BROCHURE GREGORY TOUR

Tourist in Romania
by Gregory Tour

Location: Romania is situated in the southeastern part of Central
Europe and shares borders with Hungary to the northwest, Serbia to the
southwest, Bulgaria to the south, the Black Sea to the southeast,
Ukraine to the east and to the north and the Republic of Moldova to the
east. Roughly the size of Oregon, Romania is the second largest
country in the area, after Poland.
Romania's territory features splendid mountains, beautiful rolling hills,
fertile plains and numerous rivers and lakes. The Carpathian
Mountains traverse the centre of the country bordered on both sides
by foothills and finally the great plains of the outer rim. Forests cover
over one quarter of the country and the fauna is one of the richest in
Europe including bears, deer, lynx, chamois and wolves.

The legendary Danube River ends its eight­country journey at the Black
Sea, after forming one of the largest and most biodiverse wetlands in the
world, the Danube Delta.
About a third of the country consists of the Carpathian Mountains (also
known as the Transylvanian Alps). Another third is hills and plateaus, rich
with orchards and vineyards. The final third is a fertile plain, largely
devoted to agriculture.
Romania's terrain is almost evenly divided between mountains, hills and
plains.

Foreign visitors consider Romanians among the friendliest and most
hospitable people on earth. Romanians are by nature fun loving, warm,
hospitable, playful, with an innate sense of humor.
Romania is associated with big names in arts and sports:
Constantin Brancusi (1876 ­ 1957) — the artist whose works redefined
sculpture, the most important sculptor of the Twentieth­Century.
Ilie Nastase — Twice ranked as the world's number one men's player in
the early 1970s, Ilie Nastase won two Grand Slam singles titles during
his illustrious career ­ the US Open in 1972 and the French Open in
1973. One of the greatest touch players of the post­war era, Nastase
was runner­up at Wimbledon in 1972 and 1976 and, in all, he won 57
career singles titles and 51 doubles titles. Nastase is still one of crowd's
favorites at the U.S. Open.
Nadia Comaneci — A gymnastics legend, stunning the world with her
skills on the uneven bars, the first in the world to score a perfect 10.
Nadia is practically single­handedly responsible for the popularity of
gymnastics as a sport, thanks to sweeping the Olympics for gold medals
in her youth.
Other world renowned Romanian artists include the writer Eugen
Ionesco, pan flute virtuoso Gheorghe Zamfir and musician George
Enescu.

We invite you to explore with us historical region like:
Transylvania is home to some of Europe's best­preserved medieval
towns, most notably Brasov, featuring Old Saxon architecture and
citadel ruins; Sibiu with its cobblestone streets and pastel­colored
houses, and Sighisoara, adorned with a hilltop citadel, secret
passageways and a 14th century clock tower. Tiny shops offer antiques
and fine hand­made products by local artisans and artists.
Visitors to Transylvania will also encounter stunning castles such Bran,
near Brasov, ­ a Gothic fairy­tale structure, often associated with 15th
century Walachian Prince Vlad Tepes, the inspiration for Bram Stoker's
Dracula. While the connection with Vlad is tenuous, the deep bond of
local villagers with the legend is not.
In close proximity to Brasov and Bran are the fortified churches at
Harman, with its massive 13th Saxon towers, and Prejmer, the largest
fortified church in Southeastern Europe. The 15th­century Corvinilor
Castle, the most beautiful in Transylvania, located nearby Hunedoara,
has a sumptuous Knights Hall – that can be used for functions or parties,
as well as towers and buttresses reminiscent of the medieval times.

Bucovina and Moldova:
Moldova rivals Transylvania when it comes to rich folklore, natural beauty
and astonishing history. Over the past 500 years, history, culture and
religious life have molded Iasi, the cultural capital of Moldova. Iasi boasts an
impressive number of Orthodox churches, almost 100, most of them located
in the Golden Plateau, representing the nucleus of the city, around which the
city developed over the centuries. One of the most famous monuments in the
city is the stunning Church of the Three Hierarchs, built in 1639. Another
major landmark in Iasi is the neo­gothic Palace of Culture, built between
1900­1926, currently housing the Ethnographic Museum, the Art Museum,
and the History Museum of Moldova.
Nestled in the rolling hills of northern Moldova is the region of Bucovina,
home to one of the world's greatest art treasures: the UNESCO World
heritage sites of the Painted Monasteries of Bucovina. Built in the 15th and
16th centuries and featuring colorful exterior frescoes depicting dramatic
religious scenes, these richly decorated houses of worships are unique in the
world.

The most famous of these, often called "the Sistine Chapel of the East" is
Voronet Monastery. Erected in 1438 by Stefan the Great, Voronet's most
stunning feature is a Last Judgment fresco painted – as at all the
churches – on the exterior façade. The blue paint that has miraculously
never faded is known throughout the world as 'Voronet blue'. The artists
here worked in isolation, guarding their trade secrets and to this day, the
composition of the paint remains a mystery.
Other painted churches not to be missed include Sucevita, with its
distinctive greens, and Humor, where the frescoes are predominantly red.
Also nearby are, Arbore, Dragomirna, Moldovita and Putna monasteries.

