ROMANIA

Romania is home to the largest population of brown bears in Europe, a species that’s been observed to make extraordinarily accurate “mental maps” of the terrain here. The natural landscapes include the rugged Carpathian Mountains, and the largest “virgin” European forests, containing trees thousands of years old. Much of the Carpathians are rich in greenery (around one-third of the country is forest), but at high altitude you’ll find a decidedly chilly stretch of the Transylvanian Alps. The country’s cultural assets, meanwhile, include striking, well-preserved medieval and Saxon churches, and countless time-capsule villages that look steeped in folklore. Add to that the gothic literary heritage of Count Dracula’s stomping ground. The highlights of Bucharest rival those of any historic European capital, with landmark 19th-century architecture including the dome of Beaux Arts-style CEC Palace. A post-communist country with extraordinary people, history and landscapes, Romania will richly reward curious travellers from day one.