29 / 12 / 2013
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Unique, quality holidays near Sibiu, in Saxon Transylvania
Comfortable accommodation, exciting activities and exceptional cuisine
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'Another Europe' WINTER adventures which combine the comfort, excellent cuisine and adventure of Another Europe with the excitement of an expedition to spend a night at the ICE HOTEL, high up in the Fagaras Range of the Carpathian Mountains. The hotel is accessible only by ski lift and is usually open until the end of March, sometimes into April, depending on climatic conditions. It is created with ice, carved from the glacial Balea Lac. If it begins to melt we will switch you to the adjacent Balea Cabana for the night or, for the feint of heart, you can visit but return to the comfort of your accommodation in Cisnadioara! These special holidays also include winter landscapes, frozen waterfalls, a lantern lit trek through romantic Sighisoara and a sleigh ride (subject to snow).
FULL DETAILS TO FOLLOW - meanwhile CONTACT US for further information
IMPORTANT: THE ICE HOTEL IS VERY POPULAR - BOOK NOW FOR 2015!
Another Europe shows you the real Transylvania through a programme of exciting, year round holidays based on comfortable accommodation in the delightful Saxon village of Cisnadioara near Sibiu. These holidays offer exceptional cuisine, excellent company and a selection of activities and excursions designed to show you the best of Transylvania, In addition to our standard fully-inclusive packages we can also provide self-catering or bed and breakfast accommodation, for the more independent traveller, at favourable rates and with options for guides and excursions on an ad hoc basis. Ideal for Honeymoons, Valentines Day or even Halloween.
The eyes of old Sibiu
Cisnadioara Michelsberg
This Saxon village on the edge of the Cindrel Mountains, is one of the prettiest villages in Romania. This small Saxon settlement has a sloping square and is clustered round a steep, wooded hill topped by a small, Romanesque church. Local tradition states that any man wishing to marry a girl from the village had to prove his strength by carrying a huge rock from the river bed to the top the hill. There is also a museum here dedicated to the Saxon Transylvanians.
Nearby CISNADIE is reached by a tree-lined avenue. This old Saxon market town with its traditional market square is dominated by an impressive fortress church which has recently been renovated. Also within easy reach of Cisnadioara are the shepherds village of Rasinari, the mountain resort of Paltinis (winter skiing) and the Dumbrava Forest which contains the fabulous ASTRA village museum with its water wheels, windmills, craft shop and traditional restaurant. A back road leads along the edge of the hills from Cisnadie to the Olt Valley, providing panoramic views of the spectacular Fagaras ridge of the Carpathians and over the Transylvanian plateau. The heart of old SIBIU lies just 12 km north of Cisnadioara, beyond the forest.
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Another Europe Winter Holidays 2014-15 |
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8 Day INCLUSIVE HOLIDAY 7 nights in Cisnadioara with full-board and activites + transfers from Targu Mures SEE BELOW FOR FULL DETAILS + SAMPLE ITINERARY SELF-CATERING Fly- drive options available on request DRACULA TRAIL + ANOTHER EUROPE Transfer from Cluj to Bistrita Overnight at Coroana de Aur Jonathan Harker Trail with unique 4 hours trail by horse and cart up the Borgo Pass to Hotel Castle Dracula Overnight then tour through Transylvania Highlands to Sighisoara Overnight in the mediaeval citadel then 7 nights all inclusive Suggest Wizz to Cluj, or Targu Mures Prices from £ 100.00 return TRANSYLVANIA SPECIAL 11 DAYS Discover the fascinating legacy of the Austro-Hungarian Empire in Transylvania 1 night in the former Imperial capital of Cluj 7 nights Another Europe with Sibu Intercity train to the lovely city of Timisoara ('Little Vienna') 2 nights in a chic art deco hotel Based on two people sharing a twin or double room Wizz to Cluj, return from Timisoara Prices from £ 100.00 return Alternative combinations or flights and transfers via Bucharest, Sibiu or Timisoara available Private apartment in old Sibiu also available |
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Highlights |
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Quality Accommodation Exceptional Food Lancaster Bar Excursions Adventure Activities English-spoken Transport on demand European City of Culture 2007 Sibiu (Hermannstadt) Bruckental Museum Astra Village Museum Piatra Mare + Piatra Mica Liars Bridge Passage of Stairs Railway Museum Old tram to Rasinari Horse & Carriage rides Sighisoara (Schässburg) Clock Tower & Museum Walls & Fortifications Covered Staircase Church on the Hill Vlad Dracula House Cisnadie (Heltau) Cisnadioara (Michelsberg) Sunset picnic in citadel Cindrel Mountains Rasinari Shepherds Village Valea Frumosului Cibin Gorge Cristian (Grossau) Sibiel Glass Icons Valea Viilor (Würmloch) Mosna (Meschen) Biertan (Bïrthälm) Medias (Mediasch) Târnave Valley (wine region) Hunedoara Fortress Turda Gorge Cluj Fagaras Mountains Carta Abbey Mountain Biking Trekking Wolf & Bear Trails Ghost Walks Hog Roast |
