Hi All,
A couple weeks back I received a phone call from our favorite Phoenix[sun] informing me she was organizing a trip to Romania, and would like to take between 15-30 people with her. Initially, Diana had planned to take this trip in the spring of 2003, but due to the war in Iraq she put it on hold. Now, she once again would like to invite those who are interested, to join her in a trip to Dracula's homeland. The trip is being planned for October 27th -November 4th, and will originate out of New York's JFK Airport. I've transcribed a tentative itinerary below. (Copied from a sketchy FAX, so please forgive any misspelled words.
) For further information contact Diana at this e-mail address...
ROMANIANTRIP@aol.com Dracula: Myth & History
Day 1. Arrive in Bucharest, capital of Romania, first mentioned by this name in a document signed by Prince Vlad Dracula himself, and dated the 20th of September 1459. Your motor-coach will take you to Sinaia, in the Carpathian mountain. Transfer, Dinner, Accommodations at the Sinaia Hotel. ***
Day 2. A morning visit of the royal summer residence, Peles Palace, is a treat. Visit Dracula's Castle in Bean Village. Observe the construction of the houses in the village; notice the mysterious gates. YOU ARE NOW IN TRANSLLVANIA. A tour of the Old Brasov will reveal the intriguing architecture of this medieval citadel. Feel the frenzy of the local Farmers' Marketplace. You are en route to Sighisoara, considered to be the best preserved medieval town in Europe. Spend the night inside the fortified town of medieval Sighisoara. BD Accommodations at the Sighisoara Hotel. ***
Day 3. Visit the intriguing Clock Tower. Hear tales about punishments at the stake, and even view actual torture instruments on display in the Square History Museum. Don not skip the Torture Room. Get ready for the road. Remember Jonathan Harker diary notes on the way to Bistritea. You are expected for an (almost) ritual lunch at the Golden Crown Restaurant. The coach will bring all of you to the Borgo Pass to meet your unearthly host at the Dracula Castle Hotel. ENTER FREELY OF YOUR OWN FREE WILL IN TO THE VAMPIRES VAULT! BLD Accommodations at the Dracula's Castle Hotel. ***
Day 4. After breakfast drive to Sibiu. If you like souvenirs, enjoy your shopping chance in the Chendu Village. After a city tour of Sibiu drive to Sibiel Village for a glimpse at the Museum of Glass Icons. For dinner, have a taste of the traditional home cooking. BD Accommodations at the Impararul Romanilor Hotel. ***
Day 5. After breakfast, cross the Carpathians back into Walachia. Prepare to climb the steps of Poienari Fortress, now on ruins. Here, the traitor landlords worked to their deaths. Interrupt your scenic drive through Walachia at the Conia Monastery, the resting place of Mircca the Elder, Vlad's grandfather. Wrap up your day with a traditional Romanian dinner with folk show, by the lake in Bucharest. BD Accommodations at the Lido Hotel. ***
Day 6. The extensive tour of Bucharest will reveal to you the Old Princely Court, the Village Museum, and the House of Parliament. (which is the largest building in the world after the Pentagon) After a boat ride to the mysterious island of Snagov Lake, bow to the alleged gravesite of Vlad the Impaler. The empty tomb is still an enigma.......BD Accommodations at the Lido Hotel. ***
Day 7. Breakfast. Morning transfer to the airport for your flight home.
