Travelling smart to Romania

I can bet, you are the happy owner of a smart device, most probably a smart phone. The youngsters and teenagers must have even more and unfortunately are already dependant. I wonder if they must be smarter under these circumstances.

A very old house from the Village Museum in Bucharest, please don't imagine Romania like that

But with so many smart devices we all are supposed to live smarter, and, yes, to travel smarter! What would I understand through a smart travel, and what you understand through this notion is the same thing, I hope: spare time and money, never neglect thinking to environment, Earth and the locals of the visited country. And to be even more specific, I would like to refer to Romania, as I love it, I know as my pockets  and work here as travel guide.

A Romanian marriage is really an event!

You have first the important choice to decide whether you take the full package (e.g. flight+trip) or buy them separately. If you take the full package, I see a few advantages:
-you are in a group and can hereby have more fun and meet new people
-you can find me or another skilled qualified travel guide giving you a lot of tipps and tricks, as we know the country, the places and know on what doors we can knock. On you own you need much more time for it, and will surely miss a lot of things
- in this way you can find a week travel at prices between 600-800 Euros with good hotels and half board. I know a few German companies offering these things, you can find for sure in your country, or on the site of the most important travel agencies for incoming trips, namely www.karpaten.ro

If fod, drinks aor gastronomy, broadly speaking, mean anything to you, you are invited in Romania, of course

If you are going to book the flight separately, a good choice is the national company TAROM or the global wholesaler momondo (booking in advance through them I could enjoy a wonderful flight Bucharest-Madrid for 70 Euros!). Afterwards, look for hotels directly, or, again, through a well established travel company.

Danube Delta is a fantastic clush of water and mood

And, once there, or even a few time in advance, make some choices according to your interests: adventure, Danube Delta, seaside, mountains, urban civilization, art, museums, archaeology, wines etc. We have a lot of things to show, and like deeply sharing them with our guest. I guess, for all these specific interests, my blogg itself is an important unbiased source of information, hold on!

Read more »

Only in Romania

Every country is different, and sometimes is good to think about the national specific. That is why so important to go somewhere else and getting a new fresh perspective. That's why I travel often to Germany or other European countries, but also to visit all my friends living there.

There are a few fantastic museums in Romania for the culture freaks (here selected glass works from the beginn of XXth century)

First of all, thank God, in Romania not everything is set and reglemented. We still have genuine landscapes and a certain joy of life. We love our mountains, hills and plains, we love the Danube Delta and the Romanian Black Sea Coast. Despite the globalization, Romania still remains the main target for the vacation of the Romanians. That's why I dare to invite you here, you have a lot to see.

The wonderful city of Brasov is a highlight due its Medieval downtown

We also do have good hotels. Private property, international chains, Romanian chains, be sure to find everything you want, no wish remains unsatisfied. Besides, the friendly and educated Romanians will invite you private when visiting a village. An amazing people for sure, very proud and sometimes dissapointed by their corrupted politicians.

Dracula Castle from Bran. If you seek the sensation, we have the myth of Dracula

We deeply love and respect Transilvania, Moldavia, Dobrogea and Valahia (our historical provinces) with their long and troubled history. We love our minorities, the Hungarians, the Szekely, the Germans (unfortunately this community is shrinking, but the Romanian President is Klaus Iohannis), and also the picturesque Roma and Sinti. There are obviously regional differences, due to traditions and minorities, but we are still there holding together, as we love this country. That's why I dare to invite you there, you are welcome.

Happy tourists, friendly locals. The two people from the front(my arms on their shoulders)were one of my best and loveliest groups, thanks

You can do a lot of things in Romania. You can ski in the winter on the slopes of the Carpathians Mountains, you can fish and hunt, you can make a detoxification and practise some sports. In the summer you can swim in the Black Sea, you can watch interesting shows. In spring and autumn you can take part to some cultural tours, e.g. following the traces and the history of the German Saxons.

