AZZURYTT

The biggest and greatest music festival in Romania. Salzburg festival’s little brother. Here’s your ticket !

Your Personal Travel Concierge in Romania — Sat, 01 Jun 2013 14:15:10 +0000

Magic exists every odd year. And it needs no introduction: the “George Enescu” International Festival. A rival to the mighty Salzburg one, ever growing in stature and glamour, it is now among the top three European ones. It’s happening only in September, and naturally, Azzurytt (thanks to its unique expertise) is hooking you up with the most exclusive journey to the heart of Enescu’s life, punctuated by musical surprises along with big names from the world of music… See you there !

The 21^st edition, to be held September 1-28, 2013

Every edition of the festival is securing a stellar cast of orchestras, ensembles and artists that descend on the historic grounds of Bucharest making it for a memorable 3 to 4 weeks, the world’s capital of culture. Live outstanding classical music concerts, operas and theatre performances take place at different locations and thousands of music fans are attracted here while the city is host to international celebrities, such as: Concertgebouw Amsterdam, Staatskapelle Berlin, London Philharmonic, Münchener Philharmoniker, Royal Philharmonic London, Royal Stockholm Philharmonic, (The Academy of) Saint Martin in the Fields, Vladimir Ashkenazy, Linn Harrell, Murray Perahia, Alain Duault, Yves Henry, Claire-Marie Le Guay, Ivo Pogorelich… How not to be seduced by this year music ?

Put your name on the wait list for the next edition before it’s too late !

Up for sale 5 months prior to event, tickets to this prestigious festival – some 40,000 – have proved enormously popular being almost sold out in less than 2 months. The good news for those who have tried and failed to get a hold of tickets to their favorite concerts in September is that for the first time this year Grand Cinema Digiplex will be broadcasting some concerts in the festival live in the Baneasa Shopping City cinema.

Come discover George Enescu’s treasured Romania

After conducting a concert given by the Philadelphia Orchestra at Carnegie Hall, New York City in 1923, and having Yehudi Menuhin as pupil for several years starting 1927, George Enescu married Maruca Rosetti (a good friend of Queen Mary of Romania), known as Princess Cantacuzino through her first husband Mihail Cantacuzino. Composer’s most intimate retreat was at Tescani, at the manor of the Rosetti Tescanu great boyar family, built in 1880 (a 250 years old elm still exists in the manor’s park). While in Bucharest, he used to rent on long term an apartment with piano at Grivita Hotel, but after marriage lived in the Cantacuzino Palace. The long worldwide tours ended with escapades for recreation at the Luminis villa he have built in “the pearl of the Carpathians”, where you can still see one of the pianos to which George Enescu composed numerous masterpieces.

Enjoy Ultimate Music Experience as VIP

Let yourself captivated by a country with a formidable cultural and musical heritage, which unveils to you artistic testimonials of a fascinating culture and multiple talents of a musician people. The month of September is surely the best time for such an initiation especially with the announced majestic performance nights and these inclusions of exceptional quality:

* Seats with excellent view of stage at one or more concerts at Palace Grand Hall and Romanian Athenaeum or shows at the Bucharest National Opera and the National Theatre of Bucharest

* Orientation tour of capital with stop at Grivita Hotel

* Walking through the mysterious CantacuzinoPalace

* Chauffeured sedan at disposal

* Transfers and access to Luminis Villa and Rosetti boyar family manor

Get it now or further customize your experience: luxeven[at]azzurytt[dot]com.

Filed under: A~NEWS, F~CULTURAL

Movie against impoverishment… Before it’s too late !

Your Personal Travel Concierge in Romania — Sat, 01 Jun 2013 14:15:10 +0000

Azzurytt provides you with privileged access to the exclusive movie screening and after party at Children National Palace, where you will rub shoulders with movie stars and celebrities, whilst enjoying the select cuisine. And that’s not all. The experience includes a chauffeured Mercedes E Klasse at disposal for exploring the Bucharest’s most sought after sightseeing, as well as unforgettable spa ritual at the luxury Eden Spa, so that you return home rejuvenated with memories of a lifetime.
Dear Lady, Dear Sir, Your Private Sedan Is Here !
Your day will begin with a leisure ride through Romania’s capital followed by a gourmet traditional lunch in a historical 18 century monument.
Chocolate Sensations Ritual
Decadent luxury in a delight of flavors ! The Peruvian chocolate body scrub prepares the skin for the ultimate indulgence: a whole-body packaging with this creamy and nutritious chocolate. While the mask takes effect, pampering continues with a facial massage to stimulate the skin and a relaxing and invigorating massage of the entire body with vanilla oils.
“Before Midnight”, Romanian Premiere, Bucharest
The long awaited sequel to “Before Sunrise” (1995) and “Before Sunset” (2004) is one of the year’s best movies. Starring the Academy Award nominees Ethan Hawke and Julie Delpy – who exceed all expectations according to “Vanity Fair” – it has the maverick Richard Linklater (Waking Life, Bad News Bears, Dazed & Confused) as director. The film follows the characters Celine and Jesse which we meet nine years on in Greece. Almost two decades have passed since their first meeting on that train bound for Vienna.
Ethan Hawke Invites You to Children National Palace
18:30 VIP reception with Ethan Hawke and Rick Linklater. 20:00 “Before midnight” movie screening. 22:00 Questions & Answers with Ethan Hawke and Rick Linklater. 22:30 After party. Dress Code: Nostalgic (whatever that means to you). Date: Wednesday, June 26, 2013.
Price: EUR 693 per guest (based on two guests, VAT 24% included)
The proceeds from your movie screening ticket, VIP reception and after party directly help 1 impoverished child benefit from early education for the full 2013-2014 school year. This means you can add “school sponsor” to your list of credits.
There are only a limited number of places available and they will be sold on a first come, first served basis.
To reserve or further customize your experience, kindly contact luxeven[at]azzurytt[dot]com.

Filed under: A~NEWS, E~RELAXING

Discover ”China’s Terracotta Warriors” at National History Museum, Bucharest

Your Personal Travel Concierge in Romania — Wed, 29 May 2013 11:34:19 +0000

Azzurytt is delighted to offer guests access to the prestigious exhibition “Treasures of China” on view in Bucharest at Romania’s National History Museum (former Posts Palace) throughout August 1, 2013.

This rare event exhibition publicly showcases 101 inestimable artifacts sets from the cultural patrimony of People’s Republic of China, originated from 11 museums and cultural institutions. On display for the first time in Romania, the highlights are 4 life-size soldiers from the famous Terracotta Army, legacy of the Emperor Qin Shi Huang, built 2000 years ago. Featuring many other items of exceptional value, this unique exhibition gives visitors a handle to appreciate from different historical perspectives the deepness and richness of Chinese culture and traditions.

China’s First Emperor Qin Shi Huang’s (259-210 BC) attempts to conquer death and achieve immortality. 1974: The great tomb complex of China’s First Emperor, one of the largest burial sites ever constructed, taking 700,000 laborers and nearly 40 years to build, is discovered. 2013: It is continuing to captivate the world ever since. Perhaps the most impressive objects excavated back then were estimated 8,000 terracotta figures including warriors of all ranks, horses, musicians and acrobats.

