Romania, the wild west of Eastern Europe, a country where tourism means you and a horse and cart and a nation that chases the modern dreams of the West. Straddling the rugged Carpathian Mountains, Romania offers an extraordinary kaleidoscope of cultures and sights, including majestic castles, medieval towns, superb hiking and skiing whilst its capital Bucharest has a majestic charm all of its own. Its greatest asset is its diversity, whether you want to stray off the beaten tourist track or stay well and truly on it, Romania is a mystery still waiting to be discovered.

Best time to visit

May and June, September and early October.

Essential experiences

Descending underground to a cave or salt mine in Transylvania; sharpening your fangs and practising saying 'I vant to suck your blurd' at Dracula's castle in Bran; experiencing 'cart-rage' when trying to overtake a horse drawn cart on a winding mountain road; slapping on some smelly, curative mud on the black sea coastal resorts; braving the vigorous drinking sessions of 60-proof moonshine palinca (brandy) with exuberant locals.

In a few words, Romania is

Dracula and all things Transylvanian, mountain festivals, rolling green countryside and a film-set for cheap horror flicks.

Did you know?

Romania is in the top five countries in the world for having the highest marriage rates.