Romania Private Tour (ROM004) 12 Days 11 Nights

We pick you up at Henri Coanda Airport in Bucharest and take you to your accommodation in downtown Bucharest.

Enjoy dinner and soak in the evening atmosphere on your first night. Start with a short walk through the Old Town to experience the ambiance and admire Bucharest's golden age charm. Taste traditional dishes at one of the city's renowned restaurants, such as Manuc Inn, Hanul Berarilor, or Caru cu Bere. Must-try menu items include bean soup served in a bread bowl, stuffed cabbage rolls, or traditional pork stew. Be sure to save room for dessert—we recommend papanași, a donut-shaped pastry topped with a small round sphere, filled with soft sweet cheese, and smothered in sour cream and tart fruit jam.

After dinner, we recommend sipping a glass of Romanian wine at a rooftop bar in the Old Town, such as Linea Closer to the Moon, Nomad SkyBar, or Pura Vida SkyBar. You are in a country with a vibrant Latin soul!

Tour the city of Bucharest and explore its key landmarks, such as the Romanian Athenaeum, the iconic symbol of the city and its most prestigious concert hall; Revolution Square, the starting point of the 1989 anti-communist uprising; the National Museum of Contemporary Art; the former Royal Palace; the Old Town and the Old Princely Court of Vlad the Impaler (the historical inspiration for Dracula); along with Manuc's Inn and Stavropoleos Church. A must-see highlight is the monumental Palace of the Parliament (also known as Ceaușescu's Palace or the People's Palace, commissioned by Nicolae Ceaușescu, Romania's last dictator). All of these are truly awe-inspiring sights.

Remember to bring your passport along, as it is required for entering the Palace of the Parliament.

Recommended activity: Wine tasting at the Village Museum (an optional activity with an additional fee, depending on your preferences).

Explore Bucharest's Village Museum, a medieval time capsule set in the heart of a modern metropolis. This open-air park authentically recreates traditional Romanian village life, featuring historic windmills, churches, wooden cottages, and wine presses brought together from across the country and reassembled here.

After learning about local folklore and cultural traditions, it is time to experience them firsthand. Conclude the tour in style with a wine tasting at Bucharest's very first wine bar opened after the fall of communism in 1989.

Today, you will leave Romania's capital and journey toward the Danube Delta, a protected biosphere reserve and UNESCO World Heritage Site. This sanctuary is home to a rich variety of fish and birds that will surely captivate every nature enthusiast.

Today's drive is a scenic sightseeing route with a stop in Constanta, where you can choose to explore the city on your own or have us arrange a tour with a private local coordinator (additional fee applies). The trip including the stop in Constanta takes approximately 6 hours.

The Danube Delta, where the Danube River empties into the Black Sea, is one of the largest river deltas in Europe and remains remarkably pristine and well preserved. It is a true paradise for nature lovers, offering magnificent scenery and extraordinary biodiversity that earned it UNESCO World Heritage status. The ever-changing mosaic of marshes and wetlands provides a habitat for over 360 species of birds and more than 160 species of fish. Whether you are an avid birdwatcher or simply looking to escape the bustle of the city, this accessible natural haven features untouched beaches, scenic trails, and some of the best fresh seafood in Romania. A visit here will undoubtedly give you a brand-new perspective on the country and Europe.

Explore the Danube Delta and Letea Forest. The Danube Delta is an unmissable destination boasting some of Europe's rarest biodiversity. On this tour, you will explore the Danube Delta alongside an expert local coordinator who will help you truly connect with this remarkable landscape, followed by a walking discovery of Letea Forest within a strictly protected area. This adventure will be one of the highlights of your trip.

Today, you leave the Romanian coast and head into the forested mountains of Transylvania. We will arrange a driver to pick you up at your accommodation. The journey takes about 6 hours, with opportunities to stop at Peleș Castle or beautiful historic monasteries along the way. Brasov is a charming historic city nestled against the Carpathian Mountains, where you can explore captivating landmarks such as Bran Castle (Dracula's Castle), Râșnov Fortress, and much more. It offers the complete package: history, culture, architecture, and breathtaking nature.

Dine, drink, and enjoy the scenery: consider walking up to Sub Tâmpa restaurant, nestled between Brasov's city walls and Mount Tâmpa. Beyond enjoying exquisite food, you will take in panoramic vistas of Brasov's Old Town and the citadel across the valley. After dinner, stroll back into the Old Town for a glass of wine at Le Sommelier or Terroirs Boutique de Vin on Diaconu Coresi Street. Don't forget to sample wines made from Fetească Neagră grapes from the renowned Dealu Mare or Târnava regions.

Take a walking tour of Brasov and visit Bran Castle. Brasov is an unmissable destination, and we are ready to take you there. You will begin your walking tour at the central town square, learning about the history of Brasov and Transylvania. Next, visit the Black Church, the largest Lutheran church in southeastern Europe, and discover the narrowest street in Europe, known as Rope Street. Then, journey onward to Bran Castle, the inspiration behind Bram Stoker's Dracula legend.

