TWO DAY TRIP TO POIANA BRASOV Day 1 Morning departure for Poiana Brasov driving through Prahova Valley. A perfect chance to relax in this quiet mountain resort town, this two-day excursion takes you north from Bucharest and across the Carpathian Mountains into Transylvania. En route, stop-over in Sinaia mountain resort, well-known as the "Pearl of the Carpathians". Situated on the outskirts of this resort city, amidst sculpture gardens and fountains, Peles Castle is an exquisitely detailed landmark. Rivaling the castle itself is the beautiful natural setting in which it stands. Once the summer residence of Romania's kings, this spectacular castle, built at the end of the 19th century, is now one of Romania's most beautiful museums. Boasting priceless collections of weaponry, hand woven silk rugs and furniture, Peles Castle is a unique look back at life under the monarchy. A short ride from Sinaia will take you to the fabled Bran Castle, also known as Dracula's Castle, built at the beginning of the 13th century by Knight Dietrich of the Teutonic Order. In 1377, the people of Brasov built a new citadel here to protect the way of access to their town. Later on it was fortified, its walls enlarged, and between 19201930, the Castle was used by the Romanian royal family, namely by Queen Maria (a niece of Queen Victoria of England). Only in 1958 Bran Castle was turned into a museum and opened to visitors. Finally, wind up the twisting roads leading to Poiana Brasov, placed high on a mountain plateau overlooking the city of Brasov and surrounded by the best ski mountains in the country. Enjoy dinner and entertainment at a native restaurant Overnight in Poiana Brasov. Day 2 Breakfast at the hotel. Waking up this morning have a walking tour of the resort. From here, you'll venture down into Brasov.Brasov, the second largest city in Romania, a medieval trading center, was strategically situated at the meeting point of the three Romanian principalities: Wallachia, Moldavia and Transylvania. Today, together with Poiana Brasov resort, it is regarded as the chief tourist area of Romania. You may visit the lofty Black Church, so called because of a 1689 fire. It is famous for its imposing Gothic architecture, its 4000 pipe organ and the valuable collection of Anatolian carpets of the 17th and 18th centuries. Drive slowly to the old Schei District of Brasov, to visit St. Nicolas of Schei Church, built between 1518-1598, with the help of both Wallachia's and Moldavia's princes. You should spare a little of your time to enter the"Schei Museum", a great asset of the Romanian cultural heritage, where you can see actual 16th century books and documents of great value, as well as the first printing machines. Late afternoon has you back in Bucharest. Rates/person in Euro 2 pers 3-6 pers 7-12 pers 13-15 pers 16-20 pers 291 233 164 137 133 Single Room Supplement: Euro 35.- Rates for 2 - 8 day trips include : -3 star accommodations, -half board according to the program, -transportation by private car/minibus/w/driver, -English speaking guide, -sightseeing of the attractions mentioned in the program, -entrance fees at the museums, -lunch (3 course menu & mineral water; alcoholic beverages not included).