Rail Europe Explorer Newsletter- Romania, the ultimate Halloween treat!

Vol. 4
Issue #16

Romania, the ultimate Halloween treat!

It seems vampires, nowadays, are drawing much more than blood, they are drawing widespread attention! With various television shows and movies airing, interest in vampire culture seems to be at an all-time high.

Count Dracula is probably the world's most famous and well-known vampire. Dracula is known to many as a horror film character, adapted from the novel by Bram Stoker. However, Stoker had created his story based on a series of stories published throughout Hungary and the Balkans.

Stoker selected Romania as the setting of his book, given it was the birthplace of vampire myths. He chose to model his character after Vlad Dracula as he figured in his audience, few knew of him, and those who did, would know of the morbid acts of cruelty committed by him, fitting perfectly into his story.

The story of Dracula, as told by Stoker, has certainly contributed to tourism in Romania, but the country has much to offer aside from Dracula. The striking landscape, rich culture and medieval flair continue to invoke interest in Romania.

A Eurail Romania Pass can help you to explore the folklore, myths and legends that fill this mysteriously wonderful country.

This Halloween, treat yourself to an amazing trip to Romania, the memories created will last much longer than any candied treat! The trick to making your journey truly spectacular is incorporating rail travel into your itinerary. You'll see so much more than you thought possible. Enjoy!

Rail Europe's 20/20 Fall of the Berlin Wall Celebration

20% off the German Rail Pass to Celebrate 20 Years of Freedom

It's been 20 years since the fall of the Berlin Wall. To celebrate the spirit of traveling freely, we're offering 20% off a German Rail Pass purchased between October 20th and November 20th, 2009. You can see everything from the cosmopolitan excitement of Berlin to the legendary Black Forest. In fact, you can visit anywhere along the German Rail network. This special promotion gives you four days of travel to use within one month, available for individual travelers or in a pass for two. It's the perfect way to see exactly what you'd like. As if that weren't enough, we're also including a FREE Berlin City Sightseeing tour in a double-decker open-air bus. So don't miss out on this historic 20th anniversary or the perfect way to celebrate. Click here to take advantage of Rail Europe's 20/20 Fall of the Berlin Wall Celebration.

Find out more about Germany and how to make the most of your trip there with Rail Europe

Here are some excursion ideas to work into your Romanian vacation

Celebrate Saint Barbara's Day in Sofia

The folks in Bulgaria all take a day to pay homage to a very special saint. Saint Barbara is believed to protect both children and animals from diseases.

On December 4, 2009, locals in Bulgaria will hand out sweetened bread randomly to those passing by. Along with sweetened bread, other food-related activities take place, it varies by location. If you happen to be in Bulgaria, especially Sofia, the capital, you may be a recipient of a tasty morsel!

You can reach Sofia from Brasov by train, via Bucharest. The total train journey takes approximately 13 hours. You will pass some breathtaking scenery along the way, it's a great opportunity to snap a few photos!

Discover even more information about Bulgaria by clicking here.

Embrace the beauty of the Balkans

Past the Czech Republic, south of Slovenia and beyond Croatia exists a region that emits a beauty seldom seen by many travelers — The Balkans.

One of the treasures found in the Balkans lies within Macedonia, in the capital city named Skopje. This city has much to offer its visitors, from a bustling bazaar where many unique treasures can be found, to a wonderfully cared for Old Town.

On your visit, you will come across many churches and cathedrals as well as the birthplace of Mother Teresa. Earlier this year, the Memorial House of Mother Teresa was opened in Skopje.

You'll want to stop by the Old Stone Bridge located in the city square. This bride represents the connection between Skopje's past and present, and is seen as the icon of the city.

The trip from Bucharest to Skopje will involve two train rides. Board the night train in Bucharest to travel to Belgrade. Upon arrival the next morning, see a bit of the city, or hop on the afternoon train to Skopje. If you prefer, there is a night train, or an early morning train to Skopje from Belgrade. Schedules can be found locally. In all, the journey will take approximately 22 hours from Bucharest to Skopje.

You will pass through several Balkan countries on this trip including Romania, Serbia and Macedonia. The landscape you travel through will awe you. And the easiest way to travel is with a Balkan Flexipass. This pass provides you with unlimited travel on the rail networks of these countries, in 1st class!

Here comes Santa Claus...

Come to Samnaun, in Switzerland, this November and see a display of Santas like you've never seen before! It's the Santa Claus World Championship, taking place November 27-28, 2009.

This event is fun for the whole family with music and skiing, there's something for everyone. So make plans in your schedule to come and watch these Santas battling it out, chimney climbing, gingerbread decorating and of course, delivering gifts!

If you're in Romania and are wanting to experience this event, you can travel by train. It will take you some time, but to see a spectacle like this, it's worth it!

Take the train from Brasov to Vienna, approximate travel time is 13 hours. From Vienna, take the train to Landeck, it will take roughly 6 hours.

Once in Landeck, you will need to take bus transportation to Samnaun via Vinadi. Tickets and schedules for bus service can be acquired locally. Travel time on the bus is approximately 2 hours.

In all, this trip from Romania to Switzerland will take approximately 21 hours. But attending this championship is a wonderful way to begin the holiday season!

For more information about the Santa Claus World Championship, click here. If you'd like more information about Samnaun, please click here.

Rail Europe's Rail Protection Plan™

Did you know that the Rail Protection Plan™, offered by Rail Europe, will protect your passes/tickets in the case of exchanges or cancellations due to medical illness or death, railroad strikes, and in the case of loss or theft in Europe? Definitely a product to consider when purchasing your rail products. Please read details about how the Rail Protection Plan™ works by clicking here.

Take a seat, sit back and relax!

Don't forget to make reservations for the trains you wish to travel on during your European trip. While not all trains require or offer reservations, it's a good idea to confirm your seats on the trains you are able to reserve. This will help avoid any disappointment locally, if the train you want to travel on ends up sold out. If you've already purchased your rail pass, click here to make your reservations.

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Being low has its benefits

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If you're planning a trip to Romania and would like further tourism information, we encourage you to contact the Romanian National Tourist Office, the official guide for tourism in Romania. Visit them online at www.romaniatourism.com/.

Special thanks to the Romanian National Tourist Office for supplying Rail Europe with the image at the top of this publication.

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