08/29/08, 00:03:57 UTC

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Romania: a Contender on the Soccer Pitch and in International Tourism

www.mircorp.com

As Romania battles it out in the first round of the European soccer championships, MIR Corporation makes it easy to get to know this modern country, along with its up-and-coming next-door neighbor, Bulgaria. Bulgaria & Romania: Folkways and Fortresses, August 29 – September 14, 2008, focuses on presenting a balanced in-depth look at two Balkan countries whose rugged terrain and consequent isolation have helped preserve their heritage. These are old places, populated in antiquity by Thracians and Romans, yet held in such careful stewardship that their rich and beautiful forests and wetlands have been preserved in an almost unaltered state. The complex histories and fascinating cultures of Bulgaria and Romania are the centerpieces of this 17-day journey.

Between them they claim 16 UNESCO World Heritage Sites, ranging from a 4th century BC Thracian tomb in Bulgaria to an historic Saxon village center in Romania. Both of these little countries acceded to the European Union in January of 2007, taking firm steps into the future.

Romania has everything - fortified medieval towns, gorgeous mountains, castles complete with vampire legends, a world-class soccer team, hospitable people, fine wine - and travelers are just beginning to discover it. Follow the Dracula legend through the storybook castles of Transylvania; enjoy the wooden churches and folk traditions of Maramures; tour the exquisite painted monasteries of Bucovina, and get to know the hospitality and traditions of the Romanian people with visits to local homes and artisans.

Bulgaria, on the Black Sea between Romania and Turkey, was a powerful kingdom by the 12th century. Explore the Thracian settlement of Plovdiv with its ancient Roman architecture, breathe in the fragrance of the Valley of Roses, wander Veliko Tarnovo, capital of the 12th century Second Bulgarian Empire and spend some time in today’s capital, lovely Sofia.

Join MIR for a journey that meanders through these two ancient and modern countries, hitting the highlights but also visiting with ordinary people and getting a glimpse of what life is really like here, from Roman amphitheater to Euro Cup soccer stadium.

For more information, see www.mircorp.com

 Printable Version  | published Jun 17, 2008