1. Romania
Free time
Some of the main attractions in visiting Romania, both for children and adults:
Black Sea Resorts
Warm climate, miles of sand beaches,
ancient monuments, vineyards and modern
resorts invite travelers to seriously consider
Romania's Black Sea Coast as their summer
vacation destination.
Romania's main sea resorts are centered
on 45 miles of fine sand beaches and include
Mamaia, Eforie, Neptun, Jupiter, Venus, Saturn
and Mangalia.
The Black Sea coast has long been known
for cures of arthritic, rheumatic, internal and
nervous disorders. Eforie Nord and Mangalia
Spas specialize in mud baths (the mud is taken
from the area's salty lake waters) as well as in
world famous "Gerovital" and "Aslavital"
original rejuvenation treatments.
Vacationers at Romania's Black Sea Coast
can also join organized trips from the seaside to a
number of locations in the country, including the
Danube Delta, a wildlife enthusiast’s (especially
a bird watcher’s) paradise.
Castles & Fortresses of Romania
Romania’s collection of castles and
fortresses perhaps best illustrates the rich
medieval heritage of the country. While castles
built from the 14th to the 18th centuries are
strong and austere fortresses built mainly for
defense against invaders. The most popular
include the Peles Castle with its 160 rooms filled
with priceless European art and, of course, the
Bran Castle, built in the mid-1300s and legendary
home to Bram Stoker’s Count Dracula.
2. Medieval Towns
Visitors can marvel at Transylvania’s unique architectural treasures, such as castles, fortified
churches and centuries-old houses, while exploring sites where more than 900 years ago Saxon craftsmen
and merchants established powerful and rich citadels. Some of Europe’s best-preserved medieval towns,
most notably Sighisoara, Brasov and Sibiu, are located here.
The Carpathian Mountains
Romania’s diverse natural landscapes offer numerous choices for exciting outdoor experiences.
Travelers can walk through serene alpine meadows covered with scores of wildflowers, trek around glacial
lakes, take in the lush-green scenery while horse riding or mountain biking, climb curious rock formations,
photograph fossil traces of 15,000-year old cave-bear species, track gold eagles or other rare birds, study
endangered flora, wander in the countryside, picnic in the fields, try your hand at traditional crafts, - or just
relax in the home of a village family and sample wholesome.
3. The Painted Monasteries of Bucovina
Among the most picturesque treasures of Romania are the Painted Monasteries of Bucovina (in
northeastern Romania). Their painted exterior walls are decorated with elaborate 15th and 16th century
frescoes featuring portraits of saints and prophets, scenes from the life of Jesus, images of angels and
demons, and heaven and hell. The best-preserved are the monasteries in Humor, Moldovita, Sucevita, and
Voronet.
Suceava Fortress
The main attraction of the city of Suceava is
the Suceava fortress (Cetatea Suceava or "Cetatea de
Scaun", which is reachable from the city center
(Piata Unirii). It was built in the 14-15th century,
and improved by Stephen the Great (Stefan cel
Mare). It was never conquered in fighting by the
attackers.
Bicaz Canyon
The Bicaz Canyon (Romanian: Cheile
Bicazului -- literally The Keys of Bicaz) is a canyon
in Romania, located in the north-east part of the
country, in Neamţ and Harghita counties.
The Neamt Fortress
Among the most representative historical
monuments from Romania we find the fortress of
Neamţ, an objective situated in the city of Tirgu
Neamt in the subcarpathian zone of Moldavia.
4. Rarau – Pietrele Doamnei (Lady’s Rocks)
Rarau Mountain is a touristic symbol for Bucovina of which Geo Bogza once wrote:“There can be
places where you might find higher mountains or tumultuous rivers, the sea or the ocean, but here the Rarau
Mountain stands for the world’s fundamental dimension, life and history’s cosmic side.”
Vatra Dornei
Vatra Dornei is a spa town located on the confluence of Bistrita and Dorna rivers. Low altitude
makes for a short ski season at Vatra Dornei with a large ski area, that is suitable for beginners and
intermediates. There is a nice park on the south-side of the river Dorna, with the orthodox church that is
rising at the entrance.