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!

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Discovering Romania in style

Usually you don't need to spend a fortune to discover Romania. There are many excellent offers which are really cheap and totally satisfying,but  it still is Romania on a budget.

The Romanian Athenaeum is a landmark of Bucharest, hosting many concerts and other cultural events. Also important: it lies 200 meters away from the renowned Athenee palace Hotel!

But supposing you are not anymore on a budget, e.g. you have special reason or occasion (like a wedding or a honeymoon etc) or you might not want anymore to stay on a budget. And you still want to travel to Romania, discovering it in style! Allow me, ladies and gentlemen, to introduce you Romania in style.

A have a few suggestions, as also tips at tricks for pampering you in Romania, without becoming too expensive. My wish is to know Romania in style without spending a fortune for it.

Hotel Atenee Palace from Bucharest smells and breathes the taste of aristocracy

If you come in Romania and reach Bucharest, our nice and proud Romanian capital, stay please at Athenee Palace or Casa Capsa. The both look back to a long glorious history of 100 years and more. Let your imagination run and figure the Romanian politicians, aristocrats and landlords sitting on the tables from restaurants, having a great time time with dancers, actresses and poets. These two renovated houses will help you a lot practicing this interesting exercise with their flamboyant inside architecture or their exquisite kitchen. During WWII Athenee Palace hosted the Headquarter of the German Army, and its briefings with the Romanian generals.

If you wanna breath fresh air walking in the center of Bucharest, be by guest further. Very close is the Romanian Athenaeum, with many cultural events inviting you to take part ( concerts of good symphonic music e.g.). Not far, the National Art Museum with renowned masterpieces of notorious masters like Rubens, Rembrandt etc. Bucharest was good renowned as the little Paris and is still today very proud of this label, keeping alive a rich intensive culture life.

As an exercise before Miss Liberty from New York and Tour Eiffel from Paris,French engineer  Gustave Eiffel errected in Iasi The Grand Hotel Traian

Another place full of legends is the fabulous Grand Hotel Traian from Iasi, a former Middle Age capital of Moldavia. You can feel again an aristocrat, a really one in this wonderful stylish hotel, build by Gustave Eiffel himself, two years before the Miss Liberty from New York and seven years before the Tour Eiffel from Paris! During WWI after a disaster campaign against German troops, most of Romania including Bucharest felt under the enemmies, but not Moldavia and Jassy, where the king and the government found their refuge. And you can already realize and figure out again, the notorious Grand Hotel Traian has been  the residence of the king and the Romanian government for two years. 

Princes, kings and princesses, ambassadors, ministers and state presidents, people of arts, pilgrims in quest for spirituality, or businessmen always on road, they all lived one day of their own story right here, in the old hotel, "symbol of the French-Romanian cultural community, made famous by Eiffel himself". Please join this select exclusive club!
Glamorous, elegant and with a privileged location downtown, TRAÍAN Grand Hotel is, together with tha  Palace of Culture, "Vasile Alecsandri" Theatre and the Metropolitan Church, a symbol of Iasi City.

Maybe this is your representation of Romania in style: Sun Garden Golf and Spa Hotel from Cluj Napoca

If you are not the legend aristocratic kind, but rather the modern one, you also can find something appropriate in Romania, namely a good spa hotel. The Sungarden golf and spa hotel from Cluj Napoca is a brand new one, with all modern ammenities and even more, an amazing state of the art property! The hotel itself has no legends around, but the city Cluj Napoca (Koloszvar or Klausenburg) all around will offer you some interesting sights and stories.

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Romania for foodies

Whether if you are a food addicted, or a wine afficionado, you will find excellent places in Romania where you can feed your small guilty addictions.

To better find the local flavors, keep in mind that sometimes the Romanian monasteries offer rooms for stay (not very comfy, for sure). If they invite to the dinner, don't dare to say no, it is an unique experience.

The Romanian kitchen has suffered successive strong influences from the neighboring countries and discovering them means already a multicultural side to your Romanian travel. Amazing how this very tolerant people managed to adopt and assimilate all these strange influences, but simultaneously achieved to keep a total particular touch. Because the proudly Romanians are really different comparing to their neighbors! Discover during your travel to Romania the taste and flavor of German, Hungarian, Russian, Turkish and French or international haut cuisine.