Traditional Romanian cooking class

Learn the secrets of traditional Romanian cooking with a hands-on class in the heart of Brasov. During this class, you will prepare appetizers, a main course, and dessert using authentic family recipes. Afterward, enjoy your homemade meal and sample local drinks, such as plum brandy and wine, alongside your host.

Depart from Brasov to travel to the picturesque Bucovina region, famed for its pristine natural beauty and painted monasteries inscribed as UNESCO World Heritage sites. You will cross the Carpathian Mountains and stop at the Red Lake and the Bicaz Gorge, one of Romania's most stunning natural attractions, featuring rock walls up to 400 meters high and narrowing to just 7 meters at its most spectacular section.

Bucovina is increasingly renowned for its eight UNESCO World Heritage-listed painted monasteries, though there are many others that are not UNESCO-listed. These monasteries feature both interior and exterior frescoes inspired by Byzantine art, showcasing a rich and ancient history. Bucovina is a peaceful region, ideal for hiking and cycling. In addition to its breathtaking scenery, you will explore medieval houses and streets, and meet many local artisans whose workshops invite visitors to learn traditional handicrafts such as black pottery crafting or egg painting. Bucovina also offers a variety of delightful day trips, making it the perfect destination to escape the hustle and bustle of Romania's big cities and immerse yourself in pristine nature and authentic traditional culture.

The UNESCO World Heritage-listed painted monasteries of Bucovina are among the greatest Byzantine art treasures in the world. Built in the 15th and 16th centuries, these monasteries feature vibrant frescoes depicting scenes such as "The Siege of Constantinople" and "The Last Judgment of Voronet," which has earned Voronet Monastery the title of "The Sistine Chapel of the East." On this tour, you will visit 4 impressive monasteries, followed by stops at the Vama Egg Museum and the village of Marginea to discover its distinctive black pottery—a unique local craft shaped using ancient firing techniques.

Traveling through this region will allow you to deeply experience Romania's rich culture and natural beauty.

There is much more here than just a spooky history. Sighisoara is an enchanting town whose stone towers and cobbled streets create a truly unique atmosphere. You will discover well-preserved historic buildings and artwork, along with a wealth of attractions both within and around the town. Highlights of Sighisoara include the Citadel, the Clock Tower, the Scholars' Stairs, and the Church on the Hill, which features frescoes dating back over 500 years. There are also several lively museums where history and culture truly come alive before your eyes. You are never far from local wine regions while in Sighisoara, so we highly recommend joining a wine tasting tour accompanied by your coordinator. Neighboring towns and villages are also well worth exploring—the very best way to experience the authentic charm of this region.

Today you will travel to Maramures with your private driver, who will pick you up at your accommodation at the agreed time. The drive takes around 7 hours, so we recommend bringing snacks and drinking water along, as well as wearing comfortable clothing. Along the way, there will be scenic photo stops for you to enjoy the views.

Recommended day trips from Gura Humorului: • Visit Chernivtsi in Ukraine • Day trip to painted monasteries and Jewish heritage sites in Falticeni • Excursion to Rarau Mountain

Journey into the Maramures Mountains by steam train. Enjoy an exclusive steam train journey deep into the heart of the Maramures Mountains. Built in 1932, this is the last remaining operational forestry steam railway in Europe. The train takes you up to Paltin Station, where a scenic picnic rest area awaits. Along this journey, you will discover the untouched, pristine wilderness of the valley, enjoy a picnic, and take in the panoramic views from nearby rock formations. Enjoy the journey!

Recommended day trips from Sighetu Marmatiei: • Explore the Maramures countryside by horse-drawn carriage • Hike in the Gutai Mountains and Creasta Cocosului Natural Reserve • Private full-day tour visiting the top sights of Maramures

Today you will travel to Sighisoara. Your driver will pick you up at your accommodation at the agreed time. The drive takes just a few hours, with a stop along the way at the impressive Turda Salt Mine. The Turda Salt Mine boasts a history spanning over 2,000 years, with well-preserved historic mining equipment. Today, the site is one of the world's largest salt mine museums—a subterranean wonderland featuring an amusement park located 120 meters underground, offering activities such as an underground boating lake, a Ferris wheel, bowling alleys, mini golf, sports fields, table tennis, and pool tables.

Even if you haven't visited Sighisoara, a UNESCO World Heritage site, before, you may already be familiar with its most famous resident: Vlad the Impaler, the inspiration behind the Dracula legend.

Recommended day trips in Sighisoara: • In the Footsteps of Prince Charles Tour • Traditional lunch and local wine tasting tour • Transfagarasan Highway tour • Hidden Transylvanian countryside tour

Medieval town tour of Sighisoara: If you wish to step back into Transylvania's medieval past, Sighisoara is the perfect destination. With its remarkably preserved medieval architecture and history of battles against the Ottoman Empire, this tour highlights the town's most fascinating sights.

Afterward, you will travel to Sibiu, a gorgeous city in the Transylvania region. The direct drive takes about 1.5 hours, but you will stop at the Saxon village of Biertan to see its fortified church, making the journey approximately 5 hours and 30 minutes in total. Sibiu is a romantic, culturally rich city boasting wonderful cuisine and fine wine.