|
0845 3000 247 +44 (0)1539 531258 |
|
HOLIDAYS |
|
Brasov area is featured in our following holidays Touch of Class Discover Transylvania Ultimate Dracula Mediaeval Romania Colour, Flavour and Light Afraid of the Big Bad Wolf? Tailormade holidays (below) |
|
HIGHLIGHTS |
|
BURZENLAND Brasov Black Church Piata Sfatului Postavarul Cable Car Poiana Brasov Ski Resort Fortress Churches Prejmer (Tartlau) Harman (Honigberg) Bran Castle Rasnov Fortress Piatra Craiului Mountains Mountain villages & hamlets: Moieciu, Sarnea, Magura, Pestera Dambovicioara Gorge PRAHOVA VALLEY Bucegi Mountains Sinaia Peles & Pelisor Palaces Sinaia Monastery Cota 2000 Cable Car Busteni Babele & Sfinx Caraiman Mountain Prahova Valley Wines, Azuga SZEKELYLAND Eastern Carpathians Miercurea Ciuc Baile Tusnad Spa St. Ana Lake Balvanyos Spa Gelence & Darjiu churches Miclosoara (Count Kalnoky) Pied Piper Caves (Almasch/ Varghis) Covasna Spa Covasna-Comandau Forest Railway |
|
TRAVEL |
|
Nearest international airport - Bucharest Otopeni (3 hours) Frequent trains from Bucharest to Sinaia & Brasov (2-3 hours) including international trains to/from Budapest & Vienna Direct services from Brasov to Sibiu, Sighisoara, Cluj Napoca, Timisoara, Arad, Sf. Gheorghe, Miercurea Ciuc, Targu Mures, Sighetu Marmatiei, and Suceava. Local services to Zarnesti, Intorsura Buzaului and Targu Secuiesc. Frequent buses to Bran, Rasnov and Poiana Brasov |
Romantic Romania - Brasov & the High Carpathians
Short breaks from £ 424.00 with tours and transfers
the Burzenland, and the Szekelyland of the Eastern Carpathians are within easy reach of Bucharest
ACCOMMODATION COUNT KALNOKY ROVING ROMANIA SIBIU REGION FLIGHTS GETTING ABOUT CAR HIRE
Bran Castle
horseshoe enclosing the Transylvania plateau. To reach the province
from Bucharest it is necessary to climb up from the plain.
The normal route, followed by the main highway and the railway,
is northwards from Ploiesti through the Prahova Valley and
over the Predeal Pass to reach the city of Brasov, and the
region called the 'Burzenland'. To the north-east of the city lies
the traditional land of the Hungarian-speaking Szeklers. nestled
beneath the forested slopes of the eastern Carpathians.
To the north-west, the Transylvanian plateau embraces the
historical region of Saxon Transylvania with its fairytale
mediaeval towns, and its fortified churches.
PRAHOVA VALLEY - ROYAL PALACES & MOUNTAINS
This is a region of beautiful high mountain scenery, incorporating
the peaks of the Bucegi Mountains, which has long provided
an escape from the baking summer heat
of the city and the Baragan Plain.
The resort of Sinaia was chosen by King Carol I as the summer
residence of the royal family, and he built Peles Castle there
in the late 19th Century. Built in an extravagant style
reminiscent of a Bavarian Schloss, and richly decorated
with superb wood sculptures, paintings, stained glass
and Murano chandeliers, Peles is now a popular tourist attraction
(closed on mondays; queues for guided tours
may be lengthy in the summer months).
CONTACT US
0845 3000 247
+44 (0)1539 531258
There is no region within such easy reach of the mountains. Sinaia and Busteni are less than three hours from Bucharest Airport or city by car, frequent rail services and minibus services. A special 'ski train' operates during the winter months. Cable cars and chairlifts ascend from Sinaia and also from the hiking centre of Busteni to the Caraiman mountain where you will discover the unusual rock formations of the Babela and the Sphinx. This is an excellent centre for walking with facilities for skiing at Sinaia (queues may be a problem as access to the slopes is limited), Azuga and Predeal. For those looking for round or two of golf there is an ecellent international course and golf club at the comfortable Lac de Verde Hotel lower down the valley at Breaza. At Azuga, it is also possible to visit the 'Rhein' wine-cellars of the Prahova Valley vineyards, while the main vineyards of the Deaulul Mare wine-growing region (mainly red wines) are within easy reach in the foothills to the east of Ploiesti. Here you will find the Valea Calagureasca wine trail, several villages in which to sample or buy the wines (e.g. Urlati and Tohani).
Peles Palace, Sinaia
The 'Burzenland', is the region of south-eastern Transylvania within the crook of the Carpathians and separated from the remainder of the Transylvanian plateau to the north and west by the Persani Hills and the Piatra Craiului mountains. It is significant historically due to its strategic position. The 'Saxon' settlers were encoraged to settle here uring the 13th century, by the then 'Hungarian' rulers, in order to guard the mountain passes against Ottoman and Tatar raids from the south and east.