Exhibition Credit: Prepared in less than 2 months – such event usually takes a year – this is the largest exhibition organized by China in a museum of Romania, representing the expression of the most ample cultural diplomacy endeavor and a fiducial museum event. “Treasures of China” is organized by National History Museum of Romania (MNIR) in partnership with Art Exhibition China, Cultural Patrimony State Administration of People’s Republic of China, with the support of People’s Republic of China Embassy and Culture Ministry.

The “Terracotta Warriors” experience includes complimentary reservation of luxurious room or suite and traditional restaurants, chauffeured sedan at disposal for one day, access to the NationalHistoryMuseum and more than 3 exhibitions: Treasures of China, Historic Treasure, Lapidarium – The copy of the Trajan’s Column and temporary exhibitions.

Rates begin at EUR 117 (inclusive of 24% VAT, based on two guests) and are subject to availability. Additional services can be added on request. To reserve or further customize your experience, kindly contact luxeven[at]azzurytt[dot]com.

Filed under: A~NEWS, B~HERITAGE

Luxury Boutique Events

Your Personal Travel Concierge in Romania — Tue, 28 May 2013 14:37:06 +0000

Your events featuring from 35 up to 100 guests have a high-end alternative venue. Nestled right in the heart of Bucharest, nearby the oldest and most beautiful of its parks and shielded from the noisy effervescent boulevards, it offers a captivating contemporary interpretation of Neo-Romanian architecture elegantly blended with the French inspired gourmet menu.

The flexible hall costs of EUR 387 / day or EUR 198 / half day (24% VAT included) come with a list of complimentary little things: parking, wireless Internet, flipchart, projection screen, video projector.

Request customized event and quote: luxeven[at]azzurytt[dot]com.

Filed under: A~NEWS, E~RELAXING

Romania bird view: Scenic entertainment flight or Air taxi

Your Personal Travel Concierge in Romania — Mon, 27 May 2013 17:51:49 +0000

Most fun things are hidden. Or off-limits.

At least until you know somebody… who knows a local…who helps you see places as birds do.

Now you can surprise your partner, child or family member with a private air transfer between Romanian cities or a scenic flight over Bucharest, youngest wet land of Europe and Black Sea coast or why not, over the majestic Carpathian Mountains.

We are prepared both with the highest standards of comfort and safety and various types of light / small aircrafts, VIP helicopters and private jets.

Informative cost: EUR 540 / guest / Bucharest – Black Sea coast transfer (inclusive of VAT 24%, based on 6 guests).

Request customized experience and quote: luxeven[at]azzurytt[dot]com.

Filed under: A~NEWS, E~RELAXING

With complimentary Magnum bottle of Cuvee…

Your Personal Travel Concierge in Romania — Fri, 24 May 2013 09:06:40 +0000

Here is the naked truth: this is not only a simple wine tasting on the way to the Muddy Volcanoes. A Dealu Mare resident wine expert takes you for a walk through the vineyard, then to the cellar where the wine is made before it is stored in barriques (wine barrels) and finally to the winery, the place where the barriques are kept. The presentation of production process and awarded wines obtained ends with the tasting of 6 different fine wines. The small souvenir you receive on departure is a dark ruby wine with rich and silky palate, aged in oak barriques, that matches perfectly a venison lunch with best friends as well as a romantic evening with strongly flavoured cheeses or chocolate. Mmmm, definitely an experience not to be missed !

Informative cost: EUR 198 per guest (based on two guests, inclusive of VAT 24%, private transfer and wine tasting). Complimentary magnum bottle of wine. Request customized experience and quote: luxeven[at]azzurytt[dot]com.

Filed under: A~NEWS, D~GOURMET, D~GOURMET - Tastings

Aboard in Romania – Black Sea Yacht Charter

Your Personal Travel Concierge in Romania — Thu, 02 May 2013 16:09:54 +0000

Life is always better on the deck, so come experience yacht cruises, exciting itineraries, and first class service. Attention to detail is sure to make your every voyage, onboard or ashore, unforgettable. Tailor made yacht charter experiences can include parties, company launchings, team-buildings, anniversaries, romantic evenings, private views, you name it…

What an amazing dream you had last night ! You were sailing on the Black Sea aboard an authentic schooner, flying over the alluring Danube Delta and woke up just before the beginning of a dinner party at a 2000 years old vineyard…

Now let’s make this dream real ! Picked-up right from the Bucharest airport or your classy hotel by a chauffeured limo, you are heading the east of the country. If coming in the spring or autumn when the weather is moodier the chances are high to be welcomed by a season in Bucharest and another in Constanta. (We prefer the month of April because of the alternating fields of gorgeous vibrant yellow rape and deep green wheat that keep watch over on both sides of the highway.)

Set sail for few hours cruise Elegant and imposing, specially designed for sea-borne adventure and luxury lovers, a two-masted schooner manned by a crew of well-trained professionals awaits you. With its masts fore and aft, rigged with multiple sails placed at different angles of heel to the ship’s axis of symmetry, turning maneuvres are easily performed and the wind’s power is best exploited. It takes just 18 privileged passengers (9 double cabins) on long voyages, but for short cruises up to 30 guests can be accommodated and even up to 40 when moored at dock.

Scenic flights over the seashore or Danube Delta The afternoon is reserved for another private experience that will unveil you on high either the monument of Adamclisi and ruins of the ancient Greek city of Histria, or the sinuous line of Romanian coast and the multitude of migratory birds nesting along the channels of the youngest land of Europe.

2000 years old vineyard tasting After a comfortable transfer is time to take a closer look to a 2000 years old vineyard producing more than two international awarded wines. For sure the tour of the estate, winery and wine museum made you hungry by now so a traditional fish dinner with folk music and dancers invites you away from setting sun.

Get your customized experience: luxeven[at]azzurytt[dot]com.

Filed under: A~NEWS, C~ACTIVE

The fascinating splendor of flowers creations

Your Personal Travel Concierge in Romania — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 14:10:55 +0000

At sunrise delight your senses in the aroma of Bucharest’s Flowers Market. Wander around and take in the spectacular colours and perfumes. In just few hours, after having breakfast back at your hotel, you will spoil yourself pairing stunning golden chocolates with the most fragrant seasonal arrangement of freshly-cut flowers, lovingly made by your own hands under the friendly guidance of our expert florists. In this feast for all the senses, romance is sure to blossom. Informative cost: from EUR 72 / guest (inclusive of floral creation workshop, exclusive of golden chocolates and chauffeured car for Flowers Market transfer). Get your customized experience: luxeven[at]azzurytt[dot]com.

Filed under: A~NEWS, C~ACTIVE

SERVICES: Some elegant furniture – neoclassical or modern

Your Personal Travel Concierge in Romania — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 13:49:36 +0000

What you’ve got here is a select assortment of lounge sofas in neoclassical style (with curved wood with hand carving and painting; white leather, natural silk or velvet with silver inserts upholstery; obsolete finish with golden patina), rattan furniture, stretch table covers, terrace heaters, tables, shelters, white pavilions, separation poles and umbrellas for high-class receptions, cocktails or open air parties. Don’t hesitate to let us know if you need other services or products for your perfect elegant event. To receive a price according to your customized inclusions, kindly contact luxeven[at]azzurytt[dot]com.

