Romania: Land of Legends

Mist-shrouded forests, towering peaks and storybook villages – Romania is a land where past and present seem to meet on every winding road. From noble residences to rural traditions, the journey reveals a landscape rich in contrasts. Trace this heritage from the grandeur of Parliament Palace to the cobbled streets of Brasov and Sighisoara. Enjoy exclusive moments including a private organ concert in Sighisoara, wine tasting at Jidvei, and a home-hosted dinner in Sibiel, before returning through the southern hills to Bucharest.

ITINERARY

Day 1: Fly from London Heathrow to Bucharest
On arrival transfer to the hotel with a panoramic sightseeing tour on the way. Welcome drink and dinner this evening.

Day 2: Bucharest and the Palace of Parliament.
Morning guided walking tour of Bucharest. A city of contrasts, Bucharest offers a wealth of architectural styles – from  the ancient monastery at Stavropleos Monastery, to Parisian-style boulevards, a smattering of Art Nouveau and Art Deco buildings, the unlovely concrete creations of the Communist era, not forgetting Ceacsescu’s megalithic Palace of Parliament, a testament to his colossal authority and ego and one of the largest buildings in the world. The afternoon is free to explore further.

Day 3: Sinaia and Brasov
Travel to the picturesque resort town of Sinaia, nestled in a valley in the shadow of the Bucegi Mountains. Here we will visit the fairytale-like Peles Castle, the country’s most opulent palace and the retreat of Romania’s first king, Carol I. Reminiscent of a Bavarian castle, this enthralling vision of towering spires and classical statues took more than 40 years to realise. Continue to Brasov for a guided walk through its medieval centre - a jumble of medieval watchtowers, church spires with a backdrop of forested mountains, Brasov has grown into Romania’s second largest city, but the old centre retains a small town feel. 

Day 4: Bran Castle
Today we head out of town to Bran to visit its 14th century castle, said to have inspired Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Though the connections to either Dracula of Vlad Tepes are tenuous, the castle, perched on a 200-foot jagged outcrop, is a magnificent sight that stirs the imagination. Return to Brasov for a relaxed afternoon to enjoy the city’s cafés, shops, or scenic views.

Day 5: Sighisoara
This morning we head to atmospheric Sighisoara, overlooking the River Tarnava Mara. Dating from Saxon times, it boasts one of the best-preserved medieval citadels in Europe. The epitome of a fairytale town, Sighisoara, with its picturesque old town huddled within its fortified walls is a charming, atmospheric town, with many of its colourful houses converted into cafes’ shops and hotels, entirely worthy of its UNESCO-listed status. In the evening, enjoy a private organ concert at the atmospheric Church on the Hill.

Day 6: Biertan to Sibiu
This morning retains us firmly in a time capsule with a visit to Biertan, a veritable Saxon village with a commanding fortified church set within three sets of imposing city walls atop a picturesque old town, where locals still work the land in horse-drawn carts and livestock can be seen along its narrow streets. Then, head to the renowned wine region of Jidvei for a tasting session and lunch. Arrive in Sibiu and take a guided walk through its beautifully preserved old town, then check-in to the hotel.

Day 7: Astra Museum
Spend the morning at your leisure, perhaps visiting local markets or museums. In the afternoon, explore the Astra Museum, an open-air showcase of Romanian rural life. Conclude the day with a home-hosted dinner and a traditional cooking demonstration. 

Day 8: Back to Bucharest
Travel back to the capital, stopping to admire the Argeș Monastery and the historic Princely Court of Wallachia. Conclude the tour with a farewell dinner in Bucharest.

Day 9: Departure
Enjoy some free time before your transfer to the airport for your return flight to London Heathrow.

NB: Exact order of excursions may vary according to local conditions and tour manager's discretion 

Please note the maximum group size on this tour is 30 passengers. 

Tour Grading: This tour has been graded as moderate due to the time spent walking and standing for viewing on the walking tours. 

INCLUDED

• Return scheduled flights from London Heathrow to Bucharest
• Three nights’ accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at Hotel Capitol, Bucharest based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Two nights’ accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at the Aro Palace, Brasov based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• One nights accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at the Mercure Binder Bubi, Sighisoara based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Two nights’ accommodation on bed and breakfast basis at Hotel Continental Forum, Sibiu based on shared occupancy of a twin/double room
• Three dinners and one lunch 
• All tours and entrance fees as detailed
• Airport transfers and full coach touring itinerary
• Tour manager throughout 

NOT INCLUDED

• Double for sole use supplement - £408
• Meals other than those stated
• Items of a personal nature such as drinks, laundry, telephone calls etc
• Porterage and gratuities

HOTELS

Hotel Capitol, Bucharest – 3 nights
Hotel Website

Aro Palace, Brasov – 2 nights
Hotel Website

Mercure Binder Bubi, Sighisoara – 1 night
Hotel Website

Hotel Continental Forum, Sibiu – 2 nights
Hotel Website