The Ashes of Communism - Bucharest Private Walking Tour
Things to know
About the Activity
Unveil Bucharest and the marks left behind by the Communist Era: massive structures and unhealed scars. Go back in time and enjoy a private walking tour of Bucharest, a story that takes you through 45 years of Communism, allowing you to see beyond the city's colorful present. You'll see the contrasts between the beautifully restored Old Town with its 19th century Belle Époque perfume and the grey, massive former Communist Civic Center. Along the way you'll walk by the Romanian Athenaeum, Revolution Square, University Square and Old Town. The tour's grand finale is in front of the Palace of Parliament, the world's 2nd largest building after the Pentagon. To top it off, during this private communist tour we’ll bring along old photos: see how the streets used to look, how people dressed up, worked and lived. Speaking of which, how was life behind Stalin’s "Iron Curtain"? It wasn’t black or white. Nor grey. Just red. Soviet red…4 hours
Private Tour
Pickup offered
Instant Confirmation
Mobile ticket
Availability and Prices
Free cancellation up to 24 hours before the experience starts (local time)
Travel Date
//
Travelers
Adult : 1
Inclusions & Exclusions
Private Walking Tour
Professional Licensed Tour Guide
Free Hotel pickup and drop-off
Refreshments
More Activities in Bucharest
Filter By Date
//
Sort By
Travel Itinerary
- Exclusive to travelers from this booking.
Locations in the itinerary
1
Ateneul Roman
Str. Benjamin Franklin nr.1-3, Sector 1, Bucharest, RomaniaBucharest, a city once called the Little Paris, a city that could have been much more if not for the communist era.
You will easily see this for yourself during this private walking tour, a tour marked by strong visual contrasts. You will visit two areas that perfectly reflect these contrasts: the beautifully restored Old Town with its Belle Époque perfume and the former Communist Civic Center. The tour is more than a visual experience, it’s a story that takes you through 45 years of communism, allowing you to see beyond the city’s colorful present.
The tour starts in front of the Romanian Athenaeum, a symbol of old Bucharest prior to the communist era. Here, you will learn about the tragic and brutal installment of communism (end of WW2), about Stalin and the enslavement of Eastern Europe, the genocide of the KGB’s Secret Police, the Siberian deportation of farmers who refused to “donate” their lands to the state, the eradication of culture, private property and free press.
30 minutes • Admission Ticket FreeView Location2
Our 2nd major stop is at Revolution Square - the place where Ceausescu, the last European dictator, gave his last speech. Here you’ll learn more about that drastic changes Romania went through after being occupied by the soviets, about the country’s first communist leader and also about the first part of Ceausescu’s reign.30 minutes • Admission Ticket FreeView Location
3
University's Square
Bulevardul Regina Elisabeta 3, Bucharest, Romania, 030167The 3nd major stop is at University Square where most of the bloody events of the 1989 revolution took place. In this third chapter, you will learn about the second part of Ceausescu’s reign, specifically the time when he lost control and started doing regrettable things that ultimately lead to people rebelling against him. You’ll also learn about the revolution itself and its dual nature: the people’s protest against Ceausescu but also the machinations happening in the background. 30 minutes • Admission Ticket FreeView Location4
Old Town
Bucharest, RomaniaOur 4th chapter is a stop in the restored Old Town, a much smaller area than it used to be before communism. You’ll be charmed by the gorgeous architecture of old palaces, Byzantine churches, bohemian cafes or 19th century houses. However, all of these historical treasures had to be rebuilt or restored to hide the marks of bullets and scars that have not yet healed even though almost three decades have passed since the fall of communism. 1 hour • Admission Ticket FreeView Location5
The 5th and last major stop is at the very heart of the former Communist Civic Center, in front of Constitution Square. Yes, we’re talking about the Palace of Parliament, the world’s second largest building after the Pentagon. The dark story behind it will fascinate it you, but this is not a time for spoilers. Just as a few facts, know that it has 7 floors underground, atomic bunkers and a network of roads beneath everything. After we see the Palace exterior, the tour ends and the guide can drop you off at the hotel or in the Old Town for lunch. If instead you wish to visit the palace interior, you can do so on your own (they have guides inside). Just make sure to let us know beforehand so that we can make a reservation for you. 30 minutes • Admission Ticket FreeView Location
Meeting and Pickup
Pickup details
Tour operator will pick up all customers from their respective locations- Travelers can choose a custom pickup or meeting location.
- For pick-up, please select your hotel from the list or provide an exact address. Your private guide will meet you in the hotel lobby, next to the reception desk. We offer free pick-up & drop-off anywhere in Bucharest.
- Travelers will be picked up 5 minutes before departure time
Pickup points
Additional Information
- Wheelchair accessible
- Infants and small children can ride in a pram or stroller
- Service animals allowed
- Public transportation options are available nearby
- All areas and surfaces are wheelchair accessible
- Suitable for all physical fitness levels
- A moderate amount of walking is involved, up to 3 Km in total (less than 2 miles)
- Slow paced walking tour with several stops for photos, rest or refreshments
Language And Guide
Tour Guide Available In
- English
Ticket Details
- Mobile or paper ticket accepted
- One per booking
Ticket Redemption
No redemption point. This is a direct entry ticketCancellation & Refunds
Cancellable up to 24 hours before the travel date (local supplier time) for a full refund. A 100% cancellation penalty applies for cancellations submitted less than 24 hours before the start time.- For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.
- Cancel at least 1 day before activity starts in Europe/Bucharest time to receive 100% refund.
Reviews from Travelers
★530 Reviews
Excellent
★★★★★ (30)
Good★★★★ (0)
Average★★★ (0)
Poor★★ (0)
Terrible★ (0)
Filter By Rating
Sort By
No reviews found!Operated by Unveil RomaniaCreated on 28 Feb 2016Created on 08 Aug 2024
Can we help?Can' t find the tours you want? Contact Travalour. We'll find them for you.
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply