Highlights of Romania

The trip starts in Cluj-Napoca. Depending on your arrival time, you may wish to explore one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in Romania. During the dualist Austro-Hungarian period, Cluj experienced significant urban development with strong Western influences. This is visible in the city architecture, which is very different from Bucharest.

Accommodation: Standard hotel

This morning, we leave Cluj and head to Maramures. On our way, we stop for lunch in Breb, a village laid out in a natural amphitheatre. It’s surrounded by the Rooster’s Ridge, the last (and most spectacular) remnant of a volcanic crater that erupted 9m years ago. In Breb, old traditions are highly respected and preserved, so a short stroll reveals beautiful wooden gates carved and decorated by local craftsmen and traditional old houses, one with links to King Charles III.

In the afternoon, we visit Desesti Church, the only old wooden church on the Unesco World Heritage list that is still open for the religious services of the local communities.

This evening, we stay at a guesthouse in the rural village of Botiza. Before we dine, we have a weaving demonstration from a local artisan. You may notice a few recurrent symbols, such as the rope of life, the sun, vegetal motifs and folk dances. All have a deeply symbolic for the villagers, representing daily chores, religion, ancestral beliefs and even death.

Accommodation: Local guesthouse

We continue discovering the Maramures region, starting at the Merry Cemetery. Here, more than 800 beautifully carved wooden crosses displaying bright, cheery paintings and annotated with limericks reveal the stories of almost everyone who has died in the town of Săpânţa. We continue with the Memorial of the Communism victims in Sighetu Marmatiei, the ancient capital of Maramures. We visit a museum in a former political prison, which provides a sobering testimony of the dark years in Romania. This afternoon, we visit the incredible Barsana Monastery, a convent set up in the 1990s and one of the greatest masterpieces of Maramures crafts.

Accommodation: Local guesthouse

Before leaving Maramures, we have a last stop here to discover more of the local artisans. We then leave Maramures and head south to the medieval town on Sighisoara. Halfway, we stop in Transylvania – which has been nicknamed the new Tuscany – to delve into the local wine industry with a tasting. After, we continue our journey to Sighisoara. This medieval citadel, one of the best-preserved in Europe, will give you the feeling of travelling back in time, as you walk through the narrow, cobbled streets. This fortified town is characterised by the presence of towers that were formerly managed by the congregations of artisans; the 14^th-century Tailor’s Tower is a real wonder of medieval architecture.

Accommodation: Standard hotel

Today we drive into the heart of Transylvania with its fortified churches. From the top of the towers, we have beautiful views of the countryside and colourful, traditional houses. We drive through the Unesco-listed Biertan, a Saxon village with a double-wall fortification. We enjoy lunch at a local family-owned restaurant. In the evening, we arrive in Sibiu, a medieval city outstandingly well preserved and restored. It was elected the European Capital of Culture in 2007, due to its unique architectural style and atmosphere.

Accommodation: Standard hotel

We continue driving through the highest peaks in Romania, the Fagaras Mountains. On our way, we visit the impressive ruins of a 12th-century Franciscan monastery in Carta. We continue to the Valtori complex in the village of Lisa, a wool-processing workshop powered by hydraulic energy, a technique passed down for generations. At lunch, we will be delighted by a simple meal with a local family.

In the evening, we arrive in the secluded village of Viscri. Our last activity of the day is visiting the tiny fortified church here, a pearl of Transylvania, which was restored with the help of The Prince’s Foundation, founded by King Charles III. In your free time, you can also visit the property of the King, a traditional old house transformed into a museum.

Accommodation: Local guesthouse

In the morning, we walk through the village, visiting a blacksmith along the way. Besides assisting the needs of the villages, they also have contributed to the restoration of the village. Leaving Viscri, we go to Brasov. This city (Kronstadt in German) was founded in the 13^th century when Teutonic Knights were sent here by Andrew II of Hungary to fortify the border. The city has a rich Saxon, Hungarian and Romanian heritage, manifested in a lot of sights worth visiting: the White and the Black Towers, the Council House, St Nicholas Church, the first Romanian school, narrow streets and coloured houses, all very well preserved within the old city walls and towers. This evening, we stay in the small village of Magura and enjoy dinner at the local guesthouse where we also spend the night.

Accommodation: Local guesthouse

Today, we visit Bran Castle, better known as Dracula’s Castle. For many years, it was home to Queen Marie of Romania, Queen Victoria’s granddaughter. We have a lunch of delicious traditional dishes in the yard of a fortified church and end the day with a great dinner and a campfire, if weather allows us.

In the afternoon, free time to stroll Magura village with its amazing views.

Optional: Those interested can do bear watching with specialised guides in bear hides. Available upon request at a separate cost. We can guarantee the availability only at the moment of the request, better to book before arrival in Romania.

Accommodation: Local guesthouse

Today we head to the capital of Romania, Bucharest. On our way, we stop at Peles Castle, the former residence of the Romanian royals and an architectural highlight. We then continue our drive to discover the Romanian capital. Sometimes known as the Paris of the East with a mix of 18^th– and 19th-century buildings, socialist blocks and modern buildings. We can also visit the gigantic Palace of Parliament (payable locally), the heaviest building in the world. This evening, we say goodbye to our local guide.

Accommodation: Standard hotel

After breakfast, we begin our return journeys home. Alternatively, speak to your sales representative to add more nights to your trip and extend your time in Bucharest.