Meetings and Incentive Travel in Romania

» Bucharest – Romania's Economic, Cultural and Meetings Centre
» Meet at the Black Sea
» Meet in Transylvania
» Meet in Moldova, the Eastern Border of the European Union
» Samples of incentive programs

Known by many for its medieval towns, Painted Monasteries, Danube Delta, the medical spas, the Carpathian Mountains and the Black Sea, Romania is now taking its place as a major European meeting destination.
As one of the European Union's youngest members, Romania offers a warm welcome to conventioneers from all over the world, with an improved infrastructure and friendly locals.
The Universal Postal Union Congress (2004), the Francophonie Summit (2006) and the 2008 NATO Summit are the most prominent of the many major, international events successfully hosted by Romania over the past few years.
For decades, the major meeting destinations in the country were easily identified: Bucharest and Brasov. But today, many other cities—such as Sibiu, Cluj, Iasi, Constanta, Timisoara have developed into great meeting destinations.
Poised on the brink of change, Romania is one of the last countries in Europe to maintain ancient traditions of village life that are still as colorful, festive and vibrant as they have been for centuries.
There is always another mystery to uncover, another cultural treasure to be discovered: Romantic castles and medieval towns filled with treasures of art and architecture, rare wildlife refuges and vast unspoiled land awaiting exploration, vineyards where distinctive wines awaken the jaded palate.
Below are info on meeting destinations and incentive programs in Romania.

Bucharest – Romania's Economic, Cultural and Meetings Centre

Known for its wide, tree-lined boulevards, marvelous Belle Époque buildings and reputation for the high life Bucharest (Bucuresti) was once called the "Little Paris". However, there's nothing little about the scope of Bucharest's attractions, ranging from museums, art galleries, parks, and myriad architectural delights.
Bucharest, the largest city between Berlin and Athens, is booming economically and has transformed itself into a major regional business centre.   Romania's capital city is home to 37 museums; 22 theaters, 2 opera houses, 3 concert halls; 18 art galleries; and a wealth of libraries and bookstores.   Many of these are housed in buildings that are attractions in themselves, sporting architectural styles influenced by both eastern and western cultures.
Facilities for large meetings include the Parliament Palace, the Exhibit Centre - Romexpo, the conference centre of the Chamber of Commerce and the World Trade Centre.   Historical buildings, such the Romanian Athenaeum, the National Museum of Art, the Cantacuzino Palace, the Military Club and the Patriarch's Palace, can host functions for up to 800 guests.
Leading hotels offering generous meeting facilities include: JW Marriott Grand Hotel, Hilton, InterContinental Athenee Palace, Crowne Plaza, Pullman (Sofitel), Radisson.
Bucharest more info.

Meet at the Black Sea

An ancient metropolis and Romania's largest seaport, Constanta traces its history back some 2,500 years. This cosmopolitan city, the fourth largest in the country, is an important economic and cultural centre, worth exploring both for the numerous business opportunities offered to investors and for its archaeological treasures. The nearby ancient Greek and Roman ruins; the Grand Casino; numerous museums,
hotels, restaurants and shops; and the proximity to beach resorts like Mamaia, Eforie Nord and Mangalia, make Constanta the focal point of Black Sea coast tourism from June to early September. There are more than 30,000 hotel rooms located within 35 miles from Constanta, as well as a newly built Meetings and Exhibit Centre, only two miles away from the city centre.

Only two hours north of Constanta by car or boat, lies the Danube Delta, a 2,200-square mile wildlife reserve designated by UNESCO as a "Reservation of the Biosphere." The delta offers unique opportunities for incentive programs that can include wildlife watching, fishing, visits to fishermen villages or religious retreats, and wine tasting.

Black Sea Resorts more info.

Meet in Transylvania

Located in the central part of Romania and served by three international airports and an extensive railway network, Transylvania has become the country's second-most popular meeting destination. New or recently renovated hotels and conference facilities located in the close proximity of old historic towns, museums, art galleries and shopping areas are adding additional appeal to this old historic region of Romania.
Some of Europe's most charming medieval towns, most notably Brasov, featuring Old Saxon architecture; Sibiu, with its cobblestones and pastel-colored houses; and Sighisoara, a unique hilltop citadel with secret passageways and a 14th-century clock tower, are located in southern Transylvania, only three to four hours by car or train from Bucharest, Romania's capital city.
Cluj, the largest city in Transylvania, has become one of the area's most popular meeting centres due to its booming economy, many universities and new, improved infrastructure.
A visit to Bran Castle, a Gothic fairytale structure often associated with Vlad Tepes (inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula), can be done easily in three or four hours from the nearby city of Brasov.
Also close to Brasov are the fortified churches built by the Saxons: Harman, with its massive 13th-century defending towers, and Prejmer, the largest fortified church in Southeastern Europe.
The 15th-century Corvinilor Castle in Hunedoara, located 75 miles from Sibiu, has a drawbridge, soaring 70-ft. buttresses, several inner courtyards, a chapel and some 50 rooms resplendent with medieval art. Its sumptuous Knights' Hall can host functions for up to 300 guests.
Transylvania more info.

