The Golden Circle of Romania

Breakfast: included on all days except the first day 

Welcome to Romania! Your journey begins in the vibrant capital city of Bucharest, a fascinating blend of history, culture, and modern energy. Upon arrival, you’ll be warmly greeted at the airport and enjoy a seamless private transfer to your hotel, ensuring a comfortable start to your adventure. Once settled in, the rest of the day is yours to unwind, explore the city’s lively streets, or get a taste of its unique charm at your own pace.

Lunch: at your expense
Dinner: at your expense
 

Overnight in Bucharest

Breakfast: at the hotel

Embark on a captivating journey through Bucharest, the vibrant capital of Romania. Today's city tour will unveil the rich tapestry of architecture, history, and culture. You will get a chance to marvel at the grandeur of the Palace of the Parliament, which happens to be the second-largest administrative building in the world. Additionally, you can stroll through the charming cobbled streets of the Old Town and visit the unique open-air Village Museum. This showcases traditional Romanian village life and offers a comprehensive insight into the heart and soul of Bucharest.

Lunch: at your expense 
Dinner: at your expense

Overnight in Bucharest

Breakfast: at the hotel

Start your day early in Bucharest and prepare for a scenic drive on one of the most spectacular roads in the world, the Transfăgărășan Highway. Known for its dramatic vistas and thrilling twists and turns, this route is a favourite for adventure seekers and nature lovers.

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As you ascend the southern Carpathians, take a break at Balea Lake, a stunning glacial lake over 2,000 meters above sea level. Here, you can enjoy a short hiking excursion to fully immerse yourself in the breathtaking mountain landscapes. The crisp air and panoramic views provide a perfect backdrop for memorable photos and a refreshing break from the drive.

­Lunch: at your expense

Continue your journey to Sibiu, one of Romania's most charming and culturally rich cities. Sibiu, known for its Germanic architecture, cobbled streets, and vibrant art scene, was a European Capital of Culture and remains a hub of activity and tradition. Spend the evening exploring the historic Old Town, with its colourful houses and narrow lanes. Be sure to visit the Great Square, the heart of the city, and the Bridge of Lies, one of the city's most famous landmarks.

­Dinner: at your expense

Overnight in Sibiu

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*The tour is available all year around, with the mention that The Transfagarasan Highway is closed between November and May.

Breakfast: at the hotel

Begin your day with a delightful breakfast in Sibiu before exploring the heart of Transylvania's wine country. Your first destination is Jidvei, nestled within the picturesque Târnava Mare vineyards. Jidvei is renowned for its award-winning white wines and provides an excellent introduction to Romanian viticulture. Enjoy a guided winery tour, learn about the wine-making process, and indulge in a tasting session highlighting some of the estate’s finest vintages.

­Lunch: at your expense

After savouring the flavours of Jidvei, your journey continues to Brateiu, a village known for its vibrant gypsy community. Here, you’ll have the unique opportunity to engage with local traditions and culture. Visit the community, where you can witness firsthand the colourful homes and experience the lively music and dance that are integral parts of their cultural identity. This visit offers a rare glimpse into a distinct way of life and provides understanding and appreciation for the diversity within Romania.

Return to Sibiu in the afternoon. Spend another evening at your leisure, perhaps exploring more of the city’s historical sites or enjoying dinner at one of its many exquisite restaurants, where you can taste further local delicacies.

­­Dinner: at your expense

Overnight in Sibiu

Breakfast: at the hotel

After breakfast in Sibiu, prepare for a day filled with historical exploration and unique geological wonders. Your first stop is the majestic Corvin Castle in Hunedoara, one of Europe's largest and most impressive castles. This Gothic-Renaissance castle is steeped in history and legends, including those tied to Dracula and medieval knights. Tour the grand halls, dark dungeons, and expansive courtyards, and discover the rich history that permeates the ancient walls.

­­Lunch: at your expense

Next, travel to Turda to visit the Turda Salt Mine, renowned for its underground wonderland that dates back to the Middle Ages. Descend into the depths of the earth and explore the mine’s vast chambers, which have been transformed into an astounding amusement park with attractions like a Ferris wheel, mini-golf course, and a boating lake on the underground salt lake. The mine’s atmosphere is known for its therapeutic properties, offering a unique blend of health and history.

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Conclude the day by heading to Cluj-Napoca, the unofficial capital of Transylvania. This vibrant city perfectly blends modern urban culture and historical charm. Spend the evening strolling through the lively streets, visiting landmarks such as St. Michael's Church and the Art Museum, or relaxing in one of the city’s many cafes and restaurants.

­Dinner: at your expense

Overnight in Cluj

Breakfast: at the hotel

Start your day with a hearty breakfast in Cluj-Napoca before setting off for the picturesque region of Maramureș, renowned for its rich traditions and well-preserved rural culture. The drive will showcase the rustic and timeless charm of northern Romania, leading you through breathtaking landscapes.

