The Best of Romania Holiday
From beautiful mountain ranges and ancient trading towns to a castle that inspired the Dracula novel, on this tour you certainly get to see the best of Romania. We take 11 days to explore the country but even that will leave you wanting more.
Explore Peles Castle, take an overnight train to the beautiful city of Cluj, discover fortified churches and painted monasteries. All of this with a stunning backdrop of valleys and mountains and a culture that is warm and welcoming.
Romania is little visited. We cannot understand why, however it does make for a fantastic holiday, and somewhere that very few others will have taken the time to explore.
Day 1 – Welcome to Romania
On arrival at Bucharest airport, where you will be met and take a transfer to a centrally located hotel. The rest of the day is free is relax or explore the city.
Overnight at the Hotel Capitol or similar
Day 2 – Bucharest and the night train
Have breakfast and then check-out from the hotel. We will take a tour of Bucharest including visits to Ceausescu’s House, the open air village museum and a visit to 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 from Bucharest at 21:00 and arrives into Cluj Napoca at 07:34 the next day.
Overnight in First Class sleeping car (BD)
Day 3 - Cluj Napoca
Our train arrives at Cluj Napoca this morning and you will meet the tour guide and transfer to a hotel in Cluj for breakfast. Following this, take a sightseeing tour of Cluj city including a visit to the St. Michael Cathedral. We then drive to Turda and visit the salt mine. Salina Turda is the world's deepest underground entertainment park and museum and has its origins as a salt mine. It is a highly unusual attraction and unlike anywhere else in the world! We end the day checking in at a local guest house where we spend the next three nights.
Overnight at a local guest-house (private facilities) (BD)
Day 4 – Biertan and Malancrav
Depending on the time of year and your personal interests there is plenty to explore locally. There are local workshops where blacksmith and charcoal makers continue with the skills that have served the people of this area for centuries. We can visit an ecologic apple farm and try some of the local produce. There are also many fortified churches and villages to discover. The former Prince of Wales's, King Charles's private nature retreat lies nestled amongst the meadows and hills of Zalán Valley and the property has kept its Transylvanian authenticity by having been carefully restored with traditional methods and materials. We have dinner and stay overnight at the same guest-house.
Overnight at a local guest-house (private facilities) (BD)
Day 5 – Viscri and Sighisoara
Viscri is a picturesque village known for its charming traditional architecture and peaceful way of life. The village is home to a UNESCO-listed fortified church, a symbol of the area's Saxon heritage, and it's a great place to explore on foot or by bicycle. You can visit local craftsmen 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. This colourful town is famous for its cobbled streets, Gothic architecture, and 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. Sighisoara is a must-visit destination for anyone looking to experience the rich history and unique culture of Transylvania.
Overnight at a local guest-house (private facilities) (BD)
Day 6 – The Borgo Pass and Bucovina
Today we set off for a delightful drive to the Bucovina region. On our way we will travel via the Tihuța Pass and stop for lunch at the Castle Dracula Hotel. The pass was made famous by Bram Stoker's novel Dracula, where, termed as "the Borgo Pass", it was the gateway to the realm of Count Dracula. We arrive and check-in to our hotel for the next two nights. Bucovina is a region in northern Romania famous for its stunning painted monasteries. These UNESCO World Heritage sites are adorned with colourful frescoes depicting biblical scenes and local legends. Bucovina is also known for its scenic landscapes, delicious cuisine, and welcoming locals.
Overnight at the Bucovina hotel or similar (BLD)
Day 7 – The Painted Monasteries of Bucovina
The painted monasteries of Bucovina are a unique and breath-taking sight. These UNESCO World Heritage sites are adorned with vibrant frescoes depicting religious scenes, saints, and biblical events. The intricate paintings, with their vivid colours and intricate details, are a testament to the region's artistic and cultural heritage and are a must-see for any traveller visiting Romania. We will spend a full day exploring three of the monasteries and also learn about the local craft of egg painting.
Overnight at the Bucovina hotel or similar (BD)
Day 8 - Bicaz Gorge and Red Lake
We leave the Bucovina area this morning after breakfast 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, also known as Lacu Rosu, is a picturesque natural wonder in the Harghita Mountains. The lake gets its name from the reddish hue of the surrounding cliffs and is a popular destination for hikers, fishermen, and nature enthusiasts. We arrive in Brasov and check-in for a two night stay at a centrally located hotel.
Overnight at Bella Muzica or similar (B)
Day 9 - Brasov
A day to explore Brasov. This is a charming medieval city located 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 on we will visit Bran Castle, a striking medieval fortress often associated with the legend of Dracula. It is a must-visit destination for history and architecture enthusiasts, as well as a favourite of horror fans. The day ends with a visit to a wild bear observation area. If you are lucky, you may get to see some of these rare and beautiful creatures.
Overnight at Bella Muzica or similar (B)
Day 10 – Peles Castle
We 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. We continue our journey back to Bucharest stopping off for lunch at a winery in the Dealu Mare wine region en-route.
Overnight at the Hotel Capitol or similar (BL)
Day 11 – Goodbye Romania
At a suitable time, you will be met at the hotel and take a transfer to Bucharest airport. End of services.
