Romanian Heritage September 20 - October 4, 2017

15 Days • 27 Meals Escorted by Joan Rix

Peles Castle, Romania

We are pleased to repeat this excellent journey in 2017 to feature the varied landscapes of this Eastern European gem including the pastoral lands of Transylvania, known mostly as the home of fictional Count Dracula. But this is a country with far more to offer and to experience. Join us as we explore the influences of Romanian, Hungarian and German cultures that existed side-by-side for hundreds of years. There are a host of UNESCO World Heritage Sites included, such as the eye-catching Painted Monasteries of Moldavia and the quaint villages, farms and traditional lifestyles found in the northern region of Maramures.

Our journey will begin in the capital, Bucharest, the city that earned the title 'Paris of the East' in the 1920’s. In the larger centres we will see the architectural influence of the communist era sharing the landscape with the more attractive traditional architecture and lifestyles. In the rural areas we will see people farming as they have done for centuries, following age old routines and rituals. Romania is like a 'time capsule' that will allow us to look into the past. This is truly a land to enchant even the most experienced traveller.

INCLUSIVE FEATURES

Return airfare to Europe from Canadian cities listed

Accommodations in first class and best available hotels as indicated or similar

27 meals included as noted in the itinerary (B - 13 breakfasts, L - 4 lunches, D - 10 dinners)

Services of our Canadian tour escort plus a professional tour manager/guide in Romania

All gratuities, surcharges, taxes and fees for included services

Airport transfers in Canada or equivalent value with purchase of group airfare

TOUR HIGHLIGHTS

Bucharest, Romania’s charming Capital city

Explore the Carpathian Mountains and Transylvania

Experience the cultural heritage of the Romanian, Hungarian, Ukrainian and German settlers

Maramures and the UNESCO villages, farms, wooden churches and colourful cemeteries

UNESCO Painted Monasteries of Moldavia

Stephen the Great’s Princely Court and Church

Drive through spectacular Bicaz Gorges

Visit Dracula’s Castle (Bran Castle)

Enjoy lunch and wine tasting at Rheins Cellars in Azuga

Farewell Dinner in Bucharest

TOUR ESCORT

Joan Rix and her husband Roger have travelled extensively in the Caribbean as well as Europe, Asia and South America. Over the past few years they have led many exciting journey’s on behalf of Craig Travel. Both are graduates of the University of Guelph; Joan with a Bachelor of Household Science and Roger with a Bachelor of Science in Agriculture. They have a farm operation in Innisfil that now includes their 3 sons and their families. Joan and Roger look forward to sharing this adventure with you.

September 20, Wednesday Depart Canada

Tour members gather for the overnight flights via Europe to Bucharest, the capital of Romania.

September 21, Thursday Bucharest

Our connecting flight will bring us to Bucharest where we will be transferred directly to our hotel with the balance of the day at leisure. Our Welcome Dinner will be at the Crama Domneasca restaurant, serving typical Romanian fare in the centre of the old city.

Sheraton Hotel (2 nights) D

September 22, Friday Bucharest

Enjoy a walking tour of the old city centre and visit the Palace of the Parliament, known as the People´s Palace. It is the second largest building in the world and the symbol of the Ceausescu era. Completed in 1989 it is constructed of the best materials and craftsmanship that Romania could provide. Lunch today will be at the Pescarus Restaurant overlooking Herastrau Lake. Our afternoon will be spent exploring the Village Museum (Muzeul Satului in Romanian), an open-air museum located in the Herastrau Park which showcases traditional Romanian village life and containing 272 authentic peasant farms and houses from all over Romania. BL

September 23, Saturday Curtea de Agres / Cozia / Sibiu

Our journey around Romania begins as we drive north into the Carpathian Mountains to the ancient centre of Curtea de Arges, possibly dating from 500 BC but definitely from the 14th Century when it was a Royal capital.

Cluj Napoca, Romania

Along with some 38,000 other Jews he was placed in Nazi Concentration Camps where he wrote many books about what they endured. Driving through the enchanting Maramures countryside, we hope to visit the Barsana Monastery and a wooden church in Budesti before returning to Baia Mare. BD

September 28, Thursday Bistrita / Gura Humorului

We journey across northern Romania today, admiring the beautiful rural scenery and the many quaint villages. This afternoon we reach the region of Bucovina, the home of the UNESCO World Heritage Painted Monasteries for which Romania is justly famous. Our first visit will be to Moldovita, founded in 1532. Prior to the current structure, there was a fortified stone church erected by Alexander the Kind-Hearted between 1402-1410 (its ruins are still visible). Built on safer ground in the valley of the Moldovita River, the monastery consists of a quadrangular structure with fortified towers, thick walls and a brawny gate - inside is a magnificent painted church. Next is Humor, a monastery which was reopened in 1993 (founded in 1523). Humor is noted for its exceptional frescoes and its tranquil setting by the Humor River. Lastly, we visit Voronet, considered by many to be the ‘Sistine Chapel of the East’, due to its incredible frescoes, painted on the west wall (take note of the very unique Voronet Blue obtained from Lapis Lazuli). Our next two nights will be in Gura Humorului, in the region known as Bucovina.

