Located in Eastern Europe between Bulgaria and Ukraine, Romania differs from its neighbors by speaking a language with Latin roots, a vestige of its having been part of the Roman Empire. One of the most geographically diverse nations of Europe, it’s a culturally rich and hospitable country that features magnificent landscapes every bit as enchanting as those of Tuscany or Provence. Its capital, Bucharest, was badly damaged by megalomaniacal projects during the Communist Nicolae Ceauşescu regime, but renovations of some of the surviving historic buildings have transformed the city into an appealingly lively place. Enchanting Transylvania is one of the last preindustrial landscapes in Europe. Expect beguiling panoramas of villages filled with pastel-painted houses, fortified hilltop churches and small farms practicing traditional agriculture. It deserves to join the ranks of Europe’s great destinations.

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