

Day 1: arrival, Bucharest city tour
Bucharest’s first mention in historical annals, as a prominent fortress and citadel, took place in 1459. The settlement quickly became the seat of the infamous Vlad the Impaler, powerful Prince of Wallachia and the real-life inspiration for Bram Stoker’s Dracula. Today, only a handful of medieval sites have survived the long period of Communist rule. Modern Bucharest represents a mélange of architecture from every subsequent time period, with old French and Soviet-influenced buildings providing the sharpest contrast.
Arriving in Bucharest, you’ll be introduced to your guide and settle into the comfortable Capitol Hotel, the perfect starting point for an in-depth exploration of this magnificent modern capital. On your panoramic city tour, you’ll witness the vibrant cultural renaissance now sweeping the city.
*should you travel to Bucharest on a flight that arrives late in the afternoon or evening, the city tour can also be done the next morning
Overnight in Bucharest, Hotel Capitol****(5 minutes walk from the Old Town)