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APRIL 2013

Discover 2 Romanias
Introduction and tour portfolio

office@discover2romanias.com

Come meet us at Discover 2 Romanias. We will show you the most beautiful part of Romania, in a friendly atmosphere with pleasant surprises and the most amazing stories.

We offer :

The best accommodation options for yourself, your family or your group (through our partners) Transportation services with brand new vehicles and Rent-a-car services Different interesting trip packages, the ability to create your own trip, the way you want it

We are proud to show and share with you the timeless countryside, the magnificent landscapes and the rich and full of history country named Romania. I am specialized on incoming private and small groups, focused to provide you the best service you can get, customizing the tours as you request, introducing a new meaning in Romanian tourism.

Our guides speak 8 languages : English, French, Italian, Spanish, German, Hindi, Japanese, Turkish We are available 24/7 to be reached by phone or through the website You can discover one side of Romania - Danube Delta, the Carpathians, vineyards, superb landscapes and unique places And another Romania, equally charming, with traditions, old customs, legends, culture and history of thousands of years And if you loved Romania, we can help you study or work here ! Become a part of Romania, a part of Europe! You come as a tourist and leave as a friend !

Check out our available tours below and dont forget, everything can be customized to fit your needs. Also, always check back at our website at www.discover2romanias.com We have BIG surprises coming up !

Pour les connaisseurs special tour.


Discover the good tastes of Iasi. Drink some wine from our city's seven hills (like Rome, Italy) and taste the traditional food of Moldova region, served by the most cheerful and friendly people of Romania. Wine making and serving is a zonal attraction, Iasi city being considered the Wine Capital of Romania. Give it a try ! DAY ONE To get better acquainted with Iasi's wine tradition, the best way to start a day after breakfast is to take a walk through the old center where we can admire the National Theater (first of its kind from Romania). Next to this impressive building is the monument dedicated to the First Jewish theater in the world - build here by Avram Goldfaden in 1876. Nearby, we can see the Metropolitan Cathedral, near it being UNESCO monument holy Three Hierarchs, a stone jewel, once covered in gold Then we get to the Cultural Palace, which harbors 5 museums. After that, we can see the Royal Church of St Nicholas - where the oldest church of Iasi was built and the Dosoftei house, the museum of Romanian literature. After this cultural "intro", we are going to have a good old traditional meal. Lunch - Traditional cooked beef or chicken barbecue with the owners of Visani winery. At Visani winery, we will have a professional wine tasting with cheese and black bread, visit the cellars, tell tales of our legends and admire Iasi city panorama from the south. After visiting this beautiful area, we will head at Plopii fara Sot, a unique style restaurant, century old, great food, traditional romanian music, food and house wine tasting. We will then take you to Unirea hotel for the night.

DAY TWO After visiting this beautiful area, we will head at Plopii fara Sot, a unique style restaurant, century old, great food, traditional romanian music, food and house wine tasting. We will then take you to Unirea hotel for the night. We will start by visiting Frumoasa monastery, where the last public hangings took place, we can see the actual place where they took place. Also you hear about the last executioner of Iasi. Following this, we will have a wine tasting at Cetatuia Monastery while admiring the city from this side. The view will leave you speechless. For groups that are made of less than 10 persons, we will continue the wine tasting at the Bucium monastery, then visit the Botanical Garden and the "Lost Steps" hall from Romania's oldest university - Alexandru Ioan Cuza. For groups larger than 10 people, we offer trips to the Cotnari Winery : Here the wine comes to age patiently in oak barrels, sheltered in cool cellars. With more than 1 million bottles, many older than the cellar, it is impressive the range of the collection. The wines in this area whisper the secrets of the old tradition and outline the past from the perspective of the present.With plenty of sun, vineyards are protected by cold currents of air, which make the grapes sweeter. After enjoying this experience, we will head back to Iasi.

Price : The price for this tour is 200 euros and contains one night at the 4 stars Unirea Hotel, breakfast and two lunches, car and driver and all the wine tastings (six wines each).

1. Iasi One Day Classic


Take a ride through Romania's second largest city, enjoy our blend of history, culture and everyday life. Our one day tour of Iasi will show you how is it to take a walk through a city like you've never seen before.

It all starts at 09:30 in the morning, when we will leave from the hotel where you are staying. Our first stop is at the Botanical Garden which is a special place taking setting up in 1856 in Iasi, also the first Botanical Garden in Romania, near the University of Medicine and Pharmacy. In 1963, it is decided to move the garden to its current location on Copou Hill, to satisfy the requests of education. Today, the Botanical Garden of Iasi covers about 100 hectares.

