Keep Rolling in Romania

Itinerary

1. Day 1 Arrival in Bucharest

   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.

   After your flight arrives at Bucharest's Henri Coanda Airport, we will have someone meet you at the airport and bring you to your accommodations. The duration of the drive is about 30 minutes.

   Our representative will then meet with you to answer any questions you have and to get you settled for the rest of your trip.

   

   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

2. Day 2 Your First Full Day in Bucharest

   

   Bucharest Highlights Bike Group Tour

   There's no better way to get to know the center of Bucharest than on this biking tour. You'll cruise through the city streets while exploring some of its oldest and most famous buildings, monuments and parks. As you roll along, your guide will tell you stories about the city's history and stop wherever you feel like exploring some more. It's a fun and breezy way to see this wonderful destination.
   

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 2 hours and 30 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   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

3. Day 3 Traveling to Brasov by Private Car / Arrival in Brasov

   

   A driver-guide will pick you up from your accommodation in Bucharest this morning and drive you to Brasov, the gateway to Transylvania. Without stops, the drive should take about 3 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.

   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.

   

   Brasov from Above

   Every visit to Brasov should include a cable car ride to Mt. Tampa, where superb views are just waiting to impress you. From your first moments in Brasov, you’re likely to notice the Hollywood-like “BRASOV” sign high above the city on Tampa Mountain. You can take the cable car or enjoy an hour-long hike to the top. The walk is not challenging, but there are enough rocks underfoot along the way to warrant wearing comfortable shoes. Just next to the big letters, there’s a platform from where you can have the best panoramic view of the city. From here, you’ll fall in love with Brasov. 

   Suggestion to explore on your own

4. Day 4 Your First Full Day in Brasov

   

   Bran Castle and Fortified Churches Private Day Trip

   Explore the most impressive fortifications surrounding Brasov on an unforgettable day trip. You'll start by visiting Bran Castle, the inspiration for Dracula's Castle, where you'll learn about Vlad the Impaler and the Dracula legend. You will continue with visits to the UNESCO-listed Saxon fortified churches at Prejmer and Harman, with their round walls, bastions, drawbridges, and multiple layers of defences.
   

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 6-7 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

5. Day 5 Your Second Full Day in Brasov

   

   Hiking the Seven Stairs Canyon Private Tour

   This hiking tour is for those passionate about mountain hikes and curious about Romania's breathtaking nature. The Seven Stairs Canyon is the most spectacular gorge in the Piatra Mare Mountains and it contains seven waterfalls, connected by vertical ladders that help you get to the top. The climb is not difficult but you need a decent mobility as one of the ladders is 12 meters high.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 5 hours

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Rhein Royal Wine Cellar Private Tour

   Wine lovers are in luck because this is the perfect tasting excursion. You'll travel from Brasov to the charming town of Azuga. Here you'll visit a winery dating back to 1892 where you can sample some incredible sparkling wines. This is the only place where Romanian sparkling wine has been produced continuously using the traditional method. You'll have the chance to taste four vintages and get to know the story behind the winery. You can also enjoy a delicious lunch here, making for a complete day of delight.

   • Activity Level : Easy
   • Duration : 4 hours

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

6. Day 6 Traveling to Sighisoara by Private Transfer / Arrival in Sighisoara

   

   Your next stop is the shining gem of medieval Transylvanian towns, Sighisoara. You will be picked up at your accommodations in the morning by your guide. Although Sighisoara is just over an hour and a half away, we've included a a half-day mountain bike tour. Afterwards, you will enjoy a delicious homemade lunch. For this transfer, you will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide. The upgrade to e-bikes is available for an extra fee. The transfer, with stop, takes about 7-8 hours.

   Even if you’ve never been to Sighisoara, a UNESCO World Heritage site, you know its most famous resident. Vlad the Impaler, Dracula's inspiration, once called the city home, and there are several architectural monuments dedicated to him, including his house. But it’s not all gory history here. Sighisoara is a magical city with towers and cobblestoned streets that give it an atmosphere all its own. You’ll find perfectly preserved buildings and works of art here, and much to do, both in and around the city. Some of the most impressive sites in Sighisoara include the Citadel, the Clock Tower, and the Scholars’ Stairs, as well as the Church on the Hill, featuring 500-year-old frescoes. There are also several vibrant museums where history and culture will come alive. But you’re also not far from wine country when staying in Sighisoara, so we highly recommend getting out of the city for the day to enjoy a guided tasting tour. Many of the other cities and villages within easy driving distance are very much worth exploring. It’s the best way to get a real insight into the special charm of the entire region.

