Standard Romania 8 days tour, from Cluj

Day 1: Arrival in Cluj-Napoca – Explore the Vibrant Heart of Transylvania (10 km, 30 min car transfer)

1. Cluj-Napoca
   2h
   Arrive in Cluj-Napoca, where your adventure begins with a convenient pick-up from the airport and a transfer to your hotel. If time allows, you’ll have the opportunity to embark on a guided tour of Cluj-Napoca, exploring this dynamic city known for its vibrant atmosphere, rich history, and architectural beauty. From historic landmarks to charming streets, your guide will introduce you to the best of Cluj-Napoca before you settle in for the night.
   End your day with a comfortable overnight stay in a 3-star hotel in Cluj-Napoca.

Day 2: Cluj-Napoca to Maramures – Discover UNESCO Heritage and Traditional Villages (265 km, 5h car transfer)

1. Surdesti Wooden Church
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Embark on your journey to the heart of Maramures, a region famous for its UNESCO-listed wooden churches and traditional rural life. The first stop will be Surdesti village, where you’ll visit one of the UNESCO World Heritage wooden churches.
2. Merry Cemetery
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Continue to Sapanta, home of the colorful Merry Cemetery, known for its vibrant and artistic tombstones that reflect the region's rich cultural history.
3. Church of the Holy Paraskeva
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Next, discover another UNESCO gem at the Desesti wooden church, showcasing some of the best-preserved interior paintings in the area.
4. Breb
   1h 30m
   Afterward, take a stroll through Breb, Maramures’ most iconic village, to immerse yourself in the traditional way of life.
   After a day of exploration, indulge in a traditional Maramures dinner at a cozy rural guesthouse. Your overnight accommodation will be in the heart of the region, where you can relax and enjoy the warmth of local hospitality.

Day 3: Maramures to Bucovina – A Journey Through Painted Monasteries and Mountain Landscapes (285 km, 5h car transfer)

1. Barsana Monastery
   1h
   After breakfast, begin your scenic drive to Bucovina, crossing the stunning Carpathian Mountains. The first stop will be the Barsana Monastery, celebrated for its blend of traditional and modern wooden architecture.
2. Manastirea Moldovika
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Visit the Moldovita Monastery, famous for its Siege of Constantinople fresco, a masterpiece of medieval art.
3. Letitia Orsivschi's Egg Museum
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Continue to discover the artistic heritage of Bucovina with a unique experience: learn the ancient art of decorating Easter eggs, a traditional practice passed down through generations in this region.
4. Manastirea Voronet
   1h · Admission ticket included
   Your final stop will be the Voronet Monastery, a UNESCO World Heritage site renowned for its vibrant blue exterior and detailed frescoes.
   End the day with a delicious traditional Bucovina dinner and relax with a peaceful overnight stay in a rural guesthouse in Bucovina, where you can experience the region's authentic charm and hospitality.

Day 4: Bucovina to Sighisoara – Journey Through the Carpathians to Dracula's Birthplace (305 km, 6h car transfer)

1. Bicaz Gorges
   1h
   After breakfast, embark on a scenic drive through the breathtaking Bicaz Gorge and along the picturesque Red Lake as you journey towards Transylvania.
2. Sighisoara
   1h 30m
   Along the way, enjoy panoramic views of the Carpathian Mountains before arriving in Sighisoara, one of the best-preserved medieval towns in Europe and the legendary birthplace of Dracula.
   Explore the town's UNESCO-listed fortress and marvel at its medieval architecture, winding streets, and historical landmarks. Sighisoara’s colorful buildings and towers will transport you back in time, allowing you to experience the atmosphere of this fascinating town.
   After a full day of sightseeing, enjoy a relaxing dinner and overnight stay at a comfortable 3-star hotel in Sighisoara, offering you a peaceful retreat in this enchanting medieval town.

