Eight days tour of Romania starting from Budapest to Bucharest

Your trip begins in Budapest, where our guide will pick you up from your hotel or the spot you specify. You will leave Budapest at 10 a.m. for a four-hour drive to Oradea.

After arriving in Oradea, you will have time for lunch on your own before checking into a hotel in the city centre. 

Despite its long history, dating back almost a thousand years, Oradea has a distinct architectural combination. The Vienna Secession art movement flourished during the 18th century, and its works adorn the city's most notable structures. 

The historical centre has been completely restored, and you will visit the Black Eagle Palace, which was built in the early twentieth century, as well as the Moon Church, which was named after a golden sphere that depicts the moon's phases. You will also come across the Episcopal Palace, the Moskovits Buildings, and the Oradea Fortress, a stunning star-shaped historical defence setting.

At night, you will enjoy a walking tour of the city centre and public gardens.

A tasty breakfast will help you prepare for a day of exploring. Our first stop is unique: the Turda Salt Mine. This ancient mine, which was operational for over 2,000 years and produced an astounding 3 billion tonnes of salt, has been turned into a one-of-a-kind underground entertainment park! Take a picturesque boat ride on the underground lake, play mini golf, or put your talents to the test on the tennis courts - all in this magnificent salt wonderland.

Next, we travel to Rimetea, a lovely traditional village in the centre of Transylvania. Immerse yourself in the timeless grandeur of this well-preserved gem, often known locally as the "place where the sun rises twice."

Our final stop for the day is Cluj-Napoca, a bustling city with a rich history spanning over two millennia. Upon arrival, go on a thrilling city tour. Admire the architectural magnificence of Saint Michael's Church, built during the reign of Matthias Corvinus, one of Hungary's most important kings. Continue your exploration of Cluj's Old Town, taking in prominent sights like the magnificent Banffy Palace, the exquisite Opera House, and the mysterious Mirror Street.

Cluj – Bistrita – Voronet Painted Monastery – Gura Humorului

Your Romania tour from Budapest continues on the third day! We'll begin by exploring Gherla, a town unlike any other in Romania. Gherla, built in the 18th century by Armenian colonists, is a spectacular example of Baroque architecture, demonstrating the region's rich cultural diversity. This magnificent blend of influences is a characteristic of Transylvania, and you'll see it firsthand in our next stop by, Bistrita.

Bistrita, founded by Saxon colonists, provides a picturesque city tour as well as an opportunity to sample the region's renowned local pies (at your own expense). Make sure to try them; they're legendary!

As we depart Bistrita, expect to be amazed by the magnificent Carpathian Mountains. These stunning peaks, which house Europe's greatest population of brown bears and wolves, are thought to have inspired Bram Stoker's classic Dracula. Take a stop to appreciate the spectacular view at Pasul Tihuta before going to the historic province of Bukovina.

We'll see a true masterpiece: the Voronet Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Romania's most famous painted monasteries. This beautiful work of art finished in an incredible 3 months and 3 weeks in 1448, is famous for its particular shade of blue, a secret formula lost to time. The splendour of the Voronet frescoes surpasses the beauty of Santorini and Meteora Monastery, cementing its reputation as a Byzantine wonder.

Secret Tip: Winter is an excellent time to visit Voronet Monastery. The snow-covered terrain provides a striking contrast, emphasising the monastery's stunning blue tones.

The fourth day of the trip is spent seeing another UNESCO Painted Monastery, Sucevita, the largest and most complete of them all. Its construction began in 1585, and its most magnificent mural is the “Ladder of Divine Ascent”, a work of immense importance to the Eastern Orthodox Church.

In this food-tasting event, you will be introduced to the local cuisine by tasting some of the freshest local items. The session, which includes fresh products and exquisite appetisers, will undoubtedly charm you with the unique flavours of Romanian cuisine.

After lunch, you'll leave Bukovina and travel through Neamt, where historical monasteries are concealed among the untamed woodlands. You will visit the Nicolae Popa Museum, which is a private collection of costumes and customary items from one of Romania's most culturally rich regions. Aside from learning about the region's history, you'll have the opportunity to wear traditional Romanian attire and shoot photos for unique memories.

In the evening, you will arrive at Piatra Neamt, where we will spend the night.