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

   

   A Good Start

   There's a lot to take in on your first night, so we suggest starting with a leisurely walk. Roam around Sighisoara's small streets and let its atmosphere soak in. At some point, you can have a quick stop at Medieval Café to try some of the best pies you've ever tasted and the famous local “smoked beer”. For dinner we recommend Casa Georgius Krauss, a gothic manor with a nice atmosphere and fantastic wines. If you'd rather focus on traditional cuisine, be sure to check out Gasthaus Altepost.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

7. Day 7 Your First Full Day in Sighisoara

   

   Discover the Secrets of Medieval Sighisoara

   With its dazzling well-preserved medieval architecture, UNESCO-listed Sighisoara is one of Europe's most beautiful and authentic medieval towns. On this private walking tour, your guide will show you the symbols of the city such as the Clock Tower, Church on the Hill, Covered Stairway, guild towers, the house where Vlad the Impaler ("Dracula") was born, and many more.

   • Activity Level : Moderate
   • Duration : 2 hours 30 minutes

   Included in your vacation package price

   

   Transylvania Hidden Countryside Private Tour

   This full-day tour is packed with history & culture. Start with the impressive Biertan fortified church, then visit the famous horse-riding stables in Danes followed by a stop at Malancrav, a beautiful Saxon village with a timeless atmosphere. The next highlight will be Apafi Manor, a famous noble’s house built by Hungarian royalty. You will end this day tour with a visit at Braite Plateau, the biggest pasture of Europe, home to over 600 ancient oaks, many of them over 700 years old.

   • Activity Level : Light
   • Duration : 5 hours

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

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

   

   Your next stop is the idyllic Transylvanian town of Sibiu. You will be picked up at your accommodations in the morning by your private driver. As a straight shot it's only one hour and 30 minutes, but to make the most of it, along the route you will stop to admire the Saxon villages known for their fortified churches and highlighted by Biertan. For this transfer, you will be accompanied by an English-speaking guide. The journey with a stop in Biertan takes about 5 hours 30 minutes.

   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.

   

   The First Night

   Head to the Council Tower for a panoramic view of the Old Town. This area between Piata Mica ("The Little Square") and Piata Mare ("The Grand Square") is where some of the city's finest restaurants and bars can be found. Before dinner, we suggest a very short walk towards the Evangelical Cathedral and up to Café Wien, where you can taste something truly unique: “smoked beer” made by monks. If you prefer wine over beer, there is a super cozy place called Winekeller, just on the other side of the cathedral. As for dinner, there are at least two good traditional restaurants in the nearby Piata Mica: the Kulinarium or Crama Sibiana. Don’t forget to end the evening with some nice photos while standing on the Bridge of Lies, an iconic spot in Sibiu.

   Suggestion to explore on your own

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 Your Second Full Day in Sibiu

    

    Folklore, Medieval Villages, and Traditional Food Private Tour

    Travel back in time and immerse yourself into the culture of Sibiu's surroundings on a day trip you won't easily forget. You'll start the day by exploring remote villages, and meeting some locals. After traveling down hidden paths, and visiting a beautiful hilltop Saxon fortress, you'll visit a pastoral village, which we're fond of. You'll enjoy a delicious lunch at a local family of craftsmen, trying local meat specialties, vegetables, and local wine.

    • Activity Level : Moderate
    • Duration : 8 hours

    Included in your vacation package price

11. Day 11 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. There are two distinct routes to Bucharest and as you are traveling between July and October you should absolutely take the longer route (providing you don't suffer from motion sickness!), the twisting and turning Transfagarasan or Ceausescu's Folly. Leave early and make a day of it, for along the route there is a must-see stop: the Balea Glacial Lake, an ideal place to stop for a bite at the chalet overlooking the late and mountains and affording the best views of the winding Transfagarasan road from above. The drive takes about 8 hours.

    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.

    

    Relax in a Summer Garden

    The best way to spend a summer evening is at one of Bucharest’s numerous summer gardens. Bucharest is vibrant and noisy like any other big city, but when the temperatures start to spike, locals retreat to the city's gardens. The more hidden, the better. Pick your oasis of calm in the heart of the city and enjoy a drink in a place where locals go. Our recommendations are Cafe Verona, Gradina Eden, Gradina Floreasca, or Gradina Dorobanti.

    Suggestion to explore on your own

12. Day 12 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.