20 days
Duration
Black Sea Coast, Bucharest, Bucovina, Danube Delta, Maramures, Transylvania, Wallachia
Regions
Cultural Tour, Long Tour, Private Cruise, Private Tour
Tour Type
- Accommodation
- Attractions
- Danube Delta
- Exclusive Tour
- Fortified Churches
- Holiday in Bucovina
- Holiday in Maramures
- Holiday in Transylvania
- Holiday to Romania
- Long Tour
- Meals included
- Medieval Castles
- Medieval Cities
- Medieval Fortresses
- Mountains
- Painted Monasteries
- Private Tour
- Salt Mines
- Saxon Villages
- Tours in Bucovina
- Tours in Maramures
- Tours in Moldavia
- Tours in Romania
- Tours in Transylvania
- Traditional Food
- Traditional Villages
- UNESCO World Heritage Sites
- Wildlife
- Wooden Churches
THE BEST WAY TO DISCOVER THE ROMANIAN HISTORY AND TRADITIONS IN 20 DAYS
The Long Romania Tour is the most complex tour that is designed to give you a private experience about Romanian history, people, taste and untouched landscapes. You will discover the fantastic sites and monuments from Romania in this 20-day tour into the famous land of Transylvania, the land of still living traditions in Maramures, the holy land of Bucovina, the unique biodiversity of Danube Delta and the vibrant Bucharest, the capital of Romania.
You will explore 13 UNESCO World Heritage sites in all five main historical regions of Romania where we will meet seven local artist workshops who are keeping the traditions alive. Experience the delightful cuisine in the homes of the local people and sleep in memorable locations right in the heart of the medieval towns and villages. Book this Long Romania Tour for the best experience in Romania and for taking your holiday to the next level!
The tour can be personalised according to your time and points of interest.
Itinerary: Bucharest City Tour – the Black Sea Coast – Histria Fortress – Danube Delta Private Cruise – Iasi – Neamt Citadel – Bucovina Exterior Painted Monasteries – Bistrita Walking Tour – Wooden Churches of Maramures – Steam Train Trip – Maramures Region Highlights & Folklore Show – Turda Salt Mine – Cluj-Napoca – Oradea & Felix Thermal Baths – Bears Cave – Timisoara City Tour – Danube Gorges Private Cruise – Sculptural Ensemble of Constantin Brancusi at Targu Jiu – Greceanu Fortified Mansion – Monastery of Horezu – Sibiu Walking Tour – Alba Iulia – Corvin Castle – Ancient Gold Mines with the Romans Galleries – Gold Museum – Exclusive Gypsy Home Visit – Historic Center of Sighisoara – Saxon Villages with Fortified Churches in Transylvania – Brasov Walking Tour – Sinca Secular Forest – Peles and Bran Castles
| DEPARTURE/RETURN | Bucharest |
| TRANSPORTATION | Fully insured sedan/minivan with climate control |
| TOURIST GUIDE | Certified English-Speaker Tourist Guide (speakers of other languages at request) |
| 13 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 5 on the Tentative List | Danube Delta (Danube Delta Biosphere Reserve) Surdesti Wooden Church (Maramures Wooden Churches) Budesti Wooden Church (Maramures Wooden Churches) Barsana Wooden Church (Maramures Wooden Churches) Ieud Wooden Church (Maramures Wooden Churches) Voronet Monastery (Bucovina Exterior Painted Monasteries) Moldovita Monastery (Bucovina Exterior Painted Monasteries) Sucevita Monastery (Bucovina Exterior Painted Monasteries) Historic Center of Sighisoara Saschiz Fortified Church (Villages with Fortified Church in Transylvania) Viscri Fortified Church (Villages with Fortified Church in Transylvania) Sinca Secular Forest (Primeval Beech Forests of the Carpathians and Other Regions of Europe) Monastery of Horezu Historic Centre of Sibiu and its Ensemble of Squares (Tentative List for UNESCO World Heritage Sites) Historic Town of Alba Iulia (Tentative List for UNESCO World Heritage Sites) Ancient Gold Mines with the Romans Galleries (Tentative List for UNESCO World Heritage Sites) Greceanu Fortified Mansion – Cula (Tentative List for UNESCO World Heritage Sites) Sculptural Ensemble of Constantin Brancusi at Targu Jiu (Tentative List for UNESCO World Heritage Sites) |
TOUR HIGHLIGHTS AND UNIQUE CULTURAL CONNECTIONS
- Benefit of complete flexibility of having the tour tailored on your requirements, in terms of the route, the duration and the features of the tour;
- No more than two days in the same location;
- Enhance your experience through our choices of tours to match your particular interests and traveling style;
- Visit through our exclusively designed tours and cultural connections in Transylvania, Maramures, Bucovina and Dobrogea no less than 13 UNESCO World Heritage Sites and 5 on the Tentative List;
- Enjoy the exceptional knowledge and expertise of Romania’s top rated licensed tourist guide with excellent reviews;
- Take the unique chance of meeting Gypsies in their own community in Transylvania and discover their particular culture and see what good skills they have at crafts;
- Enjoy traditional Romanian delight specialities from all five big regions, authentic local dining in our traditional homes in Maramures, Transylvania and Wallachia and taste traditional Bucovina and Danube Delta lunch;
- Meet local people in traditional markets and in a real home in Maramures;
- Discover the daily life, self-sufficiency and sustainability in the remote Saxon villages of Transylvania, Maramures and Wallachia;
- Meet & interact with locals in all home hosted experiences and local markets on our authentic cultural connections;
- Enjoy 14 nights of accommodation at full of character, centrally located buildings, as well as five superb local homes in Maramures, Wallachia and Transylvania;
- Enjoy two thermal resorts where you can use all the facilities of the swimming pools and the saunas;
- Meet local artists such as a woodcarver, an icon designer, an egg painter, a blacksmith, a brick maker, a potter and a ceramic artist in their workshops and learn about the traditional arts & crafts;
- Feel the countryside living in the trip with the horse cart and the home-made dinners;
- Make the most of your tour experience through our exclusively designed tours with all admissions included and not just only guided walks;
- Discover the capital city of Bucharest, on a comprehensive city tour including the guided tour in the Palace of the Parliament and in the former private residence of the Ceausescu family;
- During your trekking in the Secular Forest, you will see all the wildness and the nature part of a virgin forest;
- During your private boat trip, you will have the opportunity to see and experience the nature wilderness of the Danube Delta.