The area with greenhouses comprises 12 departments, each of them with its specific: Mediterranean plants, tropical, subtropical (cacti, palm trees, banana, citrus, etc.), many ornamental flowers (azalea, camellia, orchids, etc.) and a collection of cicadaceae (alive fossils). Enjoy and study nature as it freely reveals to you. Then we shall go to see the National Theater, which is built in Iasi, on the location of the old city hall, between 1894 and 1896, the building of the National Theatre is considered to be the oldest and the most beautiful of this type in the country The National Theater. A short walk from the Theater through the park, takes us to the Metropolitan Cathedral, the largest orthodox church in Romania.Its structure and size are truly impressive, many pilgrims come to pray for Health and Salvation, the atmosphere is unique.MMB Very close by, we have the Monastery St Three Hyerarchs- UNESCO monument It is the most beautiful monastery founded by Vasile Lupu, a symphony of arts in prayer, built between 1637 and 1639. It has been restored by the architect Andre Lecomte de Nouy, who gave it its current appearance. It used to be covered in gold; however Turkish army set it on fire to melt the gold. Now only the 30 belts of stone can be seen. It is a charming building. Right across the street there is the Palace of Culture. It is a symbol of Iasi, built between 1906
and 1925 in the area of the former Court of the medieval era. It used to be the Administrative and Justice Palace. In 1955, it was changed into a cultural one. You can visit several museums inside the building: Museum of History, Ethnography, Art, Science, Music. Our next objective is the Dosoftei House, it is an old building, dating from 1677. It is located in the centre of the city, between the Palace of Culture and the Royal Church of St Nicholas - which is also on our itinerary. There is a museum of old literature inside the building and the church is where the Moldavian Royal families had their religious services. Nowadays it's a sanctuary where many young people choose to get married. There are still pieces from the original wall from the Royal courtyard dating back in 1400.

After the lunch, we are going to visit the oldest synagogue in all Romania mentioned in a document as early as in 1682. Its exterior is simple, without ornaments, made in stone. The interior is sophisticated though, and has objects of great value: chandeliers, candle holders, various Bible decorations. Our next objective is the Cetatuia Monastery, offering a great panoramic view of Iasi city from the south. It was founded by Gheorghe Duca, and built between 1669 and 1672. The tower and the massive walls prove that the monastery was also thought as a refuge in case of emergency. There used to be a printing room here, with Greek letters, brought from Venice. Its cellars offer wine tasting, very appreciated by tourists.

That being said and done, we expect that at around 6 PM we should arrive back to the Hotel. If you choose so, we can take you to one of our city's finest restaurants in order to have dinner, the traditional Romanian way, or to a more modern place, where the food is just as good, all of it depending on your tastes. The tour includes the entrance fees for all the objectives and the car and driver. The price for this tour is 75 euros. The good time is guaranteed. The experience is one of the kind.

2. Jewish Heritage - Romania


Come and see the place of the first Jewish theater and the second oldest synagogue in Europe. Are you interested in one of the most important community during the history? Do you want to know which was the inspiring factor for Naftali Herz Imber to compose the lyrics for the hymn Hatikva? Take advantage of our touristic program and you can explore the poignant reminders of Romania's Jewish heritage and roots. Our country is unique in Eastern and Central Europe for its scores of wellmaintained synagogues (nearly 100, of which half are still used for worship) and more than 800 cemeteries scattered throughout Romania. Here's what we have prepared for you :

Day ONE
Accommodation: Hotel Unirea Iasi Walk on Alexandru Lapusneanu street, in the historic center of Iasi. We will admire Traian Hotel, built according to the plans of the French architect Gustave Eiffel, which belonged to the Jewish family Teitler, Braunstein Palace and Neuschor Palace, currently Select Hotel. The first Jewish theatre in the world was founded in Iasi, which is also the origin of the first newspaper in Yiddish, Korot Haitim.

Day TWO

Breakfast: 8.00 9.30 Before World War II it was an important cultural center so, the city of Iasi gives you the opportunity to admire the oldest synagogue in Romania. The Big Synagogue couldnt be higher than Metropolitan Cathedral, so it was built in the ground. During the rehabilitation works of this important building, the religious ceremonies are taking place in the Jewish Community Building. The previous one can be admired only from outside. The Five Ways House is a historical monument situated near to this well-known synagogue. Although the First Jewish Theater in the world was demolished by the communist authorities, you can observe the place and the tribute in honor of the theater's founder: Avram Goldfaden. This visit is followed by a visit to the Jewish Cemetery, the Holocaust Museum and the holy tomb of the Rabbi of Stefanesti, famous for his cures, miracles and teachings. The Iasi Jewish Cemetery, in the back of the Pacurari, has more than 140,000 tombs, with a monument symbolizing a train in memorial to the transports. If you are interested to know which is the common element between Iasi and Paris, you are in the suitable place to admire Traian Hotel in the center of the city. This building, and the Braunstein Museum had a Jewish owner, both are still functional even if there were floods, bombing or earthquake. The city where started the writing of the Hatikva hymn offers to you the chance to see an imposing cemetery, The Apple-men Synagogue, Shoemakers Synagogue (these are used nowadays in a different way). Then we leave towards Botosani where we have accommodation at a four stars hotel - Rapsodia Dinner: 19:00 20.30

