Sorry, I can't help with ideas following Romania, but I would be interested to hear about your cruise and plans in Transylvania. I'd like to see Romania and have been looking for easy ways to do so. Thanks.

On second thought maybe I can help. Have you considered Turkey after your time in Romania? How about Croatia and other area countries?

Hav2travel:
A lot depends on your mode of transportation. Rental car or driver is by far the most practical way to see some of Romania in 4 days. Assuming you choose this way to go, you can do a scenic circular route which would allow you to visit Sinaia (Peles Palace), Bras(h)ov, (Bran Castle), Sighis(h)oara, (fascinating "autentico" old town), Sibiu (architecturally interesting), and end with one day and night in Buchares(h)t before flying out.

I began traveling the country and all of the Soviet bloc during the Ceasescu regime. My most recent visit was post revolution 2005...and believe me, things are a lot more pleasant now. You will rank this visit as a highlight. I do hope that your river cruise allows you an option to see Velika Turnovo, a classic town of old Bulgaria. The cruise probably ends at Constant(s)a which is a fine looking Black Sea port worth a look-see unless you immediatelty have to connect on transportation to Bucharest.
I can give you some thoughts on lodging, restaurants, etc. if you wish.

stu tower rozstu1@aol.com

Many thanks for the information. I have an additional thought and question. What about going to Istanbul ? What is the best way of getting there from Buchurest ?

Instead of leaving Romania, I would go to Maramures and also see the monasteries of Bukovina (click on my name to find my trip report on Romania). I understand that there may be ferries connecting Istanbul with the coast of Romania. I would look into that if choosing Istanbul for the trip continuation.

Another thought I have. Many decades ago I served in Europe and the Middle East. I had to travel on a portion of the Black Sea and sailed through The Bosporus to Istanbul which was very interesting. Does any one know if there are " Black Sea Ships " that could pick up tourists from the Costantsa area and deliver them to Istanbul? If so, how is contact made to find out schedules, etc ? It seems as if that I am reliving part of my youth [ I am ] and want to share it with my wonderful wife and good friends. We eventually will have to fly home from Bucharest.

Many thanks , Hav2travel

The painted monasteries of northeast Romania are well worth the trip. Three days from Brasov would be probably allow enough time to see 3 or 4 monasteries.

We traveled by train from Bucharest to Varna, Bulgaria last October. It was a lovely city with wonderfully friendly people. The Cyrillic alphabet is a bit of a challenge, but the tourist center had a card that aids with the conversion. It is a beach area, so it was a little dead in October. From there we took a n overnight bus to Istanbul, which is incredible. We spent five days in Istanbul and could have done at least 3 more.

A friend recently suggested that we extend our trip to Prague. If we do, we still must eventually end up in Bucharest for our trip home. Since we have until next summer to travel, we have time for many alternatives and ideas. I appreciate everyone's help and can understand why others have appreciated my help in the past.

Click on my name and you will find my trip report on Romania. I would suggest Maramures and Bucovina as possible destinations rather than going to another country.