Miercurea Ciuc, in Szekely land, offer total special tastes and flavors

But you are supposed to discover the Romanian dishes, this is the really the ground, the first letter of the alphabet only after that you will we able to feel the subtle influence of the foreign dishes and kitchens.  So, find first a Romanian restaurant, there are still a plenty of such restaurants in Bucharest, Iasi, Craiova and other Romanian cities and towns. It is possible to make the difference between the very popular restaurants, which are very cheap and usually have a fantastic daily offer ( called "meniul zilei", my tip: never miss it if you are on a budget!). It consists on two or three courses meal which costs approximately unbelievable 4 Euro! Add please a glass of the house wine ("vinul casei") for 1 Euro and you are again prepared for new major adventures and challenges in Romania.

I must accept, you already learned some Romanian words. It is very useful for your survival in Romania. Romanian is really easy for the people who speak or understand French, Italian or Spanish (we have many things in common with these people, love and respect them a lot, being also descendants of the same almighty Roman empire! It should by all means not to understand that we don't love or respect other people, even on the contrary: the Romanians are perfect hosts with a natural born hospitality and friendship).

An exquisite Romanian luxury restaurant

The second category of Romanian restaurants are the more exquisite ones, which are not so cheap any more, are very seldom to be find to the countryside or in small towns. Very probably, they also offer excellent folklore shows with interesting songs and dances. Even if you don't understand the language, despite your practice and knowledge, you will be able to understand a lot and will be mesmerized about it!

A few specific Romanian dishes: vegetable soups, or even trip soup for the next day of the all night parties (sour and spicy for sure); mititei (similar with the Turkish cevap-cici); meat rolls with corn mush. Add please a glass of strong local wine (I would recommend a red variety, e.g. a Merlot!). It should be all by now, will come back with other spicy details!

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Wine tours in Romania

If you are a wine addicted, as I am, or even only if you are only an occasional wine drinker, you are going to find Romania exceptionally. It might be turning to be your second adoptive country, as we have very good wines at competitive prices. 

The most significant Romanian vineyards

Wine culture has in Romania a convincing old tradition. Our forefathers, the Dacians , knew to wine and the complicate way to get it from grapes. They even became addicted, thus slow, lazy and not so good soldiers anymore. Our old rulers Burebista and Deceneu  decided than very brutally simply, yet unbelievable, to destroy the vineyards.

Nowadays Romania proudly sits among the first 10 producers worldwide, with a wine culture and civilization comparable with those from France, Italy or Spain. In a few regions of Romania (e.g. Vrancea, Murfatlar, Valea Calugareasca) the vineyards are simply turning to monoculture. Despite the huge problems of this sector, you can find excellent wines in Romania, and if by chance you meet a wine farmer, be sure that he is going to invite you to lunch or dinner, with the obligatory wine tasting.

Wine tasting in Romania in a special location, the former salt mine from Praid

If you are taking part at a Romania tour and have by chance the extra possibility to attend a wine tasting, don't miss it by any means. It is not very expensive, but really spectacular and rewarding, and usually doubled by a folklore show. There are more places where you can find these unique events, read above.

Much better if you come to Romania on a wine tour, but even under these circumstances I can make some differences. First of all, if you are a pair of lovers, keep in mind and always remember that you must drink totally different sorts of wine comparing with the situation of an old gentlemen traveling along. There are also interesting differences between the best wines for a man vs the best wines for a female!

A professional wine tasting in Romania

A few leading vineyards will make you enjoy the life so much more with their delicious wines. I already mentioned a few of them, but I am going to count them all again. Uniting them on more or less conventional travels you got a wine tour of course. More concrete details when I am going to propose you a Romanian wine tour. 

In the region of Vrancea (with the towns of Focsani, Panciu, Odobesti) you will meat a fabulous wine civilization. Ask about the delicious sorts and varieties Galbena de Odobesti, or Tamaioasa, aside the internationally better renowned Muscat Ottonel or Merlot. Go on the local fantastic Wine Road with many events taking place on every step. I will organize soon a biking trip along this Wine Road. Not far from Vrancea, find the vineyards from Pietroasa and Valea Calugareasca.

