Ticket2Romania Vibrant City Life, Rural Paradise & Pure Nature

www.pure-.com Photo: Iulia Georgescu Romania The Land of Fairy Tales

www.pure-romania.com Day 1

Bucharest

This is the first day in Romania. We will do our best to make it wonderful, as a standard for the next period.

For the first day we propose a walk in the city in order to discover the main attraction, to explore the local colour and to enjoy the spe- cific food and drinks. In the following day we will go deeper in the core of this city and we will visit some of the important and relevant places.

* If the group will arrive before noon we will explore the Cismigiu Gardens (This is the first public garden opened in ) and the Izvor Park (from where we will see the Parliament House), we will stop for lunch in the Old Town where you can choose from many authentic restaurants.

In the aftrernoon we will have a walk on the old streets of Bucharest, we will discover the well-known street called Lipscani and the Royal Court (built by Vlad Tepes (Dracula)). The Royal Court has been modified many times after his reign.

The route will pass near two symbolic buildings: the CEC Palace (finished in 1900, built by a French architect) and the National Bank Palace (famous building, also built by French architects in the late 19th century).

We will walk on the principal boulevard - Calea Vicoriei - and we will see: Palace of the National Military Circle - Bucharest, a modern hotel that keeps an old facade , beautifully integrated into the old site architecture, Kretzulescu Church and the Memorial of Rebirth, inaugurated in 2005 to commemorate the heroes of the Revolution of 1989, when Romania left the Communist Political Regime.

We will continue our journey to Romană Square and discover: the National Museum of Art of Romania located in the former royal pal- ace, The Athenaeum, city landmark and inspiring building, completed in 1888, it represents the main concert hall of the city, the home for the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra and the symbol of the George Enescu International Festivaland the National Library of Romania.

On this area we will find many beautiful new bars and bistros with a warm atmosphere and many souvenirs and local boutiques.

Old Town, Lipscani, Royal Court (built by Vlad Tepes (Dracula), National Museum of Art of Romania, The Athenaeum

Bucharest, Old City Day 2

Bucharest

Morning

Visit to the National Museum of Art of Romania. This is the best place where a tourist can see some of the core values of Romanian Cul- ture. It is the best way to get in touch with the values, stories, prominent historical figures, traditions and to understand them as pieces of a great picture. The museum building itself has a beautiful history, due to the fact that it used to be a royal palace, and also has an impressive architecture designed by last century’s most well-known architects in Europe.

Bucharest, green terrace Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum

Afternoon

Visit of Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum. The Village Museum of Bucharest is an open-air ethnographic collection of old houses, that is trying to rebuild the atmosphere of traditional villages and households from each specific region of Romania. It is spread on a large surface near the Herastrau Park and contains more than 272 authentic houses and farms used by Romanian peasants. It is the largest museum in Europe. Many traditional events are hosted here throughout the year, which are capable of bringing together many artists from all over the country.

Evening

Free time in Old Town. There is everything for everyone. The city is big and the places to party are many. No matter what kind of style you prefer, you will find something that will perfectly suit you. The offer varies from the glamorous clubs, to the open space ones with pools and palm trees all the way to the ones with live music and karaoke sessions. Bucharest is well known in Europe for the exuberant parties. Lots of people are coming only for the weekends to enjoy the good vibes, to explore the new trends in fashion, to meet beauti- ful people and to live at a high level.

National Museum of Art of Romania, Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum , Old Town

National Museum of Art of Romania Dimitrie Gusti National Village Museum Day 3

Bucharest - Horezu - Curtea de Arges - Corbi

Morning

We will pass through the city of Pitesti and go over the hills of the Getic Plateau to reach the city of Ramnicu Valcea 50 km later. Almost 1 hour from Ramnicu Valcea we reach the city of Horezu, where we take a lunch break at the local traditional House of Guests.

Hurezi Monastery Horezu pottery Afternoon

In the same city we will discover the Horezu pottery. Horezu is also well known for its pottery, which, since 2012, has been a part of UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage List. The Horezu Ceramics are handmade from clay prepared by men (cleaned, wetted and shaped) and have beautiful designs painted by women. This pottery is very inspiring and rich in paintings and historical symbols. It is able to bring happiness and great moods to one’s life.

