We, a group of 12 family members, ranging in ages from 3 to nearly 70, spent a glorious week in the second last week of October 2024 in Romania.
The weather was extremely kind to us, we had no rain, the days were clear and sunny with excellent visibility and the foliage was spectacular.
Our base was Poiana Brasov.
We stayed at Hotel Aurelius Imparatul which was a great location. The Hotel, except for the spa and gymboree which looked new and are well kept, is very tired and in a dire need of a facelift. The area is charming and beautiful. In the winter it is a popular ski resort surrounded by fabulous dense forests.
We were lucky to catch the foliage at its best – it was a sight to see and remember. Really beautiful. The trees were all kinds of shades of gold and underneath there was a carpet of fallen golden leaves.
Our trip was very much children orientated. Hence we visited the Dinosaur Park in Rasnov . The Park which is big is in a forest. There are loads of exhibits of Dinosaurs as well as an exhibit of a volcanoe and earthquake. The walk through the forest is great and we spent a good few fabulous enjoyable hours here.
It was somewhat challenging getting to the Valea Cetatii Cave. It is only about 500 meters from the parking lot on the side of the main road to the Cave but a very steep 500 meters! We all, including the youngest and our pregnant lady, climbed up while wading through the gold leaves on the pathway – evidence of the stunning foliage. Coming down it is very slippery so some of us walked in the big water drain alongside the path – less slippery and easier.
Entrance to the cave is only with a provided guide and this every 30 minutes. Inside explanations are given over a sound system. The cave is very well maintained and easy to walk through.
While in the area of Rasnov we had lunch at Jenaki’s Bistro and Lounge. The weather was accommodating so we sat in their garden and had a fabulous meal which catered to all our tastes.
You can’t be in the area, especially with two small boys, and not visit Dracula’s Castle, aka The Bran Castle. The views from the Castle are fabulous. The Castle with it’s very steep and spiral staircases is nothing special.
More impressive than The Bran Castle, except for the views, was The Gingerbread House, a Coffee shop with swings as chairs, excellent coffee and gingerbread!
Brasov was a delight! Before entering the city we spent several hours at the enourmous Parcul La Lepure – a huge park on the outskirts of Brasov with loads of activities. We were lucky to be there when there was a fair with all sorts of acitivites for children. The highlight however was The Adventure Park. The Adventure Park is in a forest in the main park and is a haven for children of all ages, with several zip lines, omega over the lake and jeeps for the little ones to self ride through the forest.
In Brasov we visited The Council Square which is surrounded by pedestrian streets lined with coffee shops, restaurants and stores. We sat at CH9 Speciality Coffee – the name did not dissappoint – the coffee and pastries were very good. It is great to wander around the center of Brasov . It is full of vibe. We had dinner at an excellent Italian Restaurant – Prato Restaurant – the food, service and ambience were all excellent.
Sinaia is picturesque and full of charm. We went up the mountain on the Telegondola – the views going up and down in the cable car surrounded by the forests were breathtaking. The foliage was superb. In Sinaia we ate at the Bistro Caramello with its’ big teddy bears as part of the decor – very much appreciated by the small ones in our group!
The photos were taken by myself and members of our Party.