Istanbul & Essence of Romania

Istanbul & Essence of Romania 

Tech • Castles • Danube Cruise • Dracula Trail

With a stop in the majestic Istanbul, “The City on Two Continents”

Duration: 15 Days / 14 Nights | Type: Unique Tailor-Made

Validity: Full Year 2026 & 2027 (Except Festive Seasons)

Cluj-Napoca; the "Silicon Valley" of Eastern Europe – Transylvania; the cradle of Romanian heritage & the Dracula Legend - The Famous Castles - The Majestic Danube River and Bucharest

Program is designed for IT professionals and academic students across Asia. The itinerary will be synchronized with the operational schedules of the respective centers in Cluj-Napoca

Wonders of Romania | The Most Incredible Places in Romania | https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=fcHQvp-34k4

Day	Date	City	Itinerary
01		Istanbul	>> Arrival ISTANBUL (-/-/D)
02		Cluj-Napoca	ISTANBUL > CLUJ-NAPOCA (B/L/D)
03		Cluj Napoca	CLUJ-NAPOCA - Tech & Innovation Tour (B/L/D)
04		Sighisoara	CLUJ-NAPOCA – TURDA – MEDIAS – BIERTAN - SIGHISOARA (B/L/D)
05		Brasov	SIGHISOARA – SINAIA - BRASOV (B/L/D)
06		Sibiu	BRASOV – BRAN - SIBIU (B/L/D)
07		Timisoara	SIBIU - ALBA IULIA – HUNEDOARA – DEVA - TIMISOARA (B/L/D)
08		Orsova	TIMISOARA - ANINA-train ANINA – ORAVITA - ORSOVA (B/L/D)
09		Orsova	ORSOVA – CRUISE - CASCADA BIGAR - MULINOLOGICAL RESERVATION RUDARIA - ORSOVA (B/L/D)
10		Targu Jiu	ORSOVA – MUZEUL HIDROCENTRALEI PORTILE DE FIER – DROBETA TURNU SEVERIN – BAILE HERCULANE – TISMANA- TARGU JIU (B/L/D)
11		Avrig	TARGU JIU – HOREZU – COZIA - AVRIG (B/L/D)
12		Curtea De Arges	AVRIG – CARTISOARA – “TRANSFAGARASAN” – HOTEL POSADA VIDRARU – AREFU/CETATEA POIENARI – CURTEA DE ARGES (B/L/D)
13		Bucharest	CURTEA DE ARGES – TARGOVISTE – SNAGOV - BUCHAREST (B/L/D)
14		Bucharest	BUCHAREST (B/L/D)
15			BUCHAREST > Flight back home (B/-/-)

Daily programme

Day 1: Arrival in Istanbul - Welcome Dinner

Arrival at Istanbul International Airport.

Immigration & Customs formalities.

Welcome by your local guide and transfer to the hotel for check-in.

Transfer to the pier for a 2.5-hour Bosphorus dinner cruise

Accommodation in Istanbul.

Days 2: Istanbul - Cluj-Napoca - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.

Transfer to the airport for your short non-stop flight to Cluj-Napoca (approx. 1 hour 45 minutes)

Upon landing, complete swift entry formalities into the Schengen Area, where you will be warmly greeted by your expert local Romanian guide and transferred to your hotel.

Savor an authentic local lunch at a handpicked restaurant.

Time at leisure to relax after travel or explore the vibrant city center independently.

Dinner: Traditional culinary experience at a top-rated local restaurant.

Accommodation in Cluj-Napoca.

Days 3: Cluj-Napoca - Tech Exploration & University Visit - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel.

Discover the vibe: Welcome to Transylvania’s historic capital and Romania’s vibrant second-largest city. Equal parts medieval charm and dynamic innovation, Cluj-Napoca is celebrated as the "Silicon Valley of Eastern Europe" and a world-renowned cultural hub; home to iconic global events like the UNTOLD Music Festival and the Transylvania International Film Festival (TIFF).

Morning – Academic tech exploration: Meet your guide in the lobby and transfer to the Technical University of Cluj-Napoca (UTCN) – Faculty of Automation and Computer Science.

• 1-hour interactive lab session: Observe cutting-edge projects and live tech research in action.
• 1-hour academic exchange: Q&A session with university professors and top IT students to discuss future tech talent and research trends.

