Train From Brasov To Veliko Tarnovo

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#1: Wasn't it beautiful? I only noticed this on my last day in Brasov.

It's my fourth day in Brasov and this marks my last day in Romania. It's time to pack the bag and move on to the next country, Bulgaria which is surrounded by Romania to the north. In order to get to Bulgaria, first thing I must take the train back to Bucharest and from there only I can cross the international border between these two countries. Get ready the passport as well as the train tickets because there will be several immigration inspection along the way. 

#2: The train seats, the train tickets and one of the train stations we stopped at. I got my train tickets from Brasov Train Station and the total fare I paid was 145 lei.  

Normally, most of the visitors will start their trip from Bucharest and across the border straight to the capital of Bulgaria, Sofia. With this popular route, it will takes approximately 9 hours and 30 minutes with two stops. But because I began my journey from Brasov which need to add additional of 2 hours and 40 minutes of train ride, therefore I decided to get off in Veliko Tarnovo. Or else, it's going to be one long exhausted train ride for me. 

So here how's the train route from Brasov (Romania) to Veliko Tarnovo (Bulgaria) looks like:
1) Brasov to Bucharest Gara De Nord = 2 hours and 40 minutes train ride
2) Bucharest to Rousse Station = 2 hours and 45 minutes train ride
3) Rousse Station to Gorna Oryahovitsa Station = 2 hours train ride
4) Gorna Oryahovitsa to Veliko Tarnovo Station = 20 minutes train ride

(With 3 transits at Bucharest, Rousse Station and Gorna Oryahovitsa)

Bear in mind since there is no any food selling on board, it's best to go and grab some food and snack before hop on into this long journey. There are few fast food restaurants within Bucharest Gara De Nord, such as Subway, KFC and McDonald's and even several food stalls, so you don't have to worry about food stock up. 

I couldn't remember how many times we were being asked to show our passport and tickets for immigration control and inspection but I do remember that all of us, the passengers don't require to get down from the train as the immigration officers came on board and checked our passport especially at this one particular station by the name of Giurgiu Nord. And being a Malaysian passport holder, no visa is required to enter Bulgaria. 

#3: Gorna Oryahovitsa Station. Stuck here for almost two hours before continue with my last leg of the journey. 

#4: While waiting for my last train, for the very first time I tried to withdraw some cash from the ATM machine by using BigPay card. BigPay really comes in handy especially when you're travelling abroad. (Read My Post on 5 Reasons Why You Should Apply BigPay Card)

Bulgaria is one of the European countries that has their own national currency and it's known as Bulgarian lev (BGN). I tried to withdraw some BGN in case for some immediate expenses needed cause the city I'm heading to, it's not a really a popular tourist spot among the foreign visitors. And that means I might face some difficulty in searching for money changer in the city.

€1 = BGN1.91 (or 1.91 leva)

Finally I hopped on into the last train of my journey heading to Veliko Tarnovo. Earlier on, I did message the owner of the hostel I'm going to stay about picking me from the train station and guess what, he really did. How nice he was, right? Cause by the time I arrived in Veliko Tarnovo, it's reaching night time and it's dark outside too. In addition, there is no any public transportation going to the city of Veliko Tarnovo and that is why, I was asking for favor from the owner.  

#5: My stay in Veliko Tarnovo

Hostel Pashow
Date Stayed: 12 April - 13 April 2019 (1 night)
Room Rate: BGN59 for a double bedroom attached with private bathroom.

Have you guys ever heard of Veliko Tarnovo before? Neither do I. I only came across this city while doing my research for this trip and from there, this is where I attracted to the city. Veliko Tarnovo once was the capital of the Second Bulgarian Empire and it has long traditions in the culture of Bulgaria. Though the city is fairly large, but almost everywhere is within easy reach including the city's attractions. Let's us do some city tour, shall we?

#6: A quiet and calm city


#7: Tsarevets, the city's top attraction.


#8


#9: The main street where the banks, administrative offices, shops and hotels situated.

#10: A view of the city.


#11: A city with rich in history.