Filed under: A~NEWS

SERVICES: Give life to your events !

Your Personal Travel Concierge in Romania — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 13:37:38 +0000

From time to time some of you have to broadcast live concerts / sporting events, launch the newest automobile created on the background of commercial spots, present live transmissions or pre-recorded images during promotional campaigns or other indoor / outdoor events.

Image clearness is of major importance but also the autonomy, mobility, size and type of signal received. These are the reasons for which you could be interested in finding more about our mobile (10 sqm) and steady (6 sqm) LED screens and 50 skinny frame LCD plasma screens (with sizes of 42’’ and 50’’) ideal for video walls.

LED mobile screen – with its autonomy and mobility, it is an excellent device for those who need rapidity, flexibility and image clearness for their outdoor events. It has 10 sqm and a resolution of 10 pixel pitch. The screen can turn around 360 degrees and it is equipped with a generator that gives it 21 hours autonomy. When in use, it can be plugged to 380 V, 32 A and 19 kva being perfect for broadcasting live concerts, sporting events, any other live or pre-recorded images.

LED steady screen – ideal for short-term promotional campaigns and indoor events (live transmissions & commercial spots), it has 6 sqm, 8 mm resolution and can be placed 1 m above ground (on support) or 5 m above ground (on ladder).

LCD plasma screens – 50 skinny frame plasma screens perfect for video walls (concerts, presentations, automobiles launchings). Having resolutions of 1024 / 768 they can receive any type of signal (VGA, RGB).

To receive a price according to your customized inclusions, kindly contact luxeven[at]azzurytt[dot]com.

Filed under: A~NEWS

Cooking class & wine dinner with private chef

Your Personal Travel Concierge in Romania — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 13:09:17 +0000

First you and your family, friends or company colleagues (no more than 12 adults or 10 children) will be provided in the hayloft with the insight to the regional cuisine. Then, during a creative workshop, using local seasonal ingredients you personally picked from the garden or directly from the forest – such as truffles for example -, the secrets of traditional gastronomy will be revealed to you. Dinner and excellent Romanian wines pairing session will take place in the charming proximity of the camp fire. At night you can stay in a luxurious hotel or, to make this experience even more authentic, in 18 century Saxon rural households, carefully restored, from a UNESCO heritage village. Get your customized experience: luxeven[at]azzurytt[dot]com.

Filed under: A~NEWS, D~GOURMET

Hire a chauffeured car in Romania

Your Personal Travel Concierge in Romania — Sun, 31 Mar 2013 12:54:12 +0000

You’re about to be traveling… a lot.

So are your employees. Not to mention your expected VIP guests.

Which guarantees one thing: you’re going to need some comfortable cars (from sedans to luxury minivans and stretch limousines), available tailored to your personal plans, with professional chauffeurs and offering harmony between first class service and meticulous attention to details.

Just to prove we love you the prices are negotiable – especially for that contract of employees’ transportation.

It was either this or a traditional Easter basket.

To receive a price according to your customized inclusions, kindly contact luxeven[at]azzurytt[dot]com.

Filed under: A~NEWS, E~RELAXING

Private lessons of traditional Romanian handicrafts

Your Personal Travel Concierge in Romania — Sat, 16 Feb 2013 11:38:26 +0000

For this you have to step within the most beautiful and largest open-air museum in Europe, which precisely reconstructs the villages from all corners of Romania to the smallest details: little houses, churches, mills, traditional objects and means of transportation…

A thoroughly prepared travel to the atmosphere of the former Romanian village that will familiarize you with the way natives used to live in the past centuries, how our grandparents and great grandparents organized their households, the little secrets from the day-to-day existence, their beliefs and the church function, the taste for art…

But most important it’s that hurdlers famous all over the country will pass to you the secrets of their craftsmanship with which our ancestors made from house decorations to cult objects and monuments. Then guess who will revel their friends and family in hand made vegetable fibers weaving pieces, pottery, decorated eggs, embroideries, glass painted icons, wood sculptures, traditional masks, dolls from organic materials, musical instruments or even folk dances ?

Before having time to get bored or tired you will be invited to test some of your other skills, target horseshoe throwing and playing traditional ninepins at a 1920 bowling alley from Paltinis mountain resort, displaced here in 1992.

Yes, we know it’s almost noon. Let’s relax boating on the lake in which Danube Delta fishermen’s households, floating wind mills, passage boats and bridges mirror; then stop at the traditional inn “The Alehouse of Old” for a menu cooked after recipes and methods used centuries ago in the area of Sibiu Marges: smoked sausages, “balmosh”, grilled jerky with garlic sauce and polenta…

For sure you wonder how large this museum, one of the top visited in Romania, is. Well, it would take about one week to cover by foot all its 100 ha. This is why you will continue seeing it from a period carriage (or a horse sledge if you come back in the winter). You know there is even a corner for children with fascinating mills in miniature ? In the middle of the potter’s village the most beautiful wooden little church lies painted in bright colors with grace and carefulness, by a great house painter. They say it was built with a small entrance and huge roof to oblige the believers to bend in front of God and deter the Turks from entering on horseback. Another highlight is the 1830 “Gold House”, made of sawed wood beams with swallow tail joints, telling the story of the 2000-year tradition of gold mining at Rosia Montana in the heart of Apuseni Mountains.

The night has fall down and all monuments reveal themselves in the dreamy lights of especially placed spots. You should tell the carriage handler to take you to the Folk Art Gallery where there is a permanent sales exhibition to choose souvenirs for returning to present.

Informative price: EUR 927 per 1-2 adult guests, inclusive of transfer from Bucharest by chauffeured sedan. Complimentary fine wine, premium brandy and permanent assistance.

For team-buildings more activities can be organized: treasure hunting, photo contests, filling a 100 l barrel with water, folk shows on the lake stage with a modern 3,000 seats amphitheatre…

Get your customized experience: luxeven[at]azzurytt[dot]com.

Filed under: A~NEWS, B~HERITAGE

Delicious cold entree recipe: “Zacusca” (Zakuska)

Your Personal Travel Concierge in Romania — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 12:22:08 +0000

Ingredients: 2 chopped onions; 3 cloves garlic chopped; 4 roasted red and yellow peppers; 2 small eggplants, roasted and skinned; 6 small tomatoes, skinned and seeded; 1 tablespoon tomato paste; chopped parsley; salt and pepper.

Preparation: Saute the onions and most of the garlic (2 cloves). Add tomato paste and chopped tomatoes. Add chopped roast peppers. Cook approximately 5 minutes to soften. Add coarsely chopped eggplant and parsley and salt and pepper to taste. Cook approximately 3 minutes. Chill in refrigerator. Decorate with parsley and serve with Feta cheese.

It can be refrigerated for a week or more in a glass container. Add a little olive oil on top to preserve longer (optional).

Do you prefer to learn how to cook an entire Romanian menu, with a private chef, right here in Romania ?

Tell us when and what else you’d like to try: luxeven[at]azzurytt[dot]com.

Photo source: http://www.flickr.com/photos/brinzei/6545392939

Filed under: A~NEWS, D~GOURMET - Recipes

Yummy weekend for family bonding

Your Personal Travel Concierge in Romania — Thu, 14 Feb 2013 10:18:47 +0000

Chef Daniel Wendorf just wrote. He’d like you and your kids over 6 years old to be his guests on a yummy weekend.

The curious little ones will cook Fish Finger and Mashed Lemon-Potatoes with Olives and will be served with water, tea and juice.

You and your spouse will create 3 everlasting classic dishes: Veal Fillet in Bread, Café de Paris Butter; Vitello Tonnato; and Rosemary Creme Brulée. Besides water, tea and coffee you will also enjoy a wine pairing and take home a recipe booklet. Oh, and because you’ll still have some time for leisure in Bucharest we’ll take you to a private walking in the open air village museum and in the old city center. We’ll tell him you’ll be there…

WHEN: March 23-24 (Saturday & Sunday).

INFORMATIVE COST: from EUR 657 per 2 parents and 1 child, inclusive of 2 hands-on cooking lessons and all transfers by chauffeured sedan. Complimentary: welcome and departure gifts (fine wine, premium spirit, local acacia honey and traditional zakuska), personal host at your service 24/7.

Space is limited. Request your customized proposal: luxeven[at]azzurytt[dot]com.

Filed under: A~NEWS, D~GOURMET

Specialty-magazine-style photographs of you

Your Personal Travel Concierge in Romania — Thu, 07 Feb 2013 10:18:01 +0000

Who doesn’t admire how good people look in specialty magazines ?

Well, it’s time you and whoever else you wish to look as good as them. With one exception. They don’t have the option of choosing the preferred backdrop. You do !

Since our services include event and special occasion video and photography – parties, weddings, Christenings, itinerary, etc. – it’s easy to design together a bespoke photography shoot specific to your instructions as regard the entire process: from type of shots (candid lifestyle, traditional family portrait, leisure), destination (exclusively in Romania) and various shoot possibilities to post production and album or framing. You, your family and friends captured at your very best by professional experienced photographers would be a great gift for a loved-one’s anniversary, a teenager’s birthday or mothers-to-be.

Choose the season and let’s discuss your options at luxeven[at]azzurytt[dot]com.

Filed under: A~NEWS, C~ACTIVE

Breath the history’s air: White Vauban citadel

Your Personal Travel Concierge in Romania — Sun, 03 Feb 2013 14:09:43 +0000

They say it was a forbidden city until 2005 because it was a military unit.

They also say there is a Mathew bible from year 800 in the library and a disco bar in the former gun powder hall within southern wall.

It has the shape of a 7 pointed star – design invented by the engineer to King Louis XIV of France, the Marechal Vauban.

A sightseeing tour of the restored gates of this early 18 century fortress, considered to be the most representative Vauban fortification with bastions in Romania, is a must.

To enjoy the utmost of this experience, it is better to come at the beginning of the city’s touristic season (May) or with the winter (for Romania National Day) when there are official celebrations.

To receive your premium customized arrangements, kindly contact luxeven[at]azzurytt[dot]com.

Photo source: http://commons.wikimedia.org/wiki/File:Alba_Iulia_Poarta_a_III-a_a_Cetatii.jpg

Filed under: A~NEWS, B~HERITAGE

Movie destinations: first step, ROLLYWOOD; next, the red carpet !

Your Personal Travel Concierge in Romania — Tue, 22 Jan 2013 17:42:40 +0000

Where would you think the newest little Hollywood is ? Be careful, from negligence you could cover it with your finger looking for larger spots on the globe !

Yes, as unbelievable as this is, it is true: lately Romania has become a land of Oscar, filming here being almost as a guarantee for being nominated for at least one important prize if not even gaining the most desired one.

The unspoiled wild beauty, that something unique and the authenticity of the home of Bacchus are only few of the reasons for the 170 movies cast here in the last 20 years.

Another reason are the directors and the extraordinary local technicians not as expensive as expected; a recent example is Dragos Stanomir winner in 2012 of Primetime Emmy prize for “Hatfields & McCoys”.

The most notable autochthon director is undoubtedly Cristian Mungiu whose “4 Months, 3 Weeks and 2 Days” was the first Romanian movie who achieved mainstream cinematic success and won the Palme d’Or at the Cannes Film Festival – and one of the early favorites for the 2008 Oscar, its failure to make the 9-film shortlist triggering quite an outcry in the international media – and “Beyond the Hills” made the Oscar shortlist in 2012.

Naturally, Romania has always been a magnet for film makers from around the world (remember “Dracula” or “Harry Potter and the Goblet of Fire”), scouts seeking movie locations and stars who were repeatedly attracted here.

From the long list of awarded productions made in this country, here is a selection of the ones that made the biggest waves:

The uniqueness of House of People architecture made it the perfect backdrop for “Amen” (2002) starring Ulrich Tukur and Mathieu Kassovitz. The adjacently photo is showing one of the paintings inside the huge administrative building that appear in the movie that won a Cesar, a Golden Globe and a Lumiere Award. It has also scenes filmed at Mogosoaia Palace, Baneasa Train Station and Free Press House (Bucharest).

“Cold Mountain” (2003, 7 Oscar nominations) with Nicole Kidman, Jude Law and Renee Zellweger, brought to the last one the golden statue, opening a new era for Romania in movie industry. The impressive story of love and war from the America of 1860s depicted was filmed for 5 months in Potigraf village (Gorgota, Prahova), Rasnov and Zarnesti (Brasov) and only 2 weeks in U.S.A. (The leading actors enjoyed visiting Bran and Sighisoara.)

Francis Ford Coppola, who spent almost a year in this country with his wife Eleanor, said in 2005 he came here to rediscover himself as an artist. And “Youth without Youth” (one nomination) was released 2 years later, showing the Romanian cities of Piatra Neamt, Brasov, Bucharest, Sinaia and Constanta.

The Peles Castle, the roads between Comarnic and Breaza (Prahova) and the harbour and casino (photo) of Constanta were settings for “The Brothers Bloom” (2007) with Adrien Brody and Rachel Weisz that received 3 nominations.

The motorcycle stunt scenes from the sequel to “Ghost Rider” starring the Oscar winner Nicolas Cage, were the motive for which one of the world’s most craziest mountain roads – Transfagarasan (over 2,000 meters tall), crossing the Romanian Carpathians – was closed for a week in 2010. “Ghost Rider 2 – Spirit of Vengeance” (one nomination) has also scenes filmed in Hunedoara, Sibiu (photo) and in Gorj county.

”A Princess for Christmas” aka “Christmas at Castlebury Hall” (2011) with Roger Moore and Katie McGrath shot at MediaPro Studios and Bragadiru Palace in Bucharest won two nominations.

Another Hollywood movie “Sherlock Holmes: A Game of Shadows” (2011, one win and 8 nominations) featuring Robert Downey Jr. and Jude Law was made at Castel Film Studios (30 km away from Bucharest), where there is the largest western setting in Europe (to make an idea it is about four times larger than what was used at Zarnesti for “Cold Mountain”).

The landscapes from Rasnov area (photo), very similar with those from West Virginia and Kentucky served as the Appalachian backdrop of “Hatfields & McCoys” (2011) which brought to Kevin Costner the first Primetime Emmy prize (2012) and the Golden Globe (2013).

