotel 3* in Campulung Moldovenesc.
Day 3 - 4: The Painted Monasteries of Bucovina
Today we begin our trip in Bucovina, home to one of the world's greatest art treasures: the UNESCO World heritage sites of the Painted Monasteries of Bucovina. Moldovita, Putna, Voronet, Humor and Sucevita Monasteries were built in the 15th and 16th centuries and feature colorful exterior frescoes depicting dramatic religious scenes. Voronet Monastery is also known as the "Sistine Chapel of the East" and its frescoes feature an intense shade of blue known in Romania as "Voronet blue".These richly decorated houses of worship are unique in the world. Suceava was the capital of the Principality of Moldavia from 1388 to 1565 and it's a must for every traveler in the area. Here we will visit the Princely Citadel and Bucovina Village Museum. In the evening we will return in Gura Humorului for dinner and accommodation at Best Western Bucovina Hotel 4* (2 nights).
Day 5. Moldavia
After breakfast we will visit Agapia, a painted monastery dedicated to the Archangels Michael and Gabriel. Departure to Piatra Neamt, considered being one of the most picturesque cities in Romania. Here we will have lunch and visit The History & Archaeology Museum. This museum is hosting the Cucuteni exhibition, the largest Aeneolithic artifacts collection in southeastern Europe. Durau Resort is our next stop. Situated on a sunny glade, at the foot of Ceahlau Mountains, the resort is ideal for rest and relaxation all year round. Also, the resort is a perfect spot for wanderings trough Ceahlau Mountains during the summer or skiing in the winter season. Dinner and overnight at Bistrita Hotel 4*, Durau.
Day 6. Bicaz Canyon
Breakfast and departure to Brasov, via Bicaz Canyon. The canyon was dug by the waters of Bicaz River and it serves as a passageway between the Romanian provinces of Moldova and Transylvania. The road along the 8 kilometers of ravines, often in serpentines with rock on one side and a sheer drop on the other is one of the most spectacular drives in the country. Next stop: Brasov, the largest Romanian city in a mountain resorts area. Brasov provides a mix of wonderful mountain scenery in the nearby Poiana Brasov and medieval history with German influences in the old town. Walking tour of the town's historic centre including the Black Church, the largest Gothic Church between Vienna and Istanbul, and The first Romanian school, started in 1583. We will take a delightful Italian lunch at Prato restaurant and dine in The Serbian's Tavern. Overnight at Ambient Hotel 4*, Brasov.
Day 7. Dracula and Romanian Royalty
Breakfast and departure to Bran. There, at the border between Wallachia and Transylvania we will find Bran Castle, commonly known as Dracula's Castle, the home of the titular character in Bram Stocker's novel. The castle's mysterious labyrinth of narrow corridors and secret chambers it was the perfect home for a vampire. After a tasty lunch in Sinaia, the Pearl of the Carpathians, we will visit Peles Castle, the former summer residence of the Romanian Royal Family, and Sinaia Monastery founded in 1695 by Prince Mihail Cantacuzino after a pilgrimage on Mount Sinai. We will dine at "Caru' cu bere" restaurant, a true living legend and also one of the oldest beer houses in Bucharest, opened for the first time in 1879. Overnight at DoubleTree by Hilton 4*, Bucharest.
Day 8. Bucharest
Breakfast and panoramic sightseeing tour of Bucharest, Romani's largest city and capital known in the 1900s as The Paris of the East. Free time for shopping and visits (depending on the flight schedule). Transfer to Henri Coanda airport for the flight home. End of the program.