#12


#13: A magnet cost 2.50 leva (approx to RM6/€1.50) and a postcard cost 1.90 leva (approx. to RM4.50/€1) 

The time I spent in Veliko Tarnovo was less than 24 hours. It might seem pretty short at first glance, but actually it's sufficient to cover the entire city. With a little common sense and respect for the locals, I can assure you that my solo trip in Veliko Turnovo is a safe one. Not just that this friendly student city is rich in museums and historical site, but the local are friendly and nice too. Just like my host.

I will continue my next post with the capital city of Bulgaria, Sofia! 

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Sighișoara, Transylvania's Medieval Fortified City

<< Previous Post: Peles Castle of Sinaia, Romania <<

It's my 5th day in Romania and also, my 3rd day in Brasov, one of the cities of Transylvania. There are other charming cities like Sibiu and Sighisoara but unfortunately because it's my last day in Romania, I can only pick one out from these two. It's impossible to cover two of these cities in a day because the public transportation wasn't that convenient as I thought. After a long consideration, I decided just to visit Sighisoara only. 

GETTING TO SIGHISOARA FROM BRASOV

Going to Sighisoara is actually pretty easy but then, the journey is quite long (about 3 hours) if you are taking the train meanwhile the mini bus journey might take approximately 2 hours only but the seat is quite limited. I plan to take the mini bus at Autogara 1. which is adjacent to Brasov Train Station. However, the mini bus only departs 3 times a day (5.40 am, 8am and 3pm). Luckily I have made a bus reservation a night before my visit from this website (here) or else, I might not able to reach Sighisoara.

#1: Mini bus from Autogara 1 (next to Brasov Main Train Station) departing to Sighisoara. Arrive earlier in order to secure the seat. 

I booked the 8 am bus ticket and I arrived at the Autogara Brasov 1 half an hour earlier before the departing time. When I arrived, I was quite anxious on which mini bus should I hop into cause there's no sign on each the mini bus. About 5 minutes to 8 am, I saw a mini bus with "Sighisoara" signboard and immediately I approached the driver. The seating arrangement is like "first-come, first-seated" and my seat was almost far behind at the back. Well, it doesn't matter anyway as long as I can sit and sleep cause it's going to be 2 hours bus ride. The weather on that day was cloudy as it's raining whole day and this add more reason to have a perfect sleep inside the bus. What shocked me was when I woke up in the middle of the journey, I saw 3 or 4 passengers standing in the aisle between the seats. Looks like the driver just pick-up anyone who is going to the same direction regardless whether the seats are fully occupied or not. 

#2: Sighisoara Bus Terminal - 15 minutes of walking to the medieval city

ARRIVING AT SIGHISOARA

After more than 2 hours ride (exceeded the time as stated on the website as I think mainly due the driver keep stopping at many stops to pick up and drop off any random passengers), finally I have arrived in Sighisoara - a small fairy-tale like fortified city. It has been listed by UNESCO as a World Heritage Site due to its well-preserved walled old town. 

#3: Bumped into this Holy Trinity Church before reaching the medieval city. You can request the bus driver to stop in front of this church instead of walking 15 minutes from the Sighisoara Bus Terminal. 

Sighisoara is such a small little town and everything is just within walking distance. It's easily to explore the entire city on foot without any issue and perhaps, you can cover within just half day only. Wondering why I pick Sighisoara over Sibiu? Mainly because this town is believed to be the birthplace of Court Dracula. Seems like I'm so obsessed with Dracula but actually I'm not. But hey, it's Romania and almost everything is all about Dracula. 

#4: Pretty and cheery pastel-coloured merchant houses in Sighisoara.

SIGHISOARA'S POINT OF INTEREST

One of the main attractions of Sighisoara is the Citadel Square (Piata Cetatii). This quaint small square lies at the heart of the citadel and it is the historic center of the city. In the old days, street markets, craft fairs, public executions and witch trials were held here. Still inhabited and as today, you can the square is lined with these merchant houses painted in bright and cheery pastel-coloured which making this spot a feast to the eyes. Not sure whether is it due to the adverse weather when I was there or because it's off-peak season in the month of April, but I didn't see any sign of other tourists except for me, myself and I. But once again to look at the bright side cause I can have the whole place all by myself. 