You must feel a sort of wine with all your senses, this is the secret of a conaisseur

Murfatlar by Constanta is also a very compact vineyard with good possibilities for tasting. Search the Chardonnay, this is the local hit.

Not far from the nice city of Iasi, find the traditional vineyards from Cotnari and Bucium, or even Husi a little further. Enjoy these wines in the vineyards or in the leading restaurants from Iasi.

In the west of the country, by Timisoara find Recas, a fabulous vineyard offering mainly red wines (Merlot, Cadarca etc)

In the very heart of Transilvania between Sibiu, Cluj, Brasov and Bazna find the Tarnava (Kokel) vineyard. As the climate is here cooler, the wines are consequently dried. Search for the restaurant Butoiul Sasului from Ganesti where you can find a few of interesting varieties of wine.

This is only the start of an outstanding discussion about the Romanian wines and Wine Tours, and I will present much more of them in the predictable future!

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Best family destinations in Romania

Depending on the size of your beloved family, Romania could be the ideal choice for a family vacation, but you are supposed to remember and keep in mind a few tips and tricks about the right planning.

If you are young loving couple without children and you are the adventurer type, you could find your secret happiness in the Carpathians, no doubt! Besides the interesting Ice Hotel from Balea at an impressive height of 2000 metres, you can find other interesting destinations, e.g some remote chalets, where no intruder could disturb you. Only the forest animals could provide you some entertainment while you can think to the meaning of life, ruling the same life like 100 years ago at least.

Constanta is charming in winter and irresistible in summer as family destination

If you are not the lonely adventurer mentioned above you still a few interesting destinations, depending of your schedule. Coming in summer you have the fantastic Romanian coast of the Black Sea. Mamaia is a name you should remember. Close to Constanta and very easy accessible from its airport ( there are many charters in the season for sure), Mamaia has developed lately as the sexiest destinations on the Romanian coast. If you come in winter and are a fan of the season sports, e.g. ski, you have totally other choices, starting with Poiana Brasov.

Coming in spring or autumn, you can make a very promising, and also rewarding choice: a cultural tour, bookable over Lidl or Karpaten (or even by myself, having good contacts at these companies). It is for sure a very colored tour due to the Romanian forests, offering a fantastic landscape and a good portion of the culture of this unique people!

Bucovina is a perfect cxultural destination, but not only that!

If you have one or more children I would propose you Bucovina. The people here are very friendly and very careful with children, as they also use to have more than or two children. The nature and the landscapes are breathtaking, you can have a very active vacation climbing mountains. For the culture addicted don't miss the churches with painted walls. The nature freaks should at any price enjoy the fantastic  Danube Delta with its infinite wild life. It is almost unreal having such genuine landscape in this century and on this overcrowded earth. Please think to the environment and protect further.

And the story goes on. I still have a plenty of fantastic places in Romania, if you still have the time to follow me! Asta la vista.

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Travel guide by LIDL in Romania/ Reiseleiter bei LIDL

Travel guide by LIDL in Romania/ Reiseleiter bei LIDL

If you know the concern LIDL only as a retail chain, you are wrong. They do a good job and business even in the travel branch, and I would like to unveil more about it, as it worth your time. I think you must know and be aware about this excellent bargain from LIDL!

The Romanian dances and songs are really different

Besides other good offers, LIDL has an excellent discovery tour of Romania. It was a total success this year, with 10 trips of this type to Romania, and I had the honor and pleasure to guide two of them, on behalf of Karpaten, the Romanian partner and organizer from LIDL.

This trip to Romania consists on flight, half board, two nights in Bucharest (first and last, because of the flights), three nights in a very friendly house from Bazna and two nights in a very good house from Predeal, namely Piemonte. It is first of all to notice that LIDL and the local organizer are very good negotiators, even excellent, I must say and recognize. If you try to book on your own in these excellent hotels you will get a double, even triple price!

Traces of German culture and history in Brasov. We say Danke!

