Cultural Landscapes of Romania

Fly to Bucharest, Romania's lively capital, where you will be met on arrival and transferred to your centrally located hotel. After checking in, the remainder of the day is free to relax or begin exploring independently. Take a stroll through the historic Old Town, where narrow streets, Orthodox churches and elegant buildings sit alongside the cafés and restaurants of modern Bucharest.

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Meet your guide this morning for a tour of Bucharest, including the monumental Palace of Parliament, an extraordinary reminder of the Ceaușescu era. After lunch, travel towards Sibiu. From June to October, subject to weather and road conditions, the journey can follow the spectacular Transfăgărășan Highway, with the possibility of stopping at Curtea de Argeș Monastery. At other times, travel through the beautiful Olt Valley, stopping at historic Cozia Monastery. Arrive in Sibiu for a two-night stay. (B)

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Travel to Hunedoara to visit imposing Corvin Castle, one of Romania's finest medieval castles. Its towers, drawbridge and dramatic Gothic architecture offer a fascinating glimpse into Transylvania's medieval past. Continue to Alba Iulia, a city which has played an important role in Romanian history. Explore the impressive star-shaped Alba Carolina Citadel, where monumental gates, squares and historic buildings reveal layers of Roman, medieval and Habsburg heritage. Return to Sibiu for the evening. (B)

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Explore Sibiu this morning, discovering its handsome squares, colourful houses and distinctive Germanic architecture, a legacy of the Saxon settlers who arrived during the 12th century. Continue through the Transylvanian countryside to Biertan, home to an impressive UNESCO-listed fortified church and once an important religious centre for the region's Saxon community. Travel onwards to UNESCO-listed Sighișoara, one of Europe's best-preserved inhabited medieval citadels. Wander through its cobbled lanes, past colourful houses, churches and defensive towers, before staying overnight within this atmospheric medieval town. (B)

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Travel through Saxon Transylvania towards Brașov, stopping at a traditional village such as Viscri, Criț or Saschiz and visiting hilltop Rupea Fortress, with sweeping views across the surrounding countryside. On arrival in Brașov, explore its handsome historic centre with your guide. Visit the impressive Black Church, Romania's largest Gothic church, followed by St Nicholas Church and the First Romanian School, with its fascinating collection of historic books. Spend the remainder of the afternoon discovering Brașov's attractive streets, squares and cafés at your own pace. (B)

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Head into the countryside surrounding Brașov, stopping at Râșnov, where a medieval fortress occupies a dramatic hilltop position overlooking the town. Continue to Bran Castle, dramatically perched on a rocky outcrop. Explore its atmospheric rooms, narrow stairways and courtyards while learning about its fascinating history and connections with Queen Marie of Romania. Its association with Bram Stoker's fictional Count Dracula has made Bran Romania's most famous castle, although its real history is every bit as intriguing as the legend. Return to Brașov later this afternoon. (B)

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Leave Brașov and travel to Azuga to visit the former royal wine cellar, where you'll discover more about Romania's winemaking traditions and sample locally produced sparkling wine. Continue through the scenic Prahova Valley to Sinaia and magnificent Peleș Castle. Built as a summer residence for Romania's royal family, its richly decorated interiors feature intricate woodwork, stained glass, artworks and furnishings from across Europe, while its forested Carpathian setting is equally impressive. Later this afternoon, continue to Bucharest for your final overnight stay. (B, wine tasting)

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