You already know that Romania is a country still steeped in tradition, and the place where the legend of Count Dracula was born.
The fictional character that has inspired so many movies and myths was actually based on a 15th-century ruler named Vlad the Impaler, which is fitting, given that Romania still feels positively medieval in a very good way. Steeped in tradition, even in the streets of the capital Bucharest cars travel alongside horse and carts. It’s been a long haul for the Eastern European country too—with Roman Empire roots, and after 40 years of USSR domination until it won independence in 1989 in a dramatic overthrow of its (truly vile) communist leader.
Bucharest’s historic center underwent a dramatic revitalization over the last decade, and its tourist infrastructure is on the rise even as it remains a very affordable destination. History, culture, dramatic mountains, medieval towns and fairytale castles are all on offer as you road trip across this ancient land.
This/feature photo: Peleș Castle, Romania. (Marius Gatea/iStock)
Itinerary Overview
- Day 1 Arrive in Bucharest and meet your group and local leader. Bucharest is Romania’s largest city and became the capital in 1832, and thanks to a period of urban renewal and modernization, it’s now a bustling center of Romanian culture, arts and media.
Day 2 Walking tour of Bucharest; chance to visit the Palace of Parliament
Day 3 Discover Peles and Bran Castles and stay in rural Transylvania
Day 4 Visit the Libearty Sanctuary, Brasov and the Saxon village of Viscri
Day 5 Explore Sighisoara and Alba Iulia Citadel; arrive in the Apuseni Natural Park
Day 6 Free day in Apuseni Natural Park to relax, hike or bike
Day 7 Walking tour of Cluj-Napoca; option to visit the Botanical Gardens
Day 8 Trip ends after breakfast at our hotel in Cluj-Napoca
Trip Highlights
- Medieval architecture: wander through the cobbled lanes of Sighisoara and discover the Alba Iulia Citadel
- Bears: see the great work being done to protect Romania’s brown bears at the Libearty Bear Sanctuary
- Transylvania: delve beneath the Dracula myths at Castle Bran, and marvel at the exquisite Peles Castle
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Phone: 888.216.3401
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SM: FB, Twitter, IG
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Length: 8 days/several departs.
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Accommodations: hotels, guesthouse
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Price: must verify current pricing.
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Difficulty: Easy to moderate (with some walking tour)
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Note: Group size 10-16 people. Operators says itineraries on some departs may differ; select the itinerary that you wish to explore.
Highlights of Romania | EXPLORE!
Trip description/details from operator. To learn more about this trip or to book it now, click here.
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