Start in Cluj Napoca and end in Bucharest, the Highlights Of Romania trip is a guided cultural, religious and historic sites tour that takes 10 days. You will travel through Bucharest, Rasnov, Cluj-napoca and 6 other destinations in Romania.
Day 01: Start Cluj Napoca
The trip starts in Cluj Napoca. Those on the group flight will be met at the airport and transferred to the start hotel. Depending on your arrival time, you will have time to explore one of the most beautiful and vibrant cities in Romania. During the dualist Austro-Hungarian period Cluj experienced significant urban development, benefiting greatly from western influences. This is visible in the architecture of the city, making it very different from Bucharest.
Day 02: Travel north to the Maramures region
This morning we leave Cluj behind and make our way towards Maramures. The woodwork in this region is a result of a secular tradition passed down from generation to generation. In the afternoon we visit centuries‑old, UNESCO-listed wooden churches.
This evening we stay in the rural village of Botiza at a local guesthouse. Before we dine, we’ll have a weaving demonstration from one of the locals. You may notice a few recurrent symbols, such as the rope of life, the sun, vegetal motifs, and folk dances. All have are deeply symbolic for the villagers, representing daily chores, religion, ancestral beliefs, and even death.
Day 03: Visit the ancient capital of Maramures and Barsana Monastery
We continue discovering the Maramures region. We start with “the Memorial of the Communism victims” in the ancient capital of Maramures; Sighetu Marmatiei. We will visit a museum situated in the former political prison, which will give you a sad testimony of the Romanian dark years. This afternoon we visit the incredible Barsana Monastery, a convent set up in the 1990s, it is one of the greatest masterpieces of Maramures crafts. We conclude today by paying a visit to a renowned craftsman, famous for his woodwork.
Day 04: Visit the medieval town of Sighisoara
Today we leave Maramures to explore new regions in Romania. We head south for 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 characterized by the presence of towers that were formerly managed by the congregations of artisans. The Tailor’s tower is a real wonder of the medieval architecture.
Day 05: Discover Transylvania; overnight in Sibiu
Today we drive into the heart of Transylvania with its fortified churches. From the top of the towers, you will have beautiful views of the surrounding countryside and colourful traditional houses. We will drive through Biertan, famous for its double-wall fortification, which is listed as a UNESCO World Heritage site. In the evening we will arrive in Sibiu, the most beautiful city in Transylvania. A medieval city outstandingly well preserved and restored, it was elected the European capital of the culture in 2007, due to its unique architectural style and atmosphere.
Day 06: Drive to Viscri via Sambata de Sus monastery
We continue driving through the highest mountains in Romania, the Fagaras Mountains. On our way we will visit the impressive ruins of a 12th-century Franciscan monastery in Carta, then stop at Sambata de Sus, the only monastery in Transylvania built in a Walachian style. Here, we will have lunch at a traditional guesthouse. This afternoon we will continue to the Valtori complex in the village of Lisa, a wool processing workshop powered by hydraulic energy; a technique passed down for generations. In the evening we arrive in the secluded village of Viscri. Our last activity of the day is visiting the tiny charming fortified church of Viscri, which is definitely one of the Transylvanian “pearls”. This church was restored with the help of Prince’s Charles Foundation.
Day 07: Walk through Viscri; Continue to Brasov
In the morning, we’ll have a walk through the village, visiting two craftsmen along the way: the brick-maker and the blacksmith. 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 13th century when the Teutonic Knights were sent here by the order of 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 Black Church, the Council House, St. Nicholas Church, the first Romanian school, narrow streets and colored houses, all very well preserved within the old city walls and towers. This evening we stay in the small village called Vulcan, we will enjoy dinner at the local Saxon church where we will also spend the night.
Day 08: Explore Dracula’s castle; continue to Rasnov
Today we visit Bran Castle, better known as “Dracula’s Castle”. For many years the castle was home to Queen Marie of Romania, Queen Victoria of England’s granddaughter. We will have lunch at a mountain guesthouse which is at the foot of the Carpathians, delicious traditional dishes will be waiting for us. We continue driving to Rasnov, a citadel built in the 13th century in order to protect Transylvania from the Turkish attacks. It is built on the top of a hill and offers an impressive overall view on the surroundings. We’ll end the day with a great dinner and a campfire.
Day 09: Arrive in Bucharest stopping at Peles Castle en route
Today we head to Romania’s capital, Bucharest. On our way, we will stop and visit the exterior of Peles Castle, the former residence of the Romanian Royals, and one of the most beautiful architectural examples. We then continue our drive to discover the Romanian capital. Sometimes known as “the Eastern Paris” with a mix of 18th and 19th-century buildings, socialist “blocks”, and modern buildings. We will have the opportunity to visit the gigantic Palace of Parliament, the second biggest building in the world. This evening we say goodbye to our local guide.
Day 10: Depart Bucharest
You will be transferred to the airport for flight back to home.
| City | Night (s) | Hotel |
| Cluj-Napoca | 01 | Grand Hotel Italia |
| Maramures | 02 | Guesthouse |
| Sighisoara | 01 | Fronius |
| Sibiu | 01 | Hilton Sibiu |
| Viscri | 01 | Viscri 125 |
| Brasov | 01 | Chambers’n Charm Boutique |
| Rasnov | 01 | Conacul Ambient |
| Bucharest | 01 | InterContinental Bucharest |
– Meeting and assistance by our representative.
– 09 Nights accommodation
– Daily Breakfast, Lunch and Dinners.
– Entrance Fees to monuments as per program
– Local English-speaking guide
– All transfers, sightseeing, excursions as per the program by private vehicle.
– Transport, Parking, Gasoline & Toll ways.
– All present government taxes.
– International Airfare.
– Tips, gratuities, Portage, laundry, telephone calls, table drinks, camera/ video camera charges, or any other expenses of a personal nature.
– Visa fees, personal insurance.
– Any item not specified under cost includes.
– Accommodation in good hotels.
– Check-in / out time is 12 noon at most of the hotels.
– Extension to other places is also possible with a minimal extra cost.
– Additional nights are available at each place with minimal supplement.
– A visa is required and must be obtained prior to your departure from your Country.
– If quoted hotel is not available, we will provide one of a similar category and standard.
– Small deviations in the tour program are sometimes necessary, depending on weather, road conditions, flight schedules and room availability.
– In case the government changes presently applicable taxes, increase in airlines prices, fuel surcharge our rates will need to be adjusted accordingly.
– Sometimes, there is no relevance between the distance and time of travelling, as it depends upon the condition of the roads and congestion of the traffic.
– While every effort will be made to maintain the itinerary, in view of local strikes etc that are beyond our control all schedule and itineraries are subject to last moment changes.
– Clients must be fully insured, as the company cannot accept liability for loss or damage to client’s property, medical emergencies or any other loss suffered by them whilst on tour.
– In Case of issuing Domestic or International air tickets, SGV is not responsible for any refund if the flight is delayed or cancelled, as it is the responsibility of airline.