#5: Citadel Square (Piata Cetatii) - the historic center of Sighisoara. 


#6: Doesn't this photo looks like a painting to you?


#7: St. Joseph Roman-Catholic Church sits in the center of the square

Another thing one shouldn't miss when visiting Sighisoara is the Clock Tower (Turnul cu Ceas). It's kinda hard to miss this out as it's standing tall atop of the citadel hill and even you're far away, you will still be able to spot it. Since I have plenty of time to kill, I took a visit, climbed up the tower and oh boy, the panoramic views from the balcony is breathtaking. 

#8: Sighisoara's main point of interest - the Clock Tower (Turnul cu Ceas).


#9: The Clock Tower offers amazing panoramic views of the city from the balcony.


#10: Not just that, the visitors can even look down on the red-tiled roofs of the Old Town.


#11: Up-close view of the Clock Tower

Open six days a week (except Monday): 
May 15 - September 15
Tuesday to Friday: 9 am - 6.30 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10 am - 5.30 pm

September 16 - May 14
Tuesday to Friday: 9 am - 3.30 pm
Saturday & Sunday: 10 am - 3.30 pm

Admission Fee: 15 lei

#12: The Scholars’ Stairs (Scara Acoperita), is an old stone staircase with a wooden roof along the whole span. It was built in order for the people to reach the church and the school on the hill especially during winter time, obviating the problems caused by the snow.

Somehow, there are certain part of Sighisoara reminds me of Zagreb of Croatia. The city's citadel is consider to be located on the Upper Town where one need to walk up the steep cobbled-streets from the Lower Town (it's pretty easy anyway) and as for the Lower Town, here you can find countless of shops and eateries along the street. 

#13: Sighisoara's Lower Town


#14: Feast my hungry tummy before leaving this charming and picturesque city.

In order to return back to Brasov from Sighsioara, I chosen to take the same route I took earlier - by taking the mini bus at 3.35pm. Like I shared above, the mini bus departs less frequently (only 3 times in a day) and hence, it's wise to plan your trip to Sighisoara ahead. Last but not least, don't come and visit Sighisoara on Monday cause the Clock Tower, one of the main point of interest closed on that particular day. It will be such a waste that you couldn't make it to the top to enjoy the fascinating panoramic views.

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Peles Castle of Sinaia, Romania

<< Previous Post: Short Trip To Bran Castle From Brasov <<

Another day, another trip to castle again. However for this round, this castle has caught my attention and instantly becoming one of my favourite castles, closely followed by Pena Castle of Portugal. It's none other than Peles Castle, which is far more impressive than Bran Castle. Luckily I made a wise choice to visit Bran first, or else I will place a high expectation on it and ended in disappointment.

HOW TO GET TO PELES CASTLE
Peles Castle is located in a small town of Sinaia and in order to get to Sinaia, it's actually pretty easy by taking train, since it is on the main track between both Bucharest and Brasov. But of course, the nearest spot is from Brasov. Now you know why I choose to stay in Brasov for 3 nights - so that I can reduce the travelling time.

So here's the route I took from Brasov (where I overnight):

• From Livada Poştei (Brasov Old Town), catch bus #4 to Gara Brasov (Train Station).
• Then, buying the train ticket at the counter heading to Sinaia.
• One-single trip costs 16.90 lei and the train rides took almost an hour journey. 

From those who plan to travel from Bucharest, take train from Gara de Nord and the ride takes approximately 1.5 hours to reach Sinaian.


#1: Taking train from Brasov to Sinaia, where Peles Castle situated.


#2: Sinaia Railway Station

Just when I thought I had finally arrived Peles Castle, the truth is no! There's still long way to go. Right after I came out from Sinaia Railway Station, I tried to Google whether any further info on taking public bus going to the Castle. I did my research earlier on but all the info I came across gave me the same result, which is to walk for almost 40 minutes from the train station to the castle. I was alone and hardly seen any other tourists around me. I did see a signboard but the moment I walked further, slowly I noticed I was lost. I have no choice but keep walking according to my Google map on my phone.


#3: Sorry to say this but what an useless signboard. Not helpful at all.

