Romanian Explorer

Fly from London (regional connections available) to Bucharest with British Airways. Transfer to the Novotel for 1 night. Welcome dinner. (D)

Morning drive to Sinaia to visit the palaces of Peles and Pelisor, the former royal residences of King Carol I. These magnificent German Renaissance-style palaces are a complex of magnificent turrets rising above swathes of green meadows. Continue to Brasov and stay 2 nights at the Hotel Avro Palace (or similar). (B)

Morning visit to the Liberty Bear Sanctuary in Zarnesti, the only sanctuary for rescued bears in Romania, with more than 80 bears currently under care. Continue to the atmospheric Saxon town of Viscri where HRH the Prince of Wales has bought and restored several properties. Visit the 12th-century church, one of the oldest in Transylvania. End the day with a visit to Bran castle, which is famously associated with Dracula, the legendary character from Bram Stoker’s gothic novel. Return to Brasov. (B)

Morning drive to Sighisoara, visiting the fortified church of Prejmer and the Saxon houses of Saschiz en route. Tour of Sighisoara, a beautifully preserved medieval settlement. The city walls encircle cobbled streets lined with colourful 16th-century burgher houses. Visits include the citadel, the Church on the Hill and the clock tower. Continue to Târgu Mures and stay overnight at the Hotel Plaza. (B)

Morning city tour of Târgu Mures including a visit to the Palace of Culture. Continue to Salina Praid, a salt mine complex and the city of Alba Lulia to view the Roman ruins and the citadel. Overnight at the Golden Tulip (or similar) in Sibiu. (B)

Morning city tour of Sibiu including a visit to 14th-century Evangelical church and the Brukenthal Art Musuem. Afternoon drive to Râmnicu Vâlcea. En route, visit Horezu monastery, considered to be one of the finest in Romania. Stay for 1 night at the Hotel Sofianu. (B)

Morning drive to Curtea de Arges, the former capital of Wallachia. Visit the Episcopal church, where the Romanian Kings are buried. Continue to Bucharest and stay overnight at the Intercontinental. Farewell dinner in the evening. (B, D)

Morning tour of Bucharest, known as the ‘Paris of the east’ due to its boulevards and Belle Epoque buildings. View the Old Princely Court, the Royal Palace and visit the Palace of Parliament, which is the third largest building in the world. Early afternoon transfer to the airport and fly to London. (B)