Enjoy Romania Tour with Daniel - 15 days
Shared tour of Romania led by Rick Steves' tour guide in Transylvania. Group up to 6 persons
Highlights of the tour:
Regions
- Wallachia
- Transylvania
- Maramures
- Bucovina
- Moldova
Cities
- Bucharest
- Sibiu
- Alba Iulia
- Brasov
Major Sights
- Bucharest Old Town
- Transfagarasan Highway
- Corvin Castle
- Turda Gorge
- Merry Cemetery
- Bicaz Gorge
- Red Lake
- Peles Castle
- Bran Castle
UNESCO Attractions
- Horezu Monastery
- Surdesti Wooden Church
- Sucevita Painted Church
- Voronet Painted Church
- Sighisoara
- Biertan fortified church
- Viscri fortified church
- Prejmer fortification
Day 1, Saturday
OTOPENI AIRPORT – BUCHAREST (40min drive)
Arrival in Bucharest. You’ll be transferred to your hotel where you’ll receive more details about your tour. The rest of the day is at your leisure.
Overnight in Bucharest: 4-star hotel
Day 2, Sunday
BUCHAREST TOUR (walking and public transportation tour - about 5 hours)
From your hotel, you’ll be taken to the Romanian Athenaeum — the pride of Bucharest and one of the most beautiful concert halls in Europe. Built in the late 19th century, the Athenaeum is a masterpiece of neoclassical architecture, crowned with a majestic dome and surrounded by Corinthian columns. Inside, its circular hall is adorned with a stunning fresco that tells the story of the Romanian people — from ancient Dacia to modern unification.
Next stop is the square that changed Romania’s destiny. In December 1989, tens of thousands of people gathered in Revolution Square to protest against Nicolae Ceaușescu’s dictatorship. From the balcony of the former Communist Party headquarters — the building you see behind the Memorial of Rebirth — Ceaușescu gave his last speech before fleeing by helicopter. The Revolution that started here ended 45 years of communist rule.
The walking tour continues along Calea Victoriei. It was once the main artery of aristocratic life — lined with palaces, cafés, and theatres. Walking down this boulevard feels like leafing through the pages of old Bucharest, often called “Little Paris.”
Then, you continue with the Old Town of Bucharest. Here, you’ll start with the small church of Stavropoleos. Built in 1724 by a Greek monk, it is one of Bucharest’s treasures. Its courtyard, shaded by vines and surrounded by carved stone columns, feels like stepping into another century.
Furthermore, you’ll enter the lively maze of the Old Town — a mix of history, nightlife, and stories. Here, every cobblestone has witnessed the evolution of Bucharest: from a medieval market to a cosmopolitan capital.
From the old town, you’ll discover the local public transportation network. It’s time to enjoy the largest farmers’ market in Eastern Europe. Here you’ll see how the locals buy fresh vegetables, dairy, and meat products. You’ll find out more about the local cuisine, and you can try the famous “mici”, the skinless sausages Romanians love so much.
The rest of the afternoon is at your leisure.
Accommodation in Bucharest: 4-star hotel
Sights: Revolutiei Square, The Romanian Athenaeum (subject to availability), a walking tour of the old town, farmers' market
Day 3, Monday
BUCHAREST – HOREZU (4h drive)
In the morning, you’ll be picked up from your hotel. Before departing the city of Bucharest, you’ll stop in front of the Romanian Parliament, where you’ll discover the story behind 45 years of communism.
Leave Bucharest in the morning and head off to Horezu. Here you can discover one of the most beautiful monastic places of Romania, a great UNESCO site. The architecture is breathtaking, and the frescoes are very well preserved. It was built in a beautiful area surrounded by a forest. Unfortunately, the founder, Constantin Brancoveanu, had a tragic end, being executed by the Ottomans and his four sons and one son-in-law.
Horezu is the synonym for ceramics in Romania. It is here that you can admire the most beautiful traditional ceramics in Romania. In addition, you’ll get to visit a local potter who will show you the ancient technique of making ceramics (5 euros/person).
In the afternoon, you’ll be in a village known for its 19th-century massive fortified mansions. You’ll be able to visit them and find out more details about the lives of the nobles who built them.
In the end, you’ll enjoy the beauty of a quiet village and gorgeous accommodation, one of the highlights of the tour.