Danube Delta is really genuine and peaceful

About the gourmets, they won't be dissapointed at all. Taste the cabbage rolls with polenta, is simply fantastic. If you didn't know (that's you you might need me and that's why I am here) Romania is a wine country, one of the most important producer worldwide. You will fall in love with our drops of wine and ask for more. On the other side, the beer drinkers will also find something special and be very happy. Wonderful country, that is why I invite you here.

Who seeks urban life, will find in Bucharest. Don't miss the Ceausescu Palace and the night life

For all these reasons, becomes Romania a must for you. And there is another reason, but I can't find the words for expressing it. Maybe a certain vibration, maybe a cosmic radiation which you can try to discover by yourself.

Read more »

Highlights and events in Romania

Interesting to define highlights, it is really provocativ. Much more interesting is to define the highlights of a possible Romanian trip of yours. I could try to simplify it, and declare that all Romania is a highlight, but I won't do that (nevertheless Romania is a must see for everyone).

The Church of Moldovita is a highlight if you go to upper Moldavia(or Bucovina)

Maybe in this season one of the highlights are the the Carpathian Mountains with their ski slopes located all over the country. Besides, taking part to a hunting in Romania could be really an event. Another event is taking part to a pig slaughting to the contryside according to the old tradition. It is really a highlight, and everything tastes so genuine, so special. But you must be very careful, you will put some pounds on!

Please observe in Romania that the nature and the rural society seem to be still o.k., respecting each other

As we are facing a mild winter, for some travelers the Black Sea coast and the city of Constanta have no doubts a strong charm and spell. You will be barely able to recognize the city, or the resort of Mamaia. Everything is so empty and peaceful, comparing with the high season from July and August.

In Winter as in Summer the capital city of Bucharest is really atractive, despite the traffic jams. Every big city is familiar to jams and the lack of parking places, and Bucharest is not an exception (but as mention during the scholar vacations is really a pleasure to drive in Bucharest). With its wonderful museums, its broad avenues, its churches and fountains Bucharest is a pleasant surprise for everyone interested in urban life, or in night life.

The painted churches of Romania are under UNESCO protection (Moldovita again)

For those interested in rural life, please note that even these days almost a half of the Romanians live to the countryside. Amazing, isn't it? Some of those villages are really traditional, and it is really an event visiting them. Here the people and the society seems the be still in order, far away from the modern stressing life. And no matter how poor are these Romanians living to the countryside, everyone of them would invite you inside and treat you like a King or a Queen!

The Romanian gastronomy is another major reason to visit Romania

The Romanians love to speak and adore to communicate. They also double and strenghten their words with generous majestic gesture. There is no way to fear any communication difficulties therefore, for sure!

Read more »

If you can't reach the snow on Pluto, then visit Romania

For God sick, the man are fundamentally sad and unhappy. If you wanna understand why, try to learn some philosophy, starting with Hegel or Bertrand Russel. But even if you will understand why should the men be unhappy won't release you from your unhappiness.

Spectacular Sunset in Romania, as caught from the Western Carpathians (Muntii Apuseni). Forget all your fears, everything is o.k. on our Earth, including Romania

But I have also simplier better ideas. Try to live now and here, don't dream with open eyes flying to Mars or reaching Pluto with its snows or frozen mood. You could rather think visiting Romania, I am sure you won't be unhappy anymore, forgetting your sadness.

Happy German bikers in Hotel Ten Constanta, visiting Romania through the travel company Karpaten and a good travel guide (that's me, paw)

If you come to Romania right now you can discover some interesting things. Start with the people: they are not reach, but seems to be very happy. How do they do that, is a huge mistery. Climb the mountains, walk in the forests, lie in the sun at Mamaia and try to find yourself. It is not easy at all, I know, but is a good chance to discover yourself.

