Experience Romania

Experience the captivating contrasts of Bucharest, a city where grand history and modern energy blend seamlessly. Begin with a panoramic introduction to Romania’s capital, gliding along elegant boulevards lined with Belle Époque mansions and leafy parks. Your guided exploration reveals some of the city’s most iconic landmarks, including the Arch of Triumph, Revolution Square and the Romanian Athenaeum, each reflecting a different chapter of Bucharest’s cultural and political evolution.

Continue with an in-depth visit to one of the city’s most impressive architectural treasures. You may step inside the monumental Palace of Parliament, one of the largest administrative buildings in the world and a symbol of both ambition and drama. Or, if you prefer a more personal look at Romania’s recent history, you can visit the Ceaușescu Residence and discover the surprisingly opulent private world of the former ruling family.

In the afternoon, get to know Bucharest through its flavors and hidden corners. Stroll along lively avenues and cozy side streets as your guide leads you to small pastry shops, family-run grocery stores and traditional food stalls loved by the locals. Try Romania’s famous grilled mici from a neighborhood butcher, enjoy flaky cheese pastries and warm pretzels, taste rich zacusca paired with artisanal cheeses and cold cuts, and finish on a sweet note with some of the best éclairs in town, served with a glass of homemade lemonade. This enjoyable walk reveals the city’s multicultural soul, shaped by Balkan, Ottoman, French and Russian influences.

End your day with some free time in Lipscani, the historic Old Town. Explore its boutique shops, relax on a sunny terrace or simply take in the lively atmosphere of a city that is always reinventing itself.

Overnight in Bucharest at the elegant Marmorosch Bucharest Hotel***** (located in the Old Town)

Wake up inspired for a day filled with the authentic flavors and traditions of Sibiu. This morning, you can start with a rich culinary experience led by a local chef who will meet you in the hotel lobby. Together, head to one of the city’s lively food markets, where stalls overflow with seasonal vegetables, fragrant herbs and colorful fruits. As you move from stand to stand, you’ll learn how seasonality shapes Romanian cuisine and why locally sourced ingredients offer such depth of flavor. Touch the textures, breathe in the aromas and meet the vendors who keep these traditions alive.

With fresh produce in hand, continue to a traditional pork butcher’s shop, where the owner will share the story of his family business and the techniques that give his products their distinctive character. Afterwards, step into the restaurant kitchen for a relaxed, hands-on cooking class. Using the ingredients you selected earlier, you will prepare a traditional Romanian dish under the chef’s guidance. When everything is ready, enjoy a delicious lunch featuring your own creations paired with local wine.

If you prefer a cultural experience instead of the cooking class, you may spend the morning exploring the ASTRA Open-Air Museum, a remarkable showcase of Romania’s rural heritage. Set within more than 200 acres of peaceful nature, this museum features authentic village homes, windmills, workshops and watermills brought from regions across the country. Scenic paths, lakeside views and beautifully preserved craftsmanship create an immersive journey into the country’s traditional way of life.

In the afternoon, discover Sibiu’s timeless charm on a guided city tour. Wander through its elegant squares, colorful houses and narrow cobblestone streets while learning about the city’s Saxon heritage, its medieval guilds and the landmarks that shaped its cultural identity. The Old Town’s blend of history, architecture and lively atmosphere offers the perfect ending to a day filled with authentic experiences and local insight.

Overnight in Sibiu, Art Hotel**** (located in the Old Town)

Embark on a full-day journey from Sibiu to the legendary Hunyad (Corvin) Castle, one of the most magnificent medieval fortresses in Transylvania. The scenic drive passes through a landscape of gentle hills, historic towns, and traditional villages that capture the enduring beauty of rural Romania. In Hunedoara, wander through the castle’s soaring towers, grand halls, and stone courtyards, and uncover the legends of knights and rulers that echo through its walls — a true masterpiece of Gothic architecture and medieval splendor.

Later, embrace the warmth of Romanian hospitality during a home-cooked lunch in the countryside. Enjoy authentic dishes crafted from local ingredients, prepared according to recipes cherished for generations, and shared in a welcoming family atmosphere. It’s a heartfelt encounter that captures the essence of Transylvanian life — genuine, generous, and full of flavor.

Overnight in Sibiu, Art Hotel**** (located in the Old Town)

Depart Gura Humorului and travel south through the tranquil landscapes of Moldavia, a region steeped in spirituality and tradition. Your first stop is the Agapia Monastery, one of Romania’s largest nunneries, known for its peaceful setting and interior frescoes painted by the famous artist Nicolae Grigorescu. The monastery remains a vibrant center of faith and craftsmanship, offering a glimpse into the daily life of its devoted community.

