Romania Tours
The Best of Romania Holiday
An 11-day journey through Romania, from Peles Castle and the painted monasteries of Bucovina to the medieval streets of Sighisoara and Brasov.
Tour Overview
Embark on an unforgettable journey through Romania, a land steeped in history and natural beauty. From breathtaking mountain ranges to charming ancient trading towns, this 11-day holiday promises to unveil the best of what Romania has to offer.
You'll be captivated by the rich culture, stunning landscapes, and warm, welcoming locals that make this destination unique. Discover the iconic Peles Castle, a masterpiece of architecture in the Carpathian Mountains. As you wander through its opulent rooms and lush gardens, you'll be transported back to the days of Romanian royalty.
Board an overnight train to Cluj, a vibrant city known for its youthful energy and artistic vibe. As you traverse the scenic landscapes by night, you can look forward to waking up to explore Cluj's lively streets, bustling markets, and historical landmarks. The city perfectly blends modernity and tradition, showcasing beautiful churches, majestic Hungarian-style architecture, and a plethora of cafés where you can savour the delicious local cuisine.
As the journey unfolds, you'll delve deeper into Romania's rich heritage by visiting fortified churches and painted monasteries. Each site reveals stories of resilience and faith, adorned with stunning frescoes narrating past tales. The unique architecture is a testament to the country's diverse influences, reflecting everything from Byzantine to Gothic styles. The spectacular backdrop of valleys and mountains constantly reminds you of Romania's natural splendour.
Whether you trek through the stunning landscapes of the Carpathians or enjoy strolls through lush valleys, you will quickly understand the allure of the great outdoors. Wildlife enthusiasts can also look forward to glimpsing some of the country's diverse fauna, including bears and wolves, in their natural habitats.
Romania's relative seclusion from the usual tourist trails makes it so enchanting. As a traveller, you can experience the country's authentic charm without the crowds that often accompany popular destinations. This hidden gem allows you to explore quaint villages and engage with friendly locals eager to share their stories and traditions.
By the end of your 11-day adventure, you'll likely find that Romania has captured a piece of your heart, leaving you with cherished memories and a longing to return. With its captivating history and breathtaking landscapes, this remarkable country invites you to discover its many wonders.
Day By Day
Your Itinerary
DAY 1
Welcome to Romania
On arrival at Bucharest airport, you will be met and take a transfer to a centrally located hotel. The rest of the day is free to relax or explore the city as you begin your Romania holiday.
Overnight in Hotel Capitol, Bucharest
DAY 2
Bucharest and the night train
Have breakfast and then check out of the hotel. You will tour Bucharest, including visits to Ceausescu's House, the open-air village museum, and Parliament's Palace. Dinner will be at Locanta Jaristea, an authentic Romanian restaurant, before we transfer to the North Train Station. Board the overnight train (no. 1641), which leaves Bucharest at 21:00 and arrives in Cluj Napoca at 07:34 the next day.
Overnight in First class sleeping car · Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 3
Cluj Napoca
The train arrives in Cluj Napoca this morning, and you will meet the tour guide and be transferred to a hotel in Cluj for breakfast. Following this, take a sightseeing tour of Cluj city, including a visit to St. Michael Cathedral. You then drive to Turda and visit the salt mine – Salina Turda is the world's deepest underground entertainment park and museum, with its origins as a salt mine, and is a highly unusual attraction unlike anywhere else in the world. You end the day by checking in at a local guest house, where you will spend the next three nights.
Overnight in A local guest house · Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 4
Biertan and Malancrav
Depending on the time of year and your interests, there is plenty to explore locally. There are local workshops where blacksmiths and charcoal makers continue with skills that have served the people of this area for centuries. You can visit an ecologic apple farm and try some local produce, and there are many fortified churches and villages to discover. The former Prince of Wales's, now King Charles's, private nature retreat lies nestled amongst the meadows and hills of Zalán Valley, carefully restored with traditional methods and materials to maintain its Transylvanian authenticity.
Overnight in A local guest house · Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 5
Viscri and Sighisoara
Viscri is a picturesque village known for its charming traditional architecture and peaceful way of life, home to a UNESCO-listed fortified church, a symbol of the area's Saxon heritage. You can visit local artisans and artists, taste the delicious local cuisine, or even stay in a traditional Saxon house. Sighisoara is another charming town famous for its well-preserved medieval old town, renowned for its cobbled streets, Gothic architecture, and as the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula. Visitors can explore the Clock Tower museum, climb the hilltop citadel, or relax at one of the many local cafes and restaurants.
Overnight in A local guest house · Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 6
The Borgo Pass and Bucovina
Today, you set off for a delightful drive to the Bucovina region, travelling via the Tihuța Pass and stopping for lunch at the Castle Dracula Hotel. The pass was made famous in Bram Stoker's novel Dracula, where, termed "the Borgo Pass," it was the gateway to the realm of Count Dracula. You arrive and check in to the hotel for the next two nights. Bucovina is a region in northern Romania famous for its stunning painted monasteries – UNESCO World Heritage sites adorned with colourful frescoes depicting biblical scenes and local legends.
Overnight in Bucovina Hotel · Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner
DAY 7
The Painted Monasteries of Bucovina
The painted monasteries of Bucovina are a unique and breathtaking sight – UNESCO World Heritage sites adorned with vibrant frescoes depicting religious scenes, saints, and biblical events. The intricate paintings, vivid colours, and intricate details are a testament to the region's artistic and cultural heritage. You will spend a whole day exploring three monasteries and learn about the local craft of egg painting.
