Bucharest City Tour - Overnight in Bucharest

Palace of Parliament - During a day trip to Bucharest, explore one of the most debated administrative buildings globally. This private tour of The Palace of Parliament, also known as the People’s House, offers insights into the dangers and destruction a totalitarian regime like communism can inflict on a nation. Standing before one of the world’s largest constructions, you’ll feel dwarfed by the extravagant opulence and megalomania that “the sleep of reason” can produce.

Capturing a selfie up-close might be challenging, as you’ll be attempting to photograph the second-largest administrative building on the planet, after the Pentagon, creating a memorable experience to share with future generations.

Muzeul National al Satului “Dimitrie Gusti” - On this private tour, visit The Bucharest National Village Museum, where Romanian traditions come to life. Discover how Romanian villagers created an ecological and sustainable environment in their backyards, and gain insight into their simple, modest lifestyle, living in social and spiritual harmony with nature.

Ateneul Roman - Next, your private tour takes you to the Romanian Athenaeum, a key symbol of Romanian culture and often regarded as a symbol of Bucharest itself.

Piata Revolutiei - Planning a city break in Bucharest? A visit to The Revolution Square is a must. This historically significant site transports you back to the moment when dictator Ceausescu was overthrown, leaving behind secrets of a vast fortune and controversies surrounding the state security service and his offshore accounts.

As previously mentioned, upon reaching the Senate Palace, you’ll see the building that once housed the Central Committee of the Romanian Communist Party, where the December 1989 Revolution began, a pivotal historical event that led to Ceausescu’s permanent removal from power through human force and sacrifice.

Old Town - On a Bucharest day trip, experience the charm of the past through a blend of mystery and contrasts in the streets of the Historical City Centre, starting with Hanul lui Manuc, a massive fortified inn that served as a cultural and economic hub in its time. Built around 1806 by Manuc Bei, one of the wealthiest landowners in the Balkans, it was a gathering place for merchants passing through Bucharest, part of the vibrant crowd that filled the historic inn.

In this historical and cosmopolitan area, with guidance from your private guide from Nicolas Experience Tours, you’ll discover not only Bucharest’s most popular restaurants but also museums, old and spectacular churches, and an experiential library where you can purchase books, music, and other souvenirs, ensuring an unforgettable experience for you and your loved ones.

1. Curtea de Arges Monastery 2. Poienari Castle 3. Transfagarasan Highway - Overnight in Sibiu

Curtea de Arges Monastery - Did you know Curtea de Arges is unique for its significant royal tombs? It’s well-known that truly good, beautiful, and enduring things come only through sacrifice, which becomes evident when you visit the old town of Curtea de Arges. With a rich and eventful history, here you can see the ruins of the Wallachian princely court, the 13th-century Royal Church, and the renowned Arges Monastery, an important historical monument with a fascinating yet somber story.

Poienari Castle - The ruins of Poienari Fortress stand high on a cliff overlooking the Arges River, at the foothills of the Carpathian Mountains. Built in the early 13th century by the first Wallachian rulers, the castle underwent several name and resident changes over the decades before being abandoned and left in ruins.

Recognizing the location’s potential, upon taking the throne, he ordered the structure’s repair and consolidation, transforming it into one of his main fortresses. When the Turks attacked and captured the castle in 1462, Vlad escaped through a secret passageway leading north through the mountains.

Transfagarasan Highway - Stretching over 150 kilometers, the Transfagarasan Highway is Romania’s most spectacular and renowned road, gaining fame from a 2009 BBC Top Gear appearance, making it one of the country’s most popular tourist attractions. Open fully only from June to October, the road’s highest point is at 2042 meters: the tunnel linking the northern and southern sides at Lake Balea (Balea Lac).

Big Square (Piata Mare) - If you’re in Transylvania, Sibiu is a must-visit travel destination with a 900-year history. A city tour will help you understand why Sibiu was chosen as the European Capital of Culture, including the Evangelical Cathedral, the Sibiu Old City Center, and the town itself, which are among Romania’s most visited tourist attractions, catering to every taste and providing a wonderful travel experience for even the most discerning tourists.

For those who love authentic cultural experiences, whether romantic or adventurous, Sibiu offers everything needed to relax and enjoy, leaving everyday stress behind for a fun and memorable trip.

