When to go
May - October
Price
From £1,695 pp (including flights) | Private: £2,995pp (including flights)
Flight time
3hrs 10mins

Introduction

Embark on a journey through the captivating landscapes of Romania, where history and nature intertwine to create an unforgettable adventure. As you wander through the cobblestone streets of medieval towns, you’ll be immersed in a world rich with legends and folklore. Witness the majestic beauty of the Carpathian Mountains and let the whispers of ancient Dacian fortresses inspire your spirit.

Uncover the secrets of Bran Castle, famously linked to the legend of Count Dracula, and delve into the country’s rich past as you explore centuries-old monasteries and UNESCO World Heritage sites. Feel the pulse of vibrant traditions in bustling markets, and marvel at the intricate craftsmanship of traditional Romanian art. With each step, you’ll unlock the wonders of this enchanting land, leaving you with memories to treasure for a lifetime.

At a Glance

Duration
10 days & 9 nights
Guide price
Group: from £1,695pp (including flights) | Private: from £2,995pp (including flights)
Cities/Destinations (in order)
Bucharest - Sibiu - Sibiel - Turda Salt Mine - Sighisoara - Targu Mures - Gura Humorului - Agapia - Lacu Rosu - Brasov - Bran Castle - Sinaia - Brasov - Bucharest
Tour Type
Experienced local tour manager and guided sightseeing
Tour Theme
Group Tour
Activity Level
Age Range
N/A
Star Rating of Tour
Superior
Accomodation
Novotel Hotel in Bucharest | Hotel Continental Forum in Sibiu | Hotel Central Park in Sighisoara | Best Western Bucovina in Gura Humorului | Hotel Aro Palace in Brasov
Board Basis
Varied - please see the sample itinerary for details
Min|Max Group Size
Average 13 people with a maximum of 18
Start/Finish
Bucharest - Bucharest
Extensions
Pre-tour Bucharest extensions (please get in touch for details | Post-tour: Danube Delta - a UNESCO biospehere reserve and one of the largest wetlands in the world (3 days and 2 nights starting at £730)

Highlights

Explore Romania's Painted Monasteries

Step into a world of spiritual serenity, and artistic splendor as the Painted Monasteries of Bucovina unfold before your eyes. These sacred sanctuaries, adorned with intricate frescoes and vibrant murals, date back to the 15th and 16th centuries. Each monastery tells a unique story of faith, history, and craftsmanship, with depictions of biblical scenes and saints gracing their exterior walls. Marvel at the stunning detail and vivid colors while immersing yourself in the tranquility of these UNESCO World Heritage sites.

Visit the Royal Palaces of Peles and Pelisor

Witness the grandeur of Romania’s royal past as the enchanting castles of Peles and Pelisor unveil their opulent beauty. Nestled amidst the breathtaking Carpathian Mountains, these architectural masterpieces once served as the summer residences of the Romanian royal family, starting with King Carol I. Embrace the elegance of Neo-Renaissance Peles Castle, built in the 19th century and housing an impressive collection of European art. Just a short walk away, the Art Nouveau Pelisor Castle offers an intimate glimpse into the lives of Queen Marie and King Ferdinand, showcasing a blend of Romanian and Byzantine design elements.

Experience the Turda Salt Mine

Delve deep into the heart of the Turda Salt Mine, a remarkable underground wonder that has played a significant role in Romania’s history since Roman times. Descend into the vast chambers, where the walls glisten with salt crystals and the air is refreshingly pure. Then, walk through the impressive galleries, learning about the mine’s storied past and its evolution into a modern-day marvel. With an underground lake, an amusement park, and an astonishing echo chamber, this fascinating destination offers a truly unique experience.

Marvel at the Palace of Parliament

Behold the colossal majesty of the Palace of Parliament, an architectural wonder that stands as the world’s heaviest building and the second-largest administrative building after the Pentagon. Commissioned by former dictator Nicolae Ceaușescu during the 1980s, this awe-inspiring building features 12 stories and over 1,100 rooms, showcasing an extravagant blend of marble, gold leaf, and crystal chandeliers. As the seat of Romania’s parliament, this imposing symbol of the country’s

Sample Itinerary

Romania’s Enchanting Treasures Await: Dive into a Remarkable Journey with This Sample Itinerary

Dive into the magic of Romania with this carefully curated sample itinerary, designed to showcase the country’s captivating highlights and hidden treasures. From the breathtaking Carpathian Mountains to the vibrant streets of Bucharest, every stop promises a unique adventure.

