| Discover Hidden Romania - Dracula weekend trip |
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To schedule a tour or for price quotes (according to group size), please call us at +40 0720 864 657 or click HERE! offered by City Compass in collaboration with The Company of Mysterious Journeys as of May 2010. Departure point: Piata Charles de Gaulle, main entrance of Herastrau Park, next to the statue of Charles de Gaulle MAP Introduction: In 1462, deserted by his boyars, Prince Vlad the Impaler Dracula, his wife and a few soldiers sought refuge in the fortress of Poienari, at the entrance into the Arges Gorge. The Turks surrounded the place at night, circles of campfires upon circles. Warned, the Prince sent for advice and help in the neighboring village of Aref, across the hill. The elderlies came - shepherds and foresters. Vlad's wife, uncertain of the chances of escape, threw herself into the river. The escape succeeded; high in the Carpathians, Vlad rewarded the Arefeans with 16 mountains as pastureland. No wonder Aref remembers Vlad 500 years apart. On Saturday night, around a bon-fire in the village of Aref, about 30 farmers in the same folk-costumes as during Vlad's time, will tell you the stories they know, singing and dancing the same songs and dances as of old. Enjoy the hospitality of the descendants of those who served the prince! Theresa Krajewski, a participant of the first Dracula Week-end trip in May 2010, describes our new tour in details. Click HERE to find out more about her impressions!
Detailled schedule of the trip: Saturday 8:30 - Departure from Bucharest The bus will be waiting for you at Piata Charles de Gaulle, main entrance of Herastrau Park, next to the statue of Charles de Gaulle. If you think you are late, please call . (cell phone 0723.166.354 BOGDAN)
10:15 - Stop for refreshments in Pitesti After driving along the A1 national road, we will reach the industrial city of Pitesti, capital of the Arges County. During the 2 hour drive, your guide will provide you with information regarding the myth of Dracula and cultural-historical facts.
Feel free to address questions! 11:30 - Arrival at Curtea de Arges The former capital of Valahia welcomes you as a quiet, friendly town full of legends and green streets. Check-in at 3 star villa "Hanul lui Simion" Lunch
14:30 - The Princely Court Our very first objective: visit the ruins of the former princely residence and explore the 14th Century church. The frescoes hide a few secrets and some unique features. The church is the burial place of the first princes of Valahia (the voievods). 15:00 - The Monastery in Curtea de Arges (alternatively leisure time for the kids accompanying us) Two legends, one considered a founding myth of the Romanian folklore! Share the tragic passion of Mason Manole and his wife Ana. Mind you: the modern kings of Romania liked the place so much, that they have chosen it as their burial place. 16:30-19:30 - The Village of Aref Immerse into the deep Romania! The village of Aref is the only one in Romania still remembering Vlad the Impaler Dracula in their legends. Admire the 12 mountains surrounding the village: the controversial voievod offered them "for the ages to come" as a reward for the military help given in the troubled year 1462. Discover traditional life and agriculture, still the backbone of daily life for almost 40% of the Romanians. Notice the small shrines at crossroads and see how important animals are for the families. At 18:00 o'clock the villagers of Aref shall welcome you for a Romanian traditional dinner, with "mamaliga" and "tuica". Afterwards, at 19:00 o'clock a traditional party shall take place: join the villagers in storytelling, singing and dancing.
20:30 - Back to Curtea de Arges Enjoy a well-deserved sleep in your comfortable room. Sunday 09:00 - Departure After breakfast, board the bus for two more places to visit. Drive the direction to Aref, think about the previous day's experiences. 09:35 - The Vidraru Dam Did you know that there are about 365 dams in Romania? The one at Vidraru is a Top 10 one. Admire the highest mountains in Romania and hear the story of the Transfagarasan, one of the most challenging roads ever built. 10:00 - The Ruins of the Fortress Poienari It is time to climb the 1456 steps to the eagle's nest of a fortress besieged but never conquest. Remember the legends told last night by the villagers of Aref? 12:00 - Lunch in Curtea de Arges. Departure to Bucharest. Arrival: Around 16:30-17:00 Our offer covers: . transport by mini-bus . lunch (on Saturday and Sunday) . accommodation in 3 star villa in Curtea de Arges . dinner in the village of Aref . museums fee . "The Night of Vlad the Impaler-Dracula" show in the village of Aref . guide and driver expenses (accommodation, meals, fee) Availabe upon request and in an open format. Contact This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it in order to find out the upcoming dates for the open tours. To SIGN UP please click here.
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