Urban civilization in Oradea, Romania: the fantastic passage of the Black Eagle, a good illustration of the Art Nouveau in the dawn of the XXth century

There are many ways to discover Romania, it is a destination for all season, but the most recommandable is in Spring and Autumn. As a change, you can come in Winter for ski, and in sumer for bathing and beaching on the Black Sea coast. Be only aware of one simple thing in midsumer, I mean July and August, the locals are also spending their vacations on the Black Sea Coast, and all the beaches are full., to the delight of the entrepreneurs. Also, a very intensive night life, the best treatment against depression.
So, my dear and beloved friends, stop dreaming to Mars, or Pluto, or even trying to see green horses on the ceiling, and start to live by visiting Romania.

Read more »

Visit Romania only if...

you wanna have a big time. Romania will mean an event for you for sure, and you are going to have a big time.

The folklore and the popular music could be also a reason to visit Romania

Visit Romania only if you really enjoy life. You are going to have in Romania very good human contacts, the Romanians are friendly people, always happy to have guests and proud to show them everything. Many of them are also ready to give you everything, as to their good friends. And it really means everything, clothes and suits.

In Romania we still use the horses in agriculture, forest exploitation etc

Visit Romania only if you want to discover something special. Half of the population still lives to the countryside, and sometimes not in the best conditions! Nevertheless, they will welcome you from all their heart with bread and salt, in the good traditional way. Many hotels will also receive you with a glass of wine.

Romania means a rich culture, before anything else. Here the painted monastery from Moldovita with the expert explanations of a sister

Visit Romania only if you have at least one week free. It is a medium sized country, with 237 000 sqkm and 21 Millions inhabitants. There are many interesting tours lasting one week, e.g. at Karpaten, the biggest incoming company .If you have less time to your disposal, make a city break in Bucharest, or other big city of Romania. Many of them are really fantastic due of their architecture and historic artefacts.

The Roamanian gastronomy is rich, tasty and affordable. No chance to get any weight off

Visit Romania only if you plan to come here again. This is the usually way the tourists follow: come as guest, leave as a friend and come back! The time for a trip to Romania is always too short, and there are a plenty new things to discover at every step. And a new perspective might be the good one, if you understand what I mean. Romania is surprisingly and charming.

These all above mentioned are a few of the most important things to visit Romania. It really worths, believe me and make a try!

Read more »

Most memorable Romanian tours

As a professional travel guide in Romania I have some times in winter some extra free time, which I use to remember the season, lasting from April till October in this fascinating country of mine, which we proudly name Romania.

Of course, not all these German tourists spend their youth in Romania. But all of them enjoyed singing in the churches.

And there are a lot of memorable things, which happened during my Romanian tours with foreign tourists, mainly coming from Germany. Once, e.g., to the general surprise and confusion, a tourist started to sing inside an Evangelic church from Harman/Honigberg, near Brasov/Kronstadt. But he sang damned good, if I may say so, and we knew at once he was a retired priest, which we used to call Padre.

Transilvania, beloved sweet country, that is what a German could read on this carpet

Maybe even more touching, after visiting another church from Sighisoara/Schassburg one of my honored beloved guests started to cry, as he could remember how he married in the same church 40 years ago. I really love this job, as I deal with people and their feelings, not with computers.

It is unfortunately not a real priest calling its sermon, but one of my happy tourists

Another couple, gone from Romania to Germany in the 1990's, saw for the first time their home village Sura Mare/Grossscheuen bei Sibiu/Hermannstadt after longer than 20 years. They were very disappointed about the state of their former house and of the restaurant where they celebrated their marriage. I also guessed they were unhappy about the celebration of Silver and Gold wedding. It is really a long story.

Romania is for sure not only a Dracula destination, but on the contrary! Nevertheless this Dracula is a well kept sensation

Maybe I should apologize, these are rather my own memories. But these memories of mine have a lot of things to do with Romania and my tourists. Every above mentioned story is true, but please don't ask me further about any names. It is a well kept secret, and I won't say it for nothing in the world. I am very grateful to these people, which gave me to keep such sensitive secrets. I won't disappoint them, I swear.

Read more »

Insider tips for a Romania travel

If you come to Romania, you should know prior the basic things about this fascinating and fantastic country. E.g., today, on the 1.December we celebrate, it is our national day.