Lunch: Enjoy a business networking lunch at a local restaurant.

Afternoon – Enterprise & Industry site visit:

• Private corporate visit to a leading multinational or Romanian IT enterprise headquartered in Cluj-Napoca (the "Silicon Valley of Eastern Europe").
• 1-hour innovation lab tour & demo: Gain direct insight into local software engineering, AI development, or tech operations.

Transfer back to the hotel to refresh.

Dinner at a traditional local restaurant.

Accommodation in Cluj-Napoca.

Day 4: Cluj-Napoca - Turda - Mediaș - Biertan - Sighișoara - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.

Start with a morning walking tour of Cluj-Napoca:

• Discover the historic heart of the city, with guided visits and viewing of St. Michael’s Church, the historic University, the Evangelical Church, the Matthias Corvinus House, the National Theatre, and the majestic Orthodox Cathedral.

Drive to Turda (Distance: 35 km / 40 mins drive)

• Explore the spectacular Turda Salt Mine, a massive underground marvel renowned as one of the most unique subterranean sites in the world.

Continue south to Mediaș (Distance: 100 km / 1h 40m drive).

Nestled in the heart of the Târnava Mare Valley, Mediaș is one of Transylvania’s seven historic Siebenbürgen (fortified Saxon cities founded in the Middle Ages). Known for its quiet medieval charm, rich winemaking history, and impressive Gothic architecture, Mediaș offers an authentic glimpse into centuries-old Transylvanian Saxon culture.

Enjoy lunch at a traditional restaurant.

• Walking tour of Mediaș: explore another core historic member of the Siebenbürgen (Saxon Seven Cities). Walk through the Castle Square (Piața Castelului) and view St. Margaret's Church (featuring its iconic leaning tower), the historic Stephan Ludwig Roth College, and Maria’s Tower.

Drive to Biertan (Distance: 30 km / 30 mins drive), the religious capital of Transylvanian Saxons for three centuries.

• Visit Fortified Church; UNESCO World Heritage masterpiece.

For nearly 300 years (1572–1867), Biertan served as the religious headquarters of the Transylvanian Saxon Lutheran Bishop. It stands as the most prestigious of the seven UNESCO-listed fortified churches in the region (Biertan, Prejmer, Viscri, Dârjiu, Saschiz, Câlnic, and Valea Viilor).

Short drive to Sighișoara (Distance: 30 km / 40 mins drive)

Hotel check-in upon arrival and time to freshen up.

Dinner at a local restaurant.

Accommodation in Sighișoara.

Day 5: Sighișoara - Sinaia - Brașov - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.

Begin the morning in Sighișoara, Europe's best-preserved inhabited medieval citadel & the Dracula Legend. Enjoy a 3-hour guided walking tour of Sighișoara, the "Pearl of Transylvania", a core member of the Siebenbürgen (Saxon Seven Cities) and a UNESCO World Heritage site, Sighișoara is the only completely preserved medieval citadel in Europe that has been continuously inhabited since its construction.

• Walk through the cobblestone streets to see surviving medieval defense towers, including the iconic Clock Tower, which houses the History Museum.
• Admire famous historical residences like the Venetian House, the Stag House, and Vlad Dracul House (where Prince Vlad Țepeș, "Vlad the Impaler," was born in 1431).
• Ascend the covered Scholars' Stairs to reach the top of the citadel hill and visit the Church on the Hill, one of Romania's largest and most significant historic gothic churches.

Drive to Sinaia (Distance: 170 km | ~3 hours drive); famously known as the "Pearl of the Carpathians."

Lunch at a local restaurant in Sinaia

• Visit to Peles Castle. An architectural masterpiece and former residence of the Romanian Royal Family, Peles Castle stands today as one of the country's richest museums. Built between 1875 and 1914 by King Carol I in the German Neo-Renaissance style, this exquisite landmark holds the distinction of being the only tourist monument in Romania to welcome over one million visitors in a single year.

Drive to Brașov (Distance: 50 km / 50 mins drive); another foundational member of the historic Siebenbürgen.

• Guided walking tour through Council Square, Catherine’s Gate, and Rope Street. Step inside the iconic Black Church, home to a massive 4,000-pipe organ and an extraordinary collection of rare Oriental rugs.

Dinner at a traditional local restaurant in the historic old town.