Overnight in a quiet village: traditional mansion, en-suite rooms
Sights: Horezu Monastery (UNESCO), Horezu pottery, Maldaresti fortified mansions
Day 4, Tuesday
HOREZU – SIBIU (5h drive)
Leave the province of Wallachia and cross the Transylvanian Alps into the famous Transylvania. You’ll take the famous Transfagarasan Highway. Built in just four years, the highway is the second-highest road in Romania. The landscape is stunning, and you’ll stop several times for pictures. Once on the top of the mountain, you’ll admire Balea Lake. (Between November 1st and June 30, the route along the Olt Valley will replace the Transfagarasan Highway).
Sibiu, the European Cultural Capital in 2007, is the most beautiful city in Romania. Founded by the Germans about 800 years ago, Sibiu boasts the largest Saxon-like squares in Romania, impressive medieval architecture, quaint passageways, and cobbled streets. We’ll take you to the old center; you’ll roam through its plazas, and you’ll visit the Catholic Church or the Orthodox Cathedral. Next, we’ll show you the old medieval towers, bastions, and walls. Then, we’ll take you to the oldest parts of Sibiu, and you’ll find out much more about the Bridge of Lies. In the end, you’ll climb the Town Hall Tower from where you’ll have a lovely view over the town and beyond.
Overnight in Sibiu: 4-star boutique hotel
Sights: Transfagarasan Highway, Balea Lake, Sibiu walking tour, the Town Hall Tower
Day 5, Wednesday
SIBIU – HUNEDOARA – ALBA IULIA – SIBIU (3h30min drive)
In the first part of the day, we’ll transfer you to Hunedoara for the spookiest buildings of Europe, the Corvin Castle. Built in the 14th century, it became an important stronghold of Transylvania. At this castle, you’ll find out two exciting legends, and you’ll roam the halls of this impressive Gothic castle. But, more than that, you’ll be astonished to discover the actual place where Dracula was imprisoned for several weeks.
After lunch, you’ll get to see the biggest and best-preserved Vauban-like citadel in Romania. Built at the beginning of the 18th century, the stronghold of Alba Iulia has been restored recently to its former glory. Besides the two cathedrals, the Orthodox and the Catholic ones, we’ll show you the intricate gates of the citadel, the 3rd gate being the most impressive. The old Roman castrum and the medieval fortress known as Belgrad are now integrated into the Austrian citadel. Their ruins are part of the tour.
Overnight in Sibiu: 4-star boutique hotel
Sights: Corvin Castle, Alba Iulia
Day 6, Thursday
SIBIU – RURAL TRANSYLVANIA (3h drive)
The morning starts with a detour to discover the hidden mountain villages. Admire the architecture and the landscape, meet the locals, and observe the rural life.
Leave behind the cities and once again enter the forgotten world of the Transylvanian villages, where you’ll discover the beauty of Hungarian rural architecture.
Before dinner, you’ll take a walking tour of a village, an exquisite example of a Hungarian village. The winding dirt roads are flanked by beautiful houses boasting the purity of rural life. Then, continue up to the ruins of a 13th-century fortification and admire the villages surrounded by the Carpathian Mountains.
Overnight in a Transylvanian village: traditional Transylvanian estate
Sights: 13-century ruins, mountain villages
Day 7, Friday
RURAL TRANSYLVANIA – SURDESTI – MARAMURES (4h30min)
The tour of Romania continues with an easy hike in the beautiful Turda Gorge. Admire the wonders of nature as you stroll along the river, which constantly cuts through the mountain, and take in the fresh air.
Passing through the villages of Maramures, you’ll arrive in the town of Surdesti, where you’ll visit the first wooden church on this trip. This UNESCO site boasts the purity of the locals’ faith, outstanding talent for building wooden constructions, and a significant modesty level through its traditional simplicity.
You’ll arrive at your final destination, a traditional guest house located near Sighetu Marmatiei. Finally, you’ll be in time for a fantastic homemade dinner.
Overnight in Maramures: traditional guesthouse, private bathroom
Sights: Turda Gorge, the UNESCO site of Surdesti
Day 8, Saturday
MARAMURES DAY-TOUR (2h)
In the morning, we’ll take you to a local market to see the farmers selling their products. The cheese market is a must. Further on, we’ll change the register dramatically. Finally, we’ll take you to the Memorial of the Anti-communist Victims from Sighetu Marmatiei. Probably, this is a vital museum that a Romanian should visit. This former political prison is the place where you’ll find out many things about the horrors of the communist regime.
Not far away from Sighetu Marmatiei lies the village of Sapanata. In this village, a local carver had the great idea of carving wooden crosses painted in bright colors. Each cross depicts an image of the buried one and more or less funny epitaphs. Don’t miss the cross of the drunker or mother-in-law.
