Bucharest & Sinaia: Luxury, Peleș Castle, Therme

About the destination: Sinaia is a town and a mountain resort located in Prahova County, Romania. It is positioned in the historical region of Muntenia. The town was named after the Sinaia Monastery, established in 1695, which the town was built around. The monastery itself was named after the biblical Mount Sinai. King Carol I of Romania constructed his summer residence, Peleș Castle, near the town in the late 19th century. Sinaia is approximately 65 kilometers (40 miles) northwest of Ploiești and 48 kilometers (30 miles) south of Brașov. It is situated in a mountainous region on the Prahova River valley, just to the east of the Bucegi Mountains. The town's elevation ranges from 767 to 860 meters (2,516 to 2,822 feet) above sea level. The city is a favored destination for activities such as hiking and winter sports, particularly downhill skiing. The most significant tourist attractions include Peleș Castle, Pelișor Castle, Sinaia Monastery, Sinaia Casino, Sinaia train station, and the Franz Joseph and Saint Anne Cliffs. Sinaia was also the summer home of the Romanian composer George Enescu, who resided at the Luminiș villa.

About the destination: Bucharest is a truly stunning city, showcasing an unlikely blend of various architectural styles; you can find Gothic and Greek Orthodox structures next to Stalinist monuments, which are neighbors to post-modern apartment buildings made of concrete and glass. Unlike other cities, the layout of the streets is not grid-like, but rather star-shaped, with streets radiating out from roundabouts, creating blocks of varying shapes. In the 1950s, Bucharest was referred to as Little Paris due to the French influence on the city's landscape and lifestyle. Remnants of this era can still be seen in the city center's architecture, the abundance of outdoor cafes, and even in the Arcul de Triumf, a smaller version of Paris’ Arc de Triomphe. Downtown Bucharest is defined by the area between Victoriei Square, where the Romanian Government is located, and Unirii Square, where the grand boulevard leading to the Parliament Palace begins. Near Unirii Square, you can also find the old city center, the Old Princely Court, and iconic streets like Lipscani, Selari, Covaci, Gabroveni. This area is home to a mix of mid-19th century buildings, ruins of the Wallachian princes' medieval court, churches, bank headquarters, a few hotels, clubs, restaurants, and shops. Narrow, cobblestone streets still bear the names of the ancient guilds that once resided there. The area has been largely renovated and is now a popular gathering spot for the city's younger generation. Revolution Square is a double square that houses the Romanian Athenaeum, the National Library, the Senate building, and the old Royal Palace, which is now the Museum of Art. A tall monument stands in the center of the square in memory of those who died during the revolution. Bucharest is a city of parks. Take a stroll through the well-maintained central Cişmigiu Garden or the expansive Herăstrău Park. For the residents of Bucharest, these parks are more than just escapes from the summer heat; they are the heart of much of the city's social life. You'll find elderly retirees, young couples, football fans, and backgammon and chess enthusiasts everywhere. Come join the fun.