Accommodation in Brasov

Day 6: Brașov - Bran Castle - Sibiu - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.

Depart from Brașov to Bran (Distance: 35 km | Approx. 40-minute drive).

Visit Bran Castle, globally recognized as "Dracula's Castle" and one of Romania's most iconic medieval landmarks.

Historical note: Originally constructed at the end of the 14th century, the castle served as a strategic fortress and royal residence, famously home to Queen Marie of Romania. Today, it belongs to Archduke Dominic von Habsburg. Vlad the Impaler (Vlad Țepeș) spent a brief period here in 1462 while being transported to Visegrád, where he was imprisoned by King Matthias Corvinus. Bran Castle's dramatic Gothic silhouette inspired Irish author Bram Stoker when depicting Count Dracula's lair in his world-famous 1897 novel.

Depart from Bran to Sibiu (Distance: ~140 km | Approx. 2.5 to 3-hour drive).

Arrival in Sibiu. Enjoy lunch at a traditional local restaurant.

Guided walking tour of Sibiu, the European Capital of Culture 2007.

Sibiu is a world-class cultural hub, famously hosting the Sibiu International Theatre Festival (FITS), which celebrates its 33rd edition in 2026. FITS ranks alongside Avignon (France) and Edinburgh (UK) as one of the top three performing arts festivals on Earth.

• Explore the Grand Square (Piața Mare), Little Square (Piața Mică), and Huet Square.
• View iconic architectural masterpieces including the Brukenthal National Museum (exterior), Council Tower (Turnul Sfatului), City Hall, Holy Trinity Roman Catholic Cathedral, and the Holy Trinity Orthodox Cathedral.
• Visit the Evangelical Lutheran Cathedral of Saint Mary and cross the famous Bridge of Lies (Podul Minciunilor).

Hotel check-in and leisure time to freshen up.

Dinner at a traditional Transylvanian restaurant in Sibiu.

Accommodation in Sibiu.

Day 7: Sibiu - Alba Iulia - Hunedoara - Deva - Timișoara -  Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.

Depart from Sibiu to Alba Iulia, known as the historic "Union Capital of Romania" (Distance: 75 km | Approx. 1-hour drive via A1 motorway).

Guided tour of the Alba Carolina Citadel, an impressive star-shaped Vauban-style fortress:

• Visit the Coronation Cathedral (Reunification Cathedral), constructed in 1921–1922 for the historic coronation of King Ferdinand I and Queen Marie of Great Romania.
• Explore the St. Michael's Roman Catholic Cathedral, the Princely Palace, and the Equestrian Statue of Michael the Brave (Mihai Viteazul); the first prince to unify Transylvania, Moldavia, and Wallachia in 1599.
• Walk past the National Museum of Union and admire the majestic Citadel Gates. Depending on the daily schedule, witness the traditional Guard Changing Ceremony.
• Visit the historical cell associated with Horea, Cloșca, and Crișan, leaders of the 1784 Transylvanian peasant revolt.

Depart for Hunedoara (Distance: 75 km | Approx. 1-hour drive).

Tour Corvin Castle (Hunyadi Castle). This breathtaking Gothic-Renaissance masterpiece is one of the largest castles in Europe, voted one of the "Seven Wonders of Romania," and consistently ranked among Europe’s top 25 most famous castles alongside Bran and Peleș.

• Explore its grand halls, drawbridge, and towers. The castle is deeply tied to Transylvanian history and legends, including tales of Vlad the Impaler’s temporary confinement here before his imprisonment in Visegrád.

Lunch at a local restaurant in Hunedoara.

Depart for Deva (Distance: 20 km | Approx. 25-minute drive).

Stop at Deva to view the Deva Citadel (Cetatea Deva), perched high atop a volcanic hill overlooking the Mureș River valley. (Short photo stop or funicular ride to the fortress top).

Depart from Deva to Timișoara, the cosmopolitan cultural center of western Romania on the banks of the Bega River (Distance: 155 km | Approx. 2-hour 15-minute drive via A1 motorway).

Arrival in Timișoara and check-in at the hotel.

Dinner at a local restaurant.

Accommodation in Timișoara

Day 8: Timișoara - Anina - Oravița - Clisura Dunării - Orșova - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out.

