Culture and History tour in Bucharest. Romania. Europe

steve:  My wife and I are considering a trip to Romania for 2 weeks. We would be interested in a private tour - using train or car and with a guide some of the time. When we travel, we prefer to stay in most locations for 2-3 days. While not usually practical, we like to choose locations which are themselves interesting and where we can take day trips to nearby places - and then stay at such places 4-5 days. It provides more time to visit one place and less travelling. We enjoy learning about everyday life when we travel - we enhance ourselves from learning from cultures that are different than ours. We very much enjoy photography, especially people whom we meet. Specific interests include Jewish heritage and places where there is still some Jewish life (probably the elderly, but hopefully still some Synagogues) as well as learning more about everyday life in Romania including meeting people. The painted monasteries (southern Bucovina, etc.) also seem very interesting. I realize that 2 weeks is far too short to visit everything that would be of interest to us - but there can always be more trips. Having only read some guide books, after Bucharest, some of the possible places we are interested in seeing include: Arad, Brasov, Busteni, Cluj, Iasi, Sighisoara, Sinaia, Timisoara - other ideas being: Baia Mare, Oradea, Sibiu, Suceava BUT there are many others places of interest that you would know which we may not be aware of. It would be easiest if we could com in early May, but we don't know if that is best since we don't know your weather (we don't mind snow, but prefer at least some sunny days). For example, I've read that early May is a hard time to visit Brasov (snow, etc.) - or can one easily still visit Brasov in May? We could also come later if that would be much better. We do enjoy nature, including hiking, but given the limited amount of time, hiking is not a priority - we can hike easily where we live, so we'd rather use our time for seeing Romanian life, history and culture.

Patricia:  We are a family with 1 daughter, who will be 13 years old this summer. Our daughter Adriana was born in Bucharest and we adopted her when she was a baby. We would like a tour of Romania that includes a day in Bucharest, including (if possible) a visit to the hospital where she was born, Bucur Maternity Hospital. Then we would like to see some parts of Romania to show her the beauty of her country. How much would an 8- to 10-day tour of Romania cost for the 3 of us? What is your cancellation policy? (We have an ailing father at home and sometimes have to change our plans at the last minute.) What size car would you be using? Thanks for your help!

Danielle:  Dear Sir My mother was born in Harlau. My best friend and myself are ending our Czech Republic tour with Adventures Abroad on May 12 and would be interested in taking your Unesco Sites tour of Romania with you as of the same date. Our last day is in Prague: May 11 and we could fly the next day to Bucharest. Without knowing much about the area is it possible to include time for a visit to the town where my mother was born? Thank you in advance for your time.

Danielle:  I am beginning to plan a trip to Romania for early September. At this point I am planning to fly into Budapest on 29/8/07 and then take an overnight train to Bucharest on 2/9/07 for arrivial at 8:50 on 3/9/07. Are you available for this tour from this date forward (3/9/07 - 13/9/07)? We plan to fly home from Bucharest on 16/9/07. Our dates are still flexible as I have yet to purchase airline tickets. Please advise at your earliest convenience.