I was walking like a headless chicken, not sure where the Google Map direct me to - is the direction correct or otherwise? Only to find out after the end of this trip, I was actually walking on different direction, not the usual path took by majority of the visitors. But still, I glad that I finally make it to the castle - safe and sound, with a little touch of exhausted. When I saw Peles Castle standing tall and enormous right in front of me, all the efforts of getting here is exceptionally worth. This Romanian castle is so stunning and impressive until I was totally stunned.


#4: After walking for more than 40 minutes from Sinain Railway Station, I made it to the castle.

However, it's felt kinda strange for me cause this castle is known to be one of the most remarkable castles in Romania but somehow, I don't see any sign of tourists surrounding it. I have to admit I was kinda early but by the time I arrived the castle, it's 9.30am. It was supposed to open at 9am, as shown from Google. And guess what? It's Wednesday during my visit and the opening hour is different from the rest of the day, which is 11am. Not you again Google! But again, to think from the other side, this consider it's a blessing of disguise for me cause I can have the whole place just for myself. Always be positive, right?

Without wasting any longer, this is what I did:


#5: What else than taking photo of myself?


#6: For the "Gram"


#7: And more of myself with the castle. Can you spot the snow-capped mountain behind me?

When I posted one of these photos on Instagram, there are few who actually asked me how I managed to take photo of myself when I was travelling alone? Oh well, sometimes I did ask from the strangers who passby but for this trip, I brought along a 1-m long tripod with me.


#8: Another silly thing I did - I forgot to bring along the remote. So what I did is set timer of 10 seconds, then immediately ran to the spot I want. And repeat. Some people who passby saw it and laughed at me.


#9: Statue of the founder of Peles Castle, King Carol the 1st


#10: Statues of the terrace

Slowly, a crowds of people flocked to admire the beauty of Peles Castle. Luckily, I was almost done with my own personal photoshooting and about to leave. "Oh wait, you want to leave now? Imagine you walked for almost 40 minutes and leave just like that without entering the museum?", I asked myself. Frankly speaking, I wasn't into any history cause it's never been my my cup of tea but to think wisely, it was such a shame for me to just leave like that. After a long consideration, I approached the counter and bought an entrance ticket that costs me 30 lei and also, photographer fee of 35 lei.

Apparently there are two different entrance fees for Peles Castle:

• The Main Tour - 30 lei where the tour only take place at the main floor
• The Optional Tour - 60 lei covering both main and upper floor. 

For me, just go for the main tour as it's sufficient to cover what you want to see.

#11: One thing I dislike about entering Peles Castle is that all visitors must take the guided tour. I understood the reason behind for this is to control the incoming big crowd but this also cause the tour to be quick and rush.


#12: Peles Castle is the first castle in Europe that is fully supplied by electrical power. Impressive!

Peles Castle is built by King Carol the 1st (1839 - 1914) when he visited the site of the future castle for the very first time, he instantly fell in love the side amid the magnificent scenery of Carpathian Mountains. He then decided to acquire some land and commissioned a castle to be built there to be used as a summer residence for the Romanian royal family. Its architectural style is a romantically inspired blend Neo-Renaissance and Gothic Revival similar to Neuschwanstein Castle of Germany. This is because the one who designed the plan for this castle was a German architect.


#13


#14: The castle has 160 rooms decorated with beautiful furniture.

Despite the quick and rush guided tour, I felt that a trip to Romania is incomplete without a visit to this fairy-tale Peles Castle. Both the exterior and interior are absolutely fascinating and can't stop making every visitor who dropby to jaw dropping. And before I left Sinaia, I stumbled upon another smaller in size castle not far away from Peles Castle - the Pelisor Castle. However due to time constraint, I didn't have the time to visit it.


#15: Pelisor Castle - Built by orders of King Carol I for his nephew Ferdinand, the future king of Romania and his wife Queen Maria.

If you like to cover both Bran Castle and Peles Castle on the same day, I would advise not to make a trip on Wednesday cause Peles Castle only opens at 11am. Majority of the travellers would prefer to dropby Peles Castle first (opens at 9am except Wednesday), and then continue by taking train to Brasov for Bran Castle. But like I mentioned early, I prefer the opposite way - visit Bran Castle first, follow by Peles Castle later on. Well, choice is in your hands.