Guided walking & panoramic tour of Timișoara—Romania's cosmopolitan "Little Vienna" for its rich concentration of over 14,000 historic architectural landmarks:

• Explore Union Square (Piața Unirii): Admire the colorful Brück House (Art Nouveau style), the Roman Catholic Dome of St. George, and the Serbian Orthodox Cathedral.
• Walk to Victory Square (Piața Victoriei), surrounded by elegant Baroque and Neoclassical architecture.
• View the iconic Timișoara Orthodox Metropolitan Cathedral and the National Theatre & Opera House.

Depart from Timișoara towards Anina, passing through Reșița; a historic industrial center famous for locomotive production (Distance: 140 km | Approx. 2.5-hour drive via DN58).

Arrival in Anina. Enjoy lunch at a local restaurant.

Transfer to Anina Railway Station.

• Board the famous "Banat Semmering" Train (Oravița – Anina Railway)
• Experience Romania’s oldest mountain railway (opened in 1863). The breathtaking 33.4 km journey features 14 tunnels cut through solid rock and 10 spectacular viaducts across deep gorges.
• Arrive at Oravița Station, where the coach awaits.

Quick Photo Stop: Pass by the Mihai Eminescu Theater in Oravița, built in 1817 as Romania’s first permanent theater building (modeled after the Burgtheater in Vienna).

Depart Oravița towards Orșova via Moldova Nouă (Distance: 160 km | Approx. 3-hour drive).

Travel along Clisura Dunării (Danube Gorge); one of the most scenic coastal/river roads in Europe, offering views of the Great and Small Kazan Gorges (Cazanele Mari & Cazanele Mici).

Arrival in Orșova, a picturesque port city on the Danube River. Check-in at the hotel.

Dinner at the hotel or a riverside restaurant.

Accommodation in Orșova

Day 9: Orșova - Danube River Cruise - Bigăr Waterfall - Rudăria Watermills - Orșova - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel

Transfer to the boat pier in Orșova / Dubova.

Danube River Cruise (The Iron Gates Gorge & Danube Cauldron)

• Cruise through the most spectacular section of the Danube River, often referred to as the "Ha Long Bay of the Danube".
• Pass through Cazanele Mari and Cazanele Mici (Great and Small Kazan Gorges), where the river narrows dramatically between towering limestone cliffs.
• Admire the iconic Rock Sculpture of Decebalus—carved directly into the cliffside, standing 55 meters high as the tallest stone relief in Europe.
• View historical sites along the riverbanks: the ancient Tabula Traiana (inscribed by Emperor Trajan on the Serbian shore), the Mraconia Monastery sitting directly at the water's edge, and Ponicova Cave.

Traditional lunch at a scenic restaurant overlooking the Danube River in Dubova.

Depart for Bigăr Waterfall (Distance: ~85 km | Approx. 1.5-hour drive).

Stop at Bigăr Waterfall Nature Reserve located exactly on the 45th Parallel north.

• Take a short nature walk around the limestone springs and the remnants of the waterfall inside the Cheile Nerei-Beușnița National Park.

Depart for the Rudăria Watermills Complex in Eftimie Murgu (Distance: 25 km | Approx. 30-minute drive).

Explore the Mulinological Reservation of Rudăria:

• Discover Europe's largest surviving complex of traditional wooden watermills (22 functional mills lining the Rudăria River canyon).
• Witness how local villagers still use these century-old hydraulic systems to grind grain using natural water power.

Depart Rudăria and return to Orșova (Distance: ~75 km | Approx. 1.5-hour drive). Return to the hotel to refresh.

Dinner at a premium restaurant, featuring Danube fish specialties and local wine pairings

Accomodation in Orșova

Day 10: Orșova - Băile Herculane - Drobeta -Turnu Severin - Tismana - Târgu Jiu - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out

Depart for Băile Herculane, one of Europe's oldest thermal spa towns, established by the Romans as "Ad Aquas Herculis Sacras" (Distance: 25 km | Approx. 30-minute drive).

Walking tour of Băile Herculane:

• Discover the Austro-Hungarian imperial heritage: view the Bronze Statue of Heracles, the historic Imperial Bath complex (Neptune Baths), and the elegant 19th-century Railway Station.

Depart for Gura Văii & Drobeta-Turnu Severin (Distance: 45 km | Approx. 45-minute drive).

