1. Curtea de Arges Monastery 2. Poenari Castle 3. Transfagarasan Highway 4. Sibiu City Tour - Overnight stay in Sibiu

Curtea de Arges Monastery - Did you know that Curtea de Arges is renowned for the significant royal tombs it conceals? It is well-known that truly remarkable, beautiful, and enduring things often require sacrifice, a fact that becomes evident upon visiting the historic town of Curtea de Arges. With its rich and dynamic history, visitors can explore the remnants of the Wallachian princely court, the 13th-century Royal Church, and the renowned Arges Monastery, a significant historical monument with a fascinating yet somber tale.

Poienari Castle - The remnants of Poienari Fortress are perched on a cliff overlooking the Arges River, at the base of the Carpathian Mountains. Constructed in the early 13th century by the initial Walachian rulers, the castle underwent several name and resident changes over the years before being abandoned and left in ruins. Recognizing the site’s potential, upon ascending the throne, he ordered the structure’s repair and fortification, transforming it into one of his primary fortresses. When the Turks attacked and seized the castle in 1462, Vlad managed to escape through a secret passageway leading north through the mountains.

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

For those who appreciate authentic cultural experiences, whether romantic or adventurous, Sibiu offers everything needed to relax and enjoy, leaving behind everyday stress 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 by the Fagaras and Lotru mountains.

1. Turda Salt Mine 2. Cluj Napoca 3. Surdesti Wooden Church - Overnight in Sighetul Marmatiei (Maramures)

Salina Turda - This location is a visual and physical delight, with purifying saline air that benefits those with respiratory issues like allergies or asthma. Visitors can explore Roman heritage remnants, as salt mining in the area dates back thousands of years. The former Iosif, Terezia, and Rudolf mines, along with unique medieval salt exploitation machinery in Europe, such as the hardware, crivac (or gepel), salt mill, an altar carved in the salt wall, and the “Stairway of the Rich” with intricate woodwork, are all on display.

Gradina Botanica “Alexandru Borza” - A Cluj Napoca City Tour is a must on any itinerary when passing through Transylvania. Prepare your camera for the Old City Center, which boasts unique historical and architectural monuments, Baroque, Renaissance, and Gothic-style buildings, some dating back to the 17th century, along with friendly and welcoming locals. The popular restaurants and delicious local cuisine may require a wait for a table to enjoy a meal.

Surdesti Wooden Church - The warmth of wooden structures is unmatched, and the Surdesti church offers even more. Visitors are often so impressed they tip their hats, not surprising given the church’s tower measures an impressive 54 meters. The craftsmanship involved in creating this 72-meter high wooden masterpiece, a challenging task even with modern technology, is astounding, especially considering it was built in 1721, making it an architectural marvel.

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

Merry Cemetery - This Romanian journey promises history, culture, adventure, and fun. The Dacians, our brave and wise ancestors who worshiped the god Zalmoxis, would laugh at funerals and cry at births. In Maramures, traces of historical continuity remain, particularly in Sapanta, home to the unique Merry Cemetery. The crosses and tombstones, each a colorful and artistic creation, feature humorous poems about the deceased that will leave you in stitches.

Sapanta-Peri Monastery - Sapanta Peri Monastery is a significant church in Maramures. Located near Sapanta Village within a dendrology park, the wooden church was built in 1391. In 1391, Dragos Voda’s nephews donated lands and properties to Peri Monastery, leading to the construction of a stone church. For 312 years, the Romanian Diocese of Maramures used the stone church as its headquarters, with the Archangel Michael (Sfantul Arhanghel Mihail) as the patron saint.

Memorial of the Victims of Communism and of the Resistance - To understand why the Romanian people fought so hard to escape communist oppression, visit the Memorial Museum for the Victims of Communism to begin to comprehend the totalitarian regime’s damage 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). Walking barefoot through the grass connects you with the earth, and stepping into the courtyard of Romania’s most beautiful wooden monastery, Barsana Monastery, connects you spiritually with the sky and God. If you’ve seen breathtaking places before, this trip to Maramures might change your perspective. With its enchanting scenery and timeless history, this magical place has captivated tourists and locals for centuries.