Our journey continues west to another village where we will visit a cave. The Women’s Cave (Pestera Muierilor) is a 7000m long cave, being spread onto 4 different levels. It has this name – Women’s cave – due to the fact that it was being used as a shelter for women and children during war periods from ancient eras. Human bones were later discovered in the cave, which scientists (using Carbon16) figured out to be 29 000 years ago. The cave has beautiful formations: domes which resemble the gothic style ones, gates and interior waterfalls.

Evening

In the evening we will arrive in Curtea de Arges, this is one of the oldest towns in and it has a rich history. Being the first Cap- ital of Wallachia, it had a Royal Court and a Royal Church which still exist nowadays and are opened for visitors. We will continue our journey to Corbi Village, the place where we will find accomodation.

Horezu Pottery, Hurezi Monastery, Women’s Cave, Curtea de Arges, Corbi

Women’s Cave Curtea de Arges Monastery Day 4

Corbi, traditional

This will be a day to remember. You will enjoy pure Romania, pure life and traditional habbits.

Corbi village – the beautiful traditional village situated on Doamnei River banks, at the foothills of Fagaras Mountains.

It is protected by secular forests and low hills. In every season Corbi village seems to be a mark of old times. It has a certain order in its things well done by shepherds and hardworking householders. Corbi village is inhabited by good, intelligent, friendly and hospitable Corbi Village people. On these lands many traditional Romanian songs like the well known doina (elegiac song typical of Romanian lyrical folk music and poetry) were born.

Nowadays Corbi village is a typical Romanian village where tradition and customs are still kept, where people still wear traditional costumes on holidays and celebrations and go to the church because they still live in communion with God. Nevertheless, people from Corbi also live in communion with nature. They follow nature’s signs and guide their lives according to them.

In Corbi village is Corbii de Piatra Monastery. In a rough translation the name means “the Stone Ravens Monastery”. It is a rupestrian complex from 14th century, reestablished in 1512 during the rule of Neagoe Basarab. The monastery church is carved in rock (grit- stone) and next to it is also carved a space which people say it was used by the ruler of Wallachia as an outdoor court. The church is unique in Romania due to its two altars. Above the western wall of the cave church is a Latin cross. It was believed that here was once a Dacian altar, but the hypothesis was annulled by the historians who did not find any evidence of Dacian traces in the area.

If only for a moment you want to forget about the city restlessness, you should visit this quiet mountain village and find out about its legends and hear the traditional songs that people gladly sing even nowadays, songs which reflect their life and the daily struggle to keep their tradition away from the new world.

Corbi, traditional food, domestic animals, traditional houses, pure nature, the Stone Ravens Monastery Day 5

Curtea de Arges - Vidraru - Transfagarasan - Balea Lake - Sibiu

Morning

The journey will continue to Curtea de Arges. This is one of the oldest towns in Wallachia and it has a rich history. Being the first Capital of Wallachia, it had a Royal Court and a Royal Church which still exist nowadays and are opened for visitors. We will visit this old place after going to the Municipal Museum, where we will better understand the history of the settlement and of the entire Wallachia. Transfagarasan Vidraru Dam The villages become nicer and more picturesque. The hills are now tall and vast, while the villages are developed on the small river valleys converging to the large valley of the river Arges. After almost one hour of driving, we arrive at a fortress. Dracula’s fortress, also known as the Poenari Citadel, Poenari Palace or Vlad Tepes’ Fortress, built during the 13th century. During the 14th century it gained strategic importance and became the fortress of Basarab the First, the founder of Wallachia and the Ruler that transformed the town of Curtea de Arges into the Capital of Wallachia.

Our trip continues towards Vidraru Dam. After reaching the dam everything calms down, while the imposing Fagaras Mountains are visible on the north side.

Afternoon

We will cros the Carpathians and reach the highest point at Balea Lake - 2000 meters. The landscape is amazing and the climate is alpine with small temperature. The road is spectacular. The stone cliffs, the big gap between the road and the bottom of the river, the steep slopes, the woods and the thin mountain air, they all give a beautiful sensation.

Evening

We will reach Sibiu in the evening. Free time in Sibiu, enjoying the joyful city life, the traditional food and drinks.