The beauty of this ancient citadel, recognized for its architecture, street layout, cultural and artistic heritage, and stunning natural scenery, is flanked on two sides by the Fagaras and Lotru mountains.

1. Corvin Castle 2. Densus Church 3. Sarmisegetusa Regia - Overnight in Sibiu

Castelul Corvinilor - Corvin Castle, also known as Hunyadi Castle or Hunedoara Castle (Romanian: Castelul Huniazilor or Castelul Corvinilor; Hungarian: Vajdahunyadi vár), is a Gothic-Renaissance castle in Hunedoara, Romania. It is one of Europe’s largest castles and is featured as one of the Seven Wonders of Romania.

Densus Church - The Densuș Church (also known as St Nicholas’ Church) in the village of Densuș, Hunedoara County, is Romania’s oldest stone church.

Built in its current form in the 13th century on the site of a 2nd-century Roman temple, using materials from the Dacian Sarmizegetusa fortress, it features a stone tower above the naos. Inside, 15th-century mural paintings depict Jesus in Romanian traditional attire, created by artist Ștefan. In the 18th century, more paintings were added by Simion de Pitești.

Sarmizegetusa Regia - Sarmizegetusa Regia, also known as Sarmisegetusa, Sarmisegethusa, Sarmisegethuza, Ζαρμιζεγεθούσα (Zarmizegethoúsa), or Ζερμιζεγεθούση (Zermizegethoúsē), was the capital and most important military, religious, and political center of the Dacians before the wars with the Roman Empire. Situated atop a 1200 m high mountain, the fortress, comprising six citadels, was the core of a strategic defensive system in the Orăștie Mountains.

1. Brasov City Tour (Black Church) 2. Bran Castle / Dracula’s Castle 3. Peles Castle - Overnight stay in Brasov

Black Church (Biserica Neagra) - Next, journey to the beautifully-preserved medieval town of Brasov, nestled in the Carpathian Mountains’ foothills. Your guide will lead you on a walking tour of the Old Town, where you’ll discover the Black Church, the Old Town square, and city walls built in the Middle Ages. Enjoy free time to soak in the unparalleled atmosphere at one of Brasov’s many charming cafés.

Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle) - Bran Castle, a blend of myth and history.

Due to its striking resemblance to Dracula’s fictional castle, it is widely believed that Bram Stoker used descriptions of Bran to create the fictitious home of Count Dracula.

Outside the castle, indulge in traditional foods: handmade cheeses, pálinka (plum and pear brandy), and traditionally-produced ham and sausages.

Peles Castle - Once upon a time, there was a beautiful castle…

If you’re planning to write your memoirs or boast about visiting Europe’s most beautiful castles, the Romanian royal family’s summer residence is undoubtedly one of Romania’s and Europe’s top tourist attractions, and you’ll soon understand why.

Every year, thousands of notable figures and hundreds of thousands of tourists book tours of Romania to admire its beauty and, for a few hours, feel like royalty.

1. Viscri Village 2. Rupea Fortress 3. Sighisoara City Tour - Overnight stay in Sighisoara

Village de Viscri - Viscri is renowned for its white fortified church, first mentioned in 1400 as Alba Ecclesia. Like many monuments of the time, the church underwent various construction phases. The local Szekler population initially built a small church on the site in the early 12th century. Decades later, German colonists took control of the land, starting a new chapter in its history.

During the 13th century, they constructed the main tower on the west side and expanded the church’s nave eastward. Fortification began later, in the 15th century, and is partially preserved today. Some fortification elements were demolished after the Ottoman threat subsided or repurposed for peaceful uses like storage rooms and kindergarten space.

Cetatea Rupea - Rupea Fortress (Romanian: Cetatea Rupea, German: Burg Reps, Hungarian: Kőhalmi vár) is a medieval fortress built by Transylvanian Saxons, first mentioned in a 1324 document. Situated on a 120 m high basalt cliff, west of the Transylvanian town of Rupea in Romania, the fortress is located on DN13, 70 km from Brașov, en route to Sighișoara. Restored between 2010 and 2013, it attracted over 10,000 tourists monthly by 2014.

1. Turda Salt Mine 2. Cluj Napoca City Tour (Botanic Garden) 3. Surdesti Wooden Church - Overnight in Sighetul Marmatiei

Salina Turda - Turda Salt Mine is arguably one of Transylvania’s most fascinating attractions. If you have the opportunity to vacation in Romania, don’t miss the chance to explore this stunning location, the Turda Salt Mine.

