Your journey through Romania, the Land of Wonders, begins upon your arrival at Bucharest Henri Coandă International Airport, where a warm welcome awaits you. A comfortable transfer will take you to your hotel, allowing you to settle in and unwind after your travels. From the very first moments, you will feel the vibrant energy of Bucharest, a city where grand Belle Époque architecture stands alongside modern landmarks, reflecting a past rich in history and transformation. As the sun sets, indulge in a delightful welcome dinner that introduces you to Romania’s rich culinary heritage and warm hospitality.

This is just the beginning of an extraordinary adventure—a journey through captivating stories, breathtaking landscapes, and timeless traditions. Rest well—tomorrow, Bucharest is ready to reveal its secrets!

Travel Details: Expected travel distance ~20 km; Transfer from Bucharest International Airport; Overnight stay in Bucharest (-/-/D).

After a hearty breakfast, we depart from the bustling capital and journey north to Curtea de Argeș, a place of deep historical and spiritual significance. Once the capital of Wallachia, this charming town is a true open-air museum of Romanian feudal art. Here, we visit the Curtea de Argeș Monastery, an architectural masterpiece from the 16th century. Adorned with intricate stone carvings and steeped in legend, the monastery serves as the final resting place for Romania’s kings and queens, making it one of the country’s most revered spiritual landmarks. 

We continue our journey into Transylvania, a land where time seems to stand still. Our next stop is Sibiu, one of the oldest and most elegant towns in the region. A guided walking tour through the cobbled streets will lead us to the Grand Square, the imposing Evangelical Church, and the legendary Liars' Bridge, where tales of mystery and romance still linger in the air. 

As the day draws to a close, we leave the city behind and journey into the heart of the Carpathian foothills, arriving at the village of Sibiel. Nestled in the mountains, this small, picturesque village has preserved its authentic rural charm. Tonight, we embrace the warmth of Romanian hospitality with a traditional dinner at a local homestay. As the evening unfolds, surrounded by the rustic beauty of Sibiel, you will truly feel the soul of Romania—where traditions are not just remembered but actively lived.

Highlights of the Day:

• Discover the Royal Necropolis at Curtea de Argeș Monastery, a masterpiece of sacred architecture.
• Explore the medieval charm of Sibiu, renowned for its Saxon heritage and captivating history.
• Experience authentic village life in Sibiel, complete with a traditional dinner and a homestay experience.

Travel Details: Expected travel distance ~340 km (5h); Overnight in Sibiel at homestay (B/L/D).

After breakfast, we embark on a journey through the rolling hills and Saxon villages of Transylvania, where medieval fortresses and timeless legends await. Our first stop is Biertan, home to a magnificent UNESCO-listed fortified church, a masterpiece of Gothic and Renaissance architecture. Once the religious and defensive center of the Saxon community, it is renowned for its impressive fortifications and its legendary traditions. 

Next, we arrive in Sighișoara, one of Europe’s last inhabited medieval citadels and the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler, the real-life inspiration for Dracula. As we stroll through the cobblestone streets, we uncover centuries of history with stops at the imposing Clock Tower, the elegant Venetian House, the House of Vlad the Impaler, and the striking House of the Deer, each with its own captivating story to tell. With its colorful facades and fairy-tale charm, Sighișoara feels like a step back in time.

In the afternoon, we continue to Târgu Mureș, a city renowned for its Austro-Hungarian elegance and grand Secession-style architecture. A short walk through its refined city center reveals impressive palaces, vibrant squares, and a unique cultural fusion.

Our journey ends in Bistrița, a medieval town steeped in legend. This enchanting city is eternally associated with Bram Stoker’s Dracula, as it is said to be where Jonathan Harker spent the night before his fateful journey to the Count’s castle. After a day filled with history and folklore, we indulge in a delicious dinner at our hotel, embracing the mystique of Transylvania before enjoying a well-deserved rest.

Highlights if the Day: 

• Step inside Biertan’s UNESCO-listed fortified church, a medieval Saxon stronghold and wander through the historic streets of Sighișoara, the birthplace of Vlad the Impaler. 
• Admire the Austro-Hungarian charm of Târgu Mureș, a city rich in culture and elegance and experience the haunting allure of Bistrița, a town forever linked to the Dracula legend.