Day 1: Fly to Bucharest

Embark on a flight from the UK to Bucharest, the vibrant capital of Romania. Upon arrival, transfer to welcoming accommodations like the Novotel Hotel for a night of rest. Unwind with a refreshing drink and prepare for the adventure ahead.
(Flight Included | Airport Transfer | N)

Day 2: Bucharest | Sibiu

Begin the day by uncovering the fascinating history of Bucharest, once dubbed the ‘Paris of the East’ for its elegant architecture. Visit the Old Princely Court, the former residence of Wallachian princes, including the legendary Vlad the Impaler.
Admire the stately Royal Palace, once home to Romania’s monarchs and now housing the National Museum of Art. Then, continue to Sibiu, a European Capital of Culture in 2007, where cobbled streets and colorful baroque buildings await. Settle into local accommodations such as Hotel Continental Forum for a two-night stay.
(B)

Day 3: Sibiu | Sibiel

Explore the enchanting old town of Sibiu, where the Council Tower and Brukenthal Palace frame the charming Grand Square. Uncover centuries-old history at the Gothic Council Tower and marvel at the impressive Brukenthal National Museum, home to over 1,200 European paintings.
Alternatively, enjoy some free time to discover Sibiu’s hidden gems at your own pace. Later, journey to the village of Sibiel, known for its traditional houses and warm hospitality. Experience a delightful dinner in a local traditional family home, complete with a demonstration of how the delicious Romanian specialty, sarmale (meat-and-cabbage rolls), is made. Finally, return to Sibiu for a restful night’s sleep.
(B, D)

Day 4: Sibiu | Turda Salt Mine | Sighisoara

Embark on a journey to the mesmerizing Turda Salt Mine, a historical site where salt has been extracted since Roman times. Explore its vast chambers, including the remarkable Terezia mine that is 112 meters high and features an underground lake and a Ferris wheel. Delve into the history of salt mining as you navigate the mine’s extensive galleries.
Next, travel to the UNESCO-listed citadel of Sighisoara, a beautifully preserved medieval town and the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler. Finally, experience local hospitality with a one-night stay at Hotel Central Park.
(B)

Day 5: Sighisoara | Gura Humorului

Wander through the charming streets of Sighisoara, home to the iconic Clock Tower, a 14th-century marvel with a colorful tiled roof. Explore the citadel’s fortified walls, the Church on the Hill with its impressive frescoes, and the historic Covered Staircase leading to a centuries-old cemetery.
After touring Sighisoara’s iconic landmarks, journey north to Gura Humorului via Targu Mures, a city with a rich Hungarian heritage boasting remarkable architecture. Check into local accommodations like the Best Western Bucovina for a two-night stay and immerse yourself in local traditions with a delicious dinner and a lively dance show.
(B, D)

Day 6: Gura Humorului

Venture to the renowned Painted Monasteries of Bucovina, where stunning frescoes and murals adorn their exterior walls. Visit Voronet Monastery, known as the “Sistine Chapel of the East,” famous for its unique shade of blue, often referred to as “Voronet blue.”
Explore Moldovita Monastery, with its impressive depictions of the Siege of Constantinople, and the striking Sucevita Monastery, where a fortified enclosure surrounds its sacred grounds. These UNESCO-listed masterpieces showcase the harmonious blend of Byzantine, Gothic, and local artistic traditions.
(B, D)

Day 7: Agapia | Lacu Rosu | Brasov

Discover the enchanting Agapia Monastery, a Romanian Orthodox convent founded in 1649, nestled amidst lush forests and rolling hills. Admire its frescoes, painted by the renowned Romanian artist Nicolae Grigorescu.
Next, visit Lacu Rosu, also known as the Red Lake, a natural dam lake surrounded by striking geological formations. Enjoy a delicious lunch while taking in the breathtaking views. Proceed to Brasov, a city steeped in history, where Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architectural styles converge. Settle into local accommodations, such as Hotel Aro Palace, for a two-night stay, and enjoy some free time to explore the city’s inviting atmosphere.
(B, L)

Day 8: Brasov | Bran Castle | Sinaia

Begin the day by delving into the enigmatic history of Bran Castle, a 14th-century fortress often associated with the legend of Dracula. Wander through its labyrinthine chambers and learn about its connections to both the fictional vampire and the real-life Vlad the Impaler.
Next, travel to Sinaia, where the majestic Peles and Pelisor Castles showcase Romania’s royal past. Tour the Neo-Renaissance Peles Castle, the former summer residence of the Romanian royal family, and admire its richly decorated interiors. At the nearby Art Nouveau Pelisor Castle, explore the elegant spaces that once housed Queen Marie of Romania. Finally, return to Brasov to spend another night in the heart of the city.
(B)

Day 9: Brasov | Bucharest

Start your day with a tour of Brasov’s historic center, taking in its captivating sights, such as the bustling Piata Sfatului, the city’s main square. Marvel at the 15th-century Black Church, the largest Gothic church in Romania, which houses an impressive collection of more than 300 Ottoman rugs.
Visit St. Nicholas Church, an exquisite example of Romanian Orthodox architecture, and explore the charming grounds of Romania’s first school, which dates back to the 15th century. After a day of discovery, journey back to Bucharest and enjoy a comfortable overnight stay at the Novotel Hotel.
(B)

Day 10: Bucharest | Fly to the UK

Begin the final day with a visit to Bucharest’s Palace of Parliament, an imposing symbol of Romania’s Communist era. This colossal building, designed by architect Anca Petrescu, stands as the world’s heaviest and the third-largest administrative building. Explore its opulent interiors, adorned with marble, crystal chandeliers, and gold leaf, while learning about its construction, which took 13 years and required the forced relocation of thousands of residents.
As the tour concludes, reflect on the unforgettable memories of Romania’s rich history, diverse landscapes, and vibrant culture. Then, in the early afternoon, transfer to the airport for a flight back to the UK, carrying cherished memories that will last a lifetime.
(Flight Included | Airport Transfer | B)