Day 1: Bucharest
Arrival in Bucharest, panoramic sightseeing tour of Romania's largest city and capital known in the 1900s as The Paris of the East and transfer to Doubletree by Hilton Hotel 4*. Before dinner you have time to explore Bucharest by your own or relax at the hotel. In the evening we will dine at Caru' cu bere restaurant, one of the few places in Bucharest where it seems that nothing has changed, and the architecture reminds, to those who step in, why Bucharest was once considered to be one of Europe's most sophisticated cities.
Day 2: Brasov
After breakfast departure to Campina where we will visit Iulia Hasdeu Castle, a peaceful temple-castle based on the magic numbers 3 and 7. It was built by the academician B.P. Hasdeu, according to the blueprints designed by him, inspired, as he ensured, by the immortal spirit of his only child - Julia.
We'll have a long day ahead so we'll take a hearty lunch at Cutitu' de Argint in Sinaia. Nestled in the Carpathian Mountains, on Prahova River Valley, Sinaia Resort is home to one of Europe's most beautiful Castles - Peles Castle. Next stop: Brasov. The city of Brasov has a history that extends more than 800 years and it's a wonderful mix of medieval and modern. After a walking tour of the town's historic centre we will have a traditional dinner at Taverna Sarbului Restaurant. Overnight at Ambient Hotel 4*, Brasov
Day 3: Transylvanian Fortresses
After breakfast we will start our journey through Transylvania countryside. Prejmer fortified church was built in 1212 - 1213 by the Teutonic Knights and is the largest and one of the best preserved of its kind in South - Eastern Europe. We continue our route up to Harman to visit the fortified basilica built in the 13th century by the Cistercian Monks in Romanesque style and featured in Gothic style in the 16th century after a fire. After, we continue our route to Viscri, to visit the fortified church, designated in 1993 as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, and have lunch. Also we will take a close look at the 18th Saxon houses of the village. One of these houses was bought and restored in 2006 by Charles, The Prince of Wales. Our next stop is Sighisoara, one of the few fortified towns which are still inhabited. Sighisoara Citadel is a 12th century Saxon edifice and is listed as a World Heritage Site. We will dine at Casa cu Cerb, in the heart of medieval citadel. Overnight at Korona Hotel 4*, Sighisoara.
Day 4: Transylvanian Fortresses
We will start the day exploring the historic centre of Sighisoara, the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler. We will visit the Covered Staircase, The Church on the Hill and the History Museum. The museum comprises the medieval city's landmark - the clock tower, a torture chamber and a medieval arms exhibition. Lunch and departure to Biertan. The ecclesiastic and defense complex built in Biertan in the 15th Century in Gothic style, with Renaissance elements is listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. We continue our route to Valea Viilor (Vineyard Valley) to visit another fortified church, dedicated to Virgin Mary. The actual church was built in the 14th century and is surrounded by 7-8 meter high walls. We will have a traditional dinner at Crama Sibiana, located in Sibiu's historic centre. Overnight at Ramada Hotel 4*, Sibiu.
Day 5. Sibiu
Sibiu is the former centre of the Transylvanian Saxons and, according to Forbes, Europe's 8th most idyllic place to live in. The Old Town is a magnificent place surrounded by preserved medieval buildings and laden with history. After a walking tour of the city centre we will stop for an extended visit at Brukenthal Museum. Lunch and departure to Calnic. The village is known for its fortress listed on UNESCO's World Heritage Sites. The castle was built in the 13th century and served as a noble residence. It was bought and fortified by the local community in the 15th century. We continue the route towards Alba Iulia where we will visit Alba Carolina fortress. Inside the stellar shape fortress one may visit The Union Hall with the National Honor Gallery and The National History Museum of Unification. Next stop: Geoagiu, the resort known for its Roman vestiges. Dinner and accommodation at Germisara Hotel 4* - Geoagiu.
Day 6. Corvin's Gothic Castle
Breakfast and departure to Hunedoara, the city which contains the most important Gothic-style secular building in Transylvania: Hunyadi Castle/ Corvin Castle. The castle - museum has large rooms and halls with arms and artifacts, towers and bastions. After lunch we travel (via Hateg - Petrosani) to Sarmizegetusa Regia, the capital and the most important religious, military and political centre of our ancestors, the Dacian people. We continue our route up to Targu Jiu where we will visit the Sculptural Ensemble of Constantin Brancusi. The ensemble comprises three sculptures: the Table of Silence, the Gate of the Kiss and the Column of the Infinite and is considered to be one of the great works of 20th century outdoor sculpture. Dinner and accommodation at hotel Anna 3* Targu Jiu.
Day 7. Bucharest
Breakfast and departure to Bucharest. Free time for shopping and visits (depending on the flight schedule). Transfer to Henri Coanda airport for the flight home. End of the program.