Day 5: Sighisoara to Brasov: Royal Castles and Medieval Splendor (215 km, 4h car transfer)

1. Peles Castle
   1h 30m · Admission ticket included
   After breakfast, embark on a scenic journey to Sinaia, home to the stunning Peles Castle, the first castle built by the Romanian Monarchy in the 19th century. Explore its opulent interiors and admire the royal family's personal art collections, a true reflection of Romanian aristocratic heritage.
   Enjoy a delicious lunch at a local restaurant before heading to Brasov, one of Transylvania's most beautiful medieval towns.
2. Brasov Historical Center
   1h 30m · Admission ticket included
   Discover the Black Church, the easternmost Gothic church in Europe, and enjoy a guided tour of Brasov's old town, with its charming cobbled streets, historical buildings, and landmarks.
   After a fascinating day of exploration, enjoy free time in the afternoon to relax or discover more of Brasov at your own pace.
   End the day with a comfortable overnight stay at a 3-star hotel in Brasov, offering a cozy and welcoming environment in the heart of this historic town.

Day 6: Brasov to Sibiu: Fortified Churches and Legendary Castles (210 km, 3h30min car transfer)

1. Fortress of Prejmer/Tartlau
   1h · Admission ticket included
   After breakfast, begin your day with a short drive to visit the Prejmer Fortified Church, one of the most fascinating and well-preserved churches among the over 200 fortified churches in Transylvania. As one of the first churches nominated as a UNESCO World Heritage site, it showcases incredible medieval architecture and historical significance.
2. Bran Castle
   1h 30m · Admission ticket included
   Next, head to Bran to explore the famous Dracula’s Castle. Originally built in the Middle Ages and later modernized in the 20th century, Bran Castle is one of Romania’s most popular tourist destinations, renowned for its connection to the Dracula legend, as well as its historical and architectural beauty.
3. Sibiu
   1h 30m
   Enjoy a relaxing lunch at a local restaurant before continuing your journey to Sibiu, one of the best-defended medieval fortified towns in Transylvania. Explore the city’s impressive defensive walls, which protected it throughout history, and discover local landmarks. Sibiu was also named the European Capital of Culture in 2007, making it a must-visit destination for its vibrant culture and rich heritage.
   End your day with an overnight stay at a 3-star hotel in Sibiu, where you can rest and unwind in this charming, historical city.

Day 7: Sibiu to Cluj: Historic Citadels and Underground Wonders (190 km, 2h30min car transfer)

1. Cetatea Alba Iulia
   1h
   After breakfast, depart for Alba Iulia, often referred to as the city Romanians love the most. Visit the Alba Carolina Vauban Citadel, a stunning fortification with deep historical significance. Learn about the ancient Romans, the Hungarian kings, and the pivotal Union of Transylvania with Romania that took place here.
2. Salina Turda
   2h · Admission ticket included
   Continue your journey to Turda, where you'll visit one of the most extraordinary underground locations in Europe – the Turda Salt Mine. This fascinating site blends history with modernity, offering an impressive mix of both ancient and contemporary elements. It's a must-see attraction in Transylvania, providing visitors with a glimpse into the region’s salt mining heritage.
3. Cluj-Napoca
   Pass by
   After exploring the salt mine, head to Cluj-Napoca for your overnight stay at a 3-star hotel, where you'll have the opportunity to rest and reflect on the day’s adventures.

Day 8: Final Day Exploration and Farewell (10 km, 30 min car transfer)

1. Cluj-Napoca
   2h
   After breakfast, enjoy a guided tour of Cluj-Napoca (if not already taken on the arrival day). Explore the highlights of this vibrant city, from its medieval architecture to modern cultural landmarks, offering a perfect conclusion to your Romanian journey.
   According to your flight schedule, you'll be transferred to Cluj-Napoca Airport for departure.
   End of the tour.

Pickup details

We offer pick up from both the airport and the train station. Please inform us about your arrival schedule.

• Not recommended for travelers with spinal injuries
• Not recommended for travelers with poor cardiovascular health
• Not recommended for pregnant travelers
• Travelers should have at least a moderate level of physical fitness
• The salt mine is not recommended for travelers with acrophobia, claustrophobia or heart problems