Following Queen Mary of Romania
Considered by many historians as the "last romantic" queen, Queen Mary was not only a key figure in Romanian politics but also a cousin to King George VI. A passionate advocate for Romania, she played a crucial role in aligning the country with the Allied Powers during World War I. Queen Mary’s dedication contributed significantly to the Great Union of 1918, when Romania united its historical regions and strengthened its position in Europe. Her life, filled with adventure and political influence, serves as an exemplary model of how a queen should serve her country.
This tour offers an intimate look at Queen Mary’s life, exploring the places she loved and lived, immersing you in the atmosphere of 20th-century Romania at the height of its development. Along the way, you'll visit important cultural monuments in both Romania and Bulgaria, discovering the rich history and heritage of these two nations.
Day 1
Bucharest
After checking into the 4-star NH Hotel, enjoy a delightful dinner in a charming restaurant that recreates the atmosphere of early 20th-century Bucharest. Here, you’ll understand why the city was once called the “Little Paris of Eastern Europe.” During the evening, take part in a captivating one-hour presentation with slides about Queen Mary's life, her achievements, and her love affairs, immersing you in the story of Romania's beloved queen.
Day 2
Bucharest and Its Neighborhoods
We begin the day with a city tour of Bucharest, starting with a visit to the Cotroceni Palace, once the residence of King Ferdinand and Queen Maria of Romania. The palace still preserves many personal belongings of the royal family, including furniture, textiles, and paintings that reflect the grandeur of Romania's monarchy.
Next, we’ll explore the Old City, the historic heart of Bucharest, once home to merchants and craftsmen around the Princely Court. Today, it’s a vibrant pedestrian area filled with restaurants, nightclubs, theaters, boutiques, and antique shops. Lunch will be at the renowned Caru cu Bere Restaurant, a German-style brewery famous for its traditional cuisine and lively atmosphere.
In the afternoon, we’ll visit the Royal Palace, now the National Museum of Art, and continue to the History Museum, where Queen Maria’s heart is preserved in a special box. The evening is free for dinner at your leisure, followed by an overnight stay at the same hotel.
Day 3
Bucharest - Balcik
Today, we depart for Bulgaria to visit Balcik, Queen Mary's cherished sanctuary. She loved this magical place so deeply that, in her will, she requested her heart be laid to rest here, near the soothing waves of the Black Sea.
On the way, we’ll stop for lunch featuring fresh seafood near the Bulgarian border. Upon arrival in Balcik, we’ll visit Queen Mary’s Palace, built between 1926 and 1937, during a time when the town was still part of Romanian territory. Designed by Italian architects Augustino and Amerigo, the villa reflects Mediterranean elegance, while the surrounding gardens were crafted by Swiss florist Jules Jany. These gardens are home to over 200 species of trees, with some being considered paleontological treasures.
After exploring the palace and its enchanting surroundings, enjoy dinner at a local restaurant before retiring for the night at a 5-star hotel in Balcik.
Day 4
Balcik - Plovdiv
On our way to Plovdiv, we’ll stop at the Madara Horseman, an impressive relief carved into a massive cliff, standing 23 meters high. This monument showcases early Medieval Bulgarian artistry, depicting a horseman in a natural pose, sword in hand.
Next, we’ll visit the Bachkovo Monastery, the second largest in Bulgaria and one of the most popular on the Balkan Peninsula. After a visit to the monastery, we’ll enjoy lunch on site.
In the afternoon, we’ll arrive in Plovdiv, one of the oldest cities in Europe, as ancient as Troy. We’ll explore the city with a walking tour through its charming old town, rich with history and culture.
Check in at the Trimontium 4 Hotel*, followed by dinner in the old city.
Day 5
Plovdiv - Veliko Tarnovo
We depart in the morning, with our first stop at the Thracian Tomb of Kazanlak, located in the heart of the Rose Valley. This UNESCO World Heritage Site offers a fascinating glimpse into ancient Thracian culture and art.
Next, we continue toward Veliko Tarnovo, with a short stop at the Etara Outdoor Village Museum, a living museum showcasing traditional Bulgarian crafts. Afterward, we’ll visit the Arbanassi Church, known for housing some of the most stunning frescoes in Bulgaria. Enjoy lunch in the picturesque village of Arbanassi.
Arriving in Veliko Tarnovo, Bulgaria’s old capital, late in the afternoon, we’ll embark on a guided tour of the city. In the evening, witness the spectacular Sound and Light Show, an unforgettable display of history through music and lights. Dinner will be in the old city, followed by an overnight stay at a 4-star hotel in the heart of Veliko Tarnovo’s historic district.
Day 6
Tarnovo - Curtea de Arges - Brasov
We will depart in the morning and cross the Danube at Russe, continuing our journey to Curtea de Arges, the first capital of Wallachia in the 14th century. Before lunch, we will visit the stunning Curtea de Arges Monastery, where Queen Mary and the Romanian royal family are buried. The monastery church, originally built in the 16th century, was beautifully renovated in the 19th century by King Carol I of Hohenzollern.
After our visit, we will cross the Carpathian Mountains and head to Brasov. Check in at the Aro 5* Hotel, followed by dinner in the old city.
Day 7
Brasov and Surroundings
After breakfast, we head to Bran Castle, originally built by the Saxons in the 14th century. In 1922, it was gifted to Queen Mary after the border between Romania and the Austrian Empire was dissolved, rendering the castle’s role as a border garrison obsolete. During our visit, we’ll explore each room to gain a deeper understanding of Queen Mary’s life. It's worth noting that the castle has since been returned to the Saxa-Habsburg family, who have graciously maintained it as a public museum.
Following lunch near the castle, we’ll return to Brasov in the afternoon for a guided city tour. Enjoy another night in Brasov at the same accommodation, with a free evening for dinner at your leisure.
Day 8
Brasov - Bucharest
In the morning, enjoy some free time for shopping before we depart for the Prahova Valley around 11:30. Our first stop will be in Azuga for lunch paired with a "champagne" tasting at the Rhein Winery, which has been producing sparkling wine since 1892. The winery remains the official supplier to the Romanian royal family to this day.
Next, we’ll visit the stunning Peles and Pelisor Castles, where Queen Mary lived with her husband, Ferdinand I.
In the late afternoon, we’ll arrive in Bucharest for a special farewell dinner at Stirbey Palace, just outside the city. The palace once belonged to Prince Barbu Stirbey, Queen Mary’s longest love affair. Dinner will be served in the very castle where Queen Mary spent much of her life, with her portrait still adorning one of its halls.
Day 9
Departure Home
Transfer to the airport.
Price (minimum 10 paying guests):
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Per person in a double room: €1,653
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Single supplement: €308
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Services Included:
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Accommodation in 4* and 5* hotels
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Professional English-speaking guide
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Meals as outlined in the program