Best of Romania

Arrive in Bucharest and settle into the modern, comfortable Berthelot Hotel.

You’ll meet your guide and find everything you need to rest, recoup, and prepare for your Romanian adventure. Bucharest, Romania’s capital and cultural heart, offers a vibrant, energized, urban start to your tour. This buzzing Eastern European hub features stark architectural contrasts, an international art scene, dynamic nightlife, and cutting-edge performing arts.

Your guide will take you on an exciting city tour, giving you an insider’s glimpse into the unique soul of this remarkable city.

*should you travel to Bucharest on a flight that arrives late in the afternoon or evening, the city tour can also be done the next morning

Today, you’ll journey to the medieval Transylvanian city of Sibiu. On the way, make a stop at the Cathedral of Curtea de Arges, an architectural wonder featuring cupolas that seem to lean and twist at impossible angles. Its construction in the early 1500s, marred by obstacles and delays, resulted in the legendary sacrifice of Ana, wife of the head architect; she is said to rest within the walls of the cathedral.

Next, drive north into the wild Carpathian Mountains to ascend 1,480 steps to the 13th-century Poenari Castle, famed stronghold of Vlad the Impaler. Its enormous size, impossibly high cliffs, and strategic location provided him with the perfect vantage point for maintaining power and control. During an infamous siege by the Turks, Vlad’s wife, Jusztina of Moldavia, flung herself from the steep precipice to avoid being taken prisoner by her enemies.

On your voyage to Sibiu, you’ll drive on the renowned (and relatively new) Transfagarasan Road. The route traverses the Carpathian Mountains at 6000 feet, and the views—miles of misty cliffs and hairpin turns—are spectacular. No wonder it’s considered by the BBC Top Gear team to be “the best road in the world.”

After your journey, arrive in the idyllic Saxon settlement of Sibiu. Your guide will take you on a walking tour of the medieval Old Town, historic center of the most heavily protected of all Saxon cities. Visit the iron-cast Bridge of Lies, the extensive, labyrinthine fortifications, and the Passage of Stairs.

*please note the Transfagarasan road is open only between June and September. If your tour takes place outside this period, you will travel on the road going along the Olt river valley

Today, set out for a day trip to Sighisoara.

On the way, stop to view the 16th-century Biertan Church (UNESCO World Heritage Site), the last “peasant fortified church” ever built. The sacristy door features an elaborate system of locks, securing its valuables with a system of thirteen points blocking the door.

Next, the citadel of Sighisoara beckons; you’ll have the chance to explore the 12th-century citadel, the oldest in Europe continuously inhabited since its construction. Take a guided walk through the Old Town (UNESCO World Heritage Site) and visit the 14th-century clock tower—the citadel’s main gate and original home of the city council—which now houses a history museum. From the top, a magnificent view of the Old Town spreads out before you. Ascend the long, covered Scholars’ Staircase, built in 1642, to the Church on the Hill, a beautiful Gothic landmark marking the citadel’s southern end.

Sighisoara takes its place in history as the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, ruthless and bloodthirsty warrior and Prince of Wallachia. The house where he was born in 1431 now serves as a restaurant and café.

In the afternoon, drive to Alba Iulia, seat of the Roman Catholic diocese in Transylvania. Transylvania’s union with the rest of the country was proclaimed here on December 1, 1918 (Romania’s National Holiday). The town’s most impressive feature is its fortress, beautifully restored in recent years.

Today, drive toward Maramures, an area where local traditions and culture have scarcely altered over the centuries. On the way, visit Salina Turda, one of the oldest salt mines in the region. This vast, highly unusual underground landmark is characterized by stalactites, a subterranean lake, and enormous, illuminated machinery.

Your next stop is the city of Cluj Napoca, a young, vivacious metropolitan center. One of Romania’s foremost universities is located here, making for a fun, energized street vibe. Join your guide for a stroll in the central area of Cluj.

After your tour, head north to see the famed wooden architecture and carved gates of Maramures, a region immediately surrounded by untamed wilderness and vast reserves of wildlife. Visit the towering 18th-century wooden church at Surdesti (UNESCO World Heritage Site), devoted to Archangels Michael and Gabriel.

Spend tonight at a family-run guesthouse in the village of Vadu Izei. Home-cooked dinner included.

Experience the luxury of devoting a full day to a cultural exploration of Maramures. Its traditions and medieval landscape are virtually untouched by the passage of time.

Check out the local market, filled with culinary delicacies and convivial exchanges between neighbors; then visit the Merry Cemetery in Sapanta. Here, an explosion of festive color belies the existence of a graveyard, unabashedly celebrating the lives of those who have passed. Hand-painted imagery in the naïve style depicts significant life events, providing an alternate view of death that may have its roots in the Dacians’ era, the ancestors of the Romanians. You’ll even visit the woodcarver studio and hear all about this cheerful, unexpected artistic tradition.

Next, tour the tallest wooden structure in existence: the iconic Peri Monastery. Towering over the landscape at 250 feet, the monument exemplifies the incredibly high standards of living traditional craftsmanship.

Next, proceed to the nearby city of Sighetu Marmatiei, where you’ll tour the Memorial to the Victims of Communism. The Communist era, decidedly forceful and oppressive, dominated the psyche of everyone it touched, effectively changing the way people were allowed to think and approach their lives.

Tonight, release all remembrances of difficult times at an exclusive folkloric show—an exceedingly rare opportunity to glimpse local traditions of song and dance passed down through the generations.

Today, you’ll drive to the Bucovina region in the northeastern Carpathian Mountains, renowned for its treasured UNESCO World Heritage Painted Monasteries. Along the way, enjoy the unparalleled open countryside and discover the beautiful wooden church in Barsana.

Next, cross the Carpathian Mountains via the ethereal Borgo Pass (fictional home of Dracula in Bram Stoker’s novel) and descend to the village of Ciocanesti in Bucovina. Here, the townspeople take great pride in their beautifully-kept houses, decorated with traditional patterns and geometric motifs.

Arriving in Bucovina, you’ll visit the incomparable, jewel-like Painted Monasteries. Moldovita, built in 1532 by Stefan the Great’s son, features external Biblical frescoes known for their use of yellow as a primary motif. 17th-century Sucevita, intensely fortified and barricaded against invaders, houses a wonderful museum. It is now, yet again, an active convent.

In the morning, visit the remaining two UNESCO World Heritage Painted Monasteries: Humor, with beautifully-preserved 1532 frescoes by Toma of Suceava, painted in shades of maroon, rust, and red; and the exquisite Voronet, where the exceptionally brilliant, polychromatic facades include fantastical creatures among the extensive Biblical scenes and representations.

Next, discover a hidden jewel: the Nicolae Popa Ethnographic Museum, filled with original works by the sculptor as well as a highly representative, personally-curated collection documenting Romania’s traditional peasant culture.

On your way back, you’ll be treated to a panoramic route winding its way through the stunning Bicaz Canyon; the views here are absolutely magnificent. Spend time in sweet little souvenir shops along the way; you’ll have the chance to choose a treasure for remembering your journey.

Arrive in Brasov in the late afternoon.

After breakfast, your guide will take you on a stroll through Brasov’s Old Town. You’ll tour the expansive Black Church, built in the 15th century; the Old Town square; and Catherine’s Gate, the only known medieval gate to have survived to the present day.

Afterward, you’ll tour Bran Castle (also known as Dracula’s Castle—the psychological link with the famous story is very strong). Wander through the medieval courtyard, gardens, and secret passageway. After the castle tour, sample the delightful traditional cheeses, pálinka (plum and pear brandy), and meats for sale outside the castle.

The road to Sinaia brings you through unparalleled mountain scenery and endless, sweeping views of the wild Carpathians. Once in town, you’ll tour the 19th-century Peles Castle, the opulent residence of Carol I. The creators of its unbelievably ornate interior knew no budget or limit; every conceivable luxury known to the era was included and showcased. Nearby, you’ll visit the Sinaia Monastery, founded in 1695 and named after Mt. Sinai in Egypt.

Arrive in Bucharest in the late afternoon.

Your tour ends. Transfer to the airport for the flight home.