Highlights of Romania - 15 Days

Day 1: Arrive in Bucharest

Welcome to Romania! Begin your trip in Bucharest, the capital. After settling into your hotel, take some time to explore this interesting and complex city. Make the most of your first day by taking a walk around the newly-preserved Old Town, enjoying a stroll through the city's oldest and most charming park, Cișmigiu Park, or enjoying the impressive National Museum of Art. Then take a coffee break in one of the many specialty cafés that have popped all over the city.

Day 2: Sightsee in Bucharest

Take a guided tour of Bucharest today. This city is best understood through the eyes of its locals, especially those who lived through its recent turbulent history. Take an alternative tour of the city to learn more about how the effects of Communism still linger, and how a younger generation is breathing new life into the city. Later, you'll visit the Palace of Parliament, the second-largest administrative building in the world (the Pentagon is the largest). Also known as the "House of People" in Communist times, it's the largest building in Europe and the heaviest in the world. 

Day 3: Taste Wines & Visit Bellu Manor Museum

In the first part of the day, you will discover the Bellu Manor Museum, part of an architectural complex that dates to the second half of the 19th century. At the museum, rich collections of art, ethnography, rare books, furniture, and weapons from the 18th and 19th centuries are on display. In the afternoon, you'll explore the Romanian Wine Road. Stop for a tour and tasting at a winery where you'll visit the cellar and sample a few of the twenty varieties produced onsite. 

Day 4: Tour Dracula’s Castle

Your first stop today will be Peles Castle in the picturesque town of Sinaia. Peles Castle is a masterpiece, considered one of the most stunning castles in Europe. Your next stop, Bran Castle — the famous Dracula’s Castle — is situated between Bucegi Mountains and Piatra Craiului Mountains, surrounded by enchanting scenery. Take some time to explore this famous landmark. Then continue through Rucar-Bran Pass on your way to the medieval city of Brasov. You'll spend the night here. 

Day 5: Get to Know Sibiu

Today, you'll travel to Sibiu, a cultural capital of Romania known for its medieval charm, culinary traditions, and beautiful natural landscapes. Enjoy some of the city's highlights, including the fortification system, the old city center, and several historic churches, during a long walk.

Day 6: Enjoy Free Time in Sibiu

Take the whole day to enjoy Sibiu, one of the most beautiful cities in Romania. Fortified walls, old houses from the 17th century, a central square bordered by an art museum and Town Hall, a bridge where lovers make vows for eternity – you will find all these here, and more! Wander around, take photos, stop in cafés, and simply appreciate the charm of this medieval gem. It's also possible to arrange an excursion into the nearby countryside.

Day 7: Day-trip to Corvin Castle & Alba Iulia

Today you'll day-trip to Corvin Castle, arguably the most beautiful castle in Romania. Tall towers, a moat with a bridge over, and a series of stone chambers create a magical atmosphere. Your guide will tell you all about the castle’s history. After lunch, visit Alba Iulia, the so-called "White Citadel” that dates back to the Roman period. During a guided tour you will learn how it has changed over the years. In the evening, you will go to Cluj-Napoca for dinner and an overnight stay.

Day 8: Discover Cluj-Napoca

It's time to explore Cluj-Napoca, the biggest city in Transylvania. Here you will have time to enjoy the old town and the gigantic cathedral in the main square, then enjoy a meal in a modern restaurant. Cluj-Napoca is known to have some of the best restaurants in Romania! In the afternoon, enjoy a scenic drive from Cluj-Napoca to Sighetu Marmatiei. There, you'll have dinner in a local restaurant and sleep in a hotel before sightseeing continues the next day. 

Day 9: See Wooden Churches & Merry Cemetery

The second complex of churches that you'll see — also designated a UNESCO World Heritage Site — is in Maramures. Tour the picturesque Barsana Monastery, then take some time to visit the Merry Cemetery in Sapanta. This unusual cemetery, featuring colorful gravestones with rhyming poems and lively imagery, is a unique attraction in the world.

Day 11: Discover Medieval Viscri & Sighisoara

Sightsee today in Viscri, stopping to see the Saxon fortified church in the village. The name comes from
the German "Weisse Kirche," meaning "White Church." Viscri Fortified Church is one of several UNESCO World Heritage Sites in Romania. Later, head back to Sighisoara to do some more sightseeing and relax over dinner.

Day 13: Explore Seven Ladders Canyon & Rupea Citadel

After breakfast, you'll go on a short drive from Brasov to Seven Ladders Canyon (Canionul Șapte Scări in Romanian), a mountainous canyon carved by the Șapte Scări Brook south of the village of Dâmbul Morii. Go on a hiking excursion, enjoying mountain views and a picnic lunch. Then continue on to Rupea Citadel, a medieval fortress built by Transylvanian Saxons and first mentioned in a document that dates back to 1324.

Day 14: See Dambovicioara Cave & Gorge 

Hit the road on the way back to Bucharest this morning. But the trip isn't over yet — the journey to the capital city is an adventure! You'll pass through several mountain villages, then take a dirt road to Dambovicioara Gorge, where you'll go on a pleasant walk and visit Dambovicioara Cave. Closer to the city, you'll make a stop in the former capital of Targoviste to see a fortification and a water moat. When you arrive in Bucharest, enjoy one last dinner out and some free time in the heart of the Old Town.

Day 15: Depart Romania - End of Trip