Second, it was so nice and pleasant for me that the travel guide has much to do and organize on himself. We in Romania love to improvise, we really have this talent and culture due to our communist past full of penury and poverty. Please, don't get me wrong, I respected literally the program from LIDL, but I fought hard to offer something supplementary (or EXTRA, as I like to say). I hope I succeed and the clients have been very happy and satisfied in this short trip to Romania (only one week long, I repeat).

Romanian wines are not easier to produce! But the country is still among the world's most important producers

During the trips happened more very touching and interesting events. We took to a church service in German, as the trip is among more targets, a trip inside the German culture and history in the Romanian Transilvania. We tried the tasty meat rolls, an excellent Romanian speciality, as the Romanian wines (Cabernet Sauvignon remains my personal favorite, I can recommend it before any other wine. This wine really got something divine in it, giving a fantastic strength and energy).

Four of my travel guests had birthdays and we celebrated, of course, with a lot of wine. I had also birthday and I invited them all for a round, in a fantastic mood. A few of my travel companions discovered their roots, they are born respectively around Oravita, Constanta and Bistrita. Wait them again to search deeper, as it was really touching.

Celebrating a birthday during the trip, in a cave , of course

I can recommend this wonderful trip, I am going to make it unforgettable, and has an excellent report between price and performances!

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Romania for tourists from Asia

Introducing Romania to the Asian tourists

Nevertheless Europe is stormed by Asian tourists, Romania is still out of the beaten path. We can receive much more tourists from Asia as we do know, they are highly welcomed.

Romania is an interesting spiritual destination due to the important role of the Orthodox church

I think Romania is a fantastic destination for any tourists, whether coming from Asia, Europe or another continent. We have everything, starting with urban life, to unspoiled nature and pristine beaches. Plus, we have a spiritual life, which Asian tourists can understand better than anyone else. 90 % of the Romanian population is deeply religious (Christian orthodox) and attends regularly the church, totally different from the Western world.

Romania is a wine destination, and I hope that the Taiwanese tourists will enjoy it

This simple fact makes Romania so different, and was really helpful in the history of Romanians, who peacefully withstanded much more powerful surrounding empires (Austrian, Habsburgic, Russian, Turkish etc). They all are gone, Romania and the Romanians are still here, with a pregnant identity. We are very proud of it!

Urban life in Bucharest Old Centre is a must for any foreign tourist

Many Romanians, due to their deep spirituality, felt attracted to Yoga, Zen, Chinese philosophy and Asian way of life. It may seem totally different, but it is only a different side of a special process, triggered by the basic questions of a human being. This dialogue of culture is the most important thing in the travel branch. It is not at all a clash, we respect and understand each other.

Pristine nature in Romania makes it even more attractive

Very soon I am going to have the opportunity to be the travel guide of an Asian tourists coming from Taiwan. It is a deep honor and a big pleasure, also a professional challenge. I will strive to present Romania in a realistic way, with good things and bad things. Maybe Romania is not the Paradise on Earth I dream, but is for sure nice place to see!

This group of tourists come to Romania in a bigger European Balkanic Tour, organized by the company  Albania Experience, and Mr Julian Trushi. It is going to be a fabulous tour, I am sure about it, and will keep you informed about that!

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Why should you choice Romania  your favorite travel destination

There are so many reasons to make Romania as your favorite travel destinations. I will reveal them all bellow with the necessary details and explanations.

First of all, because of the people. Don't try to understand them, they are rather sensitive and emphatic, and no one can understand them. But they are really lovely, well mannered and educated, and make their guests feel like kings. Even the poorest peasant will try to help you, will invite you in his home and to dinner. Is a matter of education, of their Christianity and of national pride. They are always there for you, if necessary, ready to help.