Scenes of “Batman: The Dark Knight Returns, part 1” (2012, one nomination) with Peter Weller and Ariel Winter were filmed within Turda Salt mine (Cluj), taking advantage of the great setting.

The newest stars arrived were Sharon Stone and Andy Garcia (2012) for “What about Love” filmed in Bucharest city center, on Transfagarasan in the area of Arefu (Arges) and at Ravens Castle (photo, Hunedoara).

Now, admit it – you’ve always wished to pass by locations made famous by classic and contemporary movies and see what your favorite stars saw. Why wouldn’t you be given an unusual perspective of Romania’s history simply by following its cinema past ?

Contact: luxeven[at]azzurytt[dot]com.

Filed under: A~NEWS, C~ACTIVE

The castle from Bram Stoker’s novel

Your Personal Travel Concierge in Romania — Sat, 19 Jan 2013 15:22:06 +0000

One of the 10 most beautiful medieval castles in the world – according to CNN that also selected Bamburgh (England), Neuschwanstein (Germany) and Haut-Koenigsbourg (France) – and also one of the top 10 most expensive estates in the world, the famous fortified Castle of Bran is everything you’d expect Dracula’s Castle to be.

Gloomy edifice perched on a high bed of stone in the midst of Transylvanian forest, with its mock-Gothic towers soaring against the backdrop of the Bucegi mountains, Bran Castle was built between 1377 and 1382 as a military fortress, having a maze of narrow passages and secret staircases. Once the residence of Queen Mary of Romania – the grand-daughter of Queen Victoria, whose heart they say it has been found hidden in the castle in a silver box – it was retroceded in 2006 to the Archduke Dominic Habsburg-Lothringen, the son of Princess Ileana. Three years later the castle has all its patrimony objects (stored by the Ministry of Culture in the newly founded museum of the Medieval Custom of Bran) replaced with new collections brought by the family of the Archduke.

Bran Castle owes its fame not only to its majestic beauty and the uncanny landscape but also to the connections made by the readers of Bram Stoker’s novel, “Dracula”, with its towers and winding labyrinth of corridors. In fact it has very little to do with the Prince Vlad Tepes (the Impaler) who rumours say in the 1400s he once stayed here. Also known as Vlad Dracul, with a well-known all over the world reputation of sadist, the Prince was not believed to be a vampire, but indeed he had an inhuman blood thirst which served as source of inspiration for the novel.

This is how nowadays the mysterious castle reached to be placed on the nineth position in another top ten most frightening Halloween destinations (after Hollywood, Salem, New Orleans, Sleepy Hollow, Edinburgh, Prague, Bermuda’s Triangle, Paris and followed by Moscow) and to be the second most visited museum in Romania. Guests daring to enter the eerie 57 chambers will discover besides the well-preserved architecture, the collections of weaponry, armours and furniture of a museum of Romanian and foreign feudal art from XIV-XIX centuries. It is here where in March 2001, on the occasion of “Tu veneno” tour, the singer Natalia Oreiro filmed for two days the videoclip for “Como te olvido”. The park of the castle is hosting an open-air ethnographic museum. The irresistible selection of themed souvenirs (from dolls to shirts) on display in this country-style-bazaar will be one more temptation for every guest before leaving this legendary place.

Our classy chauffeured sedan can take you from the airport to the mountains right to this important landmark, with stops upon your wishes to Wolves Tavern for a lunch or dinner that for sure you will always remember with pleasure, the Rasnov Fortress, the adorned fairy-tale alike Peles Castle or wherever else your heart desires. Also if you think of Bran Castle as the perfect setting for your event, being it a board council, a new product launch or, why not, a wedding, let us know at luxeven[at]azzurytt[dot]com.

Photos sources (from left to right): A - B – C (etnographic museum) – D (chamber) – F (view from the top floor): http://compfight.com/search/bran-castle/1-2-1-1; E (inner court): http://www.flickr.com/photos/54085216@N00/378371026/sizes/z/in/set-72057594139424329/.

Filed under: A~NEWS, B~HERITAGE

Lamb stew

Your Personal Travel Concierge in Romania — Mon, 14 Jan 2013 10:35:09 +0000

Traditionally cooked in Romania for Easter meals, this recipe is also suitable during the cold months of winter.

Ingredients: 2½ pounds boned shoulder of lamb; 1 cup sliced onions; 6 tablespoons olive oil or salad oil; 2 medium-sized green sweet peppers; 1 small eggplant (½ pound); 2 small yellow summer squash (½ pound); ½ pound green beans; 1½ cups sliced okra; 2 medium-sized tomatoes, sliced; 2 teaspoons salt; 1 teaspoon paprika; Dash cayenne.

Preparation: Trim off and discard excess fat from lamb. Cut meat into 1 inch cubes and brown with onions in 2 tablespoons of the oil. Set aside. Cut green peppers into strips ½ inch wide. Peel and dice eggplant. Dice unpeeled squash. Cut beans into 1 inch pieces. Brown all vegetables except tomatoes in oil. Put into a 2-quart casserole in this order: lamb, vegetables and tomatoes sprinkling each layer lightly with salt, paprika and cayenne mixed together. Repeat, using remaining meat and vegetables. Cover casserole and cook in a preheated moderate oven (3500 F.) 1 hour or until meat is tender. Bring to the table in the casserole. Makes 6 to 8 servings. “Pofta buna !”

Filed under: A~NEWS, D~GOURMET, D~GOURMET - Recipes

I love Bucharest !

Your Personal Travel Concierge in Romania — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 13:22:05 +0000

2013 is offering exclusive cultural breaks to Bucharest, featuring prime seat-tickets to stunning performances, private airport transfers and complimentary traditional gifts. Your personal leisure concierge is on hand to spice the chosen experience with auxiliary services ranging from select restaurants reservations to helicopter city tours.

February 26, 20:00 – Ricchi e Poveri concert @ Great Palace Hall – EUR 270 per guest

May 25, 20:00 – Andrea Bocelli concert @ Romexpo – EUR 648 per guest

July 27-28, 12:00 – Rock the City (Rammstein one of the headliners) @ Romexpo, 2 days pass – EUR 315 per guest

Sept. 5-8, 20:00 – Cirque du Soleil – Alegria (Joy), @ Central Romexpo Pavilion – EUR 324 per guest

Sept. 1-28 – George Enescu Festival, 21st edition, prices depending on venues

To get all details and premium customized arrangements for your own cultural break in Romania, kindly contact luxeven[at]azzurytt[dot]com.

Filed under: A~NEWS, F~CULTURAL

Enjoy winter celebrations like kids do !

Your Personal Travel Concierge in Romania — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 13:22:05 +0000

Every year just before or on the very day of Saint Nicholas, the patron of children and travelers, Bucharest put on a new unexpected coat of sparkling lights: multicolored globes, white icicles, blue, green and pink Christmas trees… And of course tens of little festive decorated houses appear in the city center, where popular hurdlers tantalize the wonderers with ginger bread, cheese, boiled wine and homemade chocolate, fir garlands, scented candles, hand painted globes and wreaths, musical instruments, carved wood, embroideries and icons, traditional costumes and masks, painted pottery, wooden toys… To get all details and premium customized arrangements for your own getaway, kindly contact luxeven[at]azzurytt[dot]com.

