ROMANIA
A land of beautiful castles,famous legends and a friendly welcome.
Romania sits in the South Eastern part of Central Europe, sharing borders with Hungary, the former Yugoslavia, Bulgaria along with the Black Sea & the Ukraine. It is a land of beautiful castles, stunning natural scenery, many fascinating legends and friendly locals.
Some of the countries most striking features our it's splendid Carpathian Mountains with many covered in lush forests that is packed with wildlife, the bird watchers paradise that is the Danube Delta with its many bird species, some excellent vineyards which produce a range of excellent wines, and 13 national parks & 500 protected areas.
This countries history has generally not reflected the countr-ies modern peacefulness. As over the centuries it has been invaded from what seems like everybody, including the Greeks in 700 B.C to the Romans in 101 A.D, the Goths in 271A.D,Saxons in the 12th century, to the Turks in 16th,finally stretching up to the present day with the Ceausescu uprising. But all of these occupiers have left their own indelible mark in the countries fascinating culture.
The best time to visit Romania are May, June & September and October. At these times you can stroll around the various medieval monasteries & castles without being carried along by the bus loads of tourists who visit in the high season. But in the winter months Romania can also offer some of the cheapest skiing options in Europe, with the resorts of Sinaia and Polana Brasov being the most popular.
Romania has majestic castles, medieval towns, great hiking, varied wildlife and cheap ski-ing. All this plus a pleasent temperate climate will make any visitor see Romania in a different light.
Worldmark's range of services include:-
Due to our extensive overseas network we are able to offer any client a full range of services. These can be purchased individually or as part of a package.
* Discounted hotels.
* Discounted flights with Britsh Airways and Tarom.
* Private car transfers.
* Sightseeing & Guided Tours
* Theatre Tickets
* Rail & Air tickets
* Chauffeur & Car Hire
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Bucharest
Bucharest is the capital and largest city in Romania. It is not only proud of it's interesting heritage but likes to allow all visitors the chance to experience it's culture, history and culture first hand. The city was once known as "Little Paris" and that name is reflected in its tree-lined boulevards, beautiful architecture and vibrant night life. This nickname is re-enforced by the fact that in the 19th century the city was remodelled by French trained architects to reflect the country of their origin. Bucharest evens has it's own Triumphal Arch on the Soseaua Kiseleff. But the city did suffer badly as a result of the relentless bombing of WWII , some earthquakes and finally the Ceausescu regime, but it is finding it feet once again.
The city is home to the 2nd largest building in the world – the 3100 room PALACE OF PARLIAMENT.. 37 museums,22 theatres, opera houses & concert halls and 18 art galleries, But the most visitors flock to the centre of town where they discover the 16th century OLD COURT CHURCH with its beautiful frescoes, the GEORGE ENESCU MUSEUM, and the elegant ATHENEE PALACE HOTEL with its excellent restaurants and elegant bars. As well as these focal points the city is home to many more architectural sights and monuments to keep the most ardent history buff busy.
Finally Bucharest is one the few cities in East/Central -Europe which permits gambling. This means that the city is studded beautiful 18th,19th century palaces and mansions where guests can gamble, dance or dine the night away.
We can offer discounted rates at the following hotels:-
Marriott Hotel,Hilton Hotel,Inter-Continental Hotel,Crowne Plaza,Sofitel,Parliament Hotel and the Grand Plaza Hotel
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Other destination suggestions:-
The Black Sea Coast
Is Romania's beach area, which offers its visitors the opportunity to relax and soak up some sun before heading off into the interior to do some serious exploration. The area consists of CONSTANTA which is the country's second largest city and a main hub for travel out into the Black Sea. MAMAIA is a bustling resort with endless hotels that gets very busy during the months of June to August. Constanta can be reached by bus and train from Bucharest.
