Walking tour of Bucharest - History and architecture (3h)
The best way to get to know a city: walking around the Old City Center and its main boulevards and learning about the events that shaped Bucharest in its 560 years of history: the evolution from a feudal state to a constitutional monarchy, two world wars, several fires and earthquakes, the rise and fall of Communism and the slow turn into a liberal democracy.
Highlights: The Postal Palace, The National Savings Bank Palace, Stavropoleos Greek Church built in 1724, Manuc Inn and the history of manufacture, trade and guilds, the most beautiful bookstore in Bucharest, The Old Palace of the National Bank, The University of Architecture built in National Romanian style, secret passage, Victoriei Boulevard and its symbolic meaning, 1930s architecture and remains after the WWII bombings, stop in The Revolution Square – Ceausescu’s last speech and helicopter run, The Royal Palace, the Athenaeum.
Winery visit and relaxation at Therme (7h)
We will visit a boutique winery, learn about the daily activity and the process of making wine, then have a tasting of 5 fine wines with charcuterie platters on the terrace with a view.
Then we will relax for 3h at Therme, the largest indoor SPA in Eastern Europe, with full access to all the facilities at the Elysium Panoramic Lounge.
Two Castles in One Day - Peleș and Bran (10h)
Our tour starts with a drive to Sinaia, where the summer residence of the Royal Family – Peleș Castle – was built between 1873 and 1914. This Bavarian Neo-Renaissance Castle was state of the art when it was finished, with an electric elevator and built-in vacuum system for cleaning. We take the extended tour that takes us deep into the castle, to see the music room, the pipe organ, library and Emperor Franz Joseph’s apartment, custom built for his visit in 1896.
After lunch, we will visit Bran Fortress, better known as Dracula’s Castle. This Medieval structure goes back to 1377, when the King of Hungary, Louis I of Anjou, granted the citizens of the city of Brașov the right to build a guard post that would also act as a customs point in the Bran pass. 500 years later, the drawings and stories of this amazing castle sparked Bram Stoker’s imagination and he placed Count Dracula inside it.
Included: Guide, transportation, access tickets, hotel pick-up and drop-off.
Not included: meals.
Not available on Mondays.
Jewish Heritage of Bucharest tour (2,5h)
Bucharest holds a rich cultural and architectural heritage created by the Jewish Community, and entire neighborhood, several synagogues and cemeteries. Among the architects, Marcel Iancu and his brother Iulius are the most famous, alongside Boris Silberman and Iancu Goldstein, while Victor Brauner is a worldrenowned surrealist painter.
Included: Guide
Tour The Wine Road – 2 wineries in one day (10h)
How about 10 wines in one day? Our first stop is at Dagon Clan, a boutique winery that has recently opened its doors to the public. We will visit the vineyard and the cellars, learn about growing grapes, harvesting, winemaking and how to judge a wine by several characteristics. 5 Premium wines and charcuterie platters are waiting.
We stop for lunch at a scenic, authentic restaurant in the area that celebrates the history and traditions of the ancestors or Romanian people.
Our second visit is at Domeniul Aristiței, another boutique winery, where we will try wine made with a different philosophy and approach, but just as interesting and premium.
Included: Guide, transportation, wine tastings, hotel pick-up and drop-off.
Not included: lunch.
Not available for guests under 18 years old.