5 Days. BUCHAREST (Hilton Garden Inn 4* - BO)

Bucharest is a truly stunning city, showcasing an unlikely blend of various architectural styles; you can find Gothic and Greek Orthodox structures next to Stalinist monuments, which are neighbors to post-modern apartment buildings made of concrete and glass. Unlike other cities, the layout of the streets is not grid-like, but rather star-shaped, with streets radiating out from roundabouts, creating blocks of varying shapes. In the 1950s, Bucharest was referred to as Little Paris due to the French influence on the city's landscape and lifestyle. Remnants of this era can still be seen in the city center's architecture, the abundance of outdoor cafes, and even in the Arcul de Triumf, a smaller version of Paris’ Arc de Triomphe. Downtown Bucharest is defined by the area between Victoriei Square, where the Romanian Government is located, and Unirii Square, where the grand boulevard leading to the Parliament Palace begins. Near Unirii Square, you can also find the old city center, the Old Princely Court, and iconic streets like Lipscani, Selari, Covaci, Gabroveni. This area is home to a mix of mid-19th century buildings, ruins of the Wallachian princes' medieval court, churches, bank headquarters, a few hotels, clubs, restaurants, and shops. Narrow, cobblestone streets still bear the names of the ancient guilds that once resided there. The area has been largely renovated and is now a popular gathering spot for the city's younger generation. Revolution Square is a double square that houses the Romanian Athenaeum, the National Library, the Senate building, and the old Royal Palace, which is now the Museum of Art. A tall monument stands in the center of the square in memory of those who died during the revolution. Bucharest is a city of parks. Take a stroll through the well-maintained central Cişmigiu Garden or the expansive Herăstrău Park. For the residents of Bucharest, these parks are more than just escapes from the summer heat; they are the heart of much of the city's social life. You'll find elderly retirees, young couples, football fans, and backgammon and chess enthusiasts everywhere. Come join the fun.