The Highlights of Hungary and Romania

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Budapest

   The Paris of Central Europe, Budapest is the Queen of the Danube, a sprawling, regal city split in two halves by the mighty river. The city’s two UNESCO-listed halves, ancient Buda and modern Pest both have their charms and are linked by numerous picturesque bridges. From the Buda Castle to the Danube Embankment and the sprawling Andrassy Avenue, with its impressive architecture, there is plenty to keep you busy here, exploring and discovering this atmospheric city. It’s a little too big to explore only on foot, but the Pest side of the city is well laid out with broad avenues of the Parisian system, so it’s hard to get lost, and the public transportation, including the world's second oldest subway system, works well. Budapest has all the charm of Western Europe at a fraction of the price. Here you can taste excellent wines produced throughout the region, and even enjoy Michelin-star dining in various locations. We can offer you more than enough exciting activities in the city, from a visit to the incredible Parliament building to a boat cruise with dinner, or an exploration of Budapest’s communist past. The city also has a rich Jewish heritage, so you’ll find the perfect balance of history and modern culture here. Voted Best City in Europe in 2013 by Condé Nast Traveler readers and a regular in their top 3, Budapest really is a special city with activities to cater to every interest.

   When you arrive at Budapest’s Ferenc Liszt Airport, a private driver will greet you and take you to your centrally located accommodation.

   

   Evening Sightseeing Group Cruise

   You're invited for a panoramic boat ride at night, when the city will be beautifully lit up for your pleasure. Glass in hand, you will be able to experience how the legends of Budapest come alive. Look behind the walls of the Royal Palace, the Parliament, the bridges, and other splendid sights all bathed in light.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 1 hour

   Included in your vacation package price

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Budapest

   

   Pest Private Walking Tour

   When arriving at a new capital for the first time, it's best to have a knowledgeable local show you around. On this tour, an expert local guide will take you around the Pest side of Budapest, home to most of the city's landmarks and history, showing you not just the big-name sights, but introducing you into the everyday lives of the city's citizens.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Walk on the Buda Side

   If you've seen enough of the Pest side of the city, walk across the river and explore the Buda side of Hungary's capital. In hilly Buda, you'll find several amazing baths, such as the famous Gellert Baths or the more hidden and local Kiraly Baths. Visit the Matthias Church, where Franz Joseph I and Elisabeth were coronated and stop at the Royal Palace, the home of Hungarian National Gallery. Don't forget to take a ride on the Buda Castle Funicular!

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 3 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

3. Day 3 Your Second Full Day in Budapest

   

   A Gastronomic Heaven

   Today, you will explore outstanding Hungarian cuisine. You will enjoy delicious dishes and learn more about Hungary's traditions and culture through the dishes and excellent products. Your foodie guide will take you to the best local places, including the Great Market Hall, a local chocolate shop, a traditional Hungarian Restaurant, and finally, a coffee house for authentic dessert. You'll taste traditional foods and have a fantastic meal with Hungarian wines.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   Watch the video

   

   Szentendre Artist's Village Private Tour

   Szentendre is a quirky, beautiful town just upstream from Budapest. It's home to many artists. Come for the baroque architecture, churches, colorful houses and narrow, cobbled streets, and stay for the magnificent artwork on display just about everywhere. On this tour, you'll be driven to Szentendre by a guide and shown around.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 4 hours

   Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

   Watch the video

   

   Bathe with the Locals

   Is there anything more quintessentially Budapest than a visit to one of the legendary baths? With more hot springs than any other capital, the city lets you take your pick of various styles, from the old school Turkish Rudas Baths to the Art Nouveau Gellert Baths on the Buda side of the city, or even the Neo-Baroque Szechenyi Baths with a large outdoor pool in Pest’s City Park. These are very much for locals, don't expect day-spa luxury! We've written a handy roundup of Budapest's best baths here.
   