Continue to the nearby Vivant Museum, where a weaving workshop reveals the artistry behind Romania’s timeless textile traditions. Under the guidance of local craftswomen, see how patterns, colors, and textures come together to create handwoven fabrics that reflect both skill and cultural identity. It’s a hands-on experience that connects you to the creative spirit of rural Romania.

After the visit, journey toward Sighișoara, a UNESCO World Heritage Site and one of Europe’s most enchanting medieval towns. Arrive in the evening and settle into your hotel in the heart of the citadel, surrounded by cobbled streets, pastel façades, and centuries of history.

Overnight in Sighisoara, Fronius Residence ***** (located in the citadel)

Leave Sighișoara this morning and travel through the peaceful countryside of Transylvania, where fortified churches and traditional Saxon villages preserve centuries of heritage. Your first stop is Saschiz, known for its imposing fortified church and centuries-old craftsmanship. Continue to Meșendorf, a charming village surrounded by rolling hills and meadows, where time seems to stand still and daily life follows the quiet rhythm of the land.

Arrive in Viscri, one of Transylvania’s most beloved villages and a UNESCO World Heritage Site, celebrated for its whitewashed houses, cobbled lanes, and remarkable fortified church. Stroll through the village, meet local artisans who keep age-old traditions alive, and immerse yourself in the authentic atmosphere that has made Viscri a symbol of rural Transylvania’s enduring beauty and simplicity.

Overnight in Viscri, at Viscri 125****, home-cooked dinner included

Depart Viscri and journey through the scenic landscapes of Transylvania, where gentle hills and forested valleys lead you to Bran Castle, one of Romania’s most iconic landmarks. Perched dramatically on a rocky hill, the 14th-century fortress has inspired countless legends and remains a symbol of the region’s medieval heritage. Explore its narrow corridors, stone stairways, and centuries-old chambers while learning about the fascinating history that shaped this remarkable site.

Continue to Brașov, a vibrant city framed by the Carpathian Mountains and celebrated for its Saxon heritage and lively atmosphere. The rest of the afternoon is free to enjoy at leisure — stroll through the Old Town, relax at a café in the main square, or simply take in the charm of one of Transylvania’s most beautiful cities.

Overnight in Brașov, Schuster Boarding House**** (located in the Old Town)

Begin the day with a short drive to Zărnești, where the Libearty Bear Sanctuary offers one of Romania’s most touching and meaningful experiences. Set in a forested area near the Carpathian Mountains, the sanctuary provides a safe home for bears rescued from captivity. As you walk through the peaceful surroundings, watch these magnificent animals roam freely and learn about their inspiring rescue stories — a true testament to compassion and conservation.

Later, discover the beauty of Romanian folk art during a wood-painting workshop led by a local artisan. Learn how traditional Saxon and Szekler motifs are brought to life through intricate brushwork and vivid colors, preserving a craft that has been passed down for generations. Create your own hand-painted piece to take home — a personal reminder of Transylvania’s artistic heritage and your creative day in Brașov.

Alternatively, you may choose to visit the fortified church of Prejmer, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, renowned for its impressive defensive walls and medieval architecture, or enjoy a hike on Mount Tâmpa, offering sweeping views of Brașov and the surrounding Carpathian peaks.

Overnight in Brașov, Schuster Boarding House**** (located in the Old Town)

Leave Brașov and travel south through the scenic mountain landscapes of the Prahova Valley to Sinaia, where you’ll visit the splendid Peleș Castle. A masterpiece of Neo-Renaissance architecture, it stands among Europe’s most beautiful royal residences. Its richly decorated halls, intricate woodwork, and majestic mountain setting create an atmosphere of timeless grace and royal grandeur.

Continue to a tranquil village nestled in the foothills, where local artisans keep alive the traditional weaving and embroidery of the Romanian blouse. Discover the meanings behind the patterns and symbols carefully stitched by hand, each telling a story of heritage and identity lovingly preserved through generations.

In the afternoon, head toward the Dealu Mare wine region, celebrated for its rolling vineyards and expressive Romanian varietals. Arrive at a countryside vineyard in Mocești, where a wine tasting experience awaits. Savor distinctive local wines as the sun sets over the hills — the perfect conclusion to a day filled with history, artistry, and flavor.

Overnight in Mocești, Gramofon Inn****

After breakfast, enjoy a comfortable private transfer to the airport for your departing flight. As you leave the vineyards and gentle hills behind, take with you the memories of Romania’s landscapes, traditions, and the warm hospitality that made your journey unforgettable.