This morning your English speaking tour guide will meet you at your hotel/residence. Start with a guided tour of the Palace of Parliament, Romania's most famous building from the communist period. The spectacular structure has been recognised by Guinness World Records as the world's second-largest building after the Pentagon. Continue on the grand avenues with a stop at the former royal palace and the Revolution Square, view the Opera House and enjoy a drive in the Cotroceni Quarter for its representative architecture.

Continue to the Northern part of the city:  view the former private residence of the Ceausescus and take a guided walking tour of the iconic open-air Village Museum -- an authentic window into the rich rural heritage of Romania. The remainder of the day is at leisure to further explore on own.

Overnight in Bucharest at Hotel Berthelot **** OR Hotel Duke Romana ****

Leave Bucharest in the early morning for a drive to the former capital of Wallachia:  Curtea de Arges. Visit the monastery and burial place of Queen Marie of Romania.  Then head North and cross the Carpathians via the Poeinari Citadel (Vlad Dracula's real castle, view only) to the impressive Vidraru Dam (stop for pictures).  Continue to 6,657 feet altitude to Balea Lake and the world-famous Trans Fagarasan Road.  

In the mid-afternoon arrive to Sibiu -- the former chief city of the German Saxons.  The Great and Lesser Squares are part of the UNESCO World Heritage. The walking tour of the old town will reveal the Liars' Bridge, the Baroque Bruckenhtal Palace, the merchant houses and 1300 Lutheran Cathedral. 

The remainder of the day is at leisure in the Old Town to further explore on own.

Overnight in Sibiu at Hotel The Council *** (or similar)

This morning tour the village of Sibiel:  one of the best preserved old-type mountain villages and featuring the only icon-on-glass museum in the country.  Continue to Alba Iulia, tour Romania's greatest fort, enclosed by 12 kilometers of walls and designed in the shape of a star. Alba Carolina Fortress was initially a Roman castrum then further Vauban-type construction. The Coronation Church here is the place where Queen Marie was crowned in 1922. Then tour Turda Salt Mines -- a massive subterranean structure known as the most beautiful underground place on Earth ! Your tour guide will lead you through thru passageways that open onto halls, The sights inside the mine are unearthly, enticing artists in quest of breathtaking views.

The adventure continues with Cluj-Napoca, Transylvania's largest city and one of Romania leading univeristy centers.  The orientation tour will reveal the main landmarks such as the Opera House, the City Hall, the Banffy Palace and St Michael's. The evening is at leisure in the city.

Overnight in Cluj-Napoca at Hotel Victoria *** (or similar)

From Cluj, you will travel to Maramureș in northeastern Romania. This region is famous for preserving it culture and identitiy unspoiled for centuries. Learn about he dowry tradition and stop at the intricately carved wooden house gates. 

The Maramureș community are regarded as the most welcoming Romanians, and their ancient wooden houses are a living reminder of their history. You will visit Breb, one of Maramureș's best-preserved traditional villages, and learn about the local way of life by interacting with them and visiting an actual home. Our second and final stop of the day is Săpînţa, world famous for its Merry Cemetery. The wood-carved crosses, painted in vibrant hues, feature witty, funny quatrains inspired by the lives of individuals who are no longer with us. Enjoy a home-made dinner with a local family in an authentic cultural interchange. 

Exclusively organized: Maramures folklore show with dances.

Overnight in Sighetu Marmatiei at Hotel Gradina Morii ***

This morning traverse the picturesque Iza River Valley with its traditional villages. Visit a typical wooden whirlpool used by the local women in washing heavy wooled blankets, followed by a ancient-type plum brandy distillery. Visit the UNESCO World Heritage-listed wooden church of Rozavlea (1722) and Barsana: the latter of which is one of Romania's largest Orthodox architectural ensembles. The art of woodcarving, perfected over generations, is still the primary craft of the local community. 

