Romania

Romania first greets us through Bucharest, a city of grand architecture, elegant boulevards, layered history, and Old Town streets made for wandering.

We begin with landmarks that tell the story of a country shaped by beauty, resilience, culture, and change. The Palace of the Parliament, the Romanian Athenaeum, Calea Victoriei, Revolution Square, and the warmth of Old Town open the first door.

As evening arrives, the Welcome Dinner and Connection Experience bring the group together around Romanian flavors, conversation, music, and the first shared laughter of the journey.

Before Dracula became a figure of fiction, there was Vlad III, a 15th-century ruler of Wallachia whose name, reputation, and methods became part of a much larger story.

He was remembered for defending Wallachia in a dangerous political world, for his brutal punishments, and for the fear his enemies attached to his name.

Over time, history, political propaganda, and folklore blurred together. Centuries later, Bram Stoker borrowed the name Dracula for his novel, and Bran Castle became connected with the legend through storytelling, imagination, and the romance of place.

Here, history and imagination stand side by side.

From Bran, the journey continues into Brașov: Council Square, the Black Church, Rope Street, and streets that seem designed for slow walks and beautiful photographs.

As evening arrives, we gather for the White Celebration.