14 Jan 2025
The main attraction (at least for me) on this private tour were our visits to Peles Castle, and to Pelesor, the smaller residence next to the castle. I loved both of these places. The technical features King Carol incorporated into the castle never cease to amaze me -- this is the second I've toured it. I had never been to Pelesor before, and while it's smaller and far less ornate, I found it to be a wonderful example of the way royals can choose to live comfortably and more modestly. We also stopped in Predeal to see a monastery and at the castle where the movie Wednesday was filmed -- both very interesting. A real highlight of the trip was our tour guide, Florin. He made every stop enjoyable, let us take our time, answered our endless questions, and seemed to take real pleasure in our interest in the sights we were seeing and our broader questions about Romanian history. Florin was patient, unerringly kind, and let us move at our own pace. (The three of us on the tour were aged 61, 69, and 71. My friends also had their dog along, and Florin even made the dog feel welcome.). I highly recommend this tour, especially if you can get Florin as your guide.