We will begin our journey in the very heart of Romania's vibrant capital, Bucharest. After a hearty breakfast, we will set out to explore the Parliament Palace, one of the largest and most extravagant buildings in the world. Its sheer size and grandeur will take our breath away as we learn about its fascinating history, tied to Romania's communist past.
Next, we will stroll into the Old Town (Lipscani), where cobbled streets, lively cafés, and charming old buildings will transport us to centuries past. Here, we will stop to admire the Old Princely Court, once the residence of Vlad the Impaler, better known as Dracula.
Just nearby, the exquisite Stavropoleos Church, with its delicate Brâncovenesc architecture and serene atmosphere, will offer us a moment of quiet beauty in the bustling city. A delicious Romanian dinner will crown our first day together.
After a comforting breakfast, we will head to the enchanting Village Museum, a vast open-air museum where authentic wooden houses, churches, and windmills from across Romania are gathered. We will wander through centuries of rural traditions, feeling as if we are traveling through time and across the country without leaving Bucharest.
In the afternoon, we will take a leisurely walk through Herăstrău Park, the green lung of the city, before discovering the intriguing Ceaușescu House Museum. This villa, once the private residence of the former dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu, will reveal to us both the luxurious lifestyle and the secrets of one of Romania's most controversial leaders.
After a day of history and discovery, a comforting dinner will be waiting for us back at the hotel.
Today, after breakfast, we will enjoy a short drive beyond Bucharest to visit the splendid Mogoșoaia Palace, a masterpiece of Romanian Renaissance architecture built in the late 17th century by Prince Constantin Brâncoveanu. Its graceful arcades, tranquil gardens, and lakeside views will immerse us in an atmosphere of elegance and history.
Later, we will continue to the Snagov Monastery, a peaceful retreat situated on an island in the middle of Snagov Lake. Legend has it that Vlad the Impaler himself was buried here, adding a touch of mystery to this serene place.
In the evening, we will return to Bucharest for another tasty traditional dinner, filled with the warmth of Romanian hospitality.
After days of discovery and history, it will be time to relax. Following breakfast, we will spend the entire day at Therme Bucharest, one of Europe's largest wellness and spa centers. With its exotic gardens, thermal pools, saunas, and relaxation areas, Therme will be our oasis of leisure. The entrance and services are all included in our tour, so we will be free to simply enjoy ourselves.
We will recharge our energy, swim, or simply unwind in the tropical surroundings, making this day a perfect balance to our cultural explorations.
After dinner, we will return to our hotel, refreshed and ready for the final day of our journey.
On our last day, we will begin with a cultural feast at the National Museum of Art, home to impressive collections of Romanian and European masterpieces. Then, we will admire the exterior and, if available, step inside the iconic Romanian Athenaeum, Bucharest's most beautiful concert hall, often described as a temple of culture.
Our journey will continue with a walk through Revolution Square, where we will reflect on Romania's path to freedom in 1989, when communism fell and a new chapter in history began.
With our final Romanian dinner, we will celebrate all the discoveries, flavors, and memories we have gathered during these five unforgettable days in Bucharest and its surroundings.