Meet in Moldova, the Eastern Border of the European Union

The eastern part of Romania, called Moldova or Modavia, is best known for its sweet wines, fine cuisine, and gifted writers and musicians, as well as for its concentration of Eastern Orthodox churches and monasteries.
The name of this historic province of Romania is quite similar to that of Romania's eastern neighbor, the Republic of Moldova. Moldova rivals Transylvania when it comes to rich folklore, natural beauty, exquisite wines and astonishing history.
Iasi, the most important political, economic and cultural centre of Moldova, is among the oldest and largest cities in Romania. Located close to the eastern border, Iasi was for many centuries the crossing point for one of the most important commercial routes through Eastern Europe. The city features Romania's oldest university, a fine philharmonic orchestra, a superb theater and an impressive number of Orthodox churches, almost 100, most of them located on the so-called Golden Plateau (Platoul de Aur).
Only 95 miles north of Iasi, in the area called Bucovina, stand some of the world's greatest art treasures: the Painted Monasteries, designated World Heritage Sites by UNESCO. Nestled in the rolling hills of northern Moldova, these unique 15th and 16th-century churches are known to the entire world for their colorful exterior frescoes depicting Biblical scenes, prayers, episodes of sacred hymns, and religious or historic themes.
Bucovina and Moldova regions more info.

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Romania Icentive programs ideas

Moldova - Architecture, Wines and Spiritual Life in Eastern Romania

The largest and most beautiful city in eastern Romania, Iasi offers a unique combination of attractions and activities. Some of Romania's most celebrated wines and a glimpse of Romanian Orthodox traditions will be part of this three-day trip to Eastern Romania.

Day 1 — Arrive Iasi; transfer to Hotel Traian (4 star), built by the Eiffel Company in late 1800's.
Welcome reception followed by lunch.
Walking tour of Iasi.
Optional: Meetings with local business people and/or officials.
Dinner and entertainment at Bolta Rece restaurant. The menu will include traditional Romanian dishes such as sarmale (stuffed cabbage) and Placinte Poale in Brau (sweet cheese pie). Wine presentation and tasting offered by a local sommelier.

Day 2 — Half-day trip to Cotnari and Harlau vineyards.
Visit the wine museum in Harlau. We will sample a few wines produced from Romanian grape varieties: Busuioaca de Bohotin, Sauvignon Blanc and Francusa Lunch and wine tasting at Cotnari, a vineyard best known for its white, sweet wines: Grasa, Francusa and Alb de Cotnari.
Return to Iasi early afternoon for shopping or rest.
Dinner at Monastery Golia with Romanian Orthodox Church leaders.
A unique music performance—featuring Byzantine music as well as traditional Romanian folk songs—will be offered by the Christian Orthodox Theological Seminary students' choir.

Day 3 — After breakfast, transfers to Iasi airport for departure to your next destination or take a two-day trip to the Painted Monasteries (95 miles north of Iasi). Most of the Painted Monasteries were built in late 1400's. Set in a serene rural area, these UNESCO World Heritage Sites are known for their vivid Byzantine frescoes, which are unique in the world.

Transylvania - Sibiu, European Capital of Culture and Traditions

Sibiu—the European Capital of Culture in 2007 and one of Romania's oldest and most charming cities—enchants visitors with its medieval architecture, centuries-old traditions and vibrant modern arts scene.

Day 1 — Arrive in Sibiu; transfer to Hotel Ramada (four star).
Welcome reception followed by lunch.
Afternoon guided walking city tour. Dinner at Crama Sibiana, in the Old Town, with the mayor of Sibiu. On the menu will be local sour soups flavored with cabbage juice, Transylvanian pork cutlets served with stuffed mushrooms, chicken paprikas and the Szekler's goulash.

Day 2 — Day trip by car to Sighisoara.

Founded by Transylvanian Saxons during the 12th century, Sighisoara stands as one of the most beautiful and best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. This perfectly intact 16-th century gem, with its nine towers, cobbled streets, burgher houses and ornate churches, is pure magic. Hunt for antique bargains and fine handmade products by local artisans and artists offered by tiny shops.
Medieval lunch at Vlad the Impaler's House.
On our way back to Sibiu, we will make a short detour to Biertan to visit one of the largest and most impressive medieval, walled churches in Romania. From 1572 to 1867, Biertan was the seat of the Saxon Evangelical bishops of Transylvania.

Enjoy a relaxed dinner at your hotel with great food and music.

Day 3 — Sightseeing and shopping in Sibiu.
Learn about Romanian customs! A traditional wedding will be re-enacted in the nearby village of Sibiel. Age-old traditions, customs and celebrations have been carefully passed down from generation to generation in the villages of this area. The parents, godparents and relatives of the bride and groom will be selected from the members of our group. The local wedding ceremony will be followed by a party that, sometimes, lasts all night.

