Long Weekend In Winter Romania And Ice Hotel

Arrive Bucharest and meet the group. Known for its wide, tree-lined boulevards, glorious Belle Époque buildings and a reputation for the high life (which in the 1900s earned its nickname of "Little Paris"), Bucharest, Romania's largest city and capital, is today a bustling metropolis. Romanian legend has it that the city of Bucharest was founded on the banks of the Dambovita River by a shepherd named Bucur, whose name literarily means "joy." His flute playing reportedly dazzled the people and his hearty wine from nearby vineyards endeared him to the local traders, who gave his name to the place.

Overnight Standard Hotel

Departing Bucharest this morning we head north west to the Răşinari Ice hotel. Situated near Balea Lac, some 2,034 meters up in the Fagaras Range of the Carpathian Mountains. Once we arrive at the foot of the mountain, the hotel is accessed by way of a further hour’s journey by cable car. Built with ice carved from Balea Lac, the hotel has an ice restaurant, an ice bar and even an ice church, which is created each year from ice blessed by local priests! The plan for this afternoon is to enjoy snow-shoeing and tobogganing near the hotel.

Please note that todays dinner is in the chalet next to the Ice Hotel and not the 'Ice Dinner'.

Overnight Basic Ice Hotel Included meals: Breakfast, Dinner

Departing our Ice Hotel this morning we drive towards the historic landscapes of Transylvania and the cultural centre of Sibiu; sandwiched between the Carpathian Mountains to the south and the Transylvanian Plateau to the north. On arrival we have a chance to enjoy some tobogganing and snow-shoeing around the local area. Both activities are fairly easily mastered and you should need just a few minutes instruction to feel confident enough to head off on our afternoon’s excursion.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

This morning we drive back to Bucharest, Romania’s capital for a tour of the city. A remarkable blend of turn of the century elegance and Communist excess can be observed through the architecture. Situated on the Danube plain and set amid a series of lakes and spacious gardens, remnants of more gracious days still exist to charm the visitor. We visit many of the older parts of the city to see some of the buildings that earned the city the reputation as the ‘Paris of Eastern Europe’ and of course no visit would be complete without seeing the Casa Poporului, the magnificent but blatantly excessive palace of ex-President Ceausescu.

Overnight Standard Hotel Included meals: Breakfast

If you are not leaving early today there are many more interesting historic buildings to see in Bucharest but if you fancy a change of pace there is always the possibility of some shopping. Since the 1990s, brand names and high-end stores have been pushing their way into the Romanian market. From high fashion boutiques to art galleries, shopping in Bucharest can fit any taste or budget. Stroll down Blvd. Magheru from Piata Romana to Piata Universitatii for a shopping extravaganza or hit one of the many shopping malls favored by the local rich & famous. Great for people watching or just stopping for a coffee.

Included meals: Breakfast