This site is a visual and physical delight, with the purifying saline air benefiting those with respiratory issues, such as allergies or asthma.

Gradina Botanica “Alexandru Borza” - If you’re passing through Transylvania during your Romanian trip, a Cluj Napoca City Tour is a must. Prepare your camera, as the Old City Center boasts unique historical and architectural monuments, Baroque, Renaissance, and Gothic-style buildings, the oldest dating back to the 17th century, along with friendly and welcoming locals.

Not to mention the restaurants and delicious local cuisine, so popular you might have to wait for a table to enjoy your meal.

Surdesti Wooden Church - The warmth of wooden constructions is unmatched, but the Surdesti church offers much more. Visitors are often so impressed they tip their hats – not a joke, considering the church’s tower measures an impressive 54 meters.

Imagine the artistry and craftsmanship required to create this 72-meter high wooden masterpiece, a challenging task even with modern technology, and when you realize it was built in 1721, you understand why it’s considered an architectural marvel.

1. Explore Maramures all day (local market) 2. Merry Cemetery 3. Sighet Memorial Museum - Overnight in Sighetul Marmatiei

Merry Cemetery - This Romanian trip promises history, culture, adventure, and fun.

The Dacians, our brave and wise ancestors who worshiped the god Zalmoxis, laughed at funerals and cried when babies were born.

In Maramures, traces of historical continuity remain, most notably in Sapanta, home to the unique Merry Cemetery.

The crosses and tombstones, each a colorful and skillful work of art, feature humorous poems about the deceased that will leave you in stitches.

Memorial of the Victims of Communism and of the Resistance - To understand why Romanians fought so hard to escape communist oppression, visit the Memorial Museum for the Victims of Communism. You’ll begin to grasp the totalitarian regime’s damaging impact and the immense pain and suffering it caused in such a short time.

1. Barsana Monastery 2. Borgo Pass Road 3. Ciocanesti village - Overnight in Gura Humorului

Barsana Monastery - One of Romania’s tallest wooden churches (57m height)

Just as you feel a primordial connection with the earth when walking barefoot through grass, you’ll experience a spiritual connection with the sky and God upon entering the courtyard of Romania’s most beautiful wooden monastery, Barsana Monastery.

If you think you’ve seen breathtaking places before, of such divine beauty they seemed like heaven on earth, this Maramures trip might change your mind.

With its fairytale scenery and timeless history, this magical place has captivated tourists and locals for centuries.

Tihuța Pass - Tihuța Pass (Romanian: Pasul Tihuța, also called Pasul Bârgău; Hungarian: Borgói-hágó or Burgó) is a high mountain pass in Romania’s Bârgău Mountains (Eastern Carpathian Mountains), connecting Bistrița (Transylvania) with Vatra Dornei (Bukovina, Moldavia).

The pass gained fame from Bram Stoker’s novel Dracula, where it was termed “the Borgo Pass,” serving as the gateway to Count Dracula’s realm. Stoker likely found the name on a contemporary map; he never visited the area.

Today, the pass is home to Hotel “Castel Dracula,” located at an elevation of 1,116 m (3,661 ft). Built in 1976, the hotel adopted its current name after 1989. The hotel has become a popular attraction due to its medieval villa architectural style and connection to the novel. In 2018, the property was put up for sale.

1. Voronet Monastery 2. Humor Monastery 3. Sucevita Monastery 4. Moldovita Monastery - Overnight in Gura Humorului

Manastirea Voronet - The Voroneț Monastery is a medieval monastery in the Romanian village of Voroneț, now part of Gura Humorului. It is one of the famous painted monasteries from southern Bukovina, in Suceava County. Constructed by Stephen the Great in 1488 over 3 months and 3 weeks to commemorate the victory at the Battle of Vaslui, it is often called the “Sistine Chapel of the East.” The frescoes at Voroneț feature an intense shade of blue known in Romania as “Voroneț blue.”

Did you know Voronet Monastery was founded by Stephen the Great?

Dubbed the “Sistine Chapel of the East,” it attracts tens of thousands of tourists worldwide annually, boasting at least three unique elements that make it a highlight of your Moldavia and Bucovina trip.