Cluj
Is Romania’s second-largest financial & banking centre and is the main city of the Transylvanian district. It sits in the northwestern corner of the country. Cluj-Napoca is actually 2 names rolled into one, with Cluj meaning “ city squeezed between hills” and Napoca being the name of the ancient Dacian fortress. The city is considered to be an ancient cradle of Romanian culture & civilization, which has developed into an important cultural and technological centre, which is home to an excellent university. The city of Cluj-Napoca is an extremely pretty city with an extensive history and many interesting sights & attractions such as TAILORS TOWER, the FORTIFIED ORTHODOX CHURCH, the PALACE OF JUSTICE, the 19th century MUSEUM OF TRANSYLVANIAN HISTORY, the NATIONAL MUSEUM OF ART as well as many theatres and opera houses.
The Danube Delta
This vast 2238 sq mile wetland of shifting sand dunes, lakes and marshlands is a haven for nature lovers & bird watchers alike. This famous river forms a large point of the southern border of Romania before flowing into the Black Sea. Along it's 670 mile journey visitors will stumble across many species of birds and wildlife, 57 fishing villages with a combined population of approximately 14,500 people, Roman Ruins, the cave at Topoinita, and the Iron Gates Dam. There are a selection of organised tours to this region and please contact us for details.
Sighisoara
This beautiful little medieval town sits nestled in the stunning Transylvanian hills and shares many same features of Brasov, such as many beautiful medieval buildings, a strong connection to Dracula with the house where the original Vlad Tpes was born, the excellent 17th Gothic CHURCH ON THE HILL, 14th century CLOCK TOWER, the Guild Tower, 13th century Venetian House and many other outstanding churches and museums. The area is a stop on many international & local bus and train routes.
Brasov
This old medieval town stands in shadows of the Transylvanian hills and has developed into one of the countries most popular destinations. The most obvious tourist attractions are the enormous Gothic BLACK CHURCH and the ever popular but interesting BRAN CASTLE (or Dracula's Castle as it is otherwise known). But many consider RASNOV CASTLE to be a better example of the period and can be an interesting stop off point en route to Bran Castle. But part from that there are numerous other reasons to visit the area, such as the excellent nearby ski-ing resorts of POIANA BRASOV & SINAIA and the excellent hiking around the other castle's and churches in the area.
Fagaras Mountains
Sit in the heart of the country and form part of the striking Carpathian Mountains and is studded with over 40 lakes. This region offers some excellent hiking options with many well marked trails.
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Romania's Majestic Castles
Romania is home to many beautiful and interesting castles, which reflect the country’s heritage and history. Many of these beautiful abodes were constructed in many unique architectural styles, which reflect local traditions and general purpose.
Below we have listed some fine examples, which beg to be visited by any tourist that wishes to explore Romania as it once was.
Peles Castle
Is considered by many to be one of the most beautiful in Europe. Adjacent to this is the smaller Pelisor Castle which is home to a unique collection of Viennese furniture.
Bran Castle
Often referred to as Dracula’s Castle it is a large fortified castle built in 1377 to protect the city of Brasov from invaders. It sits atop of a 200 ft tall rock overlooking the city which makes it a daunting sights.
Corvinesti Castle
Built in the 14th century this is considered to be the greatest Gothic style castle in the country Highlights include the Gallery, the Maces Tower, the Knights Hall and the Chapel.
These are only a few of the possible options that await any visitor to Romania.
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The legend that is "DRACULA".
A brief history
Romania is home to many beautiful and interesting castles, which reflect the country's heritage & history. Many of these beautiful abodes were constructed in many unique architectural styles, which reflect local traditions and general purpose.
VLAD the IMPALER or Vlad Tepes to give him his birth name was born in December 1431 in the fortress town of Sighisoara. Vlad’s father was governor of Transylvania and member of the Order of the Dragon. The boyars of Romania associated the Dragon symbol with the devil (Dracul) and Vlad inherited the title “the son of the Dragon” – DRACULA.