Bucharest, the Romanian Capital in winter

Consequently, before any other else, I would advise you to visit Romania on its national Day. You will see everywhere smiling faces and a sincerely genuine joy of life coming from inside to the most of Romanians. It is really a privilege for us living in this country and we also invite you to visit this piece of paradise on Earth. You can even watch the impressive military parade and take part to the useful popular distribution of the portions of beans and sausages, a sort of national meal.

Maybe you should know, the Traian Grand Hotel from Iasi, Romania has been designed by Gustave Eiffel 

You can party further in a night club, there are a plenty of such locals in Bucharest and throughout Romania. It means excellent food with plenty of drinks at fantastic low prices, really a bargain for sure. Besides, you can be treated like a king/queen in a first class hotels, e.g  Ramada Parc Bucharest, with swimming pool, sauna etc.

And else, what can I do else, I can almost hear your next question? Well, there are two possibilities: first of them, there is a lot of snow in the country, you can ski, skate or do other winter sports, in renowned resorts like Poiana Brasov, Predeal, Paltinis to name only a few. Second of them, there is no snow, no trace of winter, that means you can discover thoroughful Romania at its best, making a cultural trip through this country of mine.

If you want to learn more about the Romanian history, the National Museum of Bucharest is the right place for sure

And you can discover first historic Capitals of the former Romanian states, e.g cities like Iasi, Suceava, Curtea de Arges, Campulung Muscel or Alba Iulia, last but not least. Some of them might seem totally decayed, being actually today very small towns, wearing nevertheless a certain pride and arrogance. Visiting them you will perfectly understand what I mean.

Or you can try to discover the fortified churches of the German Saxons of Transilvania. Most of them are sad and deserted, this community is diing, they only mean 0,2 % from the Romanian population. Despite it, a member of this community, namely Klaus Iohannis, has been freshly elected as Romanian President, with a lot of hope and expectations. He must be really a charismatic leader to succeed, the task is not easy to fulfil, we all wish him good luck and will try to help him in this entreprise!

The painted churches from Bucovina are simply fantastic, a part of the world heritage as described by UNESCO

No matter if the winter is cold, hot, rich or poor on snow you can find the best of Romania to the countryside. There you can find the best of Romania, the eternal Romania!  Don't be afraid of the bad winter, any Romanian on the street will invite you inside in his bigger or smaller house   with a natural born kindness and courteousy. You are going probably to resent the same feeling to the Romanian countryside: the time stays still, and you can really enjoy the present moments.

Read more »

Why you should book your trip to Romania right now

I think you deserved, and I mean it from all my heart. You have been working hard for a few months, maybe years, and now is necessary to have a break. Afterwards you are going to come back with an enhanced joy of life and mood for work, I can bet.

An original culture is to find in Romania at any step (here a Dracula castle!)

Besides, I am deeply convinced, as a travel guide here, that Romania is one of the best travel destinations worldwide, as you can tailor your vacation according to your budget and interest. Most of our tourists are German, and you can imagine that they have strong reasons for coming here. Some excellent offers you can find on the site of Karpaten, which is nowadays the best incoming company for Romania.

If you are kean about wildlife, we have some ideal places for you, Danube Delta is only one of them

The major reasons for visiting Romania would be on one hand the prices. There still some bargains to be found in this magnificent country if you have a clever skilled travel guide. If you travel on a budget, you can find good offers with half pension for 500 Euros, one week. Probably much better than coming individual on your own.

On the other hand, another major reason would be the people. Normal, friendly, always ready to help are 90 % of the Romanians. The country is safe and very friendly to the tourists from abroad. If you go deeper to the countryside and discover the genuine Romania would be an event. Everything tastes better comparing with what you eat and drink usually at your home, bought from supermarket. You are going to notice from the appetizer, when tomatoes will be surely there. This remark doesn't apply only to tomatoes, almost all the food are bio products.