| DEPARTURE/RETURN | Bucharest (it can be changed at your request) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| TRANSPORTATION | Fully insured sedan/minivan with climate control | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| TOURIST GUIDE | Certified English-Speaker Tourist Guide (speakers of other languages at request) | ||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||||
| INCLUDED |
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| NOT INCLUDED |
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1
Day 1: Bucharest Arrival
At your arrival to Henri Coanda International Airport in Bucharest you will be greeted by your certified English-speaking tourist guide. You will be transfer to your 4* hotel located in the city center with a short orientation tour. The rest of the day will be at your leisure.
***Optional: You can choose a traditional Romanian Welcome Dinner with Folklore Show
***Optional: You can choose a traditional Romanian Welcome Dinner with Folklore Show
2
Day 2: Bucharest City Tour with Parliament Palace and Ceausescu Residence & 80s Apartment – Black Sea Coast Beach
After the breakfast in the hotel, we will start the Long Romania tour with the visit of capital city of Romania. The day starts with the visit the world’s largest, heaviest and most expensive administrative building, the Palace of Parliament. Between the two communist landmarks, we will have a panoramic tour of the city with Victory Square and Avenue, Royal Palace and Revolution Square and a short stop at the Romanian Athenaeum. Next, we will attend a visit to the former residence of Ceausescu family, the last communist leader of the Socialist Republic of Romania. In contradistinction with the Ceausescu former residence we will have an incursion back in time, in the communist time, where you will have the opportunity to experience life in the 80’s with the help of authentic decor and furniture, working appliances and household accessories, local drinks and homemade snacks and historical and archive footage.
From Bucharest, we will drive east to Constanta, the main sea port of Romania and one of the largest seaport on the Black Sea. On the way, you will admire the Anghel Saligny Bridge, inaugurated by King Carol I in 1895.
Later in the afternoon, we will reach the Black Sea Coast where you have the choice to relax on the Romanians beaches or to visit the landmarks of the ancient city of Callatis, your guide will tell you more.
Arrive at your hotel located near the beach. The rest of the evening will be at your leisure.
From Bucharest, we will drive east to Constanta, the main sea port of Romania and one of the largest seaport on the Black Sea. On the way, you will admire the Anghel Saligny Bridge, inaugurated by King Carol I in 1895.
Later in the afternoon, we will reach the Black Sea Coast where you have the choice to relax on the Romanians beaches or to visit the landmarks of the ancient city of Callatis, your guide will tell you more.
Arrive at your hotel located near the beach. The rest of the evening will be at your leisure.
3
Day 3: Constanta Walking Tour – Histria Fortress – Enisala Citadel – Tulcea
The morning will start with the tour of the city, one of the largest cities of Romania and by far the oldest, established in the 4th century BC as a Greek colony, you will take a walking tour to the Secession style Casino and the Genoese Lighthouse. Later you will admire the monument of Ovidius (Ovid), the National Museum of Archaeology, where you will see the fabulous Glykon Serpent and the wonderfully restored Roman Mosaic – one of the largest in this part of Europe.
In the afternoon drive to Mamaia – Romania’s largest sea resort, established by King Carol I of Romania in the second half of the 19th century and then continue north to the ruins of the ancient town of Histria and Enisala Citadel. In the evening, arrive to Tulcea located at the entrance in the Danube Delta.
The evening and the dinner on your own. A suggestion is Ivan Pescar – Fish Bar.
In the afternoon drive to Mamaia – Romania’s largest sea resort, established by King Carol I of Romania in the second half of the 19th century and then continue north to the ruins of the ancient town of Histria and Enisala Citadel. In the evening, arrive to Tulcea located at the entrance in the Danube Delta.
The evening and the dinner on your own. A suggestion is Ivan Pescar – Fish Bar.
4
Day 4: Danube Delta Private Cruise with Lunch – Galati Ferry – Iasi
After the early breakfast, you will explore, in your private boat the youngest territory in the world, the Danube Delta started to form just 10,000 years ago and is still in the process of formation. On your exclusively cruise you will have the chance to admire the Danube scenic beauty and wildlife – it is known as the birdwatchers paradise, so simply relax while browsing through the narrow channels. A fauna specialist tour guide and skipper, who knows all the channels, will lead your tour. A great opportunity for you to watch birds and to admire nature. The Delta cuisine is certain to provide an interesting lunch experience, the lunch will be served on the ship.
Depart to Bucovina region crossing the Danube on the ferry at Galati. Arrive at the 4* hotel after a panoramic tour of the city. Dinner on your own.
***Optional: Three day Republic of Moldavia Extension with Tiraspol Tour (requires three extra days)
Depart to Bucovina region crossing the Danube on the ferry at Galati. Arrive at the 4* hotel after a panoramic tour of the city. Dinner on your own.
***Optional: Three day Republic of Moldavia Extension with Tiraspol Tour (requires three extra days)
5
Day 5: Iasi Walking Tour – Neamt Citadel – Suceava Residence Citadel
After the breakfast, we will have a walking tour in the former capital of Romania during the last two years of the First World War when the Royal family and the Government moved in Iasi. The tour will reveal some of the most impressive monuments in Romania like the first theatre or the Palace of Culture. We will visit the Metropolitan Cathedral, the Church of Three Hierarchs and Golia Monastery, three of the most important churches in Iasi, a city renowned for its religious edifices. Next is the University of Iasi, a major monument built in the last years of the 19th century. Here we will see the Hall of the Lost Steps that hosts an ample contemporary art gallery with 19 large frescoes signed by Sabin Balasa, one of the most famous Romanian painters of the 20th century. The visit also includes the Library of the University, one of the most beautiful in Europe.
Next, the day will continue with a drive to Neamt Citadel where you will have a guided tour inside the Moldavian 12th century medieval citadel.