Travel Details: Expected travel distance ~280 km (4h); Overnight in Bistrița at hotel (B/-/D).

Leaving Bistrița, we embark on a journey into Bucovina, known as the “Upper Land,” which is home to Romania’s most treasured UNESCO-listed painted monasteries. As we cross the legendary Tihuța Pass, forever associated with the Dracula legend, we enter a realm of stunning landscapes and enduring traditions. Our first stop is Câmpulung Moldovenesc, home to the Wood Art Museum, which showcases Romania’s centuries-old craftsmanship. In Vama, we enter a realm of delicate artistry at a painted egg workshop, where ancient symbols of faith and protection come to life. At the stunning Moldovița Monastery, we admire its vibrant red and purple frescoes, including the striking depiction of the Siege of Constantinople. Continuing on, we arrive at Voroneț Monastery, often referred to as "The Sistine Chapel of the East where the legendary Voroneț Blue and the breathtaking "Last Judgment" fresco create an unforgettable impression. As evening falls, we arrive in Gura Humorului, Suceava, for an overnight stay at a hotel, allowing us time to reflect on the artistic and spiritual wonders of Bucovina.

Highlights if the Day: 

• Bucovina's painted eggs. Visit a local workshop where delicate eggshells are transformed into vibrant works of art, with each pattern symbolizing nature, faith, and protection in this centuries-old tradition.
• Moldovita Monastery, a medieval masterpiece. It is renowned with its fortress-like walls and vibrant frescoes, including the renowned depiction of the Siege of Constantinople, painted in rich shades of red and purple.
• Voronet Monastery, often referred to as the ‘Sistine Chapel of the East famous with its legendary Voroneț Blue, a color unmatched in brilliance, and the breathtaking "Last Judgment" fresco, a remarkable spiritual and artistic wonder of medieval Europe.

Travel Details: Expected travel distance ~245 km (5h); Overnight in Gura Humorului/Suceava at hotel (B/L/-)

This morning, we leave Bucovina and travel south through picturesque villages, where time-honored traditions remain vibrant. Our first stop is Târpești, where we visit the home of Nicolae Popa, a master of naïve art and traditional mask-making. His captivating collection features colorful masks, folk costumes, religious icons, and wood and stone sculptures, preserving a vital piece of Romania’s spiritual and artistic heritage. Next, we visit the serene Neamț or Agapia Monastery, a site of profound spirituality and artistic beauty, where centuries of devotion are reflected in its exquisite frescoes and tranquil surroundings.

Our journey then takes us into the Bicaz Gorges, one of Romania’s most breathtaking natural wonders. Weather permitting, we take a short walk through the dramatic canyon, where towering limestone cliffs rise above us, creating an awe-inspiring landscape. Continuing to Lacu Roșu (Red Lake), we learn the legend behind its name—its eerie, submerged tree trunks and reddish hues tell the story of a mountain landslide that shaped this natural wonder in 1838. 

After a scenic lunch at a local restaurant, we continue our journey to Brașov, a medieval Saxon city nestled in the Carpathian Mountains. Upon arrival, we check into our hotel, where you will enjoy a two-night stay. The evening is yours to explore Brașov’s charming old town or to relax with a leisurely dinner at one of its inviting restaurants.

Highlights of the Day

• Visit the Nicolae Popa Museum in Târpești, which houses an impressive collection of folk masks and naive art.
• Explore the sacred beauty of Neamț and the Agapia Monastery, both of which are significant spiritual and artistic landmarks.
• Explore the dramatic Bicaz Gorges, a breathtaking natural wonder of towering limestone walls. 

Travel Details: Expected travel distance ~370 km (6h); Overnight in Brașov at hotel (B/L/-)

Today, we delve into the heart of Transylvania’s Saxon heritage and its legendary castles. Our morning begins with a guided tour of Brașov, a beautifully preserved medieval city framed by the Carpathian Mountains. As we stroll through its cobbled streets, we uncover the city’s rich history, visiting the Council Square, the imposing Black Tower, and the Weavers' Bastion—remnants of the city's powerful fortifications. We admire the Black Church, an architectural masterpiece and the largest Gothic church between Istanbul and Vienna, before stepping inside St. Nicholas Church, one of Transylvania’s oldest Orthodox sites, where exquisite frescoes adorn its chapels.

