Scenic Romania
€ 1580
per personDiscover the heart of Romania in this concentrated blend of experiences. Immerse yourself in the authentic Romanian countryside lifestyle, venture into the majestic Carpathian Mountains and explore vibrant urban centers. From rural villages to soaring peaks and colorful cityscapes, experience the diverse beauty of Romania.
Travel Details
Destination
Maramures, Bucovina & Transylvania
Start / End
Budapest (Hungary)
Duration
8 days / 7 nights
Departure
For private tours: for all the visits to be available as mentioned, the tour is recommended to start from Sunday to Wednesday. If starting on a different day of the week, certain visits may not be possible or will have to be replaced. For shared tours: please check departure dates
Meeting point
Pick up available from your accommodation in Budapest or any other spot in the city. At the time of booking, please give us the address at which we can meet you. We'll keep you informed about the pick up time.
Service
guided
Seasonality
March - October
Tour type
discover
Dress code
For monasteries visits: shoulders and knees should be covered for both men and women. Skirts and scarfs are sometimes offered at the entrance.
Visits
Desesti wooden church, Breb village, Barsana monastery; Sapanta Merry Cemetery; Moldovita & Voronet painted monasteries; Sighisoara fortress; Black Church ; Viscri fortified church; Peles, Bran & Corvin castles; Transfagarasan road (or Prejmer fortified church); Alba Iulia citadel; Brasov, Sibiu & Timisoara city centres
Distance
about 2150 km / 1336 mi
Car transfer duration
see daily details in Tour Plan
Physical activity level
This tour involves daily moderate walking (2-3 hours). The terrain varies, from paved surfaces to uneven ground/potentially muddy ground/grassy surfaces, cobblestones and city/village hills. On certain days, be prepared to descend & climb stairs: there can be between 100 - 500 steps (most of them without a handrail). Comfortable walking shoes are recommended. Periods of standing during city walks or sightseeing stops are also common. Full or partial sun exposure is likely. Large crowds can be expected for the castles visits in summertime. Travel days may have fluctuating paces with both longer and shorter durations. On certain days there will be changes in altitude or temperatures. If you are prone to motion sickness, please bring appropriate medication.
Notes
Throughout the itinerary, participants are expected to manage their personal hand luggage independently. Please ensure your luggage is light and easy to handle for a smooth and comfortable travel experience.
Discover the Heart of Romania: A Journey Through History, Culture and Scenic Beauty
Embark on an unforgettable 8-day journey through Romania’s cultural and natural treasures. Starting and ending in Budapest, this itinerary showcases Maramures, Bucovina, Transylvania, and Timisoara. Visit UNESCO World Heritage sites like Desesti’s wooden church, Voronet Monastery and Sighisoara. Marvel at iconic castles, including Peles, Corvin, and Bran. Experience breathtaking landscapes along the Transfagarasan Road and explore medieval towns steeped in history. This tour offers a perfect blend of heritage, scenic beauty, and unforgettable memories.
From Budapest to Maramures
Embark on an unforgettable Romanian journey, starting with a morning meet-up with your guide at your Budapest hotel. Enjoy a scenic 3-hour drive through the Hungarian countryside before crossing the border into Romania.
Stop for a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant in Satu Mare before continuing eastward to Maramures, a region renowned for its traditional villages, remarkable wooden architecture and vibrant culture. Visit the world-famous Merry Cemetery of Sapanta, a truly unique and joyful burial site celebrated for its colorful, hand-carved crosses and lighthearted epitaphs that offer a fascinating glimpse into the local perspective on life and death.
Conclude your day with a delightful dinner at a local restaurant and an overnight stay in a comfortable 3-star hotel in Sighetu Marmatiei, the perfect base for exploring the enchanting region of Maramures.
Car transfers: approx. 5h30min; ~440 km / 273 mi
(no meals included)
Explore Maramures and journey to Bucovina
Start your morning with a hearty breakfast before transferring to Desesti, where you'll marvel at the UNESCO-listed wooden church adorned with some of the best-preserved naïve frescoes in the region.
Continue to the charming village of Breb, where a leisurely stroll unveils the authentic rural lifestyle of Maramures, a community that cherishes its traditions and heritage.
Next, visit Barsana monastery, blending modern and traditional wooden craftsmanship. After a delicious lunch at a local restaurant, enjoy a scenic drive through the majestic Carpathian Mountains to Bucovina, a region famed for its exquisite painted monasteries.
Arrive at Moldovita monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for the striking Siege of Constantinople fresco, a highlight of medieval artistry.
Conclude your day with free time to savor dinner at a local restaurant, followed by a relaxing overnight stay in a welcoming 3-star hotel in Gura Humorului.
Car transfers: approx. 5h; ~280 km / 174 mi
(breakfast included, lunch & dinner not included)
From Bucovina to Transylvania: scenic crossing of the Carpathians
Start your morning with breakfast, followed by a visit to the iconic Voronet monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for the vivid blue of Voronet and the stunning Last Judgement fresco, a masterpiece of medieval art.
Continue your journey with a drive across the Eastern Carpathians, taking in breathtaking landscapes as you make your way to Transylvania. Pause for a delightful lunch at a local restaurant.
Arrive in Sighisoara in the afternoon, a beautifully preserved medieval town and UNESCO World Heritage site. Stroll its enchanting streets and soak up the history and charm of this Transylvanian treasure.
End your day with free time for dinner at a local restaurant, indulging in the rich flavours of Transylvanian cuisine. Rest and recharge with an overnight stay in a cozy 3-star hotel in the heart of this captivating medieval town.