In the evening, we will reach Suceava’s Residence Citadel, built in 1388. It is one of the few citadels that was never conquered in fights, even facing some dreadful sieges and battles with Sobieski’s Polish and with the Turkish led by Mahomed II, Constantinople’s conqueror the citadel was conquered only by treason.
After arriving at the hotel located in the city center the rest of the day will be at your leisure.
Next, the day will continue with a drive to Neamt Citadel where you will have a guided tour inside the Moldavian 12th century medieval citadel.
In the evening, we will reach Suceava’s Residence Citadel, built in 1388. It is one of the few citadels that was never conquered in fights, even facing some dreadful sieges and battles with Sobieski’s Polish and with the Turkish led by Mahomed II, Constantinople’s conqueror the citadel was conquered only by treason.
After arriving at the hotel located in the city center the rest of the day will be at your leisure.
6
Day 6: Bucovina Painted Monasteries (UNESCO World Heritage Sites) & Traditional Lunch – Black Pottery Workshop
We will start our day after the hotel breakfast with the Folk Traditions Museum of Bucovina, where we will see all the typical Bucovina household arrangement and traditional costumes for different moments of their life and main celebrations throughout the year. These traditions stretch back to pre-Christian times and are unique to the region. An authentic view into the local culture and a perfect start of your fascinating day with the visit to the unique 15th – 16th century Painted Monasteries of Bucovina: “The big four” – the Voronet Painted Monastery, the Moldovita Painted Monastery, the Sucevita Painted Monastery and the Humor Painted Monastery; all of them listed as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The first is Voronet Painted Monastery, the most famous out of all, known as the “Sistine Chapel of the Orient” and featuring one the best Last Judgment fresco in this part of the world. Here the Voronet Blue is consider by the specialists to be unique in the world, and as known as Rubes red or the Veronese green.
Next is Moldovita Painted Monastery with it’s towers on the both corners of the facade and a powerful tower for the gate. At the lunch, enjoy a traditional Bucovina lunch in the picturesque village of Sucevita. Later continue to the nearby Sucevita Painted Monastery, which is the largest of all, looking more like a mighty fortress than a monastery. Inside, the Virtues Ladder is considered one of the best of the frescoes from Bucovina, being the most impressive by its amplitude and the contrast between angles and hell’s chaos.
Next, we will visit the workshop of black pottery, the historians date the beginning of pottery here in 1500, they use a technique called “oxygen reduction”, and same technique is use in Mexico only. The last monastery is Humor Painted Monastery, the only one without a belfry tower.
Early evening arrive at the hotel.
Next is Moldovita Painted Monastery with it’s towers on the both corners of the facade and a powerful tower for the gate. At the lunch, enjoy a traditional Bucovina lunch in the picturesque village of Sucevita. Later continue to the nearby Sucevita Painted Monastery, which is the largest of all, looking more like a mighty fortress than a monastery. Inside, the Virtues Ladder is considered one of the best of the frescoes from Bucovina, being the most impressive by its amplitude and the contrast between angles and hell’s chaos.
Next, we will visit the workshop of black pottery, the historians date the beginning of pottery here in 1500, they use a technique called “oxygen reduction”, and same technique is use in Mexico only. The last monastery is Humor Painted Monastery, the only one without a belfry tower.
Early evening arrive at the hotel.
7
Day 7: Egg Painting Workshop – Bistrita Walking Tour – Borgo Pass – Woman Museum – Ieud Wooden Church (UNESCO World Heritage Site) – Home Hosted Dinner in Maramures
After the breakfast, we will visit an egg-painter artist and we will learn more about this tradition, this being one of the ancient local traditions of the Bucovina region. You will also have the chance to admire painted eggs from all over the world.
Next, we continue our Long Romania Tour driving west towards the border of Transylvania, Bistrita, one of the seven fortified cities built by the Saxons. We take a short break in order to visit the city center where we can see the church with the tallest tower in Transylvania, the Coopers Tower, the Silversmith’s House, the Great Square, the Union Square and the Orthodox Church. Bistrita is the town mentioned by the Irish writer Bram Stoker in his novel – Dracula, as the place where Jonathan Harker had spent the night before going to the count’s castle, at the Golden Crown Hotel. After the tour remake Harker’s road to the castle and arrive on Borgo Pass, the place where the imaginary Dracula’s castle was been mentioned.
Next, we head to the splendid and remote region of Maramures (The Land of Wood). Due to the relative isolation of their land, the people of Maramures developed a particularly strong community with a unique personality, traditions, culture and lifestyle unspoiled for centuries.
In the village of Dragomiresti we will visit the unique local museum located in a 300-year old home. Visit Ieud on the Hill wooden church (UNESCO World Heritage Site), here in the attic of the church, an important discovery was made: the Codex of Ieud, a document dating from 1391, which is generally considered to be the oldest example of written Romanian language.
You will be accommodate in a guesthouse located in the Upper Viseu village area in a double room with home-made dinner and breakfast included.
Next, we continue our Long Romania Tour driving west towards the border of Transylvania, Bistrita, one of the seven fortified cities built by the Saxons. We take a short break in order to visit the city center where we can see the church with the tallest tower in Transylvania, the Coopers Tower, the Silversmith’s House, the Great Square, the Union Square and the Orthodox Church. Bistrita is the town mentioned by the Irish writer Bram Stoker in his novel – Dracula, as the place where Jonathan Harker had spent the night before going to the count’s castle, at the Golden Crown Hotel. After the tour remake Harker’s road to the castle and arrive on Borgo Pass, the place where the imaginary Dracula’s castle was been mentioned.
Next, we head to the splendid and remote region of Maramures (The Land of Wood). Due to the relative isolation of their land, the people of Maramures developed a particularly strong community with a unique personality, traditions, culture and lifestyle unspoiled for centuries.
In the village of Dragomiresti we will visit the unique local museum located in a 300-year old home. Visit Ieud on the Hill wooden church (UNESCO World Heritage Site), here in the attic of the church, an important discovery was made: the Codex of Ieud, a document dating from 1391, which is generally considered to be the oldest example of written Romanian language.
You will be accommodate in a guesthouse located in the Upper Viseu village area in a double room with home-made dinner and breakfast included.
8
Day 8: Steam Train Trip with Picnic Lunch – Barsana Wooden Church (UNESCO World Heritage Site) – Home Hosted Dinner in Maramures
In the morning you will go for an amazing adventure, you will have a half day ride on the narrow gauge railway with a steam powered train engine. This train is known as “Mocanița” loved by both the tourists and the rail enthusiasts. For 6 hours during this trip, you will enjoy the beauty and the wilderness of the northern Romanian Carpathian Mountains. On the trip you will have a picnic break.
Next, we continue our Long Romania Tour along the picturesque Iza River Valley – an excellent opportunity to witness daily life in this corner of Romania. First, we will stop to visit is the exquisite Barsana Monastery, an example of Maramures wooden church architecture at its best, in Barsana village, where you will visit a famous master carver in his own workshop too. He represented Romania at the 1999 Smithsonian World Folk Festival in Washington, DC, famous for the wonderfully carved wooden gates. Next is another wooden church that is in UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Barsana Wooden Church.
Now it is the time to understand the dowry traditions and to admire wonderfully carved wooden gates of Maramures. Accommodation is in a private house in a Maramures village. The dinner and the traditional home-made plum brandy is included so that the people will faster get deeper into the local culture.
Next, we continue our Long Romania Tour along the picturesque Iza River Valley – an excellent opportunity to witness daily life in this corner of Romania. First, we will stop to visit is the exquisite Barsana Monastery, an example of Maramures wooden church architecture at its best, in Barsana village, where you will visit a famous master carver in his own workshop too. He represented Romania at the 1999 Smithsonian World Folk Festival in Washington, DC, famous for the wonderfully carved wooden gates. Next is another wooden church that is in UNESCO World Heritage Sites, the Barsana Wooden Church.
Now it is the time to understand the dowry traditions and to admire wonderfully carved wooden gates of Maramures. Accommodation is in a private house in a Maramures village. The dinner and the traditional home-made plum brandy is included so that the people will faster get deeper into the local culture.
9
Day 9: Exclusive Walking Tour – Sighetu Marmatiei – Communism Memorial – Sapanta Merry Cemetery – Dinner with Folklore Show
After breakfast, you will have an exclusive walking tour of the village including an icon-glass workshop – where you will learn about the technique too, the local traditional plum brandy distillery and a natural whirlpool still used by the local women to wash the carpets and the blankets. The next visit to improve the cultural connection is the colourful fruit and vegetable market in the town’s open-air market. After this, we will visit the Memorial of the Victims of Communism and of the Resistance, which is a former political prison in the communist times. Alongside Auschwitz-Birkenau Memorial and Battle of Normandy Memorial, this is one of the main memorial sites of Europe.
Next is the house of Nobel Prize Winner, Elie Wiesel who was born in this Romanian town. Continue west reaching the village of Sapanta, with the world famous Merry Cemetery. Here each wood cross carries a funny epitaph about the person’s life. Before returning to the village, take a view of what is the tallest wooden structure in the world in this moment, Sapanta Peri monastery. In the evening enjoy the home hosted dinner with an exclusively organized Maramures folklore show at the accommodation place.
***Optional: Three-hour trip in Ukraine, to Solotvina and Nyzhnya Apsha
Next is the house of Nobel Prize Winner, Elie Wiesel who was born in this Romanian town. Continue west reaching the village of Sapanta, with the world famous Merry Cemetery. Here each wood cross carries a funny epitaph about the person’s life. Before returning to the village, take a view of what is the tallest wooden structure in the world in this moment, Sapanta Peri monastery. In the evening enjoy the home hosted dinner with an exclusively organized Maramures folklore show at the accommodation place.
***Optional: Three-hour trip in Ukraine, to Solotvina and Nyzhnya Apsha
10
Day 10: Surdesti & Budesti Wooden Churches (UNESCO World Heritage Sites) – Organic Smoked Bacon Tasting with Home-made Lunch – Turda Salt Mine – Cluj-Napoca
After the breakfast, we continue our Long Romania Tour with two UNESCO World Heritage Sites, first Budesti Wooden Church, finished in 1643 and having the tower built in Gothic style, unique for Maramures architecture, next one is the early 1766’s Church of Surdesti, the tallest oldest wooden structure in Europe. This is a good opportunity to learn about the Greek Catholics. After this two visits you will drive south and have a stop in a traditional 20th century village where you will have the chance to taste home-made smoked bacon and cheese and see how to smoked bacon is made. Besides the tasting, you will have a home-made lunch served here.
Next, the tour continues with a very different kind of tourist attraction. The salt mine of Turda, which is an outstanding landmark on the map of the Romanian. The first excavations here date back to the 13th century (one of the oldest salt mines in the world) and after 1932, this huge underground space was used as a bomb shelter during WWII and even as a cheese storage centre. In 2012, Turda Salt Mine was very close to becoming the Batcave for Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises.
Late afternoon arrival in Cluj Napoca city, the capital of Transylvania in the 18th and 19th century, today an important university center. Take an orientation tour before arriving at the hotel.
Next, the tour continues with a very different kind of tourist attraction. The salt mine of Turda, which is an outstanding landmark on the map of the Romanian. The first excavations here date back to the 13th century (one of the oldest salt mines in the world) and after 1932, this huge underground space was used as a bomb shelter during WWII and even as a cheese storage centre. In 2012, Turda Salt Mine was very close to becoming the Batcave for Christopher Nolan’s The Dark Knight Rises.
Late afternoon arrival in Cluj Napoca city, the capital of Transylvania in the 18th and 19th century, today an important university center. Take an orientation tour before arriving at the hotel.
11
Day 11: Cluj-Napoca Walking Tour – Oradea Walking Tour – Felix Thermal Baths & Spa with Dinner
Breakfast at the hotel. In the morning, take a city tour of Cluj Napoca with the main landmarks such as the Hellmer & Felner Opera House, the Gothic St. Michael’s Church, the City Hall and the birth house of Mathias Corvin.
Next we will visit the center of Oradea, the visit will lead you through the charm of Art Nouveau architecture style, Cathedrals and pedestrians areas. Landmarks of this visit will be the old fortress, the Fuchsl Palace and the Moon Church, built in the XVIIIth century.
The rest of the day will be a break at Felix Thermal Resort, a resort that host many mineral thermal springs thermal (20-48°C), sulphuric, calcic, sodic, rich in bicarbonate waters known since the beginning of the millennium. Here we will enjoy half-day of relaxation at swimming pools and saunas. So, do not forget your swimming suit for this day.
The dinner will be served at the hotel.
Next we will visit the center of Oradea, the visit will lead you through the charm of Art Nouveau architecture style, Cathedrals and pedestrians areas. Landmarks of this visit will be the old fortress, the Fuchsl Palace and the Moon Church, built in the XVIIIth century.
The rest of the day will be a break at Felix Thermal Resort, a resort that host many mineral thermal springs thermal (20-48°C), sulphuric, calcic, sodic, rich in bicarbonate waters known since the beginning of the millennium. Here we will enjoy half-day of relaxation at swimming pools and saunas. So, do not forget your swimming suit for this day.
The dinner will be served at the hotel.
12
Day 12: Bears Cave – Arad – Timisoara Walking Tour
Leaving Felix Thermal Resort, our trip continue to the amazing Bear’s Cave. The cave is name because the skeletons of some very old species of bear that were found here. These large animals where here more than 15.000 years ago.
Next, we make a short stop in Arad, which is a modern-built city and contains many charming private and public buildings. Its origins came from the 11th century and it had a great economic development in 19th century. The center of the city is an attractive, large boulevard from the 19th century with prestigious buildings, a theatre, the Orthodox Church, the Catholic cathedral and the town hall built in the Neo-renaissance style.
Later in the afternoon, we arrive in “Little Vienna”, Timisoara with his 900-year old history. Being a very long time in the Habsburg Empire, the entire city center consists of buildings built in the Kaiser era, which is reminiscent of the old Vienna. It was the first European city lit by electric street lamps in 1884. It was also the second European and the first city in what is now Romania with horse drawn trams in 1867. In December 1989 here is where the Revolution against communists started. You will walk around the famous Revolution Square, Union Square, the Serbian and the Catholic Church, and the Plague Column.
After arriving at the hotel located in the city center the rest of the day will be at your leisure.
Next, we make a short stop in Arad, which is a modern-built city and contains many charming private and public buildings. Its origins came from the 11th century and it had a great economic development in 19th century. The center of the city is an attractive, large boulevard from the 19th century with prestigious buildings, a theatre, the Orthodox Church, the Catholic cathedral and the town hall built in the Neo-renaissance style.
Later in the afternoon, we arrive in “Little Vienna”, Timisoara with his 900-year old history. Being a very long time in the Habsburg Empire, the entire city center consists of buildings built in the Kaiser era, which is reminiscent of the old Vienna. It was the first European city lit by electric street lamps in 1884. It was also the second European and the first city in what is now Romania with horse drawn trams in 1867. In December 1989 here is where the Revolution against communists started. You will walk around the famous Revolution Square, Union Square, the Serbian and the Catholic Church, and the Plague Column.
After arriving at the hotel located in the city center the rest of the day will be at your leisure.
13
Day 13: Bigar Waterfall – Danube Gorges Private Cruise – Herculane Thermal Baths with Dinner
In the morning, we continue our journey to Bigar Waterfall, the miracle from the Mini Canyon on Mini River. Unlike other waterfalls, this one flows over the apex of a big rounded stone, and is diverted into a sheet of countless small streams that issue from the bottom of the stone which flow out in the basin below.
The scenic road continues along the valleys of the Carpathian Mountains until we reach the Danube River, named by Napoleon “the king of European rivers”. You will enjoy a boat ride along the river, and enjoy the many wonders of nature and the highest monument of Europe. The Decebalus Rex Monument shows the face of the famous Dacian king. It was carved in mountain at the request of one of the richest businesspersons of Romania.
The Danube breakthrough at the Danube Gorges was previously considered a death trap for the boatmen. Although the cliffs were flooded by water coming through the reservoirs, the landscape did not lose its beautiful features. We cross the narrow place and the large basin with the boat and we see the incredible river landscape.
In the evening we will stay in Herculane Thermal Baths, town founded by the Romans in a lush and beautiful area, the spa developed into a major tourist attraction during the Austrian occupation.
Here you can relax again in the swimming pools and saunas of the hotel. The accommodation and the dinner will be served at the hotel.
The scenic road continues along the valleys of the Carpathian Mountains until we reach the Danube River, named by Napoleon “the king of European rivers”. You will enjoy a boat ride along the river, and enjoy the many wonders of nature and the highest monument of Europe. The Decebalus Rex Monument shows the face of the famous Dacian king. It was carved in mountain at the request of one of the richest businesspersons of Romania.
The Danube breakthrough at the Danube Gorges was previously considered a death trap for the boatmen. Although the cliffs were flooded by water coming through the reservoirs, the landscape did not lose its beautiful features. We cross the narrow place and the large basin with the boat and we see the incredible river landscape.
In the evening we will stay in Herculane Thermal Baths, town founded by the Romans in a lush and beautiful area, the spa developed into a major tourist attraction during the Austrian occupation.
Here you can relax again in the swimming pools and saunas of the hotel. The accommodation and the dinner will be served at the hotel.
14
Day 14: Sculptural Ensemble of Constantin Brancusi at Targu Jiu – Greceanu Fortified Mansion – Monastery of Horezu (UNESCO World Heritage Site) – Horezu Pottery Workshop – Dinner with Folklore Show
After the breakfast, we will drive to Targu Jiu, where we will visit the famous Sculptural Ensemble of Constantin Brancusi at Targu Jiu.
The Sculptural Ensemble of Constantin Brancusi, also known as the Heroes Way Memorial, is more than a beautiful display of stone and wood art it is a symbol of the Romanian spirit. The ensemble consists of four sculptures, laid out on a 1275 m axis, the Table of Silence, the Chairs Alley, the Gate of the Kiss, the Saints Peter and Paul Church and the Endless Column, which surprise through their simple, yet deeply symbolic design.