Best Western Bucovina (2 nights) BD

September 29, Friday Painted Monasteries of Moldavia

Our day is devoted to exploring a number of the world famous Painted Monasteries. Sucevita Monastery, the most recent construction, is the largest and finest of the painted monasteries of Bucovina. ‘A Poem in Green and Light’, it has thousands of painted images on a background of emerald green. The fortress legacy of these mountain monasteries is nowhere clearer than inside and outside the massive walls at Sucevita. Set in a beautiful green valley, it is a square-shaped fortified citadel with watchtowers at its four corners, surrounded by a wall (100 meters on each side, six meters high and three meters thick). Putna Monastery is one of the most important cultural, religious and artistic centres in medieval Moldavia. Stephen the Great is famous for building dozens of churches and monasteries across Moldavia (allegedly, he founded a religious edifice after each important military victory). Putna houses the tombs of Stephen (a place of pilgrimage) and several of his family members. The icon veils and tombstones are held as fine examples of Moldavian art in Stephen the Great’s time. Surrounded by forests, blessed by great clay soil and the Sucevita River, the region is ideal for the production of exquisite ceramics. There is an ethnographic museum in the village where we can admire traditional costumes from Bucovina. BD

September 30, Saturday Gura Humorului / Piatra Neamt

Today our road slices through the Bicaz Gorges (Cheile Bicazului), one of Romania’s most scenic routes. The gorge twists and turns steeply uphill for 5 km, cutting through sheer, 300 metre high limestone rocks. At one point, the narrow mountain road runs uncomfortably beneath the overhanging rocks in a section known as the "neck of hell" (Gatul Iadului). One of the deepest gorges from Carpathians - Bicaz Gorges is a rock climbing paradise.

The principal site in the city is the Cathedral, built in a Byzantine style with Moorish designs. We continue to a most picturesque setting in the Carpathians to visit Cozia Monastery, one of Romania’s most valuable monuments of medieval art and architecture. The church contains one of the richest collections of old art and literature in the country. This afternoon we arrive in Sibiu, at one time the capital of Transylvania and more recently the European Cultural Capital (2007).

Hotel Golden Tulip Sibiu (2 nights) BD

September 24, Sunday Sibiel / Sibiu

Sibiu is a treasure trove of historic buildings mostly centred on the two Town Squares, logically called Piata Mare and Mica (large and small). Explore this delightful centre on our morning walk, viewing the Council Tower, Gates and Stairs, the important churches and Liar’s Bridge. Following lunch we will venture to nearby Sibiel Village, set like a jewel on the Sibiel River surrounded by low mountains. The highlight of our visit will be the Museum of Glass Icons, Zosim Oancea, where we shall see a wonderful collection of glass, wood, and pottery. Finally we will visit a fortified Saxon church in Cristian. BL

September 25, Monday Sighisoara / Targu Mures / Cluj

Founded by German craftsmen and merchants known as the Saxons of Transylvania, Sighişoara is a fine example of a small, fortified medieval town which played an important strategic and commercial role on the fringes of central Europe for several centuries. It sits on a small hill overlooking the Tarnava Mare River and is reputed to be the birthplace of Count Dracula. We will tour the Old Town (still partially surrounded by walls), including the Clock Tower, the History Museum and the Torture Chamber. The city of Targu Mures lies in the central part of the Transylvanian Plateau, on both sides of the Mures River. The multi-national traditions and the coexistence of several religious beliefs create a particular Transylvanian spirituality which sets this town apart. This evening we are in Cluj, the largest city in the northern region of Transylvania. Hotel Golden Tulip (1 night) BD

September 26, Tuesday Cluj / Baia Mare

This morning we shall explore the city, seeing the Botanical Gardens, the Orthodox Church, the Justice Palace, the National Theatre and the Romanian Opera House. Heading north we shall enjoy the scenic countryside and a number of traditional wooden churches (UNESCO), typical of this region. The next two nights we will be in the town of Baia Mare, the regional capital of Maramures County, which borders on Hungary. Its medieval history is retained in the town square, Piata Libertatii, by houses dating back to the 14

th Century. Hotel Carpati (2 nights) BD

September 27, Wednesday Sighetu Marmatiei

In Sapanta village we will visit the Merry Cemetery, noted for the colourful carved crosses. The dead are remembered and portrayed in a most important moment in their lives. Sighetu Marmatiei is noted most for the horrors of the communist regime. Here we can view a prison which during the Communist era was used to hold many important Romanian leaders as well as common people who spoke up against the rulers of the time. Also on the agenda is the home of Elie Wiesel, awarded the Nobel Prize for peace.

