Bucharest’s foundation is linked to the legend of the shepherd Bucur, who is supposed to have laid the foundation of a village on the banks of Dambovita River at an unknown date during the Middle Ages. It was Mircea the Old who built the first royal court in Bucharest between 1400 and 1418. After 1456 the court was extended to cover an area of seven hundred square meters and was enclosed with a wall by Vlad the Impaler, who established his residence here. Throughout history, the city has been subject to the most diverse influences, which have left their mark on its architectural style. Towards the end of the 19th, the city’s Balkan’s air gave way to a more occidental, specifically Parisian aspect.
At the behest of King Carol I, a consolidation of French and Romanian architects adorned the capital with the beautiful public edifices which can still be seen today.
The interwar period saw the character of Bucharest further enhanced and beginnings of a truly individual style. However, the constructions of the communism era were brutally to intrude in this composite but harmonious style. Now, at the beginning of the 21st century, Bucharest has gradually begun to regain its identity.
Day 1
Friday
Arrival at the international airport in Bucharest. Depending on the arrival time, free time for relaxing tours in the Bucharest’s gardens and parks: Cismigiu Gardens (laid out in 1845 during the reign of Prince Barbu Stirbei), Herastrau Park (a 110 ha park adorned with beautiful sculptures).
Welcome dinner and overnight in a 4* hotel in the city center.
Day 2
Saturday
City tour of the most representatives’ touristic points of the city surnamed “The Little Paris” of the 30’s. Visit the old monasteries and churches, as: Church of the Romanian Patriarchate (a grandeur church built in the 17th century which preserves in a silver casket the relics of St. Dimitrie the New), The Bucur Church (thought to date from the middle of the 18th century), The Church of the Annunciation (the oldest church in Bucharest, built in the 16th century and remained in its original form until the presents days), Stavropoleos Church (a jewel of Brancoveanu art and architecture built in 1724), The St. Joseph Roman Catholic (in Romanesque style with Gothic features), The Choral Temple, The Lutheran Church, The Russian Church (built in 1906 by Tsar Nicholas II for Russian believers and diplomatic staff).
Visit the palaces and the boyar houses, each one guarding an unique charm and atmosphere: The Cotroceni Palace (built in 1893 for King Carol I, today is the residence of the president), Sutu Palace (famous for the resplendent balls, it was built in neo-gothic style between 1832 and 1834 for the foreign minister Costache Sutu), the Monteoru House, The Vernescu House, the Kretzulescu House, the Cantacuzino Palace (built in 1898 – 1900 as one of the Capital’s most elegant buildings, known also as the House with Lions), The Palace of Parliament (constructed in the 1980s on the site of an entire district of picturesque old buildings and historic monument of inestimable worth, now the second biggest building in the world after the Pentagon).
Another symbol of the city is the Athenaeum. Built in 1886 – 1888 in a combination of neo-classical (the façade) and baroque (the cupola) style, this jewel of the capital is currently the home of the George Enescu Philharmonic Orchestra. The upper section of the circular concert hall is decorated with frescos from the Romania’s history.
Evening tour of the Lipscani Street, the former merchants’ street and the most attractive area for tourists of Bucharest. Idea for dinner: Manuc’s Inn (built in 1808 and very well preserved).
Dinner and overnight in the same 4* hotel.
Day 3
Sunday
isits at the Museum of the Village, created in 1936 as one of the first ethnographical museums in the world. The museum recreates the intimate ambiance of rustic dwellings from the main geographical regions of Romania.
Last visits and shopping. Departure.
OPTIONAL
- Use boats to reach to the Snagov Island in order to visit the monastery where, according to the legend, the decapitated Vlad the Impaler (Known as Dracula) was buried. There is considered to be many underground hideaways from the monastery to Bucharest.
- Participate to a concert or cultural event at the Athenaeum or other cultural center of Bucharest
PRICE:
168 €/person
*70 €/person SGL Supplement
Included:
- Accommodation 2 nights in 4* hotel in the city centre
- Half-board (check-in with dinner and check-out with breakfast)
- Guided tour in Day 2 with English attested guide
Not included:
- Air tickets
- Entry tickets and taxes for cameras and filming
- Road transfers
- Tips