Later we will stop to see how the semi-fortified mansions of the nobles were built starting with the 16th century. Local nobles built the fortified mansions like residences and to defend themselves against outlaws’ invasions.
Before arriving at the accommodation we will stop at the fantastic Horezu Monastery, founded in 1690 by a Romanian prince, the monastery is a masterpiece of the “Brancovean” style. It is known for its architectural purity and balance, the richness of its sculptural detail, the treatment of its religious compositions, its votive portraits and its painted decorative works.
Later in the afternoon, we will arrive at the famous Horezu Pottery Workshop. We will hear the story of the craft that comes from Neolithic: men prepare the clay and the women decorate the objects using specific techniques and tools to draw traditional motifs. Their skill in combining decoration and colour defines the personality and uniqueness of the Horezu ceramics. The colours are vivid shades of dark brown, red, green, blue and “Horezu ivory”. We will try our luck at moulding the clay and using the potter’s wheel to make some small plates or bowls.
In the evening, enjoy the guesthouse hosted dinner with an exclusively organized Wallachian folklore show at the accommodation place.
The Sculptural Ensemble of Constantin Brancusi, also known as the Heroes Way Memorial, is more than a beautiful display of stone and wood art it is a symbol of the Romanian spirit. The ensemble consists of four sculptures, laid out on a 1275 m axis, the Table of Silence, the Chairs Alley, the Gate of the Kiss, the Saints Peter and Paul Church and the Endless Column, which surprise through their simple, yet deeply symbolic design.
Later we will stop to see how the semi-fortified mansions of the nobles were built starting with the 16th century. Local nobles built the fortified mansions like residences and to defend themselves against outlaws’ invasions.
Before arriving at the accommodation we will stop at the fantastic Horezu Monastery, founded in 1690 by a Romanian prince, the monastery is a masterpiece of the “Brancovean” style. It is known for its architectural purity and balance, the richness of its sculptural detail, the treatment of its religious compositions, its votive portraits and its painted decorative works.
Later in the afternoon, we will arrive at the famous Horezu Pottery Workshop. We will hear the story of the craft that comes from Neolithic: men prepare the clay and the women decorate the objects using specific techniques and tools to draw traditional motifs. Their skill in combining decoration and colour defines the personality and uniqueness of the Horezu ceramics. The colours are vivid shades of dark brown, red, green, blue and “Horezu ivory”. We will try our luck at moulding the clay and using the potter’s wheel to make some small plates or bowls.
In the evening, enjoy the guesthouse hosted dinner with an exclusively organized Wallachian folklore show at the accommodation place.
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Day 15: Sibiu Walking Tour – Alba Iulia Citadel – Corvin Castle
After the breakfast, the day is starting with our journey to Transylvania, to Sibiu, where you will have a leisurely walking tour of Sibiu (Hermannstadt), the formerly chief city of the Transylvanian Saxons. The Great and Lesser Squares are the landmarks of the Old Town with the many merchant houses featuring the Sibiu eyes. View the old surrounding defence walls and the remaining towers belonging to the merchant guilds. Next is the Evangelical Cathedral completed in its actual shape in 1520.
After the visit, the next stop will be at Alba Iulia, famous for its Vauban style citadel. Alba Iulia’s citadel will teach you more about the history of Romanians since the ancient times to the present days. Alba Iulia is a town with a great importance for the Romanian people, mainly because here on first of December 1918 was signed the document of Unification of Transylvania with the Kingdom of Romania.
Early in the afternoon, depart to Hunedoara, to Corvin Castle, one of the largest and most well preserved medieval castles of Europe, home to the mighty Corvin/Hunyadi royal family. After the visit to this Gothic-Renaissance castle, the evening will be at your leisure.
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Day 16: Ancient Gold Mines with the Romans Galleries – the Gold Museum – Exclusive Gypsy Home Visit – Sighisoara
In the morning after the breakfast, we will talk about gold, which is one of the first metals used by humans. In nature, it is often found in nearly pure form, remaining shining and is not oxidising for thousands of years, that way we will visit the Gold Museum in Brad, unique in Europe and among the three worldwide. Here you will understand the history of the gold extraction from Romania starting before the first century.
Next, we will visit the Ancient Gold Mines with the Romans Galleries, which represents the historic legacy of the Romanians from the Roman Empire. Dates back 2000 years ago when it was constructed by the miners who were brought here as colonists under the reign of the Roman Empire. We will descend the 157 steps of about 30 m elevation difference. The mine galleries are rectangular profile, made with a hammer and a chisel in the first part of the 2nd century.
Next, you will have the chance to visit a Gypsy home, on the exclusive home visit you will have the unique opportunity to learn about this less known yet controversial ethnic group, about its culture, identity and lifestyle.
Evening arrival in Sighisoara, an UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only still inhabited medieval citadel in Europe. Accommodation in the Upper Town.
***Optional: Transylvanian wine tasting in a 500-year old cellar in Sighisoara
Next, we will visit the Ancient Gold Mines with the Romans Galleries, which represents the historic legacy of the Romanians from the Roman Empire. Dates back 2000 years ago when it was constructed by the miners who were brought here as colonists under the reign of the Roman Empire. We will descend the 157 steps of about 30 m elevation difference. The mine galleries are rectangular profile, made with a hammer and a chisel in the first part of the 2nd century.
Next, you will have the chance to visit a Gypsy home, on the exclusive home visit you will have the unique opportunity to learn about this less known yet controversial ethnic group, about its culture, identity and lifestyle.
Evening arrival in Sighisoara, an UNESCO World Heritage Site and the only still inhabited medieval citadel in Europe. Accommodation in the Upper Town.