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Short Trip To Bran Castle From Brasov

<< Previous Post: To Brasov From Bucharest <<

Talking about castle, Romania is one of the countries in Europe that has countless of castles. To name one of it is the Bran Castle, most well-known for Court Dracula. Although this castle might not among the most beautiful I ever visited, but the best part is you can visit at your own without taking any guide tour.  

In order to get to Bran Castle, the nearest base would be from Brasov which I blogged earlier in my previous post. Even if you are travelling from Bucharest whether by train or bus, you still need to stop at Brasov, and from there catch a bus at Brasov Bus Terminal (Autogara 2).  

Summary On How To Get To Bran Castle:  

• From Bucharest, take a train to Brasov like I did. Upon arriving in Brasov Train Station, catch a local bus #23 or 23B to Autogara 2 (stop at Stadionul Tineretului).
• If you already in Brasov and stay in the centre which locally known as Livada Poştei (this is where Old Town located), catch bus #12 to Autogara 2 (stop at Stadionul Tineretului).
• In Autogara 2, continue by taking bus at Terminal 2 and stop at Bran - Moeciu. The bus departures at every 30 minutes during weekday and every hour during weekend.
• As for the fare, the local bus within Brasov costs 2.5 lei for a single trip. For the bus from Brasov to Bran, it costs 8 lei.

#1: Autogara 2 - This is where the bus departs to Bran from Brasov. Catch the bus at Terminal 2. One-way costs 8 lei 

#2: This is where you should drop off for Bran Castle. There are plenty of souvenir stalls outside the castle. so it's hard for you to miss it.

Right after I dropped my backpack at the hostel I'm staying in Brasov, immediately I got some advises from the friendly hostel staff on how to get to Bran Castle cause you know, times wait for no one. There are plenty of places I would like to wander and venture but bear in mind, I only have like 3 days. I know that my time to Bran might be rush and limited, but that's all I can risk for. By the time I reach Bran Castle, it was like 1.30 pm. It may seem like I have ample of time since the castle is expecting to close at 6pm but then, I have to take into consideration of the bus schedule heading back to Brasov. Did I mention that the bus ride from Brasov takes approximately 45 minutes? In addition, I was travelling alone and hence, it's wise to make a trip back to hostel earlier. 

Right after I got off from the bus, I came across countless of small wooden stalls selling all sort of souvenirs, particularly on Bran Castle and Dracula before reaching the counter booth. Not sure whether because it was off-season in April or due to after lunch hour, there were less tourists than what I anticipated it to be. Well, I kinda enjoyed it cause less tourists mean less crowd and not that packed. Admission fee for adult costs 40 lei (approximately to RM40).

#3: Less visitors when I arrived in Bran Castle - that's a good sign cause it means less crowd


#4: The views from the bottom of the hill looking up the castle are pretty fascinating.


#5: The courtyard, looking west

When enter into the castle, the visitor is allowed to wander across many floors of the castle, ventured every nooks and crannies that filled with arts and furnitures collected by Queen Marie, the last queen of Romania. Not just that, there is even a secret passage connecting the first and third floors, a room that displaying Court Dracula myth and more. If you are a passionate history lover and keen to know more about this castle, maybe you could consider of taking a guided tour.  

#6: The castle is now a museum dedicated to displaying art and furniture collected by Queen Marie, the last queen of Romania. 

#7: The inner courtyard


#8: Inner courthyard wishing well


#9: One final photo before bidding goodbye to Bran Castle

Before hopping on the bus going back to Brasov, I dropped by a restaurant opposite of the entrance to the castle for some late-lunch break and of course not forgetting, getting some Bran Castle magnets as part of my collection. 

Fun Fact of Dracula

Do you know that the creator of Dracula, Bram Stoker actually never been to Romania before? He depicted the imaginary Dracula’s castle based upon a description of Bran Castle that was available to him in turn-of-the-century Britain. And because Bran Castle is the only castle in all of Transylvania that actually fits Bram Stoker’s description of Dracula’s Castle, therefore this castle is known throughout the world as Dracula’s Castle.

>> Next Post: Peles Castle of Sinaia, Romania >>

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