Transfagarasan, Balea Lake (2000m altitude), Vidrau Lake, Vidrau Dam, Draculas’ Fortress, Curtea de Arges - the first Capital of Wallachia, Dracula Fortress Curtea de Arges Monastery Photo: Iulia Georgescu Day 6

Sibiu- - Sighisoara

Morning

We will explore in the morning Sibiu and will feel the German influences. It is a city full of charm. The German atmosphere, the archi- tecture of German influence, the people, local custom and language which differs by the accent make you feel like you are in a totally new and special place. Here we will visit the Old Town and the Saxons buildings, we will see the medieval walls and some special places like the Bridge of Lies. Legend has it that the name derived from the merchants’ fiery disputes which flared up around it and the passionate but transitory vows of young lovers who often met here. Sibiu Sighisoara

Afternoon

The journey will continue on small roads hidden among ’s fields and hills, but only to take you to Biertan, an old Saxon settlement which shelters a and traditional Saxon houses. The village is an authentic one with big Saxon houses con- nected to each other, painted in vivid colours and placed around the fortified church. Biertan is one of the first Saxon settlements from Transylvania.

The village was first mentioned in 1283 in a document where were also mentioned Mediaș and Moșna, all three towns being in a fierce competition to obtain the title of administrative centre of the region. In 1397 Biertan is certified as a town

Evening

The end of the day will find you in Sighișoara, Transylvania’s fairytale and carnival city. Here you will visit: Vlad Dracul’s House, Vlad Țepeș’s (Dracula) father which is considered to be a very old building dated around 14th-15th centuries., Covered Staircase – is a covered staircase built in 1662 in order to ease the access of scholars at the School on the Hill, The Clock Tower – represents the main attraction of the city, Tin Coaters Tower, the School on the Hill and the Church on the Hill.

Sibiu, Biertan, Sighisoara

Sighisoara Biertan Day 7

Sighisoara - Viscri - Rupea - Bran

Morning

We will start this day in Sighișoara. We will leave before noon and take the road to Brașov. The trip will be quite short but it will have many stops so you can enjoy Transylvania’s reaches. We eill drive on small roads hidden among Transylvania’s fields and hills, but only to take you to Viscri. Hidden between hills Viscri is a vivid Saxon village with coloured houses where time has lost track. Here you will visit Viscri Fortified Church. Viscri Fortified Evangelical Church was built in the 13th century on the foundation of an ancient Roman basilica. Since 1999 the church is part of UNESCO World Heritage. Rupea Viscri

Afternoon

After lunch we will go to Rupea. Archaeologists’ analyses say that Rupea Fortress is one of the oldest archaeological vestiges in the Romanian territory. The first human settlements date back from Palaeolithic and early Neolithic (5.500 – 3.500 BC). The first documen- tary certification dates back from 1324. Over time the fortress served both as fortification and as refuge for the people who lived on the nearby hills and valley, its place being a strategic one: at the junction of the roads that connect Transylvania, and Walla- chia through the south-eastern passages. The medieval spirit is felt; you can feel the thrill of the times when towns and villages were attacked by enemy armies.

Evening

In the evening we will arrive to Bran, the settlement. The medieval atmosphere could be seen and felt everywhere. There are plenty of elements that bring it to life and there are also many tourists that inspire happiness. The most amazing thing here is the castle that dominates the surroundings from the high rock that is situated on. It makes you really feel the old times’ spirit and the stories with Dracula will immediately come to mind.

Sighisoara, Vlad Dracul’s House, Covered Staircase, School on the Hill, The Clock Tower, Tin Coaters Tower, Viscri, Rupea, Bran (Dracula’s Castle) Bran Castle Bran Castle Day 8

Bran - Rasnov - Brasov

Morning

Our journey continues to Rasnov where we will visit the medieval citadel. Rasnov Citadel is a settlement built on a large rock near the mountains, with its tall walls offering protection in the past. Inside are some houses and auxiliary constructions that served population needs. The citadel was built in 1215 as a fortified settlement by the Teutonic Knights. It was only conquered once, around 1600. It offered protection to its citizens for more than 8 centuries. It is a nice place, well preserved, where the old times are kept alive.

