Romanian History & Heritage

At the airport, you will be greeted by your guide who will take you to your hotel via private transfer, where you can check in and have an evening at your own pace. You may opt for a tour of Bucharest before your overnight stay.

Romanian Flag

Bucharest

Palace of the Parliament

Airport

highlights

Conacul Coroanei

overnight

Your first full day in Bucharest starts with a tour of the city with a local guide. Your guide will take you to all the key hotspots the city has to offer including the local parks, the Old Town, and the famous Palace of Parliament - one of the largest buildings in the world. A walk through Herăstrău Park (King Michael I Park) offers lakeside views, perfect for unwinding with a coffee or a boat ride. Within the park, the Village Museum showcases traditional rural houses from across Romania. For a more urban setting, Calea Victoriei is ideal for a leisurely stroll, lined with elegant buildings, boutique stores, and museums. The Old Town is another pleasant area to explore, with historic architecture, cozy cafes, and small shops. Those interested in landmarks will visit the Palace of Parliament or admire the Romanian Athenaeum’s beautiful design. Your afternoon will then be spent at your own pace, whether you want to see more of the city or simply relax in the hotel before you spend the evening in a well-known restaurant - Cara' cu bere. This restaurant is situated in the heart of the Old Town, and is famous for its vast array of traditional Romanian dishes. As the 7th most legendary restaurant in the world, this 130-year-old restaurant will give you a taste of what to expect from Romania and its great culture.

Romanian Orthodox Church

Bucharest Park

Romanian Food

Romanian Athenaeum

highlights

Conacul Coroanei

overnight

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be taken via private transfer towards Transylvania, a region known for its dramatic landscapes and distinct culture. The first stop is Curtea de Argeș, once the capital of the Wallachia region. This town is home to the Curtea de Argeș Monastery, built between 1515 and 1517 under the rule of Neagoe Basarab. Recognized as one of Wallachia’s most significant architectural landmarks, the monastery later became the burial site for Romania’s royal family during the reign of Carol I. You will then continue onto Sibiu, which is well known for its well-preserved historic center, where cobbled streets lead to charming squares lined with centuries-old buildings. The Grand Square, Huet Square, the Council Tower, and the Bridge of Lies are some of the key sights, with flower-filled promenades and impressive views of the old town. Sibiu is also home to a variety of theaters, museums, and art galleries, all within walking distance. Dinner is at your leisure, and the rest of the evening is yours to enjoy as you prefer. The night is spent in Sibiu, where the day’s journey comes to a close.

The Grand Square

Monastery

The Bridge of Lies

Wallachia Region

highlights

Noblesse Boutique Hotel

overnight

After breakfast at the hotel, you will be taken to Alba Iulia, a place shaped by over 2,000 years of history. Once a Roman fort, later a medieval stronghold, and eventually a large fortress built in the Vauban style, it has played a significant role in the region’s past. The next stop is Corvin Castle, an imposing Gothic structure with tall towers decorated with stone-carved dragons. Also known as Hunyadi Castle, it is closely linked to John Hunyadi, a key figure in defending Europe against Ottoman invasions. The castle’s intricate design and long-standing legends make it one of the most remarkable fortresses in Transylvania. You will then continue towards the quiet village of Sibiel, not far from Sibiu. Here, the old church and the Museum of Glass-Painted Icons provide insight into an artistic tradition deeply rooted in Orthodox Christianity. The museum houses the largest collection of its kind in Transylvania, displaying the creativity and craftsmanship of peasant painters. Dinner is at your leisure, and the evening is yours to enjoy as you prefer.

Sibiel Village

Corvin Castle

Alba Iulia Cathedral

Romanian Village

highlights

Noblesse Boutique Hotel

overnight

After breakfast at the hotel, the tour continues with a visit to the Cârța Cistercian Church, built in the 13th century by the Cistercian Order. Considered the best-preserved of its kind in Romania, the structure reflects the architectural influence and dedication of the monks who lived there. Some original elements, including stone arches and decorative capitals, remain intact. The church is still in use today for religious services and as a site of historical significance. The day proceeds with a visit to Făgăraș Fortress, a medieval stronghold dating back to the 13th century. Surrounded by a deep moat, the structure features multiple towers and bastions, representing an impressive example of late medieval military design. The fortress complex includes several buildings with historical significance, offering insight into the region’s past. In Brașov you will be taken to Council Square, the heart of the city, and will walk through the historic center including a stop at Rope Street, one of the narrowest streets in the world. Nearby, the Black Church stands as a landmark of Gothic architecture, which also faced a fire that swept through in 1689 still noticed by its blackened walls today. The evening is free, with dinner at your own expense and an overnight stay in Brașov.