We have also some modern urban life: behind this group of happy tourists you can see the second biggest building worlwide, behind the Pentagon

You can ski in Romania, you can lie in the sun and swim, you can do also culture and archaeological trips. You can even discover in style, not necessary on a budget. More and more love pairs choice Romania as a destination for honeymoon, we have some romantic destinations indeed. You can even have your marriage in an Orthodoxe church, after the prior necessary baptism ( if applies).

The genuine rural Romania can still be found in some places, despite globalization! Here the wonderful Village Museum

If you are a wine drinker, you are going to love Romania, it is a wine country. We can organize for you wine tasting (with or without folcloric show) and you can also enjoy at every meal another sort of wine, e.g. Merlot, Muscat, Pinot gris and of course some sorts like Tamaioasa, or grasa, which are specific to Romania and let them not so easy translated or described. Please discover them in the right places, if you are brave enough and don't fear the consequences.

Keep in touch for any other details, I am sure that booking now means a good save for you. Afterwards, I am in charge to make from your booking an unforgettable event! Cheers, you are waited and welcomed here.

Read more »

Most memorable things to see in Romania

There are without any doubts a few necessary things to be discovered in Romania. And I don't mean hereby the UNESCO protected areas, which are really a few and came as a recognition of a fantastic country having so much to offer to the entire world.

In some pats of the country you can still discover the genuine rustic Romania, like in this photo taken in Bucharest, at the Village Museum

The Romanians are special, are different and thus so interesting to so many strangers. I don't know exactly why, because the culture or the rich long history, but we are different and I really can't express exactly the mentioned differences. We are very tolerant indeed, e.g. we have a strong Hungarian minority which is very respected and beloved, and our next President (we are having elections) is very probably to be a German Romanian, namely Klaus Iohannis, the Mayor of the city of Sibiu/Hermannstadt.

Danube Delta is really fascinating with its richness of wild life

When visiting Romania try to figure before the Middle Age, when the Romanians were mostly sheeperds, going everywhere with their herds in search of the best juicy pastures. Thus you are going to understand why we love so much the sheep cheese, might it be cas or telemea, which is really very difficult to translate, bag you pardon for keeping this Romanian words. Nevertheless, we have a few things we are not reasonable, and could not be understood, making Romania so charming, e.g. very few Romanian restaurants offer sheep, lamb or mutton in their menus.

A brillant example of the rich Romanian history: the Royal signs of power from the Dracula Palace in Bran

But please don't worry, you are not going to starve while visiting Romania, actually is very probably to put heavily on, everything is tasting excellent, almost bio and refusing a meal invitation is a matter of honor. The gastronomy itself is excellent, with many different influences and surely a strong taste. The Romanian gastronomy is based on tomatoes, but the tomatoes from Romania taste totally different comparing with what you can find in the supermarkets from anywhere. And we really strive to keep these differences, despite globalization.

Group of German tourists (among them Renate, Mechtild, Manfred) discovering Bucharest. Behind them, the huge Parliament Palace, world,s second biggest building, build by Ceausescu from his sick paranoic ambition

So, first of, discover the people, mainly to the countryside. It is amazing and memorable, even unforgettable. You will understand each other perfect, despite language barriers, if you prior drink together a glass of tzuica or wine! We are a cultivated people, probably your new friends from Romania will be able to speak your language. But they will appreciate nevertheless if you strive to learn a few words in their native language.

Well known as a Dracula land, Romania is also a fine culture destination

Besides, discover the Danube Delta, discover the Carpathians, discover the Black Sea. Discover the hills and the plains, discover the wonderful Romanian cities and a few of our best museums. All of them are really memorable and unforgettable.

Read more »

Best reasons to visit Romania

I think to be the right time for visiting Romania, which remains nevertheless a destination for all seasons. Usually the groups I guide in Romania are elderly and they prefer on easy to understand reasons to visit Romania in Spring and Autumn.

Traditional old Romanian houses, as you still can find in The Village Museum of Bucharest

Let's go back to our issue, I don't mean "visit Romania now at this very moment" , but " visit Romania".  I don't intend at all to push you, I am only trying to unveal and reveal you a gorgeous destination. Be sure, Romania is waiting for you and you may not resist.