The most impressive aspect of the church’s artwork, both inside and outside, is the exceptional background color – the famous Voronet blue!

Humor Monastery - To understand religion’s importance to our people, tour Romania and witness the numerous houses of worship built and destroyed by enemies throughout history.

Striving to protect their spiritual treasures, people erected churches away from the world’s eyes, some hidden in deep woods, others nestled within high-altitude rock caves.

Humor Monastery, built approximately 500 years ago, is an example of a fortified monastery that has endured over the centuries.

After the first church here, built around 1400, was destroyed, the second one, built in 1530 with thick river rock walls, was meant to be a place of worship that would withstand the test of time.

Sucevita Monastery - Sucevita and Voronet are two of Romania’s most beautiful monasteries, part of the international cultural and spiritual patrimony, making them essential stops on any trip to Romania and northern Moldavia.

Even if you haven’t read the Bible or the Book of Books, the biblical scenes and icons painted on Sucevita Monastery’s walls provide stunning and vivid visual support in understanding Christianity’s history.

The fortified church is like an open book for anyone who enters its doors, and only by seeing it in person will you truly understand why it was included on the UNESCO World Heritage list of cultural landmarks.

Moldovita Monastery - For a spiritual journey to a place echoing with the fervent prayers of hundreds of thousands who found solace here throughout history, venture through the Carpathians and Balkans to one of Romania’s oldest monastic settlements, built in 1532, home to Moldovita Monastery.

The fortified church combines Byzantine, Gothic, and Moldavian styles, but its unique mural artwork, both inside and outside, truly impresses visitors.

1. Driving to Chisinau (Republic of Moldova) 2. Nicolae Popa Museum 3. Lunch in Iasi - Overnight in Chisinau

The Popa Museum - Located 12 kilometers from Targu Neamt, in Tarpesti, Neamt County, the Nicolae Popa Museum is an interesting and notable sight. Founded in the ‘70s by local sculptor Nicolae Popa in his own house, the museum showcases his dedication to Romanian values.

After being wounded in World War II, imprisoned by communists for opposing the regime, and left with only his house, Nicolae Popa stood up for Romanian values. Through hard work and commitment, driven by a strong artistic inclination, he became one of Romania’s most valued and appreciated naive sculptors and a true creator of folklore.

Manastirea Sfinkii Trei Ierarhi - Mănăstirea Trei Ierarhi (Monastery of the Three Hierarchs) is a seventeenth-century monastery in Iași, Romania. Listed in the National Register of Historic Monuments and included on the tentative list of UNESCO World Heritage Sites.

Visit to Tiraspol (Transnistria) - Overnight in Chisinau (Republic of Moldova)

The Suvorov Monument - Suvorov is considered one of the greatest military commanders in Russian history and a prominent general of the early modern period. He received numerous medals, titles, and honors from Russia and other countries. The monument is located on a small square, surrounded by flags unique to the area.

Tiraspol is Moldova’s second-largest city and the capital of the independent Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic. Situated on the Northern and Eastern banks of the Dniester River, the city is modern compared to the rest of Transnistria, with excellent urban transport links. It offers hotels and restaurants.

Contrary to popular belief, Tiraspol is a quiet and peaceful city with no military activity since 1992. The only uniformed individuals you’ll typically see are military officers and policemen. Military parades occur annually on Independence Day (2 September) and Victory Day (9 May).

The Tank Monument - This monument serves as a poignant reminder of the battle and history that led to the autonomous region of Transnistria, honoring those who lost their lives pursuing their dream.

Chisinau City Tour with Cricova Wine Cellar & Milestii Mici - Overnight in Chisinau (Republic of Moldova)

Cricova Winery - Cricova’s wine cellars are Moldova’s second-largest, following Milestii Mici (the world’s largest). It features 120 kilometers (75 mi) of labyrinthine roadways, compared to MM’s 200 kilometers (120 mi). Tunnels have existed under Cricova since the 15th century, when limestone was extracted to help build Chişinău. They were converted into an underground wine emporium in the 1950s.

Half of the roadways are used for wine storage, with roads named after the wines they store. This “wine city” includes warehouses, tasting rooms, and other facilities underground. It extends 100 meters below ground and holds 1.25 million bottles of rare wine, with the oldest dating back to 1902. The temperature is maintained at about 12 °C (54 °F) year-round, ideal for wine.