Visit of Rasnov Fortress. Rasnov Fortress Rasnov Fortress

Afternoon

Our tour will continue to Poiana Brașov, we will cross the mountains and we will see Brașov from above. Will stop in Brașov and visit the important places. Brasov city is one of the major cities in Transylvania and one of the most popular cities in Romania. Situated at the foot of the Carpathians it is closely related with the tourist activities and the mountain sports. Brasov city (Kronstadt in German, Brassó in Hungarian, Corona in Latin, also written on old maps as Cronʃtadt, Brastovia or Braßov or Kruhnen, Krînen in Saxon dialect) is also an important cultural centre in Romania. In Brasov city are impressive the specific and different architecture of German influence, the slowly people with bright faces and very kind, the city centre with Sfatului Square where is held the well known music festival The Golden Stag and last but not least the moun- tains. They are visible from everywhere. They change their clothes with the seasons and weather.

Visit of Brașov City.

Evening

Discover Brașov souvenir shops, pubs and the special color of this city full of German influences.

Rasnov Fotress, Poiana Brasov, Brasov

Brasov, Old Town Brasov from above Day 9

Brasov- Sinaia - Bucharest

Morning

Our tour will continue north, towards the city of Sinaia. After about 1 hour of driving we will arrive in Sinaia, also known as the Royal City, due to its castles and the years spent here by the Romanian Royal Families.

Brasov, Old Town Brasov Afternoon

The two castles take 2 hours to visit. After the lunch break and a walk in the large green court of the castles we will get back on the road. The trip continues to Bran. We will pass through Busteni, a beautiful town at the foothills of the mountains. Seen from Busteni, the Bucegi Mountains with their steep slopes look gorgeous. Also, from here one can see the Caraiman Cross (Heroes’ Cross on Caraiman Peak), with a height of 36 meters (118 ft), built between 1926 and 1928 at the initiative of Marie of Edinburgh and King Ferdinand of Romania in memoriam of the Romanian soldiers who died during World War I.

Evening

In the evening we arrive in Bucharest. Free time in Bucharest.

Braso, Peles, Pelisor

Peles Castle Peles Castle Day 10-11

Danube Delta

The is a beautiful place populated by numerous species of birds and fish. The flora and fauna are also well developed, and also well preserved. Danube Delta (Romanian: Delta Dunării) is the second largest river delta in Europe, after Volga Delta, and is the best preserved on the continent. The greater part of the Danube Delta lies in Romania (Tulcea county), while its northern part, on the left bank of the Chilia arm, is situated in Ukraine (Odessa Oblast). The approximate surface area is 4,152 km2 (1,603 sq mi), and of that, 3,446 km2 (1,331 sq mi) are in Romania. Danube Delta fotografultau.ro fotografultau.ro The Danube Delta is a miracle of nature, and it represents the shelter for more than 300 species of birds and more than 100 species of freshwater fish. It is included on the World Heritage list by UNESCO and it is considered a biosphere reservation by UNESCO Man and Biosphere Program.

The Danube Delta is a totally different world. A trip there will show you the unseen faces of nature, where you can see, feel, smell and taste the beauty of it. Have a look at the pictures and imagine a trip in the morning of a sunny day, on a tight waterway, in a sea of green lush, with trees alongside, with sounds of birds coming from nowhere, with a fresh and clean air and a silence that gives you the freedom to dream. The Danube Delta is a unique place that clearly shows the equilibrium of nature and gives positive energy to the tourist while cancelling the meaning of time.

Danube Delta

fotografultau.ro fotografultau.ro Day 11

Going home . . . departure from Bucharest Photo

Adrian Petrisor Andy Loghin fotografultau.ro Iulia Georgescu Pure Romania Photo: Adrian Petrișor Photo: Iulia Georgescu Romania

Photo: Adrian Petrișor Photo: Adrian Petrișor Tour map

Pure Romania

Danube Delta

Pure Romania Trip

Google Maps Tour details

Inclusion: Details and Booking

• English full guiding http://www.ticket2romania.com/ • breakfast with drinks each day [email protected] • breakfast, lunch, traditional dinner - day 4 NL: +31619776927 • 3 stars accommodation RO: +40744825552 • transport • the services of a group leader which will also be a well prepared guide • transfer from and to Henry Coandă International Airport to Bucharest • flying tickets Price - 770 EURO

League of Romanian EMBASSY OF ROMANIA in the TAROM ROMANIAN AIR TRANSPORT Pure Romania - Travel Agency Students Abroad Kingdom of the Netherlands Photo: Adrian Petrișor Photo: Iulia Georgescu Romania The Land of Fairy Tales

Photo: Adrian Petrișor Photo: Adrian Petrișor