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@Lake Balea, Transfagaras, Sibiu

It was very early the next morning when the pets were taken to view Lake Balea, wreathed in a mist that had not yet had an opportunity to clear in the sun. It was a breathtaking natural gem that captivated the pets with its ethereal beauty and serene charm.

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@Fagaras Valley, Transylvania

"Those of you who watch Top Gear may have seen footage of the Transfagarasan," said Adriana, "a serpentine ribbon of tarmac carving through the rugged Carpathian Mountains, standing as an epic testament to human engineering and the allure of adventure. This exhilarating highway, often touted as the world's best driving road, unfurls over a stunning 56 miles (90 km), reaching dizzying heights of 6673 feet (2,034 metres) at its peak."

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@Transfagarasan, from Sibiu

Their guide continued. "Connecting the historical regions of Transylvania and Wallachia, it's not just a means of transport but a thrilling journey through a natural wonderland. The winding route boasts dramatic landscapes of towering peaks, lush valleys, and pristine lakes, with each twist and turn revealing a new panorama that takes your breath away. Constructed as a military project in the 1970s, this feat of engineering is open for public use, inviting thrill-seekers from across the globe to conquer its hairpin curves and sharp descents. Transfagarasan offers an unforgettable experience that marries the thrill of the drive with the grandeur of nature."

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@Fog over Lake Balea, Sibiu

They retraced their steps back the way they had come. Shrouded in an ethereal embrace, Lake Balea in Romania emerged as a mystical gem from the enveloping fog. The opaque veil of mist rose gently from the water's surface, weaving a tapestry of whispers among the surrounding peaks of the Fagaras Mountains.

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@Old Town, Sibiu, Romania

Adriana escorted the group on a walking tour around Sibiu. Nestled in the heart of Transylvania, Old Town Sibiu was a captivating journey into a world where mediaeval charm meets vibrant modern­ity. The eye-catching, colourful houses with their distinctive eye-shaped windows, known as the "Sibiu eyes", watch over the bustling streets, creating a picture-perfect back­drop for visitors. The pets spotted other eyes on them as they meandered through the town!

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@Lake Reflections, Sibiu, Romania

At the centre of Sibiu, the stunning Piața Mare, or Grand Square, played host to an array of lively cafés and enchant­ing events, while the loom­ing Council Tower offered breath­taking panoramas of the red-tiled rooftops and the surround­ing Carpathian Mountains. As they wandered through the maze-like alleys, the pets stumbled upon hidden gems, such as the enig­matic Liar's Bridge, the haunting­ly beautiful St Mary's Church, and the historic Bruken­thal Palace, now housing an impress­ive art museum. The enchant­ing allure of Old Town Sibiu left them spell­bound by its time­less beauty.

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@Mountain Range, Romania

The pets enjoyed that afternoon's drive out to see the Fagaras Mountains, often crowned with a majestic shroud of snow, rise like a frozen fortress against the clear sky. The range’s jagged peaks, which include the country's highest, Moldoveanul, pierced through the clouds like the teeth of a giant ice dragon.

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@Handmade Mugs, Transylvania

The café where they stopped for lunch had an exhibition and sale of charming ceramic vessels, crafted with the tender touch of skilled artisans. Not just tools for sipping tea or coffee; they were a symbol of national pride and an embodiment of the rich tapestry of Romanian folk art.

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@Old Casino, Constanta

Their next visit was to the Old Casino, a majestic architectural gem. Adriana skilfully wove stories about this grande dame of the Belle Époque era, exuding an air of timeless elegance with its intricate Art Nouveau facade and ornate details. The pets piled back on the coach with their heads filled with tales of opulent soirées and high-stakes gambling.

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@Winter Mountain Scene, Romania

The crisp air was filled with the sweet scent of the season, as the trees whispered secrets of the winter past. Wildlife fluttered and scurried, preparing to wake up for springtime, while distant cowbells echoed through the valleys, punctuating the tranquility.

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@Atmospheric Landscape, Romania

The pets found walking in the open mountainside was keenly invigorating. Above, the rugged peaks stretched towards the heavens in a breathtaking display of nature's grandeur. The atmosphere was one of quiet reverence, as if the very air was charged with the magic of centuries past.

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@Painting of Winter Scene, Romania

The pets were happy to come across an exhibition of paintings by a local art group. Echo was struck by one snowscene, where the artist's use of watercolour had created an ethereal quality. The overall effect was one of profound peace and timeless charm, inviting the observer, Echo felt, to step into the frame and feel the crunch of snow beneath his or her own feet. Echo's suitcase was going to be very full going back, but she just had to purchase this gem!

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@Traditional Romanian Beef Stew

It had been a very busy day and the group were glad to be able to check into their accommodation for the night. Later they met at their table in the restaurant for a traditional beef stew, which they fell on with gusto, their appetites having been sharpened by the keen mountain air. This comforting, aromatic delight, known as Tochitura de Vite, showcased the rich flavours of tender chunks of beef, slow-cooked to perfection in a hearty sauce. Infused with the robust essence of paprika and the gentle warmth of onions and garlic, the stew was a testament to the country's love for bold flavours. It was not just a meal; it was a celebration of Romanian hospitality and a delicious slice of their cultural heritage, which seemed to beckon the pets to gather around the table and share in a meal that was as comforting as a cosy fireside chat with a cherished friend.

