2 day tour from Bucharest to the Ice Hotel

The frosty experience at Balea Ice Hotel

Duration: 2 days or 3 days with the extra 1 day travel extension
Operating period: Winter season (27th December - late April) depending on weather conditions
Operating days: Wed, Thu, Fri, Sat, Sun
Starting Time: 8.00 am on the first day
Return Time: around 8.00 pm on the second day
Departure/Return point: pick-up/drop-off from/at your hotel
Languages: English (other languages on request, additional costs may apply)
Highlights of the trip: Peles Royal Castle, Bran (Dracula’s) Castle, Brasov downtown, Black Church, The Hotel of Ice (and Sibiu medieval city - with the extra 3rd day travel extension)

Our tours are not available on the following dates: 8-9 Apr 2018, 31 Dec 2018, 01 Jan 2019

Price

For a group of more than 8 persons, the price will be provided on request.
The price is per person sharing a double room. For single supplement, please contact us.

Short Description

Enjoy the once in a lifetime experience in the legendary land of Transylvania as you get to explore two of the most beautiful castles in Europe and the unique Hotel of Ice nested on the peaks of the Carpathian Mountains.

Day 1
BUCHAREST – SINAIA – BRAN – BRASOV (205 km)

Pick up in the morning from your hotel.

Prepare to leave behind the region of Wallachia and step into the legendary land of Transylvania, the country beyond the forest where many myths were born and time still flows slowly for those living here.

On our way, we will stop at Sinaia, a very famous mountain resort known also as the “Pearl of the Carpathians”. Here we will visit a typical and peaceful worship place, Sinaia Monastery, the first construction in this region since late XVIIth century.

The next visit here is Peles Castle, the former summer residence for the first Royal couple of Romania, King Carol 1st and Queen Elisabeth. Considered one of the most beautiful castles in Europe, the construction is impressive thanks to the architectural style and decorations, but most of all thanks to the beautiful interior design (interesting mixture of cultures in terms of furniture, the specific touch of the King and Queen) and the modern facilities for the last half of the XIXth century (electricity, vacuum cleaner, electrical elevator and central heating). Here you will also find out the story of the Royal couples in Romania and their important influence in the history of our country. The visit lasts about 45 minutes after which you will spend some time in the beautiful gardens of the castle.

In the afternoon, you will head to Bran and visit Bran Castle, which became so famous thanks to the legend of Dracula. Yes, you are now officially in Transylvania! Here you will find out how this legend was born and why Transylvania is until nowadays related to it. Our advice: probably some garlic will be useful during the visit!
The last stop is Brasov, Kronstadt (“the city of the crown”) under its German name. Here you will enjoy a lovely walk on the narrow and cobblestone streets of the old city center. You will see The Council Square, The Council Tower, The famous Black Church (the largest Gothic construction in Eastern part of Europe).

Dinner and overnight in Brasov.

Day 2
BRASOV – CARTISOARA – HOTEL OF ICE - CARTISOARA - BUCHAREST (410 km)

In the morning, breakfast at your hotel.

Today is going to be a long but pleasant day. You will leave Brasov in the morning and head to the famous Hotel of Ice “nested” in the Carpathian Mountains. Considered to be the newest hotel in Romania as each year is rebuilt over and over again, the Hotel of Ice was in 2005 the first one of its kind to be constructed in South Eastern Europe. To reach it, you will take the cable car which will carry you above the clouds straight to the magical frosty land where the Hotel of Ice is waiting impatiently its visitors.

During daytime it can be visited by the curious tourists coming from all over the world so that in the evening only the guests who are accommodated there are allowed.

You will see the Ice Bar, the Ice Restaurant (even the plates and the chairs are made of ice) and the impressive Ice Church.

In the afternoon prepare to leave this land of ice and get back to Bucharest. It will be a long drive, just enough to allow you to “defrost” before arriving home.

In the evening, arrive to Bucharest and drop off at your hotel.

End of the trip.

*On request extra day extension: You can extend your travel experience in Transylvania with one more day and head after the visit of the Ice Hotel (on Day 2) to the medieval city of Sibiu, former European capital of Culture in 2007 and considered to be the most beautiful city in Romania.

Enjoy a short walking tour in the Large Square, the Small Square, and discover the story of the city while admiring the Evangelical Cathedral, the Council Tower, Brukenthal Palace, the Liars Bridge, the walls of fortifications.

Dinner and accommodation at a 3* hotel in Sibiu.

Day 3
SIBIU - COZIA - BUCHAREST

Breakfast at the hotel.

In the morning enjoy some free time to spend in the old city center for souvenirs and then head back to Bucharest. On the way visit the impressive Cozia Monastery.
In the evening arrive at your hotel in Bucharest.

End of the trip.

The price includes:

• Transport by car/minibus
• English speaking guide
• Entrance fees at Peles Castle, Bran Castle and the cable car
• 1 night accommodation with breakfast included in a 3* hotel in Brasov (for the extended trip accommodation in Sibiu, as well)

The price does not include:

• Meals (other than breakfast) – there will be stops on the way to eat either together or separately, but we will avoid the tourist “traps”.

Important

• Please note that in case of unfavorable weather conditions (strong winds) the cable car is not working. We are not responsible if at the moment of arrival the cable car is not working without prior notice.
• 3* is a good standard for hotels in Brasov and Sibiu and we did not have complaints. However, if you want to book a 4* or 5* hotel for this trip there will be an extra cost and we recommend to send us an e-mail at [email protected].

TravelMaker, as the company which organizes the trip, is not responsible if the visited sites are closed without prior notice and for any reason at the moment you arrive.

Please note that the time table is subjected to be changed due to heavy city traffic and road works.

Pictures

Important! TravelMaker, as the company which organizes the trip, is not responsible if the visited sites are closed without prior notice
and for any reason at the moment you arrive.