Our agency will recommend several trips that worth doing once you have
arrived in Romania.
Bucharest and Southern Transylvania
Tour Itinerary: Bucharest ­ Sinaia ­ Brasov ­ Sighisoara ­ Sibiu
Duration: 5 days
» Day 1: Bucharest
Explore Bucharest, the capital of Romania. In the evening enjoy a concert
by George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra or travel to Valea
Calugareasca, one of the top Romanian wine regions. After wine tasting
and dinner return to Bucharest.
» Day 2: Bucharest ­ Sinaia ­ Brasov (103 miles/ 166 km)
Drive or take the train to Sinaia and visit the Peles Castle. Built in 1883,
Peles Castle is a masterpiece of German Renaissance architecture. The
smaller Pelisor Castle features a unique collection of Viennese furniture
and Tiffany glassware. Continue straight to Brasov or from Predeal take a
25 miles detour to the village of Bran to visit the 14th century Bran
(Dracula's) Castle then continue to Brasov. Overnight in Brasov.
» Day 3: Brasov ­ Sighisoara (72 miles/ 116 km)
Sightseeing in Brasov. Highlights include: the Council Square, the
beautiful Saint Nicholas Church, Brasov Fortress, Franciscan Monastery.
Do not miss the Black Church whose name is attributed to a fire set in
1689 by disgruntled invaders unable to breach the city's walls. Ever since,
the church and its red­tiled roof have been ash­stained. For a panoramic
view of Brasov and the surrounding Carpathians Mountains take the
cable car to Postavarul Peak in Poiana Brasov.
» Day 4: Day­trip to Sibiu (110 miles/ 178 km)
Sightseeing in Sibiu. Highlights include: Craftsmen's Square, Huet
Square and Evangelical Church, Bridge of Lies, Goldsmith Square, Great
Square, Orthodox Cathedral, Roman Catholic Church, City Hall Tower.
Take an afternoon train/ drive back to Sighisoara or continue to Brasov.
Overnight in Sighisoara or in Brasov.

» Day 5: Return to Bucharest (175 miles/ 282 km)
or continue your journey to the Painted Monasteries in Bucovina.
Discover Walachia
Tour Itinerary: Bucharest ­ Targoviste ­ Curtea de Arges ­ Brasov ­ Sinaia
­ Bucharest
Duration: 5 days
» Day 1: Bucharest
Explore Bucharest, the capital of Romania. Overnight in Bucharest.
» Day 2: Bucharest ­ Targoviste ­ Curtea de Arges (118 miles/ 191 km)
Drive to Targoviste and visit the Princely Court (the authentic Dracula's
Castle). From Targoviste continue to Curtea de Arges to visit the 16th
century Curtea de Arges Monastery (Manastirea Curtea de Arges) and
the 14th century Princely Court (Curtea Domneasca). Overnight in Curtea
de Arges.
» Day 3: Curtea de Arges ­ Campulung ­ Bran ­ Brasov(81 miles/ 131 km)
From Curtea de Arges to Bran, drive over the Carpathian Mountains
(through Bran­Rucar Pass). Visit Bran (Dracula's) Castle. Spend a night
in a private farm and enjoy homemade cheeses and grilled lamb pastrami
or continue to Brasov (16 miles northeast).
» Day 4: Brasov
Stroll around Brasov's medieval section and learn about the city's rich
history. Overnight in Brasov.
» Day 5: Brasov ­ Sinaia ­ Bucharest (103 miles/ 166 km)
Return to Bucharest via Sinaia, where Peles Castle, former summer
residence of the Royal family, awaits. Wine enthusiasts can stop in the
town of Azuga for lunch and wine tasting at Rhein Cellars.

Bucharest and the Painted Monasteries
Tour Itinerary: Bucharest ­ Suceava ­ Sighisoara ­ Brasov ­ Sinaia
Duration: 5 days
» Day 1: Bucharest to Suceava (282 miles/ 455 km)
Travel from Bucharest to Suceava ­ by express train (6 hours) or by
car. Overnight in Suceava or in Gura Humorului. There are also nonstop
flights from Bucharest to Suceava and from Vienna (Austria) to
Iasi (90 miles southeast of Suceava).
» Day 2: The Painted Monasteries (108 miles/ 175 km)
Visit the unique monasteries of Bucovina: Voronet, Sucevita, Moldovita
and Humor (car rental or tour/ transportation arranged locally).
» Day 3: Return to Bucharest
Travel to Suceava or Iasi for your flight back to Bucharest or Vienna or
continue to Bucharest on land, crossing Transylvania: The Painted
Monasteries – Sighisoara (182 miles/ 294 km) Take the scenic route to
Sighisoara via Bicaz Gorges. En route to Sighisoara stop in Corund
and visit the local pottery workshops. Overnight in Sighisoara.
» Day 4: Sighisoara ­ Brasov (72 miles/ 116 km)
Sightseeing in Sighisoara, one of the best­preserved medieval towns in
Europe. Spend the day seeing the sights, such as the Clock Tower,
Church on the Hill, Scholars' Wooden Staircase, Venetian House,
Hermann Oberth Square. Travel to Brasov (train or car). Overnight in
Brasov.
» Day 5: Brasov to Bucharest (103 miles/ 166 km)
Take the train or drive to Bucharest. En route to Bucharest stop in
Sinaia to visit the Peles Castle.

