ROMANIA was one of the least visited countries in Europe, till 15 years ago.

Closed for more than 40

years behind the "Iron Curtain" and almost isolated from the rest of the world by a tough communist
regime until 1989, Romania is a land of many genuine treasures that are waiting to be discovered.
There are many tourist attractions in Romania: some are unique in the world, as the enchanting
monasteries of Bucovina with their churches entirely covered with 16th century frescoes on the outside
walls, appearing among hills and woods as an illustrated Bible open on all the pages.
So is the Danube Delta, the largest natural reserve in Europe, a paradise for fishermen and birdwatchers
- 430,000 hectares (approx 1,060,000 acres) of wild land with just a few fishermen villages and only
waterways (no roads, no cars).
Romania is probably also the last place in Europe where you can still see unspoiled countryside, with the
traditional rural civilisation still alive. Discover the northern provinces of Maramures (in northern
Transylvania) or else Bucovina (in northern Moldavia), with their old handicrafts, friendly people fiercely
dressed in their folk costumes, horse or oxen-drawn carriages (horse-drawn sleighs in winter), with
colourful villages where time seems to have stood still. You can be sure of forgetting all the stresses and
strains of the western world.
If you are a Dracula fan, you wouldn't want to miss Dracula's Castle in Bran, the Borgo Pass or
his birthplace in the medieval "Upper Town" of Sighisoara - they're all in Transylvania.
But Romania is much more than this: just think of the Black Sea coast, the wild and picturesque
Carpathian Mountains where one goes hiking or skiing, the cultural, historical, architectural or
archaeological tours of the country, but also the wine-tasting tours of Romania... :)
Many guests also come to Romania for health purposes: a huge richness of mineral and thermal springs
spread across the country, associated with many other natural factors, have made this land very famous
for its spas and treatments.
You should take advantage of being there to attend an evening performance at the Opera, a symphonic
orchestra concert or a savoury play at the Yiddish Theatre (the oldest in Europe).
Our advice: take advantage of your being in Bucharest and go on a trip to Sinaia in the
Carpathian Mountains (2 hours drive or by train) or even farther to Brasov and Bran in Transylvania
(approx 3 1 hrs drive) - you will discover great scenery, a fabulous castle (the Peles Castle in Sinaia -
former summer residence of the Royal family), the lovely medieval town of Brasov (Kronstadt) and even
Dracula's Castle in Bran.
You could even spend a week-end there (and thus your flight ticket will only cost you less...).
Wherever you go in Romania, there is another thing you will enjoy: tasty meals, large food
portions, excellent wines and other local drinks.
As most of visitors who discover Romania for the first time confess, Romania could be for you too well
above the expectations...