In 1442 Dracul was struggling to keep the Turks at bay and as a last resort Dracul sent Vlad and his brother Radu to Istanbul to act as hostages of the then Sultan. Where he heard tales of his older brothers death by torture at the hands of the boyars of Tirgoviste and finally their father’s assassination in 1447. His first act was to seize the throne of Wallachia in July 1456 proclaiming himself ruler and reigned for 6 six years during which he committed many cruelties on his enemies with established fearsome reputation.
Guided Tours
It is easy for someone to get caught up in the Dracula legend when visiting Transylvania. As you travel along winding roads that seek through dark dense ancient forests or wind blown mountain passes that echo with the sounds of the local wildlife.
Many Dracula tours are offered throughout Romania. They include visits to places of important historical value such as the 14th century town of SIGHISOARA which is the birthplace of Vlad Tepes and the actual house still remains this day, although it is now a small museum & restaurant. Other tours visit many other sights associated with the Dracula legend such as the SNAGOV MONASTERY – where according to legend Vlad is said to be buried, CASTLE BRAN (Castle Dracula), the POENAN FORTRESS, the village of AREFU – where many nights are spent with guests telling various Dracula legends over a glass of wine, the city of BRASVO where Vlad led raids against the Saxon merchants and CURTEA DOMNEASCA – Dracula’s palace in Bucharest.
There other tours available that cover other topics such as the folklore behind the Dracula book and nights at the Castle Dracula Hotel, which sits on the exact same site on the Borgo Pass that the fictional castle was supposed to be.
Please contact this office for further information, details and costs of any tour.
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Travel Warning / Information
The Romanian security services are competent, but like all other security forces they cannot guarantee to prevent a terrorist attack. You should therefore be vigilant and take sensible precautions in public places, including tourist sites.
You should be alert to the risk of petty theft in large towns, especially in Bucharest, and for pickpockets and bag snatchers in crowded areas, particularly near exchange shops, on buses (especially to the airport), main railway stations and inside airport areas.
Corruption is widespread. There have been some isolated reports of policemen stopping foreign cars and demanding payment of fines in hard currency for spurious offences. Bogus policemen may also approach pedestrians and ask to check their documents as a way of stealing cash. If approached in this way, visitors should decline to pay any fine or hand over any documents but offer instead to go with them to the nearest police station.
British visitors have reported thefts of valuables including passports from hotel rooms. Items of value, including passports and credit cards should be deposited in hotel safes.
It is illegal to change money on the streets. Money should be changed in recognised exchange shops, banks and hotels.The Romanian authorities treat all drug-related or sex offences very seriously. Custodial sentences can be expected for any foreigners convicted of such offences.
Romania has experienced flooding in recent weeks and more rain is forecast, especially in hilly and mountainous areas. Most main tourist areas are largely unaffected.
This information is correct and current as of 10/5/04 and was provided by the FCO Update service.
Health Information
There have been a number of Hepatitis A cases in Romania. You are advised to seek medical advice about inoculations before travelling. You should drink only bottled water.
Rabies is endemic in Romania. It has largely been confined to the rural areas. You should be wary of, and try to avoid contact with, the numerous stray dogs. If bitten, seek medical assistance as soon as possible. If visiting rural areas of Romania, you should consider having a course of rabies inoculations.
Stray dogs in Romania are reported to carry the tick-borne African Typhus disease. Those most at risk are the elderly, the young and the infirm.
We suggest that travellers consult their local GP or check the Department of Health’s website prior to departing the UK.
It is recommended that travellers obtain comprehensive travel and medical insurance before travelling. You should also check any exclusions and that your policy covers you in all activities.
Currently UK Nationals do not require a visa to enter Romania.
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WORLDMARK TRAVEL
1st Floor
The Arena
24 Southwark Bridge Road
London SE1 9HF
Tel:- 020 7 922 0670 Fax 020 7 401 2545
E-Mail Worldmark.uk@hrgworld
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