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Your first destination in Maramureș is the Călinești Wooden Church. This wooden church, part of the UNESCO World Heritage sites, exemplifies the distinctive wooden architecture for which Maramureș is famous. The church is a testament to the region's profound religious heritage and the exceptional craftsmanship of local woodworkers. Take your time to admire the intricate carvings and the tranquil surroundings that reflect a bygone era.

­­­Lunch: at your expense

Continue your journey to the village of Breb, where you'll have the opportunity to meet local artisans. These skilled craftspeople maintain the traditions of woodworking, weaving, and pottery.

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End your day with an authentic cultural experience by enjoying a traditional dinner accompanied by a folkloric show. This evening event will feature local dancers and musicians performing traditional Maramureș music and dance, providing a lively and memorable end to your day.

­Dinner: Romanian traditional dinner and folkloric show

Overnight in Maramureș

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Breakfast: at the hotel

Begin your day with breakfast before venturing to explore more of Maramures's unique cultural sites. Today's tour includes some of the region's most famous landmarks that highlight this rural paradise's spiritual and whimsical character.

Your first stop is the Merry Cemetery in Săpânța. Unlike any other cemetery in the world, this site is famous for its colourful tombstones with naive art-style paintings and epitaphs that celebrate the life of the deceased with humour and candour. The vivid depictions and witty quips offer a different perspective on life and death, reflecting the local belief in the continuity of life and the acceptance of death as a natural part of existence.

­Lunch: at your expense 

Next, visit Bârsana Monastery, one of the tallest wooden churches in the world. This site is a significant religious centre and a masterpiece of traditional Maramureș wooden architecture. The monastery is set in a picturesque location, offering tranquil gardens and stunning views of the surrounding countryside. The complex also serves as a spiritual retreat where you can experience the serene atmosphere and perhaps interact with the nuns who maintain the monastery.

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Continue your journey to Poienile Izei, a small village renowned for its painted church, a UNESCO World Heritage site. The church’s frescoes, depicting vivid biblical scenes, are remarkably preserved and offer a glimpse into the medieval mindset, where visual storytelling was vital for educating the community about spiritual matters.

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Overnight in Maramureș, allowing you another evening to absorb the peaceful environment and reflect on the profound cultural experiences of the day.

­Dinner: at your expense

Overnight in Maramures

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Breakfast: at the hotel

Begin your morning with a delightful breakfast in Maramureș before heading to the culturally rich region of Bucovina, renowned for its religious art and traditional crafts. Today, you will transition from the rustic charm of Maramureș to the artistic heritage of Bucovina—a region that cherishes its ancestral customs.

The highlight of today's journey is an egg-painting workshop, a signature craft of Bucovina. This intricate art form is a deeply rooted Easter tradition where eggs are decorated with complex symbols and patterns using a wax-resist method. During the workshop, you will have the opportunity to observe skilled artisans at work and try your hand at this delicate craft, creating your own beautifully decorated egg to take home as a unique souvenir.

­Lunch: at your expense 

After the workshop, you will visit the stunning Voroneț Monastery, famous for its remarkable exterior frescoes and vibrant blue colour. This UNESCO World Heritage site is often referred to as the "Sistine Chapel of the East" and offers deep insights into the region's spiritual heritage and artistic traditions.

As the day comes to a close, you will enjoy a traditional dinner in Bucovina, where you can savour local dishes that reflect the region's culinary heritage. Finally, you will spend the night in Bucovina, allowing you to unwind, enjoy the tranquillity of the area, and admire the picturesque views.

­Dinner: at the hotel

Overnight in Bucovina

Breakfast: at the hotel

Enjoy breakfast before embarking on a day dedicated to exploring some of Bucovina’s most treasured religious sites, known for their stunning exterior frescoes and significant historical importance.

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Your first stop is Moldovița Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its striking yellow frescoes, which have earned it the nickname "the sunny monastery." The paintings here date back to the 16th century and are exceptionally well-preserved. They depict biblical scenes designed to educate and inspire the faithful through vivid imagery and narrative detail. One of the prominent frescoes, the Siege of Constantinople, symbolizes the strength and endurance of the Christian faith.

­­Lunch: at your expense 

Next, continue to Sucevița Monastery, another UNESCO World Heritage site famous for its vibrant frescoes and unique architectural style. The monastery features stunning murals, including the well-known scene of the Ladder of Virtue. The rich colors and intricate details of the frescoes showcase the artistic mastery of the period and convey deep spiritual messages.

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Spend the night in Bucovina, enjoying one last evening in this region rich in history and spirituality. It provides a peaceful end to a day filled with profound insights and visual splendor.

