Romania

Types of trips: Historical, Architectural, Geographical, Skiing, Mountain Walking, Beach and Sea

Best known for: Dracula, Transylvania, The Black Sea, Merry Cemetery, Maramures and Brancovenesc architecture, Ceramics, Nai Pan Flute, Palace of Parliament (largest and most expensive administrative building in the world)

Why Go?: Romania has a truly individual culture that stands out in the midst of Europe - the style of its buildings and its local history have a certain edge you wont find anywhere else, and it's pleasant weather would make for an all-round pleasant trip; there is plenty to both see and do here.

Fact File

Population: 21,000,000

Capital: Bucharest

Language(s): Romanian

Ties to the UK?: Strong immigration and trade links

Landscape: Mountains, plains, hills

Climate/Seasons: Possible high summer temperatures are brought down by cool wind from the Black Sea, and the winter season of December - April sees snowfall in most of the country. Black Sea resorts will be very hot (well over 30 degrees) in the summer, with average sea temperatures of 24 degrees.

When to Go: Reasonable at all times of year - summers aren't too hot, and although it would be cold, the snow in winter makes for some stunning scenery.

Reasons to Visit: Individual architecture and a fascinating history would make for a captivating experience in Romania - it has a quality different to any of its neighbouring countries, and would be well worth a visit. 

How to Get There: The capital city Bucharest has a good international airport, and arriving by air from the UK would be the quickest and easiest manner of travelling. The country has good internal flights and public transport systems, which make up for the poorer quality of the road network.

Places to Go: Bucharest, Dracula's Castle in Bran, Black Sea resorts, Targu Jiu

Famous People: "Dracula", Henri Coanda, Simona Halep, Nicolae Paulescu, Gheorghe Hagi, Nadia Comaneci, Emil Cioran, Tristan Tzara, Gheorghe Zamfir, Constantin Brancusi

Natural Wonders/Wildlife: Rich variety of wildlife with a high population of brown bears and wolves, Danuvbe Delta, Fagaras Mountains

History: Invaded by the Soviet Union in WWII and was under Soviet influence until 1989

Architecture: Palace of the Parliament, Pele's Castle, Stavropoleos Monastery, Bran Castle, CEC Palace, Brukenthal National Museum, Southern Bucovina painted churches

Culture: Local film, music and art, Painted Easter Eggs, Well-known castles, Rich local food, Sculpture

Sport: Football, Tennis

Events: Large trade, food, dance and musical fairs in the summertime, Sighisoara (Medivla Days) Festival in August, and there are a decent amount of religious and agricultural holidays

Watch Out For: Reputation for petty crime, so exercise caution particularly in the cities

Medical Issues: Some vaccination boosters may be advised, check with your GP - more info here