Day 1:
We flew from Luton to Cluj-Napoca with Wizz Air all on time, excellent service .And couldnt fault either airport on the way out. Picked up on arrival and taken to the Grand Hotel Napoca a 4 star hotel within a 10 minutes walk to the center through the park. After a freshen up we headed out for a walking tour of the city. this is a vibrant city with lots of students and very much out door living. I was shocked by how clean it was and how safe it felt. A local restaurant for dinner where we sampled the local food, aubergine dips, pork bites and red onion and local pork and veg for the first time and of course had to sample the local drink of Palinka which you drink before you eat. All im going to say it had a very warming effect and I could feel it all the way down
Day 2:
An early start and we drove a couple of hours to Sighisoara taking in the wonderful autumn colors on the way which my photos just dont do justice. We did a guided walking tour around the beautiful, colorful and cobbled streets and climbed the church tower, which had amazing views over rooftops. After lunch in Draculas house , where for the first time ever I had soup in a whole loaf of bread. Then there was the option to go up to the 2nd floor to meet Dracula if you dare. After was a Palinka tasting at a local cellar to calm the nerves, before heading to the mountains to Poiana Brasov for a 2 night stay in the Ana Hotel Bradul. tonights dinner was at a local farm, amazing food and local tradational music perfect end to an excellent day.
Day 3:
This morning we drove to Bran Castle, the home of the story of Dracula, this really is an interesting place to visit, the history, the building its self and the folklore of Romania. After this was lunch at a mountain top restaurant with the most amazing 360 views. We stopped for a guided city tour in Brasov and met one of Vlad the implalers distance relatives, Vlad was the inspiration for Count Dracula. This evening we had a private drink and local music around the fire before we had a local feast, where the food just kept coming, it was traditional meats,cheeses, picked vegetables and followed by the most amazing pudding, Papanasi a must try if you are in Romania.
Day 4:
This morning we had a wander round the mountain resort of Poiana Brasov, and took the cable car to the top of the mountain to take in the stunning mountain views, this resort offers hiking, mountain biking and of course skiing in the winter. And be careful of the bears in the woods. We then headed to Sibiu. With a stop partway for lunch by the river Hungarian Goulash and a beer never tasted so good. Sibiu, what a pretty town, a maze of cobbled streets, and squares so pretty. And when we got to the cathedral it was a wow moment. This town also hosts a Christmas market and this would be a lovely time to visit. After a guided tour, we then headed back to Cluj for our last night. This evening we went to a modern restaurant for dinner, where I had the most amazing cheesecake Ive ever had.
Day 5:
Today we had a leisurely morning followed by a walk through the treelined park into town, a wander round the back streets and enjoyed coffee in the square, followed by a gorgeous lunch in a restaurant that without local knowledge of Get Free wed have never found. Today was so interesting as Stefan and Peter were explaining how their grand parents and parents were effected by communism, living history always seems so real especially as I am the same age as their parents. It was then time to head to the airport, efficient check in, flights all on time. Romania was such a surprise, beautiful scenery, warm hospitality and amazing food I will definitely go back. Thank you to Get Free for the opportunity to go and for looking after us so well.