Legend has it that in 1966, cosmonaut Yuri Gagarin entered the cellars, re-emerging (with assistance) two days later. Russian president Vladimir Putin celebrated his 50th birthday here.

Catedrala Nasterea Domnului - The Nativity Cathedral, located in Cathedral Park, may not appear impressive from the outside. Built in the 1830s in the neoclassical style, it has a turbulent history – destroyed during World War 2 and repurposed as an exhibition center during Moldova’s time in the USSR when religious services were prohibited.

1. Start driving crossing Republic of Moldavia for Danube Delta 2. Cross the Danube at Braila - Overnight in Tulcea

Braila - The Brăila Bridge is a road suspension bridge in Romania, under construction since 2019 over the Danube River, connecting Brăila, a major city in eastern Romania, with the opposite bank in Tulcea County. It will be the first bridge over the maritime Danube sector and the fourth bridge over the Romanian section of the river. At nearly 2 km in length, it will be the third-longest bridge in Europe. The bridge will enhance road traffic accessibility from the Galați-Brăila area to Constanța and Tulcea, and improve connections between Moldavia, Muntenia, and Dobruja regions.

Danube Delta Tour – we explore by boat the beautiful nature of Danube Delta - Overnight in Tulcea

Danube Delta - Danube Delta Tour – we explore by boat the beautiful nature of Danube Delta - Overnight in Tulcea

1. Constanta Old Town 2. Carol I Mosque 2. Mamaia Beach - Back to Bucharest (End of Tour)

Moscheea Carol I - Carol I Mosque, located in Ovid Square, is the main Muslim religious edifice and one of our land’s most beautiful architectural monuments. Construction began in 1910 at King Carol I’s initiative (hence the name) and was completed in 1913. The inauguration took place on May 31st in the presence of the royal family and Romania’s Muslim representatives.

The project was led by Victor Stefanescu, a senior architect of the early twentieth century, and the building was constructed by Gogu Constantinescu. Featuring a unique blend of Egyptian, Byzantine, and Romanian architecture, Carol I Mosque is the first building in our country to use reinforced concrete. A distinctive feature is the huge dome made of innovative materials. Although many Muslim places of worship have architectural domes, this one is inspired by Christian, specifically Byzantine, architecture.

Plaja Mamaia - Mamaia is one of Romania’s most popular beach holiday destinations. Located on the Black Sea, it is a quintessential seaside resort. Visitors can relax on the beaches, enjoy delicious food, and partake in various entertainment options, including an amusement park.

Cazinoul Constanta - Having undergone many changes throughout its over 100-year history, the Casino has always been a tourist and local attraction.

Between 1880 and 1890, the Cazin or Kursal was a wooden building on the seashore, located a few hundred meters from its current site. Besides the ballroom, it featured a reading hall with French newspapers, a games hall, and a terrace. Tourists, seamen, and the local elite gathered here on summer evenings for balls organized by the city hall, accompanied by brass bands or famous artists of the era. Theatrical performances, soirees, conferences, literary readings, or masquerade balls also took place at the Cazin. Chess, backgammon, or domino games completed the bohemian atmosphere.

• Exclusive use of a private car (Tourism or Minibus) for you and your group
• All entrance and photo fees included as per itinerary
• Personal, licensed English-speaking guide/driver throughout the tour
• Free Wi-Fi in the comfort of your private car
• Guide’s accommodation, meals, and entrance fees covered
• All car-related expenses included (fuel, parking, tolls)
• Flexible tour itinerary that can be altered even after the tour begins

• Accommodation, meals and beverages
• Entrance fees as per the itinerary

Explore Romania and its people by staying for 2 nights in a Guest House in Maramures, followed by a drive to the Republic of Moldova for another 2 nights (including Transnistria), to witness the historic Romanian territory and the Danube Delta – a private, 15-day tour of Complete Romania & Moldova!

Embark on a journey of a lifetime! For this 15-day Romanian tour, we have curated a variety of vibrant experiences, from historical landmarks to the untouched wilderness, encompassing dense forests, colorful wildflowers, and refreshing mountain air (during appropriate seasons). The tour encompasses contemporary exhibits, and offers a gastronomic experience of traditional herbs and spices in the mouth-watering food we’ll be trying in every ancient town we visit.

For a full refund, cancel at least 24 hours before the scheduled departure time.