Highlights of Romania & the Danube Delta - 8 Days

Frequently asked questions

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  The main highlights include visiting the ornate Peles Castle, stepping into the legend at Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle), exploring the canals of the Danube Delta by speedboat to spot birds and wildlife, and admiring the French-inspired architecture of Bucharest’s grand boulevards.

• What type of accommodation can I expect on this tour?

  You will stay in hotels for 5 nights and guesthouses for 2 nights. Accommodation in Europe often features older buildings, potentially smaller rooms and bathrooms, and may not have elevators or air conditioning. Hotels are typically small, family-run, locally-run establishments with traditional character in central locations. Fans are usually available upon request.

• What meals are included in the tour?

  The tour includes 8 breakfasts and 2 dinners. Generally, other meals are not included to provide flexibility in dining choices, but your CEO can suggest local restaurants.

• What is the typical group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 16 travelers, with an average group size of 12.

• Who will be leading the tour?

  The tour is accompanied by a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) throughout the trip. Additionally, local guides will be utilized in specific cities to provide more specialized knowledge.

• What forms of transportation are used during the tour?

  Transportation during the tour primarily involves private vehicles, speedboats (especially in the Danube Delta), and walking.

• What currency should I use in Romania and what are the recommendations for managing money?

  The local currency in Romania is the New Lei (RON). ATMs are available in main cities and accept Visa and Mastercard. It is recommended to carry both card types if possible. Cash is advisable for times when ATMs are not accessible, and Euros, British Pounds, or US Dollars can be easily exchanged. Carrying only cash is a high safety risk, so a mix of ATM card access and some cash is ideal. An emergency fund of at least USD $200 (or equivalent) is also recommended.

• Is travel insurance compulsory for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory to participate in this tour. You will need to show evidence of medical coverage with a minimum of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. Coverage for personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage is also strongly recommended.

• What is the policy regarding solo travelers and accommodation?

  Single travelers are paired in shared accommodation with someone of the same sex at no extra cost, as the group trips are designed for shared accommodation. If you book the 'My Own Room' option, you will receive a single room for all night stops, but please note that single rooms in European hotels can often be smaller.

• Are there any optional activities available during the tour?

  Yes, in Brasov, you have the option to visit Catherine's Gate, the Schei District, and the Black Church (Biserica Neagră) for an additional fee of 8 RON per person for the Black Church. During high season (May-October), it is highly recommended to book reservations for popular optional activities in advance.

• What should I know about the local cuisine and dietary needs?

  The cuisine in this region is predominantly meat-based. While vegetarian food is available, the variety and range of choices might be more limited than what you are accustomed to at home.

• What is the physical activity level of this tour?

  This tour has a physical rating of 2, indicating a relatively easy level of activity.

• What are the main highlights of this trip?

  You will visit the ornate Peles Castle nestled in the Carpathian Mountains, step into the legend at Bran Castle (also known as Dracula’s Castle), explore the canals of the Danube Delta by boat on the lookout for birds and wildlife, and admire the French-inspired architecture of Bucharest’s grand boulevards.

• How large will the group be for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 16 travellers, with an average group size of 12.

• What types of accommodation are used on this tour?

  Accommodation for this tour includes hotels for 5 nights and guesthouses for 2 nights.

• Are meals included in the tour price?

  The tour includes 8 breakfasts and 2 dinners. For other meals, you will have flexibility to choose where, what, and with whom to eat, with suggestions from your CEO.

• What are the modes of transportation used during the tour?

  Transportation on this tour will be by private vehicle, speedboat, and walking.

• Is there a single supplement for solo travellers?

  Our group trips are designed for shared accommodation, and single travellers are paired with someone of the same sex without an extra single supplement. If you book the 'My Own Room' option, you will receive a single room, but please note that single rooms in European hotels can often be smaller and may not offer the same service level as double-occupancy rooms.

• What is the currency used in Romania and how can I handle money?

  The local currency in Romania is New Lei (RON). ATMs are available in main cities and generally accept Visa and Mastercard. It is recommended to carry some cash for situations where ATMs are not accessible. Euros, British Pounds, and US Dollars can be easily exchanged. Credit cards are generally not very useful but may be accepted at some larger stores.

• Is tipping customary in Romania, and what are the guidelines?

  Tipping is customary in Europe. A general rule is 10% of the bill for wait staff, and €1 or €2 for other service providers. For local guides, €3-5 per day is recommended. For the Chief Experience Officer (CEO), a guideline of €30-€40 per person per week is appreciated if you feel they did an outstanding job.

• Are there any age restrictions for this tour?

  You must be 18 years old to travel unaccompanied on this tour. Minors aged 12 and above are welcome if accompanied by a guardian over 21 years old.

• What activities are optional on this trip?

  In Braşov, optional activities include visits to Catherine's Gate (Poarta Ecaterinei), Schei District, and the Black Church (Biserica Neagră) for 8RON per person. During high season (May-October), it is highly recommended to book popular optional activities and museum tickets in advance.

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory for all participants. It must include medical coverage with a minimum of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. We strongly recommend coverage for personal liability, cancellation, curtailment, and loss of luggage and personal effects.

• What health considerations should I be aware of before travelling?

