Timeless Romania - 8 Days

Your Romania Tour begins in Bucharest, where our guide will meet you for a city tour. Bucharest is a fascinating blend of Western and Eastern European cultures, with the lasting imprint of the communist era still visible. We start with the Palace of the Parliament – also known as the House of the People – the second largest administrative building in the world after the Pentagon. As we walk through its marble halls, your guide will share the striking history behind its construction.

Our tour continues in Bucharest’s Old Town, home to historic buildings and vibrant nightlife. Its lively atmosphere offers the perfect introduction to the city. At the end of the day, we transfer to the hotel. Please note: We recommend you arrive in Bucharest the day before your tour starts.

Bucharest - Curtea de Argeș - Sibiu. After breakfast, we set off towards Transylvania. Our first stop is Curtea de Argeș Monastery, a landmark of Romanian Orthodox architecture set at the foot of the Carpathians. From here, we travel through the Olt Valley, enjoying scenic views before arriving at Cozia Monastery, an important medieval monument. We then continue to Sibiu, named European Capital of Culture in 2007. On a walking tour we explore the Main Square, with sights including the Brukenthal Museum and the Roman Catholic Cathedral. In Huet Square we visit the Evangelical Church, before strolling down the Passage of Stairs and crossing the famous Bridge of Lies.

Please Note:In summer (mid-June to early November), we journey to Sibiu along the Transfăgărășan road, one of the most spectacular mountain routes in Europe. Unfortunately during the winter months, weather conditions mean this is not possible.

Sibiu - Sibiel - Alba Iulia - Turda - Cluj-Napoca. This morning we travel to Sibiel, a traditional village renowned for its authenticity and rural charm. After a short walk, we continue to Alba Iulia to visit the Alba Carolina Fortress – Romania’s largest, built in a star-shaped design and successively used by Romans, medieval rulers and later as a Vauban-style citadel.

Our journey continues at the Turda Salt Mine, a vast underground world carved in salt, with galleries and towering halls, one of them reaching 118 metres high. The surreal setting attracts artists and photographers alike. We then head to Cluj-Napoca, Transylvania’s largest city, often called the city of arts.

Cluj-Napoca - Breb village - Merry Cemetery - Breb - Sighetu Marmației. After breakfast, we enjoy a city tour of Cluj-Napoca, visiting St Michael’s Gothic Cathedral, Banffy Palace, the former mayor’s hall, and the elegant Mirror Street. From here we travel north into Maramureș, a region that feels like a living open-air museum, where centuries-old traditions are still preserved.

We stop in Breb, one of the best-preserved villages in the area, to experience authentic local life and visit a traditional home. Lunch includes fresh produce and homemade liqueurs. Later we visit Săpînţa, home to the unique Merry Cemetery, famous for its brightly painted wooden crosses inscribed with witty epitaphs. The day ends in Sighetu Marmației with a traditional Romanian dinner and folkloric show.

Sighetu Marmației - Sighisoara. Today we explore two UNESCO-listed wooden churches: Poienile Izei and Bârsana, the latter one of the most impressive Orthodox ensembles in Romania. Woodcarving remains a central craft in the region, and we will visit a local artisan’s workshop with the chance to purchase hand-made souvenirs.

Along the way, you will taste locally made dishes prepared with fresh produce from village gardens. In the evening, we arrive in Târgu Mureș, known for its cultural diversity.

Sighisoara - Viscri - Brasov. After breakfast, we travel to Biertan to visit its fortified church, built by Saxons in the 16th century and now a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Our next stop is Sighișoara, the only inhabited medieval citadel in Europe, also UNESCO-listed. We walk its cobbled streets to the Clock Tower, with its panoramic views and museum of medieval artefacts, before climbing the covered wooden staircase to the 14th-century Church-on-the-Hill.

We then visit Viscri, a Saxon village restored with the support of King Charles III, who owns a house here. We enjoy a horse-drawn carriage ride through the village, visit locals, and sample homemade cake. The day ends in Brașov, a medieval city at the foot of the Carpathians.

Brasov - Bran Castle - Peles Castle - Bucharest. In Brașov we take a walking tour of the Council Square, the Black Church – Romania’s largest Gothic cathedral – and one of the narrowest streets in the world. From here, we travel to Bran Castle, famously linked to the Dracula legend. Built in the 13th century on a 60-metre cliff, the fortress controlled the key trade route into Transylvania.

We continue to Sinaia, a charming mountain resort. Here we visit Sinaia Monastery and the Neo-Renaissance Peleș Castle, built by Romania’s first king, Carol I. In the evening, we return to Bucharest.

After breakfast, we check out of the hotel. The airport transfer will be arranged according to your flight schedule, marking the end of your Romania Tour.