CT RATING 2.5 - Slightly Challenging: While this is a relatively leisurely tour, members should be aware that there will be a number of extended walking tours (up to two kilometres), some of which will be over cobblestone surfaces. Good walking shoes are highly recommended and members should have no mobility issues to fully enjoy this itinerary.

REV13APR17

Tour Cost in Canadian Dollars per person .Land Only (Join / Leave Bucharest) .......................... $2,995 Toronto ...................................................................... $4,155 Ottawa / Montreal ...................................................... $4,265 Halifax / Winnipeg ...................................................... $4,375 Saskatoon / Regina ................................................... $4,575 Calgary / Edmonton / Vancouver............................... $4,495 Victoria ...................................................................... $4,575 Single Supplement ....................................................... $495

Airfares from other gateways are available on request. Airfares and air carriers are subject to change and will be confirmed prior to final payment. Refer to inclusive features for details.

Tour price is based on sharing a twin-bedded room at hotels. Prices are based on a minimum 20 members and on rates, taxes and fees effective May 2016 and are subject to change due to factors beyond our control. Prices DO NOT INCLUDE the cost of insurance which is available and is highly recommended. Premiums vary with the cost, length of the trip, and the traveller’s age. For passengers up to and including 74 years on departure date, premiums will range from $211 to $280 pp plus applicable taxes. Cost supplements for travellers aged 75-85 will range from $177 to $345 pp plus applicable taxes. This insurance is effective from the date of purchase and carries limitations on pre-existing medical conditions. Please discuss your insurance coverage prior to booking. Check our website for the most current information. Refer to the enrollment form for general information and conditions.

Final payment will be due July 19, 2017

Deposit is $500 per person

To reserve your places on this tour, complete the enrollment form and forward it with your deposit to:

CRAIG CANADIAN GROUP TRAVEL LTD

1092 Mount Pleasant Road Toronto ON M4P 2M6 Tel: 416-484-0926 or 1-800-387-8890 / Fax: 416-484-8143

Email: tours@craigtravel.com / www.craigtravel.com

We shall stop by Red Lake (Lacu Rosu), the largest natural mountain lake in Romania. Its name comes from the reddish alluvia (iron oxides and iron hydroxides) deposited in the lake by the Red Creek. This evening we will arrive in the Moldavian city of Piatra Neamt, delightfully surrounded by wooded mountains. We hope to visit the only wooden synagogue in Romania (dating the 17th Century), partially built below the ground.

Central Plaza Hotel (1 night) BD

October 1, Sunday Piatra Neamt / Brasov

Also known as the “Pearl of Moldavia”, Piatra Neamnt was home to Stephen the Great’s Princely Court and Church. We shall explore the city this morning before we continue our journey to Brasov. En route to Brasov we visit Prejmer, a UNESCO World Heritage Site where we find an excellent example of a fortified Saxon church and fortress used by the early German settlers in Transylvania. Brasov is surrounded by the Southern Carpathians and is part of the Transylvania region. The oldest traces of human activity and settlements date back to the Neolithic age (about 9500 BC) and research has uncovered continuous traces of human settlements since then. We shall explore the old city centre this afternoon, including a walk in the square and a visit to the Black Church, the largest Gothic church is South Eastern Europe. Hotel Aro Palace (2 nights) BD

October 2, Monday Bran / Sinaia / Brasov

Discover Bran Castle, a national treasure that is commonly known as Dracula’s Castle, for reasons that will become quite obvious. It is the location usually associated with Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Today we will visit it enjoying the dramatic legends, the period furniture and the small open air museum containing typical peasant dwellings. Our final stop today will be in Sinaia, where we visit Peles Castle, a former Royal Residence, built in the 19th Century German-Renaissance style, which will enchant us with different furnishings. BL

October 3, Tuesday Brasov / Bucharest

Following a leisurely morning we will make our way back to Bucharest with a stop en route at a winery in Azuga for lunch and a champagne tasting at Rhein Cellars. This evening we gather for our Farewell Dinner at ’Caru Cu Bere,’ featuring traditional dancing and music.

Hotel Sheraton (1 night) BLD

October 4, Wednesday Bucharest / Canada

All too soon our journey draws to a close as we catch our flights back to Canada. B