   Suggestion to explore on your own

4. Day 4 Traveling to Eger by Private Car / Arrival in Eger

   

   If you've already sampled some of Hungary's delicious wines, you know you are in for a real treat. Today you will go to Eger to discover the country's most famous wine region. Based on your departure time preference, you will be picked up at your Budapest accommodation for the less than 2-hour journey to the city. A short distance out of Budapest is a potential stop we can arrange for you - Godollo, a Baroque Royal Palace might just pique your interest. The vehicle used for your transfer will be a standard sedan, station wagon or minivan. We can arrange for an upgrade to a more luxurious class of vehicle for an extra fee.

   Eger is a picturesque and wonderfully unique little city, complete with perfectly preserved baroque architecture and a hilltop castle overlooking the Old Town and the surrounding countryside, which is filled with 10,000 acres of bountiful vineyards. This is the perfect destination for feel-good relaxation, as you can readily sample the local vintages and also indulge in the thermal baths that date from the 1600s. You’ll have a wonderful time exploring the city and the gastronomic culture of the surrounding region. Dobo Ter is Eger’s main square, and it is high up on the list of must-see sights. Here you’ll find lovely restaurants, bars and cafes, as well as wine and music festivals, depending on the time of year. A trip to the castle is also highly recommended. Here you can take a tour and explore Eger’s rich past. You’ll definitely want to explore the nearby Valley of the Beautiful Women, which houses numerous vineyards and wine caves carved into the hillside. Here you can sample numerous local vintages and mingle with the friendly locals. Eger is quaint and quiet, the heart of wine country and a wonderful place to enjoy a timeout from the busier cities of Hungary.

   Upon arriving in Eger, you'll be driven directly to your accommodation.

   

   Eger Wine and Food Private Walking Tour

   Taste the best wines in town, visit family vineyards and cellars, and wow your taste buds during this exceptional wine and food tour. Your expert local guide will take you to two wineries, where you'll learn more about the prestigious history of Eger's wines, and the winemakers themselves. Enjoy electrifying whites and full-bodied reds, get a glimpse behind the scenes, and get acquainted with different stages of wine making and bottling. The crown on this jewel tour is a degustation menu at one of Eger's finest restaurants.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 4 hours 30 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

5. Day 5 Traveling to Sighetu Marmatiei / Arrival in Sighetu Marmatiei

   Today you'll say good-bye to Hungary and continue your journey to the untouched countryside of Romania, the lovely Maramures region. The drive is about 5 hours long.

   Once in Sighetu Marmatiei, your private driver will bring you directly to your pre-booked, centrally located accommodations.

6. Day 6 Your First Full Day in Sighetu Marmatiei

   

   Top Attractions in Maramures Private Day Trip

   In Romania, Maramures is known as the “land of traditions”, a region where time stands still and customs and crafts are still passed on from father to son. Abroad, Maramures is famous for its UNESCO wooden churches, with Sapanta-Peri being the tallest one in the world (73 meters) and also the first stop on your private tour. Next you'll visit the Merry Cemetery, the archaic whirlpools in Sarbi village or the superbly wooden carved gates "guarding" the houses & villages of Iza Valley. Last but not least, you'll stop at Barsana Monastery, the most famous wooden church in Romania and a place of surreal architectural beauty and total serenity.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 8 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

7. Day 7 Traveling to Cluj by Private Transfer / Arrival in Cluj

   

   Today you'll be traveling to lovely Cluj. Your driver will pick you up at your accommodation at the agreed-upon time. Along the way you will stop for a break at Banffy Castle, an architectural monument located in Bontida, a village in the vicinity of Cluj. The transfer with a stop at the castle takes about 6 hours. This is a non-guided transfer. The vehicle used for your transfer will be a standard sedan, station wagon or minivan. We can arrange for an upgrade to a more luxurious class of vehicle for an extra fee.