­­Dinner: at your expense

Overnight in Bucovina

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Breakfast: at the hotel

After enjoying a final breakfast in Bucovina's serene landscapes, prepare for a scenic journey south to Sighișoara, one of Romania's most beautiful and well-preserved medieval towns. This long transfer day will be interspersed with stunning views and possibly a few stops to stretch your legs and capture photos of the picturesque Romanian countryside.

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As you travel through diverse landscapes, you’ll witness the changing architecture and vibrant local life of the villages and small towns along the route. The journey provides a perfect opportunity to reflect on the rich history and culture you’ve experienced so far and to anticipate the charm that awaits in Sighișoara.

­Lunch: at your expense 

Upon arrival in Sighișoara, you’ll find a city that seems frozen in time, with its cobbled streets, ornate church spires, and colorful buildings that make it a UNESCO World Heritage site. Sighișoara is also famed as the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the historical figure who inspired Bram Stoker's Dracula. Take the evening to wander the old citadel, explore the Clock Tower for panoramic views of the town, and dine at one of the local restaurants offering traditional Transylvanian cuisine.

­Dinner: at your expense

Overnight in Sighisoara

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Breakfast: at the hotel

Begin your day with an invigorating breakfast in Sighișoara before embarking on a unique optional adventure—an e-bike tour to the nearby village of Apold. This e-bike ride offers a delightful opportunity to experience the picturesque landscapes of Transylvania at a leisurely pace, passing through rolling hills and quaint villages that exemplify the region's rural charm.

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Upon arrival in Apold, participate in a local cooking class. This hands-on experience is a fantastic way to delve into Romanian culinary traditions. You'll learn how to prepare traditional dishes under the guidance of a local chef using fresh, locally sourced ingredients. This activity not only enriches your understanding of Romanian cuisine but also allows you to engage actively with the culture.

­Lunch: included in the cooking class

After enjoying the fruits of your culinary efforts with a lunch comprised of the dishes you've helped prepare, continue your journey to Brașov. This city stands out as one of Romania’s most visited destinations, boasting a blend of Gothic, Baroque, and Renaissance architecture with a rich history dating back to the medieval era.

Spend the evening exploring Brașov’s charming city centre. The Council Square, the Black Church, and the narrowest street in Europe, the Rope Street, are must-visit landmarks.

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Dinner: at your expense

Overnight in Brasov

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Breakfast: at the hotel

Start your day early with a hearty breakfast in Brașov, preparing for a day filled with nature and mystery. First on your agenda is a bear-watching adventure in the forests surrounding Brașov, one of the best places in Europe, where you can observe these majestic creatures in their natural habitat. Join a guided tour with a local wildlife expert who will take you to a secure hideout where you can safely watch brown bears as they roam freely and forage in the woods. This experience provides a thrilling encounter with wildlife and offers insight into the conservation efforts to protect Romania's bear population.

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­­Lunch: at your expense 

After returning to Brașov and resting, prepare for an optional evening visit to Bran Castle, famously known as "Dracula's Castle." Exploring the castle at night adds an eerie, atmospheric touch to your tour, enhancing the myths and legends associated with Vlad the Impaler, the historical figure often linked with Bram Stoker’s Dracula. The night tour of Bran Castle will expose you to the rich history and spooky tales that envelop this iconic Romanian landmark, all under the mysterious cover of darkness.

Conclude your evening back in Brașov.

­­­Dinner: at your expense

Overnight in Brasov

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Breakfast: at the hotel

After breakfast in Brașov, set off for a day filled with royal history and delightful wine tasting before concluding your journey in Romania's vibrant capital, Bucharest.

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First, head to Peleș Castle, located in the picturesque town of Sinaia. This stunning castle, once the summer residence of Romanian royalty, is a masterpiece of German New-Renaissance architecture and is set against the backdrop of the Carpathian Mountains. Tour the lavishly decorated interiors, which house an impressive collection of art, armour, and rare books, reflecting the cultural and artistic heritage cherished by King Carol I.

­Lunch: included in the wine tasting

Next, visit Cantacuzino Castle in Bușteni, an architectural gem located at the foot of the Bucegi Mountains. While you're there, enjoy a delightful lunch in the castle's elegant atmosphere. Following your meal, indulge in a wine-tasting session that captures the essence of the local terroir. The Cantacuzino family's historical ties to the region enhance the experience as you sample exquisite wines during the tasting.

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After savouring the wines and exploring the castle grounds, continue your journey to Bucharest. Once in Bucharest, check into your hotel and spend the evening at your leisure.

­Dinner: at your expense

Overnight in Bucharest

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Breakfast: at the hotel

As your tour draws to a close, the final day of your Romanian adventure arrives. A private transfer to the airport will be scheduled to align perfectly with your flight departure. With this, your journey through Romania concludes, leaving you with a treasure trove of unforgettable memories and experiences to carry with you for years to come.

Safe travels!