In the afternoon, you’ll roam the roads of your village, and you’ll discover a local distillery producing the famous tuica, a potent plum brandy.
Overnight in Maramures: traditional guesthouse, private bathroom
Sights: the local market, the Memorial, the Merry Cemetery, the Peri Convent, the walking tour in the village
Day 9, Sunday
MARAMURES – BARSANA – BUCOVINA (5h30min)
In the village of Barsana, you’ll visit the Convent of Barsana. Although it has a long history, the present monastic complex is a new building built in 1992. The convent is not just another religious place but a fine testimony of the wooden constructions from Maramures. Add to all these a fantastic garden and an incredible rural landscape.
It’s time to enter Bucovina, the historical region known for the painted churches, the gentle slopes of the Carpathian Mountains, and great food. Bucovina is also known for its painted eggs. A symbol of Romanian tradition and artistry, the painted eggs of Bucovina are famous for their intricate designs and vibrant colors. Each egg is a miniature masterpiece, decorated by hand using beeswax and natural dyes, following techniques passed down through generations. The motifs—geometric, floral, or religious—carry deep symbolic meanings, celebrating life, faith, and renewal. That’s why you’ll visit a private museum exhibiting thousands of eggs (subject to availability).
Driving through the gentle hills of Bucovina, you’ll reach Sucevita. Here you’ll admire the largest and most impressive painted church. Sucevita was the last to be painted. At that time, the artists had learned how to obtain everlasting pigments. Therefore, Sucevita boasts the best-preserved frescoes, such as “The Ladder of Virtues.”
Before the final destination, you’ll have the last stop in Marginea, the center of black ceramic in Romania. It is here that you can visit the artists’ workshop, and you can admire their works.
Overnight in Bucovina – superior guesthouse/boutique hotel
Sights: Barsana Convent, the Museum of the Painted Eggs (subject to availability), the painted monastery of Sucevita (UNESCO)
Day 10, Monday
BUCOVINA – VORONET – BICAZ – SAXON VILLAGE (6h drive)
Today, the journey is long but impressive.
Voronet Convent is the first attraction of the day. Erected in 1488, Voronet Monastery represented one of the first Moldavian creative elements showing a distinctive style. The church is a combination of Byzantine, Gothic, and local elements. The exterior painting on the western wall depicts, on five registers, the Last Judgement scene, unique in the whole world. The Voronet Monastery entered the universal cultural heritage for having in the composition of the paintings the inimitable “Voronet blue.”
You will leave behind Bucovina, entering again into Transylvania. It is here that you’ll be astonished by the wonders of nature. The Bicaz Gorge and Red Lake are among the most well-known landmarks of Romania.
You’ll stay in a traditional Saxon house, nicely renovated.
Accommodation in a Transylvanian village: superior estate
Sights: the Voronet painted church (UNESCO), Bicaz Gorge, the Red Lake
Day 11, Tuesday
SIGHISOARA - BIERTAN (2h drive)
The tour of Romania continues with Biertan, another attraction part of the World Heritage. Built by the local German colonists, Biertan boasts one of the most beautiful fortified churches in Romania. It is here that you can find out more about the matrimonial prison, funny frescoes, and impressive doors.
It’s time to discover Sighisoara, one of the best-preserved medieval German towns in Transylvania. With a history of 1000 years, Sighisoara, a UNESCO site, boasts medieval towers, churches built on hills, old houses, and quaint cobblestone streets. You’ll roam the citadel, and you’ll visit the Clock Tower, from where you can have a great view of the citadel.
In the afternoon, you’ll enjoy a stroll through the Saxon villages and then another great homemade dinner.
Accommodation in a Transylvanian village: superior estate
Sights: Sighisoara medieval town (UNESCO), Biertan fortified church (UNESCO), stroll in a Saxon village
Day 12, Wednesday
VISCRI - SZEKELYLAND - BRASOV (4h drive)
Viscri, a stunning UNESCO site, is the first visit of the day. The fortified church, one of the oldest in Transylvania, is located in an idyllic village that made even Prince Charles of Great Britain purchase an old traditional house. Admire the architecture of the local houses and visit the old fortified church. If you are brave enough, you can climb the steep ladders of the main tower and admire the rural landscape.
One of the best-preserved rural areas in Romania is the one where the Hungarian minority lives. It is known as the Szekely Land or Szeklerland. We will show you the life and the traditions of the Hungarians from Romania.