Filed under: A~NEWS, B~HERITAGE

500 year old mural paintings and Orient’s artistic revelation

Your Personal Travel Concierge in Romania — Sun, 13 Jan 2013 12:33:22 +0000

With a short but impressive past, the Winter Royal Palace continues to captivate the visitors inclusively with its exhibitions, collections and treasure.

Throughout May 26 the temporary highlights of the heritage works on display include 32 fragments of frescoes from Curtea de Arges Monastery (nearly half of millennium old); the silver shrine reproducing the church architecture; the caftan of Neagoe Basarab; and exhibited for the first time ever, 47 Oriental theme drawings, graphic works and watercolors created by the father of the modern Romanian watercolor, Carol Popp de Szathmari.

The special scenography includes a film projection of the restoration process and a touch screen allowing access to sketches made in 1860 at Curtea de Arges by the painter Gheorghe Tattarescu.

For the most curious guests, the one day guided exploration of the museum’s galleries can be followed by a ride just to the legendary monastery with an optional stop for a private visit of the plant where the national car (whose latest models are more and more appreciated abroad) is made.

To get all details and premium customized arrangements for your own getaway, kindly contact luxeven[at]azzurytt[dot]com.

Filed under: A~NEWS, F~CULTURAL

Sarmale (stuffed cabbage or sauerkraut)

Your Personal Travel Concierge in Romania — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 15:38:06 +0000

This is a traditional Romanian recipe perfect for Christmas meal.

For 6 dishes. Mix well: 2.2 lbs ground meat (preferably pork), 1 cup rice partially boiled, 2 chopped onion sauteed, salt, pepper. For cabbage – boil with salt and lemon juice, unless is sauerkraut. After stuffing the leaves, packing small quantities of mixture in the leaves (sarmale), put sauerkraut on the bottom of pan. Arrange sarmale on top. In the middle of pot put a strip of bacon and a stick of savory (cimbru). Saute 1 chopped onion in oil, with bay leaves, pepper corns, 3 T tomato paste. Saute combination and add 2 cups of hot water. Simmer for 5 minutes. Pour over sarmale. Cover and cook on top of stove for 1 hour. Uncover and place in oven for ½ – 1 hour. Add more juice (above recipe) if needed.

Serve with sour cream and hot pepper.

Filed under: A~NEWS, D~GOURMET, D~GOURMET - Recipes

Taste gourmet hampers from 5* chefs

Your Personal Travel Concierge in Romania — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 15:27:56 +0000

With Christmas closing in quickly now, you might just need a little distraction from buying presents and trying to fit together that jigsaw of a social calendar. We welcome your wish of tasting, at the Christmas party, from the dishes of the traditional cuisine, skillfully cooked by 5* chefs. Delicious sarmalute de porc in foi de varza (pork stuffed cabbage) and sarmalute amestec porc-manzat in foi de varza (pork-veal mixture stuffed cabbage), carnati de porc (pork sausages), carnati amestec porc-manzat (pork-veal mixture sausages), toba (drum), lebar (liver sausage), mititei (smalls), cozonac (cake). Accessible prices. With free delivery. Christmas is a time for giving, so give yourself a break, forget about cooking and really relax and enjoy the celebrations. To place an order kindly contact luxevenATazzurytt.com.

Filed under: A~NEWS, B~HERITAGE, D~GOURMET

A heaven of sophistication and elegance for party goers

Your Personal Travel Concierge in Romania — Tue, 27 Nov 2012 13:28:23 +0000

Veal grenadine, fowl jelly, deer terrine… the party season is well and truly upon us. For a real holiday this year indulge in elegant salons and seasonal menus with sweet treats and fine paired drinks. Whether you’re hosting a small classy cocktail soiree, a casual Christmas lunch, or an elegant fine scale dining celebration, we will take care of all the fuss, leaving you to enjoy the company and fabulous food.
Xmas
         BUCHAREST:
                  Brunch: on December 2, 9, 16, 23, 25 with open buffet & live music, from EUR 54 / guest
                  Functions: from EUR 45 / guest
                  Team-building: with 5 star menu cooking lesson coordinated by Chef Bernd Kirsch rounded with a fantastic team dinner
         IASI:
                  Functions perks: flamboyant fir tree, Imperial Kir welcome drink, on the house wine
NYE
         BUCHAREST:
                  4 different options to welcome 2013, dinner on December 31, brunch on January 1, optional: pure relaxation in a warm tones decorated 5* room with super breakfast buffet in the morning
         IASI:
                  Traditional from EUR 45 / guest or Exquisite from EUR 72 / guest
         CONSTANTA:
                  Akolade: 3 dinners with live show (December 30 – January 1) from EUR 225 / guest
                  Violet: VIP finger food menu with open bar and live show in a sky bar with panoramic view over the Black Sea from EUR 90 / guest (optional: cigars and old wines)

Azzurytt customers spending over EUR 1,800 in December will receive a complimentary gift-wrapped 3 bottles box of 2010 Cuvee Andrei Cabernet Sauvignon.

To get all details and premium customized arrangements, kindly contact luxevenATazzurytt.com.

Filed under: A~NEWS, B~HERITAGE, D~GOURMET

DRIVEN: Shop and travel in style

Your Personal Travel Concierge in Romania — Sun, 25 Nov 2012 15:55:29 +0000

Why not treat yourself over the gifts month and let our first class sedans carry the Christmas shopping ? Instead of the usual EUR 81 (VAT included) per day in Bucharest we are offering a chauffeured Audi A4 at the preferential rate of EUR 63 (VAT included) per day. When you book for 6 days or more, get one day free. If you are planning to travel over the festive season to see relatives or welcoming them to Bucharest, take advantage of our reduced airport transfer rates: Henri Coanda Airport from or to central Bucharest will be charged at EUR 36 (VAT included) one way or EUR 63 (VAT included) return. This is an ideal transportation to and from all those late night Xmas / New Years Eve parties too. You will arrive at your destination in a relaxed, comfortable and timely fashion. So, for the ultimate in chauffeur driven luxury available in Romania, by the day or for specified longer distance journeys and including all airport transfers, kindly contact luxeven at azzurytt dot com. Couldn’t be easier !

Filed under: A~NEWS, C~ACTIVE, E~RELAXING

Black swans in Cismigiu Garden, Bucharest

Your Personal Travel Concierge in Romania — Sun, 11 Nov 2012 12:47:20 +0000

Filed under: A~NEWS

Enjoy winter celebrations like kids do !

Your Personal Travel Concierge in Romania — Sun, 11 Nov 2012 12:38:46 +0000

Traveling with children in Romania during the winter holidays can be a real treat, with the gorgeous architecture of the cities lit to celebrate the season, with shows, museums, restaurants and Christmas markets where Santa Claus hidden his tent in the middle of a park ready to cater to the entire family… Christmas trees and seasonal lights are twinkling along the avenues and through the windows of individual apartments. Kids will adore the window displays and the night time sweeping views over the snowy cities. Here, winter is traditionally the season for pork specialties: sausages, drum, hog’s pudding, pork stuffed cabbage, rind, kozunac cake… served in small quantities – as they are quite beefy - alongside pickles, polenta and red wine for parents or delicious red fruit syrup for children. For real authenthic experiences the traditional restaurants of Outlaws’ Hut in the mountains or Lady’s Terrace in the capital are recommended. For all details and premium customized arrangements for your own getaway, kindly contact luxevenATazzurytt.com. Photo: Christmas decoration in Cismigiu Garden, Bucharest.

