30 Oct 2021
Our trip started 17Oct-23Oct2021. Its a bit challenging to plan a tour in this current times but our Tour Operator, George is very helpful. He help us understand Guidelines set in order for us to make the tour until we arrive in Romania. He also assigned to us a very knowledgeable and friendly tour guide Alex. When Romania was being mentioned before, all we can think of is D. But everything changes as we navigate around. The beautiful and serene landscapes with colorful Autumn. The beautiful Olt valley to visit Cozia monastery. Sibiu, a beautiful medieval city where Romanians and Saxons have been living peacefully for centuries. Alba Lillian. Salina Turda where It was exhilarating to go inside and coming out of the salt mine. Cluj- very vibrant Surdesti wooden church also left us in owe. Who would have thought that the tallest wooden church built in 1721 still exist. Barsana monastery in the Maramures region in the Northern Transylvania. Vadu Izei- Romanian volataare/whirlpool. I love Merry Cemetery- not your typical cemetery. It would have been nice if I can read Romanian so I can better understand the life stories, details and final moments of the departed written on the crosses.Moldovita Monastery. Ceramica Marginea- beautifully handcrafted ceramics. Piatra Neamt- beautiful citade founded at the time of Stephen the Great. On to the breathtaking landscape of Bicaz Canyon to Lacu Rosu. Sighesoara birthplace of Vlad Tepes aka D. We stayed there for a night at the Historic center. We learned that it was here that Vlad was born in 1431. Bran Castle- the vet famous Bran Castle. A border between Wallachia and Transylvania. On to Brasov Historical Center.. I love Brasov.. very peaceful. You can just hang out in the plaza and sip coffee during evenings. Peles Castle - with due respect to other castles we have seen in Europe, but by far personally this is the most fabulous castle we have seen so far. I would not go into details but you’ve got to go there to see it for yourself. Of course we have not been to Romania if we have not been toured around Bucharest. Triumph Arch, Antheneum, Revolution Square and the Parliament Palace.. the food..omg .. Papanais, lava cake, polenta everything.. and the people who are really nice. One thing, I would suggest is always to have a constant communication with your tour operator for things that you want to clarify. I really appreciate George for his understanding and of of course Alex for his patience.. Hope to see you guys for our Balkan Tour..