It’s time for a beautiful walk in the forest along a small river. Enjoy the wonders of nature, the remote hiking trails, and the clean air.
The tour of Romania continues with a visit to a wooden watermill, more than 150 years old. Even today, the locals come here for their wheat flour. Meet the owner of the watermill and see how this old machinery still works (5 euros/person).
In the afternoon, you will reach the medieval town of Brasov, where you will spend the next two nights.
Accommodation in Brasov: 4-star boutique hotel
Sights: Viscri village, Viscri fortified church (UNESCO), easy hike in a local gorge, local watermill, Hungarian villages
Day 13, Thursday
BRASOV - CARPATHIAN VILLAGES - BRAN - BRASOV (2h drive)
After breakfast, you will depart for Bran Castle. On the way, you’ll take a detour to the Zarnesti Gorge. A spectacular limestone canyon, it offers one of the most dramatic landscapes in the Carpathians. The narrow passage, with cliffs rising over 200 meters high, follows a gentle trail along a stream — perfect for hiking, photography, or simply enjoying the silence of nature. The gorge is also home to rare flora and fauna, including chamois and eagles.
Finally, you will visit the famous Bran Castle, also known as Dracula’s castle. It was a safeguard castle for the trade route that connected Transylvania and Wallachia; it was built by the people of Brașov between 1377 – 1378. It represents for many tourists the dark residence of Prince Dracula, a fictional hero in the famous British Bram Stoker. In reality, Bran Castle is connected to Queen Marie of Romania. Her story is equally attractive to that of Dracula, if not more interesting.
In the afternoon, you will enjoy a short walking tour of the old town of Brasov. You’ll admire the beautiful buildings like the Black Church, which is built in Gothic style. Also, you will see the narrowest street in Romania, Rope Street, Schei, and Catherine’s Gates, St. Nicholas Church, and the old Schei neighborhood.
Accommodation in Brasov: 4-star boutique hotel
Sights: easy hike in the Carpathian Mountains, Bran Castle, Brasov walking tour, the Black Church
Day 14, Friday
BRASOV - PREJMER - SINAIA - BUCHAREST (4h drive)
The Prejmer Fortress is the next visit and the last fortified church of the tour. It is one of the most impressive fortified churches in Transylvania and a UNESCO World Heritage Site. Built by the Teutonic Knights in the early 13th century and later expanded by the Saxon settlers, it boasts a Gothic style, modeled after churches from the Rhineland, with a powerful structure that reflects both religious and defensive purposes. Surrounding it are massive fortifications, with walls up to 12 meters high and 3–4 meters thick, making Prejmer one of the strongest medieval defensive constructions in Eastern Europe. Inside the walls, more than 270 rooms were built, stacked on several levels, serving as storage spaces and shelters for villagers during sieges. The fortress was attacked many times by Tatars, Ottomans, and other invaders, yet it was captured only once in its long history.
After a scenic drive, you will leave Transylvania, and you will stop in Sinaia to visit the most beautiful castle in Romania – Peles Castle.
The Peles Castle, built in two stages between 1875 and 1914, was the summer residence of King Carol I and his wife, Queen Elizabeth. You’ll visit the ground floor, where you’ll be astonished by the overwhelming interiors, unique stained-glass windows, and paintings, some of them made by famous artists such as Gustav Klimt.
In the evening, you’ll reach Bucharest.
Accommodation in Bucharest: 4-star hotel.
Sights: Prejmer fortification (UNESCO), Peles Castle
Day 15, Saturday
BUCHAREST – OTOPENI AIRPORT (40min drive)
You’ll be transferred to the airport according to your flight schedule.
End of the tour
Price
€4394/person
Single Supplement: €540
Book for 3 people and get a discount of 10%
Book for 4 or more people and get a discount of 15%
Included:
- Airport pick-up and drop-off
- Transport by a modern car
- Accommodation according to the program
- Breakfast each morning
- Two homemade dinners in Maramures
- Two homemade dinners in the Saxon village
- Licensed English-speaking tour guide/driver
- Entrance fees to sites included in the program, except for the artisans
- All taxes, parking fees, VAT
Not Included:
- Flight ticket
- Hotel extras (telephone, mini bar, etc.)
- Drinks (other than water)
- Other meals than those listed
- Entrance fees for the artisans (the pooter, the miller)
- Photographing or filming fees at the visited sites, if requested
- Tips
- Travel insurance
- Personal expenses
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