Day THREE Breakfast: 8:00 9.30 Visit the Great Synagogue in Botosani, (Oiche Shul), built in 1834. Meeting with the Botosani Jewish Community President. A Jewish community of historical importance, Botosani is now home to 80 Jews and an exceptional synagogue that dates back to 1834. In December 1940, Botosanis Jewish men between the ages of 15 and 70 were forced into hard labour. Eight thousand Jews were put on forced labour, half of them outside the city. Romanian authorities deported 42 Jews to Transnistria on suspicion of communism, most of whom were murdered shortly afterward. The total number of Botosani Jews deported to Transnistria rose to 148, some being accused of anti-government agitation or propagating emigration. After the war, when the evacuees from the villages in the area and those who returned from Transnistria settled in the city, Botosanis total Jewish population numbered 19,550 (1947). A few years later most of the population settled in Israel, leaving 500 families and four synagogues in 1969. Then, we will go to Suceava, a major city, close to Botosani, in order to reach the Suceava Gah Synagogue. The Gah Synagogue was founded by the Gemilut Hasidim mutual aid society in 1870 when there were 8,000 jewish residents in Suceava. Re-modeleld in 1910, restored in 1929, 1975 and 1983. Suceava was a major center of Moldavian Jewry. Then we go to Piatra Neamt, where we have dinner and accomodation at Grand Hotel Ceahlau (***) Dinner: 19.00 20.30

Day FOUR Breakfast: 8.00 - 9.30 Meeting with the President of the Neamt Jewish Community. Piatra Neamt a big jewish community, with approximately 200 jewish people. The Great Temple, known as Leipziger Bet ha-Midrash Temple, is a big, newer, synagogue, dating from 1839. The first stop will be in the city where, at the first mention, was lived by Jewish, too. The Leipziger Synagogue. Was built in 1850 and it is an architectural monument. The Piatra Neamt Cathedral synagogue, a historic monument, is the oldest wooden synagogue still standing in Romania. Its design is strongly influenced by local architectural tradition, sharing an evident family resemblance to the timber synagogues of Poland and Bohemia. The present wooden building was founded in 1766. Some specialists believe that the old building made from stone was founded in the 15th century. The golden altar is 250 years old, with the original ritual objects in fine condition. Visit the Jewish Cemetery, split into 2 parts, the old part with tombs dating, some of them from 17 century, and the new part. Departure towards Iasi. Visit the Tailors Synagogue in Roman. The Tailors Synagogue is a medium type edifice erected in 1898. The Jewish Community in Roman is at least four centuries old, as is demonstrated by the tombstones and documents. Departure to Iasi, via Tirgu Frumos Podu Iloaiei. Stop at Tirgu-Frumos Cemetery. After we pay our respects to all the innocent victims of the Holocaust, we return to Iasi.

The price for this tour is 390 euros.

3. Tracing Dracula
Everybody heard about Dracula, right ? You know, the famous undead count that travels all over Transylvania, in search of fresh blood. Well, some experts say that Transylvania sits on one of the strongest magnetic fields on our planet, thus people have extra-sensory perception. Care to check this out ? Or are you afraid of the vampires that are told to haunt this realm, appearing to many people on St. George's Day ( April 23 ) and on the eve of St. Andrew ( November 29).

We will take you through the dense, dark, ancient forests of the historical region of Transylvania, over the mountain passes to see what inspired the Irish writer Bram Stoker to write his tale of ghoulishness that still gets printed today. Come and visit what he named the "whirlpool for the imagination".

Day One
Breakfast first, the most important meal of the day : 8:30 - 9:30 We leave to Brasov, heading southwest, and our first stop is at the Miclauseni palace. What better way to start tracking a count if not seeing a royal neogothic style palace, to get in the mood. Sturdza Castle dates from around 1752 and is a historical and secular architecture, being a copy of western feudal castles. Western cultural influences are present in the decorations, such as: Gothic towers, manege halls, medieval armors, latin dicta written on the walls, entrance tower with a bridge over the water ditch. The palace is surrounded by a beautiful bridge. It's just great, really. We then approach the Carpathian Garden, enjoying a breathtaking view and a good lunch at the Magura Complex, a restaurant known for its beautiful panoramic view and great service. What better way to continue our trip but to see a dark, 787 feet deep cave used as a salt mine ? There, you can purify your soul, praying at The Saint Varvara Orthodox church is the only church in Europe that is inside the salt mine portion of a mountain. Keep in touch with the present by enjoying the new and modern treatment area, located on Level 9 of the Salina salt mine, offering tourists the opportunity to relax and fine treatments for various respiratory ailments such as asthma or bronchitis.
We cross the mountains afterwards, through

the Oituz pass, which has 866m in height.

