Peles Castle: Just over a two-hour drive from Bucharest in the Bucegi Mountains is Peles Castle. This Disney-like palace is considered a masterpiece of German Neo-Renaissance architecture, and was the summer residence of the royal family until 1947. Inside, you can see the lavish state rooms, which include a teak-carved music room and frescos designed by Austrian painter Gustav Klimt.
Sinaia: Sinaia is a town nestled in the Carpathian Mountains, around a two-hour drive north of Bucharest. Known as the ‘Pearl of the Carpathians’, Sinaia is famous for its cable car, monastery and skiing opportunities. Popular with tourists, this alpine-like settlement is the antithesis of a Romanian mountain town. In the summer, there are plenty of hiking and cycle trails heading out into the wilderness.
Snagov Monastery: The Snagov Monastery lies on an island in the Snagov Lake; and is famous for being the final resting place of Vlad, Prince of Wallachia (better known as Vald the Impairer). He is said to be the inspiration behind Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula. Located just 40 kilometres from the Romanian capital, the island is accessible via a footbridge or by ferry.