   Cluj-Napoca is the spiritual and economic capital of Transylvania, but has a youthful side thanks to its many students and artists ("Napoca" is the city's Roman name, which was added to the city's official name in the 1970s). The heart of multiculturalism and diversity, Cluj may be Romania's second largest city, but does not have a big-city feeling. This vibrant place is a great experience for those who want to see urban Transylvanian life at its best. Be sure to visit the extraordinary Turda salt mine, and some of the city's unusually themed cafes and restaurants, such as the steampunk eatery stuffed with kinetic sculptures. With a mix of medieval landmarks, architectural jewels, trendy culinary and cultural hotspots, Cluj is a laid-back city where people enjoy life at a slower pace than in Bucharest.

   Once in Cluj, your private driver will bring you directly to your pre-booked, centrally located accommodation.

   

   An Unusual First Night

   For your first night in Cluj, we suggest walkung from Avram Iancu’s Statue towards St. Michael's Cathedral, on Iuliu Maniu Street. Halfway through, make a short coffee/cocktail stop at Enigma, a kinetic steampunk pub. There you'll find giant moving clocks, rotating wheels and sculptures, metallic flowers opening up on the ceiling, a live moving bird, and even robot waiters. Next, resume your stroll until you reach the cathedral, then walk a few minutes more towards the Franciscan Temple. Just behind the temple, enter the Klausen Burger rooftop bar, where you can enjoy dinner and great craft beers from a local microbrewery, plus some of the most amazing panoramic views of Cluj. If you don’t fancy rooftop bars, then visit the themed bars in front of the Temple, especially Hemingway, The Soviet, or Bruno Wine Bar.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

8. Day 8 Traveling to Sibiu by Private Transfer / Arrival in Sibiu

   

   Get to Know Cluj-Napoca on a Private Walking Tour

   This tour gives you the opportunity to discover Cluj’s fascinating architectural and cultural history and its best-known attractions. Your guide will recreate the medieval atmosphere of the citadel as you explore it, providing glimpses of its rich history and making the past come to life. The walk will include both famous sites but also some off-the-beaten places, for a well-balanced experience. 

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 2 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Today you'll travel to the charming city of Sibiu. On the way, you will visit the Turda Salt Mine, which is a unique experience you will enjoy. With over 2000 years of history and with highly preserved mining galleries & excavating tools, Salina Turda represents today one of the largest salt mine museums in the world. Currently, the site is a large underground wonderland with an amusement park nestled 120 meters below ground. The park contains attractions like: an underground lake that may be explored with paddles and rowboats, a Ferris wheel, bowling alley, mini-golf, sports field, table tennis, and pool tables. The transfer with a stop at Turda Salt Mine takes about 5 hours. This is a non-guided transfer. The vehicle used for your transfer will be a standard sedan, station wagon, or minivan. We can arrange for an upgrade to a more luxurious class of vehicle for an extra fee.

   Did you know that Sibiu is a 3* Michelin travel destination? Did you know that it was a European Capital of Culture in 2007 and the European Region of Gastronomy in 2019? We invite you to join us and discover an amazing town with so many stories! Walking through Sibiu is like walking through a fairytale, or perhaps a medieval movie set. From the 16th century Bridge of Lies to the 15th century towers, you’ll find something romantically ancient at every turn. But that doesn’t mean the city is frozen in time, there’s also a rich cultural life here to match the incredible architecture. You’ll have a fantastic time watching history come alive in Sibiu, even as you experience its more contemporary charms. This is a city of firsts: where the first book in Romanian was printed, where Romania’s first hospital and pharmacy were opened, and also where the country’s oldest museum is housed, the Brukenthal Art museum. You’ll be charmed by this mix of old and new. You’ll certainly want to meet with our local guide, who can give you a closer look at all the most amazing sites in the city, including the main square, one of the best-preserved in Transylvania. But you won’t be limited to staying within city limits, as there are several interesting day trips to take in the surrounding region. The Jidvei Vineyard in the nearby Tarnave Valley is the perfect place to enjoy a tasting of some of excellent Romanian wines and snacks. Calnic, Sebes and Alba Iulia Citadel are also nearby sites that are certainly worth visiting, and will show you a different side of this enchanting region.

   Welcome to Sibiu! Our driver will take you to your centrally located accommodation.