The most important asset of Romania are the Romanians themselves. They are normal people like you, showing a lot of humor all the time. The Romanians are very tolerant and know to receive well their guests, whether in a good hotel, or in their private small house. Any way, you will feel a real guest and can really play the aristocrats. Also important: the Romanians are flexible and can improvise; and they know better than anyone not to tease you with all the kind of silly regulations.

Wine tasting in Romania are really an event

Besides, Romania is a cheap destination, even if you are travelling to the upper class. I am pretty sure you won't regret any penny. We are not too rich, actually one of the poorest country in the EU, but we are still very proud to be Romanians in our Romania. And you can take a profit of it if you find the right places. E.g.: the fantastic  night life of the big city of Bucharest could seem to you very cheap.

But even there in the very center of Bucharest at night, during the wonderful party you will probably observe how safe is Romania and its Capital. Actually, one of the safest travel destinations worldwide. Besides, all these people can behave themselves normally and relaxed, showing good manners.

The rural Romania is a part of daily life

Drink wine in Romania, it is a wine country. Drink and enjoy it, drink and enjoy life as we also do. We have good sortiments of Merlot or Muscat Ottonel, my personal favs and recommendations. You can also taste a glass of your favorite beer, there are plenty of them. But the wine remains the key to definitely win the locals. "In vino veritas" used to say the Latins, our beloved ancestors. Taste also the delicious Romanian gastronomy, it is really a royal feast and you will be very enthusiasthic about it, I can bet.

Fortified church of the Transilvania Saxons (Biertan)

Besides, some of the Romanian landscapes are simply unique and fantastic. And I mean Danube Delta, the painted monasteries of Northern Moldavia, the wood churches from Maramures or the defending churches of the Transilvania Germans, to name just a few.

Read more »

Essential Travel Guide of Romania

As the vacations are coming nearer, and because you might want looking for a destination, I would like to remember about Romania, renewing my invitation for you to come here.

An event, even in the rural Romania: traditionally dressed children visit the neighborhood wishing all the best

The weather is very nice at the moment, and the huge crowds of tourists are still far away, resulting the best conditions for an unforgettable holliday. It is really an excellent idea to visit Romania right now, before the beginning of the full season. It is a little cheaper (but Romania is anyway a cheap friendly destination) and you can visit it in your own rhytm, away from the mass tourism. You can do it on your own, or over a well established company. The second solution is better and cheaper, watch the unbelievable offers of 1A Vista or Bergen & Meer and try to remake those trips on your own. The difference is huge, as you can see!

A happy group of German tourists, arrived over the established company Berge & Meer. I am very happy to observe that young people also choice Romania as good holidays destination

I already had the honor to be travel guide in this spring for  these companies. It was really great, both for me and my guests, we had a wonderful time. There are a few memorable things to remember, and I must call them back from my working store memory. Really don't know if I can remember all the headlines, but let me try, and allow me bothering with these things. For the former participants at these trips it is quite interesting to remember, while the other people can find the most important things about Romania, preparing their own trips to this wonderful country. I am also prepared to receive other tourists, showing them other and other sides of my country.

Touching tenderness, Romania is an excellent destination for honeymoon or Flitterwoche

I would appreciate in this job of mine the direct human contacts and the lack of routine. That is why I love  it very much, I never have time to bother. Besides, I met with these occasion fantastic Romanians, working at Karpaten, the local corespondent of 1A Vista and Berge & Meer (e.g Alexandra Nedelcu and Gheorghe Marginean, with the risk to have forgotten other; but Alexandra and George are really competent, reliable, funny and helpful).

Romania is not limited at Dracula, but this myth could give you the necessary impulse to visit the land and book your trip

Maybe the spring is the best season for discover the surprising Romania, as everything is green, fresh and full of life. The people are o.k., very friendly, and my tourists even attented a memorable divine service on Easter, in an orthodoxe church, which is really unique and unforgettable. All the people are there, taking that holly flame, and there must be a spirit holding them together.

