I love the Romanian capital, Bucharest. It is busy and vibrant, with beautiful buildings and a vast range of places to eat and drink. If you like history, culture and learning about post-war politics, it's the place to be. Yet, and many Romanians would agree, it is good to escape the city from time to time! It appears that both locals and visitors like to take the train out to the mountains. The mountain resort of Sinaia is famous for its Peles castle. Peles Castle is a Neo-Renaissance castle which was constructed for King Carol I. It's inauguration was held in 1883. Following the revolution in 1989, both Peles Castle and nearby Pelisor Castle, were re-established as heritage sites and were open to the public.
The Bucharest to Sinaia train service, operated by Romanian Railways (CFR), takes two and a half hours and costs about £3!
Once in Sinaia, cross the road and head north-west from the station to start the ascent. You are looking for a brick path (like a yellow brick road!): this is the royal path. Follow this path, through the woods (look out for the signs that warn you to look out for bears, or even just look out for bears - it is quite possible you will see one!) until you get to a very steep path which leads to a viewing point, the Stancile Franz Josef. From there, you will get the most amazing view of the Prahova valley and the Carpathian Mountains.
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