9 a.m. - departure to Biertan, a fortified church under UNESCO care. A 4-th century cross was found in the precincts. Life of a Saxon community in Vlad’s time
Lunch & wine-tasting in Biertan; Continue to Sibiu, the third city of mediaeval Transylvania
Sightseeing: the site of the assassination of Prince Mihnea the Bad, Vlad’s son. The Order of the Dragon on Mihnea’s tombstone
Dinner and overnight: "Emperor of the Romans" (Franz Liszt and Franz Joseph slept here)
May 13, 2001 - Sunday
Cross into Valahia along the spectacular Olt Valley (route taken by the Romans to conquer this country)
Visit monastery Cozia, resting place of Vlad’s grandfather, Prince Mircea the Old
Proceed to Curtea de Arges, Capital of Valahia under Prince Mircea the Old; visit the royal churches
Lunch in Curtea de Arges
Behold the historical fortress Dracula - Poienari; the Gorge of the river Arges
Arrive in the village of Aref - remembering Vlad after 500 years ("The Night of Prince Vlad Dracula" , show around a bonfire)
Pending on the number of participants: dinner & accommodation in Aref (farm-houses with bathrooms, telephone, TV) or at "Valea cu Pesti" or "Posada"
May 14 - Monday
Morning: time for those who wish to climb the ruins of Poienari
Lunch on the route to Targoviste
Visit the ruins of the princely palace of Targoviste - Valahia’s capital under Vlad
The site of the forest of the impaled; legends about Vlad
The local museum of history; lecture by a local historian/archaeologist
Dinner and overnight: "Valahia", Targoviste
May 15 - Tuesday
Visit the early Christian, then mediaeval site of Cetateni
Visit the fort "Konigstein", where Vlad was made prisoner by King Mathias Corvinus
Castle Bran (1377)
Arrive in Brasov
Dinner with folk-show at the "Carpathian Stag"
Overnight: "Aro-Palace", Brasov
May 16 - Wednesday
Visit pre-Christian altars, then mediaeval Brasov - of mixed feelings about Vlad
Lunch at the "Outlaws’ Cabin"
Lecture on mediaeval Transylvania, by a local scholar
Optional: join The Order of Transylvanian Knights, become noble - if you can pass the 6 chivalry tests (archery, strength of arm, walking on a beam, jumping over a fire, answering a riddle, dancing a minuet. If you can - and many could - then the Castellan and his court of knights, ladies-in-waiting will invest you as noble - oath, sword-on-shoulder, knighthooding diploma and medallion. Price per pers. $50, min. 4 candidates)
Free for strolls, shopping
Overnight "Aro-Palace", Brasov
May 17 - Thursday
Visit Targsor - possible resting place of Vlad
Visit Snagov - the monastery on the island - presumed burial place of Vlad
Farewell dinner in Bucuresti
Overnight in Bucuresti
May 18 - Friday
Departure from Romania
TSD/CMJ
TSD Symposium - May 9-11, 2001
Logistic organizer:
Company of Mysterious Journeys, Romania
Languages: English; Romanian. We provide for interpreters in other languages as well
The participants are kindly requested to book with the CMJ at the earliest
Participation fee: $US 50
Press: $US 25
(prior accreditation necessary - TSD can obtain film/photo passes)
TSD members: no fee
Speakers: synopsis of 700-900 words of intended papers is welcome till February 15, 2001. The Organizing Committee will advise on eligibility
Transport from Bucuresti to Sighisoara (4-5 hours by train, car, minibus): transfer from airport to city (hotel or railway station): $ 20
1 night accommodation in Bucuresti: $ 40 sharing a double;
single suppl. 35
train, I-st class, Bucuresti - Sighisoara: $ 15
car: 3 pers = $ 50 each
2 pers = $ 75 each
1 pers = $150
collector minibus (you may have to wait up to 3 hours): $ 25/each, min. 7 pers
Hotel and breakfast in Sighisoara: per night, sharing a double $20; single suppl. $ 10
Private home accommodation, breakfast included:
per night, sharing a double; $ 15; single suppl. $ 5
Daily transfer to/from symposium hall: $ 10/day
(if the case may be), by car
The price covers: land transport by bus; services for the guide and driver; full-board; accommodation; shows; museums; lectures; ship to Snagov island