Heading south reach the town of Targu Mures notable for its diversity of ethnicities and cultures, particularly Hungarian. The main landmarks are the 1913 Art Nouveau Palace of Culture and the County's Council. 

Next is an exclusive visit to a Gypsy (Rroma) family in their own home:  a unique opportunity to learn first-hand about this less known ethnic group. 

Arrive to Sighisoara in the late afternoon.  You are free to spend the rest of your evening exploring the Old Town.

Overnight in the Upper Town of Sighisoara at the House with Antler *** or Hotel Casa Wagner ***

Sighişoara is the only inhabited medieval stronghold listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is a must-see on the Classic Romania Tour. This is the place to learn more about Dracula's stories and the real-life ruler, Vlad the Impaler (Vlad Tepes) and visit his actual birthplace. The Clock Tower, a city emblem, is reached by ascending the meandering cobblestone pathways dotted with old buildings. From there, you can take in the breathtaking panoramas. The Tower houses a museum of mediaeval weapons as well as a torture room. 

The village of Biertan was the Seat of the Lutheran Bishops of Transylvania between 1517 and 1867.  Perched on a hill with its three belts of fortification this is by far the most amazing medieval structure (today an UNESCO Site). Tour the village then enjoy a traditional home-cooked lunch with one of the faamilies in a authentic cultira interchange.

His Royal Highness, King Charles III, was fascinated by rural life and the tranquil ambience of the village of Viscri.  Aside from enjoying its unique layout, you enjoy a horse-pulled waggon ride through the hamlet. Furthermore, you will get the opportunity to visit the people and sample some of Transylvania's greatest homemade desserts.

Next, you will arrive in Brasov, which is situated at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains and was founded by the Teutonic Knights. Take a  orientation tour of the Old Town before arriving to your centrally located hotel.  The remainder of the evening is at leisure in the lovely pedestrian area with its many outdoor restaurants and cafes.

Overnight in Brasov at Hotel Bella Muzica *** OR Hotel Safrano Palace ***

Begin your day in Council Square, Brasov's central location, from where you will enjoy a walking tour of the city and visit Rope Street (Strada Sforii), one of the world's smallest streets. Admirethe magnificent Gothic Cathedral, also known as the Black Church (Biserica Neagra), which was built following a devastating fire in 1689.  

Afterwards, prepare to be spooked (or perhaps intrigued) as we visit Bran Castle, known as Dracula's Castle. Built atop a dramatic cliff in the 13th century, this iconic landmark offers a glimpse into medieval times. Bran is one of the world's reputedly haunted medieval castles. The gorgeous building sits strategically atop a 60-meter cliff, overlooking the most significant entrance route into medieval Transylvania. 

Continue to Sinaia -- a charming small mountain resort that gained notoriety mostly as a result of the Romanian Royal Family's decision to make Sinaia their official house throughout the 20th century. Tour the stunning Peles Castle & Gardens built by Romania's first king, Carol I of Hohenzollern Sigmaringen. You will enjoy a palace tour and learn about the life of the Romanian royal family. enjoy time at lesiure in Sinaia

Then head for Bucharest and transfer to your hotel. The remainder of the day is at leisure.

Overnight in Bucharest at Hotel Berthelot **** OR Hotel Duke Romana ****

After breakfast transfer to the airport for your return flight.

• 7 nights at three and four star hotels (all centrally located)
• fully insured van with climate control, for the entire distance
• fuel & parking fees included
• all sightseeing tours & cultural connections
• admissions to sites and attractions listed
• three informal talks on: Ceausescu and His Times, Vlad Dracula: Truth and Fiction, the Gypsies and Their Journey (all by tour guide)
• 9 meals: 7 breakfasts, 1 traditional lunch, 1 home hosted dinner
• folklore show with dances in Maramures
• horse drawn waggon ride in the village of Viscri
• Tours Of Romania professional English speaking guide
• guide's expenses
• complimentary airport transfer for departure
• porterage (except for customs areas)
• VAT and local tax
• water on the bus.