Filed under: A~NEWS, B~HERITAGE

Statue of King Charles I, Revolution Square, Bucharest

Your Personal Travel Concierge in Romania — Sun, 11 Nov 2012 12:29:44 +0000

Filed under: A~NEWS

Red rose in Moghioros Park, Bucharest

Your Personal Travel Concierge in Romania — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 09:57:25 +0000

Filed under: A~NEWS

Urlati boyar winery

Your Personal Travel Concierge in Romania — Thu, 08 Nov 2012 09:24:08 +0000

After only one hour drive from Bucharest, a peaceful unspoiled spot with fresh air and sublime views appears to those interested in being initiated into wine tasting. Crossing the threshold of Urlateanu Manor the guests retrieve the authentic atmosphere of an old charming boyar villa from 1922, with an impressive architecture.

Within its underground cellar the red wine is aging in Romanian and French oak barrels. The lunch and wine tasting are followed by wine shopping and, why not, by the further exploration of the beautiful Prahova Valley.

For all details and your own premium customized arrangements, kindly contact: luxeven[at]azzurytt[dot]com.

Filed under: A~NEWS, D~GOURMET, D~GOURMET - Tastings

Amazing balloons arrangements

Your Personal Travel Concierge in Romania — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 13:24:01 +0000

There is always something special to celebrate either it is a local festival, a product launching, the opening of an art gallery, a wedding or a New Year’s Eve party. And balloons in hundred of original arrangements, full of color and joy, created by professional designers after catalogues only they can access, bring smile after smile on all invitees’ faces. If kids are involved too in your festive function, some way or another we will allure the fascinating designer to unveil them few of his Balloons’ Wizard tricks. For all details and your own premium customized arrangements, kindly contact: luxevenATazzurytt.com.

Filed under: A~NEWS, C~ACTIVE

Get your kids in the kitchen

Your Personal Travel Concierge in Romania — Tue, 30 Oct 2012 10:45:28 +0000

Educating the next generation of chefs can start with a kids’ publication showing them every step of a professional cook or with you gaining points and consolidating the parent–child relation while preparing together a mouth watering chocolate tart with pears. Here is all you need:

Pre-warm the oven at degrees 360 F. Grind the hazelnuts very fine. They can be used raw or if you like a stronger flavor, you can roast them before in oven (on a tray on which you put baking paper, about 20 minutes in the oven hot at degrees 360 F).

The eggs and the butter must be at room temperature. Cut the chocolate in pieces and put it in a pot that can be used in the micro-wave oven, add the butter also cut in pieces. Melt in a microwave. It is necessary minimum 1 minute maximum 2 minutes, for each 3.5 oz of chocolate. After every 15 seconds, you must carefully stir the chocolate with a wooden spoon. Pull the chocolate out of the oven before it melts completely, because the few staying pieces will melt if you continue to stir. If you do not want to use the micro-wave oven you can refer to Bain-Marie. Leave the composition to cool a little but not to solidify; it must remain with a creamy consistency.

In the meantime mix the ground hazelnuts with the sugar, incorporate the mix of chocolate and melted butter, then the eggs, one by one, making sure that each egg has been absorbed before adding the next one. Pour the composition in a baking pan lined with wax paper; the pan must be large enough so that the batter is not higher than 1.5”.

Peel the pears, cut them into slices and place them vertically along the cake in the pan. The cake must stay in the oven about 30 – 40 minutes. In order to check if the tart is ready, try it with the point of a knife, on which chocolate marks must remain. The cake has to cool in the tray and can be kept 2-3 days in the refrigerator or longer. It is good to pull it out of the refrigerator at least 1 hour before serving.

It is a desert which perfumes the house with chocolate flavor and that can make you forget that the days are shorter and outside is cold.

Filed under: A~NEWS, D~GOURMET, D~GOURMET - Recipes

Xmas party

Your Personal Travel Concierge in Romania — Mon, 29 Oct 2012 16:54:37 +0000

Father Christmas will soon be appearing everywhere you look, offering good boys and girls the opportunity to receive the gift of their dreams. Adults should not be left out, so why not host an exceptional festive function to bring the holiday season in with a bang ? From complimentary flamboyant fir tree, Imperial Kir welcome drink and on the house wine (for groups of more than 30 guests), to shows, menus customized upon culinary caprices and the most tempting goodies with Christmas aroma, we will make sure that the only thing you have to do at your party is to receive compliments graciously, along with gifts.

For all details and your own premium customized arrangements, kindly contact: luxevenATazzurytt.com.

Filed under: A~NEWS, B~HERITAGE

Christmas Chocolate Class at Transylvanian Mansion

Your Personal Travel Concierge in Romania — Sun, 28 Oct 2012 17:27:45 +0000

To make Christmas even more special than usual and bring some festive cheer to your whole family during holidays, this year you will be fabulous chocolate artisans at an elegant Transylvanian mansion from 18 century. In its wilderness with lakes, ponds and endless quiet, a German chef will make sure that all of you have the right techniques to create with your own hands, the best pralines of Cream Toffee with Nut brittle, White Chocolate with Saffron and Dark Chocolate with Port Wine, covered in Valrhona chocolate, then irresistibly decorated with edible flower petals (calendula, rose, bluebottle), gold leafs or nuts. For all details and your own premium customized arrangements, kindly contact: luxevenATazzurytt.com.

Filed under: A~NEWS, D~GOURMET

Gustav Klimt & Kunstlerkompagnie at Peles Castle until December 15

Your Personal Travel Concierge in Romania — Fri, 26 Oct 2012 16:46:05 +0000

Set in the breath-taking grounds of the sixth most spectacular castle in world, this Gustav Klimt & Kunstlerkompanie painting exhibition featuring Peles Castle Ancestors Gallery, King’s Ancestors from Hohenzollern House and reproductions after great masters, on display in the Theatre Hall and on the ceiling of the Honor Stair, is certainly not to be missed. They were made from the orders of King Charles I between 1883 – 1886, by the young Viennese Gustav Klimt, Ernst Klimt and Franz Matsch, within the Kunstlerkompagnie workshop, which between 1879-1892 decorated public and private buildings in the Austro-Hungarian Empire and abroad. Chauffeured rides and traditional lunch or dinner can be added on request.

For all details and your own premium customized arrangements, kindly contact: luxeven[at]azzurytt[dot]com.

Photo source: http://peles.ro/campania-de-promovare-a-muzeului-national-peles/.

Filed under: A~NEWS, F~CULTURAL

Divine romantic escapade

Your Personal Travel Concierge in Romania — Thu, 25 Oct 2012 13:22:27 +0000

Romance… It can strike at any moment ! Or re-strike. But the odds are increased exponentially when you’re aboard a sail boat enjoying a moonlit cruise only with someone special, or special enough… and a crew that knows the fine art of not spoiling the mood… Especially if you and your date were previously hooked up with few more over-the-top romantic gestures:

welcome bottle of champagne, fruit basket & bunch of flowers;
DVD for private view of romance movie, in a luxury nest with sea view;
dinner for two;
couple relaxation massage;
Queens Palaces oriental body ritual based on: argan oil, wild figs, black soap, sandal wood, vanilla, monoi, jasmine, gold, amber…

For all details and your own premium customized arrangements, kindly contact: luxeven[at]azzurytt[dot]com.