Explore Roman Dacia history and modern engineering marvels:

• Visit the Iron Gates I Hydroelectric Power Plant & Museum in Gura Văii to learn about the massive 1960s joint Romanian-Yugoslav engineering project on the Danube.
• Stop at the Iron Gates Region Museum outdoor archaeological park to view the ruins of Trajan's Bridge over the Danube, designed by Apollodorus of Damascus in 103–105 AD.

Lunch at a local restaurant in Drobeta-Turnu Severin.

Depart for Tismana Monastery (Distance: 80 km | Approx. 1-hour 30-minute drive via DN67/DN67D).

• Visit Tismana Monastery, the oldest fortified monastic complex in Wallachia (founded in 1364 by St. Nicodemus). Nestled against steep mountain cliffs, Tismana played a crucial geopolitical role throughout history.

Learn about its WWII secret legacy (Operation Neptune), where the National Polish Gold (1939) and later the entire Gold Reserve of the National Bank of Romania (1944–1947) were safely hidden in nearby caves from invading forces.

Depart for Târgu Jiu (Distance: 35 km | Approx. 40-minute drive).

Guided tour of the Brâncuși Monumental Ensemble (UNESCO World Heritage Site):

• Pay homage to Constantin Brâncuși (1876–1957), the father of modern sculpture.
• Walk through Central Park to admire his WWI memorial masterpieces aligned on an axial path: The Table of Silence (Masa Tăcerii), The Alley of Chairs (Aleea Scaunelor), The Gate of the Kiss (Poarta Sărutului), and the iconic 30-meter high Endless Column (Coloana Fără Sfârșit).

Hotel check-in in Târgu Jiu.

Dinner at a local restaurant

Accommodation in Târgu Jiu

Day 11: Târgu Jiu - Horezu - Cozia - Avrig - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out

Depart for Horezu, the premier center for traditional Romanian ceramics (Distance: 70 km | Approx. 1-hour 30-minute drive).

Discover the dual UNESCO heritage of Horezu:

• Horezu Traditional Ceramics: Explore Olari Street to observe local artisans practicing the traditional technique of hand-spun pottery and authentic rooster motif decoration (UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage).
• Hurezi Monastery: Visit the grandest monastic complex in Oltenia, founded in 1690 by Prince Constantin Brâncoveanu (UNESCO World Heritage Site). Admire the quintessential "Brâncovenesc style"—a unique Romanian Renaissance fusion of Ottoman, Venetian, and Byzantine architectural elements.

Depart for Cozia along the scenic Olt River Valley (Distance: 65 km | Approx. 1-hour 20-minute drive).

Traditional Romanian lunch at a local restaurant in Căciulata / Cozia overlooking the Olt River.

• Tour Cozia Monastery, one of Romania's most vital medieval monuments:
• Established between 1387 and 1388 by Prince Mircea the Elder (Mircea cel Bătrân), grandfather of Vlad the Impaler.
• Admire its Byzantine-style stone facade, 14th-century frescoes, and the burial tomb of Prince Mircea the Elder.

Depart for Avrig, driving through the picturesque Olt River Gorge separating the Lotru and Făgăraș Mountains (Distance: 80 km | Approx. 1-hour 40-minute drive).

Arrival in Avrig and check-in at the Brukenthal Summer Palace estate:

• The former 18th-century Baroque summer residence of Baron Samuel von Brukenthal, Governor of Transylvania (often referred to as the "Eden of Transylvania").

Leisure time to stroll through the French-style Baroque gardens and Orangery.

Dinner served in the historic Orangery restaurant, featuring Transylvanian Saxon culinary specialties

Accommodation in Avrig

Day 12: Avrig - Cârțișoara - Transfăgărășan Highway - Vidraru Dam - Poienari Fortesss - Curtea de Argeș - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out

Depart for Cârțișoara, the northern gateway to the Transfăgărășan Highway (Distance: 25 km | Approx. 25-minute drive).

• Visit the Badea Cârțan Ethnographic Museum in Cârțișoara.

Badea Cârțan was a legendary self-taught Transylvanian shepherd and cultural activist who fought to preserve Romanian identity under foreign rule by smuggling Romanian-language books across the Carpathian Mountains. In 1906, driven by a desire to see Trajan's Column and witness the Latin roots of his ancestors, he completed an extraordinary 45-day journey on foot from Transylvania to Rome. Upon his arrival, he famously proclaimed, "Bine te-am găsit, maica Roma" ("Greetings, Mother Rome!").

