Capitals of Eastern Europe

Visit a striking 14th-century island monastery and a magnificent palace, two treasures of Romanian culture. Drive with your guide to the rustic village of Snagov and the Snagov Forest, a protected area of oak, hornbeam and lime trees and a picturesque lake. Upon arrival at the lake’s shore, you will cross the bridge onto an islet that has hosted the Snagov Monastery for almost 700 years. This imposing-looking building has been a place of refuge, escape and imprisonment since its founding. One of the most notorious historic figures associated with it is the Walachian prince Vlad the Impaler, immortalized in literature as Dracula. He is said to be buried inside the ornately decorated sanctuary. After time to explore, continue to the Mogoșoaia Palace, a splendid work in the Brâncovenesc style, a blend of Ottoman and Venetian. Set in elegant gardens, this history museum and art gallery was once home to Romanian nobles.

Walk through the halls of the second-largest administrative building in the world, known as “The People’s Palace.” Intended to be the headquarters of Romania’s government and built by the country’s communist dictator, Nicolae Ceaușescu, the palace is second in size only to the Pentagon. Beginning in 1984, it took more than 20,000 workers and 700 architects seven years to build this colossal structure; however, Ceaușescu did not live to see its completion, as he was executed on Christmas Day in 1989. Learn about Romania’s political history and admire the palace’s luxurious interior as your guide takes you on a tour through a selection of huge halls and opulent rooms filled with crystal chandeliers and mosaics. During your visit, enjoy a coffee break as you hear tales of how this former Eastern bloc country overcame an oppressive regime to become a member state of the European Union.

Immerse yourself in the art and literature of Bucharest during visits to several revered cultural institutions. Enjoy a drive to Bucharest’s stately Opera House to discover the National Opera, first founded in 1885 and the oldest company of its kind in Romania. Admire its elegant interior as you explore with your guide, before delighting in an engaging performance from a local soprano. Then, visit one of Bucharest’s engaging museums to marvel at an impressive collection of modern and contemporary Romanian art, and glimpse the cultural movements that influenced the work. After, transfer to the old town to delight in coffee and delicious cake at a historic local café. Finally, enjoy a relaxing stroll through the narrow streets back to your motor coach and return to your hotel.