Arrive in Bucharest, Romania’s largest city and capital since 1832. Now a lively cultural and media hub, the city has undergone significant modernisation. There are no planned activities today, so you are free to arrive at any time. A complimentary airport transfer is available for those landing at Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP), about a 30-minute drive from the city centre. If you arrive in time, your tour guide will meet you at the hotel reception at 6pm, and you can join an optional group dinner. As many flights arrive late, the welcome meeting will take place on the morning of day two. If you have free time, you can explore the Old Town or visit museums such as the National Art Gallery, National Museum of Romanian History, Military Museum, or Peasant Museum.

After breakfast, we embark on a city tour of Bucharest. The architecture of this captivating city blends elegance with remnants of Communist influence. Bucharest, situated on the Danube Plain, charms visitors with its lakes and gardens. We explore the historic districts, known as the "Paris of Eastern Europe," and visit the Palace of Parliament—a grand structure associated with former President Ceausescu. Following the tour, we head to the observatory for a unique bear-watching experience. Romania's bear population, with about 6,000 individuals, is a stronghold in Europe, mainly found in the Carpathian Mountains. This region plays a crucial role in bear conservation and habitat management research. At dusk, we observe bears emerging from woodland to forage. We then travel to the picturesque village of Moieciu, where we stay for the next three nights. Please note that the observatory bear-watching activity may occur on day four, depending on guidance from the local forestry department. The accessibility of the Palace of Parliament is subject to its status as an active government building. If necessary, alternative visits to Sinaia Monastery and Rasnov Citadel will be arranged.

We commence the morning by embarking on a scenic walk in the Bucegi Mountains that envelop Moieciu. The surrounding forest and woodland are designated as a nature reserve, ensuring their protection. Following our invigorating walk, we proceed to the nearby town of Sinaia, renowned as the 'Pearl of the Carpathians' due to its breathtaking scenery. Our first destination is the remarkable Peles Castle, originally constructed for the imported Hohenzollern monarch Carol I. Resembling a Bavarian chateau, Peles Castle boasts opulent decorations including stained glass, Persian carpets, Renaissance weapons, ebony, and mother of pearl. We then explore the adjacent Pelisor Castle, primarily designed under the artistic vision of Queen Marie of Romania, featuring exquisite Art Deco and Art Nouveau interiors. In the afternoon, we return to Moieciu, offering you the option to indulge in more bear watching at the observatory. A delightful late dinner awaits us at our guesthouse, where we savor a traditional home-cooked meal.

Today we visit the castle at Bran. The truth behind Dracula's Castle is even more fascinating than its myths. In the early 20th century, it was the home of the remarkable British-born Queen Marie of Romania, granddaughter of Queen Victoria. Vlad the Impaler, the infamous 15th-century ruler of Wallachia, never actually lived here and Bram Stoker never came near Transylvania! Perched on a crag in a valley between two high mountain ranges, the castle controlled an international trade route but is now a rural backwater. Exploring the village, the castle, and the museum gives us a chance to unravel fact from fiction. Later this morning, we drive to the Medieval city of Brasov. Brasov is one of the most historic cities in Transylvania, and we spend the rest of the day exploring. The town is a gem of old buildings, cobbled streets, and local atmosphere all clustered within the Medieval fortifications and overlooked by a magnificent 15th-century Gothic cathedral. Founded by German settlers to protect the routes that made their way up to the high passes over the Carpathians, Brasov is an architectural delight. There are several churches dating from the 14th through to the 18th century, and we shall include a visit to the Black Church as part of our tour. Later this afternoon you may like to visit one of the museums, the First Romanian School or Saint Nicolas Church in the Scheii area (the old Romanian district of Brasov). In the evening you have an option of returning to the observatory for more bear watching.

Departing Moieciu this morning, we drive for around three hours to Bucharest Henri Coanda International Airport (OTP), where we will arrive at about 10.30am, and this is where our trip ends. The earliest your flight can depart is 12.20pm. If your flight is departing later in the day, then you may choose to return to Bucharest city center to visit some of the historic buildings or museums. Alternatively, if you fancy a change of pace, there is always the possibility of some shopping. Since the 1990s, brand names and high-end stores have been pushing their way into the Romanian market. From high fashion boutiques to art galleries, shopping in Bucharest can fit any taste or budget. Stroll down Boulevard Victoria from Piata Amzei to the National History Museum of Romania for the shops or visit one of the many shopping malls favored by the local rich and famous. If you wish to be dropped off in the city center rather than remaining at the airport, then please discuss this with your Leader. You can be taken to our hotel in Bucharest where you can store your luggage. To get back to the airport, you will need to take a public bus or taxi.