9. Day 9 Your First Full Day in Sibiu

   

   Sibiu Private Walking & Corvin Castle Tour

   Take a walking tour in Sibiu, a multicultural gem of Romania and a place where for 800 hundred years Romanians, Hungarians and Saxons lived together. The highly preserved and restored Old Town looks like medieval Vienna but with unique Latin and Magyar influences. For the second part of the tour your guide will drive you to Corvin – the castle of the Ravens. This 16th century giant is the most beautiful medieval castle in Romania and was listed by the Germans in top 10 castles of Europe. 

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 8-9 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

10. Day 10 Traveling to Brasov by Private Car / Arrival in Brasov

    

    A private driver will pick you up from your accommodations to drive you to Brasov, the gateway to Transylvania. Without stops, the drive should take about 3 hours, but you will have a 2 hours stop in Sighisoara, one of the best-preserved medieval citadels in Europe, UNESCO Heritage. As the birthplace of Dracula, there are plenty of Vlad-themed attractions but in our opinion, the highlights are the citadel and the Clock Tower. A guided tour inside the citadel can be added for an extra fee. The transfer takes about 6 hours including the stop in Sighisoara.

    Brasov is a city of true medieval beauty, at the edge of which is the natural wonder of the Carpathian Mountains. This combination gives the place a truly unique feel, as history and the natural world come together here with astounding brilliance. The home of Romania’s largest Gothic church and the narrowest street in Europe, there is plenty here to enrich your visit. You can even take a gondola ride high above the city for new points of view. And, Brasov’s location makes it the perfect base for exploring some of Romania’s most magnificent castles. You’ll definitely want to spend a few days exploring the city, which offers everything from incredible architecture to excellent dining, a rich cultural program and fun outdoor activities. Day and night you’ll find something fun to do here, from the depths of the narrow Rope Street to the heights of Mount Tampa. Wine lovers will really enjoy a trip to the Rhein wine cellar just outside of Brasov. Here you can learn more about the local wine and of course taste it too. Bran Castle, Rasnov Fortress, Peles Castle, some of Romania’s most impressive castles, are all within distance for a perfect day trip. History, culture, architecture, the great outdoors: Brasov brings all of Romania’s greatest gifts together in one place.

    Welcome to Brasov! After the drive, your driver will take you to your centrally located accommodation.

    

    Dine, Drink, and Watch

    For your first night, walk up to the Sub Tâmpa restaurant, located between Brasov's walls and Mt. Tampa, which is only a few minutes walk from Council Square. Here, in addition to great food, you can enjoy a splendid panoramic view of Brasov's Old Town and the fortress overlooking the city from the opposite side. After dinner, you can walk back to Old Town for a quick wine-tasting session at Le Sommelier win bar or Terroirs Boutique du Vin, both located on Diaconu Coresi Street. You should definitely try wines from local Feteasca Neagra grapes and neighboring wine regions such as Dealu Mare and Tarnava.

    Suggestion to explore on your own

11. Day 11 Your First Full Day in Brasov

    

    Brasov and Bran Castle Private Walking Tour

    Enjoy a guided walking tour in Brasov while learning some general facts about the town itself and the Transylvania region. Start from Council Square, visit the Black Church, the largest Lutheran church in Southeastern Europe and then continue down on the narrowest street in Europe, called Rope Street. Next, there’s just a 30 minute drive to the famous Bran Castle – a place where the legend of Vlad Impaler meets the fiction of count Dracula. 

    • Activity Level : Moderate
    • Duration : 5-6 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

    

    Extra Stop at the Bear Sanctuary Private Tour

    Enjoy a private tour at a 160 acre park near Brasov, an oak and hazel forest inhabited by over 100 rehabilitated bears rescued from zoos, circuses, and private owners from around the world. This is a unique place: the walk in the nature, the landscape and the chance to see adorable bears from observation points may turn this tour into one of your trip's highlights, while your money will go to a good cause, as the sanctuary has been internationally recognized for its practices.

