When we think of Romania what most often comes to mind is the legend of Dracula. If that association is always likely to linger, Romania is a country of real historic and cultural richness beyond the pages of any novel.

From the Carpathian Mountains, to the Danube Delta; the painted monasteries of Bucovina to the fortified churches around Sighisoara, Romania is also home to the largest population of bears anywhere in Europe, vast areas of virgin forest and a mix of customs and traditions that reveal its history as a crossing point between east and west, north and south. An introduction to the country’s history, culture and potential is found below.

Direct flights now operate from many parts of the UK, so whether you choose the capital Bucharest, Cluj-Napoca in the heart of Transylvania, Constanța on the Black Sea coast, Iași in the north east, or Timișoara in the west, a journey time of less than 4 hours offers a gateway to explore Romania for yourself.