Alba Iulia

          The city of Alba Iulia and the Citadel existing on its territory represent a touristic destination which is well-known both within the country and abroad, especially due to its anthropical resources, but also through the relatively diversified structure of its cultural heritage. 
Along with the historical buildings and monuments existing in the Citadel, the heritage list also includes a series of buildings from the Old Town (the Lower Town) which were declared historical monuments.

Day 1, Friday

Cluj-Napoca – Alba Iulia

     Arrival at the international airport in Cluj-Napoca. Departure to Alba Iulia. Welcome dinner and overnight in a 4* hotel in the city center.

Day 2, Saturday

Alba Iulia – Turda – Cluj-Napoca

     Visit the city built on the site of the medieval fortress known as Appulum and which occupies a large territory. The fortress (1716 – 1735) is extremely impressive through its massive size. It was designed by the Italian Architect Giovanni Morando Visconti under the supervision of General Stephen of Steinville. Between the 18^th and the 19^th centuries, the fortress was used as Transylvania’s military headquarters and as the general arsenal of weaponry. Made up of seven bastions, the fortress is laid out in a star-shaped configuration, typical for the Vauban style. It can be entered through six initially statue and bas-relief decorated gates created under the supervision of Johann Koenig.

     Visit the Orthodox Cathedral, The Royal Palace (the royal residence and now returned to its initial function of bishops’ residence), The Bathyaneum Library (a former Trinitarian church built in Baroque style, houses a collection of 1665 rare manuscripts and 609 incunabula), The Roman-Catholic cathedral built gradually, between the 13^th and the 17^th centuries, on the site of an 11^th century structure that was destroyed by the Tartars. Inside the cathedral is located the tomb of Iancu de Hunedoara, the Romanian prince that eventually became regent of Hungary. In 1922, at the crowning ceremony for King Ferdinand I and Queen Mary, the structure was inaugurated as the Orthodox Cathedral of National Reunification. On the right part of the nave, it has the portrait of Mhai Viteazu and a stone to commemorate the Great Unification.

    Return to Cluj-Napoca. Farewell dinner and overnight in a 4* hotel in Cluj-Napoca.

Day 3, Sunday

Cluj-Napoca

     Depending on the departure time, visit the city of culture and a prestigious university center: The Roman Catholic St. Michael’s Church (built in the 14^th – 15^th centuries in gothic style; its 80 m high neo-gothic tower was built in the 19^th century), the old citadel fortifications, the University Babes-Bolyai, The Tailors’ and the Cobblers’ Bastions, The Calvaria Church, The Piarists’ Church, Matei Corvin’s House The Orthodox Cathedral (which combines Byzantine and Brancoveanu architectural styles and elements), The National Theatre, The Franciscans’ Complex, The Reformed Synagogue, The Botanical Garden (with over 10 000 species of plants throughout the world), Iuliu Maniu street (also known as The Street in the Mirror).

     Last visits and shopping. Departure.

OPTIONAL

 TURDA SALT MINE

     In Turda city there is a salt mine with salt extractions during the antiquity. The mine continuously produced table salt from the Middle Ages (the mine being first mentioned in 1075) to the early 20th century. After its renovation in 2010, Turda Salt Mine was ranked by Business Insider as the most beautiful underground place in the world. Likewise, Salina Turda is ranked 22 among the most spectacular tourist destinations in the world.

     Today, it has been transformed into an incredible underground theme park. When you visit, you’ll head down about 400 feet before reaching the submerged wonderland. Once inside, you’ll find an amphitheater, a bowling alley, a mini golf course, ping pong courts and underground lake with paddle and row boats, and even a Ferris wheel.

PRICE:

197 €/person

*65 €/person SGL Supplement

Included:

• Accommodation 2 nights in 4* hotel in the city centres
• Half-board (check-in with dinner and check-out with breakfast)
• Rent-a-car for 3 days
• Road taxes
• Telephonic emergency call and support 24/7

Not included:

• Air tickets
• Entry tickets and taxes for cameras and filming
• Fuel and parking taxes
• Round transfers
• Tips