Bucharest, Brasov & Bears

Fly to Bucharest, where you will be met on arrival and transferred by private car to your hotel for a two-night stay. After checking in, the remainder of the day is free to relax or begin exploring the Romanian capital independently. Depending on your arrival time, perhaps take a stroll through the atmospheric Old Town or along elegant Calea Victoriei, lined with historic buildings, cafés and some of the city’s grandest architecture.

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Join your guide for a half-day tour of Bucharest, discovering the contrasting architecture and fascinating history of the Romanian capital. Visit the monumental Palace of Parliament, commissioned by Nicolae Ceaușescu during the 1980s, and explore some of its vast halls and richly decorated interiors. Continue through the city centre, passing grand boulevards and landmarks including the Romanian Athenaeum and elegant Calea Victoriei. The remainder of the day is free to explore independently, perhaps wandering through the atmospheric Old Town, relaxing in Cișmigiu Gardens or visiting one of the city’s museums. (B)

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After breakfast, leave Bucharest and travel by private car with your English-speaking driver/guide to Brașov, crossing the Carpathians into Transylvania. Founded by Saxon settlers in the 13th century, Brașov grew into an important medieval trading centre and retains much of its historic character. Discover the attractive Old Town, where colourful buildings surround Piața Sfatului, overlooked by the imposing Gothic Black Church. Remnants of the city’s medieval fortifications, including defensive walls and towers, can still be seen around the historic centre. Check in for a four-night stay. (B)

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Travel to Zărnești this morning to visit the Libearty Bear Sanctuary, set within forested countryside at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains. Established to provide a safe home for brown bears rescued from captivity and poor conditions, the sanctuary offers the chance to see the bears roaming large woodland enclosures while learning about their individual stories and the important conservation and animal welfare work carried out here. Return to Brașov after the visit, with the remainder of the day free to explore the historic city at your own pace. (B)

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Travel to the mountain resort of Sinaia this morning to visit magnificent Peleș Castle, built for King Carol I as a summer residence for the Romanian royal family. Explore its richly decorated interiors before continuing through the Carpathians to Bran Castle. Dramatically positioned on a rocky outcrop, this medieval fortress is known for its connections with Queen Marie of Romania and its later association with Bram Stoker’s fictional Count Dracula. Explore its atmospheric rooms, courtyards and narrow staircases before returning to Brașov in the late afternoon. (B)

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Today is free to explore Brașov at your own pace. Wander through the historic Old Town, centred around lively Piața Sfatului, and visit the imposing Black Church, one of the largest Gothic churches in Eastern Europe. Seek out Strada Sforii, one of Europe’s narrowest streets, or follow sections of the old city walls to discover surviving bastions and defensive towers. For panoramic views across Brașov and the surrounding Carpathian Mountains, take the cable car up Tâmpa Mountain, or simply enjoy the cafés, shops and restaurants lining the pedestrian streets. (B)

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After breakfast, leave Brașov and transfer by private car to Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport. Travel south through the Carpathians and the Prahova Valley before continuing towards the capital. On arrival at the airport, check in for your flight back to the UK. (B)