Begin driving along the legendary Transfăgărășan Highway (DN7C), built in the 1970s as a strategic military route. Famous as "the best driving road in the world" (BBC's Top Gear), the highway winds through the dramatic Făgăraș Mountains, reaching an altitude of 2,042 meters near Lake Bâlea.

• Scenic Stops: Photo stops at Bâlea Waterfall, Bâlea Lake (glacial lake at the summit), and key panoramic viewpoints overlooking the serpentine hairpin turns.

Lunch at Hotel Posada Vidraru, overlooking the dramatic landscape of Lake Vidraru.

• Stop at Vidraru Dam, an engineering marvel built in 1966 with an impressive height of 166 meters, creating one of the largest artificial lakes in Romania.
• Photo stop at the foot of Poienari Fortress (Cetatea Poienari) in Arefu

Known as the authentic fortress of Vlad the Impaler (unlike Bran Castle, Poienari served as Vlad's primary stronghold and hideout). Perched high on a cliff accessible via 1,480 stone steps, the site is viewed from the scenic observation point below.

Depart Arefu for Curtea de Argeș, the ancient capital of Wallachia (Distance: 25 km | Approx. 35-minute drive).

Arrival in Curtea de Argeș and check-in at the hotel.

Dinner at a local restaurant.

Accommodation in Curtea de Argeș.

Day 13: Curtea de Argeș - Târgoviște - Snagov Island / Mogoșoaia Palace - Bucharest

Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel and check-out

Visit the Curtea de Argeș Monastery Complex:

• Explore the Cathedral of Curtea de Argeș, built between 1515 and 1517 by Prince Neagoe Basarab, often celebrated as the "Hagia Sophia of Wallachia".
• Discover the Royal Necropolis, the final resting place of King Carol I, Queen Elisabeth, King Ferdinand, Queen Marie, and King Michael I.
• Hear the tragic Romanian folk legend of Meșterul Manole (Master Manole) and his wife Ana, symbolizing the ultimate sacrifice required for artistic perfection, and view Manole's Well in the monastery gardens.

Depart for Târgoviște, the former capital of Wallachia (Distance: 120 km | Approx. 2-hour 15-minute drive).

Tour the Târgoviște Princely Court (Curtea Domnească):

• Explore the medieval complex from which Vlad the Impaler (Vlad Țepeș) ruled Wallachia during the 15th century.
• Climb the iconic Chindia Tower (Turnul Chindiei) for panoramic views of the fortress grounds and historic town.

Lunch at a traditional restaurant in Târgoviște.

Depart for Snagov Lake (Distance: 100 km | Approx. 1-hour 40-minute drive).

• Visit Snagov Monastery (Snagov Island):
• Cross to the island via boat or pedestrian bridge to explore the isolated 15th-century stone church.
• View the crypt in front of the altar, traditional legend marks this as the alleged burial site of Vlad the Impaler following his death in battle in 1476.
• Operational Back-up (If Sunday morning mass restrict access): Alternate visit to Mogoșoaia Palace, a 1702 masterpiece of Brâncovenesc architecture built by Prince Constantin Brâncoveanu, set within lush gardens on the lakeside.

Depart for Bucharest, the vibrant capital of Romania, historically nicknamed "Little Paris of the East" (Distance: ~40 km | Approx. 50-minute drive). Arrival in Bucharest and check-in at the hotel.

Bucharest is another place connected to Dracula Legend. Legend says Bucharest was founded by sheperd Bucur. Another Legend says Bucharest was founded by Mircea cel Batran, the ruling Prince of Wallachia at the end of fourteenth century. But officially, it was Vlad Tepes, Prince of Wallachia at that time, who signed the Act of Attestation of Bucharest, at September 21-st 1459. Old Princiary Court of Bucharest was built at the end of XIV-th and the beginning of XV-th centuries, by the Voivode/Prince Mircea cel Batran. The fire of 1718 and the earthquake in 1738, destroyed the Old Princiary Court. A New Princiary Court was buil after these two calamities. Nowadays, from the Princiary Court, Bucharest keeps the Ruins of Princiary Court and Old Court Museum.

Traditional dinner at Lăcrimi și Sfinți (or similar authentic restaurant) featuring traditional Wallachian cuisine and wine

Accommodation in Bucharest.