Overnight in Bucovina Hotel · Meals included: Breakfast, Dinner
DAY 8
Bicaz Gorge and Red Lake
After breakfast, leave the Bucovina area this morning and drive via the stunning Bicaz Gorge and Red Lake – the road that slices through the gorges is among Romania's most spectacular. The Red Lake, or Lacu Rosu, is a picturesque natural wonder in the Harghita Mountains, named for the reddish hue of the surrounding cliffs, popular with hikers, fishermen and nature enthusiasts. You arrive in Brasov and check in for a two-night stay at a centrally located hotel.
Overnight in Bella Muzica, Brasov · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 9
Brasov
A day for you to explore Brasov, a charming medieval city in the heart of Romania. Visitors can explore the well-preserved old town, take a cable car up to Mount Tampa, or visit the imposing Black Church. Later, visit Bran Castle, a striking medieval fortress often associated with the legend of Dracula – a must-visit for history and architecture enthusiasts and a favourite of horror fans. The day ends with a visit to a wild bear observation area, where if you're lucky you may see some of these rare and beautiful creatures.
Overnight in Bella Muzica, Brasov · Meals included: Breakfast
DAY 10
Peles Castle
You check out of the hotel this morning and travel to what many consider the highlight of any holiday to Romania – Peles Castle. Built in the 19th century, it boasts a unique blend of architectural styles, from Gothic to Renaissance, and is surrounded by beautiful gardens and forests. Visitors can admire the opulent interiors, including the impressive armoury and the exquisite theatre hall. You continue your journey back to Bucharest, stopping for lunch at a winery in the Dealu Mare wine region.
Overnight in Hotel Capitol, Bucharest · Meals included: Breakfast, Lunch
DAY 11
Goodbye Romania
At a suitable time, you will be met at the hotel and taken on a transfer to Bucharest airport. This is the end of the services. Contact us for options to extend this tour to visit the Danube Delta.
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Know Before You Go
Included & Excluded
What’s Included
Arrival and departure transfers
Transportation with A/C
All accommodation as shown or of a similar quality
First class sleeping car train transfer from Bucharest to Cluj Napoca
Daily breakfast, plus lunch and dinner as shown in the itinerary
Services of a local expert English speaking driver/guide
Entrance fees to museums and workshops, including Ceausescu's House, Village Museum, Parliament's Palace in Bucharest, St. Michael Cathedral of Cluj Napoca, Turda Salt Mine, 3 workshops/craftsmen in the Biertan/Malancrav/Viscri area, Biertan and Viscri fortified churches, Sighisoara citadel (Clock Tower, medieval weapon collection, torture chamber), 3 painted monasteries (Moldovita, Sucevita, Voronet), an egg painting demonstration, Marginea black pottery, Prejmer fortified church, the Black Church and First Romanian School museum of Brasov, Bran Castle, wild bear observation around Brasov, and wine tasting in the Dealu Mare region
What’s Not Included
International travel to the start and end point – contact us for information and flight options
Any airport taxes
Travel insurance
Any visa requirements
Drinks
Items of a personal nature
Tips for drivers and guides
Tour Map
Book With Confidence
Price & Availability
This is a private guided tour, scheduled to your dates and requirements.
From £3,595 per person
Based on two people travelling and sharing a room. £325 single supplement.
Good to Know
Travel Information
Safety, Passport, Visa and Health Information
We strongly recommend that you check your government's travel advisory for up-to-date information and advice about your destination: safety and security, entry requirements, health, local laws and customs. For UK citizens, check the latest Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office advice.
Your passport should be issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country and valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave. Romania is not part of the Schengen area – visits to Romania do not count towards your 90-day Schengen limit, and vice versa. You can travel to Romania for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa.
Check your passport is stamped when you enter and exit Romania – border guards use passport stamps to check compliance with the 90-day visa-free limit, and if relevant stamps are missing they will presume you've overstayed. You may also need to show a return or onward ticket and evidence of enough money for your stay.
At least 8 weeks before your trip, check the latest country-specific health advice from the National Travel Health Network and Centre (NaTHNaC) on the TravelHealthPro website. Get a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK – this entitles you to state-provided medical treatment on the same terms as Romanian nationals, though it is not a substitute for travel insurance and does not cover costs such as medical repatriation.
What to Bring
Depending on the time of year, lightweight clothing which can be layered is advisable, along with a warmer jumper for cooler evenings and a light rain coat. There is a laundry available in most hotels. Lightweight comfortable shoes/trainers and sandals suit the summer months, though waterproof footwear is recommended.
Please allow yourself one main piece of luggage and a day-sack – you're expected to carry your own baggage, so don't overload yourself; a soft wheely bag may be easier to manage than a suitcase. We also recommend a sunhat, sunscreen, a torch, insect repellent, a water bottle, and a solar charger for your phone and other electronics.
While You're There
The currency in Romania is the Romanian leu (RON). Romania is increasingly a card economy, though it may be safer to use cash due to the risk of credit card fraud – there is a large network of ATMs accepting standard international cards, but you may incur a fee. Only change money in recognised exchange shops, banks and hotels; it is illegal to change money on the streets. Romania uses plug types C and F, on a 230V/50Hz supply.
The Romanian authorities treat drug-related and sex offences very seriously, with the age of consent at 18. Homosexuality has been legal since 1996, with significant progress in LGBT+ rights legislation since 2000. Avoid photographing official buildings, police cars or military bases without permission. Romania is in the GMT+2 time zone and has some of the best internet speeds in the world – most hotels and cafes offer wifi, though it's worth checking with your mobile provider about roaming charges.
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