1861 Journey to Transylvania
Friday, September 12 - Saturday, September 27, 2008
Our first stop on this wonder filled journey will be Bucharest, Romania’s capital and the nation’s powerhouse of cultural and economic life. During the 1930’s, its tree-lined boulevards and fin de siecle architecture earned it the nickname of “Little Paris.” There is even an Arc de Triomphe on the handsome Soseua Kiseleff, itself longer than the Champs Elysees.
While in Bucharest, we will also visit the House of the People, Romania’s immense parliament building, as well as several churches and other sights in and around the city.
Then it’s on to Transylvania, the largest province of Romania. Transylvania is easily the most romantic and scenically inspiring of Romania’s provinces. The very name conjures up visions of mountain peaks soaring to the sky above wooded valleys and sparkling streams; of high-roofed wooden churches, legendary castles, and a turbulent history. But there is much more: fascinating medieval towns, national parks, art museums, and good hotels. In Transylvania, new vistas and interests open up wherever you go.
Our home in Transylvania will be the city of Sibiu. Sibiu is beautiful, indeed a delight for the eyes. Eerie eaves shaped like eyes peer down from the buildings that line the narrow medieval streets. At the center of it all stands the proud fortress-church, built by the original German settlers in Gothic sturdiness. The city is dotted with verdant parks, intimate gardens and attractive tree-lined boulevards. Sibiu and the surrounding area contain the largest concentration of tourist attractions in Romania.
We will also visit several other cities as we complete our tour and return to Bucharest before our return flights home, filled with wonderful memories of this beautiful, unspoiled country.
The tour is based on 15 days and 14 nights in Romania and includes all transfers to and from airports, air fare, ALL MEALS, motor coach transportation within Romania, insurance coverage, and baggage handling.
The total cost for OLLI Members is $4,346 and $4,546 for non-members. The single supplement is $485. ALL RESERVATIONS MUST BE MADE BY April 30, 2008. A deposit of $500 is required when making your reservation, which can be made by calling 727-864-7600. Final payment is due June 4.
Once fully paid, your trip payment is non-refundable. Each of you will be insured for trip cancellation, accident or sickness, medical expenses, loss of baggage or personal effects, etc., per the terms of the group policy. Should you find it necessary to cancel your trip for a covered reason, your claim will be processed through the insurance company and not by Eckerd College.
Following is the itinerary. Check back frequently, as additional info will be added.
9/12 Day One: Flight to Bucharest
9/13 Day Two: Transfer from the airport to the hotel in Bucuresti, orientation and the welcome dinner.
9/14 Day Three: All day dedicated to the visit of Bucuresti's monuments
9/15 Day Four: Bucuresti to Curtea de Arges and Sibiu
9/16 Day Five: Sibiu and environs
9/17 Day Six: Sibiu to Alba Iulia, Strei Sangiorgiu, Hunedoara and back to Sibiu
- Visits of Alba Iulia town which is the Historical and the Spiritual capital of Romania
- Strei Sangiorgiu Church
- Hunedoara Castle
- Dinner at Crama Ileana
9/18 Day Seven: Sibiu to Sambata and back to Sibiu
- Visit of the stud farm of Lipizzan horses in Sambata - includes carriage ride
- Visit of Sibiu town and the Popular Art Museum ASTRA
- In the evening we shall have a special dinner with folkloristic program in Sibiel
9/19 Day Eight: Sibiu to Sighisoara and Piatra Neamt
- Visit of Sighisoara town
- During the transfer to Piatra Neamt we shall stop to see the Red Lake and the Quai of Bicaz - a nature preserve
9/20 Day Nine: Piatra Neamt to Monastery Neamt - Monastery Moldovita to Sucevita and Gura Humorului
- Visit of the painted Monasteries situated in the north of Moldova
9/21 Day Ten: Gura Humorului to Monastery Voronet to Suceava to Monastery Probota to Iasi
- At Suceava we shall visit the ruins of the old fortress where the
- headquarters of Stefan the Great was
9/22 Day Eleven: Iasi
- All day dedicate to the visit of Iasi and its monuments
- Metropolitan Cathedral
- The Church of Saint Three Hierarchs
- Golia Monastery
- Cetatuia Monastery which is very well preserved from the 17th century
- The Palace of Culture
- Copou Park where we shall see the linden tree of Mihail Eminescu the most famous Romanian poet
- The small house of Ion Creanga the most famous Romanian story-teller
9/23 Day Twelve: Iasi - Onesti - Prejmer - Brasov - Poiana Brasov
During the transfer from Brasov we shall visit the Prejmer Fortress and if time permits, we will shall also visit the Harman Fortress
9/24 Day Thirteen: Poiana Brasov - Brasov - Bran - Poiana Brasov
- Visit of Brasov with all its monuments
- Visit of Bran Castle
9/25 Day Fourteen: Poiana Brasov - Rasnov - Sinaia - Bucuresti
- Visit of Rasnov Fortress
- Sinaia Monastery
- Peles Castle
- Pelisor Castle
9/26 Day Fifteen: Bucuresti - Mogosoaia - Snagov - Bucuresti
- Visit of Cotroceni Palace in Bucuresti
- Mogosoaia Palace
- Snagov Monastery
9/27 Day Sixteen
Transfer from the hotel in Bucuresti to the airport
Price includes:
- accommodations in double room in 3 Star or 4 Star hotels
- breakfast, lunch and dinner for entire tour
- one drink of choice (a glass of wine, a beer or a soft drink) for each meal during the tour
- one traditional dinner with folkloristic program in Sibiel
- entrance tickets for all tours
- transport by bus
- guide
- the visit to Lipitan Horse Stood in Sambata including the horse ride or a tour by carriage
- the transfer by ship for the visit of Snagov Monastery
- air fare, insurance coverage and baggage handling.
The price doesn't include:
- photo and video taxes
- everything not specified by "the price includes"
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