Day 14: Bucharest - Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Breakfast at the hotel.

• Visit a much modern building of Bucharest, Parliament Palace/Casa Poporului. Tour the opulent marble halls, grand reception rooms, and high balconies.

The Second largest building on Earth, after the Pentagon, but first civilian building on Earth! Built in the eighties of last century, now hosts Romanian Parliament and is now Romania’s Capital one of the most important LANDMARKS.

Continue with a panoramic tour of Bucharest:

• Drive along Victory Avenue (Calea Victoriei) and admire iconic architectural landmarks: the Romanian Athenaeum (Ateneul Român), Revolution Square (Piața Revoluției), University Square, and Unirii Square.
• View the historic Patriarchal Cathedral Complex and the impressive People's Salvation Cathedral (Catedrala Mântuirii Neamului); the largest Orthodox cathedral in the world.

Traditional Romanian lunch at the legendary Caru' cu Bere restaurant, enjoying its iconic Neo-Gothic architecture and live folk-dance performances.

Transfer from the city center to Therme București (Distance: ~22 km | Approx. 40-minute drive).

Relaxation & Wellness at Therme București:

• Experience Europe's largest indoor wellness, relaxation, and botanical entertainment center.
• Enjoy the thermal mineral pools (naturally heated at 33°C), indoor palm garden (over 800,000 plants), mineral saunas, and hydro-massage facilities (Access to the premium Elysium / Palm zones recommended for MICE & leisure guests).

Transfer back to the hotel in Bucharest to refresh

Farewell dinner in Bucharest at "Locanta Jaristea," including local drinks and a traditional Romanian show.

Transfer back at the hotel.

Accommodation in Bucharest.

Day 15: Bucharest - Flight back home - Breakfast

Breakfast at the hotel and complete check-out procedures.

Time at leisure for last-minute shopping or personal exploration depending on your flight schedule.

Recommended Authentic Romanian Souvenirs & Gifts:

• Traditional Romanian Blouse ("Ia"): Masterpieces of folk embroidery (UNESCO Intangible Cultural Heritage).
• Gerovital / Farmec Cosmetics: World-renowned anti-aging skincare products based on Prof. Dr. Ana Aslan's iconic formula.
• Premium Regional Wines & Spirits: Fine Romanian wines (Fetească Neagră, Busuioacă de Bohotin) and authentic homemade plum brandy (Țuică / Pălincă).
• Traditional Handicrafts: Horezu ceramic mugs/plates, hand-painted Bucovina Easter eggs, and intricately carved wooden spoons.
• Local Gourmet Delicacies: Artisan Romanian honey, traditional jam (magun de Topoloveni), and local sweets.

Transfer from the hotel to Bucharest International Airport (OTP) for your departure flight back home.

> end of services <

🌟 Tour Highlights:

5. Cluj-Napoca: Eastern Europe’s "Silicon Valley" & leading tech hub
6. Bucharest: "Little Paris" & Palace of Parliament
7. Sighișoara: UNESCO Medieval Citadel ("The Pearl of Transylvania")
8. Sinaia: Peleș Castle ("The Pearl of the Carpathians")
9. Brașov: Historic "Kronstadt" & the landmark Black Church
10. Bran Castle: The legendary "Dracula’s Castle"
11. Hunedoara: Spectacular Gothic-Renaissance Corvin Castle
12. Sibiu: Transylvanian city famed for its Saxon heritage
13. Alba Iulia: Historic citadel & "Capital of the Great Union"
14. Timișoara: Cosmopolitan cultural hub of Western Romania
15. Turda Salt Mine: Underground theme park & historic salt mine
16. Transfăgărășan: World-famous alpine highway across the Carpathians
17. Danube Gorge Cruise: Sail through Cazanele Mici & Cazanele Mari from Orșova
18. Anina–Oravița Railway: Historic Mountain train experience
19. The "Dracula" Legend Trail: Poienari Citadel, Târgoviște, Snagov Island & Sighișoara
20. UNESCO Heritage Sites: Biertan Fortified Church, Horezu Ceramics, and Sighișoara Citadel
21. Natural Marvels: Bigăr Waterfall, Rudăria Watermills, and the Bosphorus Strait

...and many more unforgettable memories waiting to be made!