For the nature freaks, Romania is unbeatable in some parts of it

Second, if you start thinking of your favorite kind of vacation, you are going to find it in Romania. Sometimes you must dig longer and deeper for it, but you can find it, no doubt. Ask me and ask Karpaten, the best incoming agency for any details. Here you are the most frequent tours and vacations you might looking for. Even if you can't find your specific tour, don't lose your temper, we can also tailor it for sure:

Culture freaks won't be dissapointed at all in Romania. Here one of the painted churches of Bucovina/Northern Moldavia

-Romania Tours with the highlights in Transilvania, Moldavia, Wallachia of 7 to 14 days in many different variations, even for your specific taste

-Wine and food tours. Keep in mind that Romania is a wine country, as a former part of the Roman Empire, and we developed a wine culture, similar with France, Italy and Spain. As you are a wine afficionado, you must have heard about Murfatlar, Niculitel, Cotnari and other leading Romanian vineyards.

Wine and food tours in Romania have a long tradition

-For the beach lovers, there are a plenty of pristine beaches on the Romanian Black Sea coast, and the resort Mamaia has a tremendous night life. That resort is totally comparing with Ballerman or Rio.

-For the nature freaks there are many options. One is the fantastic Danube Delta, a UNESCO natural reserve, and another the Romanian Carpathians (e.g. Fagaras, Retezat, etc)

-For the endurance sportsmen, you can climb and walk the mountains, discovering some landscapes of an untouched breathtaking beauty. For the bikers, an excellent offer you can find at Launer Reisen, Germany for more difficulty degrees.

During a Bucharest Architectural Tour you have the unique opportunity to see the world's second biggest building, build by the former dictator Nicolae Ceausescu

-About city breaks, don't miss Bucharest, Sibiu, Iasi, Oradea, Timisoara, Brasov which are really seducing and worth a visit in any season. Even the little towns have in Romania a special fantastic charm.

-The culture freaks won't be disappointed at all in Romania. There are interesting museums in every major city, there are the fantastic painted churches of Northern Moldavia or the wood churches from Maramures. There are antic ruins in Constanta, Histria, Drobeta and so much more.

And the last argument: Romania is still cheap. You can eat in some places a good lunch with 3-4 Euros (ask about "Meniul zilei"). And most important of all, Romania is very safe, as the criminals moved out in richer countries, and the police is very active.

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Prices and bargains in Romania

How much should cost a glass of wine in Romania?

I am born in Romania, I am living in Romania, I have been living in Romania for decades and I am a professional travel guide here, aiming to present the real Romania to the foreign tourists.

The Romanian wines are very tasty, but may not be very expansive!

As a local, I know the best places and prices, mastering the art of good living on a budget (don't laugh, in Romania is still possible). And I am the happiest travel guide on Earth when I can spare something for my tourists.

E.g.: I am going with my tourists in the best hotels possible, and I was very angry to see how expansive is a glass of wine in Hotel Gerald's, Radauti. It was 10 Lei for sure (if you still don't know, the Romanian coin is called Leu, plural Lei and 1 EURO= 4,3 LEI). The result is not very bad for a foreign tourist used to travel at four stars hotels: 2,2 Euro for a glass of wine. But I buy a liter of the same wine (my favorite Cabernet Sauvignon) in my town of Focsani with 10 LEI again. Seems to me so unfair!

Happy german Tourists in Romania, on a Danube Delta cruise

I am not angry anymore about the high price of a glass of wine in Hotel Gerald, since I discovered in the Ramada chain the same glass of wine at 14 LEI! Otherwise, with a few of small observations, these hotels are really excellent, and the tourists really enjoyed staying there. Tell me your opinions about it, I hope I am not exaggerating in protecting the interests of my tourists vs my beloved Romania!

As you see, I am striving not to present Romania as a fancy expansive destination. Nevertheless, it could become also such a destination, we have many exquisite hotels with four and five stars. But I am trying to keep everything in the limit of a certain common sense, and I am going to give you another example.

Eating in a Romanian restaurant is a rewarding task sometimes, you must only 

Most of my groups come with half board, and sometimes I am trying to organize the lunch on the way. Most of restaurant owners and managers, when receiving such a call, try to offer rich tables with expansive prices, beyond the limit. Consequently, I refined my searches: don't call anymore with one day or a few hours in advance. Instead, capture and hunt the fantastic offer "Meniul Zilei" (Day offer) when I can find it.