Filed under: A~NEWS, E~RELAXING

Halloween: Romanian style

Your Personal Travel Concierge in Romania — Mon, 27 Aug 2012 15:59:53 +0000

How about having on the table this coming Halloween an authentic traditional hors d’oeuvre and few decades old bloody red wine, originally from that Eastern European land some say it is natural home for spooky adventures with Transylvanian vampires, Wallachian witches and many terrifying things that go bump in the night promising to unveil strange secrets to the bold ones ? Your gift can be accomplished with any or all of the following: small bottle of fruit hot water, jar of honey to get as sticky as possible, hideous traditional mask, old fashion peasant knapsack to put your treats in. Trick or Treat, Give Me Something Good to Eat !

Make your wish at the earliest convenience to avoid disappointment, as these are limited edition: luxeven[at]azzurytt[dot]com.

Filed under: A~NEWS, B~HERITAGE

Dream Castles of the Artist Queen

Your Personal Travel Concierge in Romania — Wed, 04 Jul 2012 17:06:46 +0000

The most fascinating personality of her time, Queen Mary of Romania – talented painter, garden designer, creator of original pieces of furniture, inspired interior decorator, photographer and most of all writer (inclusively for prestigious American magazines) – had two castles very dear to her soul: Bran and Pelisor. The first is better known nowadays as Dracula Castle – would this be the reason for hosting a temporary unusual exhibition of torture devices and implements used in the Middle Ages ? – while the second is the little brother of the sixth most spectacular fairy-tale alike castle in world: Peles.

To make all arrangements for a customized getaway with guided inside access and private chauffeured sedan at disposal, kindly contact luxeven[at]azzurytt[dot]com. Black out dates may appear.

Filed under: A~NEWS, B~HERITAGE, F~CULTURAL

Close encounters of European brown bears

Your Personal Travel Concierge in Romania — Sun, 10 Jun 2012 16:41:24 +0000

60 acres of lush forest, rivulets and ponds located at the Carpathians’ feet have been transformed into probably the largest in Europe and the world’s best sanctuary for bears, with lairs, naturally feed pool, special clinic and, for curious visitors, alleys between reservations and observation points in trees, between which it will be possible to move on high bridges. Indwellers are 57 European brown bears (protected species) and an Asiatic black bear, dislodged from their natural environment, whose return in the wilderness could harm them.

For all details and your own premium customized arrangements, kindly contact: luxeven[at]azzurytt[dot]com.

Filed under: A~NEWS, C~ACTIVE

A venue worthing to extend your congress’ attendees stay

Your Personal Travel Concierge in Romania — Fri, 17 Feb 2012 18:27:59 +0000

The second largest and most modern exhibition center in Romania and the only one built in a resort, Expo Nord is the ideal venue for hosting from congresses, fairs and exhibitions to concerts, sports events and gala evening parties, with quality services and accesible tariffs. To the classic advantages, here they are adding mass-media and outdoor publicity, accommodation of 5* in a superb area just 1 hour away by car or of 4* – just 20 minutes away by car and numerous motifs of sojourn extension: Cozia natural reservation, spa treatments, prestigious old monasteries, biking, parachute jumps, nautical sports, sledding, climbing and paragliding.

For extra ingredients to be added, kindly contact luxeven[at]azzurytt[dot]com.

Filed under: A~NEWS, C~ACTIVE

Navy Day and the Assumption of the Virgin Mary Celebrations on the Black Sea Coast

Your Personal Travel Concierge in Romania — Thu, 09 Feb 2012 07:00:24 +0000

Since 2010, August 15 is one of the Romanian’s national holidays, when there are celebrated: the Navy Day, the Assumption of the Virgin Mary (by the Orthodoxs) and the Feast of the Assumption of the Blessed Virgin Mary (by the Catholics).

According to the Bible, three days before she died, the mother of Jesus, Mary, who was considered a saint, had a dream wherein her son told her she would ascend to heaven. As with Jesus, three days after her death, the apostles who visited Mary’s tomb didn’t find her body, but only the shroud in which she was wrapped, a signed that she ascended to heaven. The most impressive celebrations take place on the Black Sea Coast, every year being attended by a few thousand people. About a week before, various cultural events start in different significant sites, so this is the perfect period to explore the Romanian seaside. Your activities could include without being limited to:

weapon exhibits, book launches, chamber music orchestra and Open Gates Day organized by the Romanian Navy Museum
concerts performed by the Navy Fanfare on seaside holiday resorts (in front of the Mamaia Casino, in the Central Square of the Neptun resort, at the House of Culture in Mangalia and at the Summer Theatre in Eforie)
marches of the Navy Fanfare in the Municipality of Constanta (along the route the “Oleg Danovski” National Opera and Ballet Theatre Park – Ovidiu Square – Fleet Command – Casino Embankment in Constanta) concluded with strings of artistic demonstrations in front of the Fleet Command embankment and in Ovidiu Square, Constanta.
military and religious ceremonies, wreath-laying ceremonies at Navy monuments, demonstrative exercises, sailor games and shows organized by the Naval Force garrisons.

You are absolutely free to create your own experience based on the above suggested ingredients or on proposals following your personal interests. To find out more about the full list of possible inclusions and receive a price according to your tailored experience, kindly contact luxeven at azzurytt dot com.

Filed under: A~NEWS, B~HERITAGE

Ultimate white wedding

Your Personal Travel Concierge in Romania — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:22:44 +0000

Looking for a wedding you and your guests will never forget ? Then go now to the only ice hotel in the South-East of Europe before it changes again ! Rebuilt every year amidst breathtaking backdrop of the stunning Fagaras peaks, this perfect remote venue has ice beds covered with reindeer fur for surprisingly cozy night’s sleep, ice glasses and plates to serve delicious drinks and menus (inclusively for vegetarians), a splendid ice church for icy prayers and plenty of activities to entertain your guests before and after the magical event: riding on snow mobiles, ice sculpting, ice skating, sledging, off track skiing. For RSVP and extra ingredients to be added, kindly contact luxeven at azzurytt dot com.

Filed under: A~NEWS, E~RELAXING

Dinner murder

Your Personal Travel Concierge in Romania — Tue, 10 Jan 2012 17:11:10 +0000

Fairy violin and piano chords, dance steps by the book and sophisticated menu will stay in your mind for a long time. Friends and family got together at Chantal Vernescu’s Paris-alike birthday party to celebrate the spoiled singer diva of Bucharest. But someone came with despicable thoughts, wanting blood to flow, not only wine. The inevitably occurs. Who killed and why ? Use all your senses, from the olfactory, musical, gustative, up to the sense of… humor, to discover him or her ! Compulsory: detective flair, inter-war dress code & dance shoes. EUR 72 per guest (inclusive of dinner, interactive comedy and suspense). For RSVP and extra ingredients to be added, kindly contact luxeven at azzurytt dot com.

Filed under: A~NEWS, C~ACTIVE, D~GOURMET