Brasov (Kronstadt) became one of the key towns of Saxon Transylvania, one of the 'seven fortified towns', the 'Siebenburgen, while other fortresses such as Bran (Torzburg), Rasnov (Rosenau), and fortress chucrhes such as Prejmer (Tartlau), and Harman (Honigberg) attest to the importance of the region. The fortress churches were built to shelter villagers and livestock and withstand a siege in the event of raids.
See below for prices for Brasov city breaks and short breaks in the southern Carpathians
Brasov offers a decent transport network so Bran Castle, Rasnov, Poiana Brasov and the Moieciu Valley can all be easily reached by frequent buses, while frequent trains connect with Sighisoara, Sinaia, Bucharest and Sibiu. There is a cable car from the town to the Tampa Hill (views over the city) and another from Poiana Brasov to the Postavarul Mountain. Brasov is also a good place to stock up on guides or maps before heading into the Bucegi, Piatra Craiului Mountains or even before heading up to Romania's highest peaks along the Fagaras ridge (reached from the local rail station of Victoria, near Fagaras). Local attractions include the UNESCO listed fortress churches at Prejmer (Tartlau) and Harman (Honigberg), the hilltop fortress at Râsnov (outstanding panoramic views of the Carpathians and the plateau region) and the famous
Bran Castle. Many tales and legends have been spun about Bran, which conjures up the archetypal, gothic fairytale image of a Transylvanian fortress and is regularly touted as Dracula's Castle - a useful tag to draw the crowds from nearby Poiana Brasov. However, there is no documented connection and the castle's most famous resident was Queen Marie, wife of King Ferdinand and granddaughter of Queen Victoria. For those in search of the real Dracula (Vlad the Impaler) this is certainly his tramping ground - he was born in Sighisoara, raided Brasov (including one raid against the merchants of Brasov in 1460 when he burned the suburbs and impaled hundreds on a nearby hill) and was holed up in the small castle of 'Konigstein' (now a ruin) above the Bran-Rucar Pass hiding from the Hungarian King Matei Corvin. To the west of Bran you will find the beautiful Moieciu Valley, the Dambovicioara Gorge, and the lovely mountain hamlets of Magura and Pestera in the Piatra Craiului mountsins. villages beneath the Rucar Pass. This is perfect country for walking or for hiking into the Piatra Craiului and Bucegi Mountains. We offer a selection of private guesthouses and hotels here, in addition to hotels in the ski resorts of Predeal and Poiana Brasov for both winter and summer. Poiana Brasov is particularly convenient with excellent speciality restaurants and a wide range of facilities and excursion possibilities. However, please note that prices n the larger hotels for the period of Christmas and New Year are often considerably overpriced, and are only offered as inflexible extended packages.
Check out our accommodation pages for an excellent selection of hotels, apartments, and private pensions in Brasov, Poiana Brasov and the surrounding regions
The Szeklers are a race of people closely related to the Magyars who settled in the region of the eastern Carpathians in Transylvania. Like the Magyars, they speak Hungarian, but it is believed that whereas the Magyars of Transylvania migrated westwards from the plains of modern-day Hungary where they had settled in the 10-13th century, the Szekelys took a more direct route crossing the high passes of the eastern Carpathians. The Szekelyland is a very distinctive, and fascinating ethnic region centred around the principal town of Miercurea Ciuc (Csikszereda) and roughly covers the counties of Covasna and Harghita. Much of this region comprises the densely forested and remote eastern Carpathians together with the upper reaches of the Olt and Mures valleys. It is a region with much geothermic activity - hot springs and other mineral springs which have lead to the development of a string of small spa resorts including Baile Tusnad (Tusnadfurdo), Balvanyos, Covasna (Kovaszna) and Sovata (Szovata) to the west. Other important towns include Sfintu Gheorghe (Sepsiszentgyotgy), Targu Secuiesc (Kezdivasarhely), Odorhieu Secuiesc (Szekelyudvarhely) and Covasna. Many of the attractions are natural, such as the Varghis (Vargyas) Canyon (the 'Almasch Caves' of the Pied Piper), the beautiful St. Ana lake and the rugged landscapes of the eastern Carpathians stretching as far as the Caliman Mountains and the Bicaz Gorges.