Shopping in Romania, during a break at a gas station

And the amazing Romania goes beyond any expectation. It is so quiet and peaceful to the countryside, with all the people doing the daily routine works, as they know from centuries ago. Really genuine, really o.k. and totally different from the daily life in Germany, e.g., where most of my tourists live. But we also have an interesting urban life in Bucharest, Brasov/Kronstadt, Sibiu/Hermannstadt, Cluj-Napoca, Iasi, Craiova, Constanta or nature at its best in Danube Delta , or at the peaks of the Carpathians.

It is really a blessed country, and we are waiting for you to show all these beauties.

Read more »

Most Renowned Romanian Vineyards

 The wine is the healthiest and most hygienic drink, used to say Louis Pasteur, the world renowned French scientist. It is probably one of the rare says never changed by history and medicine.

Most renowned Romanian Vineyards

Many historians and botanists agree that the birthplace of vineyards and wine making must be searched in the old Tracia, partially covered by the today Romania; they also agree that vineyards are older than other branches of agriculture, dating back to impressive 8000 years ago. We have a good tradition here in Romania in producing good quality wines, as in developing a certain culture of wine drinking.

Drinking wine is not so simple. We have here in Romania a certain civilization and culture of wine

I do not wish to promote drinking, any misuse or abuse is really a danger for anybody's health. But everywhere in the world, with small differences due to the local culture, drinking one or more glasses of wine daily is socially accepted. As wine and beer are the only drinks accepted as food, we should further limit to these things only. Let's compare the event of drinking a glass of wine vs. drinking a glass of beer. The wine is no doubt stronger and has more to do with celebration and enjoying life. We really enjoy life here in Romania, and love to share it. Drinking a glass of wine is not so simple. Don't drink it if you are thirsty, never pair it with fast food. Evaluate it with all your  senses, trying to imagine all the work necessary from the grape to the drink in your glass. Watch it carefully, hear it, smell it and taste it. Listen to its secret story, it is a gift of God and of the people who cared about it.

Tasting wine in Romania can find place in some exotic places, e.g. in a former salt mine

A fabulous Romanian scientist and a great spirit, namely Grigore Moisil, used to say that any people is entitled to a glass of wine. After having drunk it, he turns to be another people. Really an endless circle, don't take it really!

This tradition and culture of wine is very useful in the today Romania, which is among the first ten producers worldwide. Older and newer vineyards are dotted all around is this fantastic country of us. No matter corner of city of Romania would you like to visit, you will find within at least 50 km a renowned vineyards, waiting for your visit. Take it, grab it, don't hesitate. No matter the season, take a walk inside the vineyard and feel the secret energy of the land. It is useful to follow it while tasting. This short visit is of course most interesting and spectacular in autumn, during vintage. And then start the tour of the bigger or smaller vineyards with their more or less secret cellars, and don't try to dry them out through finishing all the reserves. The locals are able to talk, and talk, and talk about their wines for hours and days, it is a show of it own.

Carul cu Bere/The Beer Car is one of the best restaurants offering wine tasting

Romania's biggest vineyard stretches on the spectacular hills from Panciu-Odobesti-Cotesti. Neverending surfaces, when the grape simply turns to monoculture with all the risks. Great landscapes, great views, great wines. Taste Galbena de Odobesti, Sarba, Cabernet Sauvignon and Muscat Otonel to get the spirit of the place.

Probably the oldest Romanian vineyard is Cotnari, producing the same wine since centuries. Already renowned in Middle Age, the sorts of Tamaioasa, Francusa or Grasa are still in use and production today, allowing a noble experience.

Much younger, but also huge and by no means worse is the vineyard from Murfatlar, enjoying an excellent soil and more sun than anywhere else in Romania. Best results are made here with Chardonay.

Other reputated names to remember: Valea Calugareasca, Samburesti, Niculitel, Teremia, Jidvei/Tarnave, Lechinta etc. Will come back with details soon, stay in touch and book a wine tour, or a Romanian Tour!

Read more »