Brașov Square

The Black Church

Fǎgǎras Fortress

Brasov

highlights

Kronwell

overnight

After breakfast at the hotel, the journey continues to a picturesque mountain resort that gained prominence when the Romanian Royal Family chose it as their residence in the 20th century. The first visit of the day is the Orthodox Monastery in Sinaia, followed by Peles Castle, an elaborate Gothic-style palace built by Romania’s first king, Carol I of Hohenzollern-Sigmaringen. A guided tour of the castle provides a glimpse into royal life, with grand halls and intricate details that reflects the founder and his vision. The road then leads to Bran, a quiet village near Brașov, home to the famous Bran Castle. Popularly known as Dracula’s Castle, its reputation grew largely due to Bram Stoker’s novel, which linked it to the legendary vampire. Its solitary silhouette and medieval design have fueled the connection to Vlad the Impaler, a figure often associated with the Dracula myth. A visit through its corridors and chambers reveals the stories that surround this iconic fortress. Built in the 13th century by the Saxons of Brașov, it stands on the site of an older wooden stronghold first established by the Teutonic Knights. Afterward, the evening is free to spend at your own leisure once you have returned to your hotel in Brașov.

Peles Castle

Bran Castle

Bran Castle Well

Peles Castle Landscape

highlights

Kronwell

overnight

After breakfast at the hotel, the tour continues with another journey through Transylvania as you make your way to your next stop. Passing through traditional villages, the route leads to Rupea Fortress, one of the oldest archaeological sites in Romania. The area’s first known settlement dates back to 5500 BC, while the fortress itself has stood for over 700 years. According to legend, Decebalus, the Dacian king, ended his life here during the Second Dacian War in 106 AD. Moving through the countryside, the next stop is Viscri, a Saxon village known for its traditional houses and strong cultural heritage. A guesthouse in the village provides a home-cooked meal, offering a taste of local flavors before continuing toward Sighișoara. Inside the medieval citadel, it is lined with cobblestone streets and colorful houses, creating an atmosphere that has remained unchanged since the 13th century. Listed as a UNESCO World Heritage Site, the town is known for its artisans and street performers who keep historic crafts alive. The visit includes the Clock Tower, which offers a panoramic view of the citadel. Vlad the Impaler once lived in a house here, now home to a restaurant and a small weapon museum. You will then arrive in your next destination of Sighișoara where your evening is free.

Rupea Fortress

Sighișoara Hills

Saxon Village

Viscri Village

highlights

Hotel Central Park Sighisoara

overnight

After spending your first night in Sighișoara and having breakfast at your hotel, your guide will take you to Richiș, where the fortified church reveals intricate carvings and symbols hidden within its walls. Inside, a mix of animal, plant, and human figures decorates the space, with the mysterious “green man” appearing in various forms. Among the most striking features is the 1775 baroque altar depicting the Crucifixion. The next stop is Biertan, first mentioned in 1283 in a document regarding taxes imposed on Saxon priests. By the late 14th century, it had grown into a borough, receiving the right to hold a weekly market in 1418. The fortified church, built in the 16th century in the Late Gothic style, was not only a religious site but also a center of administration and protection. Surrounded by three defensive walls, six towers, and three bastions, it stands as a reminder of the town’s past. The return journey includes a visit to a traditional village, where different ethnic groups have coexisted for centuries. A stop at a craftsman’s workshop provides insight into medieval smithing techniques that have been passed down through generations. Retur to Sighișoara for your second overnight stay in the town.

Biertan Church

Local Craftsman

Pottery Craftsman

Biertan Village

highlights

Hotel Central Park Sighisoara

overnight

After breakfast at the hotel, the journey continues to Corund, a well-known pottery center in Transylvania. Local artisans shape clay extracted from a nearby stream, creating traditional ceramics that reflect generations of craftsmanship. Woodworking and trade are also part of daily life in this village, adding to its cultural significance. The route then passes through the dramatic Bicaz Gorges, a landscape of towering cliffs and winding roads. The next stop is a lake with a striking appearance, created in 1837 when heavy storms triggered a landslide on Mount Ucigașu. The collapse blocked several streams, forming what is now called the Red Lake. The iron-rich deposits carried by the water give it a reddish hue, making it one of the most distinctive lakes in the region. The afternoon brings arrival in Piatra Neamț, a city surrounded by scenic hills and known for its relaxed atmosphere. The evening is free for personal plans, whether enjoying a quiet walk or discovering local flavors.