Romantic winter in Miclosoara -
Count Kalnoky's Guesthouses
Count Kalnoky's Guesthouses
|
>HOLIDAY & ACCOMMODATION
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|
|||
| >Brasov Short Break - Hotel Ambient 3*, tours & transfers |
|
|
424.00
|
-
|
| >Fly-Drive: Hotel Ambient 3*, Brasov |
|
|
525.00
|
-
|
| >Fly-Drive: Casa Contelui, Râsnov |
|
|
414.00
|
-
|
| >Fly-Drive: Hotel Acvila 3*, Moieciu de Jos |
|
|
469.00
|
-
|
| >Fly-Drive: Hotel Palace 4*, Sinaia |
|
|
494.00
|
-
|
| >Guided tour by car - Bran Castle & Râsnov Fortress (excl. entrance fees and lunch) |
32.00 per person
|
|||
| >Guided tour by car - Fortress churches: Prejmer, Hârman & Sânpetru (excl. entrance fees and lunch) |
32.00 per person
|
|||
| >Guided tour by car - Sighisoara & Viscri (excl. entrance fees and lunch) |
40.00 per person
|
|||
| >Transfer: Bucharest Otopeni Airport - Brasov |
62.00 per car / one way
|
|||
|
>Transfer: Bucharest Otopeni Airport - Brasov (minibus - up to 8 people)
|
100.00 per minibus/ one way
|
|||
- Scheduled British Airways return flights from London Heathrow to Budapest
- Airport taxes and passenger facility charges
- Return personal transfers from airport to Brasov, or
- Group B car hire for Fly-drive options - based on two sharing
- Bed & breakfast accommodation
- Personal guided tours to Bran & Râsnov Castles, and to Sighisoara & Viscri on the Brasov Short Break
All prices are valid until further notice and subject to availability
These are examples only; a wide range of alternative hotels and airlines, including regional departures, are also available
Please refer to our separate ACCOMMODATION page for further information
Experience a "Touch of Class" in Transylvania
From £ 748.00 per week, fully-inclusive from the UK
Our popular TOUCH OF CLASS programme is based on private guesthouses, belonging to a former Transylvanian Count,
in the tiny village of Miclosoara (Miklosvar), just north of Brasov in the edge of the Szekelyland.
This sustainable tourism project provides a unique insight into the real Transylvania
- the varied cultures of the Hungarian-speaking Szeklers, the German-speaking "Saxons" and the Romanians
- interwoven with the history, architecture, natural history and scenic beauty of the region.
All activities and excursions are included, and are tailored to yourown interests and requirements.
Early Booking Discounts for bookings made before 31 January 2006!
Click here for further details
NEW Self-catering accommodation in Bran
Villa available from only £ 720.00 per week
Check out CASA HEIDI, a beautiful, new self-catering villa in a peaceful location amidst the meadows,
woods and orchards near to Bran Village. You can even enjoy a jacuzzi whilst gazing out over
a panoramic view of the Carpathians. Three double bedrooms with en-suite bathrooms, living room,
fully equipped kitchen, outdoor terrace, veranda and garden. Additional spade available for sleeping,
catering can be arranged on request. Ideal for self-drive though transfers also available.
Early booking recommended; other villas availble soon!
Click here for further details
LARGE CARNIVORES IN ROMANIA
The Romanian Carpathians are home to the largest predator populations
in Europe west of Russia. 50% of Europe's Brown bears (about 5,500),
30% of it's wolves (c.2,500) and Lynx (c.1,500) live here.
Even though more than two thirds of the Romanian Carpathians
are unspoiled forests, this mountain range is still inhabited by millions
of people and used for livestock production, forestry, hunting, mushroom
and berry picking. It is the only place in Europe where large
carnivores live in fairly high densities and in close vicinity to humans.
with the support of WWF and other
conservation bodies, established an
eco-tourism programme in Zarnesti in the
Piatra Craiului Mountains with the goal to
create a model area for sustainable,
large carnivore conservation.
The project, which concluded in 2003,
demonstrated to local communities that
wolves, bears and lynx have an economic
value and that they are not only a burden for
livestock production but that they can
be used to generate income.
Also check out our wildlife holidays:
Are you afraid of the Big Bad Wolf?
Touch of Class
Brown Bear
[ Romanian National
Tourism Authority ]
Peles Palaces, Sinaia / The Sphinx above Busteni / Bucegi Cable-Car
Near Balvanyos / Piata Sfatului (Council Square), Brasov / Black Church, Brasov
Pelisor Palace, Sinaia / Hotel Economat, Sinaia / Roving Romania at Moieciu
[ Photographs 1-3, 5-9 courtesy of Romania National Tourism Authority ]
is a Division of Talking Point Ltd
1 Atkinson Court, Fell Foot, Newby Bridge, Cumbria, United Kingdom LA12 8NW
Tel. +44 (0)1539 531258 or UK local rate: 0845 3000 247; Email. [email protected]
ATOL 3319 - IATA 91267691
The air holidays and flights shown are ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. Our ATOL nrmber is ATOL 3319.
ATOL protection extends primarily to customers who book and pay in the United Kingdom.
Click on the ATOL logo if you want to know more.
Copyright © 2006 Transylvania Uncovered - the Romania Travel Specialists