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Lebanese Tourists in Romania

Guiding Lebanese Tourists in Romania

When I first knew that is highly probably guiding a big group of Lebanese tourists coming to Romania, I felt it could be an interesting provocation. Despite the huge differences of language and culture, I did not say now, when the local organizer Euforia Travel from Bucharest proposed me to run this tour, with the clients from Vladimir Travel/Beyrouth.

My group of Lebanese tourists in Castle Peles, Sinaia

And it really was a wonderful experience, a pleasure and an honor to me. We drove 1600 km all over Romania, and I have struggled to introduce and present Romania in the most realistic way, without hiding the unpleasant details (Romania might be nice and fabulous as travel destination, but it is not perfect. No matter, even the sun has a lot of stains!).

The Lebanese Tour Leader, Zyad Khairallah (in the middle, by the monk) with  Mr Asuccar, ar left

I hope that the tourists, perfectly organized by the tour leader Zyad Khairallah (thank you, Zyad!) have been happy about the new discoveries. But I also started to discover a fantastic and fabulous culture. We sung and danced Romanian and Lebanese, and this  cultural mix and mutual acceptance is by far the most important asset of this tour. I loved from the first minute the Lebanese for their joy of life and deep beliefs, I loved their relaxed way to overcome some troubles and problems. I was a little disappointed that most of them never drink alcohol, even the Cabernet Sauvignon from Romania, but those who tasted, really enjoyed!

The group of Lebanese tourists in the huge impressive Romanian Parliament house, with special mention for the little guide Fouad

The cultural difference was not so big. We were very pleasant to discover some unbelievable identhical superstition (e.g. a women's bag lying on the floor brings poverty!). They were very familiar with the Byzantine ritual from the Romanian churches, excepting the language. They understood almost all the Romanian jokes, myths and legends and laughed, and I also understood theirs. It was a grace of God meeting these friendly temperamental people I was afraid to the beginning of our adventure.

To be more specific, this unique tour took place between 1st and 7th of May, 2013 with starting and living from Bucharest Airport. I will be back with details, but these facts of life are much more important to know. I hope to have in the future other occasions to cooperate with Lebanese Tourists, I won't hesitate any minute to accept! Mes meilleurs voeux pour les tourists de Liban.

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Medium Romanian Wines

Despite my deep love for my country, Romania, I must accept that not everything is perfect here! We have corrupted politicians, o.k. (who hasn't?), but we also have fantastic, charming, helping, normal people (and this matter really counts, I hope).

Romania is before all a wine country

Thinking to Romania as a wine country, but trying to be unbiased, I must say that could be a problem if you want to buy a good wine from the supermarket, it  might be a tricky moment! Better search for a reliable producer, but what you do when you are in the mood at night for a glass of wine? You go to the supermarket, I did myself yesterday. I avoided the cheap import wines, and I also avoided the cheapest Romanian wines.

I was not very happy with these specific wines

I made first a good choice, I was hoping: a bottle of  half dried Merlot Rose from Murfatlar/Conu Alecu. It was to be a special occasion, I payed for a bottle of 750 ml 15 RON (almost 4 Euros) and I was not happy at all with that wine.Maybe I have too high expectation for this producer, and is entirely my fault then! But the liquid I found in the bottle was not at all a good wine, as I can recognize one! 

Don't miss anymore opportunities to visit caves and vineyards in Romania!

I made another try, hoping to a much better experience. I checked and double checked a bottle of dried Merlot from Rovinex/Romanian Classic/Dealurile Vrancei with the same results. It is not a premium wine I could recommend or drinking the second time. But it was cheaper, 12 RON/3 Euros for a bottle.

First conclusion: don't expect to find a very good wine under 20 RON/ 5 Euros and don't miss opportunities to visit caves, wineries and vineyards! You can find excellent unbottled  wines for 2-3 Euros/100 cl, which means a significant difference!

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Traveling solo in Romania

There is no reason to fear traveling solo in Romania. The country is safe, and no rape against tourist have been reported since a long time;thus  you are supposed to do the right difference with other parts of the world, e.g. India or Mexico.

There are a few perfect destinations for singles in Romania, but you must make the right choices, as the agencies tailor their offers usually for families.