Get in touch with Our Local Tour to book The Best of Romania Holiday
Departure Dates
Private Guided Tour - Scheduled to your dates and requirements
Price - from £3595 per person (based two people sharing per room)
Single Supplement - £325
Included in The Best of Romania Holiday
Not Included in The Best of Romania Holiday
Government Travel Safety Advice
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. Please refer to the COVID-19 entry requirements page for any country-specific conditions of entry.
Visa and Passport Information
Passport validity
If you are planning to travel to an EU country (except Ireland), or Switzerland, Norway, Iceland, Liechtenstein, Andorra, Monaco, San Marino or Vatican City, you must follow the Schengen area passport requirements.
Your passport must be:
issued less than 10 years before the date you enter the country (check the ‘date of issue’)
valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave (check the ‘expiry date’)
You must check your passport meets these requirements before you travel. If your passport was issued before 1 October 2018, extra months may have been added to its expiry date.
Contact the embassy of the country you are visiting if you think that your passport does not meet both these requirements. Renew your passport if you need to.
Visas
Romania is not part of the Schengen area, Visits to Romania do not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit in the Schengen area. Visits to other EU or Schengen countries do not count towards your 90-day visa-free limit in Romania. You can travel to Romania for up to 90 days in any 180-day period without a visa. This applies if you travel as a tourist, to visit for family or friends, to attend business meetings, cultural or sports events, or for short-term studies or training.
Passport stamping
As a visitor, your passport may be stamped when you enter and exit Romania. Border guards will use passport stamps to check you’re complying with the 90-day visa-free limit for short stays in Romania. If you enter or exit the Schengen area through Romania as a visitor, check that your passport is stamped. This will show border guards that you are complying with the 90-day visa-free limit for Romania and the separate 90-day visa-free limit for the Schengen area.
If the relevant entry or exit stamp is not in your passport, border guards will presume that you have overstayed your visa-free limit. If you show evidence eg transport tickets to prove when you entered or exited Romania, border guards should add this entry or exit date and the location in your passport.
You may also need to:
show a return or onward ticket
show you have enough money for your stay
Health Information
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. Each country-specific page has information on vaccine recommendations, any current health risks or outbreaks, and factsheets with information on staying healthy abroad.
You should get a free UK Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC) or European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) before leaving the UK. If you already have an EHIC it will still be valid as long as it remains in date. The GHIC or EHIC entitles you to state provided medical treatment that may become necessary during your trip. Any treatment provided is on the same terms as Romanian nationals. If you don’t have your EHIC with you or you’ve lost it, you can call the NHS Overseas Healthcare Team on +44 191 218 1999 to get a Provisional Replacement Certificate.
It’s important to take out appropriate travel insurance for your needs. A GHIC or EHIC is not an alternative to travel insurance and you should have both before you travel. It does not cover all health-related costs, for example, medical repatriation, ongoing medical treatment and non-urgent treatment.
What to bring on your Best of Romania Holiday
Clothing
Depending on the time of year that you are travelling, lightweight clothing which can be layered is adviseable and a warmer jumper for cooler evenings. A light rain coat is suggested. There is a laundry available in most hotels.
Footwear
Lightweight comfortable shoes/trainers and sandals in the summer months. Waterproof footware is recommended.
Luggage while on your tour
Please allow yourself one main piece of luggage and a day-sack. Remember, you are expected to carry your own baggage, so don't overload yourself, a soft wheely bag may be easier to manage than a suit case.
Equipment
We recommend a sunhat, sunscreen, a torch, insect repellent and a waterbottle. A solar charger for your phone and other electronics is a good idea.
Currency
The currency in Romania is the Romanian leu. Each leu is divided into 100 bani. When you're buying currency for Romania, look out for the currency code RON.
Romania is increasingly a card economy. While most businesses do accept credit cards, it may be safer to use cash due to the risk of credit card fraud. There is a large network of ATMs that accept standard international credit and debit cards but you may incur a fee. Check with your card provider whether you will be able to use these machines. Sterling and most western currencies can usually be exchanged for local currency at any of the large number of exchange bureaux in towns and cities but you may have difficulty using travellers’ cheques. Scottish and Northern Irish bank notes may not be accepted in banks and bureaux de change. It is illegal to change money on the streets. You should change money only in recognised exchange shops, banks and hotels.
Use of electronic devices
For Romania there are two associated plug types, types C and F. Plug type C is the plug which has two round pins and plug type F is the plug which has two round pins with two earth clips on the side. Romania operates on a 230V supply voltage and 50Hz.
Local Laws and Customs
The Romanian authorities treat all drug-related and sex offences very seriously. The age of consent is 18. If you are convicted, you can expect a prison sentence.
Homosexuality has been legal in Romania since 1996. The country has made significant progress in LGBT rights legislation since 2000 including wide–ranging anti-discriminatory laws, equalising the age of consent and laws against homophobic hate crimes.
Most airports and military bases will have signs prohibiting photography. Ask permission before photographing anything potentially sensitive (eg official buildings, police cars).
Time Zone
Time zone in Romania (GMT+2)
Internet Availability
Romania is known as one of the best countries in the world when it comes to the speed of internet. And even though it's no longer the top country in Europe when it comes to the average internet speed, it's still doing extremely well. Most hotels and cafes will offer wifi. Check with your moble provider regarding roaming charges and data use.
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