***Optional: Transylvanian wine tasting in a 500-year old cellar in Sighisoara
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Day 17: Sighisoara Walking Tour – Saxon Village of Saschiz & Viscri with the Fortified Churches with Traditional Dinner
We start the day with the breakfast at hotel. Before starting your walking tour of old Sighisoara your tourist guide will have an informal talk with you on Vlad the Impaler – Dracula, what is truth and what is fiction. In Sighisoara the German settlers built the city in the late part of the 12th century. The walking tour includes the two squares of the Citadel, the Scholars’ Staircase, the Tinsmiths’ Tower, the House with Antler, and the Tower with Clock. Sighisoara is the place where Vlad the Impaler father had a house.
The journey continues south to Brasov with a stop in Saschiz Village (UNESCO World Heritage Sites) with the imposing clock tower and the fortified church, which is the most important landmark of the village. The Late-Gothic fortified church from Saschiz is one of the strongest constructions of this type from Transylvania, widely considered one of Transylvania’s most beautiful medieval monuments, this is the main tourist attraction of the village. On the route, enjoy an exclusive tasting of organic Transylvanian “like Grandma used to make” jams.
The last stop for today is in Viscri village, the traditional Saxon village, one of the oldest in all of Transylvania. It is famous for the traditional houses that the Prince Charles bought, restored and converted into guesthouses for tourists. We will visit the Fortified Church, that unlike many of the other fortified churches, this one was built around 1100 by the Szekler population and taken over by Saxon colonists 100 years later.
You will spend the night in a traditional Saxon home and enjoy a dinner, prepared by your host from local ingredients.
The journey continues south to Brasov with a stop in Saschiz Village (UNESCO World Heritage Sites) with the imposing clock tower and the fortified church, which is the most important landmark of the village. The Late-Gothic fortified church from Saschiz is one of the strongest constructions of this type from Transylvania, widely considered one of Transylvania’s most beautiful medieval monuments, this is the main tourist attraction of the village. On the route, enjoy an exclusive tasting of organic Transylvanian “like Grandma used to make” jams.
The last stop for today is in Viscri village, the traditional Saxon village, one of the oldest in all of Transylvania. It is famous for the traditional houses that the Prince Charles bought, restored and converted into guesthouses for tourists. We will visit the Fortified Church, that unlike many of the other fortified churches, this one was built around 1100 by the Szekler population and taken over by Saxon colonists 100 years later.
You will spend the night in a traditional Saxon home and enjoy a dinner, prepared by your host from local ingredients.
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Day 18: Exclusive Viscri Village Tour – Bran Castle – Brasov Walking Tour
After the organic breakfast, you will meet a traditional blacksmith in his workshop and he will show you how is working in a traditional blacksmith workshop, after the visit at blacksmith we will visit a traditional brick makers too, all this things in an exclusive traditional tour in a horse cart.
We continue our journey to Bran, also known as Dracula Castle. This medieval structure was built in 1377 to safeguard the trading route between Transylvania and Wallachia, enlarged and restored a few times to become a royal residence in the 1920s under Queen Marie of Romania. After the visit, you will have time for buying souvenirs and have an exclusive natural cheese sampling.
Remain of the day is spent in Brasov, another of the important Saxon cities with a rich heritage and one of the oldest in Europe, dating from 1235. The tour will reveal the Old Town with the magnificent Black Church – largest Gothic style church in South-Eastern Europe and featuring a collection of over one hundred Muslim prayer rugs, Council Square, Catherine’s Gate, the Guild Towers, Schei Quarter with the First School in Romanian language and the narrow Rope Street. Hotel check-in in the lovely pedestrian area of the Old Town with its many restaurants and outdoor cafes.
We continue our journey to Bran, also known as Dracula Castle. This medieval structure was built in 1377 to safeguard the trading route between Transylvania and Wallachia, enlarged and restored a few times to become a royal residence in the 1920s under Queen Marie of Romania. After the visit, you will have time for buying souvenirs and have an exclusive natural cheese sampling.
Remain of the day is spent in Brasov, another of the important Saxon cities with a rich heritage and one of the oldest in Europe, dating from 1235. The tour will reveal the Old Town with the magnificent Black Church – largest Gothic style church in South-Eastern Europe and featuring a collection of over one hundred Muslim prayer rugs, Council Square, Catherine’s Gate, the Guild Towers, Schei Quarter with the First School in Romanian language and the narrow Rope Street. Hotel check-in in the lovely pedestrian area of the Old Town with its many restaurants and outdoor cafes.
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Day 19: Trekking Sinca Secular Forest (UNESCO World Heritage Site) with Picnic Lunch (Active Day)
This day of the Long Romania Tour is an active day, at request you have an opt-out for this day if you do not want to have a day of trekking and walking outside of the city.
The virgin forest of Sinca have trees more than 500 years old, in the forest the tallest fir tree of Romania it can be find, measuring more than 63 meters and having a trunk with a diameter of three meters. Monumental trees of all ages can be find in the forest, in an environment untouched by humans, where plants and animals live in harmony, a place that we will explore and admire with the help of a forestry guide from the forest district.
We will serve the lunch in the forest like a picnic.
Early in the afternoon you will arrive back in Brasov, the rest of the evening will be at your leisure.
The virgin forest of Sinca have trees more than 500 years old, in the forest the tallest fir tree of Romania it can be find, measuring more than 63 meters and having a trunk with a diameter of three meters. Monumental trees of all ages can be find in the forest, in an environment untouched by humans, where plants and animals live in harmony, a place that we will explore and admire with the help of a forestry guide from the forest district.
We will serve the lunch in the forest like a picnic.
Early in the afternoon you will arrive back in Brasov, the rest of the evening will be at your leisure.
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Day 20: Peles Castle – Bucharest Airport
After the breakfast at the hotel, you will drive through Predeal, Romania’s highest town. Named after St. Catherine Monastery on Mount Sinai, Sinaia became the unofficial capital of the Kingdom of Romania towards the end of the 19th century. The orientation tour of the resort includes a view of the famous Casino building, with its architecture inspired by the one in Monte Carlo. Then take a guided tour of the Peles Castle, the royal residence of King Carol I of Romania and known as one of the most beautiful summer royal residences in Europe. Once the famous Orient Express train use to regularly call here and it still does once a year on its way from Paris to Constantinople.
After the visit drive to Henri Coanda International Airport for your afternoon return flight.