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TRAVEL |
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Austrian Airlines fly via Vienna to Sibiu on most days Tarom fly several days per week from Heathrow to Sibiu via Bucharest Otopeni. Lufthansa flights available from London, Manchester or Birmingham. Alternatively excellent prices from Luton to Cluj or Targu Mures direct with Wizz Air (from £ 95.00 per person return) Trains or transfers available from Cluj (3-4 hours) Frequent trains from Bucharest to Sighisoara & Sibiu (5 hours); it is possible to connect with some flights at Bucharest. Trains from Budapest & Vienna call at Sighisoara; frequent trains from Cluj to Sighisoara, and Brasov to Sibiu & Sighisoara |
Another Europe: Your Accommodation
Your hosts in Cisnadioara are Diana and Jeremy, a lovely English couple, who moved to Transylvania and set up their accommodation after falling in love with the region and wishing to share their secret world. Di has a catering background so it comes as no surprise that food plays a very important part in these holidays, and considerable effort is made to provide first class cuisine based on local produce.
The accommodation for the inclusive holidays is divided between two pretty, traditional Saxon village houses in the lower part of Cisnadioara. There are four units each containing a large double bedroom, ensuite bathroom and separate living area. Each unit sleeps 2/4 guests and comes complete with mini bar and tea making facilities. All the units have been recently renovated and refurbished to an exacting modern standard and have access to the dining and barbeque areas and orchard garden, the Lancaster Bar and an outdoor pool.
All accommodation comes with tiwels, bedding, and a personal laundry service is available/
Food is very important with all 'Another Europe' holidays. The best word to sum up Romanian food is wholesome', delicious soups and casseroles. However there is little to tempt the more adventurous palate than breaded sheep brains or various offal dishes. Though our fully inclusive holiday offers ample opportunity to sample local fare Di and Jez pride themselves on their in house cuisine. All ingredients are locally produced and Organic. The meat is reared naturally and bought straight from the farmer. Poultry and Game are free range. In addition to insuring that all food is of the highest quality this also supports the local community and environment.
Another Europe: Winter Holidays & the Ice Hotel
Our new 'Another Europe' WINTER adventures combine the comfort, excellent cuisine and adventure of Another Europe with the excitement of an expedition to spend a night at the ICE HOTEL, high up in the Fagaras Range of the Carpathian Mountains. The hotel is accessible only by ski lift and is usually open until the end of March, sometimes into April, depending on climatic conditions. It is created with ice, carved from the glacial Balea Lac. If it begins to melt we will switch you to the adjacent Balea Cabana for the night or, for the feint of heart, you can visit but return to the comfort of your accommodation in Cisnadioara! These special holidays also include winter landscapes, frozen waterfalls, a lantern lit trek through romantic Sighisoara and a sleigh ride (subject to snow). Every week - January - February 2015. Other dates on request.
FULL DETAILS TO FOLLOW - meanwhile CONTACT US for further information
THE ICE HOTEL has been constructed near Balea Lac, at an altitude of 2034 metres, every winter since 2006. Every year has a different theme. For example in 2008 it had a cosmic theme, while the hotel for 2009 celebrated CLASSICAL MUSIC. The double rooms and 2 apartments were all named after famous Romanian and European composers. All rooms have plenty of thick blankets, sheepskins or rugs for those brave enough to experience sleeping in what is in effect, an igloo! Toilet facilities are provided in the main Balea complex next door. The hotel also comprises an ICE BAR where cocktails may be served in special ice glasses, and a special ICE RESTAURANT where an excellent evening meal will be served. Please note that drinks and meals must be paid for at the ICE HOTEL and cannot be paid in advance. Meals are served until 8pm when the hotel becomes a night club with a DJ, and music until 24:00. In addition to the packages above, the hotel and neighbouring Balea Cabana may be booked for parties and other celebrations or themed evenings. Valentines Day will be marked with a romantic meal and evening.
