Bucharest, Brasov & Bears

Fly to Bucharest, transfer to the hotel and check in for 2 nights.

Awake in Bucharest and embark on a morning sightseeing tour of the capital - including a visit to the Parliament Palace, the second largest public administrative office in the world. (B)

After breakfast, travel to Brasov. The Saxon settlers founded the fairy tale town in the 12th century and it still boasts medieval old stone walls, imposing watch towers and orange-tiled roofs. Check in to a centrally located hotel for four nights. (B)

In the morning, travel from Brasov to the Liberty Bear Sanctuary in Zarnesti. The sanctuary covers an area of 69 hectares and is the largest reserve of brown bears in the world and home to over 100 bears, all rescued from a cruel and abusive life of captivity. Speak to a Regent Holidays Travel Specialist about organising a trip to track bears in the wild with a wildlife guide. In the afternoon, embark on a light hike in Zarnesti Canyon, admiring its beautiful scenery before returning to Brasov. (B)

After breakfast, travel to Sinaia, a beautiful mountain resort known as “The Pearl of Carpathians”. Visit the Peles Castle - former summer residence of Carol the 1st - a king of Romania. Continue to Bran Castle, seemly clinging to a bluff not far from Brasov. This former fortress on the border of Transylvania and Wallachia is said to have been Bram Stoker’s inspiration for the residence of the vampire count in his famous novel. Explore its Gothic rooms and corridors full of furniture and ornaments belonging to former Queen Marie of Romania. In the late afternoon travel back to Brasov. (B)

Spend the day exploring Brasov at leisure. (B)

After breakfast, transfer back to Bucharest for your flight back to the UK. (B)