Bicaz Gorge

Romanian Flowers

Romanian Landscape

Bicaz Lake

highlights

Atlas Aparthotel

overnight

The day begins in Piatra Neamț, where the Baal Shem Tov Synagogue stands as a reminder of the once-thriving Jewish community. Dating back to 1766, this wooden synagogue is unique in Eastern Europe and now serves as a museum displaying religious artifacts. Agapia Monastery, home to a large community of nuns, is known for its interior frescoes painted by Nicolae Grigorescu. His work brings warmth and personality to the traditional religious themes, reflecting the everyday life of the local people. Outside the monastery, a small village with traditional Moldavian houses provides a glimpse into the simple and peaceful lifestyle of the nuns. The Nicolae Popa Museum offers a look into Romanian folklore through an extensive collection of historical artifacts and naïve art. Visitors can see his handcrafted masks and traditional costumes, each carrying cultural significance. Voroneț Monastery, built in 1488, is famous for its exterior murals that have maintained their striking colors over the centuries. The vivid blue, known as "Voroneț Blue," remains a mystery, and the detailed paintings present scenes inspired by Christian history, local traditions, and Eastern influences. End your journey with your guide in Gura Humorului, for your first overnight stay.

Baal Shem Tov Synagogue

Voronet Monastery

Gura Humorului

Romanian Food

highlights

Sentir Hotel

overnight

The day begins with a visit to Humor Monastery, a cross-shaped church built in 1530 under the rule of Petru Rareș. Dedicated to the Dormition of the Virgin, its red-toned frescoes depict scenes from saints' lives and the battles against the Turks. The peaceful courtyard, filled with flowers, provides a quiet contrast to the outside world, where nuns continue their way of life as they have for centuries. Next is Marginea, where artisans have preserved an ancient technique of crafting black pottery. The clay is shaped, fired, and polished entirely by hand, with the deep black hue resulting from a firing method passed down for generations. The craftsmanship of these pieces has gained recognition beyond Romania. Sucevița Monastery, the most recent of Bucovina’s Painted Monasteries, reflects a blend of Moldavian, Gothic, and Byzantine styles. Its murals are known for their distinctive green tones, created using natural pigments through a technique that remains a mystery. Moldovița Monastery, completed in 1537, was once a place where locals, unable to read, learned biblical stories through its frescoes. The artwork blends religious themes with key moments from the region’s past. Once you have spent the day visiting these beautiful monasteries, you will return to Gura Humorului for your second overnight stay.

Bucovina Monastery

Marginea Black Pottery

Moldovița Monastery

Bucovina Landscape

highlights

Sentir Hotel

overnight

After breakfast, the journey continues to Iasi, once the capital of Medieval Moldova and later the war capital of Romania during World War I. This city, the second largest in the country, has a distinctive charm with a mix of old-world elegance and a lively modern atmosphere. The day begins with a visit to the Palace of Culture, an architectural masterpiece in neo-gothic style. Next, the route passes through the heart of the city, stopping at the Three Hierarchs Church and the Metropolitan Cathedral, two important religious landmarks linked by a significant Orthodox pilgrimage. The tour also includes a visit to the Vasile Alecsandri National Theatre, recognized among the most remarkable theatres in the world. A walk through the Jewish quarter brings insight into the community's history, with a visit to the Grand Synagogue, the oldest Jewish place of worship in Romania. Near Golia Monastery, the streets still carry traces of the city's past. Later in the afternoon, transfer to Iasi Airport for a flight to Bucharest. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel in Bucharest for the final night of the tour.

Palace of Culture

Metropolitan Cathedral

Three Hierarchs Church

Iasi Locals

highlights

Aviator Boutique Hotel

overnight

In the morning, you will be taken to the airport for your final flight returning home, after an insightful tour of beautiful Romania. Safe travels!

Happy Travels!

Arch of Triumph

Airport

Flight Home

highlights

Aviator Boutique Hotel

overnight