On your fifth day of touring Romania, you will be departing the little settlement of Piatra Neamt in the morning and travelling over the Carpathian Mountains into the Bicaz Gorges, one of Romania’s most stunning regions. For thousands of years, the Bicaz River cut a route through the Carpathian Mountains, leaving behind a perfect pass connecting Moldavia and Transylvania.

Your next stop will be Sighisoara, a city known for its mediaeval architecture and home to Europe's longest inhabited stronghold, which is now a UNESCO World Heritage site. The stronghold is ringed by beautiful towers, each built by a separate mediaeval guild, the most impressive of which is perhaps the Clock Tower. It was constructed in the 14th century, and you may climb to the top of the tower for an incredible view of the city's small alleyways, which are guarded by colourful stone homes.

Your next stop in Sighisoara is the Hill Church, which has stunning frescoes that have survived since the 15th century. The church is located on top of a hill and can be reached by climbing The Pupils’ Staircase, which consists of 175 wooden stairs.

You will spend the night in Sighisoara, which is well-known for its street performers who help to maintain the city's feudal aura.

On day six, immerse yourself in the timeless beauty of rural Romania. Our journey takes us to Viscri, one of the country's last remaining traditional communities. Hidden amidst rolling hills, this charming community provides a look into a gentler way of life. Relax and enjoy the views on a calm carriage trip across the surrounding countryside. As you engage with friendly locals, you'll get a better grasp of their long-standing traditions.

Afterwards, prepare to be charmed by Romania's most famous landmark, Bran Castle, commonly known as Dracula's Castle. Constructed in the 14th century by the Teutonic Knights, this towering castle was originally used as a key defence position along a vital trade route. Over the decades, Queen Marie of Romania developed it into a royal summer palace. Today, Bran Castle is well-known around the world, thanks in large part to its link with Bram Stoker's renowned vampire. Take a guided tour through its intriguing history and learn about the stories and legends that have made it a must-see location. 

We proceed to Brasov, a charming city surrounded by Gothic architecture. You will visit the Black Church, which is the largest Gothic church between Istanbul and Vienna. Its commanding presence will leave you speechless. Afterwards, take a fascinating walking tour of Brasov's Old Town. Visit Transylvania and explore the historic Council Square, a thriving hub full of local tales that promise a fascinating evening.

Depending on our arrival time, we may be treated to a captivating organ concert at the Black Church, adding a touch of musical magic to our journey.

As your Transylvania visit comes to an end, we head south to Sinaia, a delightful mountain resort town. Here, get ready to be amazed by one of Europe's most magnificent castles, Peles Castle, an architectural marvel. This beautiful castle, designed as a vacation retreat for Romania's King Carol I, features a stunning blend of architectural styles. Take a guided tour and marvel at the sumptuous interiors, rich history, and breathtaking scenery.

After our exploration of Peles Castle, we head on to Romania's dynamic capital city, Bucharest, which is only a two-hour drive away. Bucharest, often known as "Little Paris," has a compelling blend of architectural styles and historical treasures.

Upon arrival, take some time to have a great lunch (at your own expense) before delving into the city's rich tapestry. We'll start with a typical tour of the massive Parliament Palace, which reflects the grandeur of Ceausescu's communist rule. In dramatic contrast, our next destination is Bucharest's picturesque Old Town, a maze of cobblestone alleyways and vibrant nightlife. A compelling walking tour will allow you to discover its hidden beauties and absorb up the city's effervescent spirit.

As your amazing Romanian experience comes to an end, we'll arrange a seamless and comfortable transfer to the airport based on your flight itinerary.

But for those with a little additional time, Romania has plenty of exciting opportunities for extending your exploration!

Beyond Borders: Discovering Romania's Riches

From the architectural wonders of Transylvania to the lively energy of Bucharest, Romania is ready to reveal its hidden gems and rich tapestry of history, culture, and natural beauty.

Whether you're looking to wander through lovely villages, discover old castles, or marvel at breathtaking mountain scenery, Romania will certainly leave an imprint on your soul. Rolandia provides a variety of captivating tours that will take you further into the charm of Romania. So, whether you want to explore hidden jewels, learn fascinating folklore, or simply reflect on the beauty you've seen, contact Rolandia at once! We're here to help you plan your ideal Romanian retreat, providing an amazing adventure unlike any other.
 

Mulțumesc (Thank you) for joining us on this unforgettable journey!