Bucharest

Duration: 11 hours

Tour Code: cnd-001

Discover Bucharest, the capital city of Romania on this comprehensive full-day tour. During the 15th century, prince Vlad Tepes, who later became the legendary Count Dracula, had his fortress here, situated on the banks of the river Dambovita. Nowadays, Bucharest enchants its visitors with its centuries old history, as well with its modern quarters, and is often referred to as the 'Little Paris of the East'.

Depart from the port for a scenic 3-hour drive to Bucharest. During your journey, you will cross the Baraga Plain, one of the largest agricultural regions in Europe. For many centuries, this was used as a place of exile due to its harsh climate. Along the way, you will pass through many villages, giving you a brief glimpse of how the locals live here in the Romanian countryside.

Arriving in the Eastern part of Bucharest, you will begin your tour of the city, making a photo stop to the Palace of the Parliament, the second largest building in the world after the Pentagon. Following your stop, you will next travel to the Patriarchal Church, residence of the Head of the Romanian orthodox- church for a visit. From this location you can also see other wonderful sights, such as the Patriarchal Palace and the Bell Tower of the Patriarchal Church.

From the church, you will travel along the wide boulevards of Bucharest as you make your way to one of the nicest neighborhoods of the city. Here, you will find nice parks and the beautiful homes of the capital's high society, as well as one of the most famous restaurants in the city where you will be welcomed for lunch. Start your lunch off with a glass of Romanian wine and then relax and enjoy your meal while listening to an orchestra that will perform Romanian folk music and watching some traditional folk dances.

Your afternoon begins with a visit to the Village Museum, one of the world's most interesting open-air ethnographical parks which covers nearly 45 acres. Over the years, the houses of peasants from all over Romania have been brought here, allowing visitors to gain insight into the life of a typical Romanian villager. After your visit, you will re-board your coach and make your way to Revolution Square via the longest boulevard in Bucharest, Kisseleff Street. Here, a photo stop will allow you to see the exterior of Romania's Royal Palace, home to the Royal family as well as the former headquarters of the Central Committee of the Communist Party. This is the same building from which the Romanian dictator Ceausescu escaped by means of a helicopter during the Revolution of 1989.

Once your stop is completed, your coach will head back to the pier in Constanta where your tour concludes.

Please note: This tour includes approximately 90-minutes of walking/standing with some cobblestone surfaces and slightly inclined terrain to negotiate at the Church. The tour is available to wheelchair guests who have a collapsible wheelchair, are able to make their own way on and off the coach and have a companion to assist them; however it may be difficult to access the Church. Those with mobility concerns are cautioned to evaluate their personal level of stamina and ability. Weather appropriate clothing; sun caps; sunglasses and flat, comfortable walking shoes are suggested. Conservative dress is required to enter the Church and tank tops and shorts are not considered acceptable. There are camera and video fees charged at the Museum.