Bucharest to Budapest: Castles, Culture & the Carpathians

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10 or 12 days

Bucharest, Brașov, Sibiu, Timișoara, Budapest, extension to Bratislava and Vienna

Discover an abundance of rich history when you explore Romania and Hungary from Bucharest to Budapest. Walk the halls of legendary castles and learn how their fascinating histories inspired Dracula, one of the world’s most famous stories. Explore hidden architectural gems and medieval cities that still contain influences from the Roman and Ottoman Empires. As students traverse historic village squares and gaze upon symbolic monuments, they’ll hear how ordinary citizens played a pivotal role in the revolution against communism. During this immersive adventure, a wealth of unique cultural experiences will open students’ eyes to more of the beauty that Europe has to offer. Image displaying map describing the itinerary of the Bucharest to Budapest: Castles, Culture & the Carpathians tour

Image displaying map describing the itinerary of the Bucharest to Budapest: Castles, Culture & the Carpathians tour

Day 1: Fly overnight to Romania

Day 2: Bucharest

Meet your Tour Director at the airport

Day 3: Bucharest

Take a guided tour of Bucharest

With your expert local guide you will see:

The Palace of Parliament
Revolution Square
The Memorial of Rebirth
Equestrian statue of Carol I
Holocaust Memorial

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Thermal Baths

Experience Romania’s deep-rooted thermal pool culture that stems from over 2,000 years of ancient Dacian and Roman influences. Enjoy mineral-rich, healing waters at Therme Bucuresti, a large thermal bath complex with relaxing pools. (Please note, your group must bring your own sandals, but a towel rental will be included.)

Day 4: Bucharest • Brașov

Travel to Brașov via Bran

Tour Peleș Castle, former home of the Romanian royal family, with an expert local guide

Visit Bran Castle, also known as “Dracula’s Castle,” which inspired the setting of Bram Stoker’s famous novel

Day 5: Brașov • Sibiu

Take a guided tour of Brașov

With your expert local guide, you will:

Visit the Black Church, one of Romania’s most imposing Gothic churches
See Council Square, a historic spot in the heart of Brașov

Travel to Sibiu

Day 6: Sibiu

Take a food-themed walking tour of Sibiu and enjoy samples of mici, telemea cheese, and covrig.

Visit the ASTRA Museum, an open-air museum that shows traditional farming techniques of Romanian villages, and participate in a scavenger hunt

Enjoy a traditional homemade meal made by local residents in the village of Sibiel

Day 7: Sibiu • Timișoara

Travel to Timișoara

Visit a local farm and participate in a hands-on workshop

Visit Corvin’s Castle, a defense fortress that was rumored to have been Vlad the Impaler’s prison during his exile

Day 8: Timișoara • Budapest

Take a walking tour of Timișoara

With your expert local guide you will:

See Victory Square
See Union Square
See Liberty Square
Visit Orthodox Cathedral
Learn about the city’s role in the revolution against Communism

Travel to Budapest

Day 9: Budapest

Take a guided tour of Budapest

With your expert local guide you will see:

Heroes' Square
Castle Hill
Gellért Hill

Visit Matthias Church

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Chocolate-making workshop

Satisfy your sweet tooth at one of Hungary’s oldest and most traditional candy manufacturers. Tour the museum to see each stage of chocolate production and uncover Budapest’s rich history of chocolate-making. Then, roll up your sleeves and create your very own chocolate bar to take home as the ultimate souvenir.

Day 10: Depart for home

Add 2 more days

Day 10: Budapest • Bratislava • Vienna

Travel via Bratislava to Vienna

Take a walking tour of Bratislava

With your Tour Director you will see:

· Bratislava’s Old Town, home to important medieval landmarks

· The famous statue of Čumil the sewer worker

Explore Bratislava on your own

Day 11: Vienna

Take a guided tour of Vienna

With your expert local guide you will see:

Burggarten
Opera House
Capuchin Crypt

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Viennese waltz dancing

Experience the elegance and grandeur of the traditional Austrian waltz, the world’s oldest form of ballroom dance. During an optional two-and-a-half-hour lesson, you’ll discover the long and complex relationship between dance and city as you learn to turn and step with the best.

Day 12: Depart for home