Romania Hiking Adventure: Bucharest & Transylvania - 10 Days

Day 1: Welcome to Bucharest!

Welcome to Romania! Upon arrival in Bucharest, you'll be met by your driver and transferred to your hotel. Known as Bucuresti ("city of joy") to locals, the country's capital traces its roots back to a village along the Dambovita riverside trade route. Its long history has given it a diverse architectural scene, spanning from medieval and Ottoman to neo-classical, Communist, and modern buildings. Spend the remainder of the day resting and relaxing after your flight, or head out and start getting acquainted with the city at your own pace.  

Day 2: Bucharest Guided Tour

This morning you'll join your guide for a complete tour of the capital, starting with a visit to the vast Parliament Palace, the second-largest building in the world. Next, explore the atmospheric Old Town to see imposing buildings from the royal period and the ruins of the old court of Vlad the Impaler—the original inspiration for Bram Stoker's Dracula. In the afternoon, enjoy a long walk through the Village Museum, an exhibition of traditional houses gathered from different parts of Romania. 

Day 3: Transfer to Sinaia, Visit Peles Castle & Hike to Cota 2000

Today you'll set out into the Romanian countryside, transferring 2.5-hours north into the Carpathian Mountains to the small town of Sinaia. Here you'll visit Peles Castle, a spectacular Neo-Renaissance palace that served as the summer residence for the Romanian royal family. 

After touring the castle, another transfer takes you up the mountain to Padina Chalet, where you'll set out on your first guided, half-day hike to the peak of Cota 2000. Enjoy breathtaking views at the summit before returning to Sinaia for the evening and a well-earned rest.

Day 4: Hike in the Bucegi Mountains, Transfer to Brasov & City Tour

After breakfast this morning, you'll transfer to Piatra Arsa Chalet to start a scenic half-day hike in the Bucegi Mountains. Trek through Caraiman Chalet to the Heroes' Cross, a mountain-top monument to Romania's fallen soldiers of WWI. On the way down you'll pass the mysterious natural monument of the Romanian Sphinx, and see the mushroom-shaped rock formations of Babele. 

In the afternoon, continue to the Transylvanian city of Brasov, where you'll get settled into your hotel and embark on a walking tour of the medieval center. Founded in the 13th century by Teutonic Knights, Brasov boasts a rich Saxon, Hungarian, and Romanian heritage and is teeming with historic sites. Discover the city's imposing medieval fortifications, tour the bustling town square, and be amazed by the soaring Gothic architecture of the famous Black Church. 

As evening falls, find a cozy restaurant to grab a traditional meal. Due to its Germanic Saxon roots, the city has a delicious mix of both German and Romanian cuisine.

Day 5: Seven Ladders Canyon Hike, Transfer to Viscri via Rupea Citadel

This morning's short transfer takes you to the famed Seven Ladders Canyon (Canionul Șapte Scări), a mountainous canyon carved by the Șapte Scări Brook south of the village of Dâmbul Morii. Today's half-day hike takes you through this natural highlight as you explore the stunning landscapes of the Pietra Mare Mountains.

In the afternoon, continue to the Rupea Citadel—a picturesque medieval hilltop fortress—before ending your day in the traditional village of Viscri.

Day 6: Viscri Hike & Day Trip to Sighișoara

Today you can choose to embark on a half-day hike from the hills of Viscri towards Mesendorf Village or opt to explore Viscri further with a walk through the historic village, visiting the UNESCO-listed Viscri Fortified Church and meeting the many local craftsmen.

After a traditional lunch in Viscri, you'll transfer 30-minutes northwest to Sighișoara, famous as the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler. This medieval village is considered one of the best-preserved citadels in Europe, and you'll travel back in time as you walk the narrow cobbled streets lined with brightly-colored houses dating back to the 12th century. 

When you've had your fill of Sighișoara's many charms, return to Visci for the evening.

Day 7: Hike in Piatra Craiului National Park, Transfer to Bran & "Dracula's Castle"

This morning's hike sets out from Zarnesti, passing through the back gardens of the town and across the Magura Saddle to reach the tiny mountain village of Magura, located within the magnificent Piatra Craiului National Park.

In the afternoon, you'll transfer south to reach Bran, your base for the next two nights. Get settled in, then pay a visit to the town's most famous landmark, Bran Castle, which served as Bram Stoker's inspiration for Dracula's Castle. In real life, the fairytale dwelling once belonged to Queen Marie of Romania, a granddaughter of England's Queen Victoria. From its dramatic clifftop position, you can enjoy sweeping views over the neighboring hills, the Moeciu Valley, and Valea Bârsei.

Day 8: Hike to Zarnesti Gorge & Curmatura Chalet

Today's hike sets out from the Botorog Fountain and takes you through the spectacular rock walls of the Zarnesti Gorge to reach the Curmatura Chalet. 

The rest of the day is free to spend at your leisure, relaxing or exploring more of Bran's village atmosphere.

Day 9: Transfer to Bucharest via Dambovicioara & Târgoviște

Depart Bran this morning for a scenic transfer towards Bucharest. Along the way, you'll pass through the mountain villages of Fundata and Sirnea, and take a dirt road to the dramatic Dambovicioara Gorge, where you can stop for a pleasant walk and visit the ancient Dambovicioara Cave.

Continue to Târgoviște, the medieval capital of the historic region of Wallachia. Here you can explore the Princely Court, a compound that has undergone continual renovations over the years and where Vlad III Dracul ("the Impaler") took up residence in the mid-15th century. Wander the ancient grounds finding your way to the Chindia Tower, a feature added during Vlad's residence.

As evening falls, you'll arrive back in Bucharest, where you can enjoy a celebratory final dinner in the capital's atmospheric Old Town.

Day 10: Depart Bucharest

Your adventure draws to a close today as you say your goodbyes to Romania and transfer to the airport for your departing flight. Safe travels!

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Looking for more inspiration for your trip to Romania? Check out these other Romania itineraries, with outdoor adventures, cultural trips, and best-of tours to hit the highlights. 

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