Highlights of Romania

The trip starts in Cluj Napoca. Those on the group flight will be met at the airport and transferred to the start hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you will have time to explore one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in Romania. During the dualist Austro-Hungarian period Cluj experienced significant urban development, benefiting greatly from western influences. This is visible in the architecture of the city, making it very different from Bucharest.

Standard hotel

This morning we leave Cluj behind and make our way towards Maramures.

The woodwork in this region is a result of a secular tradition passed down from generation to generation. On our way, we’ll stop for lunch in Breb village. Breb village is laid out in a natural amphitheatre, surrounded the Rooster’s Ridge. Though the names come from the shape of a gigantic rooster crest, the crest of these mountains is the last remnant – and the most spectacular – of a volcanic crater that erupted 9 million years ago here. Here, the old traditions are highly respected and preserved, so a short stroll in the village will be the opportunity to see beautiful wooden gates carved and decorated by the local craftsmen, traditional old houses, among which King’s Charles House as well. In the afternoon, we will visit Desesti church, the only old wooden churches registered with the UNESCO world heritage list, that is still open for the religious services of the local communities.

This evening we stay in the rural village of Botiza at a local guesthouse. Before we dine, we’ll have a weaving demonstration from one of the locals. You may notice a few recurrent symbols, such as the rope of life, the sun, vegetal motifs, and folk dances. All have are deeply symbolic for the villagers, representing daily chores, religion, ancestral beliefs, and even death.

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

We continue discovering the Maramures region. We start with the Merry Cemetery. Here, over 800 beautifully carved wooden crosses displayed in bright, cheery paintings and annotated with limericks reveal the stories of almost everyone who has died in the town of Săpânţa. We continue with “the Memorial of the Communism victims” in the ancient capital of Maramures; Sighetu Marmatiei. We will visit a museum situated in the former political prison, which will give you a sad testimony of the Romanian dark years. This afternoon we visit the incredible Barsana Monastery, a convent set up in the 1990s, it is one of the greatest masterpieces of Maramures crafts. We conclude today by paying a visit to a renowned craftsman, famous for his woodwork.

Local guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we leave Maramures to explore new regions in Romania. Half way we stop to discover Transylvanian wines. Transylvania is considered the new Tuscany and during this wine tasting you’ll be fascinated by our wines. Then we head south for Sighisoara. This medieval citadel, one of the best-preserved in Europe, will give you the feeling of travelling back in time, as you walk through the narrow cobbled streets. This fortified town is characterized by the presence of towers that were formerly managed by the congregations of artisans. The Tailor’s tower is a real wonder of the medieval architecture.

Standard hotel 

Meals Included: Breakfast

Today we drive into the heart of Transylvania with its fortified churches. From the top of the towers, you will have beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and colourful traditional houses. We will drive through Biertan, famous for its double-wall fortification, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. Lunch will be taken at a local family-owned restaurant. In the evening we will arrive in Sibiu, the most beautiful city in Transylvania. A medieval city outstandingly well preserved and restored, it was elected the European capital of the culture in 2007, due to its unique architectural style and atmosphere.

Standard hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch

We continue driving through the highest mountains in Romania, the Fagaras Mountains. On our way we will visit the impressive ruins of a 12th-century Franciscan monastery in Carta, then stop at Sambata de Sus, the only monastery in Transylvania built in a Walachian style. Here, we will have lunch at a traditional guesthouse. This afternoon we will continue to the Valtori complex in the village of Lisa, a wool processing workshop powered by hydraulic energy; a technique passed down for generations. In the evening we arrive in the secluded village of Viscri. Our last activity of the day is visiting the tiny charming fortified church of Viscri, which is definitely one of the Transylvanian "pearls". This church was restored with the help of Prince’s Charles Foundation.

 Local guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

In the morning, we’ll have a walk through the village, visiting a blacksmith along the way. Besides assisting the needs of the villages, they also have contributed to the restoration of the village. Leaving Viscri, we go to Brasov. This city (Kronstadt in German) was founded in the 13^th century when the Teutonic Knights were sent here by the order of Andrew II of Hungary to fortify the border. The city has a rich Saxon, Hungarian and Romanian heritage, manifested in a lot of sights worth visiting; The White and the Black Towers, the Council House, St. Nicholas Church, the first Romanian school, narrow streets and coloured houses, all very well preserved within the old city walls and towers. This evening we stay in the small village called Vulcan, we will enjoy dinner at the local Saxon church where we will also spend the night.

Local guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Dinner

Today we visit Bran Castle, better known as “Dracula’s Castle”. For many years the castle was home to Queen Marie of Romania, Queen Victoria of England’s granddaughter. We will have lunch at a mountain guesthouse which is at the foot of the Carpathians, delicious traditional dishes will be waiting for us. We’ll end the day with a great dinner and a campfire.

Optional: Those interested can do bear watching with specialised guides in bear hides. Available upon request at a separate cost.

Local guesthouse

Meals Included: Breakfast, Lunch, Dinner

Today we head to Romania’s capital, Bucharest. On our way, we will stop and visit Peles Castle, the former residence of the Romanian Royals, and one of the most beautiful architectural examples.  We then continue our drive to discover the Romanian capital. Sometimes known as “the Eastern Paris” with a mix of 18th and 19th-century buildings, socialist "blocks", and modern buildings. We will have the opportunity to visit the gigantic Palace of Parliament (payable locally), the second biggest building in the world. This evening we say goodbye to our local guide.

Standard hotel

Meals Included: Breakfast

After breakfast, the rest of the day is free (depending on your flight time). Those on the group flight will be transferred to the airport.

Meals Included: Breakfast