If you wanna be totally alone, select a remote cabin in the mountains, off the beaten path. I would recommend Soveja in the Vrancea District and Mountains and the hunting cabin Lepsulet, outside the village. If you are a woman, you are not supposed to go hunting, but you can climb the mountains. Simply doing your toilet in the morning in the ice cold water of the creek will simply refresh you, much more than a hot shower in a fancy hotel room.

A remote cabin in the mountain could make the perfect destination for a  solo tourist aiming to be lonely

Of course, there are much more perfect places for singles in the Romanian mountains, ask me about the most appropriate ones. Besides, another fantastic retreat for the  seekers of the loneliness is the Danube Delta, Europe's best preserved. You can admire the genuine nature in all its splendor,  while doing your daily yoga exercises. If you really feel yourself a small happy part of the huge Universe, full of joy and love to the other human beings you are totally saved from depression. If not, search the company of a local wise fisher or shepherd.  They know and understand so much about life, and you will understand everything, beyond the language. Just trust him and watch deeply in his eyes.

Danube Delta is my saving hint

Supposing further you are that kind of single very fond of clubs, pubs and this kind of social life, please be aware that Bucharest downtown consists on a huge number of such pubs, which very empty on weekends and full of clients during the week. You can find there all the people you are used to see in a club outside: hipsters, corporate, escorts, students and drivers. Many of them are also single and if you are happy enough you can find the right for you. Other destinations for clubbing, but on weekends: Brasov, Poiana Brasov, Constanta, Mamaia

Sibiu is a fantastic city break, and has also a leading art collection

Romania makes also a perfect destination for the culture freaks. There are interesting art and history museums in almost every city, with special mentions for Iasi, Timisoara and Craiova. You can try also unforgettable city breaks in Sighisoara, Cluj Napoca and Oradea. There are good theaters in many places, and German theater in Sibiu. If you feel is not enough, add the painted monasteries from Moldavia, or the Saxon fortified churches from Transilvania.

For the gourmets and wine afficionados, I must say only a few words, like Riesling, Merlot, meat balls, soups etc, in order not to offence your trained tasting cells! Discover your Romania, I can give you good offers next to these tips and tricks.

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Best tips for family travel in Romania

Coming in Romania with your family is an excellent idea. In order to turn it in an unforgettable adventure or vacation there are a few important things you should be aware of.

First of all, make the good choice from the start. Book through a well known, well established travel agency. In my opinion, after working and checking in more companies,the best one for incoming is Karpaten with a wide offer and excellent prices, which you can't get on your own. Ask me about it, or contact directly Karpaten.

The Romanian traditions will totally seduce you

Second, if you come in Romania on a budget, is very helpful booking a few weeks in advance in order to get the best deals to the air companies. There are many sites for that, a good local one is www.vola.ro . Will be great avoiding staying the hotels from the big Romanian cities, starting with Bucharest, as many of them are oriented to the luxury and stylish tourists. Nevertheless, you can find *** or ** hotels, or even hostels at decent prices. Much better, stay in a smaller city, off the beaten path, most of them are really charming, peaceful and you can find many bargains while shopping in the central vegetables or flea market.

Climbing mountains in Romania might be just the thing you need

A great option is also staying to the countryside and have a fantastic contact with the nature and local meals. The available pensions are simply exaggerating with their meals, no one can eat so much. Besides, they are for sure among the children friendliest places on Earth, they will simply spoil your children.

Staying by the locals who hire a few rooms might be a good idea only if you inform about the prices. Please take big care about it! Once this detail set, you will dip in a fantastic traditional culture, and I am pretty sure you will be deeply and pleasant surprised about it. Please rediscover some noises and flavors which you can't find anymore at home.

Don't miss the Rural Romania

If you want climbing mountains, don't neglect the prior training for your family, mainly the kids. Don't forget good maps, GPS, mobile phones (112 for emergency call), lights as they can save your life and health. There are cabins and hiking trails in the mountains to your convenience, inform about them and select right according to your skills, training level  and mood.

About the meals, a special tip: many restaurants off the beaten path have fantastic offers called "Oferta Zilei" (The Offer of The Day) where you can eat a good 3 dishes lunch with 3 Euros!

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