LOCAL Houston | The City Guide MARCH 2015 | Page 77

Local March 2015FINAL.qxp_002houston 2/21/15 3:43 PM Page 77

PELES CASTLE, SINAIA, ROMANIA

SIGHISOARA Founded by Saxons in the 12th century, and a designated UNESCO World Heritage Site,
this well-preserved town is where you’ll finally hear about Transylvania’s most famous export: Dracula.
Sighisoara was the birthplace of Vlad Dracula (aka Vlad the Impaler), who inspired the book and legend;
and here you can visit a house claiming to be the site of his birth, and pick up countless blood- and fangadorned souvenirs (and even Dracula-branded wine – red, of course). Aside from the kitsch, the town also
has a perfectly intact 16th-century citadel and clock tower (worth climbing for the views), cute shops and
quirky hotels like the BinderBubi, a Tyrolean-style spot with a noted restaurant and unique “hay bath” spa.

CLOCK TOWER IN HISTORIC CENTER OF
SIGHISOARA, TRANSYLVANIA, ROMANIA

COX & KINGS
Founded in 1758 to assist British travelers journeying
to (then British colony) India, Cox & Kings is considered
the world’s oldest travel brand – and they have the connections to prove it. Today, they operate in dozens of
countries around the globe, including on-the-rise spots
like Romania. Guests can browse an extensive array of
suggested itineraries on the Cox & Kings site, then work
with destination experts to plan their own trips focusing
on their particular interests. In Romania, for example,
art lovers may head up to Moldovita and Sucevita to
visit monasteries lined with vivid frescoes, while history
buffs may take in the UNESCO World Heritage Sites,
and families may opt for a river cruise. Check out the
C&K site for more ideas. www.coxandkingsusa.com

BUCHAREST, ROMANIA PALACE OF THE PARLIAMENT

GREAT SQUARE IN SIBIU, ROMANIA

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