Next, we journey to Hărman, home to a UNESCO-listed fortified church that stands as a testament to Saxon ingenuity and is one of the best-preserved defensive churches in Transylvania.

The highlight of the day is a visit to the legendary Bran Castle, famously linked to Dracula’s myth. Built in 1377 as a defensive fortress, this medieval stronghold is dramatically perched on a rocky cliff, exuding an aura of mystery and romance. Its connection to Bram Stoker’s Count Dracula has only enhanced its global fame, making it one of Romania’s most iconic landmarks.

After lunch at a local restaurant, we return to Brașov, where you will have free time to explore its charming streets, relax in a café, or simply soak in the medieval atmosphere. The evening is yours to enjoy dinner at your leisure before a restful night at your hotel in Brașov.

Highlights of the Day:

• Brașov – Discover its medieval charm, featuring ancient fortifications, the Council Square, and the iconic Black Church, the largest Gothic church in Eastern Europe.
• Step inside St. Nicholas Church, a stunning Orthodox landmark adorned with exquisite frescoes, and explore the fortified church of Hărman, a remarkable UNESCO-listed Saxon stronghold with centuries-old defensive walls.
• Bran Castle – Unveil the mystery of this breathtaking medieval fortress, eternally linked to the legend of Dracula and surrounded by an aura of history and intrigue. 

Travel Details: Expected travel distance ~90 km (2h); Overnight in Brașov at hotel (B/L/-)

Our final full day begins with a scenic journey across the Carpathian Mountains to Sinaia, one of Romania’s most picturesque mountain resorts, known as the “Pearl of the Carpathians.” Here, we visit the magnificent Peleș Castle, a masterpiece of Neo-Renaissance architecture and the former royal residence of King Carol I. Surrounded by lush forests, the castle’s richly decorated interiors house an impressive collection of weapons, armor, and fine arts, reflecting Romania’s royal heritage.

Following the main road, we proceed toward Bucharest, Romania's vibrant capital. A panoramic city tour reveals its grand boulevards, including Kiseleff and Victory Avenue, lined with elegant architecture, museums, and landmarks that reflect the city's rich cultural and historical heritage. After lunch, we explore the Palace of the Parliament, one of the largest and most controversial buildings in the world. Formerly known as the “House of the People”, this colossal structure is the largest administrative building in Europe, symbolizing both grandeur and excess, with an interior area of 262,000 square meters.

As the day draws to a close, we gather for a farewell dinner at a charming restaurant that embodies the timeless elegance of old Bucharest, providing a perfect conclusion to this unforgettable journey.

Highlights of the Day: 

• Sinaia - known as the “Pearl of the Carpathians” – a charming mountain resort renowned for its stunning natural scenery, crisp alpine air, and rich royal heritage, making it a favored retreat for Romanian nobility.
• Peleș Castle - a Neo-Renaissance masterpiece, was once the summer residence of King Carol I. This fairy-tale castle captivates visitors with its richly decorated interiors, intricate wood carvings, stained-glass windows, and an impressive collection of weapons and armor.
• The Palace of the Parliament in Bucharest is an architectural marvel. This colossal structure, the second-largest administrative building in the world, captivates visitors with its opulent interiors, marble staircases, and grand chandeliers, symbolizing both power and extravagance.

Travel Details: Expected travel distance ~180 km (4h); Overnight in Bucharest (B/L/D).

After an unforgettable journey through Romania's rich history, breathtaking landscapes, and timeless traditions, the moment has come to bid farewell. Enjoy a leisurely morning in Bucharest, depending on your departure schedule. Perhaps take a last stroll through the city’s charming streets or savor a quiet coffee in a historic café while reflecting on the incredible moments of the past week.

At the scheduled time, a comfortable transfer will take you to the Bucharest International Airport, marking the conclusion of your adventure. As you depart, carry with you the memories of medieval citadels, fairytale castles, painted monasteries, and the warm hospitality of the people who make Romania truly special.

Until next time, farewell, and safe travels!

Travel Details: Transfer to Bucharest International Airport for departure; (B/-/-)