Overview

Romania, the largest of Balkan states, had a history that was not exactly a peaceful one. Carved stone tools dating back to 10,000 BC have been discovered in Romania. Romania had its start in the 1950's after Stalin's death, when the people of country began to distance themselves from Moscow. In 1991, Romanians voted for a new constitution which was followed by their joining NATO in 2004. Romania is a relatively poor country that has seen more than their fair share of hardships. The capital, Bucharest, has the blend of fantastic communist monuments and purposefully hidden-away cathedrals which makes for fascinating exploring.

Activities & Attractions

There is no lack of tourist attractions in Romania and much of it includes the ancient historic buildings of the country. You may want to visit one of the many castles and fortresses which best illustrate the rich, medieval heritage of the country. While castles built from the 14th to the 18th centuries are strong and austere, those erected in the late 1800s are imposing and luxurious. Central Romania encompasses Transylvania, which many associate with the legendary Count Dracula. Must-see castles include the Bran Castle, Peles Palace, and Fagaras Fortress.

Some of Europe's best-preserved medieval towns, most notably Sighisoara, Brasov, and Sibiu are located here. If you are fond of everything in the medieval period, you will love visiting Romania. Among the most unique attractions are the painted monasteries. The exterior walls are decorated with 15^th and 16^th century frescoes that feature portraits of prophets, saints and scenes from the life of Jesus. There are also images of angels, demons, heaven, and hell. Whether you are interested in religion, history, art or architecture, you will be intrigued by the construction, decor, exterior, and interior of these structures. Romania hosts more than one third of Europe's mineral and thermal springs, where many natural spas providing relief for many medical disorders are located. If you enjoy bird watching, you can explore the Danube Delta which hosts many unique bird colonies. There are over 300 species of birds in the delta and 3,450 animal species including wildcats, wolves, and foxes.

Although Romania has an awful past, their festivals and celebrations are fun and upbeat. They are a country which has maintained hope and perseverance throughout the ages and their traditional festivals show this. Most of their festivals are from June-December.

Lodging

Accommodations in Romania are available in plenty. From budget hotel to luxury hotels, apartment rentals, and cheap guest houses, Romania has it all. Several of these accommodations are located near the city's major attractions.

Transportation

Getting around Romania is not difficult and it is fairly inexpensive. You can use the bus, trolly-bus or tram within Romania, or you can even rent a car. There are also some domestic flights available.