Queen Marie’s story is the story of the European (Romanian) end of the XIX century, and the beginning of the XX-th, first World War, the Russian revolution and the mapping of the continent; even the American continent is present, by the story of one of Queen Marie’s friends, col. Joseph Boyle.

Friday, 4 p.m.

Leave for the coolness and freshness of the mountains, to Sinaia, the royal summer resort.

Visit the monastery of Sinaia (1695) and climb (by car) to “Stana Reginei”, the Royal Sheepfold and to the rock commanding the view of the whole Prahova Valley. Here is the place where the Queen met Prince Barbu Stirbei, her counseler and friend.

Overnight in Sinaia

Optional: discos.

Saturday

Visit Peles, the most beautiful royal palace in Europe. Ludwig’s alone may bring about the same fairy-tale athmosphere. Visit Pelisor, the decoration of which was designed by Queen Marie in the Art Nouveau style. The custodians report a faint smell of violets whenever the ghost of the queen returns to the nest of so many loving memories.

Cross the mountains into Transylvania and visit Castle Bran – her summer residence since 1921 and site of poetic reveries; the queen restored the castle into a romantic, fairy-tale habitat. Mircea, her 4-year old son was buried in the chapel. Across a river, in a shrine set in the wall of a mountain, lies Queen Marie’s heart. Remember to bring a flower.

Brief sightseeing of mediaeval Brasov.

Rustic lunch

Overnight in Brasov or Bran

Optional: night-club, discos

Sunday

Take a most wonderful pass in the mountains – Rucar, and arrive in Curtea de Arges, to the Queen’s tomb in a celebrated church – Mason Manole’s. Prolong the tour by one hour to see the historic fortress Dracula and the Gorge of Arges.

Then return to Bucuresti. This is a tour in the splendours of royal palaces and castles, high-life and gossips, love stories, state affairs, secret alliances, and adventures of the royal kind. It is also a tour into the history and shaping of Romania, a tour into the best of arts and craftmanship.

Logistic Latest booking: Friday 9 a.m.

The price covers transport by air-conditioned car or minibus, highly-trained guide, services for the guide and driver, accommodation in Sinaia and Brasov, breakfasts, museums.