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@Carpathian Mountains, Bucegi, Brasov

"Today we visit Brasov!" announced Adriana, as the Carpathian Mountains receded into the distance, with their majestic Bucegi range standing tall and proud, casting a dramatic backdrop to the enchanting city of Brașov.

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@Bran Castle, Brasov

The coach stopped a short distance from Bran Castle. Perched dramatically atop a rocky hill in the heart of Transylvania, Bran Castle loomed as a majestic symbol of Romania's past. Adriana outlined the history of the 14th-century fortress, with its soaring turrets, Gothic architecture, and ivy-covered walls. It was not just a testament to media­eval engineer­ing, but also a captivat­ing link to the legend of Dracula. "Although it's often associated with Bram Stoker's infamous vampire," explained their guide, "Bran Castle's true history is equally fascinating. Once a strategic defence against Otto­man invasions and a royal residence for Queen Marie of Romania, the castle now stands as a museum, brimming with arti­facts and art that reflect the region's tumultuous history." As the pets wandered through its halls, they could almost feel the presence of the count him­self, yet the castle's allure extended beyond the realm of folklore. The pets agreed that Bran Castle was a must-visit for those seeking a thrilling blend of history, myth and breath­taking beauty!

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@Magura Village, Brasov

Their next stop was Magura Village, a serene gem that whispered enchanting tales of ancient Romania. With its untouched natural beauty, the village was a living postcard of traditional wooden houses painted in vibrant colors, standing tall against the majestic backdrop of rolling green hills and towering pine trees. The pets were sorry to leave.

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@Sighisoara, Romania

"Welcome to Umbrella Street!" declared Adriana. "This whim­sical and vibrant alley­way has become a must-see attraction in this fairy­tale town." Adorned with a kaleido­scope of colour­ful, art­fully dis­played umbrellas that danced grace­fully in the wind, this narrow cobble­stone street was a delight­ful surprise to the group of pets.

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@Sphinx, Bucegi, Brasov

"A natural wonder carved by the relentless hands of time, the Sphinx, with its enigmatic human-like silhouette, casts a spellbinding gaze over the lush valleys of Romania," explained Adriana. The pets stood in awe of this amazing wonder.

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@Railway Station in Winter, Sinaia

"This town is often used as a film location due to its postcard-perfect wonder­land," explained Adriana. "The railway station, with its historic edifice, with its ornate arch­itecture and warm, glowing lights, stands as a beacon of welcoming warmth amidst the frosty whirl of winter. The sound of the distant train, a soft rumble echoing through the pine-scented air, builds anticipation for travellers huddled in their winter coats, as they await the chug of the engine and the hiss of the steam."

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@Rasnov Castle, Brasov

Next, the pets were taken to visit Rasnov Castle, perched on a rocky hilltop like a sentinel from a bygone era. "It is a majestic testament to the resilience and ingenuity of medieval Transylvania. Just a stone's throw from the bustling city of Brasov, this enigmatic fortress dates back to the 13th century, a time when the region was a tumultuous battle­ground of clash­ing empires and invading forces." The pets became wide-eyed and took sharp intakes of breath in picturing the bygone struggles for power.

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@Cincsor Village Commune, Brasov

"This place is a particular favourite of mine!" declared Adriana. "Cincsor Village Commune is a charming gem that captures the essence of Romania's rich history and cultural heritage. This tranquil haven is home to a delightful blend of well-preserved media­eval archi­tecture, stunning natural beauty, and warm, hospitable locals."

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@The Ethnographic Museum (Spinning and Weaving), Brasov

Next stop on the tour was a visit to the Ethnographic Museum in Brasov, a captivating testament to the rich tapestry of the region's traditional artistry. Housed in a charming 18th-century building, the museum invites visitors to embark on a journey through the intricate world of textile production as practised by the local inhabitants of Transylvania.

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@Fagaras Citadel, Brasov, Romania

Next was some more history, when Adriana took the group to the Fagaras Citadel, part of the region's rich mediaeval past. Located in the picturesque city of Fagaras, just 50 km (30 miles) from the bustling tourist hub of Brasov, this fortress was constructed in the 16th century under the reign of Transylvania's Prince, Petru Rares, as a strategic defence point against the Ottoman Empire's invasions.

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@Brasov, Transylvania

On the way back to Brasov to find their accommodation for the night, Adriana asked the coach driver to stop for a photo opportunity. The panorama of a patchwork of fields in Brasov they were viewing was a breathtaking tapestry of nature's finest hues, stretching as far as the eye can see. The fields undulated gently, a kaleidoscope of greens and golds. Each parcel of land, meticulously carved by the hands of generations of farmers, would tell a story of resilience and harmony with the earth. The excited pets took panoramic photographs, selfies and group photographs, then clambered back on board the bus, hungry enough now to wonder what they would have for their evening meal!

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@Mediaeval Brasov, Transylvania

The city of Brasov was a vibrant stage for the past and present, where colourful baroque buildings flanked the historic centre, each building with its own intricate facades. Beyond the bustling square, the enigmatic Bran Castle, perched on the outskirts of the city, cast a shadow that seemed to dance with the myths of Dracula that swirled through the region. As their trip through Romania was now in its final stages, the pets wondered where they would visit for the final few days and whether it could possibly be better than the glorious mediaeval architecture and rich tapestry of history they had been enjoying so much!

Echo has enjoyed their tour of Romania, but it is time to go home. Please select another pet as visitor, so they can also enjoy this event!