Tihuța Pass - Tihuta Pass, or Borgo Pass, is located in the country’s north, allowing passage across the Bârgău mountains from Moldavia to Transylvania. Situated at 1201m, between Măgura Calului peak (1229m) and Piatra Fântânele mountain (1067m), the road was first built between 1812-1817 by the Austro-Hungarian Army’s Council of War. Paved in 1969 and later asphalted, the road is often busy, but with few villages along the way, cruising speed is acceptable. The road is in excellent condition, with twisty, wide curves that will delight drivers. Don’t forget to stop and admire the stunning views.

Ciocanesti - A village in Northern Romania, Ciocanesti is one of Europe’s most colorful destinations, according to Lonely Planet. In “Places that pop: 10 of Europe’s most colourful destinations,” Lonely Planet writer Tamara Sheward lists “vibrant villages, technicolour towns, and dazzling districts” worth visiting, including Ciocanesti commune in Suceava county, Northern Romania. “Carpathian Mountains conjure images of vampires, werewolves, and enchanted forests. But in Bucovina, Ciocanesti defies spooky clichés: what could be less terrifying than a village painted like Easter eggs?” reads the description.

1. Voronet Monastery 2. Sucevita M. 3. Moldovita M. 4. Humor M. 5. Egg Painted Museum - Overnight in Gura Humorului

Manastirea Voronet - The Voroneț Monastery, a medieval monastery in Voroneț, now part of Gura Humorului, is one of southern Bukovina’s famous painted monasteries in Suceava County. Constructed by Stephen the Great in 1488 over 3 months and 3 weeks to commemorate the Battle of Vaslui victory, it is often called the “Sistine Chapel of the East.” The frescoes at Voroneț feature an intense shade of blue known as “Voroneț blue.” Did you know Voronet Monastery was founded by Stephen the Great? Dubbed the “Sistine Chapel of the East,” it attracts thousands of tourists annually, with at least three unique elements making it a highlight of any Moldavia and Bukovina trip. The church’s artwork, both inside and outside, is renowned for its exceptional background color – the famous Voronet blue!

Humor Monastery - To understand religion’s importance to our people, tour Romania and see the numerous houses of worship built and destroyed by enemies throughout history. To protect their spiritual treasures, people built churches away from the world’s eyes, some hidden in woods, others nestled in rock caves at high altitudes. Humor Monastery, built around 500 years ago, is 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 lasting place of worship.

Sucevita Monastery - Sucevita and Voronet are two of Romania’s most beautiful monasteries, part of the international cultural and spiritual heritage, making them essential stops on any trip to Romania and northern Moldavia. Even if you haven’t read the Bible, the biblical scenes and icons painted on Sucevita Monastery’s walls provide stunning visual support for understanding Christianity’s history. The fortified church is like an open book for visitors, and seeing it in person reveals why it is a UNESCO World Heritage cultural landmark.

Moldovita Monastery - For a spiritual journey to a place echoing with fervent prayers from hundreds of thousands of people who found solace here throughout history, visit 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.

Muzeul International al Oualor Lucia Condrea - In the summer of 1993, artist Lucia Condrea opened a museum in Moldovita (Bukovina, Suceava- Romania) bearing her name, unique in Romania and possibly the world, given the artistic value of the exhibits. The museum houses over 5500 exhibits, artistically arranged across two levels in 56 display cases.

1. Bicaz Gorge 2. Nicolae Popa Museum 3. Red Lake - Overnight in Sighisoara

Bicaz Canyon - The gorge, carved by the Bicaz River, connects the Romanian provinces of Moldova and Transylvania. It is a notable location for spotting the wallcreeper, a rare cliff-dwelling bird. The road along the 8 kilometers of ravines, often winding with rock on one side and a sheer drop on the other, is one of the country’s most spectacular drives. Within the gorge is Lacul Roșu (the Red Lake), with traditional cabins, hotels, and its famous lake (at 980m altitude) formed by a 19th-century landslide. Cheile Bicazului is a major rock climbing site in Romania.