Another special feature of the Ice Hotel is the ICE CHURCH, which is erected nearby after the water and ice have been blessed by priests. Services have been held in the church, and there has been at least one wedding to date! So, if you are planning a winter wedding with a difference this could be your answer!
The images above are taken from the hotel website which has galleries with many more larger images to whet your appetite: www.icehotel.ro
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Suggested activities
1: day trip through the excellent Astra Museum by horse-drawn carriage or sleigh, one of the best village museums in Europe scattered through a lovely park in the heart of the Dumbrava Forest. Lunch then onwards to explore the historic city of Sibiu - European City of Culture 2007. You will enjoy a romantic evening meal in an excellent Sibiu Restaurant then on to the Atrium Bar, below Casa Luxemburg on the 'Small Square' for cocktails. There is live music (usually jazz) at the Atrium on most evenings. Back to Cisnadioara fo overnight.
2: an early start for the Ice Hotel. Your journey takes you east , winding ever higher towards the ridges of the Fagaras Mountains, the highest part of the Carpathians. Mulled wine and snacks will be served as you wait for the ski lift to take you on the final leg of your journey to the ICE HOTEL, situated beside the frozen Balea Lake at an elevation of 2034 metres. The afternoon can be spent exploring the Ice Hotel and the Ice Church, or to watch the sun setting over a winter wonderland. Please note that an evening meal is not included as this must be paid for directly. This can be taken in the ICE RESTAURANT at the Ice Hotel. The hotel becomes a night club from 8pm until midnight, when you can retire in peace to your frozen room! (alternative accommodation is available in the neighbouring Balea Cabana for the faint hearted!
3: What an amazing place to wake up! Breakfast, then back down to base camp with the ski lift. You will be greeted by Di and Jez, your hosts for a drive over the Transylvania pleateau, stopping first at the romantic ruins of Carta Abbey before exploring the Saxon fortress churchesd of Mosna and Biertan (UNESCO monuments). Enjoy an excellent meal in the restaurant at Biertan before continuing to the mediaeval, walled town of Sighisoara, birthplace of Vlad the Impaler (Dracula). Walk around the spooky old citadel and enjoy a drink in the house where he was born - if you dare! Climb the ancient gatekeeper's tower and explore the Hill Top Church and Graveyard which houses the only Crypt in Transylvania. Then back to Cisnadioara for a special, candlelit Valentine's meal, and overnight.
Additional Activities that can be incorporated in you holiday:
Ice Skating
Frozen Waterfall trek
Skiing at Paltinis
Lantern walk to the old citadel at Cisnadioara
Shopping in Sibiu
CLICK HERE for our NEW 'Another Europe' AUTUMN COLOUR holidays: experience the spectacular colours in the Cindrel and Fagaras Mountains, walk through the Cibin gorge and take a 4x4 adventure through the remote and picturesque Frumoasa ('beautiful') valley. Take a night trek to listen for wolves, a lantern alk up to the historic Cisnadioara citadel and enjoy an evening in old Sibiu. Special one-week all inclusive holidays throughout October. Depart on Saturdays. PLUS special BONFIRE NIGHT break
CLICK HERE for our NEW 'Another Europe' HALLOWEEN adventure and 'Jonathan Harker' Trail: experience Halloween as a short break in Cisnadioara or start out with the trail to seek outthe mythical Count Dracula in mysterious northern Transylvania. A horse and cart takes you up forest and cart tracks, climbing deeper and deeper into the Carpathians, to arrive at Hotel Castel Dracula on the Borgo Pass. Risk a night in this remote place before continuing through the Transylvanian Highlands to Sighisoara, birthplace of Vald the Impaler - the real Dracula. Overnight in one of the historic hotels in teh romantic walled, citadel then join our special 'Another Europe' break for a Halloween party starting with a lantern lit trail to the historic citadel then a bonfire in the orchards. Additional activities include a full day excursion to the spectacular Corvinesti fortress at Hunedoara, and a ghost walk through mediaeval Sibiu. 28.10.2011 - 3.11.2011. Book now as places are limited.
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