Bucharest to Budapest (Hungary)
Tour Itinerary: Bucharest ­ Brasov ­ Sighisoara ­ Cluj ­ Oradea ­
Budapest
Duration: 5 days
» Day 1: Bucharest ­ Sinaia ­ Brasov (103 miles/ 166 km)
Travel from Bucharest to Sinaia and visit the Peles Castle. Continue to
Brasov and see its Gothic, Baroque and Renaissance buildings, among
other sights. Overnight in Brasov.
» Day 2: Brasov ­ Sighisoara (72 miles/ 116km)
Travel to Sighisoara; see one of Europe's best­preserved medieval
towns. Overnight in Sighisoara.
» Day 3: Sighisoara ­ Cluj­Napoca (100 miles/ 162 km)
Travel to Cluj­Napoca. Discover the city's architecture. See paintings
dating from the Middle Ages housed in the 18th­century Banffy Palace.
Learn about the region at the Ethnographic Museum of Transylvania.
Overnight in Cluj­ Napoca.
» Day 4: Cluj­Napoca ­ Oradea (95 miles/ 153 km)
Drive or take the train to Oradea, a city known for its Art Nouveau
architecture. Visit the "Church with Moon" and Museum of the Cris
Rivers, housed in a 1770 Baroque palace. Overnight in Oradea.
» Day 5: Oradea to Budapest (Hungary) (155 miles/ 250 km)
Take the train to Budapest and explore the capital of Hungary or discover
the traditional villages of Maramures.

The Danube Delta – Europe 's Everglades
A boat ride into the sunset, wine tasting at a monastery lost in time, a
fishing trip with the locals and fresh caviar served on the banks of Lake
Samova in the Danube Delta, one of Europe's last unspoiled and remote
wildernesses.
Tour Itinerary: Bucharest ­ Tulcea ­ the Danube Delta
Duration: 4 days
» Day 1: Bucharest ­ Tulcea ­ the Danube Delta (195 miles)
Arrive in Bucharest. Transfer to Delta Nature Resort. The Delta Nature
Resort is an elegant and luxurious retreat, recognized by Condé Nast
Traveler as one of the Top 10 eco­resorts in the world. Sunset boat trip
along meandering channels of the Danube Delta while sampling local
wines from the Sarica Niculitel vineyards, such as Aligote, Feteasca
Regala and Pinot Noir. Relaxed dinner at the hotel's restaurant,
overlooking Somova Lake.
» Day 2: the Danube Delta
After breakfast, head out, by boat, to Saon Monastery. Built in 1846, this
religious retreat is home to some 40 nuns who run an organic farm on
the banks of picturesque Lake Parcheş. Lunch, prepared by the nuns
from local organic products, at the monastery. Return by boat to the
hotel, via Delta channels teaming with dozens of species of birds,
including the largest colony of white pelicans in Europe. Traditional
Danube Delta dinner: Caviar and fresh fish from the Danube River and
nearby Black Sea. On the menu will also be the delicious local salad,
Salata Dobrogeana, and Saramura, an entrée prepared from broiled
carp served with polenta and garlic sauce. A selection of Chardonnay,
Pinot Grigio and Muscat Ottonel wines from Murfatlar vineyards will be
served to quench the thirst.

» Day 3: the Danube Delta
After breakfast, explore some of the main channels and lakes of the Delta
while fishing for carp, catfish, zander and perch. Hear the call of an egret,
spot a group of pelicans lifting gracefully into the air or catch sight of other
rare species, such as the pygmy cormorant or the red­breasted goose. For
lunch sample the traditional fisherman's soup prepared fresh in one of the
villages en route. In the afternoon, visit the Danube Delta Natural History
Museum in Tulcea where you will learn more about the Delta, the third
most biodiverse in the world. Overnight in Tulcea.
» Day 4: The Danube Delta ­ Tulcea ­ Bucharest (195 miles)
After breakfast, departure to Bucharest for your return flight or continue
your Romania Discovery Journey.

Another reason to visit Romania is for the gastronomy.
"The central characteristic of the Romanian cuisine is its great variety. It
is a cuisine influenced by repeated waves of different cultures: the
ancient Greeks, with whom Romanians traded; the Romans, who gave
the country its name; the Saxons, who settled in southern Transylvania;
the Turks, who for centuries dominated Romania; as well as Slavic and
Magyar neighbors. All of these influences gradually blended into the
varied and delicious Romanian culinary tradition" (Nicolae Klepper —
Taste of Romania)
The main ingredients used by Romanian chefs are meats such as pork,
beef and lamb, fish, vegetables, dairy products and fruit.

Calea Plenvei, No. 5-7.
Street
5, Bucharest
District
21-311.02.94
+40
592 342
+40-0730
Enjoy
ROMANIA
GREGORY TOUR
info@gregorytour.ro