Day 4 — After breakfast, transfer to Sibiu airport for departure to your next destination, or take a two-day trip to Brasov, Transylvania's largest medieval town, located at the foot of the Carpathian Mountains.

Transylvania - Medieval Towns, Castles and Traditions

Picture-perfect medieval towns and villages, cobblestones and castles, century-old traditions and much more in the course of a leisurely drive through the fabled Transylvania.

Day 1 — Arrive in Bucharest, transfer to the 5-star InterContinental Hotel.
In the evening, enjoy a classical music concert, performed by Romania's National Philharmonic at the Romanian Athenaeum.

Day 2 — From Bucharest we will travel north toward Brasov.
Stop in the mountain resort of Sinaia to visit the Peles Castle, a masterpiece of German New-Renaissance architecture, commissioned by King Carol I in 1873.
Enjoy lunch with traditional Romanian food and learn about the art of making sparkling wine, after the Champagne method, at the Rhein-Azuga Cellars.
Accommodation at the 5-star Aro Palace Hotel in Brasov.
In the evening, we will attend a pipe-organ concert at the 13th-century Black Church (Biserica Neagra), the largest Gothic church east of Vienna.

Day 3 — Morning sightseeing and shopping in Brasov.
Trip to the nearby 13th-century Rasnov fortress. From Rasnov we travel to Bran for lunch at a local farm and a visit to the Bran Castle in Bran. Surrounded by an aura of mystery and legend, and perched high atop a 200-foot cliff, Bran Castle owes its fame to its association with Prince Vlad the Impaler who inspired Bram Stocker's fictional Dracula.
The lunch menu will include local specialties, such as dry-cured lamb meat (Pastrama) and several types of fresh and aged cheeses: Branza in Coaja de Brad (cheese aged in fir-tree skin container) and Branza de Burduf (cheese aged in sheep's skin pouch).
Return to Brasov for dinner, traditional music and dances atCerbul Carpatin Restaurant in the Old Town of Brasov.

Day 4 — Day trip to Sighisoara.
Founded by Transylvanian Saxons during the 12th century, Sighisoara still stands as one of the most beautiful and best-preserved medieval towns in Europe. Designated as a World Heritage Site by UNESCO, this perfectly intact gem with nine towers, cobbled streets, burgher houses and ornate churches is unmatched in its atmospheric magic.
Return to Brasov for dinner at Outlaws' Hut (Cabana Haiducilor) in Poiana Brasov. The menu will include traditional Romanian dishes such as Sarmale (stuffed cabbage) and Bulz Ciobanesc(oven-baked mix of several types of ewe's milk cheese, sour cream and polenta).

Day 5 — After breakfast, transfer to Bucharest airport for departure or continue your trip to Transylvania with a visit to Sibiu and the traditional villages in the neighborhood.

The Danube Delta – Europe's Everglades

A boat ride into the sunset, wine tasting at a monastery lost in time, a fishing trip with the locals and fresh caviar served on the banks of Lake Samova in the Danube Delta, one of Europe's last unspoiled and remote wildernesses.

Day 1 — Arrive in Bucharest.

Transfer to Delta Nature Resort (approximately 3 1/2 hours).
The Delta Nature Resort is an elegant and luxurious retreat, recognized by Condé Nast Traveler as one of the Top 10 eco-resorts in the world.
Welcome cocktail and briefing by the resort's exploration team.
Sunset boat trip along meandering channels of the Danube Delta while sampling local wines from the Sarica Niculitel vineyards, such as Aligote, Feteasca Regala and Pinot Noir.
Relaxed dinner at the hotel's restaurant, overlooking Somova Lake.

Day 2 — After breakfast, head out, by boat, to Saon Monastery. Built in 1846, this religious retreat is home to some 40 nuns who run an organic farm on the banks of picturesque Lake Parches.
Lunch, prepared by the nuns from local organic products, at the monastery. Try the homemade plum-brandy aperitif called 'tuica'.
Return by boat to the hotel, via Delta channels teaming with dozens of species of birds, including the largest colony of white pelicans in Europe.
Traditional Danube Delta dinner: Caviar and fresh fish from the Danube River and nearby Black Sea. On the menu will also be the delicious local salad, Salata Dobrogeana, and Saramura, an entrée prepared from broiled carp served with polenta and garlic sauce. A selection of Chardonnay, Pinot Grigio and Muscat Ottonel wines from Murfatlar vineyards will be served to quench the thirst.

Day 3 — After breakfast, explore some of the main channels and lakes of the Delta while fishing for carp, catfish, zander and perch. Hear the call of an egret, spot a group of pelicans lifting gracefully into the air or catch sight of other rare species, such as the pygmy cormorant or the red-breasted goose.
For lunch we'll sample the traditional fisherman's soup prepared fresh in one of the villages en route.
In the afternoon, visit the Danube Delta Natural History Museum in Tulcea where you will learn more about the Delta, the third most biodiverse in the world.
Bonfire good-by dinner with live Romanian folk music.

Day 4 — After breakfast, departure to Bucharest for your return flight or continue your Romania Discovery Journey.