  Inoculations may be required; it is your responsibility to consult with your travel doctor for up-to-date medical travel information well before departure. We recommend carrying a First Aid kit and hand sanitizers. Our leaders are legally prohibited from administering any type of drug. Please assess your ability to cope with our style of travel, especially as we may be in remote areas away from medical facilities.

• What should I expect regarding accommodation standards in Europe?

  Accommodation in Europe, especially downtown hotels, can be older, and rooms and bathrooms are often smaller. Many properties, particularly those with only two stories, may not have elevators or air conditioning (though fans can be provided on request). You can expect clean, safe, simple accommodation that is locally-run, has traditional character, and is in excellent central locations.

• What is the role of the Chief Experience Officer (CEO) and local guides?

  A Chief Experience Officer (CEO) accompanies the trip to facilitate your travels. They provide orientation, suggestions for activities and dining, and introduce you to local contacts. Due to local licensing laws, CEOs cannot legally share historical facts and figures in public places like traditional guides. Therefore, local guides are also utilized where specific knowledge will enhance your experience.

• Are international flights included in the tour price?

  No, international flights are generally not included in the price of this tour.

• What rules should I know before joining this trip?

  Illegal drugs are not tolerated and will result in expulsion from the trip. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is also strictly against our travel philosophy and can lead to expulsion. Our CEOs have the right to remove any group member who violates these rules.

• What are the visa and entry requirements for Romania?

  All countries require a valid passport with a minimum of 6 months validity. Visa requirements depend on your nationality, so you must consult your local embassy or consulate for the most up-to-date information. Travel within the Schengen area is simplified by the Schengen visa. As of 2025, ETIAS travel authorization may be an entry requirement for visa-exempt nationals, so we recommend checking how your nationality might be affected.

• What is Planeterra?

  Planeterra International Foundation is a non-profit organization dedicated to turning travel into impact. It supports local communities by developing and funding community-owned tourism businesses, helping Indigenous people, empowering women, providing youth employment, and protecting the environment. As Planeterra's largest corporate donor, the tour operator covers all operating costs, ensuring 100% of your donations directly benefit Planeterra projects.

• Can I do laundry during the trip?

  Laundry facilities are offered by some hotels for a charge. If you plan to do personal laundry, we suggest bringing non-polluting/biodegradable soap.

• How much emergency money should I bring on this trip?

  It is recommended to have access to at least an additional USD $200 (or equivalent) as an emergency fund, to be used in rare circumstances outside our control, such as a natural disaster requiring a change to our planned route.

• What are the main highlights of the 'Highlights of Romania & the Danube Delta' tour?

  This tour includes visiting the ornate Peles Castle nestled in the Carpathian Mountains, stepping into legend at Bran Castle (also known as Dracula’s Castle), exploring the canals of the Danube Delta by boat on the lookout for birds and wildlife, and admiring the French-inspired architecture of Bucharest’s grand boulevards.

• What kind of accommodation can I expect on this trip?

  You will stay in hotels for 5 nights and guesthouses for 2 nights. Accommodation in Europe can vary, often being older, family-run hotels or pensions. Rooms may be smaller, and some may not have elevators or air-conditioning. In one or two locations, shared bathrooms might be used.

• Are meals included in the tour price?

  Yes, 8 breakfasts and 2 dinners are included. Generally, other meals are not included to offer flexibility in dining choices, but your CEO can suggest local options.

• What modes of transportation are used during the tour?

  Transportation on this trip includes private vehicles, speedboats, and walking tours.

• What is the maximum group size for this tour?

  The maximum group size is 16 travelers, with an average group size of 12.

• Is travel insurance required for this trip?

  Yes, travel insurance is compulsory. You must have medical coverage with a minimum of USD 200,000 for repatriation and emergency rescue. Proof of insurance will be sighted by your CEO.

• What is the local currency and what should I know about money exchange?

  The local currency in Romania is New Lei (RON). ATMs are available in main cities and accept Visa and Mastercard. It's advisable to carry some cash (Euros, British Pounds, or US Dollars are easy to exchange) for situations where ATMs are not accessible, but carrying only cash is a high safety risk. Credit cards are generally not widely useful outside of larger stores.

• What is the minimum age to join this trip?

  You must be 18 to travel unaccompanied. Minors aged 12 and above may travel with a guardian who is over 21 years old.

• Will I have a group leader and local guides?

  Yes, a Chief Experience Officer (CEO) will accompany you throughout the trip, providing orientation walks and suggestions. Local guides will also be used in specific cities to provide detailed historical and cultural knowledge, as CEOs are legally unable to share historical facts in public places in Europe.

• What are some of the optional activities available on this tour?

  In Brasov, optional activities include visiting Catherine's Gate, exploring the Schei District, and visiting the Black Church (with an entrance fee of 8 RON per person). During high season, it is highly recommended to book popular optional activities or museum tickets in advance.

• Is there an extra cost for solo travelers?

  No, our group trips are designed for shared accommodation and do not involve a single supplement for solo travelers. You will be paired in twin or multi-share accommodation with someone of the same sex. If you opt for the 'My Own Room' option, you will receive a single room for all night stops, but please note that single rooms in European hotels can often be smaller.

• What are the rules regarding illegal drugs and the sex trade on this trip?

  Illegal drugs will not be tolerated, as they contravene local laws and put the group at risk. The exploitation of people in the sex trade is also completely contrary to our travel philosophy. CEOs have the right to expel any member of the group if these rules are violated.