Best of Romania
Discover Romania and Transylvania on this 8-day tour from Bucharest. Explore Brasov's medieval charm, visit Dracula's Bran Castle, and see the fortified churches of Prejmer and Harman. Experience Sighisoara, the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, and the picturesque village of Viscri. Finally, you can opt to uncover Bucharest's history at the Palace of the Parliament and step back in time at the Open-Air Village Museum.
For a detailed itinerary and information about visas, money, weather and more download our Trip Notes
Tour overview
Itinerary
Day 1 Welcome to Romania
Day 1 Welcome to Romania
Arrive in Bucharest and make your way to the hotel. After checking in, the rest of the day is at your leisure.
Day 2 Prejmer, Harman & Brasov
Day 2 Prejmer, Harman & Brasov
Bucharest - Prejmer - Harman - Bran - Brasov. This morning, we check out and depart for Brasov, with a few stops along the way. Our first stop is the 13th-century Gothic Church of Prejmer and Harman. These unique Saxon structures still exist today, thanks to their thick fortified walls that protected the church and its inhabitants during times of war.
Next, we stop in Bran and enjoy a guided tour of Bran Castle, made famous by Bram Stoker’s novel, Dracula! This castle was constructed by the Saxons in the late 14th century to defend Brasov from invasion by the Turks. Purchased by Queen Marie in the 1920s for use as a royal residence, its interior contains rich medieval furniture.
Afterwards, we head to Brasov for a free evening to further explore or relax. We will spend the next four nights here in Brasov. Join us for dinner tonight at a local restaurant in Brasov.
Day 3 The charms of Brasov
Day 3 The charms of Brasov
This morning, we experience more of this mountain town on a guided walking tour to discover the highlights and most fascinating sights of Brasov.
Brasov’s main square, Piata Sfatului, is situated in the heart of the medieval quarter and is one of the finest Baroque squares in Romania. Here, we can visit the 15th-century Town Hall, with its quaint Trumpeter’s Tower on top, and the Lutheran Black Church (entrance included), which is the largest Gothic church between Vienna and Istanbul. Our entrance to the Museum of the First Romanian School is also included, where we can view some of the first textbooks written in the Romanian language, printed in Brasov in the 16th century. During our tour, we will also discover how Brașov plays a part in the story of the Pied Piper of Hamelin!
After our tour there is free time for you to soak up the fresh mountain air and relax in the old town square. You can savour some tasty Romanian dishes such as Papanasi, a delicious donut, Mici, a type of sausage, Cozonac (a sweet bread), and much more. Our expert guide will be happy to inform you about places to see and visit.
Day 4 Sighisoara and Viscri
Day 4 Sighisoara and Viscri
Brasov - Sighisoara - Viscri - Brasov. Today we head to Sighisoara, where we enjoy a guided walking tour through the cobbled streets of the UNESCO-protected Old Town. Admire the citadel, nine towers, ornate churches, and burgher houses with fairy-tale rooftops, as well as the iconic clock tower dating back to the 13th century. This town is also famous for being the birthplace of “Dracula,” Vlad Tepes. We can still see the house where he was born, although today it operates as a very busy restaurant. Sighisoara is one of the most beautiful and best-preserved medieval towns in Europe, making it a must-see on our visit to Transylvania.
This afternoon, we will explore more of Transylvania as we stop in the captivating rural village of Viscri, with its traditional houses and fortified 18th-century church. We can enjoy some time to explore the church before returning to Brasov in the late afternoon.
Day 5 Brasov at leisure or optional Sibiu
Day 5 Brasov at leisure or optional Sibiu
Today, you have free time to explore the hidden treasures of Brasov’s charming Old Town. You can discover Strada Sforii (Rope Street), one of the narrowest streets in the city, located near Schei Gate.
You might want to take a cable car journey up Mount Tampa, where the Brasov sign towers over the city, or choose a lovely spot at one of the cafes near our hotel to experience local life! There may also be an opportunity to visit the Bear Sanctuary in Zarnesti, which can be arranged with our guide.
For those looking to visit Sibiu, you can opt to join a full-day tour of this cultural capital of Transylvania and one of the region’s largest Saxon merchant towns. You will fall in love with the grand squares, impressive buildings, and beautiful churches. Additionally, you will explore the Brukenthal Art Museum, with lunch included. This tour can be booked locally or prebooked.
