DAY 1: LITTLE TO FEAR

Why? Because you landed in southern Romania, in the province of Valahia, ruled between 1456 - 1462 by Prince Vlad the Impaler-Dracula. Now, he may have had a nasty reputation (Impaler) but no vampiric inclinations.

It is tomorrow that you shall cross the mountains into Transylvania.

Arrival in Bucuresti (Bucharest), capital of Romania Direct transfer by coach (car) to the royal mountain resort of Sinaia, 800 metres high (1:30 hours away). Sample Romanian specialties on board. Briefing; Q & A; the first initiations into matters dracularian Dinner and overnight in Sinaia Optional: disco, night-club

DAY 2: TRANSYLVANIA

First, visit the most beautiful royal palace in Europe - Peles, of Sinaia (Ludwig's alone may compare). This palace alone is worth your whole trip to Romania.

Then cross the Carpathians into Transylvania (8 out of 10 Americans believe Transylvania is a Disneyland, an Utopia or Shambala: TSD survey).

Begin by visiting Castle Bran (1377) - of weird associations with both the vampire-count and the historical Dracula. Lots of weird shopping.

After lunch (on your own) drive to mediaeval Brasov (30 km), the second city of Transylvania. Vlad was here too.

Sightseeing of Brasov.

OPTIONAL: this is your chance to add a nobility title to your name - joining The Order of Transylvanian Knights - if you can pass 6 chivalry tests: archery; strength of arm; walking on a beam; jumping over a fire; answering a riddle; dancing a minuet. The Castellan of the Citadel and his court of knights, ladies-in-waiting, pages will guide and advise you through the tests. If you can pass them - and many could - then investiture ceremonies will be activated - oath, sword-on-shoulder, knighthooding diploma, medallion. (minimum 4 candidates).

OPTIONAL: mediaeval banquet at "The Citadel", with its own mediaeval show, drinks included; or dinner with folk-show, drinks included.

OPTIONAL: night-club, gambling, casino, strip-tease, disco.

Overnight: Poiana Brasov

DAY 3: ABOUT FORBIDDING REALMS

This is a day of deep initiations, the kind known to the Transylvanian Society of Dracula, only. You will learn of the secrets of the Scholomancers, even see the lake in the mountains, at 2000 m. altitude, mentioned in Bram Stoker's "Dracula" - site of uncanny events.

Then descend into Valahia amid spectacular scenery - down to the ruins of the historic fortress Dracula, Poienari, and its dramatic legends.

Overnight in either the village of Aref, in private homes (bathroom, telephone, TV) - if group does not exceed 10 persons; or in Curtea de Arges - former capital of Valahia.

Farewell dinner.

DAY 4: "NO ONE CAN ENTER TRANSYLVANIA AND LEAVE UNCHANGED"

Early departure to the airport.

Departure from Romania

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L O G I S T I C S

1. This tour takes in the Trans-Fagaras route (Day 3) in the interval June-October. Outside this interval, the route will be Bran - Rucar.

2. The land-price covers:

- accommodation & breakfast, as specified (sharing a double; singles available)
- dinners in Day 1 and Day 3
- museums as specified
- guide trained by the TSD
- transfers and transport by car, minibus or minibus, all air-conditioned



Excerpt:
The Company of Mysterious Journeys will penalize the tourists who renounce their bookings as follows (subtracting bank-transfer charges):
1) for cancellation of 30 and more days before the tour start: full refunding (minus banking charges)
2) for 29-21 days cancellation: 30% penalty
3) for 20-14 days cancellation: 50% penalty
4) for 13-7 days or less cancellation: 100% penalty in favour of the CMJ.