Located in Eastern Europe, Romania is divided into four regions: Transylvania in the centre, surrounded by the Carpathian chain. To the north-east lies the Moldavian region and its hills. In the south-east the region of Dobroudja which touches the Black Sea and in the south, the plain of Wallachia. The country shares borders with Ukraine, Moldova, Bulgaria, Serbia, Montenegro and Hungary. The most important river of the country is the Danube which forms a delta by flowing into the Black Sea.

Romania has a continental climate, with cold winters and hot summers. The best periods for a stay in Romania are spring and fall. The capital, Bucharest, is worth a visit. The medieval and commercial lanes of the old Lipscani district are in full rehabilitation. During your walk you will discover magnificent buildings like the Sutu Palace (19th century). The Royal Palace houses a museum with rich collections and paintings by masters. The immense Parliament Palace, built by Ceausescu is one of the largest buildings in Europe! Take a walk through the church of the Stavropoleos Monastery with its superb Moorish decorations and icons. In the Curtea Veche are the remains of the ancient palace of Prince Vlad Tepes, dating from the 15th century. The Manuc Inn is another amazing monument: it is an old caravanserai. Bucharest has beautiful spaces towards such as the parks Cismigiu and Kiseleff as well as princely houses (Cotroceni Palace, Ghica Tei, among others).

An excursion to Mogosaia where there is a magnificent palace (17th century) surrounded by a park that houses the Brancoveanu Art Museum, inventor of a typically Romanian architectural style, halfway between the classical and Baroque styles. The city of Brasov, founded in the 13th century, has a remarkable historical centre paved and reserved for pedestrians, narrow streets lined with old houses, numerous churches and magnificent ramparts. The city organizes many festivals. Nearby is the famous castle of Bran (14th century) where the prince who inspired the legend of Dracula is said to have lived. Perched atop a rock, it was used to defend the city of Rasnov. Take a look at Rasnov's fortress and its inner village.

Nearby are several other medieval fortresses just as massive and impressive as the castle of Fagaras (14th), surrounded by moats. The castle of Huneadora (15th) is more recent, all in red bricks and Gothic style is worth the detour. The city of Sibiu has a rich historical heritage that deserves several days of stay. It is classified as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. To see: the upper city with the Huet square and the large square where the Brukental palace (18th) is located where you can see, among others, Flemish works (Rubens, Van Dyck etc.) and ancient books including 350 incunabula.

Several villages with fortified churches in Transylvania (13-14th) are also listed: Câlnic, Prejmer, Viscri, Dârjiu, Saschiz, Biertan and Valea Viilor. Still in Transylvania, do not miss the small town of Sighisoara which dates from the 13th century and has preserved from its past as a trading town many medieval houses with colorful facades, an upper town and fortifications. It is a magical and timeless place, where it is good to stroll to imagine the history of its buildings, not all entirely renovated.

In Moldova, to the east of Romania, there are other remarkable sites classified by UNESCO, such as the eight churches located around the city of Suceava, residence of the princes of Moldova. Built between the 15th and 16th centuries, they are entirely covered with frescos decorated on the outside. In Wallachia, the monastery of Horezu (17th), is another masterpiece of Brancovan style, of all beauty, classified with the world heritage of UNESCO for its architecture and the richness of its sculpted elements and its painted decoration. Horezu's school of mural painting and icons was very famous.

Prices in local Romanian restaurants are generally moderate as are hotels, transportation, food and clothing. However, imported items are not cheap. If you are brought to drink a glass of alcohol with Romanians, it is customary to drink by saying Noroc, which translates as good luck.

Art and culture in Romania
In Bucharest, film festival in June, and outdoor rock festival in August. In Siubiu, theatre festival in May-June, Jazz festival in May, piano competition in July, traditional festivals in July. In Brasov, the cultural life is rich with the picturesque festival of Junii, after Easter, with its processions where the inhabitants wear traditional costumes. Also worth seeing: the book fair in March and the Golden Stag rock music festival.