Car transfers: approx. 5h; ~280 km / 174 mi
(breakfast included, lunch & dinner not included)
Exploring Saxon Transylvania
Begin your day with breakfast and a leisurely exploration of Sighisoara, a UNESCO World Heritage citadel renowned for its well-preserved medieval architecture and captivating atmosphere. Discover the town's fascinating history and its connection to Vlad the Impaler, the historical figure who inspired the Dracula legend (though we encourage you to take the legends with a grain of salt!).
Continue your journey to Viscri, a charming Saxon village and a UNESCO World Heritage site. This rural gem offers an authentic glimpse into Transylvania's best-preserved Saxon heritage, where traditional lifestyles and local businesses thrive. Enjoy a delightful farm-to-table lunch at a local guesthouse, savouring the fresh flavours of the region.
In the afternoon, arrive in Brasov, one of Transylvania's most beautiful medieval cities. Visit the iconic Black Church, the largest Gothic church east of Vienna, and enjoy a guided tour of the historic old town, with its cobblestone streets and captivating history.
Enjoy a free evening for dinner and a romantic stroll through Brasov's picturesque streets before retiring to your comfortable 3-star hotel.
Car transfers: approx. 2h; ~125 km / 78 mi
(breakfast & lunch included, dinner not included)
Romania's Royal & Dracula's Legend
Begin your day with breakfast before venturing to Sinaia, home to the breathtaking Peles Castle. Built in the late 19th century as the first royal residence of the Romanian monarchy, Peles is a masterpiece of Neo-Renaissance architecture and rich history. Explore its opulent interiors and admire the royal family's impressive art collections.
Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before continuing to the legendary Bran Castle, famously known as Dracula's Castle. This medieval fortress, later modernized by Queen Maria of Romania in the early 20th century, is one of Romania's most iconic landmarks. Explore its captivating halls and uncover the myths and legends surrounding Count Dracula. Enjoy free time for dinner at a local restaurant.
Conclude your day with a restful overnight stay at your comfortable 3-star hotel, nestled in the heart of this captivating region.
Car transfers: approx. 2h30min; ~130 km / 81 mi
(breakfast included, lunch & dinner not included)
Transfagarasan Road and Medieval Sibiu
Begin your day with breakfast and set out on an unforgettable journey along the famous Transfagarasan Road, often praised as one of the world’s most stunning routes. Ascend the Southern Carpathians to Balea Lake, situated over 2,000 meters above sea level, where you’ll marvel at breathtaking views of the Transylvanian highlands.
Note: The Transfagarasan Road is open from June to September. During other months, the itinerary includes a visit to the Prejmer fortified church, a UNESCO World Heritage site showcasing exceptional Saxon architecture.
Arrive in Sibiu, a city rich in history and culture, named European Capital of Culture in 2007. Explore the Large Square, lined with colorful Baroque and Gothic buildings, and wander through the Small Square. Cross the Bridge of Lies, steeped in local legends and visit the stunning Lutheran Cathedral of Saint Mary, a key landmark of the city.
Enjoy free time in the evening to dine at a local restaurant and savor authentic regional cuisine. Conclude your day with an overnight stay in a cozy 3-star hotel, soaking up the timeless charm of Sibiu.
Car transfers: approx. 4h; ~220 km / 136 mi
(breakfast included, lunch & dinner not included)
Walk in the Footsteps of the Hunyadis: Alba Iulia & Corvin Castle
Start your day with breakfast before setting off towards Alba Iulia, a city with deep historical roots. Visit the imposing Vauban fortress, a monumental symbol of the city’s strategic significance, showcasing its military past. Explore Alba Iulia’s rich history, from ancient Roman times to Medieval kings and modern times.
Continue your journey to Hunedoara, where you'll discover the magnificent Corvin Castle (also known as Hunyadi Castle), the largest Gothic castle in Romania. Dive into the captivating story of the Hunyadi family, one of the most influential dynasties in Romanian and Hungarian history. Learn about their rise to power and the life of King Matthias Corvinus (Matthias the Just), one of their most celebrated members.
Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before heading westward to Timisoara, arriving in the late afternoon. A city rich in history and culture, Timisoara is famously known as the birthplace of the 1989 revolution that toppled the Communist regime. As the European Capital of Culture 2021, Timisoara is renowned for its stunning Art Nouveau and Baroque architecture, making it a prime destination for sightseeing and photography. Spend your free time shopping or simply admire the architectural gems around the city.
Conclude your day with a restful overnight stay at a 3-star hotel in Timisoara, ready for the adventures ahead.
Car transfers: approx. 4h; ~328 km / 204 mi
(breakfast included, lunch &b dinner not included)
Timisoara & return to Budapest: Farewell Romania
After breakfast, embark on a guided tour of Timisoara’s old city center, where you’ll be captivated by its stunning Art Nouveau and Baroque architecture. Delve into the city's rich history and its significant role in Romania's 1989 revolution, a turning point in the nation's modern history.
Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before beginning your scenic journey back to Budapest.
Arrive in Budapest in the late afternoon, bringing this unforgettable cultural adventure through Romania to a close.
End of the tour.
Car transfers: approx. 3h30min; ~316 km / 196 mi
(breakfast included, lunch & dinner not included)
Included:
Not included:
PRIVATE TOUR
from 1580 EUR
SHARED TOUR
1990 EUR
Prices shown are standard rates for pre-designed tours. Discounts will be applied.
All prices are per person, based on 7 participants. For larger groups, please request a quote.