After the visit drive to Henri Coanda International Airport for your afternoon return flight.
Traditional Romanian welcome dinner with Folklore Show
In the evening, you can opt to serve a traditional dinner at a local restaurant with an idyllic view, situated on the lakeshore in Bucharest’s most famous park, the Herastrau or Michael I Park. Here, you will enjoy a three-course meal dinner with wine included, and you will get a chance to discover the traditional Romanian folklore costumes while enjoying the dances of the local performers. The entire show displays authentic Romanian traditions and customs, from the sewn details on the white outfits of the dancers to the delighting music played by the local artists.
Three-hour trip in Ukraine, to Solotvina and Nyzhnya Apsha
After Sapanta Peri Monastery visit, you can chose to visit the Ukrainian Maramures with a visit to Solotvina, which is the Ukrainian part of the Romanian town. And you will have the chance to visit Nyzhnya Apsha village. This region was in Transylvania until 1920.
Three day Republic of Moldavia Extension with Tiraspol Tour
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Extra Day 1: Bucovina – Iasi City Tour – Soroca
We will begin the three-day extension with the tour of Iasi city, the unofficial capital of the Moldavian region of Romania, here we will explore the Palace of Culture, the once gold-plated Church of the Three Hierarchs, Golia Monastery and the Neoclassical National Theatre. After this incursion, we will cross the Prut River in Republic of Moldavia, outside of the European Union. On the route enjoy the countryside to Soroca, the town that hosts the greatest and most impressive fortress in Republic of Moldavia. Before reaching the hotel we will visit a different part of the Soroca town, named the Gypsy Hill, where the Gypsy community built a neighbourhood of palaces. After this hotel check in and dinner on your own.
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Extra Day 2: Soroca Fortress – Old Orhei with Traditional Lunch – Cricova Wine Cellars – Chisinau City Tour
After the breakfast, we will start the day with a visit to the one of the best well-preserved fortresses of Europe, established by the Moldavian Prince Stephen the Great in 1499.
Next, we travel south, stopping at the outstanding cave monastery of Old Orhei, which is organically combines the natural landscape and vestiges of ancient civilizations. A home-made lunch will be served in the village with the same name.
In the afternoon, you head to Cricova, where you will visit the largest wine cellar in the world and where you will enjoy some of the best Moldavian wines. The winery Cricova was founded in 1952 and it is one of the few wineries which produce sparkling wine using the Champagne Method. Before reaching the hotel, we will visit the capital city of Republic of Moldavia, which is one of the greenest city in Europe. The tour will reveal the Arch of Triumph, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Chisinau with the Belfry Tower and the Parliament of Moldavia. To have a sweet evening we will have a short stop at the famous “Bucuria” shop, which is the greatest enterprise specialized in the production of candies. The rest of the evening is at your leisure.
Next, we travel south, stopping at the outstanding cave monastery of Old Orhei, which is organically combines the natural landscape and vestiges of ancient civilizations. A home-made lunch will be served in the village with the same name.
In the afternoon, you head to Cricova, where you will visit the largest wine cellar in the world and where you will enjoy some of the best Moldavian wines. The winery Cricova was founded in 1952 and it is one of the few wineries which produce sparkling wine using the Champagne Method. Before reaching the hotel, we will visit the capital city of Republic of Moldavia, which is one of the greenest city in Europe. The tour will reveal the Arch of Triumph, the Metropolitan Cathedral of Chisinau with the Belfry Tower and the Parliament of Moldavia. To have a sweet evening we will have a short stop at the famous “Bucuria” shop, which is the greatest enterprise specialized in the production of candies. The rest of the evening is at your leisure.
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Extra Day 3: Bender Fortress – Tiraspol Tour – Bucovina
The last day in Republic of Moldavia will be an incursion in the unrecognized Pridnestrovian Moldavian Republic (Transnistria). It officially belongs to Moldova and is its second largest city.
First, we will visit Bender Fortress, which was built in one the most powerful of the medieval cities of Moldavia – Tighina, which was an important trade outpost. Later we will cross Dnister in Transnistria, where you will understand why this is the world’s last Soviet republic in fact.
In Tiraspol we will visit Suvorov Plaza & Monument, Memorial of the WW2 and Afghanistan war, Lenin statue and more.
After the walking tour in Tiraspol we will go back to Bucovina, crossing back Prut River in Romania.
First, we will visit Bender Fortress, which was built in one the most powerful of the medieval cities of Moldavia – Tighina, which was an important trade outpost. Later we will cross Dnister in Transnistria, where you will understand why this is the world’s last Soviet republic in fact.
In Tiraspol we will visit Suvorov Plaza & Monument, Memorial of the WW2 and Afghanistan war, Lenin statue and more.
After the walking tour in Tiraspol we will go back to Bucovina, crossing back Prut River in Romania.
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Tour Reviews
Amazing nature and landscapes, a lot of castles, monasteries and cultural sites to visit. Some of them UNESCO Heritage. I strongly suggest a visit to Biertan and to Sighisoara centre to all those who love Middle Ages!
We just returned from a ten day trip covering parts of Transylvania, Moldova and Walachia.
Romania has a large variety of enchanting sites and places. Fantastic scenery, lovely old towns, rural and city delights and, of course, castles.. Our plans were made with Holiday to Romania and everything from A to Z worked out beautifully. Our guide, Daniel, was the best ever. Knowledgeable, helpful, flexible and excellent driver. Dan, the managing partner of the Travel Agency, laid out the trip so we would see as much as possible. We had special requests which Daniel met with enthusiasm. Absolutely great trip. Recommend Holiday to Romania when you plan to visit this lovely country.
My mom wanted to see the country of her birth before it became too difficult for her to travel. We made it into a family trip for 7 of us and had a great time. Dan, the driver and guide was very patient with my wheelchair bound mom and the rest of us. We were provided a very detailed 1st class general tour of Romania hitting all the major sites with plenty of time to enjoy them. There was a lot of driving in a comfortable minivan but every destination was deserving. Accommodations were charming, traditional, and in great locations. The food was outstanding at the recommended restaurants. We will come again and use this company for other travels in Romania.
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