Day 6 Sinaia, Peles Castle & Village Museum
Day 6 Sinaia, Peles Castle & Village Museum
Brasov - Sinaia - Burcharest. After breakfast, we check out of our hotel and say farewell to Brasov. We visit Sinaia, known as the “Pearl of the Carpathians” due to its magnificent mountain scenery and Royal Castle. We discover this beautiful area on a walking tour that includes Peles Castle (entrance included) and Sinaia Monastery, both set against a stunning backdrop of verdant forests and towering peaks. After our walking tour, we continue to Bucharest.
Before arriving at our hotel, we delve into more of Romania’s history with a stop at the open-air Village Museum in Bucharest. This museum features houses and structures from every region of Romania, illustrating the extreme diversity of its architecture, including heavily thatched peasant dwellings, wooden churches, dug-out homes with vegetables growing on the roof, windmills, tall farm barns, and a fascinating subterranean house. The rest of the day is at your leisure in Bucharest.
Day 7 Burcharest at leisure
Day 7 Burcharest at leisure
Today is a free day for you to discover the Romanian capital. Take a stroll along its most famous historic avenue, Calea Victoriei, passing the George Enescu Museum, which is housed in the beautiful Cantacuzino Palace, as well as the Art Collections Museum. You can visit one of the lovely parks and gardens or pull up a seat at a pavement café and take in the sights and sounds of Bucharest.
You can opt to join an excursion to the Parliament House, one of Romania's most important buildings, featuring beautiful ornate architecture, marble floors, and crystal chandeliers. It is the second-largest administrative building in the world, after the Pentagon. Today, Parliament House is considered controversial, as many people died during its construction. However, it is certainly worth visiting this remarkable feat of engineering.
Alternatively, you could also opt to venture outside Bucharest for a wine tasting experience, which includes a visit to Snagov Monastery, where Vlad Tepes is allegedly buried. During the tour, you will have the opportunity to sample three types of wine. The small but fascinating Snagov Monastery is located on a tiny island in the northern part of Snagov Lake and features well-preserved, beautiful frescoes inside. After your visit, you will return to Bucharest to relax and enjoy a final evening in this vibrant city. This tour can also be booked locally.
Tonight, we shall gather for dinner at a local restaurant.
Day 8 Goodbye Romania
Day 8 Goodbye Romania
Enjoy a final breakfast at the hotel before check out. We wish you a safe onwards journey!
Tour Highlights
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Prices & Dates
Hotels
Located in Otopeni, 13 km from Romexpo, Ibis Styles Bucharest Airport offers accommodation with a terrace, free private parking, a restaurant, and a bar. This 3-star hotel provides complimentary shuttle service, a 24-hour front desk, and free Wi-Fi, and also features family rooms. Guests can enjoy air-conditioned rooms equipped with a desk, a safety deposit box, a flat-screen TV, and a private bathroom with a shower. The Bucharest Arch of Triumph and Herastrau Park are both 14 km away, and Henri Coandă International Airport is just steps from the property.
Built in 1901, this refined hotel with a baroque-style exterior and wrought-iron accents is a 4-minute walk from a metro stop and a 9-minute walk from the scenic Cișmigiu Gardens. The understated rooms include free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, pillow-top mattresses, and minibars. There's also an elegant restaurant/bar with opulent decor and high ceilings.
Just a 9-minute walk from Piaţa Victoriei metro station, this laid-back hotel is 4 km from the Palace of the Parliament and 1 km from the National Museum of Art of Romania. The relaxed rooms offer free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and minibars. Amenities include a lobby bar, a terrace, a gym, and a sauna.
Housed in a building dating back to 1477, this quaint hotel overlooking Piața Sfatului square is a 4-minute walk from the Black Church and 3 km from Bartolomeu train station. The unpretentious rooms feature free Wi-Fi, cable TV, minibars, and tea and coffee-making facilities.
Approximately an 8-minute walk from The White Tower and 5.3 km from Aquatic Paradise. This 3-star hotel features a garden, air-conditioned rooms with free Wi-Fi, each with a private bathroom, and on-site private parking. Each room is equipped with a desk, a flat-screen TV, complimentary toiletries, bed linen, and towels. Guests can enjoy a buffet or continental breakfast, and English- and Romanian-speaking staff are available at the 24-hour front desk.
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