Lacu Rosu - Although the Red Lake is a recent formation, its conditions and formation time are much debated. During its formation, the lake area was difficult to access and economically unexplored. According to Franz Herbich, the Red Lake formed in 1838, supported by the January 23, 1838 earthquake, which repeated in February and may have caused a landslide. Another formation year is 1837, argued by violent storms and heavy rains.

The Popa Museum - Located 12 kilometers from Targu Neamt in Tarpesti, Neamt County, the Nicolae Popa Museum is an interesting and notable attraction. Founded in the ‘70s by local sculptor Nicolae Popa in his own home, the museum showcases his work. After being wounded in World War II, imprisoned by communists for opposing the regime, and left with only his house, Nicolae Popa dedicated himself to Romanian values. Through hard work and commitment, driven by a strong artistic inclination, he became one of Romania’s most valued naive sculptors and a true folklore creator.

1. Sighisoara City Tour 2. Viscri Village 3. Brasov City Tour - Overnight in Brasov

Sighisoara Clock Tower - Begin the Sighisoara Old Town tour with a visit to the Clock Tower and Arms museum. To experience life in the Middle Ages, visit Sighisoara, Romania’s medieval town and Count Dracula’s (Vlad the Impaler) birthplace. Built in 1280, the Sighisoara Citadel is not only one of Romania’s most visited tourist attractions but also a living medieval fortress, inhabited for over 700 years, which is quite rare.

Village de Viscri - With a history dating back to the 12th century, Viscri is perhaps Romania’s most famous village. Prince Charles’ visits, its fortified church, and the Mihai Eminescu Trust’s activities have helped this small village reinvent itself in recent years. Its promotion has been so successful that Viscri is now one of Transylvania’s must-see attractions.

Piaka Sfatului - The Council Square (Piața Sfatului in Romanian, former Marktplatz in German, Főtér or Tanács tér in Hungarian) is located in Brașov’s historic center, Romania. It gained market rights in 1520, but has hosted weekly and annual markets since 1364, attracting merchants from near and far. Surrounded by 18th-19th century houses, most of which are historical monuments.

1. Bran Castle 2. Peles Castle 3. Sinaia Monastery - Back to Bucharest

Bran Castle (Dracula’s Castle) - Bran Castle, a blend of myth and history, is widely believed to have inspired Bram Stoker’s fictional portrayal of Dracula’s castle due to its close resemblance. Outside the castle, visitors can sample 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 writing memoirs or want to boast about seeing Europe’s most beautiful castles, the Romanian royal family’s summer residence is a top tourist attraction in Romania and Europe, and you’ll soon understand why. Every year, thousands of notable figures and hundreds of thousands of tourists visit Romania to admire its beauty and, for a few hours, feel like royalty.

Manastirea Sinaia - The Sinaia Monastery, located in Sinaia, Prahova County, Romania, was founded by Prince Mihail Cantacuzino in 1695 and named after Saint Catherine’s Monastery on Mount Sinai in Egypt. As of 2005, it is home to 13 Christian Orthodox monks led by hegumen Macarie Boguș, and is part of the Bucharest archdiocese.

• Exclusive private car (Tourism or Minibus) for your group
• Tailored hotel recommendations to fit your budget
• Private, licensed English-speaking guide/driver throughout the tour
• Complimentary Wi-Fi in the car for a comfortable journey
• Guide’s accommodation, meals, and entrance fees included
• All car expenses covered, including gasoline, parking, and tolls
• Flexible itinerary with the option for changes during the tour

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

This 8-day exploration of Romania promises an adventure like no other. We’ve handpicked a diverse array of experiences that will engage all your senses, from visiting age-old medieval sites to experiencing the untamed beauty of Romania’s lush forests filled with vivid wildflowers and crisp mountain air (depending on the season). The journey doesn’t stop there, we’ve incorporated modern exhibits and the savory tastes of traditional foods, seasoned with local herbs and spices from every medieval town on our itinerary. Expect a good deal of travelling interspersed with amusing tales - it’s the perfect way to dive into the heart of Romania and its people!

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