“I am Dracula, and I bid you welcome.” Admittedly you’re not going to hear that when you visit Bran Castle in Transylvania, which was the model for the famous vampire’s home in Bram Stoker’s novel. But the castle still is one of the funkier highlights of the 16-day Bulgaria & Romania: Frescoes & Fortresses tour from MIR Corp. The trip begins Sept. 1 in the ancient city of Sofia, Bulgaria, and its Rila Monastery, which was a retreat for hermits when it was founded in A.D. 927. Over the next six days, the tour explores more of Bulgaria’s history, along with a visit to the Valley of the Roses, famous as the center of the country’s rose oil industry. In Bucharest, Romania, there will be a visit to the Palace of the Parliament, the second-largest building in the world after the Pentagon. Then it’s on to Bran Castle, the frescoes of UNESCO-listed painted monasteries, a demonstration of traditional egg painting and more. The tour is $5,995 per person double occupancy and includes lodging, most meals, internal transportation, an English-speaking tour manager and guides, various special events and cultural performances. Info: 800-424-7289, http://www.tinyurl.com/oteup8s
Tour Napoleon’s demise
It’s been 200 years since Napoleon met his Waterloo. Though the official date just passed midmonth, thousands are expected to visit throughout the year to see the battle site in Belgium where forces under the command of the Duke of Wellington vanquished the French leader. GoEuro.com has put together a guide for potential visitors or anyone who’d just like to know more about the historic battle. The guide has handy tips on getting to the site, as well as funky facts, such as the tidbit that says a carrier pigeon could deliver a message from Waterloo to Paris in 10 hours, while the same message on horseback would take 23 hours. There also is a map showing points of interest on the battlefield. Look over the guide at http://www.tinyurl.com/ps2wh2k.
Drive a Porsche in Germany
If tooling around Germany in a Porsche 911 is your idea of a dream vacation, Tourcrafters has you covered. The Porsche Drivers Dream Package is centered in the Black Forest and gives you a three-day rental of a Porsche 911 coupe or convertible. You also get gas, two nights’ lodging at the Hotel Ritter in Durbach, a wine tasting, daily breakfast, two four-course dinners, two lunches and a special touring book. This isn’t a cheap package, at $3,590 per person double occupancy, but it would make a great add-on if you’re already vacationing in the area. A one-day tour also can be arranged for $1,490 per person, and if you’re not dying to drive a Porsche, there are other luxury cars available such as Ferrari, Lamborghini or Mercedes. Info: 847-816-6717, http://www.tinyurl.com/p6veeoc
Marty is a freelance reporter.