Then, we will visit the center of Targu Secuiesc, a very old city (first mentioned in 1407). The oval shaped center market has a unique style in all Europe, it's like a sun, with its rays being the so called "udvarterek" - in Hungarian - some small streets. There are many legends related to these streets and we don't want to spoil the surprise now, do we ? After learning about the stories of this place we go to the very heart of Romania, the Brasov city, which is amazing, surrounded by mountains, still guarded by the seven bastions built by the Saxons. There are many things to be told about this great city, but it has been a busy day. So we will rest at a four star hotel in the area.

Day 2

Breakfast until 9 AM Then we go to see the Council Square, the Saxons built massive stone walls and seven bastions around the city that are still visible today, as well as ornate churches, elaborately trimmed buildings and one of the finest central squares in the country, said to be the spot to which the legendary Pied Piper led the children of Hamlin. Located at the heart of old medieval Brasov and lined with beautiful red-roofed merchant houses, the Council Square, known to the Saxon population as the Marktplatz, is a nice place to rest and soak in the beautiful scenery.

In the centre of the square stands the Old Town Hall (1420), now home to Brasov's History Museum, while the southeast corner is dominated by the town's most famous landmark, the Black Church. Around the square, you'll find the renaissance-style Merchant's House (now the Cerbul Carpatin restaurant), the beautiful archway of the Orthodox Cathedral and the memorial museum of the Mureseanu family. In late summer, the Golden Stag (Cerbul de Aur) music festival takes place here.

We still stay in theme, visiting The Black Church, a celebrated Gothic site - the building dates from 1477, when it replaced an older church (demolished around 1385). Its acquired the name after being blackened by smoke from the 1689 great fire. It's outstanding !

Here comes the high point of our trip, surrounded by an aura of mystery and legend and perched high atop a 200-foot-high rock, Bran Castle owes its fame to its imposing towers and turrets as well as being the home of count Dracula. Built on the site of a Teutonic Knights stronghold dating from 1212, the castle was first documented in an act issued by Louis I of Hungary on November 19, 1377, giving the Saxons of Kronstadt (Brasov) the privilege to build the Citadel. Narrow winding stairways lead through some 60 timbered rooms, many connected by underground passages, which house collections of furniture, weapons and armor dating from the 14th to the 19th centuries. The castle overlooks the picturesque village of Bran, which offers an open-air Ethnographic Museum consisting of old local-style village houses complete with furniture, household objects and costumes.

You get the feeling that he just left.. or did he ?

We will continue tracking him by going to his house in Sighisoara, the very place where Vlad Tepes ( the romanian ruler more commonly known as count Dracula ) was born (now hosting a restaurant and a small museum of medieval weapons). . Then we take a walk to see how did the Central Sighioara preserve in an exemplary way the features of a small medieval fortified city, why it has been listed by the UNESCO as a World Heritage Site. Each year, a Medieval Festival takes place in the old citadel in July.

We will spend the night here.

Day 3 This being the last day of our walk on Dracula's steps, we head back to Iasi, stopping in the middle of the mountains to check out this interesting lake : The Bear Lake of Sovata which is unique in Europe, its water being helio-thermal and salty, with well-known therapeutic effects (for chronic gynecological symptoms, severe rheumatic pains, peripheral nervous system and post-accidental motor diseases). You can take a bath if you'd like. That is if you find room ! It's very busy, many many people come here for the amazing, healing water.

Next, we'll admire another well known tourist zone of Romania, the Red Lake, it's name comes from the reddish alluvia deposited in the lake by the Red Creek. We will share you the legends related to this place and have a good time, maybe row a boat out to enjoy the amazing view.

We're passing then through the Bicaz Gorges, the pictures below worth more than 1000 words, this is the scenery : [ scenery photos ] We are having lunch then at the Pastravaria Cheita, famous for its home grown fish, the trout, cooked in a special, traditional way. Then we head on to Piatra Neamt, enjoy the city, as it is also surrounded by mountains, the view from Pietricica peak (reachable by cabin) will leave an unforgettable panorama in your thought. This is the way Romania is, unforgettable. We will take a short walk on the Istoric Center Esplanade.

And finally we head on back to Iasi to have dinner and accomodation at the hotel.

We may or may not see Dracula, who knows ?

But one thing is certain, you will have a once in a lifetime experience with the natural beauties of Romania, see the place where it all started, enjoy the air, the mountains, the water, the castles, the people, the culture, the nature. Enjoy Romania !

The price of this tour is 300 euros. It includes the personal guide, breakfasts and the accomodation.

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