    • Activity Level : Light
    • Duration : 3 hours

    Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

12. Day 12 Traveling to Bucharest by Private Car / Arrival in Bucharest

    

    Today you're headed back to the capital, Bucharest. A private driver will pick you up from your accommodations in the morning. Without stops, the drive should take about three hours but close to Brasov you'll stop at Peles Royal Castle where you will have a guided tour inside. The transfer with a stop at Peles takes about 6 hours. The vehicle used for your transfer will be a standard sedan, station wagon, or minivan. We can arrange for an upgrade to a more luxurious class of vehicle for an extra fee.

    The capital of Romania, Bucharest is a truly intriguing city where modern sophistication meets a rich and varied history. The business center of the city definitely has a cosmopolitan feel, but farther afield Bucharest still feels a little rough around the edges. The restored Old Town with its resplendent buildings is simply magnificent, as is Nicolae Ceausescu’s Palace of Parliament. One of the world's largest buildings (and with all its marble, certainly the heaviest), we highly recommend a tour of its gilded interior. This "Paris of the East" also has some amazing cafes and delicious restaurants, especially near Lipscani Street. The city is no stranger to culture either, with numerous galleries, antique shops and concert halls. The most stunning landmarks are along Calea Victoriei, but you can see something impressive on just about every corner. After discovering the incredible variety of neighborhoods and architectural styles in the city, you might want to enjoy one of its cultural festivals, or take off for a unique day trip. If you’re ready for a full day, a trip to Transylvania including Peles Castle and Dracula’s Castle, will certainly be a memorable excursion, and very Romanian. We can also arrange for a private guide to show you around the city and the notable surroundings.

    Welcome to Bucharest! Our driver will take you to your centrally located accommodation.

    

    Dine and Drink on Your First Night

    For your first night, it’s best to start with a short walk in the Old Town area to see a glimpse of how Bucharest looked and felt at its zenith, specifically during the 19th century when it was nicknamed the “Paris of the East”. Seek out a traditional dinner at one of the city’s historical Old Town restaurants: Manuc Inn, Hanul Berarilor or Caru cu Bere. Make sure you don’t miss the bean soup in a bread bowl, cabbage rolls, or pork stew. Save some room for dessert: the best option is Papanasi, a pastry shaped like a doughnut with a small sphere on top, filled with soft cheese, and covered in sour cream and sour jam. After dinner, you should definitely enjoy a glass of Romanian wine at one of the many rooftop bars located in the Old Town: Linea Closer to the Moon, Nomad SkyBar, or Pura Vida SkyBar. You’re in a Latin country, so get out there and enjoy the cheerful and happy vibe!

    Suggestion to explore on your own

13. Day 13 Your First Full Day in Bucharest

    

    The Little Paris

    Bucharest is an eclectic city, a place of business, parties, arts, and contrasts. Nearly half a century of communist rule dramatically changed some aspects of the city, but traces of the old bohemian times can still be found. Discover the highlights of Bucharest on an amazing half-day guided tour, and marvel at the monuments of the historic city center. Some highlights of the tour include: the Romanian Athenaeum, Revolution Square, Old City with its beautiful 19th century buildings, and the Old Court from the times of Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration for Dracula. The tour will end with a visit inside the monumental Palace of Parliament, one of the world's largest buildings (and certainly the heaviest).
    

    • Activity Level : Moderate
    • Duration : 6 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

    Watch the video

    

    Taste Romania’s Food and Wine with an Expert

    Discover Romania’s super-tasty cuisine with one of our expert tour guides. You can take a slow walk through central Bucharest's boulevards and charming side streets to enjoy traditional food, pastries, and desserts while learning the stories behind them. If you prefer a more leisurely tour, you can join the Traditions in Bucharest tour, where you’ll have the chance to taste several types of traditional wines along with a cheese platter after a tour at the outdoor Village Museum.

    • Activity Level : Light
    • Duration : 5 hours

    Please ask your travel advisor for the cost to add this to your package

14. Day 14 Departure Day

    Today, a driver will pick you up at your accommodation and bring you to the Bucharest Henri Coanda Airport for your departing flight. The drive takes 40 minutes.